NEWSFLASH 8.16.2023 

Upcoming Dates:

August 23rd: Orientation for ALL 6th Graders and New to the School 7th and 8th Graders. 9AM-12:30PM.

Brief Parent Presentation 9-9:20AM. 

August 24th: First Day of school! 8:20 start time, with *early release at 2:05PM*

September 4th Labor Day (NO SCHOOL)

September 6th  Back To School Night 5:30-7:00 PM

October 16th: NO SCHOOL/Staff Development Day

November 3rd: End of First Trimester

Principal's Message

Dear Del Mar Middle School Families:

On behalf of Assistant Principal Michael Song and the staff at Del Mar Middle School, I am happy to welcome you to the 2023-2024 school year!

I hope you and your family have had a wonderful summer. I was able to spend some quality time with my family and was able to rejuvenate myself for this school year. I traveled to several spots this summer with my wife and my two children. One of the places we visited, just a few weeks ago, was Maui. We spent several nights walking around and dining in Lahaina. Now, seeing the devastation to that area and thinking about the people who live and/or work there is heartbreaking. It has helped me realize to never take anything for granted - to appreciate what is around me. With that, I am so very grateful to live and work in this beautiful Marin County. I am thankful for our community and I am privileged to lead Del Mar Middle School. 

Each day at our school will be an opportunity for us all to learn and grow, to appreciate what is around us with a positive light. Our theme for this school year is: “Attitude is Everything.” It is the outlook we have, our attitude, that has an impact on so many important things - our work, our relationships and our social-emotional well-being. The attitude we bring to each day, to each situation, will help influence the outcome. 

At Del Mar, I am committed to creating and maintaining a safe and inclusive environment for all students on our campus. We will continue our work in recognizing and respecting diversity to create a more equitable school environment. I believe that all students can be successful when they feel safe, included and connected to their school. 

The Del Mar staff is looking forward to a productive school year and partnership with you to ensure our children can achieve their highest potential. As partners, we want you to know that we will do our very best to carry out our responsibilities to help your child grow academically, emotionally and socially. In return, we ask that you guide and support your children’s learning by ensuring that they:

• Attend school daily and arrive on time, ready for the day’s learning experience.
• Share school experiences with you so that you are aware of their school life.
• Inform you when they need additional support in any area or subject.

Please know that we value parents and guardians at our school. We want to include and involve you as much as possible. We understand the very important role you play in your child’s life. I believe that if parents and the school are on the same page, this can be extremely valuable for the success of the student. 

Below is a compilation of important information and procedures regarding Del Mar that will help you have a smooth transition from summer to the new school year, including information about Orientation(see below) for our 6th graders and new students. Please note that the first day of school is an early release day at 2:05 PM. Attached HERE is the modified bell schedule for the first week of school. Attached HERE is the bell schedule for 2023-24 year.

I am extremely excited to get started. I recognize the trust you put in us, as educators, to both teach your children, but also to keep them physically and emotionally safe. With that, I am committed to making this the best possible school for your children. 

Sincerely,

Chad Stuart (he/him)
Del Mar Principal

Welcome New Staff:

This school year, we are fortunate to welcome the following highly qualified faculty and staff to Del Mar:

Christine Derby - Music Teacher

Ms. Derby has been teaching music for 17 years in Marin County. Most recently, she has taught at the Cove Elementary School for the past nine years,  where she developed a K through 4th general music program, and 5th grade band and choral program. In addition, she has offered several musical enrichment opportunities after school in the areas of show choir, musical theater, percussion, ensembles, ukulele ensembles, etc. Ms. Derby is a musician, vocalist and pianist, and has a passion for instilling a love of music in her students and watching how students grow in so many areas when music is a part of their lives. She is excited to have the opportunity to work with the middle school students of Del Mar! Ms. Derby lives in Novato with her husband, Jeff Derby, (middle school music teacher at Hall in Larkspur), her two daughters Gianna and Eva, and her BullMastiff puppy, Sir Duke! 

__________________________

Kevin McDonald - 6th Grade Science Teacher

Kevin McDonald was born and raised in Santa Rosa. He graduated from Carleton College in Minnesota where he played on the soccer team and worked in the arboretum. After college Kevin spent four years in Japan teaching English, studying Japanese, and learning karate. He then returned to California where he has been teaching for twenty years, most recently in the middle school grades at Novato Charter School. Kevin has specialized in both science and math. His reading and research interests include paleontology, geology, and astrobiology. Kevin travels to Europe every summer with his wife and daughter to visit family. He has been to six of the seven continents, and he plans on adding Antarctica to the list soon.

_____________________________________

Meredith Quin-Harkin - Special Education Strategies Teacher

Meredith Quin-Harkin is excited to spend her 23rd year of teaching with the Reed Union School District with the Special Education Department. Before becoming an Education Specialist, she spent the first thirteen years in general education. But it was for her love of at-risk and special needs students that inspired her to become an Education Specialist. She successfully created special education programs both in El Cerrito and Larkspur-Corte Madera. When she’s not working, her hobbies include travel, the healing arts, holistic health and wellness, yoga, nature, and food exploration. 

