Trimester 2 Report Cards

The end of Trimester 2 was Friday, March 6th. Teachers will be finalizing report cards this week. Report cards will be emailed home on or around March 17th. Instructions on how to best interpret the report cards will be emailed home at the same time you receive them.

NEW Spotlight Series

In our ongoing commitment to keeping our community connected and informed, we are thrilled to launch our new "Spotlight" series. This initiative features short videos designed to give you an inside look at the exceptional programs and people that make Del Mar Middle School so special.

You can find these videos featured on our Instagram feed (@delmar.middleschool.dragons) and right here in our weekly Newsflashes.

Here Our First Two Videos Features:

World Languages: Spotlight on the Del Mar Spanish Teachers & Program
Student Support: Spotlight on Health & Wellness Week

We hope you enjoy these glimpses into the daily life of our Dragons!

New Rules About Fidget Toys

Dear Del Mar Parents and Guardians,

At Del Mar, we are constantly looking for ways to support our students’ focus and emotional well-being. Over the past few months, many students have been using "NeeDoh" and similar gel-filled fidgets as sensory tools. While these began as a helpful resource for relaxation and concentration, they have unfortunately led to several complications that now require us to restrict their use.

Effective immediately, NeeDoh fidgets are no longer permitted in our classrooms.

We wanted to share the specific reasons behind this decision so you can help us reinforce these expectations at home:

Significant Distraction: Rather than acting as a silent tool for focus, these items have become a primary source of distraction during direct instruction and collaborative work.

Property Damage: We have experienced several incidents where these items have ruptured. The internal filling can cause costly damage to school plumbing by clogging sinks, which may require professional repairs.

Health and Safety: Although the filling is marketed as non-toxic, we have found that for some it can cause skin irritation upon contact. To ensure the safety of all students, we must remove the risk of these items breaking in a classroom setting.

We understand that some students truly benefit from tactile sensory input. We continue to allow "quiet" fidgets, provided they do not distract others.

If your child has a specific sensory requirement documented in an IEP or 504 plan, please contact your child’s teacher to ensure we have an approved, safe alternative in place.

Thank you for your ongoing support in maintaining a safe and productive learning environment for all our students.

Respectfully,

Michael Song (he/him/his)

Assistant Principal

8th Grade Sexual Health Education-Parent Workshop

Del Mar 8TH GRADE COMPREHENSIVE SEXUALITY HEALTH EDUCATION & Parent Information & Education Workshop with Jen Devine--How to be an “Askable” Parent

MARCH 24, 2026, 6:15 p.m. - 7:45 p.m.

ZOOM LINK: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87066705139

More information about this was emailed from Mr. Song to 8th grade parents on March 9th.

6th Grade Parents: Important! We Need an Updated

Immunization Record Showing Tdap Booster Shot

For students advancing to 7th grade next year:

Before students can enter 7th grade, we need evidence of:

Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Tdap) — 1 dose (usually given at 11 year check up)

Parents must submit their child’s Immunization Record as proof of immunization.

Please check your student’s immunization record for the Tdap booster and send us proof as soon as possible. You may ask your pediatrician’s office for a copy of your student’s most recent immunization record, or request a record from the state’s immunization database (Digital Vaccine Record) to share as proof of immunization. Send complete immunization records to delmar@reedschools.org or bring a hard copy to the front office.

Parking and Driving Around Del Mar-

Please Follow Rules of the Road!

We have been notified recently by our local police that many drivers have not been following the rules of the road around the school. Please don't double park on Avenida Miraflores and if you drop off or pick up on Hilary Drive, please be sure to 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. See photo below:

Mathletes

Congratulations to the Del Mar Mathletes! We are excited to share that our 7th Grade team (pictures above) earned 2nd place in Mathletes Competition #4 and finished 2nd place overall for the 2025–2026 school year.

Upcoming Track Meets

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. Lynam

By Leadership Students Shir-Linh M. and Tala S.

This week’s Staff Spotlight is Ms. Lynam, our 6th and 8th grade math teacher. Ms. Lynam was born in Novato, California, and has a younger sister. Growing up, Ms. Lynam admired the bravery and strength of female athletes, especially softball players Lisa Fernandez and Jennie Finch. Ms. Lynam loved sports, playing both volleyball and softball. She attended Novato High, where she had the idea of being a math teacher. In school, her favorite subject was math, but she also loved reading.

