John Muir's Newsletter
Week of Oct. 19-23, 2026 ( Wednesday Mini Day! )
Mr. Coughlin's Message
Safety Message
One Friday a month our staff and students focus on "Safety Focus Friday". This may include practice drills and class discussions. Last week's school shooting in Oregon is another reminder to reflect on our practice and consider how we approach the topic with developmentally appropriate language with students.
On Friday I took the time with most 5th and 6th gr classes to discuss how and when to report concerns.
We also remind students of choosing their words wisely. Any words or actions expressed that resemble a threat will result in a thorough investigation and may result in substantial consequences.
This week is also Digital Citizenship Week: There's lots of online resources to support the topic as we discuss this important matter with our children.
Parent Information
Lodi USD Flu Clinics
Tues, Oct. 20 3-5pm, Borchardt School Library
Wed, Oct. 21 3-5pm, Bear Creek High Library
SAVE THE DATE: HARVESTFEST. OCT. 30
Info is coming for our annual evening HARVESTFEST!
Donation link for Harvest Fest.
( repeat ) Inviting ALL Veterans Who Served in the U.S. Armed Forces - Nov. 10
Before we get the day off on Wednesday, Nov. 11 we should know why! This national holiday recognizes and celebrates the dedication and contribution of our citizens who served in the U.S. Armed Forces. Our morning assembly from 9-9:30 on Tuesday, Nov. 10 provides us the opportunity to say Thank You to our Veterans! I hope many of our veterans can attend. And if the the military uniform still fits, we'd love to see you in it!
6th Gr. Science Camp Information
A separate SMORE communication was delivered on Friday to 6th gr families regarding all the information regarding Science Camp.
Quick Info:
Dates: Jan. 27-29
Location: NatureBridge - Golden Gate. https://naturebridge.org/programs/golden-gate-school-environmental-science
( repeat ) California Coastal Art & Poetry Contest
California students in kindergarten through 12th grade are invited to submit artwork or poetry with a California coastal or marine theme to the 25th annual Coastal Art & Poetry Contest. Entries can be submitted online by 5pm on January 28, 2027. For prize information, rules, contest flyer, entry form (and helpful links for teachers and students), please visit https://www.coastal.ca.gov/art-poetry/.
PTA Information
- Harvest Fest: Join us Friday, October 30, from 5:00–7:30 p.m. for John Muir’s “Muir After Dark” Harvest Fest! See attached image of Flyer.
- Candy Donation Competition: Our classroom competition is in full swing! The class collecting the greatest total weight of candy will win a prize. Donations close at the end of the day Wednesday, October 28, and candy will be weighed Thursday, October 29.
- Trunk-or-Treat Participants: We’re looking for more participants to decorate their trunks and join the fun! The top three winners in the trunk decorating contest will each receive a medal and a prize.
- Presale Tickets: Ticket presales begin Wednesday, October 21, after school and run until Wednesday Oct 28.
- Volunteers Needed: We need help with setup, shifts during the event, and cleanup afterward.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScIkGyM7iV6HxB4WmwR64ovvxH2NF7UaZ-1x4LM00GY6TSTmA/viewform
- Donations Needed: Donations are needed to support teacher-created carnival games and the haunted house.
Student Recognition
Spelling Bee Winner: Elias Hemmouch from Mrs. Montoya's 6th grade class
Elias represented the No. Stockton Lodi USD area at the San Joaquin County Spelling Bee as a 5th graders! This year, he spelled all 30 of his words correctly, to earn him a return trip to the No. Stockton Bee on Tuesday, Oct. 20th. Congratulations also to the Runner-Up, John "Zeke" Taboy from Mrs. Lew's class, who will "bee" ready to fill in if Elias is unable to attend.
95% Attendance Avg - Drawing for a Pizza Party!
Weekly Attendance: classes with 95% get a ticket in the drawing for a Domino’s Pizza party every 6 weeks.
13 classes started Q2 with 95%+ and get a ticket into the pizza drawing. They include; Araujo, Benouar, Cha, Granados, Galicinao, Jauregui, Lew, Montoya, Parra, Smith, Vega, Veldhuizen, and DWilliams. Highest percentage with 99.23% goes to Ms. Benouar!
Calendar
6th gr Science Camp Parent Meetings
Tuesday, Oct. 20 4:30-5:30 in the cafeteria
repeated on Wednesday, Oct. 21 5pm virtual meeting. Link: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/228623440424458?p=49rNBzSN2rLNCpBNHm
Mini Days of Q2
Oct. 21, Nov. 4, 18, Dec. 9, 18
Veterans' Day Assembly
9am, Nov. 10. All Veterans are invited to attend!
Veterans' Day Holiday ( No School! )
WEDNESDAY, Nov. 11
Thanksgiving Week ( No School )
Nov. 23-27