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Dear Families:
The spotlight of this week’s Headline News column shows various ways technology is used as a tool for learning at our school. I will focus on one way in particular that pertains to all students of all grade levels: technology as a tool for accessing information that can be used both at home and at school. While the skill of discerning what information is valid, credible, author’s bias, etc. are critical thinking skills we integrate across the curriculum; you may find it useful to know the variety of online resources available to students.
Have your child show you how they log-in to Ed1Stop (from the DM Library IMC page) to gain access to multiple subscription sites that include:
Students incorporate their research from sites such as these into reports and classroom presentations that use appropriate tools and media to inform, persuade, and convey their ideas.
Best regards,
Save the Date!! February 16th, DM Library, 8:30-10:00am
Did you know that 47% of 11th graders and 26% of 9th graders in Marin reported drinking alcohol? Likewise, 33% of 11th graders and 15% of 9th graders in Marin reported binge drinking in the last 30 days in a survey conducted in 2009. Binge drinking for youth in Marin is far higher than for California and the United States. So what can YOU do?! Come find out at our very important Parent Ed Meeting. If you make time for just one Parent Ed meeting all year, this is the one:
Being Adept: Informational Parent Ed Meeting
On Thursday, February 16th, from 8:30 - 10:00 am in the Del Mar Library, there will be an important informational parent meeting for all 7th and 8th grade parents. The evening will explain the new curriculum for “Being Adept” at Del Mar Middle School, particularly the parent piece, which includes cutting edge information, strategies and parenting tips based on real life scenarios with Marin adolescents on how to prevent teen substance abuse. The county and nationwide research shows the best prevention begins in middle school. Please read on for specific information regarding the program.
Being Adept: In the Classroom
Del Mar has decided to bring Being Adept, a highly recommended non-profit organization in Marin, to deliver a comprehensive drug and alcohol prevention curriculum to our students. The program is designed to help students develop healthy and knowledge-based attitudes about substance abuse. The program draws on expert research in health behavior fields (including our very own Dr. Gold!) as well as evidence-based programming to reflect the processes expected to have the greatest impact on middle school students. The in-class sessions scheduled throughout the course of the year will be taught by health professionals, college-age peer leaders from UC Berkeley, and seniors from local high schools. Student participation in the program is voluntary. All information collected from students will be kept strictly confidential, which means it will not be shared with parents, teachers or administrators. We look forward to integrating the Being Adept program into our school, and anticipate an engaging and educational experience for our students.
PIZZA SIGN UPS- Deadline 1/30/12
• Pizza Day sign-ups for the 2nd half of this year, February 2nd – June 14th, are due by Monday January 30th.
• Parents who signed up for the full year will be receiving a confirmation email from Kid Chow and do not need to reorder.
• All other prior pizza sign-ups were only for the September – January period and not for the school year.
• Note: Del Mar Pizza vendor will be Rocco’s for this new semester.
• All families who want to order ‘Pizza Thursdays” for February – June must complete an online form for each child which can ONLY be accessed from your school’s website, CLICK HERE.
Please email Kid Chow at chow@kidchow.com with any questions.
Regards,
Mimi Breck
PTA Site Chair
Make your Annual Giving Donation by 2/2 to be recognized in The Ark - Support Art, Music, P.E., Foreign Language, Technology and Library services at our schools with a donation to the Annual Giving Campaign. Donations received by February 2nd will be acknowledged in our February “Thank You” Ad in The Ark newspaper. Credit cards are accepted if you want to earn points/miles and monthly payment plans are available! Thank you to all who have donated already! Go to www.foundationforreedschools.com today!
Sara Tamer
Dear Families:
Happy New Year!
This Headline News column spotlights our Physical Education program. Like all Del Mar departments, PE goals are framed around “Essential Learnings,” big ideas and concepts that frame specific units of study. Through PE classes, students will:
2) Apply good sportsmanship and know how their individual attitude and effort affects group success
Behind the scenes: Because our students go above and beyond exceeding state standards for fitness (tops in county!), PE teachers have developed higher benchmarks more suited for our population. They are in the process of using data to help students set and meet individual fitness goals. Teachers are also experimenting with how technology can be used to capture student performance and have students reflect on their progress.