Shifting to her career, Ms. Lynam attended College of Marin while deciding what job to pursue. She wavered between many different options, including a book editor and a softball player, but then settled on teaching. She then transitioned to Sonoma State University to earn her degree. Ms. Lynam found her way to the Reed Union District with the help of her aunt, Ms. Hoover, a 1st grade teacher at Reed Elementary School. Her first job at Del Mar was an aid position, but then switched to a full time teaching job when a former math teacher left. Ms. Lynam has been teaching here for eight years, and has taught all grade levels of math. Her favorite grade to teach is 8th grade Algebra. Her favorite topic in Algebra is Unit 7, the unit on polynomials. Her favorite 6th grade unit is statistics, and her favorite 7th grade and Math 8 topic is systems of equations. Ms. Lynam’s students can help her by doing their homework, and making sure that they always try their best. Her message to Del Mar students is to not give up if you don’t understand a problem the first time through, because you don't know your full capabilities if you stop trying.

Outside of school, Ms. Lynam has two adorable daughters, one five year old, and one two year old. She continues to play slow pitch softball, and even coached the Del Mar Girls volleyball team for many years. Ms. Lynam loves to bake sourdough bread, and of course, loves many types of coffee. Her favorite is a mocha, hot or iced, but she also enjoys a simple caramel coffee. Ms. Lynam’s favorite artist is Taylor Swift, her top album is Reputation, with The Life of a Showgirl coming in at a close second. Ms. Lynam appreciates the diverse activities and electives that are offered at Del Mar, such as Spanish for all grades. Ms. Lynam brings her 100% to every class, always showing high energy and passion through her teaching. Ms. Lynam takes pride in her job and shows kindness to every student at Del Mar. If you see her walking around campus or hanging out in her aesthetically decorated room room, make sure to show your appreciation!

8th Grade Families: Important Deadlines Approaching-- Order Panoramic Class Photo TODAY! Plus-We Need Baby Photo, Current Photo and Quote for Yearbook!

Plus: 8th Grade Moms' Party Scheduled!

8th Grade panoramic photo--Order your keepsake photo TODAY!;

The 8th graders had their professional panoramic photo yesterday! Orders can be placed online at mydorian.com only through this Friday, March 13th. (Note-the photo above is a previous year)

Yearbook!

Please help your 8th grader to be sure they have submitted their yearbook quote, baby photo and current photo. See info in the link HERE. This is due very soon-by March 15th!! Please don't miss the deadline!

8th Grade Graduation:

The 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 for more information which will be emailed next week! In the meantime, check out this invitation below:

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.

Del Mar PTA News

Celebrate Spring With Bright New Del Mar Hoodies!

The students debuted some new spirit wear in the awesome Pep Rally last week. Let's show our school spirit by visiting the store now and grabbing some fresh gear!

The store will be open until March 29th only, so don't miss out! ORDER SPIRITWEAR HERE!!!

RUSD ART SHOW

Art Show Volunteers Needed

The arts department of RUSD is gearing up for our second downtown art show of the year! We hope that you saw the early winter show at Waypoint Pizza. This show promises to be bigger and better with music performances, student films, passed hors d'oeuvres, and an opportunity for students and parents to make art, all in addition to a gallery of more than 50 pieces of art created by students in PK-8th grade.

The gallery at 42 Main Street will be open for viewing on Wednesday April 1, 4:30-6:30pm.

Since the show is going to be so big, we are asking for parent help in preparing for it. Please sign up here!

Del Mar PTA Meeting - Thursday, March 12th @ 8:30 in the library

Join the conversation - hear about what is currently happening on campus and see what is in the works. We hope you can join us.

Looking for a meaningful way to support your child’s school? Consider stepping up and making an impact on the 2026-2028 RUSD PTA Executive Board.

District-Level Positions

District Executive Vice President. 4–6 hours/week. Primary aide to the District PTA President. Supports strategic planning in 2026–2027 and serves as District PTA President in 2027–2028.
District Assistant Treasurer. 0–1.5 hours/week. Works alongside the District Treasurer on budgeting and financial oversight in 2026–2027; steps into the District Treasurer role for 2027–2028.
District Secretary* 2–4 hours/week, Coordinates district-wide communications, records meeting minutes, and serves as the primary record keeper for District PTA. * Potential vacancy

School Site Positions

Bel Aire Site Chair. Time commitment varies. Leads the Bel Aire PTA, oversees events and committees, and serves as the main liaison with the Principal and District PTA.
Assistant Site Chair (Del Mar, Bel Aire & Reed). 5–7 hours/month. Supports the current Site Chair in 2026–2027 and serves as Site Chair in 2027–2028.
Assistant Treasurers (Del Mar, Bel Aire & Reed). 0–1.5 hours/week. Assists with school-site budgeting and finances in 2026–2027 and serves as Site Treasurer in 2027–2028.

Job descriptions are listed on the PTA website.

If you are interested in one of these leadership positions, please contact any of our Nominating Committee members: Sarah Chow, Suzanne Davenport, Alison Gathright, Rachel Martin, and Franny Mulberg.

Please take 1-2 Minutes to fill out this important PTA Volunteer & Engagement Survey by MARCH 15th!

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!

RUSD ART SHOW

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