Pine Hollow Family Newsletter
September 16, 2022
Important Dates
September
20 - School Site Council, 3:15pm via Google Meets
23 - Minimum Day - Students dismissed at 12:30pm, Staff Development for all staff
October
7 - Minimum Day -Students dismissed at 12:30pm
10 - No school for students, District wide staff Development
Principal's Messge
Hello Families!
The wild weather has made things challenging on so many levels. I really appreciate the students for being flexible as we move classes to cooler areas, adjust the activities during lunch and do our best to respond to what Mother Nature is sending us. Keeping kids safe is a top priority and sometimes elements such as weather gives us new things to face. Many buildings in the district have been impacted by this weather and I congratulate the MDUSD Maintence and Operations Department for responding as quickly as possible. The latest predictions state that we should expect a large rainstorm in the next week. More consistent with tropical climates, temperatures will also be elevated by weeks end. What a wild ride! Check the weather apps you use and help your child(ren) plan for things to change unexpectedly. One great idea is to have your child bring extra socks when it rains. This way if shoes and socks get wet they can at least have dry feet.
Currently, we are working to get the AC fixed in the music room. Those classes have been relocated to another large space in the meantime. Large fans have been requested and should arrive next week.
Another area of focus is the gym. AC was not installed when the gym was built and often this space is hotter than outside, even when the doors are all opened. District has provided large fans to help keep the air circulating. PE classes were relocated during the hottest times of the day and will continue to access classrooms should tempratures go above 90 degress for the rest of the year.
On another note we are looking for Volunteers to help supervise activities at lunch by servingto referee games or organize quieter activites in the library. We are also looking for a Volunteer Coordinator (not paid) to help manage the volunteer recruitment and logistics. See the link below for steps to take to become a volunteer.
In Partnership,
Laurie
BARK Comes to Pine Hollow
We are excited to announce that MDUSD is continuing with the use of BARK, an online system through Google that alerts us when statements concerning bullying, harrassment, suicide, or other harm are made by students when using our district devices. This has allowed us to intervene early in social situations to better guide students on their choices, apply consequences if necessary, or refer students to outside resources for further support.
Thank You Pine Hollow Families
Pine Hollow Wellness Center
Other schools describe it as a place that provides support for students who feel overwhelmed, lonely, anxious, stressed, sad, confused, or depressed. School wellness centers are a powerful investment in the health and academic potential of children and adolescents. They provide access to caring adults and services such as counseling, mentoring, and peer-to-peer support. School Wellness Centers support teachers by assisting children and adolescents to thrive in the classroom and beyond!
Initially, at Pine Hollow, this space will be open for lunchtime activities so students have a cool space to eat and connect. Together with the staff, and using other middle school as our guide, we will develop procedures and process for students to access the Wellness Center throughout the day.
Pine Hollow Middle School
Need Support Now?
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org
Website: https://pinehollow.mdusd.org/
Location: 5522 Pine Hollow Road, Concord, CA, USA
Phone: 925-672-5444
Twitter: @MustangsPHMS