JOHN MUIR MIDDLE SCHOOL FALCON FLYER
PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE
December 2015
Dear John Muir Families,
As we enter into the holiday season please be aware that this is a time when some students lose
motivation or begin to struggle with their academic studies. At this same time, our staff continues to
challenge our students with rigorous and challenging standards-based work in all academic areas. Rest
assured that along with these additional challenges, the John Muir staff will provide safety nets and
interventions for students who are struggling. To support us in promoting the academic success of your
student we encourage you to stay in close contact with your teachers regarding your stud ents’
performance. If your student lets you know they are struggling or needs extra help, advise your student to
speak with his/her teacher and/or attend tutoring. Also continue to support your students ’ education by
discussing school activities and monitoring your students’ homework and school projects every day.
Remind your student that tardiness and inappropriate behavior can have a direct impact on student
performance, and stress to your child the importance of getting to class on time. We want all our students
here at John Muir to experience the fun, rewards, privileges, and benefits of being a well -prepared
student. Please continue supporting us in making this a reality for your student.
The staff and I also continue to invite you to be an active participant of the John Muir Community. Please
make an effort to join us at our weekly Principal Chats or monthly PTSO, ELAC and SSC meetings. Your
presence and participation in these organizations will ensure that John Muir becomes a stronger school
and community.
As we move into the new year the John Muir Middle School staff and I wish you and your families
Happy Holidays and a Prosperous New Year.
Sincerely,
Vernon L Walton Jr.
Principal
www.slusd.us/muir
From the desk of Jorge Gonzalez, Vice Principal
Dear Families,
As we reflect on the many accomplishments of 2015 we can truly say that John Muir has
made tremendous gains in order to support student achievement and development. We
have moved to a 2:1 Chromebook ratio for our students, which allows them to access
Google Classroom in their classes and begin to explore new ways of learning. We are
providing our Special Education students with the least restrictive learning environment
by including them in general education classes with the support they need. This allows
all of our students to be truly one student body and a stronger John Muir community.
Furthermore, we have included a Choir class in order to expand our performing arts
program, which already includes Band, Orchestra, and Drama.
As we prepare to end the first semester of the 2015-16 academic year we ask that you
continue to motivate your students to do their best. All 8th grade students attended an
assembly in order for them to know the requirements for promotion and the participation
in end of the year events. We want to see all of our students succeed and we invite you
to take advantage of the free tutoring program at John Muir for all grades. If you have
any specific questions about your child’s academic performance please contact his or her
teacher before the end of the semester.
Again, Thank you for helping us make John Muir Middle School a place where all
students can learn. I want to wish you and your families a wonderful winter break and
holiday season.
Respectfully,
Jorge Gonzalez
Vice Principal
www.slusd.us/muir
From the desk of Doreen Bracamontes, Vice Principal
Athletics Update
I would like to announce that Ms. Helen Morris, one of our P.E. teachers has
taken on the role of site athletic director. She works with administration,
coaches, students, teachers, and our district athletic director to make sure that
John Muir’s athletic program continues to improve. We are delighted to have Ms.
Morris in this role.
Boys’ basketball has started, we have two teams (8th grade, and 6/7th grade)
and already they have some wins. We are happy that Mr. Al Richton and Mr.
Jose Aguirre have returned for another season with us. Our coaches are
focused on developing their skills and sportsmanship so that students are
prepared for high school athletics. Along those lines, we are also committed to
setting strong academic performance as a priority for all of our athletes.
Academics must come first!
John Muir girls are currently trying out for the team, and will start the season in
January. We are fortunate to welcome Mr. Paxman back as coach, and Mr.
Hernandez has joined as assistant coach for the girls’ team.
We look forward to a great basketball season. Go Falcons!
www.slusd.us/muir
John Muir Middle School
PTA
SCHOOL SMARTS
ACADEMY
SESSION FOUR!
Limited spots available
Contact Ms. Vega for more info.
(510)618-4400 ext. 3703
Date: Wednesday, Dec. 9th
Time: 6:30PM
Location: JMMS Library
*Together we can help your child succeed.*
www.slusd.us/muir
Important Dates and Times
December 21-Jan 1st
Winter Recess Break - No School
January 15
Planning Day- No School for Students
January 18
Martin Luther King Jr. Day- No School
Principal Chats every Wednesday, please listen for the
weekly phone calls or visit our website
JOHN MUIR TUTORING SCHEDULE
Teacher
Room
Subject
Day
Phillipps
E2
8th Math
Tues/Thurs
Pogran
E7
8th Math
Thurs
Bo-Linn
B3
Math
Tues/Thurs
Baker
EI
7th Math
Tues/Thurs
Herrera
H6
6th, 7th, 8th Math Tues/Thurs
Herrera
H6
6th, 7th, 8th Math Mon-Thurs
Rose
B3
All 7th
Tues/Thurs
ACHTEN
E8
ELD/AVID
Tues
BELLI/GRIFFITH A1/A2 ELD/AVID
Thurs
www.slusd.us/muir
Hours
3:00-4:00
3:00-4:00
3:15-4:15
3:15-4:15
3:15-4:15
Lunch
3:00-4:00
3:00-4:00
3:00-4:00