Shoreline Middle School

What a Great Semester for Shoreline's Visual Arts Program

2012-03-01T11:55:00.001-08:00

[Today's blog was authored by Kate Mullikin, our amazing art teacher.]

Art is everywhere in our town.

As an art teacher I am always trying to expose children to current art and artists, whether it be through guest speakers or weekend museum trips! Our first semester of art classes was highlighted by parent and local artist visits.

Our period 5 Art 1 class got to play with clay and learn about ceramic art from John Lawrence, local ceramic artist and Austin Lawrence’s dad! John brought in many of his beautiful clay artworks to show the kids!

Periods 6 and 7 learned about the evolution of the camera as well as how to frame interesting compositions from Frank, a photographer of Ben Lomond. Frank used to teach middle school and was so happy to be back! He brought his old cameras and a wonderful show of his work.

Our kindly custodian and resident artist, Ralph De Olvieria, spoke in all classes about his community involvement with teens and mural painting from Watsonville to Santa Cruz over the last 30 years. He also taught our kids about famous Mexican muralists who have influenced his work.

Our ART II class had the opportunity to see some famous pop art by Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein at the Monterey Museum of Art, La Mirada. It was a lovely Sunday trip to the 150-year old adobe ranch house that’s been remodeled into a wonderful inter-active museum space. Our students and parents created some of their own pop art!

To top it all off, Shoreline art students have a new show of Collage and Color work on display at our local Live Oak Library through the end of March!

You can help support our Shoreline’s Art Program by purchasing an Art Sharks T-shirt for only $15! Available in the office!

Upcoming School Dance will Rock with Sound in Motion

2012-02-17T10:42:00.000-08:00

We are taking the school dance to a whole new level with Sound in Motion - a dance party company that brings more than music to the event. March 2nd at 4pm!

Monster Light Show
Big Screen Text Messaging - bring your phones (dance only!)
Big Screen Live Camera Feeds

The most important thing you need to know is dance tickets are $10 each and will include a slice of pizza and a drink. Students must be in good standing to buy tickets (check with the office if you are unsure if you are on the deferral list or not).

Buy your ticket online here or bring $10 to the office to get your ticket. To learn more about what's happening at this event, click here! As usual, this is a Shoreline students only event, no guests allowed.

Got a call from Shoreline but missed some of the message?

2012-02-07T16:22:00.000-08:00

We have the details! Here's what you need to know.

Report Cards. First semester report cards were mailed out this week. Please review them with your student.

PowerSchool. You can keep up with grades and understand how your child is doing WAY before report cards come out. Get your PowerSchool log in and password from the office. If you aren't using this tool, you are not looking at important information.

Parent Education Night. This Thursday there's a very interesting meeting for parents on gangs, drugs and alcohol. Learn more here.

Sixth Grade Parents: Proof of the Tdap booster shot for your child is due in the office by February 23, 2012. Please call us if you have questions. You can get the shot at many local pharmacies and at Santa Cruz Health Services (learn more here).

Eight Grade Parents: High School open house events are happening now for Soquel, Santa Cruz,, Harbor and Cypress. Please look here for dates and locations. Soquel High prospects need to attend a parent meeting on Thursday, Feb 9th, 6pm in the Soquel High gym.

Great Presentation: Latino Role Models - Bring Your Parents!

2012-01-23T15:11:00.001-08:00

Parent Ed Night on Gangs, Drugs and Alcohol - Feb 9th, 6pm

2012-01-23T15:10:00.000-08:00

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Order Your Yearbook! Last Day to Order is January 31st!

2012-01-19T17:03:00.000-08:00

Last chance to purchase a yearbook for $40 is this month - if you don't order, you won't have one at the end of the year! Pick up an order form in the office if you would like to personalize the yearbook.

You can alsoorder them online at Jostens.

Don't miss out on the book signing in June. Order your yearbook today!

Beginning Spanish Students Show Their Stuff! See Their Work

2011-12-26T11:34:00.000-08:00

Students in Mrs. Rivas' Beginning Spanish Class have created complex sentences in Spanish in PowerPoint, which display as movies on the Internet. Check out their excellent work here! Ask a student to translate, if needed.

Thanks for your support!

Two Fun Videos Featuring Shoreline Band Holiday Music

2011-12-22T09:42:00.000-08:00

If you missed these on Facebook (and why haven't you joined our page yet!? Click here to become a fan!); if you missed these on Facebook, it's time to check them out now. The Winter Concert was wonderful and here are a few highlights. The video below is a sweet goodbye as everyone left the building for winter break. Have a good one everybody!

Shoreline Middle School Band Rocking the House!

Shoreline Piano Players Take Us Out for the Holiday!

Eighth Grade Families: Important Dates for High School Enrollment

2011-12-21T07:10:00.000-08:00

This is an important update from Lisa Perea, our school counselor. She says parents can expect to receive this letter in mid-January. She'll update this story with more information as the dates get closer.

In January, you will receive a letter providing you important information about high school. It will tell you which school your child is expected to attend next fall.

If that is the correct high school, the one you want your child to attend, then you don't have to do anything except participate in two events listed below: the high school Open House and Parent Night.

If you don't want your child to attend the school listed in your letter, you will need to complete some important paperwork called Priority Open Enrollment. If your child is at Shoreline based on an Inter-District Transfer, you will also need to complete that paperwork.

No matter which high school you are attending, there are a couple critical events you'll want to attend: Open House and Parent Night. Those dates are listed below as well.

January 16	Letter regarding high school enrollment will be sent to all 8th grade families.
January 25	Cypress High School Open House, 6:30-8pm
February 6-24	Priority Open Enrollment and Inter-District Transfer filing period. You MUST complete an Open Enrollment Application (which will be available online and we'll update this story with a link as the date gets closer). You can get the Inter-District Transfer application from your school district.
February 9	Soquel High Open House, 6pm in their multipurpose room.
February 15	Santa Cruz High Open House, 6:30m in their auditorium.
February 16	Harbor High Open House, 6pm in their multipurpose room.
February 22	Cypress High School Open House, 6:30-8pm
February 24	Applications are due.
March 5	Open Enrollment and Inter-District Transfer families are notified by mail of their application status.
March 14	Shoreline 8^th grade student visit their future high schools.
March 15	Parent Night at Santa Cruz High, Harbor High and Soquel High. We'll post an update with more information closer to the event.
April 25	Cypress High School Open House, 6:30-8pm

Shoreline Students of the Month for October and November! Sweet!

2011-12-16T09:46:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to the Sharks who received the Student of the Month Award for October and November! The students were chosen by teachers for going above and beyond, helping others, having a positive attitude, consistency, and dedication, among other qualities.

October's Outstanding Students

November's Outstanding Students

Shoreline Computer Students Show Off Their Talents

2011-12-09T06:51:00.000-08:00

Check out the NEW iGames that students in Ms. Rivas' Advancedand Beginning Computer Classes have created. iGames are 3D video games that students programmed in Alice 2.2 in order to create them on their computer. Our students have done an awesome job!

