Summer is Around the Corner!
Potter Jr. High Parent Newsletter- May 2024
Message from Dr. Gonzalez
Dear Potter Jr. High Parents,
As we near the end of the school year, we want to keep you informed about all the exciting events and important updates happening throughout the month of May. It's hard to believe how quickly this school year has flown by, but there's still plenty of excitement ahead!
Here's what you can expect:
State Tests: As we approach the end of the academic year, students have started their final exams. These tests are crucial for placement next year. High schools look at State exams to decide which classes to enroll students in. If your goal is for your student to take honor classes, this test is key.
Please encourage your child to stay focused and dedicated to their studies during this crucial time.- Awards Ceremonies: Our End-of-the-Year Awards Ceremony has been scheduled for Wednesday, May 22nd. This is a special ceremony and it is NOT the Trimester Awards ceremony. Students who meet the Trimester 3 criteria will be presented with their certificate during Leadership class. Please stay tuned for more info on our End-of-Year Awards Ceremony.
- Open House: We hope that you can join us for our Open House on Thursday, May 23rd. Besides visiting classrooms and being treated to live music and an art exhibit, you will also be able to enjoy delicious food from food vendors that will be present.
Promotion Preparations: For our eighth-grade students, preparations for promotion are well underway. We are thrilled to celebrate this milestone with them and you. Keep an eye out for important information regarding promotion ceremonies and related events.
Field Trips and Special Events: May is packed with exciting field trips and special events designed to enrich your child's educational experience. From our 8th Grade Knott's Berry Farm Trip to our School Dance, there are many events planned. Please see calendar of events below for more details.
Summer Programs and Resources: As the school year draws to a close, we encourage you to explore summer enrichment programs and resources to keep your child engaged and learning during the break. Our school counselors can provide guidance on available summer programs.
Stay Connected: Don't forget to stay connected with us through our school website, social media channels, and newsletters for the latest updates and announcements.
Being that this is our last Parent Newsletter of the school year, I want to thank you, parents and guardians, for your support and trust in us. We wish everyone a restful summer. To our 8th graders, we wish you well in your future high school endeavors. We look forward to hearing of all the great things you are accomplishing. And 7th graders, we can't wait to welcome you back in August as 8th graders filled with excitement, maturity, and a desire to change the world! Enjoy your summer, Braves! Thank you for your continued support, and let's make this last month of school one to remember!
Best regards,
Dr. Gonzalez
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month 🌏
May marks Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, a time to celebrate the rich cultures, traditions, and contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders to our nation's history and society. At Potter Jr. High, we embrace diversity and strive to create an inclusive environment where all cultures are celebrated and valued.
This month serves as a reminder of the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in our school and society. By embracing and celebrating our differences, we strengthen our community and create a more compassionate and harmonious world.
We invite all students, parents, and staff to join us in honoring Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month by learning more about the contributions this amazing community has contributed to our beloved country.
Together, let us continue to cultivate a culture of respect, acceptance, and appreciation for all cultures and backgrounds.
💓 Happy Mother's Day! 💗
To all the wonderful moms of Potter Jr. High,
As we celebrate Mother's Day, we want to take a moment to express our heartfelt appreciation for each and every one of you. Your dedication, love, and support are the foundation of our Potter Jr. High community, shaping the lives of our students in countless ways.
Your unwavering commitment to your children's education and well-being does not go unnoticed. From helping with homework to cheering from the sidelines at sports events. From attending parent-teacher conferences to volunteering your time and talents, your involvement enriches our school in immeasurable ways.
Your patience, kindness, and understanding make a difference every single day. You are the unsung heroes behind the scenes, nurturing and guiding the next generation with love and care.
On this special day, we want to extend our deepest gratitude to each of you for the incredible work you do. Your strength, resilience, and boundless love inspire us all. Thank you for being the heart and soul of our Potter Jr. High family.
Happy Mother's Day!
📝 State Testing 💯
State testing can be a significant milestone in a student's academic journey, and your involvement and encouragement can make a substantial difference in their performance and confidence.
Here are some suggestions to help motivate and prepare your child for the upcoming state tests:
Communicate Support: Let your child know that you believe in them and that you're there to support them throughout the testing process. Encourage open communication about any concerns or questions they may have.
Set Realistic Expectations: Emphasize the importance of doing their best rather than achieving a specific score. Remind them that their effort and dedication matter more than the outcome.
Promote Positive Self-Talk: Encourage your child to maintain a positive mindset and believe in their abilities. Remind them of past successes and reinforce their confidence in tackling challenges.
Encourage Healthy Habits: Stress the importance of getting enough sleep, eating nutritious meals, and staying physically active. A well-rested and healthy body can significantly impact cognitive function and performance.
Celebrate Effort and Progress: Recognize and celebrate your child's hard work and progress leading up to the tests. Positive reinforcement can boost their motivation and confidence.
