The Lion Link
THE LION'S ROAR: Issue 4
MLK Campus Calendar
Please review our live 2026 - 2027 Campus Calendar for important dates.
As events continue to be scheduled, the document will be updated.
NEW! Announcements
NEW! Tutoring Starts 08/31
New in Fall 2026, Math will be offered in the Library during Lion's Launch both before and after school.
NEW! School Site Council Elections
This year we have vacancies for parents on our School Site Council.
SSC is a group of staff, parents, students and community members that help give input on goals and budget decisions for King. Please complete this GOOGLE FORM if you are interested in serving on our committee.
Don't Forget! OUSD Device Protection Plan
Don’t forget to purchase the Device Protection Plan for your student’s chromebook.
The Device Protection Plan is only $20 and covers two repairs. Must be purchased before the end of September for the 2026-2027 school year.
**NOTE** Parents/Guardians with 4+ students
Please purchase 3 Device Protection Plans in My School Bucks. Once you purchase the three plans for $60 then email ALL of your students Names and ID #’s to: Krishna.Hamilton@oside.us. ***My School Bucks Instructions for Parents
NEW! Library Overdue Notices
Library overdue notices will be sent out this week for the first time this school year.
These notices will reflect any books your student owes from previous school years.
NEW! Step It Up Fundraiser!
COMING SOON! Step It Up Fall Fundraiser! Kick off date is September 16th. More details to follow.
NEW! Dine-Out Night (09/23)
Our first Dine-Out event of the year is at Handel’s on Wednesday, September 23rd from 3-7pm at the Oceanside location.
Show a printed or digital version of the flier at checkout and they will donate 20% of all proceeds to our school. Hope to see you there!
Peer Link: Free Counseling Services @ King
We are committed to caring for your child’s total well-being.
If your student is covered by Medi-Cal or is currently uninsured, they qualify for Peer Link—a free, confidential mental health counseling program right here on campus.
If you feel your child could benefit from extra support this year, please reach out to the King counseling team to learn more.
Lion Pride: Wins of the Week!
View: Roarin' Report
Each week, Mr. Aldridge's Digital Experience course works hard to develop a news production featuring King students and staff.
Check out this week's Roarin' Report! (linked here)
Cub Cash Winners!
Congratulations to this week's Lion Pride winners who earned In 'n Out gift cards during this week's drawing. Thanks for making great decisions on campus!
Don't forget to turn in your Cub Cash tickets to Room E-2 on Tuesdays and Thursdays to be entered into our weekly drawing.
View: Oside in One Minute
Ambitions are huge on this project our high school students have been working on.
It's a collaborative effort teaching students exciting new skills. It's this week's Oside USD in One Minute.
PTSO Corner
Dear MLK Middle School Families,
We are excited to introduce your 2026–2027 PTSO Board and look forward to a wonderful year of supporting our students, staff, and school community!
Your PTSO Board:
- President: Sara Simmons
- Vice President: Jane Kluck
- Secretary: Tricia Foulk
- Treasurer: Jessica Charvat-Brunson
We still have a vacant position on the PTSO Board. If you are interested in getting involved or would like more information, please reach out to us at kingptso@gmail.com. We'd love to work with you!
Our meetings will take place on the first Monday of every month in the MLK Library at 6:15pm. If you are unable to make it in person, please see our zoom link in the Lion's Roar. Our first PTSO meeting will be on Monday, August 31st at 6:15pm in the Library. This meeting will serve as our September meeting since the first Monday of September falls on a holiday. We would love to see you there and welcome new and returning families!
Be sure to check out the PTSO page on our school website, where you can find lots of helpful information, including our calendar for volunteer opportunities, PTSO membership forms, MLK spirit wear forms, our fundraisers, and other ways to support our school.
You can also stay connected with us on social media:
- Facebook: Martin Luther King Jr Middle School PTSO
- Instagram: @mlk_ptso_oside
We are looking forward to a great school year and hope you will join us in making a positive difference for our students and school community!