View the games from Beginning Computer.

View the games from Advanced Computer.

Then let us know what you think by commenting on this story!

December News from the Office

2011-12-02T15:46:00.000-08:00

Coming Up! Home & School Club Meeting(HSC)

Our next meeting is December 7^th at 7 p.m. in the Library. We need parents to participate in many ways including serving as our President, Treasurer, and Secretary for one meeting a month.

Students Need to Be Aware: Restricted Areas

This is a reminder that students may NOT be on other school campus (Del Mar, Green Acres, Live Oak) when they are in session (for example, Nov 28th, we had no school but the other schools were teaching). This includes our minimum days and directly after school. Students may face disciplinary actions if a violation occurs.

Order Your Yearbook

Last chance to purchase a yearbook for $35.00. Pick up an order form in the office if you would like to personalize the yearbook or purchase personalization or special features. You can also order them online at Jostens. Prices go up after December 21^st. Limited quantity!

Attend Shoreline's Winter Concert

Our annual Winter Concert will be held on Thursday, December 15th at 7:00 in the Gym. Please come early to enjoy food items at the Home and School Club fundraiser.

Next School Dance

Our next dance is scheduled on Friday, December 16th from 4 PM to 7 PM. The cost is $4.00 with a current Shoreline student I.D., and $5.00 without student I.D. Bring extra money for snacks and drinks.

Reporting Absences

If your student will be missing school for any reason, please call the attendanceline DAILY, 475-6565 #2. If your student will be missing school for 5 or more school days, please arrange for an INDEPENDENT STUDY CONTRACT. These must be requested at least five days in advance.

Washington DC/New York Trip

8^th graders – if you haven’t signed up for the Washington DC/New York trip during spring break, or if you have questions, please see Lynn in the office or call 475-6565 x301. Time is running out and this is a great trip!

Winter Break

Wednesday, December 21^st is a minimum day for Shoreline. Winter Break begins December 22^nd and ends January 6^th. Students return Monday, January 9, 2012.

News You Can Use for Parents and Students!

2011-11-29T13:45:00.000-08:00

Please Come: School Site Council (SSC)
Shoreline SSC is looking for parents! This is a commitment of only one meeting per month. Our first meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, November 30th from 3-4 p.m. in our Library. This is a great way to get involved in our school.

Parents Wanted: English Learner Advisory Council (ELAC)
Our first ELAC meeting will take place on Wednesday, November 30th from 4-5 p.m. in the Library. If you have a student who takes an English Language Development class, this meeting is for you! Come and learn about the programs and services we provide your student.

Administration News
Ms. Moreno is on an extended leave. In her absence, Ms. Martin will be Interim Principal, and Mr. Medeiros will be Interim Assistant Principal.

Magazine Drive Fundraiser
Thank you to our wonderful volunteers who helped make our magazine drive prize day a success! Jen Carole, Joella Enix, Brooke Johnson, Kim Lowe, Melanie Otts, and Louisa Thompson.

Get Your Powerschool Password Today!
If you havenʼt yet taken advantage of our Powerschool online grade portal for parents and students, please stop by the office to register for your password, and get directions on how to access the portal through the internet. You will be able to check your student's attendance and grades at any time as long as you have internet access (including from your phone). This is a great way to help your student be successful at Shoreline.

Yearbooks are now on sale! Order NOW and Save!
Special yearbook only price of $35.00 until Winter Break. Pick up an order form in the office if you would like to personalize the yearbook or purchase any extra items. You can also order them with a credit card at Jostens online.

Inspired Students Create Great Art at Shoreline Middle School

2011-11-22T16:30:00.000-08:00

This post was written by Kate Mullikin, art teacher at Shoreline.

What can I say? I am the luckiest adult on planet Santa Cruz. I make art with teenagers at the best middle school around. We engage in serious play. We experiment, we collaborate, we compliment each other, and we create together.

The other day, my ART II class and I dragged a big box of art supplies that Live Oak parents had donated to our program into the wild beauty of Pony Park. We brought stools, blankets, water bottles, cameras and really big paper! Our art expedition couldn’t have been more fun!

The month before, the same tiny class created a large abstract-expressionist mural that they called “Walking in Our Footsteps.” Our studies of Jackson Pollock really inspired them to get into the rhythm and repetition of movement of pigment!

During Halloween week, my ART I classes sported some of their art masks.

We had just finished our collaborative mural entitled “Out the Art Room Windows" and were enjoying our creative accomplishments.

To top this all off, Shoreline’s Art Department has a fine show up in our own Live Oak Library through January 20^th! Like I said, I am the luckiest human I know and our students are the luckiest learners around town for they have the opportunity to experience visual and musical art!

Save on Christmas Trees and Raise Money for Shoreline

2011-11-22T13:32:00.000-08:00

The Live Oak Christmas Tree Lot is making a donation to Shoreline Middle School every time someone buys a tree using our coupon code! You save too! The lot will give you 10% off the price when you use this flyer.

You can print this page and use this coupon or click here and get a PDF version to print. Please share this link with your friends - it's a great way save some money and to help our school!

They Don't Need Childcare, But They Still Need You!

2011-11-08T19:31:00.000-08:00

Something I’ve noticed as a middle school principal is that parents are inclined to give their children more freedom now that they are growing older. It’s an idea that makes sense as children are learning to take on more responsibility. At school we ask them to use their Shark Planner, get to class on time, complete their assignments, to ask questions in class, make good decisions and care about their grades.

The Shoreline staff spends a lot of time helping them learn these new skills.

The middle school years are a time when children experience developmental growth. They need to be with you or at least under your careful supervision. Children between the ages of 10-14 are changing both physically and cognitively. While they seem more responsible and can clearly take care of their own basic needs, they don't have mature judgment and are very likely to get in difficult situations. That's because the part of their brain that's responsible for complex thinking is still developing; it’s still growing.

What that means for us is that our children are more likely to make mistakes involving impulse control, evaluating consequences and being able to adjust their behavior to allow them to make good decisions. At this age, they are increasingly influenced by their peers and are willing to take their social cues from their friends – and not us.

While our instinct may be to give children this age more freedom, now is not the time to reduce your involvement with them.

Research shows parents who stay involved with their middle school-aged children see positive results. Make sure you know where your child is when you aren't with them. Learn more about who they are spending time with and what they do when they are with their friends. Have family dinners and talk with your child about his or her day. Invite your child's friends over so you get to know them.

These little steps can make a big difference in cementing a positive path for the teenage years. Establishing rules and expectations – and follow-through – help insure that your child will be successful at school and in the community. If you have any questions on this topic, give us a call or come in to talk.

The Shoreline Team is here to make sure our students grow up to be positive and successful citizens.

Here's a list of resources that provide more information on this topic:

http://pubs.cde.ca.gov/tcsii/ch4/adlescntcharactr.aspx

http://www2.ed.gov/parents/academic/help/adolescence/part9.html

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/georgia/isolated/gallagher.html

Principal’s Coffee: Table Talk with Ms. Moreno

On November 10th, from 8-9am and 2-3pm, come have coffee and dessert with Ms.

