January 8, 2019
"BE YOURSELF. TRY YOUR BEST. NEVER BE AFRAID TO DREAM."
-SHARON CHRISTA MCAULIFFE
Happy New Year from the McAuliffe Staff!
Dear McAuliffe Parents and Families,

Happy New Year! On behalf of the McAuliffe Staff, I would like to welcome you back after a relaxing holiday break! We are excited for the new year and starting our second semester. We know every student will take advantage of the fresh start in their classes and work hard this semester!

In this week's issue:
  • Spotlight on Clubs
  • PTA Updates: Reflections and The Talk
  • LAEF Spring Course Offerings
  • Hearing and Vision Screening Info
  • Family Life Curriculum Info
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Keep dreaming big, Eagles!

Dr. Ryan Weiss-Wright
Highlights

Homework Club meets after school for 45 minutes Monday through Thursday in the Media Center, we also now have Homework Club before school in Room 24.

Tuesday, 1/8: School Resumes PTA Meeting at 8:50 in the MPR

Wednesday, 1/9: College Wednesday--Wear College Gear!

2:05 Dismissal. 6:30pm Operation Steering Committee

Thursday, 1/10: Regular Schedule

Friday, 1/11: Regular Schedule

Monday, 1/14: Regular Schedule

Tuesday, 1/15: Regular Schedule

For complete 18/19 School Year Calendar, click here .
BYOD
Thank you to everyone who has supported our BYOD initiative at McAuliffe! We hope you consider sending your child to school with a Chromebook or another device in order to better support their learning!

Please view our promo video and visit our website to get your Chromebook set up!
ORDER SPIRIT WEAR NOW!
TO ORDER:
 
I am excited to announce the new Competitive Aquatic Supply website will be launching  Monday November 26  th .   A private Team Store has been set up specifically customized with your apparel and discounted pricing. McAuliffe Middle School families will now need a code , assigned here in this email, to enter your Team Store. This privacy code allows CAS to offer your team custom items along with discounted accessory items normally only offered when purchased in one of our retail stores.

The domain name will remain unchanged.     
  1. casswimshop.com
  2. Enter the : TEAM STORE
  3. McAuliffe Middle School team code is : MAC  (case sensitive-all caps)

Call 714.898.2655, in case you have any difficulty
Best Buddies!
This club is open to 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students who are hoping to learn to build friendships with students at McAuliffe who have disabilities. Additionally, this club helps promote understanding and awareness of differing abilities.
Run Seal Beach with Team McAuliffe!
We want you on our team! Join hundreds of McAuliffe students, staff, and their families as we take on Run Seal Beach on April 6, 2019!

Sign up here !

Make sure you register as part of Team McAuliffe!

Run Seal Beach is an annual family fun race for all ages! You won’t want to miss this scenic race, through Old Town Seal Beach, featuring historic landmarks and amazing views of the beautiful Pacific Ocean. This one of a kind course takes you along the San Gabriel river, past stunning homes on the famous “Gold Coast” and our iconic wood pier.

Questions?? Contact Mr. Grillo at jgrillo@losal.org
Ping Pong!
This year McAuliffe Eagles have an opportunity to play Ping Pong every Friday at lunch! Our Ping Pong club promotes positive competition between students--and is FUN!
New This Year: Morning Homework Club!
Homework Club is open to all grade levels Monday-Friday from 7:30-8:30 in room 24. Chromebooks as well as textbooks for all grade levels are available for student use. Mrs. Martin would love to see you at the AM Homework Club!
Drawing and Coloring Club!
Each week, we watch an instructional drawing video and complete a sketch during lunch. Students can also choose from dozens of coloring pages to color! Students love getting to do art at lunch!
Make a Wish Club!
McAuliffe Make a Wish Club is proud to announce that we are almost to our goal of granting Wish #4! Thank you to your generosity during "Minute to Give It" we were able to raise $1800!

If you would like to support our Make-A-Wish club, we offer birthday shout outs on our school marquee for a donation that goes directly toward granting our wishes!