In class: As I observe the PE program, three words come to mind: variety, rigor, and fun! Students are engaged in fitness activities that include: interval and circuit training;station work; stationary bikes; tae bo; resistance bands and light weights; and adventure, conversation, poker, and smart runs. This trimester students are also engaged in the following units, depending upon grade level: table tennis, basketball, wrestling, dance with a guest instructor, futsal, jump rope, and juggling. (I will also make one more guest appearance teaching sixth grade aikido and tying this non-violent martial art in with discussions on reducing meanness/bullying and becoming better advocates for self and others.)
Thank you to Norlene Jones, Gary Oefinger, and Dan Morena for their great work with students and for continually working together to deliver a unified program that benefits our students.
Upcoming at Del Mar: National Geography Bee final round competition this Friday; PTA sponsored parent education event with Dr. Kenneth R. Ginsburg focused on "Building Resilience in Children and Teens" Thursday, January 19th, 7-9 pm in the Del Mar Gym; tons of basketball games (our season has begun—check website for schedule), seventh grade Challenge Day (Monday and Tuesday, Jan 23,24).
RUSD PTA and Marin Primary & Middle School
present
Kenneth R. Ginsburg, MD, MS Ed.
Pediatrician, author and advisor to Stanford University's Challenge Success Program
discussing
Building Resilience in Children and Teens:
Preparing our Children for Life
January 19th, 7:00pm
Dr. Ginsburg specializes in adolescent medicine at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and also serves as the director of health services at a shelter for homeless and disenfranchised youth. Dr. Ginsburg lectures widely to national and international parent and professional audiences. His most recent books are Building Resilience in Children and Teens: Giving Kids Roots and Wings, and Letting Go with Love and Confidence: Raising Responsible, Resilient, Self Sufficient Teens. Dr. Ginsburg is an advisor to Standford University's Challenge Success program.
Look for EARLY invite to follow for all PTA MEMBERS.
PTA membership dues are paid annually. If you have not paid your PTA dues for the 2011 - 2012 school year please do so now at: https://www.mypaynetapps.com/pay.php?mip=645712513538293956425430470
PTA membership dues enable us to sponsor events like this one.
Thank you for supporting RUSD PTA.
PIZZA REMINDER... If your child is currently signed up for Pizza, he/she will be receiving pizza through the end of January. Information about ordering for the 2nd half of the year will be out shortly.
PTA NOMINATING COMMITTEE:
The RUSD PTA is looking for volunteers to serve on the PTA Nominating Committee, which is responsible for selecting the slate of officers to be elected for the 2012/2013 school year. These committee members should have a broad acquaintance with the membership and an understanding of the organization's functions and purposes. The Nominating Committee should consist of individuals from all three school sites and represent different geographic areas of our district. This is a short-term commitment - only three meetings! It is a great way to have a voice in PTA leadership. If you would like to serve on this committee, please email Julie Cooke at juliedc@earthlink.net or call 279-0218. Thank you!
Regards,
Mimi Breck
PTA Site Chair
New Years Resolution? Make your Annual Giving Donation! Your donations are critical to the continuation of Art, Music, P.E. Foreign Language, Technology and Library Services. Help us reach our $1.6 million dollar goal and donate today – contributions are 100% tax deductible. Check your company for matching programs. Installment payment plans also available. Contact the Foundation office at criedel@reedschools.org or 384-0628. Donate by 2/2 to be recognized in The Ark.
Save the Dates! We have exciting plans for our spring fundraising events. You won’t want to miss them!
Kids Bingo Night – May 9
Fashion Show Luncheon & Boutique – May 11
School of Rock Regatta Auction Dinner Dance – May 12
Sara Tamer
Dear Families:
This Headline News column spotlights one of our school programs that impact all students: Our Information Media Center (IMC), a.k.a., library, has become a busy hub that serves as Del Mar’s information, media, and technology center. Thanks to Ms. Cerni, here are a few ways that print, multimedia, and information literacy have been integrated to benefit all students:
Students enjoy extended hours. The library is open before school, at break, at lunch, and after school for students and teachers. Students read books as well as a wide range of magazines. They receive research help and tech assistance and work on group projects. We are working on expanding electronic resources especially our audio book collection.
Grade level lessons integrated into the curriculum: 6th grade orientation to library, 7th grade research lessons with history Rome unit, 8th grade visits to help with nonfiction reading logs and upcoming research guidance for social issues project.
