February 26th (TOMORROW!): Redwood High School Open House for 8th grade families 4:30-6 pm (doors open 4:15) | March 6th: End Of Trimester 2 | March 10-12: MAP testing for students. Special schedules linked HERE | March 16th: Staff Work Day (NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS) |
March 17th: 6th Grade Field Trip to the Exploratorium |
April 3rd: 8th Grade Field Trip to Chabot Space and Science Center |
April 6th-10th: Spring Break (NO SCHOOL) |
**May 7th: NEW DATE MARK YOUR CALENDAR! ***Del Mar OPEN HOUSE 5:30-7:00PM** |
May 19th: 7th Grade Field Trip to Academy of Sciences |
May 25th: Memorial Day (NO SCHOOL) |
June 12th: Last Day of School/2 PM: 8th Grade Graduation |
Families,
Hope you were able to find some time to spend some time connecting with your child while we were off of school last week.
February is Black History Month. At Del Mar, many of our teachers took time to recognize this in our classrooms. In addition, on the Thursday before we left for vacation, our students in our Leadership class, with the support of our school librarian Mr. Sonneville, took our advisory classes through an enlightening tour of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. The students examined specific artifacts and participated in discussions about their significant impact on American culture and history. We are proud that this Black History Month lesson not only enriched our students’ understanding, but also strengthened our community’s appreciation for the profound contributions of African American heritage while allowing students to lead in this work.
We are looking forward to a busy six weeks of learning at school before our next scheduled time off for Spring Break. As we near the end of our second trimester, we sometimes see students feeling stress with final assignments. I recommend you talk to your student at home about how to manage their time and handle any stress that may come up.
Lastly, I want to express my deepest condolences to everyone affected by the recent avalanche in the Truckee area. While the victims were not members of our immediate Del Mar family, Marin is a close-knit community and many of us feel the weight of this tragedy. Please know that my thoughts are with you. Our staff remains mindful of our students' emotional needs; should your child need extra support, our school psychologist, Dr. Kover, is available to help.
Warmly, Chad Stuart
Principal |
Read Across Reed is our Del Mar version of Read Across America, a week-long celebration of reading. This year, it will take place the week of March 2. Read Across America’s goals are to motivate students to read, celebrate the joy of reading, promote discovery, and honor our nation’s diverse community of readers.
At Del Mar, we strongly believe in and support the value of reading. On March 2, we have designated quiet reading time during Advisory. Students are asked to bring a physical book (rather than an e-book or digital reading material) to enjoy during that time. If your child does not have a book, they are encouraged to visit our school library in advance to check one out. In addition, students are invited to stop by the library throughout the week to participate in a fun literacy activity. Those who participate will have a chance to win prizes as we celebrate reading together.
Parents/Guardians, if you have a book at home that may be of interest to your child, we encourage you to suggest it and help ensure they bring a book to school on Monday.
Thank you for helping us foster a love of reading at Del Mar! | 6th Grade Math/Art Project |
Sixth grade students in Ms. Lynam, Mr. Deppe, Mr. Snyder, and Ms. McKay’s classes have been exploring scale factor through art and math. Students selected a piece of popular artwork and used proportional reasoning to enlarge it 3 times its original size. They then designed and created jelly bean mosaics based on their scaled images, applying math concepts such as area and proportions to calculate the total number of Jelly Bellies needed, as well as the quantity of each color.
This creative project combined mathematics, problem-solving, and artistic expression while helping students see real-world applications of ratios and scaling. | This week, our Del Mar Mathletes competed in a countywide competition at Hall Middle School. Our 7th grade team got 3rd place in the competition.
Team members are: Korbinian Neumeier, Carson Ning, Ro Atkins, Roye Hsu, Arthur Ghaffary, and Alexander Davis.
Our 8th grade team also had a good showing. Congratulations to Shirley Ning on receiving a perfect score on individual problems. | We’re excited to share some amazing news from our Del Mar FTC Robotics Team!
Earlier in the month, our 7th and 8th grade robotics students represented Del Mar Middle School at their FTC competition — and their hard work paid off in a big way. The team earned the Innovation Award for their incredibly creative and advanced robot design.