Moreno in the school library. This is an informal opportunity to talk about your child, the school or any other topics you'd like to address. She can speak with you in English or Spanish, so please come for a visit.

Parenting Class: Positive Discipline for Parents of Teens

2011-11-04T07:52:00.000-07:00

This community event is series of classes for parents interested in learning positive discipline strategies for the teen years. Teens are encouraged to attend with their parents. These classes are absolutely free and can be extremely helpful if you are parenting a teen.

Please see the flyer below for details.

First Quarter Grades Come Out Today

2011-11-03T13:41:00.000-07:00

The students are receiving their first quarter report cards today. If you are using PowerSchool, the online portal, there shouldn't be any surprises. Please make sure you take a look at your child's progress.

Here's a blog Principal Moreno wrote last year about grades. Please take a look if you'd like to know more about what these grades mean. She also discusses some opportunities to use these grades as a discussion point to talk with your child about school, homework and how they are doing.

There are a number of parents who haven't yet picked up their password for PowerSchool. This is an important tool. With the password, you can log in from a computer or phone that has Internet access and see how your child is doing on a daily basis. It's very helpful if you want to see how you child is doing in every class and to monitor missing assignments and test scores.

Please stop by the office and get your password. There's a link to the site on the home page of this website.

Shoreline Congratulates September's Students of the Month!

2011-10-22T08:17:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to the 28 Sharks who received the September Student of the Month Award!

The students were chosen by teachers for going above and beyond, helping others, having a positive attitude, consistency, and dedication, among other qualities.

Great job students!

Two Opportunities for Students: College & Career Night and Gifted Student Program

2011-10-19T11:18:00.000-07:00

There are two community events happening in the next couple weeks that can help you get a leg-up for your student. These are both being offered by organizations outside of school. And both are open invitations for anyone interested.

Johns Hopkins University: Center for Talented Youth (CTY) Information Meeting
6pm on Monday, October 24, Live Oak Resource Center, 979 17th Avenue, Santa Cruz

From their website:

CTY is where bright kids discover just how much they can shine with advanced academic summer programs, online courses, awards and more. Please join us at a meeting near you to learn how CTY inspires the world's top students.

Information meetings are hosted by a CTY representative and are open to any parents, students, or educators interested in learning more about CTY and its Talent Search. Meetings last about an hour.

Questions? Contact Cassidy Zimmerman, Talent Coordinator, Johns Hopkins University Center for Talented Youth. (310) 743-6980 or via email cass@jhu.edu

College and Career Night
6pm on Monday, November 7, at Cabrillo College Gymnasium

From their website:

Meet College Representatives from public, private, and out-of-state colleges and universities.

Which Career is for You? Bring your career questions to the Library. Instructors, counselors, and representatives from academic, career and ROP programs will be available.

Career Pathways Presentations: These workshops are for parents, their sons/daughters (grades 9-12) and all community members throughout Santa Cruz County. Get resources to guide your career decisions.

There will also be financial aid information available. For more information call: 477-5650.

Award-Winning Author Gary Soto to Visit Shoreline Middle School

2011-10-13T13:11:00.000-07:00

Just one of many books he's written.

Celebrated California author, Gary Soto, will be hosting three assemblies tomorrow for all three grades at Shoreline. This event is the second in a series focusing on helping students learn about overcoming adversity and striving for success.

For the students, getting to meet an author face-to-face can be a life-changing experience.

Gayle Rorvik, the Shoreline Librarian, is focused on bringing in authors whose stories resonate with the cultural and socioeconomic mix of the student body. She identified Soto as a relatable author who writes about growing up in a poor Mexican-American neighborhood in Fresno, CA.

Gayle's overall goal with the Visiting Author Program is to inspire kids to read and write. "I hated reading in middle school, and hated writing," she smiles, knowing that's hard to believe coming from a Librarian. "Someone suggested Gary Soto's Buried Onions to me and when I read it, I realized certain kids, especially non-readers, would connect with what he's written."

He connects with readers of all ages and backgrounds.

In more than thirty books for younger readers, Mr. Soto focuses on the daily trials and tribulations of Spanish-speaking Americans. Through crisp, clear imagery and his true-to-life characters, Mr. Soto connects with readers of all ages and backgrounds. He explains in his Scholastic Booklist biography: "Even though I write a lot about life in the barrio, I am really writing about the feelings and experiences of most American kids." As a result, Soto is considered to be one of the most important contemporary authors in the United States.

The students in all grades have been reading Mr. Soto's works in the last few weeks and are preparing questions for the author to answer at Friday's assemblies. The Art II students are working on a mural to celebrate his work.

Buy a book, have Mr. Soto sign it tomorrow.

There are a number of books on sale in the school library that cost between $6 and $7. You can purchase a book from Gale and bring it to the assembly tomorrow where Mr. Soto will do a book signing at the end of his talk.

We'll add pictures from the event - stay tuned for more!

Costumes Needed to Inspire our Video Students!

2011-10-07T09:04:00.000-07:00

If you've ever watched the students in Mr. Eckert's class, you've witnessed excitement and creativity as they act out their stories anticipating the final result: a killer movie. They work hard before they film - creating a story, working out the story board, scouting locations, pulling props and figuring out the costumes.

Oh the costumes.

Maybe one of the most important ingredients are the costumes because they allow the students to transform into different characters, both human and non-human. Some of the favorite costumes are animals. Mr. Eckert says the animal costumes are very popular and truly inspire the students to step out of the ordinary and become something else.

He has a number of animal costumes but is looking for more.

That's how you can help. As you spend the new few weeks putting together Halloween costumes for you and your friends, keep an eye out for large child and adult-sized animal costumes. The students will be extremely grateful for your donation.

PS: if you have other great costumes, they won't turn them down! Stop by and see Mr Eckert before or after school any time.

Do Something Great at Shoreline: Connect with Your Student's School Experience

2011-09-29T14:37:00.000-07:00

Parents cooking (and laughing) during the Spring Concert.

Now that your child is at Shoreline, you might think you aren't needed the same way you were in elementary school.

But that's not true!

We really do need you to join the Home and School Club. It's a great way to get the "inside scoop" on what's happening at school and to be involved without your student wanting to shoot you for hanging around!

Subscribe to the weekly emails!
Send an email with "subscribe" in the subject line
to ShorelineMiddleSchoolHSC@Gmail.com.

The first meeting is Monday, Oct. 3rd at 7pm in the school library.

They typically last about an hour. Some of the programs the club sponsors include: the music program, teacher wish lists, career day, movie nights, honor roll awards, the Media Center and Book Fair, summer band camp, the 8th grade graduation dance and more.

We also sponsor a number of easy fundraising activities like eScrip, savings cards and Box Tops for Education (a list of links is posted in the upper right corner of this blog).