The Book Fair was a big hit with middle school students. Highlights included author Michael Grant (The Gone Series) and local author Lewis Buzbee (Steinbeck’s Ghost and Haunting Charles Dickens), meeting and speaking with students. The IMC hosted the Fall Read-a-thon and winter and spring read-a-thon are in the works.
A cadre of loyal IMC assistants help their fellow students with checking out books, shelving, updating magazines, and answering catalog questions.
Researching and trying out appropriate Apps for our new iPads is another part of this new Library IMC position. Special focus is on incorporating this technology in our PE and music programs as ways for students to reflect upon and assess their work.
We just completed our first laptop “Tech-Check” of the year. All students brought their laptops to the IMC for a physical check, quick exterior cleaning, and a chance to list any minor issues on the check-in form. This new process has allowed the IT department to uncover needed repairs before the warranty expires this spring.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS to all! On behalf of the entire Del Mar staff, I wish you a fun, safe, relaxing and joyous holiday break. See you next year…
Wishing all of the Del Mar families a safe and happy holiday!
Regards,
Mimi Breck
PTA Site Chair
On behalf of The Foundation and all the children in our District, thank you so much to the families who have contributed to our $1.6 million goal this year! Currently, we have 12% participation in our Annual Giving Campaign - help us reach 100%! Donate now to take advantage of 2011 tax benefits! Go to www.foundationforreedschools.com to donate and check The Foundation off your list!
We have begun planning for this year’s 7th Grade Challenge Day scheduled for January 23 and 24. The Challenge Day vision is that every child lives in a world where they feel safe, loved and celebrated. Let Allan Gold or Alan Vann Gardner know if you are interested in volunteering as an adult “facilitator.” More information will be forthcoming.
Congratulations to all our Turkey Trot runners who participated this year! Great turnout and enthusiasm by all! Del Mar’s current course records were broken. Please see the pictures below.
Important Play Announcement -- All play audition forms MUST be in turned in to the office by Friday, December 2. The audition forms are posted on our Home Page website under “Hot Links.” Auditions for “Into the Woods” begin next Monday, December 5.
Monday, December 5, 3-5pm Mandatory dance auditions for all grades
Wednesday, December 7, 3-5pm 7th and 8th grade auditions
Thursday, December 8, 2-4pm 6th grade auditions
Monday, December 12, 3-5pm Call backs
Wednesday, December 14, Cast list posted
Wednesday, January 5, 2012, Rehearsals begin
This is a reminder that Parents Place of Marin and the Marin County Office of Education are offering a parent education workshop entitled "Relational Bullying - What It Is and How To Stop It" on Thursday, December 1, 2011 from 6:30-8:00 p.m. Please share this topical training opportunity with your parent community and staff as appropriate. Please RSVP to (415) 499-5816 or email safeschools@marin.k12.ca.us.
2011-12 Yearbooks are bigger than ever! In addition to 72 fun filled color pages, there will be links to video capturing Del Mar in motion, galleries of student films, animations and artwork, sports, concerts and more. Order online from the PTA link on our website, or a check/cash will be accepted in the office. Please make checks out for $40 to Del Mar PTA.
We've got spirit! Order your Del Mar Spirit Wear here. Don't let the cool weather sneak up on you without purchasing our awesome DM sweatshirts, sweat pants and yoga pants.
Regards,
Mimi Breck
PTA Site Chair
Record Turn-Out For Grandparents Day at Reed/Bel Aire! The Foundationteamed up with the schools to host Grandparents and Special Guests at Reed(11/21) and at Bel Aire (11/22). The event showcased our excellentschools, focusing on the specialist programs that are funded by The Foundation.If you want to add grandparents or special guests to the list for futurecommunications please contact Carrie Riedel at the Foundation office at RSFoundation@reedschools.orgor 384-0628.
Give the Gift of Exceptional Education – Your donations are critical to the continuation of Art, Music, P.E. Foreign Language, Technology and Library Services. During this season of giving help us reach our $1.6 million dollar goal - contributions are 100% tax deductible. Check your company for matching programs. Installment payment plans are also available. Donate here.Shop at Toss and raise money for our schools! Toss is hosting a holiday shopping night on December 7th 5-9pm at Toss Designs 343 San Anselmo Avenue in San Anselmo. Enjoy wine, small bites and shop! 20% of sales will be donated to The Foundation for Reed Schools.
Thank you!