______________________________________

Kimberly Berry - Special Ed Paraprofessional

For the past twenty years, Kimberly has been working with children of all ages and abilities as a teacher, para, tutor, nanny, and yoga instructor. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Massachusetts Lowell and an Education Specialist teaching credential from the University of Massachusetts Global. She is currently pursuing an add-on credential in adaptive PE. During her free time, Kimberly enjoys hiking, backpacking, snowboarding, and live music. 

Orientation for all 6th Graders and new 7th/8th graders: Wednesday, August 23rd at 9 AM

ALL 6th Graders PLUS new-to-the-school 7th and 8th graders are expected to attend Orientation on Wednesday, August 23rd from 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM. Orientation will be a spirited, inclusive event where all students will be welcomed, participate in activities and tours led by our 8th grade WEB leaders (WEB stands for "Where Everybody Belongs") and have a snack at the end. 
STUDENTS ARE TO HEAD DOWN THE PARKING LOT RAMP TO GATHER OUTSIDE THE GYM BY 9 AM.
Parents are invited to stay for a quick "meet and greet" from 9-9:20AM. The parent "meet and greet" will be in the quad area by our upper classrooms (PARENTS GO RIGHT AT THE FLAGPOLE TOWARD THE QUAD).
Please remember: there is no parking or drop off in the staff lot. 
Please be sure to pick up your child after the event, at 12:30. 
Each student will receive a quad lock at Orientation, which they will take home to practice. They will also receive a paper copy of their schedule that day.

School Bell Schedule and Student Class Schedules

Here is a link to the BELL SCHEDULE. Every morning the “warning” bell is at 8:15 and school starts promptly at 8:20. Dismissal is at 3:10 every day except Wednesdays when students are dismissed at 2:05. 

Please note: the first day of school, August 24th, is an EARLY DISMISSAL DAY (2:05 dismissal). Friday August 25th is a normal day (dismissal at 3:10). We have a special bell schedule the first two days which is linked HERE.

All returning students will be able to access their schedules on ALMA after 4:00 pm on Monday, August 21st. Please print out your child’s schedule at home if possible. Printed schedules for 6th graders and new students will be handed out at Orientation. We will also have printed schedules available in the office, beginning at 7:45 am on Thursday, August 24th.

Regarding class schedules, we are busy making final preparations for the start of the year. Our main priority is to minimize and balance class size in all academic classes. Should your child be placed in the wrong math or Spanish level, please contact the office at lkristy@reedschools.org or 415- 435-1468 ext 0. All students have been placed into one of their elective choices, but not necessarily their top choices.

Supplies, Locks and PE Uniforms

6th Graders (and new 7th/8th graders):
All 6th graders and new 7th/8th graders will be provided with 2 new locks (black for their PE locker and blue for their quad locker), plus PE uniforms and school supplies. 6th graders and new 7th/8th graders will receive their blue quad lock at Orientation, but other supplies (pencil cases, binders, notebooks, planners, pens, pencils, colored pencils, highlighters, Sharpies, erasers, binder paper, dividers, books, PE Uniforms and PE locks) will be handed out once school starts. Many students prefer to have a different binder, pencil case, pens or other supplies, and you are welcome to purchase them on your own if you prefer. There is plenty of time to practice locker combinations, and the office staff is always happy to help any student who has issues with lockers or supplies! It is expected that your child will bring a backpack each day. Please consider sending snacks and a water bottle with your child every day. See below for lunch information.

Returning 7th/8th Graders: Locks, PE Uniforms and Supplies
Returning 7th and 8th graders should locate their PE lock, Quad lock and PE uniform. If any 7th or 8th grader lost their school-issued lock and needs a replacement quad lock (BLUE), or replacement PE lock (BLACK), the student can purchase them in the office for $8.00 (cash or check to “RUSD” or use this Schoolpay link). Locker locks must be school-issued, so please do not buy your own.
If your child lost their PE uniform, they can purchase new shorts for $20.00 and a new shirt for $20.00 (cash, check or SchoolPay link). If they need a different size, they can bring their old uniform and do an exchange.

Other supplies (pencil cases, binders, notebooks, planners, pens, pencils, erasers, binder paper, colored pencils, Sharpies, highlighters, dividers, books etc.) will be handed out once school starts. Many students prefer to have a different binder, pencil case, pens or other supplies, and you are welcome to purchase them on your own if you prefer. It is expected that your child will bring a backpack every day. Please consider sending snacks with your child and a water bottle. See lunch information below.

Donations for Supplies

While state law does not allow school districts to charge fees to students for educational activities, we would appreciate a donation to help support supply expenditures. All contributions are voluntary and all students will be given supplies whether you donate or not. A voluntary donation of up to $35.00 is appreciated but not required, to help defray costs of the supplies. The donation can be paid in cash or a check made out to “RUSD” at any time at the school office, or use this Schoolpay link if you’d like to donate on-line.

