Hello Golden Eagles and Families!
Congratulations!! You’ve made it to the end of your first week of the 2020-2021 school year and that is no small feat. Although this week included some glitches, it was also full of connection, collaboration, care, learning, and inspiration. I felt so proud to join a variety of virtual classrooms this week and see all of our teachers and students working together, supporting one another, sharing, and learning. What a great start! I’m happy we’re all back together!
This week we have also had two new people join our team. Bri Agenbroad was just hired as our brand new Registrar and Counseling secretary and Steve Simpson is the newest addition to our counseling team. Both new eagles jumped right in on Monday and are so excited to be part of our community. It is likely if you call PCMS, you may get to connect with Bri in the front office as she is learning the ropes and you may see Steve as he begins to teach all of our 6th graders in the Leadership classes. We welcome them to the team!
Below are a few things that you should be aware of as we move into our second week.
Canvas and Other Tech Questions
We are all getting used to re-connecting using our devices and becoming familiar with our new learning management platform, Canvas. The district continues to offer supports for families using the Tips and Tricks page. Additionally, our tech team at PCMS has been fielding some recent common questions, primarily related to submitting work. We’ve created a Cheat Sheet for Submitting Assignments to help you get your work turned in. If you continue to have any difficulties at all, please reach out to your classroom teacher or anyone here at the school. We’re here to help!
First Day Photos
Even though we’re apart, we want to make our memories last! I hope you all took a moment to snap a First Day photo to share with us for the yearbook. Please share any photos you have from the first day by going to the following website: www.hjeshare.com and use the password golden eagles. Click here for a short video on how to upload photos. You can also use this website moving forward throughout the year for any other fun photos you want to share.
Acceptable Use Policy
ALL FAMILIES MUST COMPLETE and Acceptable Use Policy Form for the 2020-2021 school year. Please do this this week if you haven’t already done it electronically. If you are new to BLP, you may have done this in person and iPad pickup. Follow the directions outlined on THIS FORM.
PCMS Parent Survey (Counseling)
As you have heard before, at Pacific Crest we focus on delivering Inspiration, high levels of Learning, and high levels of Care. One way we deliver care is through our counseling team. Our team of nationally recognized counselors stand ready to support your child (and your family) with anything that they/you may need in middle school. Please provide us with some information about your child by completing our PCMS Parent Survey. You are your child’s first teacher and you know your child best. We look forward to supporting you and your family during the middle years.
Golden Eagle Breakfast
Mr. Kelling and I miss you! In the next few weeks, we will be offering some times that students can come and connect with us just to say, “Hi,” and share about what is happening in their lives. We will start this Monday at 8:30 with breakfast. Students are invited to join Mr. Kelling and Ms. Birk in Ms. Birk’s webex room (https://bls.webex.com/meet/lisa.birk) to listen to music, get ready for the day, and simply connect. This is not mandatory but we’d love to see you if you’re interested.
Clubs and Extras
The first couple of weeks are all about getting established. As this month closes, we will look to begin some of our other activities. If you have ideas for a club and would like to create one, please contact Ms. Birk.
Remember, this is not a sprint. Think of this year as a marathon and this is only the beginning. What things can you do for yourself to make your load feel lighter now so you can go the distance? You may be feeling overwhelmed. This article from the Greater Good Science Center out of Berkeley has some ideas for things parents and students can think about as our year begins. In the article, it describes the importance of gratitude as way to cultivate well-being. I can honestly say that I am so grateful for the Pacific Crest community. During the million phone calls and e-mails that our team fielded this week, it was clear that we are part of a community where everyone wants to work together to be the best we can be. Thank you for supporting our school and the excellent educators and students that make this place so special. Have a wonderful weekend.
Go Golden Eagles!
Lisa