Please visit this link to sign up!
CJSF Visits USC!
Last week our California Junior Scholastic Federation Club visited USC. They got a personalized tour from USC students and got to experience true college culture. We are so excited to get these students excited about going to college!
Important Message about Immunizations
Dear Parent/Guardian:

To comply with the California health and safety code requirement for 7th grade advancement,  our health services department is in the process of reviewing immunization records for all current 6 th  grade students .
 
If your child’s school record is missing proof of required vaccines, you will receive a letter in the mail that identifies the missing immunization record(s) that are needed.
·           If you have records at home that verify the missing doses were given, please send a copy to the school office as soon as possible.
  • If you do not have proof of these vaccinations for your child, please make an appointment to have these missing doses given to your child. Then send the proof of vaccination(s) to your child’s school before the due date below so we can update your child’s record.
                                                       
DUE DATE: FEBRUARY 28 th
 
For questions about his message: please contact our school health office by selecting option #5 when you call your child’s school. 
Save the Date: Middle School Info Night--January 29th
All incoming middle school students are invited to attend the Los Alamitos Unified School District Middle School Information Night at the Los Alamitos High School PAC from 6:30-8:00pm.
Family Life Curriculum for 8th Grade Students on January 8th
By now, you should have received our letter in the mail about the 8th grade Family Life curriculum. I wanted to include this electronic version and offer to answer any questions you may have about this instruction. Please don't hesitate to reach out to me at any time. Please remember, any family may opt out of this curriculum prior to the start date of January 8th.
Breakfast at McAuliffe is here!

The McAuliffe Breakfast Program started this week on December 3rd. Breakfast at school is affordable! If you qualify for free and reduced price meals, you also qualify for the breakfast program, with no additional paperwork. If you must pay, breakfast costs $2.25. Nowhere else will you find a balanced breakfast at such a low cost.

So take advantage of this opportunity to start the day on the right foot. Your child will find breakfast at school provides not only a nutritious meal but also a relaxed atmosphere for socializing with friends and siblings.
Save the Date for the Drama Production of Spy TV
Auditions are happening for the Drama Production of Spy TV the week of 12/10 and the show will be 3/19 and 3/20! Come out and try out!
Save the Date: Hearing and Vision Screening on January 10th and January 24th
8th grade students will have their hearing and vision screening on January 10th during PE. Any student that is not seen that day will have their screening on January 24th.
LosAl District Challenge: Race on the Base--February 23rd
Register Now! A friendly competition between Oak and McAuliffe to see which middle school can register the most participants in the Los Alamitos Race on the Base competition!

The Los Alamitos Recreation & Community Services Department invites you, your friends, and family to join in on the Race on the Base - Los Alamitos Unified School District Race Challenge. Get a $5 discount by using your own school code and earn credit towards your school. The code can be used by any student, faculty, friend or family member.
The school with the most race entries by their school code receives:
  1. The winning school name on a traveling championship belt
  2. A popsicle party for the whole school
  3. $500 towards your school!
  4. Register www.raceonthebase.com. Early bird registration deadline is September 30, 2018. Register before the price increase! See attached flyer for details and school code.


8th Grade East Coast Trip
8th grade students will be given priority on the trip and spaces are limited.  Click on this link for more information about the trip and how to sign up. Contact vmiller@losal.org if you have questions!


PTA Reflections Event: Heroes Around Me!

Wednesday, February 27th
Join us as we celebrate student submission to the annual Reflections Gallery on Wednesday, February 27th!
PTA Sponsors "The Talk"
The Talk Institute has been providing programs at Oak & McAuliffe for over 10 years allowing parents and kids to learn to talk “THE Talk” together. We build and support open communication between parents and their children by providing factual, age-appropriate information about sex and growing up in a fun, group environment. Class format includes mini lectures, videos, games, and role-plays to accommodate a variety of learning styles. Course fee covers ALL 4 sessions. We strive to supplement the school system’s sex education by providing detailed parental participation, the key to what makes The Talk Institute’s programs so successful and rewarding for families. We hope your family joins us! 