Minimize Stress: Help alleviate test-related anxiety by practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or visualization exercises. Encourage them to focus on the present moment rather than worrying about the future.
Emphasize Learning Growth: Remind your child that the tests are just one measure of their academic progress and that learning is a continuous journey. Encourage them to view the experience as an opportunity to showcase their knowledge and skills.
By working together and providing encouragement and support, we can help our students feel prepared and confident as they approach the state tests. Thank you for your partnership in your child's education journey.
Braves are dedicating their best effort to someone special!
Our Braves are dedicating their best effort in taking the CAASPP to someone special! The goal is make growth. We know that students who take any exam seriously and try their best, usually get better results. This is an opportunity for students to demonstrate how much they've grown academically this year, and dedicating their best effort to someone special is a great motivation!
📆 May's Events
Here's What's Happening in May
- April 29th to May 3rd: State Testing- Math
- May 1st to May 30th: Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
- May 6th-10th: State Testing- English Language Arts
- May 6th-10th: Teacher Appreciation Week
- May 17th: 6th graders from all district elementary school's visit Potter
- May 20th: AVID Field Trip
- May 22nd to May 23rd: Book Fair
- May 22nd: End-of-Year Award Ceremonies (6 pm)
- May 22nd: Yearbook Signing Party
- May 23rd: Spring Concert (5 pm, before Open House)
- May 23rd: Open House (6 pm, Minimum Day)
- May 24th: 8th Grade Dance (PTA Sponsored)
- May 27th: Memorial Day (School Holiday)
- May 29th: 8th Grade Field Trip to Knott's Berry Farm
- May 31st: Last Day of School and Promotion Ceremony (Minimum Day)
🏅End-of-Year Awards🏆
The End-of-the Year Awards is a celebration where many students get recognized by teachers. Every teacher recognizes a student from each subject area, and the students are recognized with a medal or a plaque. We anticipate many of our Braves being recognized, so if you get an invitation, please come early to secure a seat at the Awards Night!
🎒Open House 🏫
🎓 8th Grade Promotion
We can't wait to celebrate and honor our 8th graders during our promotion ceremony. While we would love for every 8th grader to participate in the promotion ceremony, listed in our Student Handout, there are specific requirements students must meet to be allowed to walk. Students may not receive more than 4 "Fs" in core classes. For more information on this requirement, please review grades on Infinite Campus or call our 8th grade counselor, Mr. Ramos, at (760) 695-9810.
🎓 Tutoring 📝
Students are continuing to show progress in our Academic Advancement Program. During the last grading period 59 students in the program have improved their grades from not passing to passing and another 20 are showing improvement. In addition we have many new students who have joined the Before/After School Tutoring Program and are working hard to increase their skills. Another group of students recently completed a 6 week math skills boost program for intermediate level students with 80% showing substantial growth.
If you would like your child to participate in any of these programs please contact Mr. Ramos for more information at gramos@fuesd.org or by phone at 760-731-4164.
📚 Rewarding Growth in Reading 📖
ASB STUDENTS LEADING AN ACTIVITY
GUESS THE TOTAL PAGES IN THIS BOOK?
HOW MANY CUPS CAN YOU KNOCK DOWN?
Counselors' Report
In April the PJHS Counseling team worked on:
- Month of the Military Child Leadership Rally
- Tri 3 Progress Reports
- Spring Panorama Survey
- 7th Grade Counselor Mrs. Sanchez on leave, please contact 8th Grade Counselor Mr. Ramos for any questions gramos@fuesd.org
- Meeting with 8th grade academic at risk students. Letters mailed home.
In May PJHS Counseling will...
- Have Fallbrook High School Seniors visit and walk through classrooms for Q+A.
- Host Future Braves Academy, 6th graders to visit PJHS for a day of fun and introductions
- Preparing for Promotion 5/31/24
🏈 Fallbrook High School Athletics Dept. Physical Night 🏀
🏫 PTA Announcements 🎒
We have 25 Knott's Berry Farm tickets left to sell. The tickets will be sold on a first come, first serve basis. If you have not purchased a ticket for your 8th grader, this may be the last opportunity! The $65 ticket includes a meal. For more information, call or stop by the office. You may also reach out to PTA at PotterPTA@gmail.com.
Office Staff
Dr. Gonzalez, Principal
Mr. Huish, Assistant Principal
Mrs. Ramirez, Assistant Principal
Mrs. Delgado (Monthei), School Secretary
Mrs. Fuentes, Attendance Clerk
Mrs. Acuna, Bilingual Receptionist
Mrs. Lopez, Parent and Community Liaison
Email: algonzalez@fuesd.org
Location: 1743 Reche Road, Fallbrook, CA, USA
Phone: (760)731-4150
Facebook:facebook.com/PotterJHS
Twitter: @PotterJHS