Rincon Community News #24

Greetings Rincon Community,

This week marks an exciting beginning for our after-school Explore classes, and we couldn't be more happy about all the great classes that are being offered. At Rincon, we firmly believe in staying learner-centered and focus on fostering inquiry, discovery, and innovation. And our after school EXPlore classes offer that.

The good news, many of those classes still have some openings so Use the Rincon After School Enrichment Class- Student Interest Form to see which classes are still available. With a recent new addition to our E-sports teacher team, we were able to open that class up again.

Our Explore classes are designed to ignite passion and curiosity in our students. Through hands-on learning experiences, they will have the opportunity to explore new interests and deepen their understanding of subjects that intrigue them. Whether it’s science, art, technology, gaming, dance, cooking or any other field, these classes provide a platform for our learners to engage in meaningful discussions, collaborate with peers, and solve real-world problems.

We encourage you to talk with your student about what they are discovering in their classes. Ask them about their favorite projects or ideas and encourage them to share what excites them. This dialogue not only reinforces their learning but also helps build a strong learning community within our families.

Thank you for your continued support as we embark on this journey of exploration and learning together. We are truly blessed to offer so many opportunities for our students to discover what is possible at Rincon.

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

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.

Project ALERT
This past Thursday, 1/22, our 7th and 8th graders began the Project ALERT curriculum—initial lessons for 7th grade and booster lessons for 8th grade.

Project ALERT is a research-based substance abuse prevention program commonly used in middle schools. It is designed to help students delay or avoid using alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, and other drugs by building real-world skills, not just providing information.

Parent Resources
Project ALERT parent resources are available for families. Paper copies can be picked up in the front office.

Please come and enjoy a meal at Chick-fil-A to support the Rincon PTSA on Wednesday, January 28th from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM!

Don't forget to mention Rincon Middle School when ordering at Chick-fil-A or use the code "Rincon" when placing a mobile order, and up to 20% of the sales will be donated back to Rincon Middle School.

Here is the link if you would like to place an online order - Click here to place an online order for Chick-Fil-A

The participating Chick-fil-A is located at 1290 Auto Parkway, Escondido, CA 92029.

It's not too late to sign-up

January 26 – March 27

Teacher-led classes (some may extend March 30 – May 1)
American Sign Language – M/W, Room 17
Weights – M/W, Weight Room
Bulldog Color Guard – Fridays, Room 57
Design for the Streets – Wednesdays, Room 5
GOTR – Mondays, Room 29 (2 hours)
E-Sports – M/T/W, Room 3

Vendor-Led Classes:
Lovely Leaps Sideline Cheer Dance – M/W, Room 28
Mathnasium – M/W or T/F, Library
Tradicion Mexicana / Ballet Folklorico (90 min) – T/F, Room 28
EcoArt – T/F, Room 44
Fashion Design – Embroidery – T/F, Room 37
RoboQuest with Treobytes – T/F, Room 40
Girls Inc (90 min) – Fridays, Room 16
Science of Cooking – T/F, Room 46

Interested in joining?
Learn more about the classes and add your child to the interest form by scanning the QR code or Use the Rincon After School Enrichment Class- Student Interest Form

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!

Click here to Sign up for the Rincon 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!

Heart Hero: Ridge(Youtube)

The right side of Ridge's heart was too small when he was born, causing him to have three open-heart surgeries before age 3. In 2023, his heart began to fail, and doctors said he needed a new heart to survive. After months on the transplant list, Ridge received a new heart, which he considers a blessing. Now, he feels better, has more energy and can keep up with his brothers.

To take care of his new heart, Ridge eats lots of fruit and protein, stays active and follows his doctors' advice.

He's grateful to have a second chance and hopes his story will encourage others to support the Kids Heart

Challenge/American Heart Challenge

Join us Friday, January 30th at 8:30 AM in the MPR at Rincon Middle School for a casual Coffee with the Principal.

Come enjoy some coffee, learn about our support services, and connect with the people here to help your student succeed!
We look forward to seeing you there!

Contact your family liaison for more questions:

Ms. Jovana Arellano-Perez

joarellano@eusd.org

760-432-2491

In January 2026, SDCOE will offer a series of free virtual mindfulness classes presented by certified meditation instructors. These sessions are designed to help families learn practical tools to reduce stress, foster kindness, and cultivate a sense of calm and harmony in daily life.

Learning to Relax Through Mindfulness – January 2026

Time: 6:00–7:00 p.m. (Virtual)

Spanish interpretation will be available for all sessions.

Session Topics:

• Jan 8: What Tenderness Can Teach Us

• Jan 15: Developing Harmony

• Jan 22: Inviting Your Heart into Meditation

• Jan 29: Developing Good Values

Each session will explore mindfulness techniques that support compassion, empathy, and emotional well-being for a happier, healthier life. These classes will also cover:

• Stress management & relaxation

• Observing emotions without judgment

• Building empathy & compassion

• Living in harmony & ethical values

Click here to register for Mindfulness Virtual Classes

Questions? Please contact: ecampos@sdcoe.net

Rincon Middle School PTSA is selling Spirit Wear! Don’t miss out—Order your BULLDOGS B.A.R.K. apparel today! Please return order forms with payment. Orders will be delivered to student’s Advisory or first period teacher and or the student/ parent can pick up from the Snack Shack window.

1. Hoodie $30
2. T-shirt $15
3. Long Sleeve (Limited Edition) $15
4. Baseball Style Shirt (Limited Amount) $20
5. Hat (Limited Amount) $10

Click here to place your spirit wear order

Monday, January 26

EXPlore After School Classes begin today / Turn in permission slips

AVID Rocks, wear college gear and search for those rocks

CSAC, Community School Association Committee Meeting at 3 pm, Room 2

Tuesday, January 27

Explore Permission can be turned into after school teacher

Wednesday, January 28

Lunch bunch during both lunches

PTSA Chic-Fil-A Fundraiser 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, January 29

BARK Mart open during both lunches

PTSA Snack shack open after school

Tikiz Ice after school

Friday, January 30

Coffee with the Principal 8:30 a.m., MPR
I-Ready Rewards: Extra Recess 2:25 p.m.

PTSA Snack shack open after school