Click the flyer for the registration form and information
The Counseling Corner is a spotlight on resources and information for parents who have adolescent children! Check back often for updates and helpful tips!
How to Take the Stress Out of the Holidays
The holidays are a wonderful time of year but yet can be very stressful and lonely for many families. Please take time to enjoy the presence of one another and the gifts that your children bring to you every day. Reach out to others, give service, and enjoy a local community events as a means for celebrating with the true holiday spirit is all about. 

Click the graphic to read the article!
This section is for all important reminders from the District and McAuliffe Middle School
NEW!!

We have Club spirit shirts for McAuliffe!
I am excited to announce the new Competitive Aquatic Supply website will be launching  Monday November 26  th .   A private Team Store has been set up specifically customized with your apparel and discounted pricing. McAuliffe Middle School families will now need a code , assigned here in this email, to enter your Team Store. This privacy code allows CAS to offer your team custom items along with discounted accessory items normally only offered when purchased in one of our retail stores.

The domain name will remain unchanged.     
  1. casswimshop.com
  2. Enter the : TEAM STORE
  3. McAuliffe Middle School team code is : MAC  (case sensitive-all caps)

Call 714.898.2655, in case you have any difficulty
LAEF Class Offerings
LAEF is excited to introduce two NEW reduced price Spring after-school classes,  Drawing, Painting & Digital Arts  and  Japanese . We are also bringing back our two ever popular classes , Debate Team  and  Girls Self Defense  at McAuliffe.   Classes begin on January 16th! Sign up at  www.LAEF4kids.org/programs .  

McAuliffe Debate Team  (1/16-5/1) – This is a 12 day class open to any student in grades 6-8. There will be optional scrambles and tournaments at  no  additional cost if students want to participate. LAEF has already paid for the registration for the year. The teacher is Dr. Arnold Weintraub, Nationally Renowned Debate Team Coach and former LAHS Speech and Debate Coach. This is a rare chance to work in a Debate Squad with fellow McAuliffe students. No prior debate experience is required. ( Wednesdays, 2:15-3:45pm  – $240)
 
Drawing, Painting & Digital Arts  (1/22-4/16) – Master the fundamental techniques of Drawing & Painting while expanding your conceptual boundaries and developing your own artistic vision! Explore digital arts through use of printer projects by progressing handmade skills to the digital realm. Students will acquire knowledge and experience in producing finalized pieces with use of a professional printer. Students will create images to tell stories, convey information, and evoke emotions. Students will learn techniques, create projects, and use processes that will allow them build a great portfolio. ( Tuesdays, 3:15-4:15pm  –  $95 )

Girls Self Defense  (1/22-5/8) – Kenpo Karate with an emphasis on practical self-defense for girls as well as empowerment. ( Wednesdays, 2:15-3:15pm  – $175)
 
Japanese  – Students will gain exposure and introduction to the Japanese language and culture through reading, writing, listening, and engaging in well-chosen activities according to their developmental stages, which will provide a foundation for further study. ( Wednesdays, 2:15-3:15pm  –  $95 )

All registration information is presented at  www.LAEF4kids.org/afterschool . Teacher bios and no class days are on our website. Multi-class discounts available – 10% off the 2nd class and 15% off any class thereafter. It is applied to a family or individual student. Call (562) 799-4700 x80424 or email  programdirector@LAEF4Kids.org .
Support LAEF in the King and Queens Campaign!
Join the Rohdenburgs for the BEST HOUSE PARTY of the year!!!

Saturday, January 19, 2019 at 6pm at the Rohdenburg’s Home (address to be emailed to those who sign up)
Taco Bar, Cocktail Bar, Silent Auction and Live Music from FLASHPANTS!!!
Donation to LAEF is $100 per person – select from the pull-down menu below.
McAuliffe Middle School | losal.org/mcauliffe | 714.816.3320 | 4112 Cerritos Ave, Los Alamitos, California