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The Sunday Notes

August 11th, 2025

The Sunday Notes  August 11th, 2025
The Sunday Notes August 11th, 2025

Sunday Notes October 18th, 2026 Sunday Notes October 18th, 2026

Principal's Message Principal's Message

Hello Muirlands Family,

We are heading into the heart of October, with just two weeks remaining in our second progress report grading period!


It has been great to see so many students taking advantage of the academic supports available on campus. This past Wednesday, we had a record turnout of over 90 students attending after-school tutoring! We are excited to see students taking ownership of their learning and making the most of these opportunities as we approach the end of the grading period.


Staff vs. Student Kickball Game – Friday, October 23

Next Friday, October 23, we will host our annual Staff vs. Student Kickball Game! I announced the event to students over the intercom yesterday, along with some friendly trash talk to get the competition started. Our staff is looking forward to taking on our students in what should be a fun and spirited event!

Students interested in participating must meet the following eligibility requirements:

  • No suspensions within the past six weeks.

  • Citizenship GPA of 2.5 or higher, based on the following scale:

    • E (Excellent) = 4

    • M (Meets Expectations) = 3

    • I (Inconsistent) = 2

    • U (Unsatisfactory) = 1

Students who meet these requirements can sign up using this registration form.


Friday, October 30 – Minimum Day and End of Progress Report 2

Please mark your calendars! Friday, October 30, will be a minimum day and will also mark the end of our second progress report grading period.

We encourage families to check their student's academic progress and citizenship grades and take advantage of tutoring and teacher office hours over the next two weeks.


Halloween Costume Contest – Friday, October 30

We will also celebrate Halloween on campus with our annual Halloween Costume Contest during lunch on the Turf Field!

Students are encouraged to show off their creativity and school spirit by participating in one of four categories:

  • Best Group Costume

  • Scariest Costume

  • Most Original Costume

  • Best Overall Costume

Prizes will be awarded to our winners! Please see the flyer below for additional information.


Thank you for your continued partnership and support. We are looking forward to a fun and productive final two weeks of October!



Winter Sports Are Almost Here – Soccer & Volleyball!

We are excited to begin preparing for our winter sports season, featuring boys' and girls' soccer and volleyball!


If your student is interested in trying out, please complete the Winter Sports Registration Form.

Tryouts will take place the week of November 2.


Girls Volleyball Tryouts 11/3 (3:30 - 5:00), 11/4 (1:30 -3:00), 11/5 (3:30 - 5:00) at the LJHS gym


Boys Volleyball Tryouts TBD


Boys Soccer Tryouts TBD


Girls Soccer Tryouts TBD



Fall Season Dates: Soccer & Volleyball


November 2 – Opening week of tryouts

November 16– Release team rosters

November 23-27 - No Practice - Fall Break

December 5 – Start of the regular season

December 21-January 4 - Winter Break

January 23– End of regular season

January 30 – Playoffs

February 6 – Championships/End of season


Expanding JV Athletics at Muirlands!

One of our goals this year has been to create more opportunities for students to participate in athletics, develop their skills, build friendships, and represent their school.

We are excited to continue expanding our JV sports offerings this winter! Students who try out for the varsity Volleyball and Soccer team who are on the cusp of making the team will be invited to partake in our JV teams. Our JV teams are primarily targeting 6th and 7th grade students.


  • JV Girls Volleyball: We are partnering with Toby Wells YMCA and Marston Middle School to create additional opportunities for students to compete.

  • JV Boys & Girls Soccer: Muirlands will host Saturday soccer games this winter, welcoming teams from neighboring middle schools for our new JV soccer leagues.


These programs build on the successful launch of our JV Boys Basketball team this fall! It has been exciting to watch our student-athletes compete, improve, and develop confidence while representing Muirlands.


A special thank you to the Muirlands Foundation for funding these opportunities and helping us expand extracurricular programs for our students. Their support is making a meaningful difference in the experiences we can offer our school community.


I also encourage everyone to read a wonderful article written by Muirlands Foundation President Elizabeth Van Clief, who recently attended one of our JV basketball games and interviewed both the coach and players. It is a great look at the impact this program is already having on our students!

