Wednesday is an early release day. ALL 1st - 6th grade students will be dismissed at 1:10pm. PM Kinders will follow the AM schedule and will be dismissed at 12:10.

Where did this year go? I cannot believe it is May. With this said, here are some things to keep in mind.

* It is the last week of state testing - help our school reach our goals of a schoolwide increase of 5%. You can do this by making sure your student gets plenty of sleep, eats well, charges his/her Chromebook, and is encouraged. It is a long and challenging test. We want everyone to do their best and show what they know. Thanks.

* Even though May fills up with lots of additional activities, we are still learning! Encourage your child to stay focused and work hard. At this time of year, behavior can slip and consequences will include being left out of some of the end of the year activities.

* Join us on Wednesday, 4/30 at either 8:45am or 5:00pm to find out ways you can volunteer here on campus for next year.

Go Otters!

Mrs. Horton

Respect, Responsibility, and Integrity

• Keep yourself and the bathrooms clean and germ free

• Take schoolwide drills and precautions seriously

Mandatory Dress Rehearsal - Wednesday, April 30, 3:00 - 5:00

Talent Show - Friday, May 2 at 1:00pm

Permission slips were sent home on Friday. If you have questions please reach out to Mrs. Watkin @ kwatkins@lodiusd.org.

Earlier this year, our PBIS team conducted a survey on our school community's knowledge of PBIS. Here is what you shared with us. We look forward to next year inviting families to learn more about PBIS and incorporate your voice in supporting our students to be the best they can be.

Beginning next school year, students will be required to keep their smartphones turned off and stored in their backpacks during the regular school day. This practice is already in our school's handbook.

This Board of Education approved change is designed to reduce distractions, support student mental health, minimize instances of cyberbullying and support student academic discourse throughout the school day. Research strongly supports limiting phone use during the school day, and similar policies are being adopted in schools across the state. In fact, California’s Assembly Bill 3216 will require school districts to adopt such policies by July 1, 2026. Please note that exceptions will be made for students with medical needs or accommodations outlined in their IEPs.

We understand that this may change how you communicate with your child during the day, even though they will be able to retrieve messages or return calls at the end of the regular school day. Our school offices are always available to relay important messages, and students can use office phones if needed. In the event of an emergency, it's essential that students stay focused on staff instructions. First responders recommend limiting phone use to ensure safety and clear communication.

We’ll share more information as the school year approaches, but we appreciate your support in preparing your student for this shift. Please take a moment to discuss these expectations with your child.

Thank you for partnering with us to create a safe and focused learning environment

We're excited to invite your schools to participate in the Great Valley Bookfest Bookmark Competition! This free and fun contest gives students the opportunity to unleash their creativity and design their very own bookmark. The winner's design will be featured at the Great Valley Bookfest and shared with our community, including businesses, schools, and libraries.

This competition is a great way to connect with the community and encourage a love for reading and literacy! Entries must be submitted by June 30th, and the winner will be announced on August 1st.

Best of all, there's no charge to participate-just a chance for students to shine!

Applications are being accepted for the following catagories: K-2, 3-5, and 6-8.

Mondays - College Wear

Wednesdays - Sea Otter Spirit Wear or Blue

Fridays - House T-shirts or House Color

Just a reminder - do not allow your child to bring candy or toys. Our students are provided great meals on campus and they do not need candy to fill up on here at school. The toys are a distraction and we have lots of tears when items get lost or damaged. Thanks for your help.

STAFF APPRECIATION WEEK - MAY 5- 9

Attention all families, we need your support in planning an amazing week for our teachers and staff. Please use the link for Sign Up Genius to donate and volunteer to help. This is posted at the top of the SMORE.

Short PTO Meeting - Tuesday, 5/6 @ 3:00.

Use the link below to log in virtually.

School Site Council met this week to review the draft of the 2025-26 School Plan. Feedback was provided and incorporated into to our plan. Thank you to the SSC members for their time and commitment to our school.

Next meeting to be announced.

English:

Lodi USD has released a new Middle School Course Catalog! It includes information about core subjects such as English Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Science, Physical Education, and foreign languages (available at select sites). Please note that elective offerings vary by school, and site staff will provide additional details. The catalog also includes information about A-G requirements to help families understand college and career readiness. While the College/Career Indicator (CCI) and Career Technical Education (CTE) pathways are part of high school, middle school is a great time to start thinking about future opportunities.

Click on the link below for the MS Course Catalog (English):

https://drive.google.com/file/d/10GcPAzl9m7vXRT4PWaqmiPY-iVVvPeeC/view?usp=sharing

Español:

¡Lodi USD ha publicado un nuevo Catálogo de Cursos para la escuela intermedia Middle School! Incluye información sobre materias básicas como Artes del Lenguaje Inglés, Matemáticas, Ciencias, Ciencias Sociales, Educación Física e idiomas extranjeros (disponible en algunas escuelas). Tenga en cuenta que la oferta de materias electivas varía según la escuela, y cada escuela proporcionará detalles adicionales. El catálogo también incluye información sobre los requisitos A-G para ayudar a las familias a comprender la preparación para la universidad y la carrera. Aunque el Indicador de Preparación Universitaria y Profesional (CCI) y el programa de Educación Técnica y Profesional (CTE) forman parte de la High School, durante la Middle School es un buen momento para comenzar a pensar en futuras oportunidades

Click on the link below for the MS Course Catalog (Spanish):

https://drive.google.com/file/d/15K13ZysUfaKmg4t1crCpIQf_Qvj0cgNe/view?usp=sharing

Take some time to review our Title I School Level Parent and Family Engagement Policy. If you are interested in providing feedback or have some questions please attend our SSC meeting in September. Thanks.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Shh02CgK5_tkOBt2k2dyj3f7f2t1UD231E3CYwZ1UWA/edit?usp=sharing