Please limit the number of unexcused absences when at all possible. We know that many families schedule extended trips during holiday season (Thanksgiving, Winter Break, etc.) meaning students miss class time while school is in session. In the case students are away, please be sure they:
·
- Communicate directly with their teachers about class assignments;
- Check websites regarding work assigned and due dates; and
- Submit work upon return to school. (All assignments are due the day a student returns to school)
Please read the attached note in preparation for the annual student-led conferences. Student led conference roles This document sets expectations and delineates the roles that students, parents, and advisors play to make conferences a meaningful experience for all. Do keep in mind that report card season is approaching and the most fruitful and poignant conversations revolve around students' best effort, progress made, what sparks their curiosity and imagination, what challenges they face, and what ways we can support them in meeting these challenges. As research and experience have proven, setting goals of being a straight-A student and being overly focused on grades can be detrimental to a students’ well-being (and to learning itself).
Classroom News
And with this week’s sermon over, please enjoy these photos featuring students engaged in Science lab, History trade fair, Leadership presentation, kite flying in celebration of Day of the Dead, Steel Band outdoor lunchtime concert, and Redwood HS Night presentation (with DM alums).
As we head in to the Holiday season, things are getting busy at Del Mar! We have many exciting events coming up over the next month. Read on for details.
Help those in need through the Harvest from the Heart Program:
Our goal at Del Mar is to 1,000+pairs of socks and cards this Thanksgiving!
How you can help? It’s easy!
1. Drop off as many new pairs of black or grey socks (white are second choice as they get dirty easily) and hand-made cards at Del Mar School before Friday, November 18th.There will be a big bin by the front door of the office for donations. Great locations to purchase socks include Walmart.com, Target, Ross, Marshalls, Costco,etc.
2. Or, you can forward us a check/cash and we will be happy to purchase the socks with your donation. For example, an average pair of socks sells for approximately $1.00 to $1.50. So, a $50 donation would allow us to purchase almost 50 pairs of socks!
Thank you in advance for your kindness and generosity this Thanksgiving Season! For more information on Harvest from the Heart, check out their website.
Del Mar Spring Musical Update: Into the Woods!
We have had an enormous amount of interest in this year's Del Mar play, Into the Woods! As a reminder, following are the important upcoming dates:
· Tuesday, November 22:
All Play Registration Forms are due to Del Mar Office
· Monday, December 5:
Mandatory Dance Auditions for all grades, 3:00-5:00
· Wednesday, December 7:
7th/8th Grade Auditions 3:00-5:00
· Thursday, December 8:
6th Grade Auditions 2:00-4:00
· Monday, December 12:
Call Backs for all Grades 3:00-5:00
· Wednesday, December 14:
Cast Lists Posted
Play rehearsals will begin on Wednesday, January 5 and will be held on Mondays,Wednesdays, and Thursdays through April. Please note that if your child changes his/her mind about participating in the play, both the Participation and Volunteer Hours checks are refundable before January 26, 2012.
If you have any questions, pleasedo not hesitate to contact co-chairs: Paige Petrini, Co-Producer pmpetrini@comcast.net or Lisa Trusheim, Co-Producer ltrusheim@marketpro.com.
First School Dance of 2011 is coming up!
Our first school dance of 2011 is Friday, November 18th. If you would like to help at a school dance, please contact Chaperone Chair Tami Pias Lee at tamlpias@hotmail.com or Snack Bar Chair Nancy Nemecek at nanemec@yahoo.com
Regards,
Mimi Breck
PTA Site Chair
LAST CHANCE TO RSVP for Grandparents/Special Friends Day at Reed and Bel Aire. The Foundation is hosting Grandparents and Special Guests Day at Reed on November 21 and at Bel Aire on November 22. This memorable family event will include remarks from our school district leaders and tours of the campuses, centering on the specialist classes the Foundation supports. Please RSVP by November 11th to Carrie Riedel at the Foundation office at RSFoundation@reedschools.org or 384-0628.
WIN REGATTA TICKETS! REGISTER OR RENEW WITH eScrip TODAY!
Make a qualified purchase in November with a participating merchant (like Safeway& Paradise Foods) and you will be entered to win a pair of Reed Regatta tickets! Go to www.escrip.com and sign-up or renew your credit and grocery cards. (Reed Schools Group ID is 136925959). It’s an easy way to raise money for our schools!
WHAT IS THE FOUNDATION THANKFUL FOR? YOUR SUPPORT!
