The Weekly Update #4

Amazing Falcon Families,

"What we are teaches the child more than what we say, so we must be what we want our children to become." ~Joseph Chilton Pearce~

For many students and their parents, that first progress report of the year is probably one of the most jarring moments for them as they try to navigate the emotions that they face from their point of views. This week's focus is the third area of our schools' mantra: resiliency.

Brene Brown, author of Daring Greatly, states in her research on vulnerability and shame, that participants talked about being parented and parenting through the lens of "worthiness, - of being enough," that begins in the familial environment, which sets us on a course that will do one of two things: 1) fight to reclaim our self-worth or 2) give hope, courage and resilience for our journey. And as such, one of the measures of self-worth that we are judged by is academic success.

Brown says, "we should love and accept our children for who they are, which means our job is to love and accept who we are, especially as parents." This is the model that creates courageous children. If we want our children to dare greatly in this "never enough" culture, we cannot use fear, shame, blame and judgment in our own lives as this is the antithesis to raising courageous children.

We want children observing parents who want them to: "1) engage with the world from a place of worthiness; 2) embrace their vulnerabilities and imperfections; 3) value hard work, perseverance and respect; 4) have the courage to be imperfect, vulnerable and creative; 5) to not fear feeling ashamed or unlovable if they are different or if they are struggling; and 6) to move through the world with courage and a resilient spirit."

As the September 6th Progress Report #1 approaches, I want each family to consider how to approach the conversation regarding the progress reports using these observations as the foundation for the conversation.

Falcon Scholars

Please encourage students to attend Falcon Scholars after school tutoring Monday through Thursday each week day from 3:20-5:20pm in the cafeteria prior to Progress Report Grade cut-off.

Saturday Academy

Saturday Academy will most Saturday's from 8:00AM-12:00PM. Please access Hilltop Middle School Google Calendar and view information below for all Saturday dates.

Upcoming Events:

School Site Council, August 28, 2024

The first School Site Council meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, August 28, 2024 at 3:30pm.

Progress Report # 1, September 6, 2024

The first grade period of the year is quickly approaching with Progress Report #1 on September 6, 2024.

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

Students, Parents and Guardians,

There will be no schedule changes. Many classes are full based on teacher contract and we are unable to make changes. Any inquiries dealing with change of class requests need to be referred to the grade level AP/Principal for consideration/approval. Thank you for your understanding.

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

2024-2025 Registration for School is now Open

Families,

Below is the registration process for 2024-2025 school year. Below are the links to the regisration information at the site and district levels;

• Hilltop Middle School Website - Registration Information
• SUHSD Student Services Website - Registration Information

First Day of School for the 2024-2025: July 24, 2024

ATTENTION!!! RETURN TO PRE-COVID IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS WILL BE ENFORCED

Starting the 2024-2025 school year, ALL STUDENTS must have submitted complete immunization records BEFORE the first day of school. No immunizations or incomplete immunizations will result in not being able to go to classes on Day 1. Please plan ahead so that this is not an issue on July 24, 2024.

TRANSFER STUDENT INFORMATION

Are you intending to transfer to HTM? If so, follow the steps below:

• Click on the School Locator Finder to see which is your feeder middle school.
• If you are not from Castle Park, Cook, Kellogg, Greg Rogers, Halecrest, Hilltop Drive or Rosebank, begin at your home school to start the registration process.
• Once you have your activation key for Campus Portal, complete the registration process for your school. Then, in Campus Portal, you can put in your application for an intradistrict transfer to HTM.
• Click HERE to read the Parent Letter on the Transfer Process.For Spanish, click HERE
• Click HERE to access Campus Portal.
• Click HERE to learn how to apply for a transfer to HTM.
• Click HERE to learn the Transfer/Open Enrollment Flowchart for 2024-2025. For Spanish, click HERE.
• Click HERE for Transfer/Open Enrollment FAQs. For Spanish, click HERE.

CURRENT 7TH GRADERS WHO WILL CONTINUE AS 8TH GRADERS

• Click HERE to read the steps to register your current 7th graders to continue as 8th graders.

ALL NEW 7TH AND 8TH GRADERS ENROLLING FOR THE FIRST TIME

Registration and enrollment into HTM MUST FIRST begin the process by providing a 2024-2025 Household Form, and submit the form electronically here. When submitting a form electronically, make sure to follow instructions indicated and that all requirements apply before sending the form.

Don't wait for your registration and enrollment to be completed. Choose your electives now to save your spot in that elective. Click HERE to learn about our available electives. You can also choose your 7th grade elective by completing this ELECTIVE FORM.

To complete your child’s 2024-2025 registration process, you must provide the following documents, in person only, on one the dates listed:

• Residency Affidavit
• Proof of Residency/Address
• Proof of Immunizations
• Student's Birth Certificate
• Copy of Parent/Caregiver Picture ID
• 2024-2025 Online Registration Summary (from Parent Portal account)
• IEP (if applicable)
• 504 (if applicable)
• Transfer Approval (if applicable)

• Complete all sections on both sides of the Household Form
• Provide proof of transfer approval
• Click here to begin registration process

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