SPARTAN SHIELD
Week Of April 19

COLOR RUN VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
Spartan Families!
We are looking for volunteers to help during our Color Run! Volunteers help make this event possible.
Please come and cheer on the kids in the Color Run and throw some color!
We need some volunteers to walk the route and set up the color stations on Friday, April 24, from 12:00 PM to 2:40 PM. Check out the time slots that need to be filled using the link below!
If you have been looking for a way to help out, this is a fun opportunity!
Sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C054FAFAD2BA6F8C52-63605198-color#/
CAASPP TESTING BEGINS THIS WEEK!
California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) Summative Assessments and California Science Test (CAST) 2025-2026
Dear Parent/Guardian:
Each spring, students participate in the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP). 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students will take English language arts/literacy (ELA) and mathematics tests.
CAASPP testing begins this week in English classes. English Language Arts testing will be held Monday, April 20, through Friday, April 24, in English classes. CAASPP Math testing will occur in Math classes from Monday, April 27, to Thursday, April 30.
When will testing take place?
The English Language Arts CAASPP assessment will be administered on the following dates in English classes:
Monday, April 20
Tuesday, April 21
Wednesday, April 22
Thursday, April 23
Friday, April 24
The Math CAASPP assessment will be administered on these dates in math classes:
Monday, April 27
Tuesday, April 28
Wednesday, April 29
Thursday, April 30
**We will have a regular bell schedule this week. Testing will take place in English and Math classes.**
Please read the tips below to help your student prepare for the assessments.
What do I need to know about these tests?
The CAASPP (California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress) tests are aligned to the California Common Core Standards and measure students' progress against statewide learning expectations, using computer-adaptive test technology.
To learn more about the CAASPP system, go to the California Department of Education Parent Guides to Understanding webpage at https://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/tg/ca/parentguidetounderstand.asp.
Where can I find more information?
The Common Core Standards for ELA and Mathematics can be viewed by clicking on this link: http://www.cde.ca.gov/be/st/ss/index.asp
You can become familiar with the testing format and the different types of test questions by looking at the practice or training tests at:https://out.smore.com/e/96xtm/Cid2Uz?__$u__
We thank you for being valuable partners in the academic success of your child! Thank you!
**There will be no special bell schedule. We will have a regular bell schedule for all weeks of testing.**
TIPS TO SUPPORT YOUR STUDENT DURING TESTING!
Help your student be prepared for the upcoming state assessments!
Here are some ways that you can help your student do their best on their assessment:
1. Talk to them about giving their best effort
2. Encourage them to get a good night's sleep before the test (especially limiting electronic use before bed)
3. Help them get to school in time to eat breakfast
4. Minimize absences and early releases/late drop-offs on these testing days
PLEASE READ
IMPORTANT INFORMATION DURING CAASPP TESTING
Dear Families,
Thank you for your support during CAASPP testing. To limit classroom disruptions, the front office will not call classrooms for early dismissals or deliver summons during testing windows.
If your student needs an early dismissal, please have them bring a signed note stating the reason and the dismissal time; the front office will arrange the dismissal. You will still need to come into the office and show your ID.
You may also call ahead to request your student wait in the office before their Math and English tests begin. Please confirm with your student which periods they have math and English, and arrange pickup during a non-testing period.
Allow extra time for the checkout process! We appreciate your cooperation and understanding!
The English Language Arts CAASPP assessment will be administered on the following dates in English classes:
Monday, April 20
Tuesday, April 21
Wednesday, April 22
Thursday, April 23
Friday, April 24
The Math CAASPP assessment will be administered on these dates in math classes:
Monday, April 27
Tuesday, April 28
Wednesday, April 29
Thursday, April 30
SPIRIT WEEK AT ARCADE!
Spirit Week April 20-24
Monday- Tropical Day
Tuesday- Sport Day
Wednesday- Earth Day. Wear green!
Thursday- Crazy Hair Day
Friday- Color Run Day. Wear white for the color run!
To end the week, we have the color run! Join in on all the school spirit fun!
