I hope this message finds you well. As we move into February, we have many exciting activities and learning opportunities ahead for our students. Middle school students are especially looking forward to their upcoming Catalina Island trip, where they will experience hands-on learning in a unique environment. Thank you for your continued support and involvement in your child’s education. We’re excited for all that is to come this month!

In 7th and 8th grade, students are developing their reading comprehension and analytical skills. They are focusing on understanding literary elements, analyzing text structure, and drawing evidence-based conclusions to enhance their critical thinking and writing abilities.

In both 7th and 8th grades, students are working through Reveal Math Module 4. Seventh graders are focusing on understanding and applying operations with rational numbers, including addition, subtraction, and the use of number lines to represent solutions. Eighth graders are exploring linear equations, proportional relationships, functions, and scatter plots, deepening their understanding of how to analyze and interpret data.

In 7th grade, students are studying the geographic, political, economic, religious, and social structures of Medieval Japan. They are completing a zig-zag vocabulary activity and adding key terms to their notes.

For 8th grade, students are exploring the foundations of the American political system and the ways citizens participate in it. They are learning the vocabulary for the New Nation Unit and have written a summary to reflect on these concepts.

In 7th grade, students are investigating how plants use photosynthesis to transform light energy into stored chemical energy, deepening their understanding of energy flow in living systems.

In 8th grade, students are exploring the principles of wave properties, including the relationship between wavelength, frequency, and energy, to understand how waves transfer information and energy.

The Leader in Me program emphasizes essential life skills that foster leadership, personal growth, and positive relationships. In Practicing Relationship Trust, students learn to build trust with others through integrity, respect, and communication. Thinking With Abundance teaches students to adopt a mindset of possibilities and mutual success, focusing on collaboration rather than competition. Through Acting as an Upstander, students are encouraged to stand up for others and take action when they see someone in need of help or support. Finally, Creating Win-Win Agreements promotes the idea of finding solutions that benefit all parties, encouraging cooperative problem-solving and mutual respect. Together, these lessons help students develop strong character, positive relationships, and a commitment to making responsible choices.

Our middle school students are working on an exciting Vision Board Project to encourage them to reflect on their goals and dreams. This creative activity helps students visualize their aspirations for the future—whether academic, personal, or social. Using images, quotes, and words from magazines, printouts, or their own art, they’ll create a board that represents their unique vision. The project aims to inspire self-awareness, motivation, and goal-setting skills, fostering a growth mindset. Students will also write a reflection explaining their choices and how their vision aligns with their personal objectives. We look forward to seeing their creativity and dreams come to life!

• 02/04/25: Earthquake Drill, Spelling Bee 
• 02/05/25 - 02/06/25: Schoolwide Hearing/Vision Screenings
• 02/06/25: San Elijo Lagoon Hike Field Trip (Grade 2)
• 02/07/25: LIM Assemblies
• 02/08/25 - 02/09/25: Catalina Island MS Field Trip
• 02/13/25: Family Visitation, Love Your Heart Blood Pressure Screening
• 02/14/25 - 02/17/25: No School: President's Holiday
• 02/20/25: Admin. Coffee Mingle
• 02/21/25: Spring Picture Day, Kindergarten and 8th Grade Promotion Picture Day
• 02/25/25: Lockdown Drill
• 02/26/25: Rawhide Ranch Field Trip (Grade 5), Minimum Day for Staff Development, LE Wax Museum
• 02/28/25: Spirit Day: Career Day