Dear Students and Families,

Our new vision statement, developed last year in collaboration with staff, students, and parents, aligns with SMUSD’s Middle School Experience and will be the driving force behind all of our efforts this year. Our vision statement ensures every student receives an excellent education that fosters academic and socio-emotional growth during these pivotal years of childhood development. 

SEMS VISION STATEMENT

We are a community of resilient learners evolving into innovative thinkers and compassionate communicators.

We are committed to inclusive environments that cultivate individual growth and high expectations.

We achieve this through:

• Authentic Learning Experiences

• Community and Connection

• Personalized and Flexible Learning

• Shared Accountability

I’d also like to take this opportunity to re-introduce you to our Administrative Team that is proud to serve our school for a third year together. Mrs. Sestito and Mrs. Gutierrez are both experienced Assistant Principals who have unique backgrounds that help them to support our students. Mrs. Sestito was a French teacher at MHHS and SMHS, and Mrs. Gutierrez  is currently earning her Doctorate in Education with a focus on Early Adolescent Development. I'm in my third year as Principal at SEMS, and I come to our school with over 20 years of educational experience in primarily Special Education or Administrative work. 

We are excited to embark on our learning journey together this year with our students! Please know that we are here to work alongside you in support of your child. 

Welcome Back Days, August 7th and 8th

This event is for both students and parents. You may arrive any time throughout the morning until 11:45am.

Your Welcome Day experience begins in our gym foyer, so please park in the staff parking lot or along the nearby streets. In the gym foyer, you will receive a passport to bring around with you to different stations. 

To prepare for your Welcome Day:

• Complete your Residency Verification in advance. If you need help with Residency Verification, you may  receive assistance at Station #1.

  • As a reminder, all 7th graders need to have proof of vaccinations. Please bring this documentation with you or email to carol.bushee@smusd.org

• Smile! Your child will be taking their school photo which will be used for their ID card and their yearbook photo. Look sharp!

• Shop online! This year all purchases need to be made online: https://smusd.graystep.com. Save time and purchase BEFORE your welcome day for easy pick up!          

  • Students will pick-up their PE clothes and locks at Welcome Back Days (Station #8). For purchases made after Welcome Back Days, students will pick-up their PE supplies the first week of school during lunch.             

  • PE clothes ($20/set, $10/shirt, $10/shorts); PE locks (new lock $8, used lock $4)

  • Yearbooks ($55 early bird price) 

On your Welcome Day, you will navigate 9 stations: 1) Welcome, 2) Residency Verification and school photo, 3) PTO table  4) Health Office 5) Class lists  6) Library/check out school materials 7) Band/Choir room 8) Pick up PE clothes & locks; Athletic Information 9) School Programs - Info tables,  10) Bonus: Q&A with ASB and WEB students

If you are not able to attend Welcome Days, your child will be able to access their schedule in Parent/StudentVue on the 18th and get their supplies on the first day of school. Makeup picture day will be on Thursday, September 4th. 

• If you haven’t completed your Residency Verification or your immunizations (incoming 7th graders), you will not be able to participate in our Welcome Days.

6th Grade WEB day, August 13th 8:30-11:45am

Our 6th grade WEB Kick-off Rally will be held on Wednesday, August 13th at 8:30 a.m. This is a drop-off, optional event open to all 6th grade students! We will be participating in fun games and activities before ending the morning with a campus tour. 

• Drop Off: Please drop off your child at the student drop off circle at the front of the school. entering off of San Elijo Road to Schoolhouse Way. The entrance from Elfin Forest will be closed during drop off and pick up times to help with a one way flow of traffic. There is no need to park and come in with your child, as our friendly 8th grade WEB leaders and staff will show students where to go. 

• Pick up: Please drive through the parking lot as you did in the morning. Your child will meet you at the loop at 11:45am. 

• Students should dress comfortably and wear sunscreen, as we will be spending some time outside. 

• We recommend eating a good breakfast and bringing water, as it may be hot. A mid-morning snack will be served. 

Open Campus, August 18th 4-6pm

Student schedules, including room numbers and teacher names, will be visible on Monday, August 18th, at 12 PM. We encourage students and families to walk through their class schedule to familiarize themselves with campus before the first day of school. While teachers will not be present, ASB students will be on hand to answer any questions.

First SEMS Weekly Update  

• Click the link above to find information to help you start the year off right.  This first one is a preview of what they will look like and has some basic information about the start of the school year. The first official Weekly Update will be sent on August 17th and every Sunday thereafter. In this first edition, you will find information about bike permits, drop off and pick up, pe clothes, and our Family Handbook. 

We hope to see you all on campus this week!

Sincerely,

SEMS Administration