Good evening Scorpion Community,
It is the very last week of school! We are in the ultimate home stretch. Per usual, thanks for combing through the newsletter carefully so you are in the know!
This week is the last call for elective forms and library books. Any library book not returned will result in an invoice that must be paid by the student's family. Also, if students do not turn in their elective request sheet, school staff will make a selection as best they can for students.
Please tune in below for details regarding locker clean out, promotion practice, yearbook distribution, and dismissal:
Monday, 6/9
- Locker clean out - 6th grade= 1st period, 7th grade=2nd period, 8th grade=3rd period
- 8th graders begin promotion practice during 5th and 6th periods
Tuesday, 6/10:
- 8th grade promotion practice: 1st and 2nd periods
- Yearbook distribution (8th only) at end of promotion practice
- 8th grade pool party, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
- 8th grade gowns and tickets distributed in gym, 2:00 PM
Wednesday, 6/11:
- 8th grade promotion practice: 3rd and 4th periods
- Yearbook distribution - 1st period (6th and 7th grade)
Thursday, 6/12: LAST DAY OF SCHOOL
- 8th grade promotion practice until approximately 10:30 AM (8th graders then released
- 6th and 7th graders released at 11:55 AM
Let's bring this year to a close, Scorpions! Thanks for making our last week together a respectful, responsible, and safe one. See you tomorrow!
In partnership,
Whitney McEachern, Principal
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Please mark your calendars with the following dates:
- Monday, 6/9 - SJMS Band Concert and Celebration, 6 PM (more information to come)
- Tuesday, 6/10 - 8th Grade Picnic/Pool Party
- Tuesday, 6/10 - 6th and 7th Grade Chromebooks Collected
- Thursday, 6/12 - Last Day of School & 8th Grade Promotion
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Calling all 6th and 7th grade Scorpions! You will be turning in your chromebook for the summer. Please plan on bringing your chromebook to school on Tuesday, 6/10, and leaving it on campus for the duration of the summer. We ask that you take time to remove stickers and writing (which should not have been on your chromebook to begin with), and do some general cleaning of the device. You may leave your charger at home. Be sure to put it in a safe spot so when chromebooks are returned in August, you can charge your device and be prepared to utilize it. Invoices will be generated and sent home for any chromebooks not returned. Invoices are expected to be paid ASAP. Thanks for following through with this device turn-in! |
Many thanks to all who helped to make a memorable dance for our 8th grade class! A link with access to the photo booth photos is forthcoming. We have one more event, the Pool Party!
Sign Up to Help with the 8th Grade Pool Party on Tuesday, June 10, 2025
Interested? Contact:
PTA Highlights: We are incredibly grateful for the unwavering commitment and generosity of the SJMS community. This year has been a remarkable example of what we can achieve when we come together to support our students.
Thanks to the dedication of our volunteers and donors, we were able to:
Fund memorable field trips for each grade level:
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6th Grade: The Exploratorium
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7th Grade: USS Hornet Museum
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8th Grade: Chabot Space & Science Center
Host meaningful assemblies during Wellness Week, featuring organizations such as Song for Charlie, the Polly Klaas Foundation, Mindful Life Project, Speak Safe, and an exciting BMX stunt show.
Coordinate fun and inclusive community events, including WEB day lunch, the annual Block Party and Wellness Fair.
Provide classroom supplies and monthly staff treats, showing appreciation for our dedicated teachers and staff.
Enhance campus beautification, with projects like the bright yellow umbrellas, umbrella stands, colorful flowers, and the upcoming addition of a new projector and screen in the gym.
Support end-of-year 8th grade celebrations, including the 8th Grade Dance and the Picnic/Pool Party.
Organize successful fundraisers, such as Dine & Donate nights and Oktoberfest Auction.
Thank you again to everyone who made this year such a success. We’re proud of all we've accomplished together!
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Mrs. Patty Pingatore is headed into the next beautiful stage of her life: retirement! We are beyond grateful to have had Patty as part of our San Jose community for so long. Here is what was read about Patty at the recent board meeting where she was honored:
"Patty is recognized at San Jose for her attention to detail, thoroughness, and care for her colleagues and San Jose families. When Patty stops to ask how you and your family are doing, she is inquiring from the bottom of her heart. Her commitment to the Scorpion Community is unwavering, striving to help every family feel welcome and instantly at home at San Jose. Patty's depth of knowledge when it comes to scheduling is unparalleled. She has an eye for creating a schedule that truly reflects what is best for all kids! We are so grateful for all Patty does and will miss her. Congratulations on a well-deserved retirement!"
Patty, we wish you well and cannot wait to hear about what lies ahead for you. Enjoy this time with your family and loved ones!
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Our Scorpion Staff knows how to keep kids engaged down to the very last week of school! Here's a little glimpse into standards being covered, projects that were completed, and fun that was had:
- Students in 8th grade art completed an assignment called "Who Do I Envision Myself At Age 25?" The final products are incredible and inspiring!