JV Boys Basketball Article

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🎃 Halloween Guidelines at Muirlands

With Halloween approaching, we want to remind families that students are welcome to show their Halloween spirit by wearing costumes to school on Friday, October 30! To ensure a fun, safe, and respectful learning environment, please follow these guidelines:


  • School-appropriate costumes only. Costumes must comply with our school dress code.

  • No weapons or replicas. Toy guns, knives, swords, or other imitation weapons are not permitted.

  • No masks covering the face. Students must remain easily identifiable throughout the school day.

  • No excessive gore or violence. Costumes should not include fake blood, graphic injuries, or frightening imagery.

  • Respectful costumes. Costumes must not stereotype, mock, or disrespect any culture, religion, or identity.

  • Learning comes first. Costumes must not interfere with classroom activities, movement, or participation in PE.

We look forward to seeing our students' creativity and Halloween spirit while keeping Muirlands a welcoming and safe place for everyone!


Halloween Dress Guidelines


🎭 Calling All Future Stars! Muirlands Theatre Presents Madagascar Jr.!

Is your student looking for a new creative outlet or an opportunity to shine?

Muirlands Middle School's newest theatre program, in collaboration with La Jolla Playhouse's JumpStart liaison, is looking for students interested in joining our upcoming production of Madagascar Jr.!

Whether your student dreams of a lead role, enjoys performing as part of an ensemble, or prefers working behind the scenes as a crew member, there is a place for everyone in the Muirlands theatre family! No prior theatre experience is necessary.

An interest form will be shared in our Monday Dolphin Details slideshow, and audition sign-up links will be available in November.


🎤 Audition Schedule: November 30–December 4

Location: P.E. Studio #1
Time: 3:00–5:00 PM

Monday, November 30 – Vocal Auditions

Students should prepare 90 seconds of an a cappella song that showcases their vocal range. Students may select any appropriate song or explore ideas from BroadwayWorld's Musical Theatre Audition Songs for Kids.

Tuesday, December 1 – Dance Auditions

Students should prepare a 90-second dance performance. This does not need to be professional choreography! We simply want to see students' ability to move, follow choreography, and learn.

Students may perform their own routine, use the "Thriller" choreography learned in theatre class, or practice using this dance tutorial.

Thursday, December 3 – Acting Auditions

Students should prepare a 90-second monologue of their choice. Students looking for inspiration can explore Drama Notebook's Free Monologues for Teens.

Friday, December 4 – Callbacks and Group Auditions

Selected students will participate in callbacks and group auditions.

Monday, December 7 – Cast List Announced!

🎬 Rehearsals and Performances

Rehearsals will begin in January and will primarily take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:10–4:30 PM.

Our production of Madagascar Jr. is scheduled for two evening performances in May!

🌟 Want to Get Involved?

We welcome students, families, and community members who would like to support the theatre program in any capacity, whether on stage, behind the scenes, or helping bring the production to life.

Complete the Theatre Interest Form


We look forward to seeing our Muirlands Dolphins bring this exciting production to the stage!

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Progress Report 1 & Academic Support

As I mentioned last Sunday, Progress Report 1 academic and citizenship grades are now posted in PowerSchool. Our next grading period (Progress 2) runs through October 30.

Throughout the school year, students will have opportunities to participate in special events and activities. To remain eligible, students must maintain at least a 2.0 Academic GPA and a 2.5 Citizenship GPA. Any outstanding fines must also be paid for students to participate in these events.


For students who may not have done as well as they hoped on their first progress report, there is plenty of time and support available to improve. Students can take advantage of:

  • Teacher Office Hours: Wednesdays from 1:15–1:45 PM

  • Free After-School Tutoring: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays in the Library


Students should also communicate directly with their teachers about missing assignments, reassessments, and other opportunities to improve their grades. Please encourage your student to take advantage of these free resources. We want every student to have the support and opportunities they need to be successful.


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Campus & Construction Updates


Construction continues on the 300 Building, cafeteria, and auditorium, which are currently scheduled for completion in December/January. We appreciate everyone’s continued patience and flexibility as these projects move forward. It is exciting to see the improvements taking shape across our campus, and we look forward to having these new and renovated spaces available for our students and staff.


