Union Middle Weekly Update V5.08!

Hello Union Middle School Families,

I hope everyone had a wonderful three day weekend. As promised last week, here's a preview of some of our upcoming events at Union Middle School for the month of October!

First, the UMS Spelling Bee starts tomorrow, Monday, October 7th. Your student can sign up HERE. Please note that students are expected to sign up for the event prior to the beginning of the Spelling Bee. Good luck!

Second, we have two special schedules this month for our Character Strong SEL lessons. These lessons (called Special Assembly Tuesdays, or SAT for short) are included on the UMS Calendar (available HERE) for your reference. I encourage you to speak with your middle schooler on the afternoon/evenings following these SEL lessons to see what they discussed/learned. Feedback always welcome.

Third, Girls' Soccer and Boys' Volleyball tryouts start on October 14th, always subject to change. If you are interested in having your student try out for these sports, please visit the UMS Sports Website (available HERE) for more information.

Fourth, We have our first UMS Games of the school year scheduled for Friday, October 18th in the UMS Library from 6-7:15 pm. Please expect a link in next week's newsletter with additional information.

Fifth, our book fair begins the week of October 21. Also this week, we have our annual Quality Quad Time on 10/22. This is a new date and lunch is 12:38 to 1:08 (a different time than usual). You will have more information next week, but to quickly summarize, Quality Quad Time is a chance for you to join your student for lunch on the UMS campus. You do not need to mention this visit to your student just yet; there is a chance they may say you're not allowed to participate. Please note that if they do say such things, just tell them that Mr. Feinberg gave you explicit permission to join for lunch. Again, more information next week.

Sixth, the UMS BLAST (sponsored by our UMS HSC) will be that Friday, October 25th from 6:00-8:30 pm. Please look below for additional info and we hope to see you there!

Seventh, our October HSC meeting has been pushed back to October 28th. This meeting is one of our morning meetings. We spend about 30 minutes or so on HSC details and then around 9:00 am, our school counselors (Mrs. Banzet and Mrs. Lueck) give a presentation with advice on how to navigate the trials and tribulations of raising a middle school student. I strongly encourage everyone to attend the meeting, if possible - it's a fantastic presentation. We will share slides thereafter, just FYI.

Eighth, almost done, we have our Halloween Concert on Monday, October 28th at 6:30 pm. Our music concerts last for about 90 minutes and showcase all of our bands and music clubs. Everyone is welcome!

Ninth, so close to the end now, we have Halloween on (of course) Thursday, October 31st. Yes, students can dress up in costumes for school this day. You'll get a longer notification about Halloween and all of the expectations therein this or next week. Please review that incoming letter to ensure a positive Halloween experience for everyone.

And finally, Tenth, there is no school the day after Halloween on November 1st, as this is a staff development day for USD. For most of our students, this is a welcome day off after an evening of candy eating the night before.

Yes, October is a BUSY month. :)

Some quick reminders...

-Deadline to sign up for the 2024-25 8th grade DC trip (which is not affiliated nor sponsored by UMS/USD) is October 15, 2024. If you would like details, please contact the DC Trip Organizer at: umsdctrip@gmail.com and/or visit the DC Trip Website at bit.ly/dcwebsite25.

-The *NEW* UMS Store is available at bit.ly/umstigers. I am very hopeful that this version of the UMS Store is a bit more seamless for our UMS community. Feedback always welcome.

-Tryouts are starting! Please visit the athletics website (bit.ly/unionathletics) to stay updated!

-If you haven't purchase school pictures yet this year (retakes or otherwise), please consider doing so. All of the recent photo day portraits are now ready to view and order. To view your child's gallery, use the QR slip your child brought home from picture day. No QR slip, no problem! Click on the link provided and enter your child’s student ID number for their online code: https://vando.imagequix.com/K9EXQ9Q Questions? Contact Generations School Photography at: orders@gsp-photos.com

-We are looking for more lunchtime supervisors. It's just a half hour daily and is a paid position. You can sign up for one to five days a week - it's up to you! No experience necessary. If interested, please email Mrs. Mantell at mantellA@unionsd.org. Thank you!

-Our staff member profile this week is Ms. Katrina Hochmuth, our 7th grade RSP teacher. I hope you enjoy it!

Todd Feinberg, Principal

• October 7, 2024 - Spelling Bee @ Lunch (All Week)
  