Make your annual giving donation to our largest fundraiser! Your contributions are 100% tax deductible. Many companies have matching programs; check with yours today. Your generous donations provide critical funding for Art, Music, P.E., Technology, Foreign Language and Library Services at our schools. Donate here!
Student-Led Conferences…
Reminders:
8th Grade Parent Meeting with Alan and Allan (Vann Gardner and Gold) and 8th grade student reps is Thursday, Oct. 27 at 8:30am in the Info/Media Center.
7th Grade Parent Meeting with Alan and Allan (Vann Gardner and Gold) and 8th grade student reps is Thursday, Nov. 3 at 8:30 am in the Info/Media Center.
Thanksgiving Sock Drive
We will begin a drive at the beginning of next week to support those less fortunate during this holiday season. Please encourage/remind students to bring new pairs of colored/dark socks to put in the bin by the office. We will begin announcing our drive to students next week in our morning bulletin. This drive is sponsored by Harvest from the Heart, a local charity, that donates items to approximately 3,000 families. Any students wishing to make cards are encouraged to do so as well. Please click here to see the Harvest from the Heart flyer.
Enjoy our slide show below highlighting our Read-A-Thon, Cross-Country Meet, Debate Club, and the 7th and 8th grade Advisory winners of the coveted Del Mar Shields, Garage Band Club.
Many thanks to all the RUSD families that came out and supported the Book Fair. This year's fair was a huge success, thanks to your support!
We've got spirit, yes we do! Don't miss out... order your Del Mar Spirit Wear here while we still have all styles and sizes in stock. Don't let the cool weather sneak up on you without purchasing our awesome DM sweatshirts, sweat pants and yoga pants.
Order a Birthday Book, and support the Del Mar Library: You can honor your child's special day... and enhance the Del Mar Library, all with a click right here! All Birthday Book donations go directly towards the purchasing of new books for our wonderful library.
PTA Membership... Grow with Us: Our PTA supports and coordinates a number of programs and activities including Assemblies, Parent Education, Staff Development, Field Trips, School Musicals and much more! We are dependent on parent support through annual PTA membership. For just $20.00 a family, you can help us enrich your child's RUSD experience -click here!
Help The Foundation meet our $1.6 million goal! Please support the programs our children need and love!! The Annual Giving Campaign raises 80% of the $1.6 million needed to fund Art, Music, P.E., Foreign Language, Technology and Library Services for all three of our schools. All donations are tax-deductible! Please donate today by clicking here!
RSVP for Grandparents/Special Friends Day at Reed and Bel Aire The Foundation is hosting Grandparents and Special Guests Day at Reed on 11/21 and Bel Aire on 11/22. This memorable family event will include remarks from our school district leaders and tours of the campuses, centering on the specialist classes the Foundation supports. RSVP by November 4th to Carrie Riedel at the Foundation office at RSFoundation@reedschools.org or 384-0628.
Win Regatta Tickets By Shopping for Groceries! – Make a qualified purchase in November with participating eScrip merchants (Safeway, Paradise Foods, Round Table or Mollie Stones) and you will be automatically entered to win a pair of Reed Regatta tickets! Be sure to register or update your credit and grocery cards (Reed Schools Group ID is 136925959) at www.escrip.com. Tell your family, friends & neighbors to sign up too – it’s easy, free and raises money for our schools!From the Principal's Desk
Dear Del Mar Families,Grade Level Parent Meetings: We encourage all to attend these community conversations as Allan, Alan (Gold and Vann Gardner) and 8th grade students present and address where we’re headed (our shared vision of a Del Mar/RUSD graduate); where our middle schoolers are in their cognitive, physical, social, and moral development; and how we can work together to support them along the way. Students will share what they learned in conferences they attended with regard to being high achieving and “balanced individual” at the same time.
Outdoor Education: We are in the process of planning the following trips to extend student learning beyond the classroom:
Yosemite Institute for interested 6/7th grade students enriches science curriculum: Sunday-Tuesday, May 6-8.
Ashland, Oregon Shakespeare Festival for interested 7/8th grade students enriches English program and Shakespeare studies: We are in process of finalizing dates for this May trip.
Date for Parent Informational meeting has been changed to Monday, October 24 at 6:30 pm in the Cyber Lounge. Applications will be distributed at the meeting and available in the office thereafter. Informational meetings for students will occur during the school day.