In the Spring we will start construction on the 400 building with the 500 building and main office being redone in 27-28.

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Dear Muirlands Families,

The Health Office will begin conducting vision screenings in October for all 8th-grade students, as well as students with upcoming triennial IEP evaluations.

Vision screening for 8th-grade students is required under California law (Education Code § 49455). These screenings help identify students who may have vision concerns that would benefit from further evaluation.

If your student does not pass the initial screening, you will be notified and provided with information regarding recommended follow-up with an eye care provider.

Parents/guardians may request to exclude their child from school health screenings by submitting a written request annually. If you would like to exclude your child from the vision screening, please contact the Muirlands Health Office.

Thank you,

Lauren Rosenthal, RN, BSN

Credentialed School Nurse

Google Voice # (619)356-3505


La Jolla Elementary School Mon/Tues #(619)605-3300

Marcy High School Wed #(858)302-3300

Muirlands Middle School Thur/Fri #(858)302-3150

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Core Academy (Saturday School)


CORE ACADEMY

The first Core Academy of the school year is Saturday, October 24th. Attending this session will clear up to one (1) FULL day absence and up to eight ( 8) tardies. Advanced registration is needed to ensure adequate food and staffing. The below registration link will be available until 10/21/26 at 3:00pm.

Core Academy 2026 - 2027

If you have any questions, please email Deborah Duncan





Core Academy provides students with an opportunity to receive additional academic support, complete assignments in a quiet environment, and clear accumulated absences and tardies. Each completed Core Academy session will clear one (1) full-day absence and up to eight (8) tardies.

Core Academy Hours: 8:00 AM–12:00 PM


2026–27 Dates:
October 24, 2026 • December 12, 2026 • January 23, 2027 • February 20, 2027 • March 13, 2027 • April 10, 2027 • May 1, 2027


Student drop-off and pick-up will take place near the main campus gate, just north of the flagpole between the Administration Building and Auditorium. Please ensure students arrive on time, as late arrivals cannot be accommodated.


Breakfast and lunch will be provided at no charge to all students attending Core Academy.

Registration:
Core Academy 2026–27 Registration

Questions? Please contact Deb Duncan at dduncan1@sandi.net.

Thank you,
Muirlands Middle School

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Muirlands Foundation

The Muirlands Foundation provides tremendous support for our students and school. In addition to funding supplies for students, the Foundation supports our PLNU and UCSD tutoring program, which will provide more than 70 hours of academic support each week in ELA and Mathematics during the school day, along with our free after-school tutoring program on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays beginning August 25.


The Foundation is also funding new cameras and computers for our Digital Media Arts Elective, enrichment opportunities such as JV sports and Robotics, and our new Theater partnership with La Jolla Playhouse. To help make these programs and resources possible, the Muirlands Foundation is asking families to consider a $500 per-student Supplies and Services contribution for the school year. You can learn more or contribute here.


At Back to School Night, we showed a video to parents that featured a short speech from Mr. Simon and the Muirlands Foundation (click here to watch).

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After-School Clubs


Debate Club

Tuesdays: 3:00–4:30 p.m.
Location: Room 403 (Mrs. Stange's classroom)
Meeting Times: Tuesday, August 18


Math Club

Math Club will began in Mr. Tindall's classroom (B4) on August 27 and will meet from 3:30–4:30 p.m.


Robotics Team began Friday, August 28th in rooms 511 and 408 from 3:10 to 4:40pm and will repeat on Friday afternoons at the same time and location.


Mock Trial Club - Began on 9/14 after school in Mrs. Taylors room 515 and will continue from 3:10 to 4:10pm.


3D Printing Club (NEW) - Started by Muirlands student Rebecca Weibel, they will be meeting in room 511 on Mondays. The club is free of charge and is generously sponsored and funded by our Muirlands Foundation. To read more about the club, click here.


Quiz Bowl - Mondays in room 113 from 3:05 to 4:30pm.

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Reporting an Absence, Late Arrival or Early Pick-Up

We highly encourage families to use our online form to report absences, late arrivals, and early pick-ups:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc5F91HWNzl97NuNs3L0k5ZV656jMyDaSH2vxzZ7WCzWkYlBg/viewform?usp=dialog

Families have already begun using the form, and it is highly preferred because it allows our office staff to prepare for your arrival and efficiently enter attendance information. The form is also available on the Muirlands website homepage.