Warmly,
MLK PTSO
August/September PTSO Meeting: 08/31
Our first PTSO meeting will take place on Monday, August 31st at 6:15 pm in our beautiful new Library!
If you are unable to make it in person, feel free to attend on the Zoom link (linked here).
8th Grade: Mark Your Calendars!
8th Grade Promotion - Save the Date!
Date - Tuesday, June 8th
Time - TBD
Location - Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School
Additional details will be provided during 2nd semester.
Announcements: Previously Published
E-Bike Permits & Renewals
Please follow the directions, linked HERE, in order for your student to ride their e-bike to school. You have already completed the waiver during data confirmation. If you student has a permit, they still need to renew it for the 2026-27 school year!
Attention: 6th Grade Families! (Friday, Sept. 11)
We would like to invite you to join your student on campus for a 6th Grade: Lunch on the Lawn event!
If you are interested in participating, please fill out the link here and we will provide you with additional information.
On Campus Supports
Academic Supports - Tutoring
- King Middle School
Tutoring by our on-site staff (linked here!) - Virtual Tutoring - All OUSD Gr. 6 -12 Students
OUSD has partnered with Tutor.com for FREE, on demand, online tutoring! Connect with a tutor right away, schedule a future session, drop off a writing assignment for a writing review, find test prep and self-study materials. View instructions linked here.
Social Emotional Supports
- Wellness Together (accepting referrals now)
Our on-site mental health specialist is available to all students by referral through Student Services or your student's counselor. If you feel that your child may benefit from this service, we encourage you to reach out. - PASS Americorps (Beginning in October)
Two on-site PASS team members will provide academic and social emotional support for referred students based on qualifying criteria. - TruCare
Our TruCare team is available on-site for not only student support. Students may see one of our favorite PFC team members, Rosie the service dog, on campus on Fridays! Check in with your student's counselor for a referral. - Transformational Consulting
Our TC team members support King on a daily basis for ongoing student check-ins and to support with student mediation opportunities. Life Skills 101 in room B-1 is offered on a regular basis at lunch. This program encourages leadership, responsibility and accountability for all participants. Students can report to Student Services if they'd like to access these supports. - Restorative Practice Small Groups
Restorative Practices circles and small group supports are provided by our OUSD central office team. Creation and implementation of these small group circles are ongoing. Check in with your student's counselor for access to these groups. - School Resource Officer
Our SRO is an OPD officer who is available and accessible for students / families as needed. Officer Walker is often seen at Nutrition and / or lunch and works to develop strong and trusting connections with our students. - Student Training & Assemblies
During this school year, the central office team will be / has offered trainings / assemblies for all OUSD sites. These topics include E-Bike safety, Drug Prevention, Inclusion & Belonging, Standing Together Against Bullying & Threats.
'26- ' 27 Student Handbook - MLK
Please feel free to review the 2026 - 2027 MLK Student Handbook (linked here). All students will also receive a planner from their Advisory teacher.
Grade Level Google Classroom
For weekly ASB updates, ensure that your student has access to their grade level Google Classroom. Details related to upcoming student events and activities are posted in the Google Classroom and on the ASB Website (link coming soon!)
6th Grade - code coming soon!
7th Grade - code coming soon!
8th Grade - code coming soon!
OUSD Student Tip Line
OUSD aims to be a safe, affirming, and inclusive space for all individuals.
If you are aware of a violation that compromises all schools and spaces being safe for all people, or if you are the victim of any incident/violation, please use our anonymous reporting option found on our district website.
More info here: https://www.oside.us/student-tip-line
Reminder: MLK Instagram Accounts
Follow MLK on Instagram on the following accounts:
- kingmspride
- kingmiddleschool_asb
- kingmiddleschool_njhs
Follow OUSD on Instagram on the following account:
- osideusd
Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School (Website)