COLOR RUN ON APRIL 24!
Color Run is on Friday, April 24!
Join in on all the fun on Friday, April 24! Arcade will continue the Color Run tradition!
Students MUST have a signed permission slip to participate.
Permission slips are available in the front office and were handed out during 6th period last Friday. You can also download and print the permission slips below!
Permission slips are due Tuesday, April 21, 2026! There will be a rally schedule. Dismissal time will remain at 2:38 PM!
If you are participating, wear white! Colors will stain, so make sure to wear something you don't mind getting stained with colors!
Students not participating will remain inside with a staff member during the event.
Don't hesitate to get in touch with Peggy Frizzell, peggy.frizzell@sanjuan.edu, or Lisa Pegos, ptoarcade@gmail.com, with Arcade PTO for volunteer information!
8TH GRADE DANCE 2026
8th Grade ONLY
Important Information:
- Entry is 5 dollars per student. Advanced purchase is required!
- All students must be on the pre-approved student list to participate. Approval is based on individual school conduct requirements. Arcade students on social probation will NOT be able to attend. Students suspended in the 4th quarter will NOT be able to attend.
- Student ID is required for entry
Food trucks will be available, so bring extra cash. Dress to impress!
CHEER ON THE TRACK TEAM!
TRACK SCHEDULE 2025-2026
Cheer on our Spartans at their track meets! Schedule below! Meets begin at 3:30 PM and typically run until 7:30 PM.
Track Season Schedule:
- April 23 @ Del Campo
- April 30 @ TBD
- May 5 (Conference Trials) @ Encina
- May 7 (Conference Finals) @ Mira Loma
- May 12 (District Championships) @ Encina
SJUSD & FORPD
KID'S ART FESTIVAL
This is a free event presented by San Juan Unified and Fair Oaks Recreation & Park District!
Join in on the fun on Saturday, April 25, from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Fair Oaks Park!
There will be live music, dance, art exhibits, make & take art, and food trucks!
FAMILY FUN PLAYFEST
Calling all families with children 0-5 years old! Come explore early learning and care options in Sacramento County, connect with helpful resources, and enjoy a playful evening with your little ones.
There will be free entry for families! Giveaways for kids 0-5! Older children are welcome to attend!
Event Information
2026 FALL REC SOCCER REGISTRATION
This registration is for kids born between August 1, 2007-July 31, 2018. For players born August 1, 2018, to July 31, 2022, please use the academy registration on the Capital Valley FC website!
Registration Fees for the 2026 Fall Rec season are as follows:
Players from the ages of 4 years old to 19 years old- Registration for individual players: $145 Early Bird (March 26th- April 25th). $155 Regular (April 25th-July 1st). After July 1st, we will accept registrations based on roster availability.
*This is not a program of the San Juan Unified School District. SJUSD holds not liability or responsibility.*
SAVE-THE-DATE
SCHOLASTIC BOOK FAIR
Arcade is hosting a Scholastic Book Fair May 11- 15! Students may visit the library to purchase books before school, during lunches, after school, and during the Celebrate Student Learning event (formerly Open House).
For more information, visit our Book Fair Webpage: https://www.scholastic.com/bf/arcadefundamentalschool
FACE FAMILIES MATTER WORKSHOP
Summer Learning Resources
Join us for this virtual workshop to learn about summer programs in the district and in the community that can support your child's learning and social-emotional wellness during the school summer break.
The workshop will be held via Zoom on Monday, April 20, 2026, from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM.
Learn about topics such as:
- District and community summer enrichment programs
- practical strategies to support learning at home during the summer break
- Explore ideas of fun, family-friendly summer activities and events
- Strategies to help prepare for the new school year
- and more!
SUMMER SCHOOL 2026
Free Opportunities for San Juan Unified Students!
Summer programming for elementary to high school. There are various options and school sites to choose from!
Visit the website below for more information!