Whenever possible, please schedule appointments outside of school hours. If your student leaves early for a medical, dental, orthodontic, or other appointment, the period absence(s) will initially be marked unexcused until verification of the appointment is received.

Verification may be submitted in person or emailed to mmssec@sandi.net within five school days of the student's return so the attendance code can be updated appropriately.


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Free After-School Tutoring 📚

We are excited to announce that our free After-School Tutoring Program began August 25 in the Muirlands Library.

Tuesdays & Thursdays: 3:10–4:40 p.m.
Wednesdays: 1:20–2:50 p.m.


In addition, all teachers hold Office Hours every Wednesday from 1:15–1:45 p.m., beginning August 19. Students can visit their teachers for additional support and then head to the Library afterward for more help.


Tutoring is staffed by paraeducators, teachers, and college tutors—and occasionally myself!

Signing up does not mean students are required to attend every tutoring session. Students are welcome to attend whenever they need additional academic support. This program is made possible by our Muirlands Foundation (Website).


After School Tutoring 26-27 Sign Up Form


Grading Periods

Please see below for all of our grading periods for the year:

Grading Periods 26-27


With gratitude,


Principal Simon
Muirlands Middle School

Guest Speaker on 11/4 from 6:30 - 7:30 in Muirlands Library Guest Speaker on 11/4 from 6:30 - 7:30 in Muirlands Library

⚽🏀 Supporting Young Athletes: Parent Speaker Night (11/4 from 6:30 to 7:30).


Muirlands MS will be hosting a Parent Speaker Night focused on supporting young athletes on November 4th from 6:30 to 7:30 in the Muirlands Library.


Brian Alexander, a Certified Mental Performance Consultant, and his colleague Matt Kritz, former High Performance Director at UC San Diego, have offered to speak with our Muirlands parent community about some of the challenges young athletes face both on and off the field.


The approximately 45–60 minute parent presentation would focus on topics including:

• Building confidence and mental performance skills
• Helping young athletes navigate social media pressure
• Injury prevention and physical readiness
• Sleep, recovery, and nutrition
• Supporting mental health and social emotional development through sports
• Practical strategies parents can begin using with their children right away



The evening would also include time for parent questions and discussion.

Guest Speaker at 11/13 Principal Coffee (9-10am in Library) Guest Speaker at 11/13 Principal Coffee (9-10am in Library)

Kelly is a licensed child and adolescent therapist and the founder of La Jolla Therapy Center, a group therapy practice in San Diego, California. Kelly and her team at La Jolla Therapy Center specialize in using CBT and ERP to treat anxiety, specific phobias, and OCD with kids and teens. Kelly is obsessed with ongoing learning, and has received extensive psychotherapy training by the psychiatry and psychology departments at the University of California, San Diego, University of San Diego, and Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego. She is also a certified trainer in Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) to help make change happen for the little littles (ages two to seven).

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Science Olympiad Science Olympiad

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To sign up for coaching and learn about events, please fill out the form below: https://forms.gle/xwexnVJBiwFmggsA8

Produce Bros Partnership Produce Bros Partnership

Our Foundation has also been working on a partnership with the La Jolla Open Aire Market where Muirlands families can enjoy fresh, locally sourced produce delivered right to your door or available for pick up at the market. Families can order groceries and pick out specific items from OAM online and Muirlands receives a 10–15% give‑back on every order when you use the code “Muirlands” at checkout. It’s an easy way to bring home fruits, vegetables, and other goods from our local farmer’s market while supporting Muirlands. Click here to try it out:



https://www.producebro.com/LaJollaOpenAireMarket

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Click Here to Read Muirlands Magazine (Edition 1) Click Here to Read Muirlands Magazine (Edition 1)

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Pictures from 10/12 to 10/16 Pictures from 10/12 to 10/16

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Friday Features in Mrs. Strauss's class.

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Evidence for gothic conventions and plot in Edgar Allan Poe's stories in Mrs. Micolino's ELA class.

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Evidence for gothic conventions and plot in Edgar Allan Poe's stories in Mrs. Micolino's ELA class.

