Mills High School Parent Newsletter

We are nearing the finish line to the end of the school year. And as exciting a time it is for most seniors, it can also be a stressful time. Stressful for both seniors and underclassmen. Exams are right around the corner. Some of us are planning road trips this summer to visit colleges and whispering in our junior's ears to start thinking about those essays and applications.

I would like everyone to take a pause and check in with their child/children, regardless of how old they are. May is Mental Health Month and I've found that as I sit here to write these messages, there is always something I could advocate for, an important message I could send. But I'm taking a pause to remember the importance of our children's mental health and ours.

We make a point to keep our kids at home if the stomach flu is going around, or if they've suffered a concussion ~ we don't think twice. But most of us are slightly more reserved when it comes to their stress levels and we might even second guess ourselves if their mood seems off. We've had some very dark days in our home and at random moments, I feel the need to text my kids to let them know I am so grateful and blessed to have them in my life. At random moments, I remember how every day is borrowed.

One in 5 Americans is affected by mental health conditions; shame of these conditions prevents them from seeking help. This year, the National Association for Mental Illness (NAMI) is promoting the theme " CureStigma."

I know this message may not hit home for all families, and if it doesn't, then may we all act in kindness and love. May we all find kindness, love, and happiness.

Be well.

Sincerely,

Joy Pasamonte Henry

Mills PTO President

P.S. Mills High School has wellness counselors for students to speak with. Please have them make an appointment with their school counselor first.

Counselors' Connection

Senior Graduation Survey

All seniors are required to complete the Senior Graduation Survey in Naviance prior to graduation. Students who have not yet done so should see Mrs. Murtagh in the Career Center ASAP to complete the survey and pick up their graduation checkout sheet. Students attending 4-year colleges this fall must also use the survey to request a final transcript.

Summer School Schedules

Summer school schedules will be distributed this week at lunch, and can also be picked up in the Career Center. Summer school sessions will run from June 11 to 26, and June 27 to July 13. Bus transportation to San Mateo High School will be provided to all students who need it. Click here for more information about Summer School.

Fall Registration Dates

11th & 12th grade fall registration will be on Thursday, August 9th, and 10th grade registration will be on Friday, August 10th. 9th graders will have registration and orientation on Friday, August 10th. Students will receive their fall class schedules at that time. The first day of school will be Wednesday, August 15th.

May 31st is the last day to change course requests for next year. Please note that counselors cannot accommodate requests for specific teachers.

Student Showcase: Congressional Arts Competition

Mills Students Take Honors in Congressional Arts Competition

On Thursday, May 10, 2018, the annual Congressional Arts Competition Reception was held at the Peninsula Art Museum. High School students from Lowell, School of the Arts, Jefferson, Aragon, San Mateo, and Mills submitted a total of thirty nine artworks from Congressional District #14.

The top three awards were all presented to SMUHSD students, with 1st and 3rd place going to Mills High School.

First Place : James Oh (Junior)

James' painting will be hung in Cannon Hall at the White House for one year and he and his family will be flown to Washington, D.C. for the installation. He also received a check for $500.00.

Third Place : Vanessa Li (Junior)

Vanessa's watercolor painting will be on display for one year at Congresswoman Jackie Speier's office in San Mateo and she received a check for $100.00.

Congratulations to James and Vanessa!

James Oh won the 2018 Congressional Art Competition

for his acrylic piece titled "Open Arms."

Click here for more information about the Congressional Arts Competition.

Support for Yes on Measure N

SMUHSD & Mills PTO Endorse Measure N

Last week, the SMUHSD Board of Trustees unanimously voted to support Measure N and issued a endorsement resolution.

The support of our school district speaks volumes - WE need to remain united in supporting all our schools, K-12. And the best way we can do that NOW is to vote YES on Measure N .

The Mills Parent Teacher Organization endorses Measure N as well and stand with our fellow supporters in the Millbrae School District.

Please click on this link for more information, or go to www.millbraesos.com.

Parent Project Classes at Mills High School

Do you want to build a stronger relationship with your kids?

This Fall, Mills will be hosting a Parent Project class in English.

The Parent Project is a class offered by the County Office of Diversity and Equity that focuses on parenting and prevention of drugs and alcohol use.

The Parent Project is a series of twelve classes, every Wednesday for 12 weeks, beginning September 19th (No class on Halloween and Thanksgiving week). All classes are FREE. Dinner and childcare are provided.

To register in advance, contact:

Vilma Olivera

Family Engagement Coordinator

volivera@smuhsd.org

Click on the flyer for more information.

Parent Volunteers Needed
Parent Volunteers Still Needed! Mills needs you! We still need parent volunteers to help with our graduation reception and final text book return. Thank you! Please click on this link to volunteer.

Gate Parents Group: Registration Open for Classes

Registration is Open for all Students for Summer Enrichment Courses!

Please visit www.gateparents.com for more information and to register for these GATE Parents Group sponsored courses which are typically taught by SMUHSD teachers.

ACT Preparation (targeting July 14, 2018 ACT test): Registration closes 5/26

4 Saturdays + 2 Sundays (6 sessions): 6/3(Sun) , 6/9, 6/16, 6/23, 6/30,

7/8 (Sun). Morning sessions 9am-noon (except last class 8am-noon)

Summer Enrichment Courses: Registration closes one week prior to first class

These one-week courses are developed for entering 9th through 12th grade students.

June 4-8: Introduction to Economics and Stock Market Investing

June 11-15: SF Digital Photo Safari | Intro to Forensic Science | Nutritious Delicious

June 18-22: 3D Modeling and Video Game Design | Intro to Java Programming

July 9-13: Around the World in 10 Dishes

July 16-20: Game Development in UNITY

July 23-27: Advanced Economics and Stock Market Investing | Chemistry Camp

July 30-Aug 3: Introduction to Python Programming | Creative Writing

For more detailed course information, dates and locations, deadlines and registration information, please click here or go

to www.gateparents.com .

Registration for September SAT and ACT prep courses (targeting the October 2018 test dates) will open in July. Information will be available at www.gateparents.com in July. To be placed on the GATE PG mailing list for summer news, please click here.

This newsletter is produced by the Mills High School PTO. To include information in future weekly editions, please submit your school related news by Wednesday 8 PM the week prior to publication by filling out a Newsletter Submission Request Form..

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