Cell Phones/Smart Watches-Stay in LOCKERS!

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 any classroom.

Lockers will be assigned to students by Advisors during the first few days of school.

PLEASE HELP YOUR CHILD LABEL EVERYTHING!! YOU WOULD NOT BELIEVE HOW MANY UNLABELED LOST AND FOUND ITEMS WE ACCUMULATE OVER THE YEAR!

Universal Breakfast/Lunch Program..Plus

Water Bottle Reminder!

Breakfast and Lunch: Reed Union School District will once again be using the breakfast and lunch program that was put in place last school year, provided by a vendor called LunchMaster. All students will be able to receive both breakfast and lunch free of charge. Students may choose to take advantage of the provided meal that day or not. Here is the menu for the month of August, so you can help plan for when your child would like a meal. Please remind your student that whenever they take a meal, they must write down their name neatly, and then dispose of their trash properly.

Water: Please send your student to school with a filled, LABELED water bottle every day! It can get very hot at Del Mar, and the students seem to prefer water bottles to water fountains. We have a bottle filling station near our locker rooms.

Volunteers: are  needed to make the distribution of lunches run smoothly! Please go to THIS LINK if you are willing to help us distribute lunches.

No GrubHub, DoorDash, Uber Eats etc.: Please do not order food delivery services to our campus. This became problematic last year, with unregistered people walking on campus and also created distractions to our office staff. Parents are still welcome to drop off forgotten lunches for their students on the shelves outside the office. Please note that we have free lunch every day on campus, so if your child forgets to bring a lunch, they are welcome to have a school lunch. 

iPad Distribution

Del Mar Spiritwear is Available for purchase!

Please go to https://delmarspirtwear.itemorder.com/shop/sale/to shop for all kinds of fun Del Mar logo-wear!

Attendance

Please call the office on the day of your child's absence by 8:00 a.m. (435-1468, ext. 1) or email delmar@reedschools.org. This will eliminate the need for a call from the office. We expect students to attend school, unless there is an excused absence-for illness, injury, a medical/dental appointment or a religious holiday. All other absences are marked "unexcused." Absence does not excuse a student from the classroom assignment. All assignments are available on the teacher websites. It is the student's responsibility to check the websites and make up for missed work once they are healthy.

Students arriving late to school must sign in with the office and get a tardy slip before going to class. If you need to pick your child up for a medical appointment, please try to do so between classes, and be sure to remind your child to come to the office to meet you there, without needing a call from the office. If your child must leave in the middle of any class, please send your child with a note to give to the teacher so they can excuse themselves in the middle of class. We do not ever want to call into a classroom unless there is an emergency, so please plan accordingly! Any student leaving before the end of the day must be signed out by their parent or an authorized adult. 

Transportation

Options to Parking Illegally on Avenida Miraflores:

• Bike, walk, take bus
• Pick up on Hilary Drive or further up on Avenida Miraflores
• Pick up across the street
• Pick up 5 min after school ends, less traffic

Drop-off / Pick-up on Hilary Drive behind school
PLEASE follow the map below and ONLY drop or pick up your student on the school side of the street. This helps with the safety of students crossing the street and also with traffic flow. 

• Left Hilary Dr.
• Right on Rowley Circle
• Continue around 
• Left on Howard Drive
• Left On Hilary Drive 
• Drop or pick up child on Hilary Drive, passenger door side

Website Safety Tab

A primary concern at our school is student safety. We encourage students to report any incident of physical or emotional safety related to themselves or other students. This helps us address the issues immediately. While we would like to speak with the reporting student in person regarding the details, we understand that not all students  feel comfortable reporting incidents. With that, we have a confidential reporting tab on our school website (circled in red below). In addition, there is an anonymous tip box located outside the front office on campus. Please encourage your student to report any unsafe incidents they experience or witness this school year in the main office or by using the confidential reporting tab on the website or box outside the door of the main office. 

Visitor Protocol

8th Grade - Harvard Youth Leadership Program

We were just recently sent an opportunity for 8th graders to participate in a Harvard Youth Leadership program (fee based). We wanted to share this information with any interested families. Click HERE for the details of the program. 

Please follow the RUSD PTA Instagram page @rusdpta. If you have any great photos you’d like to share; please email them to the RUSD PTA Secretary @ mickeybruce7@gmail.com

Please also follow Del Mar's own Instagram page @delmar.middleschool.dragons

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 generally read on the loudspeaker on Monday afternoons, and emailed to parents and students.

Del Mar Athletics- See Our Website

Bell Schedule

Our 2023-24 regular bell schedule can be found HERE.

Attendance Instructions

We Are Here For You!

To locate teacher emails, click HERE, to call the front office dial 415-435-1468 ext. 2. For the office managers contact Laurie Kristy at lkristy@reedschools.org or Lisa Grinnell lgrinnell@reedschools.org, If you or your child need tech help, go to: https://help.reedschools.org/

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.