• October 8, 2024 - Special Assembly Tuesday (See Bell Schedule)
• October 14, 2024 - Girl Soccer Tryouts Begin (check sports website for more information)
• October 14, 2024 - Boys Volleyball Tryouts Begin (check sports website for more information)
• October 17, 2024 - Earthquake Drill
• October 18, 2024 - UMS Games @ UMS Library (6-7:15pm)
• October 21, 2024 - UMS Book Fair Begins!
• October 22, 2024 - Special Assembly Tuesday (See Bell Schedule)
• October 22, 2024 - Quality Quad Time @ Lunch (more info to come) NEW DATE
• October 25, 2024 - UMS BLAST - More info to come!
• October 28, 2024 - October HSC Meeting @ UMS Library (8:45-10:15am) NEW DATE
• October 28, 2024 - Halloween Concert @ UMS Quad (6:30-8pm) NEW DATE
• November 1, 2024 - NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS - Staff Professional Development Day
• November 11, 2024 - NO SCHOOL - Veterans Day
• November 14, 2024 - Fire Drill
• November 18, 2024 - November HSC Meeting @ UMS Teacher's Lounge (6:30pm)
• November 19, 2024 - Mid Quarter Reports - Check PowerSchool!
• November 19, 2024 - Special Assembly Tuesday (See Bell Schedule)
• November 25-29, 2024 - Thanksgiving Break - NO SCHOOL
• December 6, 2024 - 7th & 8th Grade Winter Dance @ UMS Gym (6-8pm)
• December 10, 2024 - Special Assembly Tuesday (See Bell Schedule)
• December 10, 2024 - Fire Drill
• December 13, 2024 - Girls Basketball Tryouts Begin (check sports website for more information)
• January 29, 2024 - Lockdown Drill
• February 14, 2024 - Earthquake Drill
• March 20, 2024 - Fire Drill
• April 17, 2024 - Earthquake Drill
• May 16, 2024 - Fire Drill
• June 2, 2024 - Earthquake Drill

Ms. Katrina Hochmuth has been at Union Middle School for the past 3 years. She currently serves as our 7th grade RSP teacher. Enjoy the following Q&A below as we get to meet Katrina Hochmuth!

How long have you been at UMS? What do you love about being an educator at UMS? I've been at Union Middle School for 3 years. What I love about being an educator at UMS is the people in this community. There is so much diversity with students and staff and each person has their own unique story to tell.

What are you most proud of in your career so far? My teaching career is just beginning, and I am proud of myself for taking the leap to start. Going back to school and working full-time this year will no doubt be difficult, but I am ready to take on this challenge.

What's one thing your students don't know about you that they would be surprised to find out?

When I was in college, I played beach volleyball against Costa Rican Olympians while in Costa Rica. My partner and I didn’t win the match, but we did win one set!

What are your words of wisdom? My words of wisdom are to lean on those around you. Always appreciate the friends and family around you.

If you had three wishes, what would they be? First, I would wish to watch Gilmore Girls for the first time again. This should be self-explanatory. Second, I would wish to never get tired and never need to sleep. I could get so much more done if I had a full 24 hours to do everything. Third, I would wish to be 6 feet tall. I'm 5'11, but 6'0 just sounds cooler.

What's your favorite lesson/curriculum to teach each year? Why? My favorite lessons to teach are social and emotional learning. I like that SEL activities often involve teamwork and collaboration, which help students build stronger relationships with their peers.

What made you want to become a teacher? I wanted to become a special education teacher because I want to empower students with diverse needs. I find joy in creating an inclusive and supportive classroom environment where all students feel valued and respected.

What's one instructional practice that you've adopted for your classroom that you now cannot live without? One practice I've adopted for my classroom is differentiate instruction. This practice helps accommodate students' varied learning styles, abilities, and interests. It ensures that all students have access to the tools they needs to succeed.

You are invited to the biggest UMS event of the year: the annual UMS BLAST! Sponsored by the UMS Home & School Club, the annual UMS BLAST provides a chance for the whole family to join for this community event; enjoy the food, games, prizes, photo booth, DJ, inflatables, and more! This year the theme is DISCO, so bust out your best disco outfit and accessories and have a BLAST on the UMS quad! To check out more info about the event and to sign up for donations and volunteering, visit the UMS HSC Blast website!

Do you, or someone you know, have a business or organization and would like to support Union Middle School? We invite you to donate to the Union Middle School Home and School Club’s Community Sponsorship program. UMS Home & School Club is a registered charitable trust and a non-profit association under Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS code. Community Sponsors donate ONCE, and in exchange, receive visibility to the Union Middle School community. Sponsors receive recognition on our Home and School Club website, in our multiple Music programs throughout the year, our Drama production, our Dodgeball tournament, as well as our biggest community event, coming up in a few short weeks on October 25th, The Blast. To learn more and donate please go to www.unionhsc.org/community-sponsorships.html

There are many ways to get involved at Union Middle School. From leading Art Vistas lessons or helping at the Scholastic Book Fair to participating in fundraisers or supporting music, drama, or athletics, there’s definitely an opportunity to fit your schedule and interests. Sign up here: www.unionhsc.org/volunteer.html.

This year, our primary way to fundraise will be through the Annual Membership Drive. We rely on your generous donations to hit our fundraising goals. If your employer provides Corporate Matching, this is another way for you to double your donation and help support Union Middle School students, teachers, and school programs. Please follow the steps below and donate online today!

Donate online now: bit.ly/umstigers

Your HSC Membership donations support:

• HSC donates approximately $175 per student each year

• Art Vistas, Athletics, Music, Drama, Technology, and Cheer programs

• All of our teachers, who receive $500 each for teaching and classroom supplies, resources, and online education subscriptions

• Grants made available to faculty to fund one-time expenses

• A wide range of student resources and support programs including orientation for new 6th graders (WEB), mentoring, UMS Reads, and leadership training.