Please join us! Be an active part of the Shoreline community!

Participating is easy. You don't need to commit to anything big. Start by subscribing to the weekly emails to stay involved. Then come to the monthly meetings. Choose a project that interests you and get started. We look forward to seeing you!

Get connected: subscribe to the weekly email by sending an email with "subscribe" in the subject line to ShorelineMiddleSchoolHSC@Gmail.com.

Shoreline’s Art Classes Explore Line, Shape and Form

2011-09-27T09:33:00.000-07:00

Today's blog was written by Shoreline Art Teacher, Kate Mullikin.

The first 18 days of our Art 1 class have proved to be exciting and successful! We had a blast getting to know each other while practicing quick gesture drawings and creating group murals.

Presently, art students are exploring drawing using the right side of the brain. They are learning to concentrate on the relationship between lines and shapes on a page and have been copying from upside-down drawings!

Last week they experimented with value and light while drawing still lifes under lamplight. Thanks to all the parents who donated lamps, plastic fruit and extra money to acquire all that we need to make our hands-on art experience rich and exciting for everyone.

Join me to tour Open Studios

The first three weekends in October are “Open Studios” tours in Santa Cruz. Local artists open their homes and studios to the public. This is a great and FREE way to expose your kids to all kinds of art! On the second weekend of October, the 17^th Avenue Studios, just across the street from our school will be open for tours! If you and your children would like to walk these mini-museums with me, I’ll meet you out in front of the studios at 12 noon on Sunday, October 9^th.

Please email me at kmullikin@santacruz.k12.ca.us for more information.

GO ART SHARKS!!!

Avoid a Traffic Ticket: Traffic Rules in Effect in the Shoreline Parking Lot

2011-09-15T21:19:00.000-07:00

We were visited by an officer from the California Highway Patrol who reminded us that it is very important we follow the traffic rules in our parking lot to insure the safety of our students. They will be checking our lot frequently and will ticket drivers who are not following the traffic rules.

Here's what you need to know:

You can drop off and pick up your child in the zone next to the playing fields. Do not park your car there and leave, it is a loading zone. It's for drop-offs and pick-ups only.
You can no longer wait in your car behind cars parked in parking spaces.
You cannot drop off or pick up or park in the red zones.
If the loading zone is full, you can either make the circle and come back to the loading zone or park your car in an authorized parking space.
You can pick up your child on the Simpkins Swim Center side of campus. You can also meet your child across the intersection on Felt Street.
Be very aware of how you drive at the intersection of 17th Avenue and Felt Street.
Students must not jaywalk (crossing the street without a crosswalk).
Students should not be walking in the parking lot unless they are getting out of or into a car.

We have included the image below to help you see where the hot spots are. We understand this will be challenging and we appreciate your willingness to make this process go smoothly.

PowerSchool Online Access: Get Your Log-In from Shoreline

2011-09-14T15:25:00.000-07:00

PowerSchool is Shoreline's online grade website (or portal) that lets both parents and students see their progress with just a few clicks. You can see grades, tardies and absences.

Get your log-in at school.

Parents need to get the PowerSchool log-in from the office, please bring a picture ID so we can know it's you. Log-ins will also available at Back to School Night. Once you have it, share it with your Shoreline student. They can quickly see if they are missing assignments, something hasn't been graded or if they are getting a grade that's incorrect. PowerSchool is an easy way to see how your child is progressing.

"We'd like parents to look at PowerSchool frequently and then talk with their child about how they are doing in their classes. If they see a child is doing poorly, then it's time to talk with the teacher and see what can be done to turn things around," says Colleen Martin, Assistant Principal at Shoreline.

PowerSchool is accessible from both a computer and a mobile phone with Internet access (it's here). You will need your Username and Password to access the site every time you visit it.

Support our Visiting Author Program: Shop the Fall Book Fair

2011-09-07T11:11:00.000-07:00

Starting Friday, September 9th,the Shoreline Fall Book Fair will kick off our annual love affair with reading.

Everyone loves a new book and this is a great way to help us raise money forour Visiting Author Program. Last year the Book Fair brought FranciscoJimenez to our school and this year we hope tohave another California author, GarySoto.

The theme for the event is, To the Book Fair and Beyond: Reading Is OutOf This World, you can almost hear Buzz Lightyear shouting it from therooftops. The Book Fair offers books for all age levels from young children toadults. And for any Shoreline student needing to find books that map to theirAR reading level, our librarian Gale is available to help the kids find booksat their level that will interest them.

The Book Fair will also be openduring Back to School Night from 5:30 - 8:30pm. Parents can come to the libraryand do early holiday shopping!

Details: Sept 9-16, 8am to 3:30pm daily; non-students can shop beforeand after school.

We are still looking for parent volunteers to work the Book Fair onThursday, Sept. 15th. If you have time, please contact our wonderful Book FairCoordinator, Sharon Garcia via email - Sharon.L.Garcia@gmail.com or by phone -479-9105.

Author Francisco Jimenez Honored in Art Exhibit at Shoreline

2011-09-02T09:23:00.000-07:00

Please take a moment notice the amazing display featuring our famous local author, Francisco Jimenez placed prominently near Shoreline's front door. Ms. Mullikan's Art II class created the collage along with the expertise of our Artist-in-Residence, Ralph D'Oliveira.

Ms. Mullikin's husband, Daniel installed it for us! It really does take a village!

The team created the exhibit to celebrate Francisco Jimenez' Trilogy, which includes three books: The Circuit, Breaking Through and Reaching Out. The display is truly awesome! The Shoreline Book Fair raised money last year so Francisco Jimenez could speak at a school-wide assembly (read more about it here). Thank you to the Book Fair team for all of your help!

This year we hope to host Gary Soto. We are having another Book Fair starting September 9th to raise money for his visit. If we make our goal and Mr. Soto comes, Ms. Mullikin's art class will create another fine portrait. The art department is accepting donations to help pay for the materials and framing of the next addition to Shoreline's wall of fame! If you'd like to contribution, you can make a donation via check made out to Shoreline's Art Department.

Principal's Welcome: You Are an Essential Part of Your Child's Education

2011-08-31T16:15:00.000-07:00

As the new school year begins, I can’t help but think back to my middle school years. It was called Junior High School, right? Even though I was eager for my new adventure, I felt a little anxious. Has any of that changed for today’s adolescents? I think not.

I want you to know that the staff at Shoreline Middle School understands your child. You are releasing your son or daughter into the caring hands of excellent and experienced educators who are resolved to stand and deliver for our students. They promise to:

Do whatever it takes to insure that students learn.
Model and teach responsible citizenship to every student.

We make this commitment to you and your child. Our “no excuses” mindset and focus on student learning lets you know we’ll do our part on behalf of your most precious loved one.

Parents are an essential ingredient for educational success.

As parents, you know that your child’s success hinges on your success in supporting your child as they learn. Your efforts to support your child’s education have many benefits. When you get involved it:

Allows for two-way communication between you and your child’s teachers
Reinforces learning at home
Supports them learning the art of time management and organizational skills.

