Dust Devil Weekly

Once again this school year we will be focused on improving school wide attendance at JMMS! Each week we will report out our daily attendance rates. Our goal is to be above 96% each day...we can do it!

Monday 12/2: 92.29%

Tuesday 12/3: 91.79%%

Wednesday 12/4: 92.56%

Thursday 12/5: 94.55%

Friday 12/6: 0 93.32%

- From Ms. Boggs: Before break, students got to make a turkey in disguise for my outside window. Here are some of my favorites :) Also paired with my thankful sign that included all of my amazing students!

In math, we are wrapping up our unit on fractions, and in ELA we read a short story from Mirrors and Windows called "Zlateh the Goat." My students got to learn about the holiday Hanukkah and how people celebrate!

-In Ms. Zarick's science classes they are working on energy, waste and researching nutrients.

-Maestro Clavijo's Dual Language Social Studies classes began their study of the three branches of government.

-From Mrs. Battikha: This week, Grade 8 Science students investigated another factor that affects an object's kinetic energy: its mass. They concluded that the relationship between mass and kinetic energy is directly proportional, assuming the object is moving at the same velocity.

-Coach Flowers' Pickleball Tournament wrapped up and the champions were victorious!

-Maestra Rincon's Dual Language class working on building the Great Pyramids and Temples of Egypt!

-Ms. Rincon's Art Class creating pinatas for the holidays!

The JMMS Canned Food Drive started this week. Our ASB is sponsoring this Annual event and is asking for donations of canned goods and non-perishable food items. Students can bring in any donations between now and December 18. All donations go to help local Alpine families during the season and beyond. Thank you in advance for your generosity and helping our students to see the importance of the spirit of giving at this time of the year.

ASB will be hosting a holiday themed Spirit Week from Monday 12/9-Friday 12/13. Each day will have a fun holiday theme. Let's bring on the holiday spirit by showing our Dust Devil Pride and having as many students participating as possible each day!!

12/9: Santa Hat Day

12/10: Festive Socks Day

12/11: Christmas Colors Day

12/12: Flannel Day

12/13: Christmas Pajamas Day

At our next Coffee with the Principal, Mr. Bailey will discuss our updated cell phone policy and demonstrate how the Yondr phone Pouches work. He will also cover Frequently Asked Questions about the Yondr Pouches. We invite any interested Dust Devil Parent to join us at 8:15 a.m. on Friday, December 20, to learn a little more about Yondr Pouches.

We appreciate your patience as we put all of the pieces in place to get our JOAN MACQUEEN PTA MEMBERSHIP DRIVE underway! And....it is time! Our Membership Drive has begun! You can join online beginning NOW for just $15 a membership. We have set a goal of 200 members and we are well on our way with already 50 members! Please consider joining our newly formed PTA. PTA is a vital part of any school community and JMMS is excited to have a PTA back on campus to support our students, staff and greater school community! We will be hyping up the students by hosting a little membership competition. The grade level with the most memberships will receive a MEGA ICE CREAM SUNDAE SOCIAL! The second place grade level will receive ice cream cone party and the third place will receive a popsicle party. We want to reward all grade levels as this is an exciting time for JMMS and our newly formed PTA! You can join by using the link here:

https://jointotem.com/ca/alpine/joan-macqueen-pta/join

We are excited to announce that our 6th grade class will be attending Camp Cuyamaca from March 17-21, 2025! We know that is months away; however, because the week has a cost of $350 we like to give our families the time to start making payments asap. We will have a See's fundraiser that students can use the money earned towards camp. If you would like to start making payments or pay for camp in full, you can pay cash or make a check payable to Joan MacQueen Middle School beginning now. You can bring the cash or check to the JMMS office. Time to start getting excited for camp!

As we begin the year, it is important to remind your student that they need to have their Chromebook each day charged and in their backpack. While we know that we want our middle schoolers to work on becoming more independent, we also know that it takes time. So, as they work to develop these skills, please help them by giving them reminders nightly to charge their Chromebooks and then to put it in their backpack in the morning. Thanks for your continued support!

JMMS is excited to offer Spirit wear for our Dust Devils! You can find offers and options here:

https://macqueenmiddlespiritwear.com/

Mon 12/9 - Santa Hat Day

Tues 12/10 - Festive Socks Day

Weds 12/11 - Christmas Colors Day

Thurs 12/12 - Flannels Day

Thurs 12/12 - Winter Show 7pm JMMS Gym

Fri 12/13 - Holiday Pajamas Day

Mon 12/16 & Tues 12/17 - 7th Grade Finance Park Field Trips

Fri 12/20 - Coffee with the Principal

Fri 12/20 - Lunch on the Lawn

Mon 12/23 - Mon 1/6 - Winter Break