Principal’s Hello!
Happy sunny Friday, PCMS families!
I started my day meeting with some awesome parents at the third and final principal’s coffee. (I plan to continue these next year; they’ve been great.) One of the things we talked about was creating more opportunities for parents to build community via the school.
To that end, I’m excited for some ideas we will try next year to build this community. As you know, my family and I are new to Bend, and y’all have been so warm and welcoming to us. I want our school community to serve that same function for as many folks as possible. Let me know if you have your own ideas!
Another thing I’ll mention is that we’ve been talking a lot about iPads lately. Some teachers are attempting to utilize iPads in a more secondary, supportive role rather than the sole pipeline of instruction. We’re finding that constant screen time may be inhibiting deep, authentic relationships between students and between students and staff. (How can I build a relationship with you if I’m only relating to my screen?)
To that end, check out the new research on social media. It’s scary, but also empowering, because now we know for sure that social media has a direct, negative effect on our children. There were so many confounding factors before that researchers have now been able to isolate.
Finally, I want to personally put a plug in for Carrie Bonnet. (See the section below.) I attended a talk by Carrie at the public library and was so impressed by her presentation. I thought you all would find benefit from it as well, especially as we fight the “summer slide” that occurs between academic school years.
I wish you all a sunny weekend outside with people you love!
Sean
Join Us!
Parents and guardians are welcome to attend a presentation on “Introduction to Executive Function – Be the Boss of your Brain” this Thursday, May 4, 2023 at 6:30 PM at PCMS .
Do you (or someone you love) struggle with things like time management, self-monitoring, planning, and organization? Then this conversation is for you! Carrie Bonnett, Executive Function coach, veteran teacher and PCMS parent, will offer an introduction to these cognitive skills – the ones that help us GET THINGS DONE. You will learn why this is harder for some people than others, what does the brain science say about it and how we can support our students (and ourselves) – even during the summer!
School Snack Bars are Opening Again
This is how it works:
- Snack foods have been approved to meet the smart snack guidelines.
- Students can use their accounts to purchase items as long there is a sufficient amount of money in their account to cover the purchase.
- Parents and/or Guardians can request that the student’s meal account be flagged for no snack bar purchases by calling the school kitchen.
If you have any questions, contact PCMS Nutrition Department at (541) 355-7840.
District Guidance Regarding Walkouts
We have seen information on social media suggesting that some students in our community plan a school walkout on Monday to demonstrate around the issue of gun violence. While we have not confirmed that a student-led protest is planned at a specific school, in light of the student walkouts a few weeks ago, we want to share our expectations and guidance around these events.
We are always available to meet with student leaders to discuss productive and safe avenues for issues they wish to address through demonstrations or other means. This includes scheduling time for students to walk out to a safe place on campus, then return to class without penalty.
It’s important to know that if students leave campus, they are no longer under the supervision of school staff, and they will be marked unexcused absent.
Students who have unexcused absences may not participate in after-school practices, events, or competitions on the day of the absence. Students who fail to follow the direction of a teacher or administrator to return to class or to remain on campus may be subject to disciplinary measures. We will maintain regular instruction for all students who remain in classrooms.
The district supports students’ right to free speech and assembly. These rights are guaranteed under the First Amendment. Students do not have a right to disrupt school functions or violate school policies. It is not appropriate for school staff to encourage or discourage student participation in protest or demonstration, nor should staff participate themselves.
Junior Wolfpack Cheerleading
All kindergarten through 8th grade students are welcome to join the Caldera Cheerleaders in an afternoon filled with learning cheers, a short dance routine, and fun!
- Saturday, June 3rd, 2023
- 12:00 – 3:00pm
- Caldera High School
- $25.00 (cash or check at the door).
- English Flyer and Spanish Flyer
Calendar
- May 3 | Track Meet vs. Sky View MS @ PCMS | 3:15pm
- May 4 | Introduction to Executive Function – Be the Boss of your Brain | 6:30 – 7:30pm (see more info above)
- May 10 | Track Meet @ High Desert MS | 2:45pm
- May 17 | Track Meet vs. Cascade MS, St. Francis & 7 Peaks | @ PCMS | 3:15pm
- May 18 | 5th Grade Family Night | 6:00-8:00pm
- May 29 | No School | Memorial Day
- June 7 | NJHS Induction Ceremony @ 6:00pm | PCMS Gym
- June 15 | Leaving the Nest | 8th Grade Ceremony & Reception | 6:00 – 7:15 PM | PCMS Gym
- June 16 | All School Field Day | Last Day of School |Early Release at 2:15 PM
Helpful Links