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Evidence for gothic conventions and plot in Edgar Allan Poe's stories in Mrs. Micolino's ELA class.

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Students were pumped up to earn lunch deliveries as their prize this week!

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All smiles!

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Hieroglyphics in Mrs. Merideth's classroom.

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Students teaching one another in Mr. Tindall's Math classroom.

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Student presentations in Mr. Tindall's class.

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Group work in Mr. Tindall's classroom.

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Student Presentations
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Student Presentations
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Student Presentations

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USC Student Teacher leading Mrs. Strauss' ELA class in a kahoot quiz.

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Deep focus.

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Heiroglyphic project.

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Students who designed and made their own dresses by hand in our Shapes to Forms enrichment class got to participate in The San Diego Fashion Week Runway.

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Students who designed and made their own dresses by hand in our Shapes to Forms enrichment class got to participate in The San Diego Fashion Week Runway.

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Students who designed and made their own dresses by hand in our Shapes to Forms enrichment class got to participate in The San Diego Fashion Week Runway.

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Students who designed and made their own dresses by hand in our Shapes to Forms enrichment class got to participate in The San Diego Fashion Week Runway.

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Kelly McCollough (LCSW) will be presenting at the 11/13 Principal Coffee on Social Media and Anxiety.

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Sewing and creativity at Muirlands!

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Winter Sports are here! Please register your student if they plan to try out.

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Middle School Sports Offerings

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Service Learning Options for Muirlands Students. More information on our website on the Service Learning tab.
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Muirlands is happy to announce our partnership with La Jolla Playhouse and we will put on a play in the Spring. Look out for Madagascar!

Upcoming Important Dates/Events Upcoming Important Dates/Events

10/21 Wednesday Tardy Makeup in room 106 from 1:15 - 1:45pm 10/21 Wednesday Tardy Makeup in room 106 from 1:15 - 1:45pm

10/23 Friday Coffee with Principal in Library 9 - 10am 10/23 Friday Coffee with Principal in Library 9 - 10am

10/24 Saturday Core Academy Attendance and Tardy Recovery 8-12pm 10/24 Saturday Core Academy Attendance and Tardy Recovery 8-12pm

10/28 Wednesday SSC and SGT Meeting in Library 1:50pm to 2:50pm 10/28 Wednesday SSC and SGT Meeting in Library 1:50pm to 2:50pm

10/30 Friday End of Grading Period 2 (minimum day) 10/30 Friday End of Grading Period 2 (minimum day)

11/11 Wednesday Veterans Day (No School) 11/11 Wednesday Veterans Day (No School)

11/13 Friday Coffee with Principal 9 - 10am w/ guest speaker 11/13 Friday Coffee with Principal 9 - 10am w/ guest speaker

11/20 Friday Foundation Meeting in Library 8:45 - 10am 11/20 Friday Foundation Meeting in Library 8:45 - 10am

12/4 Friday Happy Heart Run in PE 12/4 Friday Happy Heart Run in PE

12/12 Saturday Core Academy Attendance and Tardy Recovery 8-12pm 12/12 Saturday Core Academy Attendance and Tardy Recovery 8-12pm

12/17 Thursday Western Day 12/17 Thursday Western Day

12/18 Friday Foundation Meeting in Library 8:45 - 10am 12/18 Friday Foundation Meeting in Library 8:45 - 10am

Muirlands Middle School and La Jolla Playhouse Partnership Muirlands Middle School and La Jolla Playhouse Partnership

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🎭 New Partnership with La Jolla Playhouse!

We are excited to announce a new partnership between Muirlands Middle School and La Jolla Playhouse! Through this collaboration, we look forward to expanding opportunities for our students to experience the performing arts, build confidence, and develop their creativity through meaningful learning experiences. They do not need to be enrolled in the Theater Elective to participate and sign ups will occur in January 2027.


We are thrilled to partner with one of our community’s premier arts organizations and look forward to sharing more details about the opportunities this partnership will bring to Muirlands students throughout the school year. Please read the article below from the Muirlands Foundation about this new exciting partnership!