These are all skills that impact the future of your child.

Study after study shows parent involvement is a powerful part of a child's education. When parents are involved, students earn higher grades and better test scores, are more motivated and have higher self-esteem. Students' behavior is also affected with lower rates of suspension and an increase in safe, healthy social behavior.

We ask you to make a personal commitment.

So my question to you is this: How will you be involved in helping your student learn this year? What is the time commitment you will make daily to actively participate you child’s schooling?

While we dream of a successful future for our children, we know it requires that we set goals for them and for ourselves. A goal is a dream with a timeline. I challenge you to set aside the time to be an active parent partner with us this year.

Your child's education is worth it.

Welcome Sixth Graders and Everyone New to Shoreline!

2011-08-23T20:32:00.000-07:00

Of course, welcome to all the students who are returning. We can't wait to see you next week.

WEB Orientation: You Can't Miss This Event!

Orientation for incoming sixth graders and new seventh and eighth graders is Tuesday, August 30 at 10am at school. WEB - Where Everybody Belongs - is a student led orientation that will help you learn how the school works, where the classrooms are and most importantly, you'll get your new schedule (ahead of everyone else!).

Parents, please plan to come to the event! There is a wonderful Meet the Principal event in the Library Quad that will answer many of their questions. From what to expect, to using PowerSchool (our online homework and grades portal) and joining us on Facebook, Ms Moreno and team will have important information for parents. The talk begins at 10:15am.

Need to Register at Shoreline?

The office is open now for new student registration between 8am and 3:30pm. Parents must bring a birth certificate, immunization records (including the new Tdap) and proof of residency via a utility bill. A current report card or STAR test is also helpful. Bring everything to the office and get your child ready for the new school year!

Will You Be Driving a Student to Shoreline?

In both the morning and afternoons, traffic can be a challenge. Ms Moreno wrote some helpful tips last year and you can read them here to the scoop ahead of time. I can tell you after one year's experience, the most important thing to remember is patience!

See everyone for sure at 8:20 on Wednesday, August 31st!

End of School: Some Details You Need to Know!

2011-06-09T16:11:00.000-07:00

The Parent Portal that hosts grades and homework will close tomorrow, June 10th. This is your last chance to check on missing homework or things you need to fix before grades are turned in. The Portal won't open again until early September.

The school office will be closed starting Friday, June 17. That means if you need to do business with the office, do it now or you will have to wait until the end of August when the office re-opens.

Textbooks should be turned in now. Yearbooks are in. Graduation is next Wednesday at 5pm. The Spring Concert is tonight! Oh my there are so many things happening!

Get ready for summer!

Making Beautiful Music in the Heart of Yosemite Valley

2011-06-03T15:35:00.000-07:00

Photos courtesy of Michael Allen.

One of the first things I heard about when I arrived at Shoreline last fall was the band's annual trip to Yosemite. While I knew little about it, it was clear that this was somethingthat already had the students excited. Last week I was able to see firsthand what all the excitement was about as I joined Mr. Murray's Advanced Band and Piano students on their trip to Yosemite Valley.

The big event was Thursday at 6:15 pm. The Shoreline Middle School Band were the featured performers at the Yosemite National Park Valley School‘s “End of the School Year BBQ & Concert,” sponsored by the Rotary Club of Yosemite.

The audience was thrilled with the band's performance.

This event was a culmination of hundreds of hours of students' practice. Their dedication and enthusiasm for the music they played shone through. I was so impressed by how

poised the students were during these performances and how responsible they were - from setting up and breaking down the equipment to flawlessly managing the care of the instruments.

They acted like professionals.

The day started soooo early.

We met at the school and left at 6:00 am. For six hours, the thirty- nine band members, five parents, one teacher and one Principal traveled by bus to Yosemite National Park. We arrived at the Yosemite Valley School at noon - just in time to quickly eat and get ready for the 1:30 pm concert for the student body. After the concert, there was time for some sightseeing, so the students visited the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center and walked to Lower Yosemite Falls.

On Friday morning, the students hiked the Mist Trail to Vernal Falls. They ended up getting back a little later than planned so we had to hustle to our final performance at Tenaya School in Groveland, which was 50 miles away.

Without lunch, the students managed to play another great concert including rock, jazz, pop, folk, and oldies. It was a smashing success and we left Groveland feeling great about a wonderful two days of performing. We ate and started for home, arriving back at school around 8pm that evening. It was a slap dash trip with lots of high notes and memories.

I could not be more proud.

For an entire school year, I have watched the students and parents put tremendous effort to raise money for this trip. Without a doubt, this event is worthy of that effort. It is a memorable experience for our students; something they can remember with pride as they look back on their middle school experience. It speaks to what our young people can do in the world.

I so enjoyed spending time with the students and the parent chaperones. The parents were fun and they artfully watched the kids without intruding into the kids' experience. The parents were real troupers. They went on hikes, cared for the ailing, took photos and even sang a bit during the performance. Even with their aching bodies and sunburned faces, our parent chaperones never complained.

So what did I leave out?

If you have a child in the band, you know there's even more to this story. C’mon, who am I fooling? Most of this was on Facebook before we even got back to school! So here's what's true: I almost ran out of gas, I accidentally broke a mirror on the van and I spent my first night in Curry Village in an unheated cabin (yep, that was the night it was 28 degrees). If you really want to know more details, you'll need to buy me a cup of coffee. Needless to say, I have many good memories from this trip! And yes, I look forward to next year!

Hear the Shoreline Band live!

You can watch this incredible band play at our upcoming Spring Concert on June 9th at 7:00 pm in the gym. We'll be holding our school raffle that night too. I want you to hear our amazing Shoreline Middle School Band.

Shoreline Competes in the International Games at Soquel High

2011-05-20T14:11:00.000-07:00

The Shoreline team of sixth grade athletes were showing their stuff today at the International Games at Soquel High. Representing Australia, our students competed in a number of track events against sixth graders from other Santa Cruz County schools.

The weather was fantastic and the Shoreline Sharks worked hard to win. Here are a few pictures from the event (there are more on our Facebook page). Good work team!

Digital Native's Are Learning More at Shoreline Middle School

2011-05-19T11:19:00.000-07:00

Here's the test: when you need a word defined or a phone number, do you still pick up a book? Do you still need to touch something before you buy it? Do you know what Foursquare is (hint: doesn't involve a ball or a playground).

If you struggled with these questions, chances are, you are not a digital native.

A digital native is a young person who was born during or after the general introduction of digital technology, and through interacting with digital technology from an early age, has a greater understanding of its concepts.

Our kids are digital natives!

They Facebook, chat, IM, text and they collect data through a myriad of digital portals that are changing faster than we can afford to buy new devices! Embracing that change is a challenge for schools and it's also an amazing opportunity. In the video below, you'll hear how Shoreline is approaching this opportunity and teaching our kids how to curate, discern and think about all this information, so they are ready for their future.