The Office of Student Learning Assistance is offering the Camp Invention program this summer! Camp Invention enables students to enhance their creative problem-solving, literacy, and mathematics skills through real-life, project-based learning activities. For incoming 1st - 8th grades.
Summer Session: June 22, 2026, to July 17, 2026. No school on July 3, 2026.
If you have any questions, please call 916-971-7186.
The SJUSD Summer School admin will reach out to confirm your student's enrollment and site placement.
SAVE-THE-DATE
Minimum Day on April 29!
Minimum day on Wednesday, April 29, 2026. Release time will be at 11:10 AM. Please make the proper arrangements with your student.
BAND FUNDRAISER
Advertise Your Business At Arcade!
Arcade band is partnering with the PTO to sell banner sponsorships on our fence facing Watt Ave! If you know any business owners who might be interested in advertising their company while supporting our program, please fill out the form below!
We hope to promote your business and help our band students! This money will also help our band program. Support us in keeping music alive and thriving at Arcade. Money goes directly back to our students!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScH8EXabSGijohyacxbJNjKNvKKCrmXzMo2qfoeFU8FsTOl0g/viewform
POSITIVE BEHAVIOR INTERVENTION AND SUPPORTS
Thank you for Being Spartan Strong!
Arcade follows the Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) framework, which creates an environment that allows all students to thrive. As part of that framework, teachers acknowledge students who are exhibiting Spartan Strong behaviors, being kind, safe, and responsible, by giving them a Spartan Strong ticket.
Congratulations to our winners!
In addition, every Friday, we run a student store that exchanges Spartan Tickets for snacks! This is another opportunity for students to use their tickets they've earned for being kind, safe, and responsible.
Thank you, Spartans, for being kind, safe, and responsible!
Get Your 2025-2026 Yearbook!
Yearbooks are now on sale in the front office! $25 each. Use the QR code or link below to order. You can pay in the office with exact cash or a check. Checks made payable to Arcade Middle School.
ORDER HERE: https://yearbookordercenter.com/general/homepage?portal=true
Elica Mobile Clinics
Immediate care available. Services are available by appointment or walk-ins.
For more information, please call (916) 454-2345 or visit the website.
COMMUNITY CARE HUBS
Free events to support San Juan Unified families across our school communities with accessing essential tools and resources to help support student success:
- Learning materials
- District and community resources
- Food boxes
- Diaper distribution
- and more!
(while supplies last)
These are targeted district and community supports each month!
Thursdays 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM. See the dates and locations below.
April 23, 2026
San Juan High School
7551 Greenback Ln, Citrus Heights
- Transitions & Kinder Readiness
SAN JUAN CENTRAL FOOD CLOSET
Free Community Food Distributions & Resources
San Juan Central Food Closet:
The San Juan Unified food closet is located at the Central Enrollment Center (3700 Garfield Ave. in Carmichael) and serves families, staff and community who are in need of non-perishable food items.
Hours:
Open year round, Monday through Friday, 9:00 am-1:00 pm
Closed on non-school days and holidays.
Need more information on food resources? Visit www.sanjuan.edu/resources/community-resources for more information about our district food closet and community food banks
CALENDAR ITEMS - Looking Ahead
- April 20-24: ELA CAASPP Testing Week
- April 20-24: Spirit Week
- April 24: Color Run
- April 27-30: Math CAASPP Testing Week
- April 29: Minimum Day, Dismissal 11:10 AM
- April 30: Progress 4 Ends
- May 1: No school
- May 4: No School
- May 8: WEB Spring Play Day
- May 8-15: Scholastic Book Fair
- May 14: Open House
- May 15: Minimum Day, Release at 11:10 AM
- May 25: No School
- May 27: Band Concert
ARCADE MIDDLE SCHOOL OFFICE
- Monday - Friday from 7:30 A.M. to 3:30 P.M.
- Attendance Phone Number: 916-971-7300, ext. 1
Email: arcadems@sanjuan.edu
Website: sanjuan.edu/arcade
Location: 3500 Edison Avenue, Sacramento, CA, USA
Phone: 916-971-7300