The Panther Pulse

Dear Pershing Families,

Can you believe it?! This is it! Our final week of the 2022-23 school year and what a year it has been. I couldn't be more proud of all we have accomplished together.

Last week we had a chance to honor our academic standouts during our grade-level awards assemblies and 8th Grade Recognition Night. We had a packed house for all three events and it was a great opportunity to acknowledge all the hard work and efforts this school year. Congrats to all the students that were recognized and a big thank you to the Pershing staff for all they have done this school year to create engaging lessons and great learning experiences for our students (I a few pictures of some of the amazing culminating projects our English students were engaged in).

Last week we also had a chance to coordinate and partner with Gage Elementary to celebrate the upcoming Juneteenth holiday. First celebrated in Texas, Juneteenth commemorates, the effective end of slavery on June 19, 1865 at the conclusion of the U.S. Civil War. Several of our 8th grade students visited Gage Elementary on Friday, June 8th to particpate in Gage's flag raising ceremony and Juneteenth Assembly. The day before, on Thursday, June 7th, Pershing and Gage Parents set up a fun Juneteenth Trivia and Bingo Activities for Pershing students to participate in at lunch.

A reminder that the last day of school for students is this Wednesday, June 14. Tuesday and Wednesday this week are both minimum days and students will be released at 12:44 PM. We hope you use your summer break to relax, recharge, and enjoy time with your loved ones. The 2023-24 school year starts on Monday, August 21!

Sincerely,

Melanie Kray

The "Garage Engineers" comprised of four eighth grade girls from Pershing and Lewis Middle Schools earned second place in the Championship Division at the International Western Edge Open Robotics tournament. Congrats Hyunrin, Vivian, Kayla, and Gianna!

Wednesday, June 14th – 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 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.

Where do 8th graders report for the ceremony?

Eighth grade students will report to their first period class at 8:00 AM and then their teacher will walk them over to the auditorium in prepartion for the promotion processional.

What should I bring with me?

Students in the promotion ceremony do not need to bring backpacks or other school items with them to school that day. Students will not be permitted to carry items with them up to the promotion ceremony. Cell phones, purses, jackets not being worn, and other loose items students have in their possession should be given to families before they come to campus at 8:00 AM or will be stored in the auditorium and can be picked up at the conclusion of the ceremony.

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.

My 8th grader has younger sibilings who attend Pershing and we want them to go to the promotion ceremony?

Our office and school staff will be focused on supporting the promotion ceremony on June 14th and as a result we will not be able to honor parent requests to pull 6th & 7th graders out of class to attend the promotion ceremony. If you want a younger sibiling to attend the ceremony we recommend having them go directly to the ceremony with you and then when the ceremony is over they can go to class.

Does my 8th grader have class after the promotion ceremony is over?

No, 8th graders will go home with their families at the conclusion of the promotion ceremony.

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 and make it difficult for the audience to hear the names being called. 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.

END OF THE YEAR ACTIVITIES

• June 12th - 8th Grade Promotion Practice @8:00 AM
• June 13th - Minimum Day: Students will be dismissed at 12:44 PM
• June 13th - 8th Grade Promotion Practice@8:00 AM (8th graders do not need to bring backpacks and other school materials with them to school)
• June 13th - 8th Grade Dave & Buster's Trip (8th graders will be returning from the field trip between 1:00-1:30 PM)
• June 13th - 6th & 7th Grade Field Day
• June 14th - Minimum Day: Students will be dismissed at 12:44 PM
• June 14th - 8th Grade Promotion @8:30 AM

PERSHING COOKBOOK - THANK YOU FAMILIES

A big thank you to the entire Pershing Community for their continuing generosity. Last week our school was able to raise $300 to donate to the San Diego Food Bank through your purchase of copies of this year's Pershing Cookbook that Ms. Imonen organized.

TEXTBOOK COLLECTION CONTINUES

Don't get hit with unexpected library fines. If you have textbooks at home please have your child bring them to the school and turn them in to the library.

If you have any questions please contact our librarian Ms. Jakalah Jones at jjones7@sandi.net