Want to learn more? Talk to your child's teachers about what they are doing in class with their Promethean Boards and their teaching strategy. We are very fortunate to have these tools (and the associated teacher training) in our district.

Save the Date for Shoreline's Variety Show - Now That's Entertainment!

2011-05-17T17:44:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday, June 1st, students will watch Shoreline's talented students performing at the Shoreline Variety Show in the gym during an afternoon assembly.

Then that night, there's an evening show for friends and family that starts at 6:30pm. Tickets are $2 each at the door and the proceeds will go to the Eighth Grade Party and Dance Committee.

Come watch our students sing, dance, rap, recite poetry, play music and have fun!

Shoreline Students Cheer for Shoreline Alum James Durbin!

2011-05-13T17:04:00.000-07:00

It doesn't matter what they say on American Idol, the students at Shoreline Middle School consider James Durbin a winner in their hearts.

Needless to say there were many disappointed middle school kids last night when James was eliminated and then Durbin Day was cancelled. But as today's events unfolded and Durbin Day turned back on - the energy-levels at school picked up and the kids got excited all over again!

I didn't get to catch them in the act, but I did get to see the final results of the posters they made for tomorrow's big day! We hope James will come by for a lunch time concert when he finally gets back to a routine in Santa Cruz. In the meantime, Don't Stop Believin' James - and we won't stop cheering for you!

And Shoreline students - don't you stop believing either!

Shoreline’s Annual Fundraiser: Get Your Raffle Tickets Now!

2011-05-05T20:03:00.000-07:00

Support Shoreline and earn a chance to win some amazing prizes by participating in this year's big fundraiser run by the Shoreline Home and School Club!

This is what helps pay for all the extras so your generous donation has a very direct impact on our children.

Proceeds will fund music, video production, the computer lab, art, science and other school programs. Tickets are $10 each, 3 for $25 or 13 for $100. The actual raffle will be held Thursday June 9 at the Spring Concert. You do not need to be present to win.

Pick up tickets in the school office. You can also help by selling tickets for us! Get them in the office as well.

Here's just a taste of what you can win!

4 piece BBQ set $2,800 value from CostcoGrand Cafe BBQ Island Retail value $2,800 Includes Gas Grill BBQ Outdoor Kitchen with Fridge, Sink and Charcoal Grill. Floor Model
Chardonnay cruise for two
O’Neill Sea Odyssey cruise for two
Kohler Brushed Chrome Faucet $877 value from Bay Plumbing
Two free oil changes from North Bay Ford
Two free rounds of golf at Valley Gardens
Round of golf for two at Boulder Creek Golf Club
One day Boat Rental from Capitola Boat and Bait
Free facial from Carrli Collins at Dr. Alexis Lane Natural Look
Bayview Hotel Bed and Breakfast one night $300 value
Burrell School wine tasting for six
Pong – 6 hours of ping pong or 1 hour private party
Bike Trip - helmet $55 value
Pacific Edge Climbing Gym: free yoga or fitness class, free kids class, free two-hour rock climbing safety class

Gift Certificates to: Café Cruz, Cafe Lucio’s, Ristorante Avanti, Absolute Auto Glass, Café Sparrow, Dharma’s, Gayle’s Bakery, Live Oak Café, Seabreeze Café, Santa Cruz Diner, Miramar, Upper Crust Pizza, Way of Life, Woodstock Pizza, Kaleidoscope, Shopper’s Corner AND many more.

Let's make this thing a huge success! Buy your tickets now!

Shoreline Cafe: Good Eats, Healthy Chum for our Sharks

2011-04-11T10:40:00.000-07:00

It's easy to take the Shoreline Cafe for granted. It's there, running every day with snacks and lunches for the hungry masses. Yet a lot of work goes into planning the nutrition behind the food!

Ann Mitchell, a Child Nutrition Associate, manages the team. She has worked in the Shoreline Cafe since 1996. She has two people on her team, Kathy Scofield and Paula Philipp.

Nutrition is their top priority.

The Cafe works hard to provide nutritious snacks for the students including organic in-season fruits and vegetables. According to Ann, "Our meals are chosen specifically to meet the dietary guidelines of both the USDA and California. We provide fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

"We strive to reduce saturated fats, sugar and sodium as well as watch the minimum and maximum of calories," she adds. "Every meal that leaves our kitchens has been nutritionally balanced according to State, Federal and age guidelines."

Brains work better with a full tummy.

The Cafe serves nearly 180 of the students through the free and reduced-cost meal program. The team has worked to create fun ways to deliver good eats. They serve both lunch and breakfast (they open at 8am).

Some of the students' favorite snacks include fresh fruit cups, jicama, and orange juice. The favorite lunch is beef teriyaki with rice. Students are able to get food before school, during breaks and at lunch. A monthly menu is available here.

Hooray for food! Hooray for the Shoreline Cafe!

Next time you go through the line at the Shoreline Cafe, take a minute to thank the hard-working team behind the counter. They are looking out for you!

Important! New Shot Required to Attend School Next Fall: Proof Due May 5th

2011-04-07T11:30:00.001-07:00

The State of California is now requiring all students entering the 7th through 12th Grade to have an additional booster shot (Tdap), before the new 2011-2012 school year because of a serious outbreak of Whooping Cough.

Students must get the shot before Thursday, May 5th.

Bring proof of immunization to the Shoreline Middle School office by May 5, 2011. If proof of immunization is not received, students will not be scheduled for classes. This includes High School.

If you have any questions, please call the school office at 475-6565.

The shot is available at your doctor's office, many pharmacies and at three local clinics:

· Santa Cruz Health Services: 1060 Emeline Street, Santa Cruz 454-4100

· Santa Cruz Health Services: 9 Crestview Drive, Watsonville 763-8100

· Salud Para La Gente Clinics: 728-0222

Student Artists Featured at Santa Cruz's Live Oak Library

2011-04-06T12:19:00.000-07:00

Shoreline Middle School student artists are being featured at a display happening now at the Live Oak Library in Santa Cruz. The gallery includes selections from two different studies done with teacher Kate Mullikin. Here's a quick look at what you can see when you visit. It's a beautiful display - make some time to stop in and admire their gorgeous work (there are many more pieces there than pictured here).

The Van Gogh Studies
Students used oil pastels to copy some of his unique style.

Same Trees, Same Day, Different Souls

Featuring different perspectives from the artists using dry pastels.

Shoreline Musicians Jazz It Up at the 25th Santa Cruz Jazz Festival

2011-03-30T09:08:00.000-07:00

Shoreline Music Teacher Caleb Murray

In 2008, the voters in Live Oak passed a parcel tax to support various projects in the Live Oak community. The fact that programs in Live Oak School District receive supplemental funding from the tax makes it a gift that truly keeps giving.

Anyone can see the benefit to our students just by looking at the joy on their faces while attending the festival held at Cabrillo College on March 18 and 19.

Read the article in the Santa Cruz Sentinel.

