JWMS March, 2025 Newsletter

Dear Families,

As we spring into March, the energy here at JWMS is palpable! The days are getting longer, and we're seeing a burst of creativity and enthusiasm from our students and staff. This month brings a mix of exciting activities, important academic focuses, and a reminder to appreciate the progress we've made together this year.

I'm particularly excited about our MESA (Math, Engineering, Science Achievement) Competition. This past Saturday, our MESA teacher, Mr. Kiertzner took several members of our MESA team to UC Riverside to compete in various engineering and technology competitions. The team competed against other schools to show off their coding, glider-building, and bridge building abilities. They represented our school well, and got to experience a taste of university life. These opportunities allow our students to explore their talents, build teamwork skills, and learn valuable skills that prepare them for their future.

Academically, March is a crucial time for our students as we approach the final stretch of the school year. Teachers are working diligently to reinforce key concepts and prepare students for upcoming assessments. You can support your child at home by creating a quiet study space, reviewing study habits together, checking in on homework assignments, and encouraging them to ask for help when they need it. Remember, communication is key. Please don't hesitate to reach out to your child's teachers if you have any questions or concerns about their academic progress.

March also provides a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the growth we've witnessed in our students since the beginning of the year. From increased confidence in the classroom to excellence in athletics and fine arts, it's inspiring to see the positive impact of our collaborative efforts. Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting your child's journey.

As always, I encourage you to stay connected with us by visiting our school website, following us on social media, and attending school events. We value your input and appreciate your active involvement in our school community.

Wishing you a wonderful and productive March!

Don't forget that parent-teacher conferences take place on March 12 and 13th. Teachers will be sending out information very soon. Please visit ParentVue, our school social media pages, and school website for more information.

Our AVID program will be sponsoring a taco truck on March 13, during parent-teacher conferences. Please support our program and stop by for some delicious tacos!

If you are the parent of a 7th grader, please join our counselors and administrators for an overview of our upcoming health lessons. We will be sharing important information about the curriculum on March 13th at 4:00 in the multi-purpose room. Please click here for more information.

We are excited to announce that Palm Springs USD will be celebrating National School Breakfast Week (NSBW) from March 3-7, 2025! This year’s theme, “Clue-in to School Breakfast,” highlights the importance of starting the day with a nutritious meal to fuel students for success.

Busy mornings can make it challenging for families to provide a healthy breakfast at home, but our Nutrition Services Department is here to help. We offer nutritious school breakfasts daily, complete with whole grains, fruit, and low-fat or fat-free milk, ensuring that students have the energy they need to learn and thrive.

National School Breakfast Week was launched in 1989 to raise awareness of the availability of the School Breakfast Program, a federally assisted meal program operating in public and non-profit private schools and residential childcare institutions since 1975.

Next month, we will begin our annual assessments. Every year, schools across California participate in the CAASPP assessment. You may hear us use CAASPP or SBAC almost interchangeably. Here is the skinny:

SBAC (Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium) assessments play a significant role in the educational landscape, serving several key purposes:

• Measuring Student Progress:
  • These assessments gauge how well students are meeting the academic standards in English language arts/literacy (ELA) and mathematics.
  • They provide a snapshot of students' knowledge and skills, helping educators and parents understand where students are excelling and where they may need additional support.
• Promoting Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving:
  • SBAC assessments go beyond basic memorization, focusing on higher-order thinking skills.
  • They challenge students to apply their knowledge to real-world problems, fostering critical thinking, analytical writing, and problem-solving abilities.
• Informing Instruction:
  • The results of SBAC assessments provide valuable data that teachers can use to adjust their instruction.
  • By identifying areas where students are struggling, teachers can tailor their lessons to meet the specific needs of their students.
• Providing Accountability:
  • SBAC assessments contribute to school and district accountability systems.
  • They offer a standardized measure of student achievement, allowing for comparisons across schools and districts.
• College and Career Readiness:
  • These assessments aim to ensure that students are prepared for college and careers.
  • By measuring the skills and knowledge necessary for success in higher education and the workforce, SBAC assessments help to bridge the gap between K-12 education and post-secondary opportunities.
• Accessibility:
  • The SBAC system is designed with accessibility in mind, providing supports for English learners and students with special needs. This helps to ensure that all students have the opportunity to demonstrate what they know.

