The Weekly Update #4

Wonderful Falcon Families,

"You know, I'm fairly intelligent, but I don't think my grades reflected that" ~Barry Sanders, Detroit Lions Running Back~

With Friday's progress report, I know that many may feel the stress of grades. This is one of the most difficult transitions into middle school. Students now have the experience to learn self-advocacy and organization.

To advocate for oneself, means that students understand that there is a way to improve, and that includes modifying actions in the small ways. One small change is understanding the Power of Yet. This means practicing positive self-thinking and talking. Instead of saying, "I got an F," say, "I don't have an A YET." Instead of, "I am failing my math class," say, "I am not passing my math class YET." The word "YET" is so powerful that it can change a negative thought into a positive one. This is what is called growth mindset. Let's start developing our growth mindset by including the word "YET" into our thoughts and talks.

Students are also learning the value or being organized; whether that means, keeping an organized backpack, binder, Notabilitly or Google Drive. Staying organized will help ensure work gets submitted on time and optimal grades are attained. Organization and responsibility, go hand in hand and for some, YET may apply: "My backpack isn't organized, YET," but it will be and that assignment will be turned in, too.

Parents, the most important message your children need to hear from you is that you still love them in spite of their grades. Please also take this time to learn how to access and utilize JupiterEd to its full potential to stay informed about students progress, assignment submission and grades. Lastly, remember that progress reports are temporary snapshots of the final semester grades.

Student Drop Off Safety

Falcon Families, please follow school safety guidelines when dropping off students in the morning and picking them up after school. Cars are NOT to drive in the driveway. Let's be sure to keep our HTM students safe as they cross the driveway to get on campus. All cars should remain on J street for student safety. Thank you for adhering to these safety rules.

Remembering 9/11

Students are invited to Remember 9/11 by honoring our heroes. See flyer below for more info.

Fall 2024 Academic Celebration on September 12, 2024 @ 6PM

We will be honoring all students who received a 3.5 GPA or higher in scholarship on Thursday, September 12, 2024 @ 6PM. Families of students who will receive an award will receive an invitation via email. Recipients please arrive by 5:30PM. Thank you and Congratulations on your hard work.

Falcon Scholars

Falcon Scholars, after school tutoring is available Monday through Thursday each week day from 3:20-5:20pm in the cafeteria All students are invited and encouraged to attend for homework assistance.

Saturday Academy

Saturday Academy will be most Saturday's from 8:00AM-12:00PM. Please access Hilltop Middle School Google Calendar and view information below for all Saturday dates for students to work on assignments and to clear tardies.

Jupiter Grades Access

Falcon Families please be sure to check JupiterEd. JupiterEd provides access to classes and assignment information. Jupiter also has a Calendar with all HTM information. In addition, families may message teachers. If you need help, please contact Ms. Claudia Garcia or Mr. Adrian Zaragoza.

Congratulations School Site Council Parent Representatives

Congratulations School Site Council Parent Repracentives Lisa M. Schmidt and Laura Garcia. Laura Garcia will also represent HTM at DPAC. We are looking forward to a productive year!

Upcoming Events:

Falcon Flight Athletics Sept. 14, 2024

Falcon Athletes did an amazing job representing HTM at this past Saturday's games. Please see Falcon Fight information below for upcoming game schedule.

Credit Recovery Sept. 23- Oct. 11, 2024

Please read Credit Recovery information below on students making up credits for promotion.

Finally, please read all the important information regarding HTM provided in newsletter. Please be sure to read all the information on the images provided so that you know as much information as possible.

Let's make this a great week Falcons!

Sincerely,

Ms. Galvez-Mallari

This Saturday, September 14, 2024, we will have our semi annual FLAGS Rummage Sale! So clean out those closets and make a little extra cash for new treasures!

Option 1: Reserve a spot for $30 and you keep all profits from your sales.
----> Select your spot here: tinyurl.com/4m8puxsd
----> Pay via Zelle by scanning QR code on the attached flyer or entering the following information manually on Zelle.
Name: FLAGS PARENTS ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Email: hilltopmiddletreasurer@gmail.com

Option 2: Not interested in selling?
----> Consider donating your items.
----> Contact htmflagschair@gmail.com to arrange for pick up.
----> All proceeds benefit students in the FLAGS Program

If you have any questions, please contact the FLAGS chair at: htmflagschair@gmail.com

Falcon Families, there is a free workshop coming up on September 21, 2024 at 10am. The New Children’s Museum will be hosting their next Seed to Tree workshop called “Playful World Building” on Saturday September 21 with artist Robert Karimi from 10am-1pm.

This workshop is intended for ages 12+. During the workshop participants will:

• Tell stories and design games using imagination and play

• Build fantastical worlds and bring imaginary characters to life

• Have fun along the way!

This workshop, along with the series of Seed to Tree workshops, are all inspired by the life and writings of Octavia E. Butler. This specific workshop is inspired by Butler’s first imagined character, Silver Star, and will be facilitated by the incredible Karimi who creates engaging experiences for the community. If you could help us spread the word we’d greatly appreciate, here is the link to register for the workshop: New Children's Museum (ticketapp.org)

Light snacks will be provided along with all art materials and fun!!

Hilltop Middle School Fall Credit Recovery

September 23rd-October 11th

Credit Recovery are classes offered to students who failed (received an “F” grade) a class and need to take it over again for credit. Students must pass all four semesters of their five core classes in order to participate in the 8th grade promotion activities. The following courses will be offered during Fall Credit Recovery.

PE 7 with Ms. Pulido

Integrated Math 7 with Mr. Chaidez

World Cultures with Mr. Horton

Counselors have met with all students who need Credit Recovery and given them the Credit Recovery Contract and the schedule for the specific Credit Recovery course needed. Please check with your student regarding those documents. If you have any questions please communicate with your student’s counselor.

Wellness Wednesday Movement: Every Wednesday, we send out a Wellness Wednesday Message to boost student morale. It includes a self-care tip, a kindness challenge and a positive statement to create a positive mindset. We also like to wear bright colors or shirts with positive sayings on Wednesdays too! Keep the tradition alive by supporting this Wellness Wednesday movement. All of our messages can be seen in our counseling center google classroom. All students have been invited to join.

General Information

• Morning Program from 6:30am to 8:05am
• After School Program from end of school day to 6:07pm
• Program Requires enrollment to Falcon Flight

Cheerleading

• Students interested in HTM Falcon Flight Cheerleading please see Coach Natalie about tryout practice.

• Students must be enrolled in Falcon Flight and adhere to guidelines

Or visit https://sites.google.com/sweetwaterschools.net/falcon-flight/home

It is our collective expectation that everyone on campus will uphold the cell phone use policy as outlined in the district's board policy as well as in our handbook:

1. Upon entry, all cell phones must be turned off and placed in the backpack.
2. If a staff member directs a student to put it away, please listen and put cellphone in backpack.
3. Cell phones are not allowed in the bathroom. If students are caught with cellphone in the bathroom, the phone will be taken immediately and must be picked up by the parents. NO EXCEPTIONS.
4. If a staff member takes a cell phone away, they will give it back to student at the end of each period UNLESS it warrants being taken to the main office.

Gina Galvez-Mallari, Principal

Email: gina.galvez-mallari@sweetwaterschools.org

Website: htm.sweetwaterschools.org

Location: 44 East J Street, Chula Vista, CA, USA

Phone: 619.498.2700