The Lion Link

Dear Lion Families,

We hope this message finds you well and basking in the joy of a successful start to the school year! Seeing our students eagerly return to their routines, dive into new activities, and reconnect with friends has been absolutely inspiring.

We are pleased to share that our new bell schedule supporting one lunch for all students has experienced a strong rollout. On Day 1, within thirteen minutes, service lines were waning and in no more than twenty minutes, service was complete. Even so, we will continue to refine our systems to ensure the best possible experience for all of our students.

As we gear up for the first full week of school, consider engaging your student in questions that may allow for them to reflect upon their experience both as a student and as a member of the King community. Possible conversation starters might include:

• What are you looking forward to tomorrow?
  This question helps children think about upcoming events and can provide insight into their excitement and goals.

• Did you have any challenges today? How did you handle them?
  This question helps children reflect on problem-solving and resilience, and it opens up a discussion about overcoming obstacles.
• Can you tell me about something that made you laugh today?
  This brings attention to moments of joy and humor, which can lead to more engaging conversations.
• Did you help anyone or did anyone help you today?
  This focuses on acts of kindness and teamwork, encouraging children to discuss positive social interactions.

Here's to a fantastic year filled with growth, learning, and many more moments of joy. We look forward to sharing this journey with you!

Natalie Daniels
Principal, Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School

Emails, text messages and phone calls from OUSD including those from your principal, teacher and the district office will be directly sent to you using the email address and phone number you provided in Aeries during data confirmation. It’s important that all the emergency contacts listed in Aeries have updated contact information so everyone can receive important messages from OUSD.

You no longer need to download any third party apps to receive messages from your school.

Los correos electrónicos, mensajes de texto y llamadas telefónicas de OUSD, incluyendo los de su director, maestros y la oficina del distrito, se le enviarán directamente utilizando su correo electrónico y el número de teléfono que proporcionó en Aeries durante la confirmación de datos. Es importante que todos los contactos de emergencia en Aeries tengan información de contacto actualizada para que todos puedan recibir mensajes importantes de OUSD.

Ya no necesita descargar ninguna aplicación para recibir mensajes de su escuela.

We are excited to share our new cell phone policy, "During the Day, Off and Away," for the 2024-2025 school year (Board Policy 5131.8). Our goal is to create a safe and focused learning environment for all students by minimizing distractions and promoting their mental well-being. Please view the detailed King cell phone policy (linked here).

• Cell Phone Usage
  Students must turn off (ringer/tone/sounds off) and store their phones in their backpacks upon entering campus. Phones should stay off until they leave.

• Exceptions
  Students with specific accommodations (IEPs, 504 plans, or medical conditions) may have phone access as specified.

• Communication
  Classrooms have landlines for students to contact parents when necessary. Phones will be accessible in emergencies.

• Academic Benefits
  Reducing phone usage helps students stay focused and engaged in class.

• Safety and Security
  This policy helps prevent cyberbullying, ensures students focus during emergencies, and reduces the risk of theft or loss.
  
  

Thank you for your support as we work together to enhance our students' learning experience and well-being.

As a parent/guardian/caregiver of an OUSD student, you can receive free parent coaching with Parent Guidance and the Cook Center for Human Connection! Check out their website (linked here).

We are excited for the return of Oside USD in One Minute. Each week, OUSD will feature something awesome happening in the Oceanside district.

To kick off the 24-25 school year, see how many of our students spent their summer having fun while learning. Check it out. Watch it in Spanish.

Our Advisory program is a critical component of our middle school because it connects a teacher (the advisor) with a group of students (the advisees) to provide academic and social-emotional support and to strengthen the community of the school. Students will meet in their Advisory groups regularly throughout the school year.

Our Advisory program uses a purposeful, structured approach developed by “Wayfinder“ which is specifically designed for middle school students. Advisory builds meaningful connections, and meets students’ needs to belong, feel significant, and have fun. It provides a safe place for students to strengthen their academic and social-emotional skills, explore what interests them in greater depth, and develop new skills and talents.

King Staff is looking forward to a great year in Advisory with your child!

All King students will be provided with a Chromebook as a means of accessing their instructional materials. If you are interested in purchasing a Device Protection Plan for your student's Chromebook, you may do so online with a credit card or electronic check at www.myschoolbucks.com.

The plan is only $20 and typical repairs for the new Chromebooks range from $100-$350.

Per Civic Code 21-113-F, skateboards, e-bikes, bicycles, razors, heelys, and other wheeled devices are not to be ridden/used on campus at any time.

Scholars must walk bikes, e-bikes, skateboards, etc., on and off campus, including the driveways and parking lots. Scholars choosing to bring skateboards to school may store their skateboards at one of the bike racks. Scholars are not permitted to carry skateboards from class to class. Bikes are to be locked up in the school bike racks. During the day, the bicycle rack is off limits. State law mandates that everyone under the age of 18 must wear a helmet when riding a bike or skateboard. The school is not responsible for lost or stolen wheeled devices.

Our bell schedule has been updated for the '24 - '25 school year! Please take a look at the new schedule (linked here).

Back to School Night: Wednesday, Sept. 4 (4:30 pm - 7:00 pm)

Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School (Website)