The Jazz Festival featured big bands, small combos and ensembles that came from the Central Valley, the Bay Area and Southern California. Last year's festival featured around 2,000 musicians in more than 100 different music groups. Shoreline Middle School joined local bands from Harbor High School, Santa Cruz High and Soquel High schools.

Twenty students from the Shoreline Jazz Band participated. Outstanding Jazz Soloist awards were presented to Shoreline's own Dylan Reilly (alto saxophone), Mark Lopez (tenor saxophone), Ryder Isidro (trombone), and Tim Wills DeTone (bass). The Shoreline Jazz Band performed an excellent concert and had the opportunity to observe other band performances. It was a great experience all around.

The parcel tax has created unique opportunities for learning.

Shoreline is the only middle school in the county to offer a music program and that is just one of the many amazing things the Live Oak Parcel Tax is supporting. "The parcel tax funds music, art, science, video production and 21^st century digital learning at Shoreline," said Stella Moreno, Principal.

"As students raise the bar on academic excellence, we also have a broader way to reinforce learning in the core curriculum through creative expression. The arts helps the students increase their passion for learning," she explains. "We are turning on both sides of their brain!"

To learn more about what the Live Oak Parcel Tax supports at Shoreline Middle School, click here.

Community Fundraiser: "Cents for Soto!"

2011-03-27T08:43:00.000-07:00

Shoreline Middle School is hoping to bring award-winning California author Gary Soto to school next fall as part of its ongoing Visiting Author Program, and is inviting the community to participate in a simple fundraiser to that end.

Make an online donation right now!

To take part in "Cents for Soto," donors can bring spare change by the school office from 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. any school day. Or you can mail a check to us made out to Shoreline Home and School Club. Mail or visit us at 855 17th Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062. (The online donation link above also donates to the Home and School Club which is a tax deductible donation.)

Last fall, the students honored author Francisco Jimenez who described his passion for learning and how that lead to a career in teaching and writing. He had a tremendous impact on the students at Shoreline inspiring them to write (see examples here) and dream - if he could do so much with so little, imagine what they could do!

It doesn't take much to make a huge difference for these sixth, seventh and eighth grade students. We appreciate your support!

Eighth Grade Parents: Meet with High School Counselors

2011-03-14T13:35:00.000-07:00

High school counselors for Harbor High and Soquel High schools will be at Shoreline tomorrow, Tuesday, March 15 during your child's PE class for high school registration. You can participate in that meeting. Please come to the office to check-in.

Arrive On Time: This is Very Important

Parents must be at school during your child's PE period to participate; you cannot come early or late. Please ask your child what time they have PE so you know when to be at school (this may be written in the front of their planner).

Students attending Santa Cruz High will meet with counselors next week, on Thursday, March 24th at 9am at Shoreline. Parents who want to participate need to check in at the office on the 24th at 9am.

Bring Completed Registration Packets

Students need to bring the completed registration packet they received last week. They will be turning that in to their high school representative. If the reg packet is not turned in tomorrow (or next week for Santa Cruz High), it will be your responsibility to take it to their new school.

Have questions? Please contact our school counselor, Lisa Perea at 475-6565 x304 or via email: lperea@santacruz.k12.ca.us.

Shoreline Book Fair: Find Good Reads, Help Our School

2011-02-17T10:51:00.000-08:00

The Shoreline Book Fair will be here shortly! It's a great time to shop for books for the whole family. We will have popular titles, award-winners, and there will be books for smaller children and adults. There are even books that make great gifts!

Store opens February 25th from 8am -3:30pm in the library. Sale ends March 4th.

There are two financial goals for this year’s Book Fair. The first is to raise money to pay for artwork for Shoreline’s new “Author Walk of Fame." The second is to bring world-famous author Gary Soto, to Shoreline next fall. There will also be a classroom competition “Cents for Soto” aimed at having the students collect spare change from their friends and family. So start digging the pennies out of the sofa!

Join the Book Fair fun in a number of ways. Here's how:

Shop during Open House: March 2nd 5:30-8:30pm

Enjoy an evening at Shoreline meeting teachers, visiting classrooms, and shopping for books! The Book Fair will be open all night long so be sure to stop by and see what we have! The community is also invited to this event - so bring your friends and neighbors!

Family Reading Night: Thursday March 3rd at 6:30pm

The theme is "Pajamas, Hot Chocolate and Good Books!" Come in your pajamas and enjoys cuddling among the book while sipping hot chocolate and listening to stories. You can being your whole family!

Get Involved: Volunteer

The Book Fair needs you to be successful. Volunteering at the Book Fair is a lot of fun! If you can volunteer 1-2 hours of time during the lunch hour or during Open House, we'd really appreciate your help. Please call Sharon Garcia 479-9105 or contact her via email to schedule a time to work.

We look forward to seeing you!

Shark Attacks? Not in Our House! Our Shoreline Team Rocks

2011-02-15T09:13:00.000-08:00

As nearly every student knows by now, I am a huge sports fan. I watched the SuperBowl eating a dish of delicious homemade chili and enjoyed every minute. During the game, I was thinking about what it takes to make a great team.

As I thought about it, I realized we have a fantastic team here at Shoreline.

We have great teachers and a great staff, but we also have amazing students. Together, we have created a wonderful community at Shoreline and a winning team. We have pulled together to create a place that allows for learning and socializing. I am very grateful for that.

Like any team, there are times when it's important to review the rules and make sure we are all working on the same game plan. We have had some students that are forgetting our school (team) rules and it's time to get back on track. If we all pull together, I know we can get back on track and continue to win this year.

Here's where we need to focus:

1. No gum chewing. Gum is not allowed on campus.

2. Pick up after yourself. The seagulls go crazy when trash is left out after break and lunch. Please do your best to get trash in the can.

3. Keep yourself safe. Bike helmets are required for riders under 18 years of age. Be safe, wear a helmet!

The school rules are printed in the front of every Shoreline Planner and available online.

I look forward to a terrific spring - I know spring fever has hit the campus with all this great weather. I am so proud to be a part of the Shoreline team. I hope you share my pride.

Holocaust Survivor Brings Message of Forgiveness and Hope to Students

2011-02-03T17:41:00.000-08:00

Kate Mullikin writes today's blog. She teaches English to eighth grade students at Shoreline Middle School. Her class recently finished reading The Diary of Anne Frank. As a culminating event, a very special guest visited the English Language Arts classes.

Gitta Ryle is 78 years old and has the energy of a teenager. Her enthusiasm for life is contagious. Her drive to make our world a better place is inspiring. In meeting Gitta , one wouldn’t know that she is a Holocaust survivor. Fortunately, she has been speaking to the eighth grade class at Shoreline Middle School as a culmination of the literature unit on “The Diary of Anne Frank.” For four years, Gitta has shared her story with our students.

A Story of Survival

Happily, Gitta’s story has a positive result. Her family split up when she was seven. She and her sister survived seven years of hiding in abandoned mansions, convents, churches and family homes in many parts of France.