Their robot featured a unique lifting system that allowed it to levitate above the field so another robot could park safely underneath — a strategy that impressed judges and competitors alike. Even more exciting, the robot included an automated turret capable of launching balls accurately into a basket from long distances. It was a true showcase of engineering, programming, and teamwork.
Throughout the competition, the robot performed beautifully, demonstrating the students’ dedication, problem-solving skills, and countless hours of testing and refinement. We are incredibly proud of our Del Mar 7th and 8th grade roboticists for pushing the boundaries of what middle school engineers can accomplish. Congratulations to the team on an outstanding performance! | March 6th marks the end of our second trimester. We recommend that you discuss with your child how to finish the trimester strong and ensure they have completed all of their required assignments. Report cards will be emailed home and posted on Alma the week of March 16th. |
Parent Notice / Consent - Upcoming 7th Grade Science Units (Neuroscience & Human Reproductive System) | 7th Grade Parents: PLEASE READ THIS IMPORTANT DOCUMENT about upcoming 7th grade science units. Should you choose to opt out your student, there is a slip that needs to be returned to school. | Let's Talk ~ Marin Healthy Youth Partnership | Friday, April 24th will be the Southern Marin area track meet. Students who meet the qualifying standards in Physical Education classes will be invited to participate in events at the track meet. The final County track meet, for those who move on after the area meet, will be Friday, May 1st. | Staff Spotlight ~ Ms. Chase |
By Leadership Students Shir-Linh M., Tala S. and Emma M.
This week’s Staff Spotlight is Ms. Chase, our 7th
grade English teacher. Ms. Chase was born in 1988 in New York. Early on, she moved to Connecticut, and later to New Jersey for middle school. Growing up, Ms. Chase had one brother and many different pets that she adored, including hamsters, lizards, and dogs. She grew up surrounded by animals, and her first dog was named Molly. Some hobbies that Ms. Chase enjoyed were ballet, and of course, reading. One of her favorite childhood memories is attending family reunions at her grandparents house. She loved spending time with her family, and even put on performances with her cousins on a stage her dad built. One experience from childhood that shaped Ms. Chase to become who she is today happened when she was five years old, and was left home alone by accident. During that time, she had to become independent and take care of herself for the day. This experience made Ms. Chase a strongly independent person, and she still carries that quality today.
Transitioning to Ms. Chase’s career journey, she attended University of California, Santa Barbara. Although she is now an English teacher, her first job was working as a real estate agent. After realizing that real estate did not fulfill her dreams of making a difference in the lives of students and new generations, she decided to pursue teaching. Teaching would also allow Ms. Chase to travel around the world during breaks and maintain a healthy work–life balance. At first, she wanted to become a math teacher, but eventually decided that English would best suit her. Before coming to Del Mar, Ms. Chase taught 8
th
grade English in Fresno where she adapted to working with kids and developed strong communication skills. She then transitioned to teaching English at Del Mar, and has remained here for almost 10 years. During her years of teaching, her favorite novel to share with her classes has been Refugee, by Alan Graz. She appreciates that the book includes three separate points of view from different parts of the world, and that the novel presents the true and raw realities without sugarcoating the tragedies of that time period.
One thing that Ms. Chase loves about her job is interacting with her students, and knowing that she is making a difference in their lives. Some advice that Ms. Chase has for students is to always try your best, and to listen to your teachers, as they care deeply about their student’s education, and just them as a person. She also encourages being kind and truly listening to others. Another message from Ms. Chase is to focus on perspective. She reminds people to not dwell on little mistakes, as they are just a small part of the life that is waiting for them.
Ms. Chase’s life outside of school includes spending time with friends, and many active activities such as yoga, hiking, dancing, and sailing. She also still enjoys reading, and her current favorite book is The Invisible Life of Addie LeRue by V.E Schwab, a historical fantasy novel about a young woman who rewrites her fate of being forced into marriage, and instead makes a deal with a mysterious figure to for immortality and a life of freedom, with the consequence that nobody can remember her. Ms. Chase likes to listen to many types of music, but her favorite artist is Taylor Swift, and she especially enjoys the album Reputation. To wrap it up, students and staff at Del Mar clearly recognize Ms. Chase’s passion for English, and love for her students. If you have a daily class with her, an upcoming meeting with her, or even just spot her around campus, make sure you stop and thank her for her hard work and the many contributions she makes for our Del Mar community!