Peak inside the classrooms: This week’s photo gallery again showcases Del Mar students in action—presenting in class and at parent meetings, as library assistants, and working together during early morning Mathletes Club as well as last Friday’s Grade Level Retreats which provided opportunities to for students to build team unity, spirit and collaboration. Enjoy the pictures below!
Best regards,
Alan Vann Gardner, Ed.D.
Principal
PTA News
REMINDER, THE BOOK FAIR IS THIS WEEK! Please join us in the Del Mar School Gym Tuesday, 10/10 thru Friday 10/14! Family Night is Tuesday, 10/11 from 5:00-7:30. Pizza and drinks will be available for purchase, and Guest Authors will be on hand to autograph new books. Proceeds benefit the RUSD Libraries. For more details, http://delmar.reedschools.org/Page/150click here, or check on the District PTA home page!
LIBRARY VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: Janet Cerni, who is in charge of our Information Media Center (library) need some volunteers! Looking to help out? Can't commit to a big project? Here's your chance... please contact Janet if you have a some time to help with the routine upkeep/repair of books and the covering of new books. Easy, but necessary work to keep our Library in tip top shape. Let us know if you can help. Email Janet at: jcerni@reedschools.org.
UPCOMING GRADE LEVEL MEETINGS:
8th Grade Meeting: Thursday, 10/27, 8:30m, Library
7th Grade Meeting (please note new date): Thursday, 11/3, 8:30am, Library
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Foundation News
Check Your Mail for Annual Giving Campaign Materials! Our schools need your support to fund Art, Music, Physical Education, Foreign Language, Technology, and Library Services. In order to reach our $1.6 million goal, it is critical to have 100% family participation! Remember, alhttps://www.mypaynetapps.com/pay.php?mip=334512506299084259568465821l donations are tax-deductible! Please click here to make a donation.https://www.mypaynetapps.com/pay.php?mip=334512506299084259568465821
TPC Donates $10,000 to The Foundation! Help Us Thank Them By Volunteering at the Tennis Tournament! The Tiburon Peninsula Club generously donates $10,000 from the Tiburon Challenger October 10-14. Please show your appreciation by attending the tournament and/or volunteering. To get involved as a volunteer please contact Traci Goldman, mailto:traci@richiegoldman.comtraci@richiegoldman.com or cell 415-717-4784.
Sara Tamer
Foundation Communications
www.foundationforreedschools.org
Building upon our vision of a Del Mar/RUSD graduate to explore ways to continually promote creative problem solving, effective communication, and best, balanced selves;
Developing ways to assess students based upon our vision and toward this end. We agreed that a primary goal of assessment is continued student learning and that the process of reflecting on work, trials, errors, as well as successes leads to deeper understanding.
Grade Level Meeting Dates (all 8:30 am in Cyber Lounge):
6th Grade Thursday, October 6
7th Grade Thursday, October 13
8th Grade Thursday, October 27
Please read below for our PTA and Foundation News!
The Annual RUSD Book Festival is right around the corner: October 10-14 at Del Mar. Volunteers Needed! If you would like to help out, please contact Courtney Finnegan at <tozzifinnegan@yahoo.com>
Last Call to Buy your 2011-2012 directories on-line! This is the “ultimate” survival guide! Need to coordinate a carpool? How about a playdate with a new friend? The Directory includes phone and cell numbers, address and email information for all your children's friends, teacher emails, class lists, the school calendar and important school & PTA information. Discounts are available if you buy more than two, so buy one for your home, office and car today! Click here to buy your Directories online by October 4th for in-class delivery in October.
We've got spirit, yes we do! Don't miss out... order your Del Mar Spirit Wear here while we still have all styles and sizes in stock. Don't let the cool weather sneak up on you without purchasing our awesome DM sweatshirts, sweat pants and yoga pants.
Order a Birthday Book, and support the Del Mar Library: You can honor your child's special day... and enhance the Del Mar Library, all with a click right here! All Birthday Book donations go directly towards the purchasing of new books for our wonderful library.
PTA Membership... Grow with Us: Our PTA supports and coordinates a number of programs and activities including Assemblies, Parent Education, Staff Development, Field Trips, School Musicals and much more! We are dependent on parent support through annual PTA membership. For just $20.00 a family, you can help us enrich your child's RUSD experience -click here!