Donate online now: bit.ly/umstigers

Bridge the Gap is a principal discretionary fund that enables the principal and staff to provide the best possible educational experience for the students at Union Middle School. Your Bridge the Gap donations support:

• Teacher development and teacher recognition events

• Existing programs that may have been drastically cut or risk cancellation

• Student clubs and student recognition events.

You can easily double your donation via Corporate Matching. Find more information here: www.unionhsc.org/corporate-matching.html

All are welcome at our monthly HSC meetings. Visit the HSC website for updates and information all year long: www.unionhsc.org.

​It will be 40 years since 8 parents at Alta Vista Elementary school got together and started the Art Vistas program for their students. For almost 40 years, we've delivered the finest art education to Transitional Kindergarten through 8th grade classrooms in Union School District and beyond, exposing students to art history and technique, bringing the joy of art and growing creative confidence in children, everywhere.

40th Anniversary Gala - Support Art Vistas with a fun night out!

Date/Time: Saturday, October 12th, 2024 6pm - 9pm
Location: The San Jose Clubhouse/We and Our Neighbors
Address: 15480 Union Avenue, San Jose, CA 95124

The Gala will include:

• Appetizers, drinks and adult beverages
• Stand-up comedy featuring local comedians, with headliner Kathy Guest
• Art-themed trivia, silent auction and more....

Purchase your tickets HERE.

Our morning clinics have begun!

If your student needs extra support, homework help, and/or test preparation, our UMS clinics can help! Whether they are struggling with the curriculum or just want to sharpen their academic skills, our staff (and high school tutors) are ready to assist them. Please encourage your student to take advantage of these opportunities, available throughout the week. Students should arrive with work to do and/or questions to ask - Clinics aren't necessarily 1:1 tutoring; they're a place where students can get extra help with their academic questions.

Math Clinic: Wednesdays and Fridays from 8:05 am to 8:25 am in Room 3

ELA Clinic: Mondays and Thursdays from 8:05 to 8:25 am in Room 4

Science Clinic: Tuesdays and Fridays from 8:05 to 8:25 am in Room 30

Teacher Team Links included below and are available through Teams & Staff on our homepage (via unionms.unionsd.org). Your student should know which team they're on. And of course, please bookmark the below link for usage throughout the school year.

6th Grade Happy Campers

6th Grade Avengers

7th Grade Otters

7th Grade Firefly

8th Grade Mustangs

8th Grade Penguins

As the seasons progress, more information will be added for whatever after-school sports become available. Please visit the website for tryout information and other key topics. Questions: Mrs. Moore is our athletic director and is available to answer any questions not already shared on the UMS Athletics website.

Save the date October 26, 2024 (1-3 PM) at Dartmouth Middle School for USD’s third annual districtwide event–by the community, for the community.

In the spirit of community giving, the event will include various donation drives to support the USD Clothing Closet and Blessings in a Backpack programs. Open to the entire community, there will be lots of fun activities, games and music performances by USD students. More details coming soon!

We are excited to kick off our Fall Adult English Classes series. These classes are free and available to all USD families wanting to improve their English skills. Check out the flyers for our Beginner Class and for our Intermediate/Advanced Class for more information and to register for the classes!

We are excited to provide an upcoming parent night entitled “Parenting in the Digital Age” on October 15. Please check out this flyer for more information and to register for the event!

USD is seeking qualified, interested individuals to serve on a committee of community leaders which will serve as the Independent Citizens’ Oversight Committee (“COC”) for the implementation of the District’s Measure J and Measure R school facilities and technology bond program. COC members are appointed to two-year terms, and the time commitment is approximately one hour per quarter.

The vacancies are currently in the role of:

• Business Representative - Active in a business organization representing local business

• Taxpayer Organization Member - Active in a bona fide taxpayers’ association.

If you are interested in serving, applications are available here.

We are actively seeking parents to join the District's Wellness Committee. This committee will meet monthly to review and provide valuable feedback on the District's initiatives to support student wellness through various areas: including health education, physical education and activity, health services, nutrition services, psychological and counseling services, and a safe and healthy school environment. If you are interested in joining the District’s Wellness Committee please contact Rachel Duncan at duncanr@unionsd.org.

he Santa Clara County Office of Education (SCCOE) Tobacco Use Prevention Education (TUPE) program is hosting two engaging and informative evenings, packed with tips on talking to your teens about vaping, cannabis, and tobacco. Available in both English and Spanish, you’ll leave with the knowledge and resources to guide your family towards a safer, healthier future.

When & Where:

• Thursday, October 24 | 6-7:30 PM
  1290 Ridder Park San Jose, CA 95131
  (English: Oak Grove Room | Spanish: Milpitas Room)

Registration: sccoe.to/parentsRP

• Tuesday, October 29 | 6-7:30 PM
  South County Annex Gilroy, CA 95020
  (English: Conference Room | Spanish: Multi-Purpose Room)

Registration: sccoe.to/parentSCA

Email: feinbergt@unionsd.org
Website: Unionms.Unionsd.org
Location: 2130 Los Gatos Almaden Road, San Jose, CA, USA
Phone: (408) 371-0366
Twitter: @goteamums