The Lion Link

Dear Lion Families,

This week marks the beginning of our sixth week of school. By now, many students are settling into routines, while others may be experiencing the increased academic and social demands that come with middle school. You may have noticed your student preparing for a first big exam, spending more time on homework, or talking about challenges and workload.

Please know that our staff is here to support you and your student. Here are a few ways you can help at home:

• Establish consistent routines for homework, studying, meals, and sleep.
• Help your student prioritize when assignments or tests feel overwhelming.
• Encourage studying ahead of time rather than waiting until the night before.
• Ask questions about learning, such as “What are you working on?” or “What feels challenging?” rather than focusing exclusively on grades.
• Remind your student that struggling with something does not mean they are struggling as a student.

If your student is looking for additional support, tutoring is available as outlined in the schedule (linked here).

As always, never hesitate to reach out. Let's make it a great week!

Warmly,
Natalie Daniels (Principal), Emily Rae (Assistant Principal) & Josh Thibodeaux (Assistant Principal)

Please review our live 2026 - 2027 Campus Calendar for important dates.

As events continue to be scheduled, the document will be updated.

Kick off starts this Wednesday, September 16th! Stay tuned for more details! Let's do this - together!

Join us for Coffee with the Principal on Friday, September 18th (9:15 am - 10:00 am) in the Library.

We'll be touring the new spaces on our campus (Wellness Center & Dance Room) and discussing some of the new programming available on campus for the '26 - '27 school year. Examples include:

• Lion's Launch
• PAWS+
• King Creatives (Movement Lab, Sound Lab & Art Lab)
• Grade Level Family Lunches

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)

Some students took a field trip of a lifetime Giving them a look into what's possible after graduation.

It's this week's Oside USD in One Minute.

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!

Date - Tuesday, June 8th

Time - TBD

Location - Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School

Additional details will be provided during 2nd semester.

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.

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!

• 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.

• 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 student support. 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.

Please feel free to review the 2026 - 2027 MLK Student Handbook (linked here). All students will also receive a planner from their Advisory teacher.

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 - pekaxacy

7th Grade - njpjiudi

8th Grade - cyzq6k32

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

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)