Muirlands La Jolla Playhouse Article Muirlands.pdf

Muirlands La Jolla Playhouse Article Muirlands.pdf

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AED Locations on Campus AED Locations on Campus

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Muirlands Robotics Team 26-27 Muirlands Robotics Team 26-27

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AI After School Enrichment Class AI After School Enrichment Class

Click below to register! Spaces are limited. Click below to register! Spaces are limited.

theCoderSchool La Jolla | Coding & AI for Kids Near San Diego

theCoderSchool La Jolla | Coding & AI for Kids Near San Diego

Kids learn Scratch, Python, AI, robotics, and game development with personalized Code Coaches near San Diego, CA.

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Aiming to start this in September Aiming to start this in September

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Instructional Vision- Asking or prompting questions to promote critical thinking Instructional Vision- Asking or prompting questions to promote critical thinking

Powerpoint I shared with our teachers in order to support high level prompting questions in the classroom that will promote students to think critically.

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Muirlands in The News Muirlands in The News

Muirlands Students Qualify for Special Honor Ensemble Muirlands Students Qualify for Special Honor Ensemble

Handful of La Jolla students named to San Diego Unified honors ensemble

Handful of La Jolla students named to San Diego Unified honors ensemble

The best of San Diego Unified School District’s middle and high school instrumentalists are coming together later this month for a special performance in downtown San Diego. Of the 300 total studen…

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Muirlands Parent Advocates for Increased Traffic Safety on Nautilus Muirlands Parent Advocates for Increased Traffic Safety on Nautilus

San Diego rejects ‘pedestrian scramble’ near La Jolla school but OKs alternatives

San Diego rejects ‘pedestrian scramble’ near La Jolla school but OKs alternatives

Safety measures outside Muirlands Middle School are slated to include increased walk time, ‘No right turn’ signs, new crosswalks and audible notifications

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AI After School Enrichment Classes Starting at Muirlands AI After School Enrichment Classes Starting at Muirlands

Muirlands Middle School launches AI course to help prepare kids for jobs of the future

Muirlands Middle School launches AI course to help prepare kids for jobs of the future

The after-school program starting next month will cover topics such as how AI works, how it can be used and how to use it responsibly

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Muirlands Student Performed at Carneigie Hall (Featured in La Jolla Light). Muirlands Student Performed at Carneigie Hall (Featured in La Jolla Light).

Muirlands student plays Carnegie Hall in solo violin performance

Muirlands student plays Carnegie Hall in solo violin performance

Carly Tse-Sabella was awarded honorable mention in the American Protégé International Music Talent Competition

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Muirlands Robotics and Foundation featured in La Jolla Light! Muirlands Robotics and Foundation featured in La Jolla Light!

Muirlands Middle School gets moneywise with after-school financial literacy classes

Muirlands Middle School gets moneywise with after-school financial literacy classes

Principal Brendan Simon expected to teach three classes with 20-30 students. But he extended it to 12 classes to accommodate over 150 sign-ups.

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Robotics Club Revival Robotics Club Revival

La Jolla’s Muirlands Middle School, once a ‘missing link,’ revives robotics club

La Jolla’s Muirlands Middle School, once a ‘missing link,’ revives robotics club

Since the club closed down around the pandemic, most middle school students wanting to participate in competitions have been tied to La Jolla Elementary’s program

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Foundation Fundraising Efforts Recognized Foundation Fundraising Efforts Recognized

How did La Jolla groups do in end-of-year fundraising? Quite well, they say

How did La Jolla groups do in end-of-year fundraising? Quite well, they say

Most of the nonprofit organizations surveyed say they surpassed their targeted totals or ran just shy. Some campaigns are continuing.

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Muirlands Recognized for Academic Excellence from State Senator Blakespear! Muirlands Recognized for Academic Excellence from State Senator Blakespear!

Muirlands Middle School was recognized as an Honor Roll Distinguished School for its outstanding academic achievement across all student subgroups.


ERP Releases List of 2025 California Honor Roll Schools

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Volunteer Opportunities Volunteer Opportunities

Click here to read more information on the Muirlands Student Volunteer Program Click here to read more information on the Muirlands Student Volunteer Program

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Important Information for Parents Important Information for Parents

Message from Attendance: Please allow 24-48 hours for attendance to be updated.

