NEWS-FLASH #2: 2022-2023 SCHOOL YEAR

Dear Families,

We are excited to welcome our students back to school tomorrow! The sun is ready to shine on them all as they step foot on campus. Cervantes once said "the journey is better than the inn.” Meaning, the process is more valuable than the destination. We are looking forward to living this journey along with your child and helping guide them through it. 

Coming back from summer break can bring on a variety of feelings for middle school aged children. Those emotions range from excitement to nervousness. In preparation for starting the school year off on the right foot, I recommend you sit down with your child tonight to discuss how they are feeling coming back to school. Prompts you may consider using are simply, “what excites you about coming back to school and what worries you?” I also recommend you discuss with your child what they feel they need to do to be successful at Del Mar, both academically and socially. 

Our staff has been working hard to prepare for our students' return. Our focus has been on creating a positive culture and climate on campus through relationship building practices. We feel that our students are more likely to learn at a high level and thrive if they feel connected to the school.

Please note that we have a special bell schedule this week, with an early release at 2:05 PM on the first day of school and a regular 3:10 PM release on Friday. That modified schedule can be viewed HERE. Please ensure your child arrives on time tomorrow (allow time for back-to-school traffic). The first bell rings at 8:15 AM, with school starting promptly at 8:20 AM (please remember cars are not to pull into our parking lot for drop-off). 

Thanks,

Chad Stuart

Principal

Picture (below) = Del Mar Staff preparing to welcome students throw the gym door at the beginning of our New Student Orientation today!

Our school theme this year is “Celebrate Each Other.” This is aligned with our goal of forming positive relationships on campus. We want all students to feel connected to their peers and also adults on campus. The best way to do that is to CELEBRATE EACH OTHER. We need to value each student for their individual differences and be kind in all situations. 

All returning students should be able to access their schedules on ALMA. Please print out your child’s schedule at home if possible. Schedules for 6th graders and new students were handed out at Orientation. We will also have printed schedules available in THE SCHOOL OFFICE starting at 7:45 am on Thursday, August 18th.

ALL STUDENTS WILL BEGIN IN THEIR 1ST PERIOD CLASS TOMORROW. THERE WILL BE PLENTY OF HELPERS ON HAND TO GUIDE YOUR STUDENT TO THE PROPER CLASSROOM.

6th Graders and new 7th / 8th Graders Locks and PE Uniforms:

All 6th graders and new 7th and 8th graders who attended Orientation today should have received one blue quad lock plus a Del Mar water bottle. 

All 6th graders and new 7th and 8th graders will receive a black PE lock along with PE uniforms next week.

There will be plenty of time to practice combinations, and the office staff is always happy to help any student who has trouble with locks, lockers…..or anything that comes up!

To help defray costs to the school for the locks and other supplies, we ask for a donation of up to $30.00 (any donation will help!). Checks can be written to "RUSD" and brought to the office, or you can use THIS LINK to pay online.

Returning 7th and 8th Graders/ Locks and PE Uniforms:

Returning 7th and 8th graders should locate their PE lock, Quad lock and PE uniform. If any 8th grader can't find their lock and needs a replacement lock, locks will be for sale in the office for $8.00 each. We can look up any forgotten lock codes in the office.  Cash or checks to "RUSD" will be accepted in the office, or you may also use THIS LINK  to make your purchases, and send your child with the receipt. PE teachers will provide specific details regarding our new PE uniforms to the students directly.

Other Supplies/backpacks/cell phones

All students will receive a new iPad, keyboard, case and charger that belong to the school, and will receive books and school supplies as needed. iPads will be distributed next Monday. Other supplies will be handed out during the first few weeks at school in your student’s classes. 

Many students prefer to have a different binder, pencil case, pens or other supplies, and you are welcome to purchase them on your own. Otherwise, the school will supply all necessary items. Students should carry their belongings in a backpack which will be left in their quad locker. If your student has a phone or smart watch, it will need to be powered off and left in their locker during school hours. Smart watches and cell phones are not allowed in the classroom.

To help defray costs to the school for the locks and other supplies, we ask for a donation of up to $30.00 (any donation will help!). Checks can be written to "RUSD" and brought to orientation or to the office, or you can contribute online via THIS LINK.