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8th Grade Families: High School Information, 2/26 (TOMORROW!!) Redwood Open House for Prospective Freshman and Graduation Date! | Important Redwood High School Information:
NEW DATE for OPEN HOUSE FOR INCOMING FRESHMAN: Thursday, February 26th
● Principal Payne will be holding a presentation for incoming freshmen and their families from 4:30-6:00 pm -doors open 4:15--(meet outside the gym). This presentation is called Roots of Redwood and will include: Redwood student experience, information regarding 9th grade course selection and elective classes, and student led tours. See Redwood's letter linked HERE for more details! Redwood Registration is OPEN!! Linked HERE
is a letter from Redwood High School with all the information you need!
Interested in an InterDistrict Transfer to Archie Williams or Tam High? Please see THIS LETTER from Redwood High School 8th Grade Graduation: Ceremony will be: Friday, June 12th at 2 PM. Save the date! Our graduation Chairs are beginning to make plans for an extra special last day celebration at Del Mar. Stay tuned! | Breakfast/Lunch Water Bottle, Snack and DelMarket Reminder! | Please remind your students to dispose of their trash properly. Breakfasts are served out of the office before school (from 7:45 am-8:05 am) and at the first break only
if anything is leftover. Lunch is served out of the gym’s kitchen windows at lunchtime. If you have questions or concerns about the lunch program, please contact delmar@reedschools.org
Our Leadership Students run the DelMarket most morning breaks. The DelMarket is located next to room 20, near the library, and students can bring single dollars to pay for snacks and drinks at the first break. $5.00 snack packs are also available!
Please remember to send water and snacks, and please remember: NO food delivery services are permitted on campus. You may drop lunches off on the blue shelves outside the office. Please notify your child to look there for lunches since we do not send reminders to classrooms. Attached HERE is allergen and nutrition information sent from Revolution Foods for all Revolution Food items. | Upcoming Open Positions for 2026-2028 are: - District Executive Vice President
- District Assistant Treasurer
- Del Mar Assistant Site Chair
- Del Mar Assistant Treasurer
- Bel Aire Site Chair
- Bel Aire Assistant Site Chair
- Bel Aire Assistant Treasurer
- Reed Assistant Site Chair
- Reed Assistant Treasurer
Job descriptions are listed on the PTA website. If you are interested in one of these leadership positions, please contact any of the Nominating Committee or RUSD Parliamentarian, Tracey Paull. | Please take 1-2 Minutes to fill out this important
PTA Volunteer & Engagement Survey!
Thanks to the RUSD Parents who have already responded and provided helpful feedback. We’re reading your responses and taking action! Among the suggestions we’re working on: - Improving communications
- Making PTA more accessible for working parents
- Seeking more child/student involved volunteer opportunities
- More visibility of PTA volunteer opportunities
Please KEEP THE SUGGESTIONS coming! Help shape YOUR RUSD PTA! |
Reed Schools Foundation News |
Keep a lookout for the Student Bulletin, so you can keep up with student news, sports updates, Advisory Challenges, Club News, etc. The Bulletin is generally read during Advisory on Monday afternoons, plus a written copy is emailed to all parents and students. The Student Bulletin is linked HERE. | Bell Schedule Our 2025-26 regular bell schedule can be found HERE. | Attendance Instructions/Leaving Early/Arriving Late
| 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. Leaving School Early? Arriving Late? We want to avoid calling into any classroom! 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 any reason, 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. | We Are Here For You! Staff Contacts | To locate teacher info click HERE
. Emails are the first letter of the teacher's first name along with their full last name @reedschools.org. 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, For tech help, email: 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. |
Chad Stuart, Principal Del Mar Middle School |
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