Mesa Verde Weekly Newsletter
August 14th, 2026
Here's What's Happening in October and November
October 31: Halloween
November 23-27: Fall Recess (no school)
As I continue getting to know Mesa Verde Middle School, one thing is abundantly clear: what makes this school special is the people, the relationships, and the experiences that bring our community together.
As principal, I want each student to feel that they belong here, that their voice matters, and that there are opportunities for them to connect, explore their interests, and create lasting middle school memories. Whether it is participating in student activities, attending dances like Fright Fest, engaging in enrichment opportunities, or simply finding their people on campus, these experiences matter. They help shape how students feel about school and their place within it.
This is why our Purple Envelope Fundraiser is so important.
Our fundraiser helps support the programs, activities, and experiences that enrich student life at MVMS. These opportunities require resources, and the support of our families and community helps us continue offering experiences that make middle school about more than just what happens in the classroom.
Since we want to give more time for busy parents to donate, we're extending collections online through the weekend and also do one final in-person drop-off Monday morning at the front gate, 7:30 to 8:05.
If you haven't given yet, there's still time. You can donate online anytime using the button below, or bring your Purple Envelope Monday. Every dollar goes straight to our classrooms.
I recognize that every family has different circumstances, and there is never an expectation that every family contribute the same amount. We are grateful for every contribution and for the many ways our community supports our students. Participation is voluntary, and our commitment to making every student feel welcome and included remains unchanged.
As a California Distinguished School, we have so much to celebrate, and I want to ensure we continue building on that foundation. Thank you for partnering with us and helping make Mesa Verde a place where students feel connected, supported, and excited to come to school.
With appreciation,
Dr. Bobby Caughey
Many of our MVMS teachers use DonorsChoose to help bring additional resources, materials, and learning opportunities to their classrooms. If you are interested in supporting our teachers and students, you can often find links to their DonorsChoose projects in teacher communications and email signature lines. Thank you for supporting our MVMS staff and helping create meaningful learning experiences for our students!
AVID Tip of the Week: Create a Consistent Evening Routine
As the days get shorter and the evenings get darker, it can be harder to stay motivated, maintain routines, and keep up with schoolwork. A few small adjustments can make a big difference!
Get organized: Spend 5–10 minutes reviewing your planner, checking assignments, and preparing for the next school day.
Use your time wisely: Try completing homework before settling in for the evening. Breaking larger assignments into smaller steps can make them feel more manageable.
Keep moving: Even a short walk, some stretching, or a little physical activity can help boost your energy and mood.
Prioritize sleep: Aim for a consistent bedtime and put away screens before bed to help your brain wind down.
Find your focus: Create a comfortable, well-lit study space that helps you concentrate, even when it gets dark outside.
AVID Challenge of the Week: Before you go to bed each night, take five minutes to prepare for tomorrow. Pack your backpack, charge your Chromebook, and make a plan for your day.
Remember, small habits lead to big results!
Adjusting your routine now can help you stay organized, feel prepared, and finish the semester strong.
Attendance and OCIS Contracts: If you have a student who will not be in class for 5-14 days, please notify the office so we can have the parents fill out an OCIS contract for their child. The forms will have to be completed and signed by parents 5-10 days in advance of the absence.If you and your child would like to contract the OCIS, please contact the attendance office.
Parents are required to give 5 days notice for absences up to 5 days, 10 days notice for absences more than 5 days.
Prepping work for students who are absent is an incredible amount of work for our teaching staff and we ask that you give your child’s teacher as much advance notice as possible beyond the above guidelines.
We do not write contracts beyond 14 days. If you plan to be away for 15 or more days please contact the Office for the necessary procedures.
Attendance: To report your child's absence or early checkout, please notify l the attendance office at before 10:00 am on the day of the absence. Please include your child's name, dates of absence, and reason for absence. We kindly ask that you avoid checking out your student during the lunch period from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm. Please refer to the attendance section of our Mesa Verde website for protocols regarding reporting student absences and requesting early release for your student.'
California Education Code 48205 states that a student may be excused legally from school when the absence is due to:
- Personal illness or injury
- Quarantine under the direction of a county or city health office
- Medical, dental, or chiropractic services
- Attendance at funeral services for a member of the immediate family
- Justifiable personal reasons, including, but not limited to, an appearance in court, observance of a holiday or ceremony of his or her religion, attendance at religious retreats, attendance at an employment conference, when the pupil's absence has been requested in writing by the parent and approved by the principal or designated representative
- For the purpose of serving as a member of a precinct board for an election
- Exclusion for failure to present evidence of immunization
- Exclusion from school because student is either the carrier of a contagious disease or not immunized for a contagious disease
Communication with your Student If there is a need to communicate with your child during the school day, please send a message to the Office. Please refrain from communicating with them directly through text messages or phone calls as it disrupts their learning.