AED Locations AED Locations

Foundation Purchased 2 Additional to the 2 we had last year Foundation Purchased 2 Additional to the 2 we had last year

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Muirlands Middle School Named California Distinguished School Muirlands Middle School Named California Distinguished School

🏆 Muirlands Named a 2026 California Distinguished School!

I am incredibly proud to share that I received a letter from State Superintendent Tony Thurmond informing us that Muirlands has been selected as a 2026 California Distinguished School!

Out of nearly 10,000 schools across the state, only 408 schools in all of California were selected for this honor.


This recognition belongs to our teachers, counselors, classified staff, students, families, and community partners. It is a reflection of the culture of high expectations, care, innovation, and support that exists on our campus every single day. I am deeply grateful for the collective effort that makes Muirlands such a special place.

Construction Safety Construction Safety

Student and staff safety remains our top priority, including while construction is taking place on campus. Security protocols during construction are consistent with normal school operations, and all construction areas are fully isolated from student spaces by secured fencing. Gates are monitored and locked, and construction zones are not accessible to students or the general public.


All construction personnel on campus have passed required background checks (Live Scan) and must complete a Balfour Beatty job orientation prior to working on site. Workers are required to sign in daily through Balfour Beatty and with their respective foremen, and no one is permitted on campus without authorization. Construction staff are also clearly identifiable by Balfour Beatty orientation hardhat stickers.


There is active oversight and accountability at all times. The construction team maintains a daily roster of all personnel on site, which is shared with school administration and district staff and can be produced as needed. School leadership remains in close communication with the construction management team throughout the project.


From a health and safety standpoint, air quality is tested daily, and fencing and tarps are in place around the construction perimeter to contain debris. While some noise is unavoidable, the construction crew is mindful of instructional time and schedules the loudest activities outside of class hours whenever possible.


Ultimately, this renovation will yield long-term benefits for our campus, both aesthetically and functionally and we appreciate the community’s patience as we work to improve our facilities.

E-Bike Safety Courses

E-Bike Safety Courses

The office of San Diego County Chair Terra Lawson-Remer is hosting a free, hands-on e-bike safety training for youth, part of a broader effort directed by Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer’s office to address rising injuries among young riders.

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Important Information

Expectations on Campus

On 8/12/26, we held a virtual expectations assembly with all grade levels where we reviewed important components of our Student Handbook and reinforced our values of respect. We talked about simple but important actions such as saying please and thank you, holding the door for others, helping someone in need, and treating everyone on campus with kindness and respect.

Parents, please review these expectations with your student if you haven't already and complete this acknowledgement Google Form when you have finished. We noticed some students still wearing their smart watches in school. Just like cell phones, we ask them to stow their smart watch inside their backpacks (not their pockets) during the school day (8:35 -3:00pm) as it can text, call, and access the internet. The only exception to this would be for documented medical needs.


Bicycle Safety Reminder

For the safety of all students and staff, students must walk their bicycles when entering and exiting the school gates. Riding bicycles on campus or on school sidewalks is not permitted.

Please remember to walk your bicycle to and from the designated bike area. Thank you for helping keep our campus safe!


Dress Code Reminder

Students are expected to come to school wearing clothing that is appropriate and in accordance with the school dress code. If a student's clothing does not meet dress code requirements, the student may need to contact a parent/guardian to bring a change of clothes or wear loaner P.E. clothes for the remainder of the school day. Click here to read the dress code expectations.



Thank you for helping us maintain a positive and appropriate learning environment.


🚗 Drop-Off & Pick-Up

Please remember that campus does not open until 8:15 a.m. Students should not be dropped off or left unsupervised before that time.

Students who are dropped off before 8:15 a.m. will be required to call their parent/guardian, and the parent/guardian will be responsible for supervising the student until campus opens at 8:15 a.m.


Families who need to drop off their student before 8:15 a.m. should enroll in our morning PrimeTime program, which provides supervised care before school.


Comprehensive Sexual Health Education


This school year, students in 6th and 8th grade will participate in Comprehensive Sexual Health Education as part of their Science classes.


California law, through the California Healthy Youth Act, requires public schools to provide students with comprehensive sexual health and HIV-prevention education at least once during middle school and again in high school. In SDUSD, our middle school curriculum is provided during 6th and 8th grade Science.