- 8th grade science students have been learning about how genetic mutations create the variety of species that we have today. They also explored local scientists who are using gene therapy to address aging, plus the pros and cons of gene manipulation. Nice work scholars.
- Promoting drama students celebrated years of tremendous growth in the arts and in their community. 8th graders put on an amazing evening for parents/guardians and loved ones where they showcased their talent. We will miss you, Scorpions, and please come visit!
- Students faced off in final intramural soccer games. Thanks to Paolo, super star leadership student, and Mr. Brackett, intramural coordinator, for providing time and space for kids to work together as a team and let out some energy!
- Per tradition, our San Jose Community welcomed graduating AVID students from Novato High School, most of them returning to their alma mater middle school. These seniors paraded through campus to showcase their graduation regalia and demonstrate how hard work pays off big time. Congratulations to our former Scorpions! We are so very proud of you.
- We had another enjoyable pop up concert from band. This is the second time they have spent lunch playing for their Scorpions Community, and we absolutely love it! Thanks Ms. Kizer and band students for showcasing your talent at lunchtime. It's super fun to hear you play!
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Did you see the recent post from Dr. Smith, NUSD Superintendent? Please review below.
Dear NUSD Secondary Families,
Marin County has long been a leader in promoting healthy, active lifestyles—and we’re proud of how many students walk, bike, and now e-bike to school. But with the growing popularity of e-bikes has come a serious safety concern that we must address together.
Since 2023, Marin Public Health has reported a sharp rise in e-bike injuries among youth, particularly those ages 10 to 15, who are five times more likely to require 911 services than adults. These injuries are not minor scrapes —emergency room physicians report they resemble serious injuries from motor vehicle accidents like internal bleeding and brain trauma, due to the higher speeds and weight of e-bikes.Dear NUSD Secondary Families,
Marin County has long been a leader in promoting healthy, active lifestyles—and we’re proud of how many students walk, bike, and now e-bike to school. But with the growing popularity of e-bikes has come a serious safety concern that we must address together.
Since 2023, Marin Public Health has reported a sharp rise in e-bike injuries among youth, particularly those ages 10 to 15, who are five times more likely to require 911 services than adults. These injuries are not minor scrapes —emergency room physicians report they resemble serious injuries from motor vehicle accidents like internal bleeding and brain trauma, due to the higher speeds and weight of e-bikes.
All legal e-bikes in California must have fully operable pedals and a motor that does not exceed 750 watts. There are three classes of legal e-bikes in California:
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Class 1 only assists when you pedal and stops helping at 20mph. Legal for all ages.
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Class 2 assists with a throttle up to 20mph and pedaling isn’t required. You must be 16+ to ride in Marin.
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Class 3 only assists when you pedal and stops helping at 28 mph. You must be 16+ to ride anywhere.
Starting this summer, please make sure your child rides a bike that is safe, legal and appropriate for their age and ability. We continue to strongly support cycling to and from school, and it is important that young riders be confident and experienced on a regular bike first before they start on an e-bike. E-bikes are faster, heavier, and require strong awareness and balance to ride safely. What’s permitted on Marin County school campuses starting next fall can be seen in the chart below.
We know that safety education is a critical component of this effort. That’s why Marin officials have launched a countywide E-Bikers Club campaign to promote safe riding habits and help students and parents choose the right e-bike. Visit E-BikersClub.com for an animated video, safety tips, free Marin-focused posters, and a safety pledge.
We’re proud to encourage biking as a sustainable, healthy way to get to school—and with your partnership, we can make it safe for everyone.
Warmly,
Dr. Tracy Smith
Superintendent
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Calling all 7th grade leaders! We want you as a WEB leader! What does WEB stand for, you may be asking? WEB is an acronym that means "where everyone belongs." When our new Scorpions arrive in August (and throughout the year, for mid-year transfers), we rely on respectful, kind, dedicated 8th graders to welcome them and show them what it means to be #ScorpionStrong. We are looking for our next round of WEB leaders! FOr the 25-26 school year you can count on helping facilitate WEB Orientation on Wednesday, August 20th, as well as support Mrs. McEachern lead tours for incoming families throughout the school year. There will be events throughout the year to reconnect with the new students and help them feel welcome. All current 7th grade students who are interested can find the application in the bookmark menu on their chromebook. The link can also be found below! We can't wait to meet our new WEB leaders. Thanks for considering submitting interest for this special role! |
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Please consider donating to our family closet (aka community closet) and/or athletic shoe drive! Thank you to the PE department and leadership for spearheading this important focus before the end of the year! More information can be found below. |
Please mark your calendars for the remaining end of year events for our 8th graders:
8th Grade Dance: Friday, June 6
- 7:00 - 9:00 PM, San Jose Middle School Gym
Promotion Picnic and Pool Party: Tuesday, June 10
- 10:30 AM - 2:00 PM, College of Marin Indian Valley Campus Pool
Promotion Gown and Ticket Distribution: Tuesday, June 10
- Immediately following picnic and pool party
Promotion ceremony: Thursday, June 12
- 10 AM dismissal for 8th graders
- 1:30 PM Ceremony, SJMS Dome
- 6 tickets per student (attendees under the age of 18 must be accompanied by their parent and have a ticket)
In each edition of the Scorpion Scoop, expectations for 8th graders are detailed for parent/guardian and student reminder and review. All 8th graders are being held accountable for specific expectations regarding their behavior, attendance, and academic performance so they can earn access to their end of year activities. We encourage you to review these expectations with your student weekly. Let’s work as a team to get our 8th graders to the finish line and off to high school with success!
