On January 24th, we held an 8th Grade Parents Meeting to provide an overview of activities and events that will involve 8th Graders and their families. Following are notes from the meeting. Special thanks to PTA Secretary Trish Murphy for taking these!
Attendees: 51 attendees on zoom
Resources/Links: Everything will be posted on the 8th Grade Central page on the SJMS website
Welcome | Principal Mike Casper & PTA President Jen Jayme
- Good news – large gatherings are approved! This means we can have in-person celebrations.
Overview of Activities | Assistant Vice Principal Whitney McEachern & Teacher Deborah Baraban
- Students will be hearing from staff about behavior and academics that need to happen in order to participate in 8th Grade activities (permission can be withdrawn as a consequence for failing to meet certain expectations)
- Permission slips will be sent home to document permission for students to participate
- Traditionally, 8th Graders have participated in three main activities – the Promotion Ceremony, Dance, and Pool Party. An overview of traditions follows.
- PROMOTION CEREMONY (tentative Thursday, June 9th / last day of school)
Organizers: Committee of 8th grade teachers involved in 8th grade activities, especially promotion
Volunteers/Parent needs: needed for set up prior, more details to come on specifics; parents are meant to enjoy the event on the day of promotion
Whitney – While a formal ceremony is still great for the kids, we may want to retain some of the elements from the last two years. We had a drive-thru promotion 2 years ago and walk-through last year which gave a true feel of celebration, staff cheering the kids on, it was great. Staff created a “memory lane” of chalk on the path that the students walked through school, PTA put up decorations, there was a podium for pictures.
Gowns – will be fitted, optional donations accepted
Mike – there is some articulation on consistency for the schools for graduation, meeting has not happened as of yet - POOL PARTY (tentative Tuesday, June 7th)
Organizers: organized by SJ ASB @ Indian Valley campus (Ms. Maestro will help work on reservation details)
Volunteers/Parent needs: breakfast and snack is provided for kids and then pizza for lunch, drinks and snacks, for donations, snack donations, chaperones to walk students there and back with teachers
-Kids can play soccer; can sign yearbooks, not just about swimming
-What else can we do to add to the fun – caricatures, cake walk, ice cream truck!! - DANCE (tentative Friday, June 3rd)
Organizers: organized by SJ ASB
Volunteer/Parent needs: decorating (Hollywood theme); any creativity to add to decorations is great; also need donations for candy, water, snack food, photo booth, beautiful big gold star with 8th grade names on it – kids take home
-DJ is set up by leadership teachers
-6th and 7th grade parents chaperone;
-High school volunteers also need community hours
OTHER 8TH GRADE ANNOUNCEMENTS – DON’T FORGET…
- Submit Baby Pictures and “Favorites” for the Yearbook by Feb 18th – instructions here. Nothing will be accepted after the deadline.
- Photographer on site for 8th Grade Photos – Tuesday, April 19th – detailed forthcoming. appointments can be booked from 8am-2pm; graduation gown for photo provided
STAY TUNED FOR MORE PLANNING/MEETING INFORMATION TO COME IN MARCH….