Welcome to the 2017/18 School Year!

Dear Escalante Middle School Community,

I am thrilled that the first day of school is just two days away - it is always my favorite day of the year. We have a few plans and procedures on the first day to ensure that it goes smoothly for students. Our 7th and 8th grade students will report straight to their Crew classes where they will receive their detailed schedule. They will also receive their pre-ordered school supplies if you signed up for that service last year.

Our 6th grade students will go straight to the gym in the morning where we will organize them into their Crews. Once in Crew, they will recieve their schedule and a tour so that they know exactly where to go during the day. Locker combinations are the main nerve-wracking, right-of-passage activity, and we will be sure to give them ample practice!

Planning for the solar eclipse has been a bit more challenging them expected. The school district is sending out permission slips electronically to be signed and returned. Please take this step or write a note giving your permission if you don't have access to a printer. However, because it is the first day, getting permission for all students is quite the challenge. If you do not want your student participating in the eclipse, please contact the school through the main line and an alternate activity will be provided.

On a final eclipse note, we had to make a last minute change on protective eye-wear for the event. I received an email yesterday that our original glasses were recalled. Ms. Jantz saved the day by finding an approved vendor from the American Astrological Academy (https://eclipse.aas.org/resources/solar-filters) who can overnight 550 glasses and guarenteed that they would be on my front door on Saturday. Keep your fingers crossed!

Please take some time to speak with your child about the danger of looking at the sun without eyewear, even during a partial eclipse. The following link provides safety informaiton that we will be covering with our students, but it would be great if parents can review this with their children as well: https://eclipse2017.nasa.gov/safety

Here is to a great first day on Monday!

Jeremy Voss
Escalante Middle School, Principal

Published July 31, 2017 Print