November 3, 2023

Posted on November 3, 2023 by Sean Keating

Principal’s Hello

Dear Golden Eagle families,

Happy Friday! Next week we have a four-day week in honor of our veterans. If you are a veteran, like members of my own family were, thank you for your service.

This week was a ton of fun! We had an ultimate frisbee tournament in 7th grade, Halloween (of course), and a hilarious fall spirit week. Here’s Anne-Marie’s and my effort for Thursday, “Twin Day”:

Today we also hosted our first “Coffee With the Principal,” which is always so informative for us. You all have unique perspectives that are important for us to hear, which help us get better as a school. As a result of today’s coffee, I’d like to explore ways to educate students and parents about healthy and effective iPad use, and I’d also like to see if we can incorporate some tutoring opportunities for our students.

It takes a village to make this work, so thank you for taking the time to share your ideas with us. See the blurb below about healthy technology use. Our kids need us to teach them this skill, and we can start by modeling healthy tech use ourselves. (Thank you to Monica Desmond, our public health specialist, for providing this valuable info.)

Lastly, please consider attending “Get The Brain on Board,” an introduction to executive functioning by local executive functioning coach (and PCMS parent) Carrie Bonnett. Carrie presented this info here at PCMS last spring, so this is back by popular demand. She will present in our library, and the workshop begins at 6:00 PM. I recommend it!

Thanks, as always, for your partnership, and see you out in the community!

Sean

Purchasing Student Photo Packets Online

To order student photo packets online for original photo day and retake day with a credit card, simply follow the instructions below. If you have any questions, contact Dorian Studio Support or call 1-800-826-3535. Please note: Online orders are available up to 4 days after retake day.

  • Go to dorianstudio.com and search for Pacific Crest Middle School
  • Select the order button from the appropriate photo day
  • Complete your transaction
  • Visita dorianstudio.com y busca en tu escuela
  • Haga clic en el boton de predio para la fecha correcta de la foto
  • Competa la transaccion

CORRECTION: PCMS Gives Back to our Local Community

A couple of weeks ago, in this blog, we shared a couple of ways to give back to our local community. Below is updated information and dates for these events. Give…it’s a good feeling!

The Giving Plate’s Jingle Christmas: PCMS is excited to team up with The Giving Plate’s Jingle Store to spread the holiday spirit to those in need by hosting a Toy Drive to collect toys for children ages 0 – 17 who deserve a magical Christmas. We invite you to join us in making a difference this holiday season by donating new, unwrapped toys to the PCMS Main Office from Monday, 11/6 through Friday 12/1. Here are some helpful practical shopping tips. Let’s come together as a school community to bring smiles to the faces of children in Central Oregon. Your generosity can brighten a child’s Christmas and warm their hearts. PCMS Toy Drive Flyer

The Giving Plate’s Food Drive: Another way that our community can give back is to donate non-perishable food items to support those in need this holiday season. We are launching this program in advisory classes on Monday, December 4 and will be collecting items until Friday, December 15. The Giving Plate will bring their truck to PCMS to load up all of the food items that are donated to help stock their food pantry for many to enjoy.

Technology in Education: Finding balance for back-to-school success

In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, technology isn’t just a tool; it can be a gateway to enhanced learning experiences. We strive to make screen time purposeful and beneficial, maintaining a healthy balance between online and offline activities.

As a parent, you play a pivotal role in differentiating between technology for educational purposes and recreational screen time.

Here are some suggestions to establish healthy technology habits:

  • Open Communication: Have an open dialogue with your child about technology use, its benefits, and potential challenges.
  • Tech-Free Zones: Designate areas and times at home for focused learning, free from distractions.
  • Homework Routine: Encourage a consistent homework routine that includes breaks and offline activities.
  • Personal Tech Limits: Set limits on personal device use, ensuring a healthy balance between online and offline activities.
  • Lead by Example: Model responsible technology use by practicing mindful screen time, engaging in face-to-face conversations, and prioritizing outdoor activities.
  • Monitor Social Media Use: Guide your child in using platforms responsibly, emphasizing privacy settings, respectful communication, and critical thinking.
  • Be Aware of Bullying Behavior: Help your child recognize the importance of kindness and empathy online. If they encounter bullying behavior, encourage them to talk to you or a trusted adult.

