John Muir Parent Newsletter
New Year 2025 Edition
Happy New Year!
Dear Families,
On behalf of our entire school community, I would like to wish you and your loved ones a happy, healthy, and fun new year! We hope you had a wonderful winter break and are ready to tackle the second half of the school year.
Upcoming Events
We have many upcoming events in the next couple of months, such as Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Latino Literacy Project, Valentine's Day, Black History Month, Lunar New Year, Conference Week and many more!. Please read about them in more detail below and mark your calendars!
Stay Connected
We're excited for the second half of the school year and look forward to staying connected with you. If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out.
Thank you for your continued support.
John Muir Elementary
⏰Please make note that school starts at 8:00AM. Please make arrangements to make sure your students are on time. The gates cafeteria opens at 7:30-7:55 for breakfast. Students arriving into class after 8:00 will be marked tardy. Please also make sure to drive safely! Use the crosswalks, loops, or park on the street when dropping off and picking up. We want to keep our students and families safe. Please drive slow and follow all street signs.
📲Please remember to report all absences on the absence line or email Alejandraperez@antiochschools.net within 48 hours of the absence. Also if you are planning to be absent and wish to do an independent study to excuse absences, please request the Independent Study with your teacher and notify the office 2 weeks in advance.
🥪Please note that the office is trying to minimize classroom disruptions. Please make sure your student has all items before they arrive at school. If parents drop items off (water bottles, instruments, homework, etc.) teachers will be emailed and students will check for their items at recess and or lunch to get their items.
🆔Reminder: Parent/guardians and non-AUSD staff are not allowed on AUSD school campuses. Please note for all visitors/ chaperones on campus we have a new check in system called Visitor Aware and must be approved by teacher and principal prior to visit. There is more information at the bottom of this smore.
Read- A -Thon Fundraiser
Thank you to all of our students and parents for raising money for our school!!! We received a profit of $13,742.25! This money will help us get Computer Carts and student laptops! This fundraiser was also one of our favorites because it encouraged our students to read and share their reading with others. We appreciate your support and cannot wait until our Fun Run Fundraiser in the Spring!
Office Depot Donations
Thank you Office Depot!
Our Slatten Ranch Office Depot donates to John Muir Elementary! With their donations, we have been able to purchase teacher chairs, classroom headphones, paper, safety cones, and more!
When any customer is checking out in store at the registers the pin pad will ask if they would like to round up their transaction or donate a specific amount. 100% of the donation goes specifically to John Muir in the form of a store credit that we then use to purchase the needed supplies.
If you have office supply needs please shop with our local Office Depot and donate to our school! Visit them at 5885 Lone Tree Wy, Antioch, CA 94531.
Click the image about for a 30% off coupon!
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Martin Luther King Jr. was a true icon of hope, unity, and courage. He embodied exceptional leadership qualities, including determination, confidence, respect, intelligence, and creativity. Through his powerful words and selfless actions, he inspired a nation to strive for equality, justice, and freedom.
His legacy continues to resonate deeply, reminding us that "darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that." As we reflect on his life and work, let's draw inspiration from his unwavering commitment to creating a more just and compassionate world.
King's message of love, acceptance, and unity is just as relevant today as it was during his lifetime. As he so eloquently put it, "We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools." Let's honor his memory by continuing to work towards a brighter future for all.
The Lunar New Year starts on January 29, 2025, and ushers in the Year of the Snake! More specifically, it’s the year of the Wood Snake, which only happens every 60 years.
As with many winter solstice celebrations, the symbolic darkness of night is banished by the light of fireworks, lanterns, and candles. Man-made paper lanterns are hung by the hundreds in public areas, bringing good luck to the new year.
Learn more here: https://www.almanac.com/content/chinese-new-year-chinese-zodiac
Black History Month is a celebration held every February to honor the achievements, contributions, and experiences of African Americans. This month-long observance recognizes the significant impact Black individuals have had on history, culture, and society, from the Civil Rights Movement to the present day. Through events, exhibitions, and educational programs, Black History Month promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion, while celebrating the rich heritage and resilience of the African American community.
Learn more about this important month with your students through games, articles and activities!
https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/history/article/black-history-month
Our 3rd-5th grade students will be taking the CAASP April 28th through May 2nd. Below is more information for our parents.
A Parent Guide to Understanding The Smarter Balanced Summative Assessments
There are many ways to measure your child’s learning. Your child’s teacher uses report card grades, classroom work, teacher observations, and end-of-year statewide test results to get a complete picture of your child’s learning.
Who takes these tests? All students in grades 3–8 and 11 will take the state tests in English language arts and math. These tests are called the Smarter Balanced Summative Assessments. Why do students take these tests? The results will identify where your child is doing well or needs more help, so you can better support their learning at home and teachers can better support their learning in the classroom.
How do students take these tests? These tests are taken on a computer which allows your child to interact with questions in a variety of ways. For example, in math, your child might be asked to drag and drop things from one place on the screen to another or draw a graph to solve a problem.
What resources are available? Your child will have access to resources they need when taking the test, like a calculator in grades 6–8 and 11, a glossary, or a highlighter. These resources help your child better access the test and do not affect the scores in any way. You can talk to your child’s teacher about other available resources that may help your child. How can I help my child?
■ Remind your child that you and their teacher want them to try their best and that you are there to help them every step of the way.
■ Visit the Starting Smarter website at https://ca.startingsmarter.org to better understand Student Score Reports, review sample questions, and access resources to support your child’s learning.
■ Take a practice test with your child on the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress Online Practice and Training Tests web page at https://www.caaspp.org/practice-and-training/index.html. For more information about your child’s scores, contact your child’s teacher and/or the school office.
-California Department of Education
AUSD is in the final stages of shaping the AUSD Math Vision, and they would like to hear from students. This is about a 5 minute survey. Feedback is essential in ensuring that this vision reflects the needs, aspirations, and ideas of everyone in our community.
Survey Link: https://forms.office.com/r/z8S116Cc9Q
Deadline: January 31, 2025