The curriculum provides students with age-appropriate, medically accurate information about human development, healthy relationships, decision-making, reproductive and sexual health, HIV and sexually transmitted infections, and pregnancy prevention.


Families will receive additional information before instruction begins, including information about the curriculum and instructional materials. Parents and guardians have the right to review instructional materials and may excuse their student from comprehensive sexual health education by submitting a written request (email preferred) to bsimon@sandi.net.



We will share additional information, including instructional dates, as we get closer to the start of the curriculum.

Parent Preview Sex Ed Curriculum Presentations - San Diego Unified School District


Very Important – Personalized Lessons in i-Ready

  • Students will be taking the Math and ELA i-ready diagnostics in the first two weeks of the school year. This diagnostic is taken in the Fall, Winter, and Spring.

  • Once the diagnostics in the first two weeks are completed, all students at Muirlands have access to personalized lessons in i-Ready. These lessons are tailored to each student based on the standards identified in their i-Ready diagnostic where they have not yet shown mastery. Students can access their lessons by logging into Clever, selecting the i-Ready icon, and clicking on “My Path.” The only exception is for students already working at the high school level. These students receive extension activities directly from their teachers during class. To meet their growth goals, i-Ready recommends that students complete at least 45 minutes of personalized lessons per week.


  • Here is a resource for parents to understand the I-Ready score report they receive via email from the district. (https://i-readycentral.com/download/?res=39944&view_pdf=1).


  • Digital Citizenship Week Tips for Parents Digital Citizenship


  • Reporting Absence, Early Pick Up, Late Drop Off - Use the following Google Form https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc5F91HWNzl97NuNs3L0k5ZV656jMyDaSH2vxzZ7WCzWkYlBg/viewform?usp=dialog. Parents have already started using this and it is HIGHLY PREFERRED and allows us to be efficient and prepared upon your arrival or input the absence. This link is also on the Muirlands Website Home Page


  • Please attempt to schedule appointments during non-school hours. If your student is leaving early to attend an appointment (med/dental/ortho, etc.), his/her period absence(s) will be marked UNEXCUSED until a VERIFICATION of appointment is received in the attendance office. Please submit VERIFICATION in person or via email (mmssec@sandi.net) to the attendance office upon return to school within 5 school days to update to the appropriate code.

  • Staff Parking Areas - We respectfully ask parents to not park or drive into campus to drop off or pick up their student. This has caused safety issues for staff and students. Please utilize curb parking on Nautilus or street parking in the neighborhood.


  • Results of Team Sports Middle School Sports Schedules.


  • After School Tutoring - We are excited to share that starting August 24th, our After School Tutoring Program will take place in the Muirlands Library on the following days and times:
  • Tuesdays & Thursdays: 3:10 – 4:40 pm.
  • Wednesdays: 1:20 – 2:50 pm. Also, from 1:15 -1:45pm, all teachers have office hours. Students can visit any of their teachers to get extra support during this time and also head to the library after for more help.
  • Tutoring will be staffed by Paraeducators, Teachers, and College Tutors—and occasionally myself—to provide strong academic support for students. Signing your student up doesn't mean they have to attend every day although they are welcome to come any day we offer support.

    After School Tutoring 26-27 Sign Up Form


  • In School Tutoring during ELA and Math classes will start August 24th. Education majors from PLNU and UCSD will be supporting students in class. They will be supporting students the entire school year. This program is graciously funded by our parent foundation.


  • Please no Door Dash or any other Food Delivery Service - We are unable to accept these. If food spoils or student never picked it up, the office staff is then liable. The office staff is working hard to make sure we are running daily operations for the school site. If your student forgets their lunch, we have free lunch options for them at our cafeteria.
Muirlands Student Handbook (Please Read Before 1st Day of School)

Muirlands Parent Foundation Muirlands Parent Foundation

Muirlands Foundation E-Splash News Letter
Muirlands Foundation Website

Muirlands Counseling Muirlands Counseling

Muirlands Counseling Website

Social Media Social Media

Muirlands Middle School Instagram Account

Parent Portal Resource Page Parent Portal Resource Page

Parent Portal Resource Link
Parent Portal Support
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