For further insights and information, we encourage you to engage in an open dialogue with your school and teachers. Additionally, you can explore valuable parent tips and frequently asked questions on the “For Parents” tab at Common Sense Media and the parent guides at Connect Safely.

Tecnología en la educación: encontrar el equilibrio para el éxito en el regreso a clases

En el panorama digital actual en rápida evolución, la tecnología no es sólo una herramienta; puede ser una puerta de entrada a experiencias de aprendizaje mejoradas. Nos esforzamos por hacer que el tiempo frente a la pantalla sea útil y beneficioso, manteniendo un equilibrio saludable entre las actividades en línea y fuera de línea.

Como padre de familia, usted desempeña un papel fundamental a la hora de diferenciar entre la tecnología con fines educativos y el tiempo recreativo frente a una pantalla.

A continuación, se ofrecen algunas sugerencias para establecer hábitos tecnológicos saludables:

  • Comunicación abierta: mantenga un diálogo abierto con su hijo/hija sobre el uso de la tecnología, sus beneficios y posibles desafíos.
  • Zonas libres de tecnología: designe áreas y horarios en casa para un aprendizaje concentrado, libre de distracciones.
  • Rutina de tarea: Fomente una rutina de tarea consistente que incluya descansos y actividades fuera de línea.
  • Límites tecnológicos personales: establezca límites en el uso de dispositivos personales, garantizando un equilibrio saludable entre las actividades en línea y fuera de línea.
  • Predique con el ejemplo: modele el uso responsable de la tecnología practicando el tiempo de pantalla consciente, participando en conversaciones cara a cara y priorizando las actividades al aire libre.
  • Supervise el uso de las redes sociales: guíe a su hijo/hija en el uso responsable de las plataformas, enfatizando la configuración de privacidad, la comunicación respetuosa y el pensamiento crítico.
  • Sea consciente del comportamiento de acoso (bullying): ayude a su hijo/hija a reconocer la importancia de la amabilidad y la empatía en línea. Si se encuentran con un comportamiento de intimidación, anímelos a hablar con usted o con un adulto de confianza.

Para obtener más ideas e información, lo alentamos a participar en un diálogo abierto con su escuela y sus maestros. Además, puede explorar las guías para padres de familia en Connect Safely.

Athletic Updates

Wednesday evening, the Pacific Crest 8th Grade Football team faced Cascade in the first annual Bend City Middle School Championship. After a scoreless first quarter, PCMS scored to take an 8-0 halftime lead.  Cascade responded with a score of their own to tie the game where it remained until less than 8 minutes remaining.  PCMS took control of the game in the 4th quarter scoring on three straight drives, defeating Cascade 30-8.  Led by a loud student section dressed in gold, the Golden Eagles finished the season 7-0.

The 7th Grade Football team faced the Pilot Butte Giants in the first annual City Football Championship game on Wednesday. It was a tough matchup as the Giants beat Cascade the week prior, and the only loss of the season for the Golden Eagles was to Cascade mid-season. It was a defensive battle, with the Golden Eagles only leading by 2 at the half, 8-6. The Eagles offense stepped it up in the 2nd half, rushing for another touchdown, and kicking a second PAT to go up 16-6. Pilot Butte answered with another long TD run and PAT bringing the score to 16-14. A tough stand by the Golden Eagle defense forced a Giant turnover with only 3 minutes to go as the Golden Eagles grinded the clock winning the City Championship. The Golden Eagle kicking game proved to be a deciding factor in this victory, as well as during much of the season, hitting 8 of 9 PAT attempts overall.  

PCMS Wrestling registrations open November 6th and will close January 12th. To register, please go to the PCMS Athletics page and complete the steps listed. Late registrations will not be accepted. 

Bend Parks and Recreation Girls Middle School Basketball registration is currently underway on the BRPD website. Registration will close on Dec. 20th OR  when teams are full —whichever comes first. Space is limited so please sign up as soon as possible. The season will begin Tuesday, Jan. 9

Calendar of Events | Mark your Calendar

  • Nov. 6 – Dec. 1 | The Giving Plate Jingle Store Toy Drive (see details above)
  • Nov. 6 | Intro to Executive Function: Get the Brain on Board | 6:00pm
  • Nov. 10 | Veterans’ Day | No School
  • Nov. 20 – 24 | Thanksgiving Break | No School
  • Dec. 18 – Jan. 1 | Winter Break | No School

Helpful Links

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