DJAMS NEWS

DON JUAN AVILA MIDDLE SCHOOL
Principal: Chris Carter
October 2009
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Wow, what a great Red Ribbon week here at DJAMS! We had many dress up days and lunch time activities that students participated in throughout the week. Thank you to our PTSA for providing a most memorable assembly this week — Rachel’s Challenge. We hope Rachel’s message has started a chain reaction of kindness and compassion within our school and community.

DOMINO’S PIZZA NIGHT – TUESDAY, OCTOBER 27

Pick up a flyer in the school office or just write Don Juan Avila Middle School on a piece of paper and hand it to the cashier or delivery driver! Domino’s will donate $ for every pizza sold!

PTSA MEMBERSHIP MEETING – THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2:30 P.M., DJAMS LIBRARY

We’ll be celebrating the artwork of our talented students in a presentation for all Reflections Art Program participants. You won’t want to miss this opportunity to recognize our amazing students.

SCHOOL SITE COUNCIL CONGRATULATIONS

The School Site Council at Don Juan Avila Middle School recently started the nomination and election process for selecting three parents who would be interested in serving on this important school committee. We’ve had three responses in our nomination process, so an election is not needed at this time. Congratulations to our new parent representatives of the School Site Council: Michelle Fleming, Laurinda Miller, and Kelly Sample.

If you would still like to be involved, please remember that School Site Council meetings are open to all parents and staff. The DJAMS School Site Council is an advisory committee that discusses program development, community involvement, and expenditure of funds.

BRONCO PRIDE

DJAMS offers a wonderful opportunity for students to give back to the community and the school. Bronco Pride is a chance for students to get recognized for doing community service and school service. Information about Bronco Pride is on Edline and will also be discussed during homeroom on October 23. If your child is interested in participating in this program, encourage him/her to come to a meeting on October 26 or 27 in room 804 for more information. The requirements for Bronco Pride is to complete 10 hours of community service and 10 hours of school service. Students also need to maintain a 2.75 GPA, get 10 or more Outstandings, and have good behavior at school. If you have any questions, please email Mrs. Olson at seolson@capousd.org.

YEARBOOK

The early bird prices for EIGHTH GRADE ADS ends on November 2. Order forms are on Edline or you can email Mrs. Olson at seolson@capousd.org.

P.E. NEWS

Dates to remember:

Turkey Trot – Thursday, November 19. DJAMS’ Annual Turkey Trot is set for Thursday, November 19, during P.E. classes. All students are invited to participate and there will be prizes for all levels! Good luck to all students.

Student Flag Football Tournament – Monday, November 9. 7 on 7, 8 players on a team. Students sign their team up with Mr. Nahl on Thursday, November 5, at lunch in his office. 8 teams of 6th graders, 4 teams of 7th and 8th each. Good luck!

LEAVING CAMPUS EARLY

If your child needs to leave campus early due to an appointment or other reason, please remember to send him or her in with a note before school begins to the Attendance Window. We will issue a Special Excuse which will allow your child to leave class to meet you in the front office. This will assure your child being on time for your pick up. Thank you.

FORGOTTEN ITEMS LEFT AT HOME

If your child has forgotten any items at home such as, P.E. clothes, books, homework, lunch or lunch money, feel free to bring them in to the Attendance Office. We do have a message board there and students have been coached to check the message board throughout the day, if they have left anything at home. This will greatly reduce classroom interruptions.

WEIGHT TRAINING CLASS OFFERED

It’s not too late for students to join Mr. Binley’s weight training class. Classes are held from 3:40 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays in the Fitness Center. This class is designed for all 7th and 8th graders interested in beginning weight training. To register for this class or other classes offered through Capistrano Community Education, please log on to: http://cusd.capousd.org/adult. Feel free to contact Mr. Binley if you have any questions regarding the weight training class.

HOMEWORK CLUB

Does your child need a quiet place to study and receive homework assistance? If so, please have your child attend DJAMS’ Homework Club. Students may attend on a drop-in basis 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. with the following teachers:

Mondays, Mr. Backal, Room 706

Tuesdays, Mr. Waterman, Room 806

Wednesdays, Ms. Nicol, Room 602

Fridays, Mrs. Arsala, Room 902

There is no Homework Club on late-start Thursdays.

DATES TO REMEMBER

October 19-23 Red Ribbon Week

October 23 7th/8th Grade Dance, 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., MPR

October 27 Domino’s Pizza Night

October 30 Professional Growth Day – No School

November 2 Deadline for 8th Grade Yearbook Ads

November 4 Chili’s Restaurant Night, 4 – 10:30 p.m.