Don't miss the Mill Valley (Tam High and MVMS) PTSA 2011 Parent Education Conference! The subject is “Teens, Mental Health, and Resilience: Today’s Risks and the Role of Active Listening and Responding” with speaker Stephen P. Hinshaw, PhD Professor, Department of Psychology, University of California Berkeley. Please click here for more information.
Laptops for learning: We are pleased that students have received their laptops earlier this year than in previous school years. They are already engaged in various projects to enhance learning. Regarding laptops…
Content Filters: We have a new comprehensive content filter that blocks sites for students both at home and at school. Some sites currently being blocked include YouTube, Facebook, MySpace, peer-to-peer sharing such as LimeWire, pornography and gambling sites.
Our goal is to balance granting students maximum access to worthwhile educational sites and blocking those where cyber ethics and safety are of concern. Periodically we will meet as a district and school team to decide if there are sites that should be opened or closed based on these considerations.
We also have a remote desktop program on various computers at school that allows us to monitor students’ laptop use in class. As we have stated in the past, the best filter is us—staff at school and parents at home, engaging students in dialogue about values, ethics, safety, and balance; and monitoring their use.
Online Grades: Student and parent access to online grades is coming after Back to School Night as is our tradition. Teachers will explain grading policies and we will send a letter with student and parent access logins at the end of next week.
Extra-Curricula Enrichment Activities: Our Tuesday lunchtimeGarden Club is already under way and excited about maintaining the new certified monarch way station.We have a new Debate Club that meets at lunchtime on Mondays (for information) and Wednesdays (for debate practice). Their first invitational is on Saturday 9/17 - good luck! Mathclub will meet for the first time this Thursday morning 9/15 at 7:35 a.m. in the Cyber Lounge. Students receive information about all of these extraordinary opportunities in through our daily school announcements. Please ask and encourage your child to participate!
After school sports: Cross-country for all grades and 8th Grade Girls Volleyball season begins soon. Teams will be assembling shortly. Students should listen to our daily bulletin for details.Please contact Mr. Oefinger for more information.
Back to School Night: I look forward to seeing you all at Back to School Night next Thursday, September 22. Parents will follow their child’s schedule (they will provide you with their list of classes and locations next week), meeting for brief 10 minute presentations with each teacher. This evening is for adults only, and provides an opportunity to hear about the exciting learning, classroom expectations, and how to communicate with teachers in the most efficient and effective ways.
Please read below for our PTA and Foundation News!
As we settle into our Fall routines, please remember to support the PTA and our many valuable programs. We have made it as easy as the click of a button. Purchase your PTA Membership, Spirit Wear and Birthday Books on line, it's easy and will even keep track of your purchases for you over the course of the school year. Click here for PTA Dues & Purchases.
We've got spirit, yes we do! Don't miss out... order your Del Mar Spirit Wear here while we still have all styles and sizes in stock. Don't let the cool weather sneak up on you without purchasing our awesome DM sweatshirts, sweat pants and yoga pants.
Order a Birthday Book, and support the Del Mar Library: You can honor your child's special day... and enhance the Del Mar Library, all with a click right here! All Birthday Book donations go directly towards the purchasing of new books for our wonderful library.
PTA Membership... Grow with Us: Our PTA supports and coordinates a number of programs and activities including Assemblies, Parent Education, Staff Development, Field Trips, School Musicals and much more! We are dependent on parent support through annual PTA membership. For just $20.00 a family, you can help us enrich your child's RUSD experience -click here!
Don't miss the Mill Valley (Tam High and MVMS) PTSA 2011 Parent Education Conference! The subject is “Teens, Mental Health, and Resilience: Today’s Risks and the Role of Active Listening and Responding” with speaker Stephen P. Hinshaw, PhD Professor, Department of Psychology, University of California Berkeley. Please click here for more information.
Del Mar Site Chair
Last chance to buy a Business or Family Ad in the RUSD Directory. The deadline is extended to September 16th! Email your art, photo, and your message with payment information toRSFoundation@reedschools.org. Click here for more information.
2011/2012 Directories Now on Sale– Buy one today for your home, your car and office! Orders must be placed on-line by September 30th for in-class delivery.
Sign-up and RENEW with eScrip –Register your credit and grocery cards and The Foundation receives a percentage of all purchases at participating merchants like Paradise Foods,Safeway, Mollie Stones and Round Table. There is NO cost to you to sign-up and this program contributes over $40,000 to The Foundation each year!
Sara Tamer
Foundation Communications