We recommend sending your child with a snack and water bottle each day. We have a brand new vendor providing school breakfasts and lunches each day, which will be FREE to all students. While this program may be accessed by all students, you are always welcome to send your student with  lunch from home. 

This is a new system and, with that, we are unsure if there may be lines or wait times to obtain the free lunch while we get the program started. We need to log each student who takes a breakfast or lunch. Soon we will share upcoming menus, so your child knows what to expect if they opt for the free lunch. We have not yet been provided with upcoming menus but will notify you as we get updated information. We also need volunteers to help with breakfast and lunch! Please sign up at THIS LINK.

If you or your child is ever having issues accessing an account or with their device, please visit our technology department’s Help Center at https://help.reedschools.org/

There are shelves outside the school office where you can leave labeled lunches or other items, if need be, during the day. Please inform your student to check those shelves since we do not deliver items to classrooms. If you are dropping off something of value (like an iPad) please bring that directly into the office. Please do not use one of our staff parking spots while dropping something off. There is ONE 5-minute spot in our lot for mid-day drop-offs.

Parent Zoom Meeting: Friday, August 26 from 9:00 - 10:00 AM

If you are able to, please join the Del Mar administration to learn our plans for supporting your child’s academic and social-emotional development at Del Mar, along with how we will be maintaining the safety of our school community. This will be an opportunity to meet new Principal Chad Stuart.

The link for the meeting is here:

https://reedschools-org.zoom.us/j/9785541497.

The meeting will be recorded if parents are unable to attend.

We will continue to follow Marin County Health Department’s guidelines on COVID safety protocol in partnership with the Reed Union School District. The main point of emphasis for parents is to NOT send your child to school if they have COVID symptoms or don’t feel well. Students should take a COVID test if they feel symptoms. Tests are available in the main office if you ever need one. In addition, the County Health Department still recommends masks be worn indoors. 

If your student tests positive for COVID, please inform our office staff via email or phone.  HERE is a visual of Isolation Guidance if a student tests positive.

Our 2022-23 regular bell schedule can be found HERE. This week is a modified schedule, meaning we will start with our regular bell schedule on Monday, August 22.

We have created a school Instagram page! This will be an opportunity for our parents, students (for those who are on Instagram) and community to see all the great things we have going on at the school. 

The new Del Mar Instagram account is: 

        delmar.middleschool.dragons

Welcome Back from the Foundation for Reed Schools!  

We look forward to a new year!  We will provide more information on our 2022-23 grant commitment to RUSD in the coming weeks.  We thank you in advance for your support!  We wish you a wonderful start to the school year.  

The RUSD Parent Teacher Association (PTA) welcomes you to the 2022-23 school year. The RUSD PTA is a membership-based organization that combines the efforts of parent volunteers, teachers and administrators to enhance the school experience of our children. The PTA coordinates parent volunteers and sponsors many events and activities throughout the year. There are many opportunities to get involved and we hope that every family in the district will participate in the PTA this year, both as members and volunteers.

Support the PTA by becoming a member!

PLEASE LINK GRAPHIC TO https://www.schoolpay.com/pay/for/REED-UNION-SCHOOL-DISTRICT-PTA-Annual-Me/SdP8caF

Reed Union School District will have a new lunch program starting this year. All students will be able to receive both breakfast and lunch free of charge. Monthly menus will be posted on our school website. 

Volunteers are needed to make the distribution of lunches run smoothly. If you can help, please fill out the form below and your school’s lunch volunteer coordinator will contact you. Service will start tomorrow on the first day of school, August 18th!

PLEASE LINK GRAPHIC TO https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdNFbyDIA1EJaEQXck7AmB8f-p1J_UbNp3Y5TXwPM-_Uk2ONg/viewform?usp=sf_link

Spiritwear

Get geared up for Del Mar with Spiritwear! The deadline for the first orders is Wednesday,September 7. Go Dragons!  Order Del Mar Spiritwear

GET INVOLVED!

RUSD Mission & Vision: Each student will be challenged and inspired to reach their fullest intellectual, social-emotional and creative potential to positively impact the world.

Student Bulletin

Here is a LINK to the Student Bulletin, so you can keep up with student news, sports updates, Advisory Challenges, Club News, etc! The Bulletin is read aloud on Monday afternoons, and emailed to parents and students.

Attendance Instructions