SEMS Weekly Newsletter

Dear San Elijo Middle School Families,

We are recognizing Red Ribbon Week this week. It is our time to educate our students about making healthy choices that will have a positive impact on their life. Our ASB has created fun dress up themes and lunch time activities. On Thursday, we will have an Assembly Schedule day so that each grade level can participate in our "I Choose my Future" assembly with guest speaker, Rocky Herron. The presentation focuses on making healthy choices and the dangers of drug use. To learn more about the presentation, please visit SDCOE's site. The schedule for the day is shown below....we will help students along with the day as we know it is a change for them!

If you are interested in learning more and seeing the presentation for yourself, Rocky Herron will be presenting on October 22nd at Woodland Park Middle School at 6pm. All parents are invited.

-Tricia Storey

Anything But a Backpack Day Tip: Students MUST be able to carry their 'backpack' up stairs and it must be able to fit in to a classroom. We don't have a ton of space behind each seat, so please be mindful.

The San Marcos Prevention Coalition is a team of school and community-based members who meet monthly to discuss alcohol and drug trends, local/state/federal legislation, and community events and resources geared toward substance abuse prevention. According to the Coalition - "Drug prevention science, years of community-based experience, and scientific research tells us our prevention activities and action are working. Drug prevention strengthens protective factors and reduces risk factors in individuals, families, schools, and communities.

Substance use is associated with health issues like cardiovascular diseases, respiratory diseases, cancers, liver damage, kidney damage, mental disorders, prenatal defects, and others. Drug and alcohol use that begins before the age of 25 can permanently change brain areas, resulting in lower intelligence, increased impulsivity, and a reduced attention span. Evidence shows that 95% of people who do not initiate drug use by age 21 are unlikely to ever do so.

Children whose parents talk to them about the risks of alcohol and other drugs are much less likely to use them. Discussing ways to avoid peer pressure and multiple ways to say no when drugs or alcohol is offered can help equip your child with the confidence and skills to do so. Supervision and involvement in extracurricular activities or hobbies can also help deter drug and alcohol use.

SAMHSA’s National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders. 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

We are excited to promote our October WEB event, WEB-or-Treat! 6th grade students will visit stations during lunchtime and hang out with their 8th grade WEB leaders!

We love Halloween at SEMS!

Students and staff may wear Halloween costumes on Thursday October 31st, but they must adhere to the guidelines listed below:

1. No look-a-like weapons of any kind.

2. No masks of any kind.

3. No full face paint.

4. No inflatable or other costumes that will impede the learning of others.

5. Costumes must follow the SMUSD dress code guidelines.

Please use good judgment and creativity so that everyone can have fun. If you have any questions, please email or reach out to one of the Assistant Principals. Our goal is for everyone to enjoy the day, but please remember that this is a school day and we must follow guidelines.

If students do not follow the Halloween guidelines, parents will be called to bring another item of clothing for their child to wear.

Order your Chromebook Insurance today! Must be ordered by October 31st!

Brochure

Online Store (for credit card payments)

Paper Application (for checks only)

Website

Spanish Website

Scan the QR code below or visit the website by clicking this link JOSTENS to order your yearbook now! Students unveiled their theme last week at lunch! Everyone is very excited:-)

Homework Time

Homework Time began on Tuesday, September 3rd. It is held on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. and on Wednesdays from 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. in the library. This is a quiet space for students to work on assignments.

After School Tutoring/Extracurriculars

Drop-in after school tutoring began on Monday, September 9th. Click here or the button below for the offerings. Email Assistant Principal Cheryl Sestito for questions or assistance: cheryl.sestito@smusd.org

Want to keep up to date on all the happenings on campus?

Check out our Instagram page sems_golden_eagles (scan the qr code).

For more updates, please also follow our PTO on social media (Instagram, Facebook) or through PTO linktree website or SEMS PTO website.

Exploration, Discovery, and Growth through Connections, Complexity, Collaboration, and Character

Email: patricia.storey@smusd.org
Website: https://sanelijomiddle.smusd.org/
Location: 1600 Schoolhouse Way, San Marcos, CA. 92078
Phone: 760-290-2800