Rincon Community News #25

Principal Weekly Message
January 30, 2026
Big news! We are thrilled to announce that the Teacher of the Year is the inspiring Amber Terry! Since joining us as a science teacher, Ms. Terry has shown unwavering dedication to her students and has gone above and beyond to create a supportive environment. Her fantastic collaboration with our Special Education team ensures that every student thrives! Her leadership in launching the WEB program has been remarkable, and her innovative teaching methods keep our educational environment fresh and engaging. With experience in physical education and a heart full of compassion, she consistently affirms every student's value. Let’s celebrate Ms. Terry, an exceptional role model embodying kindness, enthusiasm, and spirit! Please join us in congratulating her on this well-deserved honor!
I-Ready Goals
Today, we’re celebrating learners i-ready lesson goals! Students earned a fantastic 20-minute recess at the end of the day! This was a time to shine, stretch those legs, and soak up the sunshine! Keep up the amazing work; we believe that Bulldogs B.A.R.K, believe, achieve, respect, and kindness.
Thank you once again for your continued support. Together, we can make this a fantastic year for our students! Together we are better in setting up our Bulldogs up to B.A.R.K (Believe, Achieve, Respect, and Kindness) for success!
With gratitude,
Principal Meglich
What's Happening!
100th Day of School is here!
This Tuesday February 3rd is the 100th day of school. That’s right we have attended 100 of the total 180 school days in a year.
To recognize this day, let’s make the world a better place by giving back to those in need. Rincon Advisory classes are challenged to collect 100 food items for our local food pantry.
In advisory classes, students are to bring in 100 non-perishable food items by Friday, February 6th. The first three classes to collect 100 non-perishable food items earn a special In & Out treat. On Friday, all items can be brought to the MPR to be donated .
6th Grade Chaperones Needed!
Hello Rincon Families!
6th grade will be taking a field trip to the Safari Park on March 30 and the 31st. We will need chaperones for both days. If you could please let us know if you are interested we will be sending out more information when the dates get closer. Thanks in advance! Fyi: we will need you all day including on the bus, and we will pair you with your kiddo and will know which day each student is going at a later date. If you respond now and then change your mind or you cannot attend the assigned day, that is totally fine. It should be a great time as the Safari Park is always a wonderful host!
Please include your preferred day (either the 30th or 31st) and reach out to your child's science teacher via Thrillshare or email.
Ms. Montjoy (smontjoy@eusd.org)
Mr. Winn (awinn@eusd.org)
Mr. Moore (jmoore@eusd.org)
7th Grade Daley Ranch Field Trip Chaperones Needed!
Our Rincon Bulldog 7th graders will soon be heading to Daley Ranch for their science field trip, and we need your help!
Field trip chaperones are needed on Tuesday, 2/17 and Wednesday, 2/18. If you are interested, please email one of our wonderful science teachers, Janette Molina, at jmolina@eusd.org.
Student Permission slips will be distributed to students on Monday, 2/9 and must be returned by Friday, 2/13.
American Heart Challenge Is Coming!
Monday, February 2 through Thursday, February 13
Students will participate in heart health education and activities, culminating in a Heart-Themed Spirit Week and CPR learning opportunities. We will also be hosting a fundraiser—details are included below.
Sign Up Today!
The American Heart Challenge is starting soon, and our school will be supporting the American Heart Association to help save lives. Our school can also earn funding and PE equipment along the way!
Families can sign up at:Sign up for the American Heart Challenge
Or download the AHA Schools app.
Students can begin Finn’s Mission, where they will learn the warning signs of a stroke and hands-only CPR. Watch the video to meet heart survivor Ridge and learn how to develop lifesaving skills while supporting kids with special hearts.
Thank you for being a Heart Hero!
Updated Mobile Communication District Policy
Adopted on January 20, 2026, this regulation mandates a "powered off and out of sight" environment to minimize distractions and support student well-being. As a site administrator, your role focuses on communication, enforcement, and annual data review.
Dear Rincon Families,
We are writing to reinforce our school's policy regarding mobile communication device usage at school. Our goal is to create a focused and productive learning environment for all students, free from distractions. To achieve this, we maintain a policy that prohibits the use of smartphones, and other mobile communication devices, at any time while students are on school grounds.
We understand that mobile communication devices are a part of daily life, but their use at school can significantly disrupt the learning process. We appreciate your cooperation in helping us uphold this policy.
To ensure clarity and consistency, we have established the following consequences for students who violate the mobile communication device policy.
1st Offense: The student will receive a verbal warning from a staff member.
2nd Offense: The device will be confiscated and returned to the student at the end of the school day.
3rd Offense: The device will be confiscated and returned only to a parent or guardian. A mobile device contract will be signed by the student and their parent/guardian acknowledging the consequence of a 4th offense.
4th Offense: The student will be required to report to the school office each morning to check in their device. The student will retrieve their device at the end of the school day. This consequence will remain in effect for a period of time as designated in the mobile device contract.
We believe that these consequences are fair and designed to help students understand the importance of adhering to the school's policy. We encourage you to discuss this policy with your child and reinforce the importance of respecting the learning environment.
We understand that there may be emergency situations where communication is necessary. In those cases, parents or guardians should contact the school office directly, and we will ensure that your child receives the message.
We appreciate your partnership in creating a positive and productive learning environment for all students. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact Mrs. Meglich, cmeglich@eusd.org.
