Good afternoon Golden Eagles and Families!
This has been an awesome week back! It is so nice to see everyone after some time to take a breath and relax, even if it was just for a bit. We are continuing together for three weeks before another time for rejuvenation and there is a lot to learn at PCMS! Now is a great time to get caught up if you are feeling behind before we have a two week re-set as we begin the new year. Remember, your teachers are here to help, problem-solve, and are willing to lighten the load if you are not sure where to start. It is difficult for them to help if they don’t hear from you so don’t be shy. We are always happy to connect with you!
As we move into next week, we will also be starting some frequent adult check-ins for any students who currently have a D or F in any class. If you fall into this category, one of our staff members will be reaching out to you and your parent via e-mail to get a time on the calendar for a quick weekly check-in. This is NOT something to be afraid of. It is just a way that we can connect with students when we see they might be sliding in a negative direction in order to help get them back on track. It might only take a couple of check-ins and you are back in action! We want to have as many supports as possible to help you stay the course.
If you are a student who has managed to continue school with high marks, congratulations! We are so proud of you! We also know that this could NOT have been possible without great supports at home so please be sure to give a special “thank you” to your support system at home. Thank yous go a long way right now.
Below are a couple of updates as we head into the new week.
Grading “No Zero” Change
Moving forward, any missing work in our grade books will reflect a 50% along with a notification that it is MISSING. This is a change from in the past. This change was made in an effort to be more equitable in our grading practices and provide a system that allows for students who may have scores that represent an “F” grade to not be so daunted that they give up. This means that if you see a 50% in the grade book, it does NOT mean that the assignment is good to go or was completed. It means that this is waiting to receive points and must be either turned in or turned in again with revisions to earn more points. Don’t be fooled. If you see a 50%, it is a good time for students to reach out to a teacher to find the best way to get back on track. Grades assigned after December 1, 2020, will reflect this new policy beginning Thursday. In some cases, you may see evidence of this in grade books prior to the Dec. 1st date as well.
Middle School Grading Update
This was shared last week. It reflects the end of grade marks for Middle School courses this year- GRADING UPDATE
Middle School Hybrid Schedule
Although we do not know when our schools will move into the hybrid schedule, here is what it will look like when we make the move HYBRID SCHEDULE
Wrestling Posting
Unfortunately, our fantastic wrestling coach Dustin took another path this year and consequently will not be leading our Golden Eagle wrestlers. If you or someone you know are interested in this position, please see Lisa or Brooke Walton (AD) and apply using THIS LINK. This position is contingent on a wrestling season taking place.
Weekly Yearbook Theme for Advisory
This week’s yearbook theme is Sustainable Mask Fashion & Being Green. Students will submit photos of them wearing their fashionable reusable cloth masks in any setting and how they live a “green” sustainable and covid safe life. Please upload photo(s) to HJ eShare using school code “goldeneagles”, include description of either “Mask” or “Green”” and include the first and last name of who is in the picture. Questions? Email Julia Reynolds.
Facility / Building Closure Update
Until Deschutes County leaves the “Red Zone” in terms of COVID-19 spread, our building will remain closed to the public. However, during this time, the office will be minimally staffed and curbside pickups will continue.
Curbside Pick-ups Update
We are now designating pick-ups for Monday – Friday, from 9:00am – 3:00pm. We have many items just waiting to be claimed so continue to communicate to your students to follow the instructions below when picking up and/or dropping off items.
- Pull up to the front of the school.
- Remain in vehicle.
- Wear a mask.
- Call the front office at 355-7804.
- Give student’s name and item for pick up or drop off.
- A staff member will deliver curbside or pick up items.
Library Book Pick Up Incentive
We just have two Wednesdays left before we head out for Winter Break which is a great time to hunker down and enjoy a good book. On Wednesday, December 16th there will be an added incentive to check out books. If you wear your ugliest sweater while picking up a book, your name will be entered into a prize drawing. We will also take a quick photo for the yearbook. If you don’t know what to read, just stop by and let the experts help pick something out for you on the spot! Questions, contact Marni Hanna. We will be following Covid-19 safety protocols. Please follow the instructions above.
Going “Green” with Covid-19
The Green Team is encouraging everyone to stay safe and save money while saving Mother Earth. Check out these great ideas . Students have an opportunity to win a $10.00 Downtown Bend Gift Certificate and this information will be shared during Advisory on Monday. The deadline for video submissions is December 15th.
Family OBOB Teams
The past couple of years we’ve had a staff Oregon Battle of the Books team in addition to our student teams. This year, we are going to allow families who are interested to join in the battles. If your family would like to have a team or your child is interested in joining a student team, please contact Marni Hanna for more information.
FAN Optional Gift Card Giving
Family Access Network is continuing to support local families. If you wish to help during the holiday season and beyond, you may do so by purchasing a gift card from one of the establishments listed below and mail it directly to Family Access Network Foundation at 2125 NE Daggett Lane, Bend, OR 97701 OR you may deliver them to Deb Mullen and she will make sure FAN Foundation receives them.
- Fred Meyers
- Target
- Walmart
- Gas Cards
- Grocery Stores
End of Year Giving
Although we did not do our yearly Fill Our Nest giving campaign and will not be asking for school donations, several families have contacted me regarding donations that often happen as a result of corporate end of year giving or matching. If you traditionally give to the school and are interested in doing so this year as part of your regular planning, please connect with our PCCO by contacting our president Anne Westerhoff.
Winter Spirit Week
Let’s shake it up a bit the week prior to Winter Break. Get ready for a week of SPIRIT and FUN!
- Monday, 12/14: Crazy hair day
- Tuesday 12/15: Ugly sweater day
- Thursday, 12/17: Festive Winter Party Style – dress to party or dress to keep warm (hats and scarves), or like you’re headed for the slopes/winter sport gear
- Friday, 12/18: Show us your MUGS – Hot Cocoa Party
Upcoming events
- Dec. 11 | PCMS Spirit Day
- Dec. 14 – 18 | Winter Spirit Week
- Dec. 15 | Handwashing Video Submission Deadline
- Dec. 21 – Jan 4. | Winter Break
Looking Ahead
In the next News from the Nest, you can expect to see information related to an upcoming podcast group that has been extended to our community from another middle school group in town. We will be following the Class of 2025 and sharing our experiences together in Webex sessions. Stay tuned for more info. Additionally, we will begin our parent/community book club in the new year. This club focuses on race, equity, parenting, and raising excellent 21st century leaders. Finally, we will be moving to a blog format for our News from the Nest for the future. This way, you will be able to reference information in the weekly update easily by going to one spot rather than sifting through a mountain of e-mails for information from PCMS.
Helpful Quick Links
Hav e a wonderful weekend. Go Golden Eagles!
Ms. Birk