Hello VNMS Families!

It’s that time again—Emergency Preparedness! This Thursday, we will participate in the Great Shake Out Drill 2024, a critical exercise to ensure that our students and staff are ready for any emergency situation. Safety is always our priority, and this drill is an important part of our school's preparedness.

While we prepare for emergencies, it's also time to take serious stock of our students’ academic progress. The 10-week progress reports are out, and this is the perfect opportunity to check Schoology and review your student's current standing. If needed, now is the time to reach out to teachers to schedule conferences. Let’s be proactive in addressing any concerns, whether academic, work habits, or cooperation. If your student is struggling, don’t wait! Work together with our teachers to develop a plan for success.

8th-grade families, this message is especially for you—make sure your student is on track for culmination! Remember, every grade counts toward their future, and we want to ensure they're ready to celebrate this milestone in style.

On a fun note, check out the awesome pictures from our Viridian Art Studios field trip! We have more coming your way soon, so keep an eye out. Plus, take a peek at our Mustang Mornings photos—it’s great to see our students kicking off the day with positive energy. Don't forget to click on the Lunch Clubs link to explore all the fun clubs happening during the week!

One last reminder: while we prepare for emergency drills, some emergencies are preventable. Please be mindful of traffic laws during drop-off and pick-up. Our students can sometimes be distracted when leaving your vehicle, and it's crucial that we all do our part to ensure safety. Always pull up to the curb and direct your student to use the crosswalks. Stopping in the middle of the street is dangerous—and illegal. Let’s work together to keep everyone safe!

Thank you for being the best families ever! Let’s have a great (and safe) week!

Warmly,
Principal Serrano

And Remember Today is a Great Day to Be a Mustang!

5435 Vesper Avenue

Sherman Oaks, CA 91411

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Emergency Preparedness Checklist for VNMS Parents

To ensure the safety and preparedness of your family and our school community, please review the following steps for emergency readiness:

1. Update Emergency Contact Information

• Ensure that your contact details (phone numbers, emails, and home address) are current in the school's records.
• List at least two alternative emergency contacts.
• Confirm that your student’s medical information (allergies, medications) is up to date.

2. Discuss Emergency Procedures with Your Student

• Review what to do in case of an emergency at school (fire, earthquake, lockdown).
• Practice the "Drop, Cover, and Hold On" earthquake drill at home.
• Make sure your student knows the importance of staying calm and following teacher instructions.

3. Know the School's Emergency Plans

• Familiarize yourself with the school's emergency procedures and evacuation routes.
• Understand how you will be notified in an emergency (phone calls, texts, emails, or apps).
• Ensure you know the school’s reunification process: where and how students will be released to parents/guardians after an emergency.

4. Prepare an Emergency Kit for Your Student

• Consider providing a small, personal emergency kit for your student to keep in their backpack, including:
  • Water bottle
  • Non-perishable snack (granola bars)
  • Emergency contact card (with family numbers and addresses)
  • Small flashlight
  • Comfort item (small toy or book)
  • Extra face mask or hand sanitizer

5. Talk About Transportation & Communication

• If your student walks or bikes to school, discuss alternate routes in case usual paths are blocked.
• Establish a family communication plan in case you are separated during an emergency. Designate a relative or friend outside the area to contact if local communications are disrupted.

6. Stay Informed

• Follow all communication from the school regarding drills, safety updates, and local emergency information.
• Participate in schoolwide emergency drills and discuss them with your student afterward.

7. Obey Traffic and Safety Rules During Drop-Off and Pick-Up

• Use designated drop-off/pick-up zones.
• Always pull up to the curb and avoid stopping in the middle of the street.
• Direct your student to use crosswalks and avoid running across the street.
• In emergencies, follow the directions of school personnel and law enforcement.

8. Ensure Medication Availability

• If your child takes medication, ensure the school has an updated supply and instructions.
• For any medical needs, work with the school nurse to ensure proper care plans are in place.

9. Stay Calm and Connected

• In an emergency, stay calm. Know that the school will do everything possible to keep your child safe.
• Ensure your phone is charged and set to receive school communications. If the school is in lockdown or shelter-in-place mode, follow instructions for reunification.

By staying informed and prepared, we can ensure the safety and security of all students. Thank you for your cooperation and commitment to keeping our school community safe!

Warm regards,
Cristina Serrano

The Los Angeles Unified School district (LAUSD) will provide a comprehensive school -based telehealth program encompassing physical telehealth services.

The purpose of a school-based program is to expand a student's ability to access heath care providers with:

• a signed parental consent and
• a school medical expert

Telehealth allows a virtual health care provider to care for an individual without an in person office visit, while remaining in school and focusing on learning.

1. Pre Telehealth Visit

• Parents sign and return the consent

1. Telehealth Visit Occurs when Student feels sick

• Nurse initiates a telehealth visit when student visits the nurse office feeling sick

1. Post Telehealth Visit

• An electronic summary of the visit is provided to the parent

We are excited to announce the Beyond the Bell Rise and Shine Morning Program, available every day from 6:30 a.m. to 7:55 a.m. in the VNMS Library. This program provides a safe, supervised space for your student each morning.

Students will have a quiet place to study or the opportunity to engage in arts and crafts activities, ensuring a productive and creative start to their day.

To enroll your child in this program, please complete the Beyond the Bell form. This step is necessary to ensure your child can participate.

STEPS Organization

STEPS (Students, Teachers Educate, Parents Support) is the Van Nuys Middle School Parent Organization established to support our school community. Here you can find information on upcoming events, meetings, fundraisers, or sign-up forms to participate in activities.

Parent Meetings take place monthly on Zoom on Tuesday nights at 6:30 pm. Upcoming meeting dates and Zoom links can be found here and on the VNMS calendar.

For more information and to be included in the STEPS mailing list, please email us at vnms.steps@gmail.com.

Follow the Van Nuys Middle School Parents Facebook page for updates too!

Please consider STEPS by signing up with Ralph's and Amazon Smile! With your purchases, they will make a direct contribution to STEPS. See flyer attached for more information.

Please consider donating to STEPS! Monetary contributions go toward:

• Donation of Goods or Services
• Teacher Appreciation Gift Cards
• Student Recognition Gift Cards/Event Tickets

Financial Donations can be made one of these two ways:

• Checks (made payable to Steps for Our Community) can be left at the main school office.
• Zelle: Steps for Our Community steps@gmail.com