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Attention 8th grade parents - If your child is planning to attend a private high school or high school outside of NUSD next year, please email or call Mrs. Pingatore at [email protected] or (415) 883-7831 x5294. Be sure to leave their name and what high school they will be attending. Thank you for your attention to this matter! |
Dear Eighth Grade Students and Parents/Guardians,
We are excited about the upcoming end-of-year celebrations planned in June for this year’s eighth grade students. Our goal is to ensure that this is a positive experience for all students, teachers and staff. The intent of this letter is to communicate clearly San Jose Middle School’s expectations for appropriate behavior and academic performance during the spring semester to afford all students the opportunity to participate in these fun activities. Participation in the eighth grade class picnic/pool party, promotion dance, promotion ceremony, and early access to the yearbook are considered a privilege and are designed to celebrate the conclusion of our students’ middle school experience. To participate in the end-of-year activities, students need to meet high academic standards and behave according to San Jose’s expectations.
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Beginning Friday, January 10, 2025, students may be excluded from the DANCE if they:
- are suspended from school, or
- are suspended from class (3) times, or
- receive four (4) referrals, or
- accumulate six (6) or more unexcused tardies
- have unfulfilled consequences from prior behavior
Students may also be excluded from the PICNIC if they:
- are suspended from school for the second time, or
- receive an additional referral (5 or more referrals for the semester or a referral following a suspension), or
- accumulate four (4) or more additional unexcused tardies (10 total for the semester)
- have unfulfilled consequences from prior behavior
Students must also be in good academic standing to attend the DANCE and/or PICNIC:
- If, as of June 5, a student is receiving 2 Fs during spring semester OR has below a 2.0 GPA, they may lose the privilege of attending the DANCE.
If, as of June 5, a student is receiving 3 Fs during spring semester OR has below a 2.0 GPA, they may lose the privilege of attending the PICNIC.
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If students have an “F” in three or more classes, they may need to sign up for additional support and instruction during a summer NUSD program, prior to attending high school, in order to attend the 8th grade promotion ceremony. More information will be provided regarding this expectation.
Please take time to review the school’s policies in your child’s San Jose Student Planner and Handbook, which contains behavior and academic expectations for our students. Additional copies of the handbook are available in the main office. If you have any questions, please contact Assistant Principal Juliette Jones at [email protected].
Sincerely,
Whitney McEachern and Juliette Jones, SJMS Administrative Team
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We are committed to fostering a safe and supportive environment for all students. To assist in addressing any concerns related to bullying, NUSD has an Online Bullying Complaint Form that you can fill out to report incidents of bullying.
This form is confidential and ensures that we can promptly investigate and take appropriate action to support your child. We encourage you to utilize this resource if you would like. Thank you for partnering with us to help maintain a positive and safe environment for all students.
Of course, we encourage students and parents/guardians to always share concerning behavior with SJMS administration, counselors, or other staff as soon as possible. We believe in working collaboratively to ensure every single student feels welcomed, safe, and included on our campus. Thank you for your partnership in reminding your student to always be kind, respectful, and responsible.
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Opportunities and Reminders for Families
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Dear NUSD Community,
I hope you are doing well as the school year winds down. With graduation activities approaching, I wanted to reiterate MCOE’s ask for parents/caregivers to keep graduation events alcohol and substance-free and to adhere to the local social host ordinance laws by not allowing underage substance use in their homes.
Thank you for your continued partnership in fostering healthy environments for our youth. We appreciate your support and look forward to collaborating again in the Fall.
Wishing you a safe and restful summer.
Best,
Lisa Klein
Program Coordinator
Raising the Bar
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Please find information below for the NHS AVID Program! Here are the links to learn more and apply:
https://sites.google.com/students.nusd.org/novatohighavid/home
https://sites.google.com/students.nusd.org/novatohighavid/application
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DONATE NOW! Help our Wellness Hub Grow. Wondering how you can support wellness efforts at San Jose? Click the link below to donate to our Wellness Hub! |
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