{"id":2043,"date":"2022-09-03T00:20:54","date_gmt":"2022-09-03T00:20:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.bend.k12.or.us\/pcms\/?p=2043"},"modified":"2022-09-07T01:21:24","modified_gmt":"2022-09-07T01:21:24","slug":"september-2-2022","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.bend.k12.or.us\/pcms\/2022\/09\/03\/september-2-2022\/","title":{"rendered":"September 2, 2022"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Principal’s Message<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hey, PCMS Families!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We just finished a powerful week with our teachers and support staff here at Pacific Crest! Our 8th grade WEB Leaders trained with our WEB Coordinators, focusing on supporting our 6th graders. (As you know, Wednesday, September 7 is 6th grade only. It’s going to be so much fun!)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We also had deep, collaborative discussion about our “Big 4” policies for students. We believe these policies will help our students focus on high-level instruction, the core purpose of our school. We also believe these policies will help with student behavior generally and will keep our campus more safe and more orderly. We can’t have fun if we don’t feel safe. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I know you might have questions or concerns about a policy. That is okay! Just know that these policies come from years and years of experience working with this age group of students–experience in classrooms, experience supervising campus, experience working with families. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

We’re so excited for the 2022-23 school year. We are the best at getting better<\/em> here at PCMS, and our goal is to continuously improve our academic service model to our community. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Take care, and see you soon!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sean Keating<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Electronic Device Policy<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

All electronic devices (cell phones, gaming tablets, etc.) need to be OFF AND AWAY ALL DAY. By “off,” we mean silent: no buzzing, no ringing, no distraction whatsoever. Students are allowed to keep their phone with them, but if it becomes a distraction to learning, they will lose this privilege.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Students may use their iPads during lunch, and they may use their iPad during class time, as long as they are following all teacher direction. For example, if, during an art project, the teacher says they may listen to music on the iPad, then the student may do so, but they must use headphones or earbuds. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If students do not follow this policy, we have a series of consequences. We will detail these on a slide which teachers will deliver during Advisory. If you need to contact your student, please call the front office, and we will deliver the message to your student. Likewise, if a student needs to call you at any time, they may get a pass to the front office and call you. We can give them a private space, as well, if this is preferred. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Backpacks Policy<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Backpacks are not allowed in classrooms. They must remain in student lockers. Because of our large class sizes, backpacks impede teachers and students from moving around the classroom. We must be able to move easily in order to teach and collaborate. Students will have plenty of time to go to their lockers between classes to get the materials they need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tardy Policy<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A tardy is when a student enters a classroom after the tardy bell (the bell that starts class). This year, we will also have a 1-minute-warning bell. Students will have plenty of time to get to any classroom on campus, even if they use the restroom and go to their locker. After three tardies, we will notify families, and students will have an attendance goal. Students who continue to show up late will serve lunch detention. We will reset the tardy count each semester. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bathroom Policy<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

We will allow students to use the bathroom during class. Only 1 student will leave class at a time, with a hall pass.<\/em> Also, students have 5 minutes to use the restroom and return to class. If a student takes more than 5 minutes, the teacher will have a private discussion with the student to remind them of the policy and to ensure that everything is okay. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If a student is using the bathroom everyday, and teachers suspect work avoidance or some other issue, teachers will meet with that student privately to discuss concerns and seek more information. A counselor may also have this conversation with the student. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Important: Student Pick-Up & Drop-Off <\/strong>(NW Crosby Drive Road Construction Update)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You may drop your student off as early as 8:35 AM. First period starts at 8:50 AM, but we’d like all students here no later than 8:45 AM. We want everyone to have time to go to their locker to drop off their backpack and get materials for class. Backpacks are not allowed in classrooms. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

We mentioned in last week’s blog message that NW Crosby Drive is under construction. As promised, we are providing the below update. We ask that everyone be patient and refer to this map with instructions<\/a> to help you navigate a safe and prompt student drop-off \/ pick-up at the PCMS red curb.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Crosby update–curbs are expected to be completed on Friday, the 9th. Grading will continue the week of the 12th<\/sup> and paving is expected to happen on Friday the 16th. At this time, we anticipate the road will be open to normal traffic flow the week of the 19th. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Grading for This School Year<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our teachers are always searching for new ways to improve their craft. This year, as part of this improvement, a district-wide grading team researched new ways to grade more effectively. In an effort to make our grading practices better represent what your student has actually learned, we’re embarking on some new grading systems. The district put together some information for you:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Letter to Families on Grading<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you have further questions, please contact your student’s teacher. We’re confident that updating the way we grade will reflect what students have actually learned and will be more equitable. Thank you for your patience and trust as we move ahead on this journey together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Update: Annual iPad Insurance<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you haven\u2019t done so, we strongly encourage families to purchase iPad Insurance for your child\u2019s device each year. The annual price is the same as last year ($30 per student) and can be paid on TouchBase<\/a>. However, the family cap is now $60, and elementary students (K-5) are no longer required to purchase insurance. Click the below links for more iPad insurance information:<\/p>\n\n\n\n