Hello Falcon Families!
Welcome Back! We hope your Thanksgiving break was filled with relaxation, family, and cherished memories. As we return to campus tomorrow, we’re looking forward to reconnecting and finishing the semester with focus and enthusiasm.
Thank you for your continued support as we work together to make this a productive and positive end to the year! Here’s to finishing the quarter strong and savoring the time with family and friends ahead!
If you have any questions, email me at jkeith@byron.k12.ca.us.
Sincerely,
Ms. Jamie Keith
EMS Principal
This week, our students will take the NWEA MAP Growth exam, an important mid-year benchmark assessment. This exam provides valuable insights into each student's academic progress, helping us tailor instruction to meet their individual needs.
MAP Growth measures growth in key areas like reading and math, giving a clear picture of how much progress has been made since the start of the school year. It also identifies areas for growth, helping students, families, and teachers work together to set meaningful goals for success.
We encourage you to talk with your child about the importance of taking this assessment seriously. Remind them that their effort matters and that their results help us support them better in their learning journey.
How you can help at home:
- Discuss the Test's Purpose: Emphasize that this test measures growth, not perfection.
- Encourage Best Effort: Reassure your student to do their best without stress.
- Ensure a Good Start: A good night's sleep and a nutritious breakfast can make a big difference on test days.
Your child's score report will be sent home with their Quarter 2 Report Card in January. We utilize both grades and benchmark scores to determine support placements for Quarter 3. Thank you for partnering with us to ensure every student reaches their potential!
We’re excited to share that we’ve recently invested in protective covers for all student Chromebooks! These durable cases are designed to help reduce damage and extend the lifespan of our devices. Most students received their cases last Thursday and the remaining Chromebooks will be fitted with covers when we return from Thanksgiving break.
The covers are a two-piece design, providing protection for both the screen and keyboard portions of the Chromebook. While no case can completely eliminate the risk of damage, these covers are an important step in safeguarding our school’s technology resources.
We continue to encourage students to handle their Chromebooks with care, including keeping them in a safe place when not in use and avoiding rough handling. With the covers and thoughtful care, we hope to see fewer repairs and smoother learning experiences for everyone.
As a reminder, we have linked our Technology Agreement below in hopes that you can review our schoolwide expectations specific to our student Chromebooks. Thank you for your support and partnership in teaching responsibility and helping us maintain these vital tools for learning!
Our Quarter 3 Sports are Cheer and Boys Basketball. If your child is interested in participating in either sport, please fill out THIS GOOGLE FORM.
More information on cheer and boys basketball will be sent out later this week.
We are seeking donations of holiday cookies and treats for our dedicated teachers and staff at EMS! Please drop off any donations at the office the morning of December 18th. Treats can be homemade or store bought. Sign up to to bring cookies or treats by CLICKING HERE and, if the sign up is full, treats can still be dropped off the morning of December 18th. For questions, reach out to excelsiorptsapresident@gmail.com.
Our next PTSA Meeting is on Wednesday, January 8th at 7:00 pm on Zoom!
Interested in joining our PTSA? Please click HERE! The money collected through our PTSA memebership dues goes towards school activities and improvements!
The holiday season is a time filled with joy, traditions, and connection, but it can also bring added stress, especially for preteens and teens. From the pressures of school deadlines to navigating changing social dynamics, our children can feel overwhelmed. As parents and guardians, there are meaningful ways to support their mental well-being during this busy time.
Tips for a Mentally Healthy Holiday Season:
- Prioritize Open Communication: Encourage your preteen or teen to share their feelings. Ask open-ended questions like, “How are you feeling about everything going on this month?” or “What can we do to make the holidays more enjoyable for you?” Actively listen without judgment to create a safe space for them to express themselves.
- Maintain Routines: While holiday schedules can be hectic, try to keep a consistent routine for meals, sleep, and downtime. Preteens and teens thrive on predictability, and maintaining some normalcy can reduce stress.
- Set Realistic Expectations: Discuss holiday plans together and keep expectations manageable. Your teen may feel pressure to meet family traditions or attend gatherings when they’d rather relax. Giving them a say in activities can help them feel empowered and less stressed.
- Practice Self-Care Together: Teach your teen the importance of self-care by modeling it yourself. Activities like going for a walk, baking, watching a favorite movie, or engaging in a calming hobby can serve as bonding time and stress relief.
Watch for Signs of Stress: Look out for changes in behavior, such as withdrawal, irritability, or trouble sleeping. These could be signs your child is feeling overwhelmed. If they seem particularly anxious or down, encourage them to talk with a trusted adult or counselor.
Create Opportunities for Connection: The holidays are a great time to strengthen family bonds. Share stories, play games, or work on a creative project together. These moments build lasting memories and help foster a sense of belonging.
Limit Overcommitment: It's okay to say “no” to extra events or tasks if they disrupt your family’s balance. Teaching your teen that it's okay to set boundaries can help them learn valuable life skills for managing their own commitments.
Remember: It’s Okay to Seek Support! If your child is showing persistent signs of anxiety or depression, reach out for professional help. Our school counselor, Ms. Sprenkel, is always a resource, and there are many local and national organizations ready to provide guidance.
The holiday season offers a chance to slow down and focus on what truly matters—being present with those we care about most. By prioritizing mental health, we can make this time of year more meaningful for everyone in the family.
Excelsior Middle School
Email: jkeith@byron.k12.ca.us
Website: https://www.excelsiormiddleschool.us/
Location: 14301 Byron Highway, Byron, CA, USA
Phone: 925-809-7530
Twitter: @EMSFalcons