In essence, SBAC assessments are designed to provide a comprehensive picture of student learning, promoting both individual student growth and overall educational improvement. As we get closer to our state assessments, we ask you to join us in preparing our students to do their best.

It's understandable that parents want to support their children in preparing for SBAC assessments. Here's a breakdown of valuable resources:

Key Online Resources:

• Starting Smarter California:
  • This website (ca.startingsmarter.org) is a fantastic resource for parents. It helps you understand your child's score reports and provides insights into the skills being assessed.

    
    

  • You'll find:
    • Explanations of performance areas in ELA and math.
    • Sample test questions.
    • Information on how to interpret score reports.
• California Department of Education (CDE):
  • The CDE website (cde.ca.gov) offers parent guides and information about the CAASPP system, which includes SBAC.
  • Look for resources that explain the purpose of the assessments and how they align with state standards.
• CAASPP Practice Tests:
  • The CAASPP website provides practice tests that allow students to familiarize themselves with the test format and question types. This is invaluable for reducing test anxiety.
  • Taking these practice tests together can be a great way for parents to understand what their children will encounter.

General Tips for Parents:

• Communicate with Teachers:
  • Your child's teacher is the best source of information about their progress and areas where they may need extra help.
  • Regular communication can help you stay informed and provide targeted support.
• Create a Supportive Environment:
  • Ensure your child gets enough sleep and eats nutritious meals, especially on test days.
  • Help them manage test anxiety by emphasizing that the assessments are just one measure of their learning.
• Encourage Regular Reading and Math Practice:
  • Reading regularly and practicing math skills reinforces the concepts tested on the SBAC.
  • Make learning fun by incorporating educational games and activities into your daily routine.
• Familiarize your child with computer based testing:
  • Since the SBAC test is computer based, having your child practice using a computer for educational purposes, can be very helpful.

By utilizing these resources and providing consistent support, parents can play a vital role in helping their children succeed on SBAC assessments.

With increased social media apps come increased concerns for student well-being and safety. Across the country, we have seen an uprise in student disengagement and negative behaviors. It's important to provide students with engaging alternatives to screen time. Here's a breakdown of ideas, categorized for easier reference:

Outdoor Activities:

• Nature Exploration:
  • Hiking, nature walks, and exploring local parks.
  • Gardening, observing insects, and learning about plants.
  • Playing outdoor sports like soccer, basketball, or frisbee.
• Physical Play:
  • Riding bikes, scooters, or skateboards.
  • Playing in a playground.
  • Organizing outdoor games with friends.

Indoor Activities:

• Creative Pursuits:
  • Drawing, painting, and sculpting.
  • Playing musical instruments.
  • Writing stories, poems, or journals.
  • Building with LEGOs, blocks, or other construction toys.
  • Crafting, such as knitting, or model building.
• Reading and Learning:
  • Reading books, magazines, or comics.
  • Visiting the library.
  • Playing board games or card games.
  • Solving puzzles or riddles.
• Social Interaction:
  • Spending time with family and friends.
  • Playing board games or card games.
  • Cooking or baking together.
• Household Activities:
  • Helping with household chores.
  • Cooking and baking.
  • Organizing and cleaning their rooms.

Tips for Encouraging Alternatives:

• Lead by Example:
  • Parents and educators should model healthy screen time habits.
• Create Screen-Free Zones:
  • Designate areas or times where screens are not allowed.
• Provide Options:
  • Make a variety of activities readily available.
• Encourage Hobbies:
  • Help students discover and develop their interests.
• Make it Social:
  • Encourage activities that involve interaction with others.

By offering a range of engaging alternatives, we can help students develop healthy habits and enjoy a balanced lifestyle.

7: Middle School Track Meet @ Palm Springs HS

8: Indio HS Band Festival

9: Daylight Saving Time starts

10: Pyramid of Success- AVID et.al 2nd period

12 & 13 PTC (Lunches are after school)- School is out at 12:45

13: 4:30 7th Grade Parent Meeting for Teen Talk Curriculum @ 4:00

14: Min. Day (Lunches are after school)- School is out at 12:45

14: 8th Grade Fun Friday

15: Saturday School

15 Stardust Festival

17: Teen Talks begin

21: 7th Walk to the Park Day

25: 8th Grade Course Selections through ELA

27: SSC @ 3:45

31st: HS Counselor visit for 8th Graders

28: Robotics Tournament