Good afternoon all,
I hope you had a wonderful Spring Break with your family and are enjoying this warm spring weather. Here at Los Cerros we are in high gear until the end of our school year with many, many events on the calendar.
STAR testing begins for 8th graders on April 24th and for the whole school the week of April 29th – May 3rd. All makeup tests will occur the following week. As much as possible please do not schedule appointments or trips during those days. Our scores are based not only on individual achievement but on participation percentage so we need you! STAR testing is administered by the California Department of Education and the results become part of your student's cumulative record.
The most important factor for successful test taking is the attitude of students, parents, and school staff. If students know that taking the test and doing their very best is considered important by all community members then efforts become sharper and more focused. Enthusiasm can truly lead to improvement.
To help our students achieve our teachers are in the process of reviewing STAR materials and test-taking tips. These short, daily reviews will help normalize the experience of STAR and hopefully make it less stressful. Although it is always important for students to have a healthy breakfast and plenty of rest it is especially crucial during testing.
During testing cell phones are considered a test security concern and will not be allowed on the students. Students may either leave phones at home or turn them into the teacher at the beginning of the test (to be returned at the conclusion.) As per district policy, cell phone usage during state tests is an automatic school suspension.
TALENT SHOW – TALENT FOR TECH is our main technology fundraiser each year and is scheduled for Thursday and Friday, April 18 and 19th in the MPR. The cost is $5 and our great show begins at 7pm. 100% of the funds go directly to our laptop/iPad leases. Please consider attending and supporting our wonderful students. The show is produced by Mrs. Kaplan, Mr. Daniels, and Ms. Tittle and is the result of a lot of hard work on everyone’s part. See you there!
EIGHT GRADE EXPECTATIONS – Now that we are in 4th quarter our 8th graders have a lot of expectations regarding their grades, attendance, and behavior. With the great array of end of year activities such as Promotion, 8th Grade Party, and Great America it is more important than ever that students not lose focus and adhere to school rules. Students who receive more than one F are automatically excluded from Promotion (district policy), and Suspensions lead to loss of an activity. We all want the end of middle school to be fun and successful but it takes parents, students, and staff to make that happen. Ms. Schubb, Mr. Chamberlain, and I will meet with students who need extra support.
Thank you for all you do and your continued support of our educational goals,
Phyllis Roach
Phyllis Roach
Principal, Los Cerros Middle School
Dear Los Cerros Parents,
Please see the letter below from SRVUSD Community Relations Director Terry Koehne regarding a dangerous game that is being played on and around the High School campuses. Please note that the Los Cerros Administration is aware of this game and have actively discouraged students from getting involved in and/or being a participant. We are also working in concert with the Monte Vista High School Administration to deter the game when we hear it is being played on or near our campus community.
Sincerely,
Phyllis Roach
Principal
Los Cerros Middle School
February 8, 2013
Dear SRVUSD high school parents,
It has come to our attention that several hundred high school students in our community are currently participating in a dangerous activity in our neighborhoods known as the “Assassins Competition." Students (both boys and girls) work in teams to stalk and “shoot” other students with toy nerf guns. They are often dressed in dark clothing, hoods and masks, and oftentimes paint the toy guns black to look more "real." These activities are NOT sanctioned by the district or our schools and are not allowed on our campuses.
Yesterday, during the early morning hours, several high school students playing this game were spotted on the Alamo Elementary School campus and in the surrounding neighborhood. They were dressed in dark clothing and were hiding behind trees, trash cans and other large objects. Their presence alarmed a few staff members and students, who were unaware it was a “game”. The police were contacted, and are concerned that these students may be mistaken as actual threats to home and safety. They are also concerned with unsafe driving as students try to chase or escape in cars. A traffic citation was issued recently to “Assassins” running a stop sign.
We ask for the community to help in discouraging students from participating in this activity and to alert law enforcement of any suspicious behavior. While the “Assassins Competition” may seem like a harmless teenage game, it could have serious unforeseen consequences.
Thank you for your cooperation!
Terry Koehne, Community Relations Director
San Ramon Valley Unified School District