Sincerely,
Principal Meglich
Authorized Exceptions
Use is permitted only in these specific scenarios:
Medical: Documented health reasons.
Instructional Plans: As required by a student’s IEP or 504 Plan.
Emergencies: During school emergencies or when specifically directed by staff.
February's Attendance Challenge
This month, ALL Rincon Middle School students are being challenged to have no absences and no tardies for 18 days. From 2/2 - 2/27 for the month of February.
The top advisory class with the best attendance will receive a frozen treat and social time.
Be present.
Be on time.
Be consistent.
Every day matters. Let’s make February a strong month for attendance.
#RinconMiddleSchool #FebruaryAttendanceChallenge #AttendanceMatters #BePresent #BeOnTime #BeConsistent
Grief and Loss Support Group
Dear Rincon Families,
Rincon Middle School is offering a Grief and Loss Support Group for students who have experienced the loss of a parent, sibling, grandparent, friend, or another important person.
Over eight 50-minute sessions (March–May), students will learn about grief, develop coping skills, share their story, and connect with peers. Groups are small (8–12 students) and are co-led by a trained childhood bereavement professional from The Elizabeth Hospice and the School Social Worker.
The group is on campus during school hours and free to attend. Exact dates and times will be shared once enrollment is full. If you feel your child would benefit from this supportive group, please fill out this Grief and Loss Group Interest form to express interest. Spaces are limited, so early registration is encouraged.
The deadline to enroll is February 19th. Please reach out if you have any questions.
Take care,
Ida Batiste
School Social Worker, Rincon Middle School
Phone: (760) 432-2491 ext. 26839
Email: ibatiste@eusd.org
Season for Nonviolence at Rincon Middle School
Season for Nonviolence at Rincon Middle School
Rincon Middle School is participating in the Season for Nonviolence, a schoolwide focus on building skills that support kindness, respect, and peaceful problem-solving. It runs from January 30 to April 4, spanning the memorial anniversaries of Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and promotes nonviolent action as a way to heal, transform, and empower communities. Over several weeks, students will engage in lessons, activities, and discussions that promote emotional well-being, empathy, and positive relationships.
Weekly Focus Areas Include:
Courage: Encouraging students to speak up, try new things, and make positive choices
Healing: Learning healthy ways to care for themselves and seek support
Compassion & Kindness: Practicing empathy and spreading kindness across campus
Respect: Building respectful behavior toward self and others
Perspective Taking: Understanding different viewpoints
Being Peaceful: Using calm communication and nonviolent problem-solving
Celebrating Differences: Valuing diversity and inclusion
Being an Upstander: Learning how to safely support others
Creating a Nonviolent Community: Encouraging students to reflect on how their actions contribute to a positive school culture
Throughout the program, students may participate in:
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) lessons
Lunch Bunch groups focused on self-care and kindness
Spirit Days that reinforce positive messages
A Peace Poster Contest inviting students to reflect on what nonviolence looks like in our school
Classroom presentations that help students recognize when a peer may need support
Families are encouraged to talk with their students about what they are learning and how these skills can be practiced at home and in the community.
✨ Together, we can support students in building a safe, caring, and respectful school environment. ✨
Mrs. Batiste
School Social Worker
Family Engagement
English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC) Parent Meeting
Estimados padres y tutores,
Están cordialmente invitados a asistir a nuestra próxima junta del Comité Asesor de Aprendices de Inglés (ELAC), que se llevará a cabo el jueves 2/5 a las 8:30 a.m. en nuestra Sala de Participación Familiar, Salón 2. Esta junta brinda la oportunidad de aprender más sobre nuestros programas para Aprendices de Inglés, compartir sus opiniones y colaborar en el apoyo al éxito académico de los estudiantes.
Animamos a todos los padres de estudiantes Aprendices de Inglés a participar. Su voz y participación son muy importantes.
Esperamos contar con su presencia.
Google Meets- Link
Video call link
Or dial: (US) +1 541-671-5891 PIN: 687 090 857#
Snack Shack Volunteers Needed
We are looking forward to your help from 2:00–4:00 PM. Please arrive a few minutes early to check in and get set up.
Your time and support make a big difference for our students—we truly appreciate you! If you are interested in volunteering please reach out to our PTSA at rinconptsainfo@gmail.com and OR let your Family Liaison know Ms. Jovana. (760)432-2491 ext 26827
We need help with Snack Shack & MUCH MORE
Make a difference in your child's education!
WE NEED YOU!
Thank you again for volunteering!
PTSA Spirit Wear
- Hoodie $30
- T-shirt $15
- Long Sleeve (Limited Edition) $15
- Baseball Style Shirt (Limited Amount) $20
- Hat (Limited Amount) $10
Plan Ahead
Monday, February 2
AVID Rocks, wear college gear and search for those rocks
American Heart Challenge Begins
Tuesday, February 3
100th day of school - Advisory 100 item food challenge begins!
Explore Permission can be turned into after school teacher
Wednesday, February 4
Lunch bunch during both lunches
PTSA Snack shack open after school
Writing Celebration, 4:00 p.m. Bear Valley Middle School
Thursday, February 5
BARK Mart open during both lunches
Tikiz Ice after school
Friday, February 6
Show your Bulldog spirit, wear Rincon swag
PTSA Snack shack open after school