Dear Families,

Our first 7th Grade Experience at Rockin' Jump was a success. A big thank you to the 7th grade teachers, office staff, and the Foundation for helping to ensure that every grade level has a unique and fun experience during their time at Pershing.

I also was to congratulate our Model UN Team for their oustanding performance at last week's JMUN Conference at UCSD. Three of our student delegates were recognized for their work:

• Ryan Behne, Best Delegate Regionals Security Council
• Isaac Sadja, Outstanding Delegate for Security Council
• Talon Yacoub, Commendation Award for International Maritime Organization

As we begin our final week of the 2023-24, I want to take a moment to thank our Panther Community for another outstanding year. I tell people frequently that Pershing Middle School is a special place and I know that is because of the amazing students, families, and staff that come together everyday ont his campus. Thank you for your support and assistance in making Pershing Middle School one of the top middle school's in San Diego County!

A reminder that we are on a minumum day schedule every day this week and students will be released at 12:44 PM . The last day of school for students is Thursday, June 6. We do have another busy week of activities so please be sure to review the important announcements section.

Sincerely,

Melanie Kray

END OF THE YEAR ACTIVITIES

• June 3-7: Minimum Day Schedule Everyday this Week!
• June 3-7: 6th Grade Camp 2nd Group (please see details below)
• June 3 - 8th Grade Awards Night @6:00 PM (the families of students being honor should have received an email and/or mailed invitation to the event)
• June 5 - 8th Grade Promotion Practice @8:00 AM
• June 5 - 8th Grade Dave & Buster's Trip
• June 6 - 8th Grade Promotion @8:30 AM

8TH GRADE DAVE AND BUSTER'S END OF YEAR EVENT ON WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5

A reminder that eligible 8th graders (2.0 or higher scholarship GPA and 2.75 or higher citizenship GPA) will be attending their end of the year activity at Dave and Buster's. Lunch and a Dave and Buster's Game Card are included for all students attending.

YEARBOOKS ARE SOLD OUT

Unfortunately we are sold out on 2023-24 yearbooks and there are no more available for purchase. If your child has already purchased a yearbook they may pick it up at the textbook distribution windows during lunch. Please remind them to bring their photo ID. For the 50 families that purchased yearbooks after the deadline through the Pershing Foundation we are still waiting for the books to be delivered. They will likely arrive during the first few weeks of summer and the Foundation will communicate with you directly regarding pick up.

Thursday, June 6 – Promotion:

The one-hour ceremony will begin promptly at 8:30 AM on the upper turf fields at Pershing Middle School. The gates on the corner of Navajo and Boulder Lake will open promptly at 8:00 AM and there are 1000 seats available for spectators that will be distributed on a first come first served basis. There is also ample space available on the upper field for families to stand or bring their own seating to observe the promotion ceremony so we are not limiting the number of guests a student may bring. If you intend to bring more than 2 people we encourage you to bring additional seating.

What should I wear for promotion?

We are encouraging students to dress as they would for a nice family event. Students may wear dress slacks, dress shirt/blouse, dresses or skirts with comfortable shoes. Ties and

jackets are optional. Be sure to wear low, comfortable shoes and avoid any heels that would make walking difficult. High heels are not allowed on the artificial turf.

Are younger siblings in 6th & 7th grade at Pershing allowed to attend the Promotion Ceremony?

Yes, younger siblings may attend the Promotion Ceremony. Please have them go directly to the Promotion Ceremony with you, DO NOT send them to their first period class. We will not be able to accommodate requests to pull students out of class to go up to the ceremony. Students already in class will have to stay there and may not attend the ceremony. If you want your child to attend the ceremony bring them with you and then after the ceremony ends they can go to their classes.

Am I or is my family allowed to bring any celebratory things to promotion?

Air horns and other noisemakers are prohibited because they disrupt the dignity of the ceremony. Families may bring balloon bouquets, posters or any celebratory materials to share with students at the end of the ceremony but we ask that families that bring those items sit on the aisles or towards the back so they do not obstruct the view of other guests.

Where should my family park their cars for promotion?

Parking is extremely limited. If you are able to walk or carpool to the ceremony that is highly recommended. There is street parking available in the neighborhood. Handicapped parking is available please contact the main office for specifics about this option before June 6.

STUDENTS ATTENDING CAMP WEEK OF JUNE 3-7

Departure on June 3: Students should go to school at the regular time on Monday, June 3. Students will drop off their luggage in the designated luggage drop off area (gated area near the auditorium at the front of the school) before 8:00 AM and then head into campus and when the bell rings, students attending 6th Grade Camp will report to the auditorium. They WILL NOT go to their first period class. While in the auditorium, they will receive a few final instructions from staff and go through a verbal health check (i.e. no fever, illness, etc in the last 24 hours). The buses typically depart around 9:00 AM. Families are welcome, but not expected, to be there for the send off.

Luggage: Students may bring one suitcase and one bed roll (sleeping bag/blanket, sheets, and pillow). No backpacks. Please make sure your child's suitcase and bed roll are labeled with the luggage tags they will be provided this week. The luggage tag should have your child's name and the school's name. Place your child's bed roll in a large trash bag to protect it from the elements. We recommend packing an extra trash bag for your student's return trip. We will have extra luggage tags available in case your child loses theirs.

Medication: Students with prescription medication need to bring the medication to Nurse Kalish in the main office by Friday, May 31. Parents will also need to pick up their child's medication when students return on June 7. Nurse Kalish will have a table set up in the luggage pick up area where families can get the medication. Please DO NOT send any medications to camp in your child's suitcase.

Return on Friday, June 7: Students normally return from camp between 11:00-11:30 AM. Students and luggage may be picked up in the 6th grade turnaround parking lot on Friday. When the buses get close to campus a message will be sent to families.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to:

6th Grade Camp Coordinator | Erika Ohnesorgen | erikarenae28@gmail.com

We are fortunate to have a very active parent community and an engaged foundation that works tirelessly to ensure our school has the funds it needs to allow our students to have enriching academic experiences beyond the typical program.

Email: pershingfoundation@outlook.com

Website: https://pershingmiddleschoolfoundation.org/

Facebook: https://facebook.com/pershingpanthers

Follow Pershing Middle on Instagram & Threads

@Pershing_sdusd

Interested in volunteering on campus?

Contact our Community Assistant Ms. Johana Moreno at jmorenoperez@sandi.net

Email: mkray@sandi.net
Website: https://pershing.sandiegounified.org/
Location: 8204 San Carlos Drive, San Diego, CA, USA
Phone: (619) 352-3550
Twitter: @melanie_kray