Her mother sent her and older her sister out of Austria under the care of an organization that hid and took care of Jewish children soon after Hitler took power. Gitta did not see her mother for seven years. Her father, grandparents and cousin were killed at Auschwitz. She came close to being shot by Nazi soldiers, but was miraculously spared.

Gitta’s amazing story could be depressing, sorrowful, or a tale of fear and anger, but that is not the case. As Gitta’s tells her story, she emphasizes how she learned to let go of her anger, hatred and grief, to become a mentor for young people who are dealing with suffering and sorrow.

Gitta worked for a hospice for many years, helping youngsters cope with loss. She brought a message of forgiveness and hope that the students will never forget.

The Students Connected

“I was really inspired by Gitta’s talk," said one student. "She makes me want to write about my problems, to get them out and seek advice.”

“Her visit is so important," said another. "When she’s gone, when people like her are gone, there will be no more voices to tell the story of the Holocaust. She told us that we have to forgive, but not forget. That is amazing coming from someone who was actually there.”

Report Cards, Reading Reports Are Heading Home This Friday!

2011-01-25T09:57:00.000-08:00

My first semester at Shoreline is coming to a close and I am thrilled to say it's been an amazing five months. I have truly enjoyed being here with your students and together we have worked hard to create an interesting and inspiring place to learn.

As parents, I appreciate the effort you have put into helping your child succeed. With report cards and STAR Reading Reports coming out this Friday, I hope you are able to have a good talk with your child about their classes, their efforts and the results.

Report cards are a benchmark.

Semester grades are important indicators of your child's performance at school. I hope that you have had a chance to log in to the Parent Portal and you have been able to see that each grade comes from a variety of class work, homework and tests. (You can access the portal via computer or mobile phone with Internet access. Please visit the office for more information.)

In my experience, grades are highly related to the amount of effort a student puts into learning. If your child has a grade that concerns you, speak to the teacher or our school counselor.

STAR Reading Reports gives you a picture of your child's performance.

Last fall, we tested the students to assess their reading levels. They have worked this semester to improve their reading skills and we retested them this month. The STAR Reading Report provides their latest test results. The report includes information about the different scores and, of course, you can speak to your child's English Language Arts teacher if you'd like more information about the STAR Reading Test report.

We strive to provide your child with a strong academic program, arts education and social guidance. As your child’s "first" teacher, we count on your parental involvement at home to reinforce student learning and study habits.

I look forward to a great second semester!

Shoreline's Art II Class Gets Close to the Masters at the De Young Museum

2011-01-24T11:47:00.000-08:00

Kate Mullikin writes today's blog. She teaches art to sixth, seventh and eighth grade students at Shoreline Middle School. Her class recently went on a very exciting field trip where they saw art that one would normally have to see in France!

“I learned a lot today,” Jose Avila announced to his van-mates on the way back from our three hour art spree at the De Young Museum in San Francisco last weekend.

I knew that my first weekend excursion as an art teacher was a great success when I heard my student say these precious words. Not only were my students exposed one of the most famous collections of visiting French post-impressionist work in history, but they enjoyed it and learned something! It's an art teacher’s dream come true.

The exhibit features masterpieces that are on loan from the Musée d’Orsay in France and includes works from Van Gogh, Gauguin and Cézanne.

Yazmin loved Sargent's “La Carmencita,” the woman in the yellow dress. She was also moved by the soft flowing colors of Renoir's dancers. Intrigued with the realism in the eyes of a portrait that seem to follow the viewer around the room, Sal’s favorite piece was in the Symbolist room. “It’s very similar to the Mona Lisa," he noted.

Eddie, who was a bit claustrophobic moving about the huge crowed in the crammed exhibit rooms, didn’t let it get to him. “I just can’t wait to go in that room over there. I have to see Van Gogh," he said with elation. His pal Omar mused later as we were standing in the 4^th room that he had found a small Gauguin that was not drawing such a big crowed. “It seemed kind of lonely on the wall, so I went over to stand and watch it.”

It’s that time and opportunity to notice great art and stand and watch it that middle school students need, especially in this time of computerized everything. These kids soaked up the masters’ actual brush strokes for over an hour. They struggled to control their excitement while trying not to point: instead they put their hands in their pockets, behind their backs, or crossed their arms in the I’m-a-cool-art-patron pose we practiced out by the fountain before we entered the museum. It was really tough for us to contain our enthusiasm with those amazing masterpieces right there before our eyes.

I am so happy and proud to say that I am part of a public school that honors and nurtures the visual arts. I am lucky to work with a diverse and talented team of individuals who are driven to make sure students excel on standardized tests while working to shape well-rounded, cultured, creative human beings.

Thanks again to my support team: Melaina and Ms. Lisa for driving, Manuel and Heather for chaperoning, Bytheal for helping us access the school on a Saturday and to Ralph D’Olviera, the muralist, for mentoring our young artists.

Shoreline Band Delights At Capitola Tree Lighting

2010-12-06T09:29:00.000-08:00

The Shoreline Middle School band helped lead a holiday celebration at the Capitola Tree Lighting Ceremony on Friday night.

According to the Capitola-Soquel Patch news, "The Shoreline Middle School band provided holiday cheer in the form of a Christmas-themed ensemble and played classic songs like Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer, Silent Night and We Three Kings, as well as not-so-traditional songs, such as a rendition of Iron Man and Jungle Boogie."

You can read the entire article here.

A big shout out to the musicians in the band who worked hard to make this celebration a success!

Cornell Notes Create Pathways for Learning at Shoreline

2010-12-01T16:14:00.001-08:00

Giving the students a foundation for learning is a top priority at Shoreline Middle School. We use a number of tools to help the students learn and one of them is Cornell Notes.

Cornell Notes is a process for gathering information during a lecture that breaks it down into parts that students can use to review and study. It's a very useful method that they can use for the rest of their academic lives. Here’s how it works:

In your child’s notebook, you will see pages that are divided into sections.

The top of the page is the course or lecture name and date. Next, you will see two columns.

The narrow column on the left is for summarizing the main points of the lecture.

The column on the right is for notes that support the main points of the lecture.

Finally, at the bottom of the page is a place for a written summary that pulls together the lecture information, helping the student understand what’s been taught. [Here's a web page with each step highlighted.]

So, you may be wondering how to help your child use the Cornell Notes. Here’s the answer:

a. Sit down with your child and ask to see his or her notes.

b. Look at the summary points and ask a few questions about them. Read the summary to see if it is clear.

c. Ask your child to tell you about the lesson based on the notes.

Remember, when a test is coming up, make sure your child uses the notes as study tool along with a review of the textbook.

Have questions about Cornell Notes or other things happening at school? Let me know. You can comment here on this blog or stop by the office. You can also often find me before and after school in the main parking lot!

Help Shoreline Feed the Hungry: Make a Donation to the Second Harvest Food Bank

2010-11-23T07:58:00.000-08:00

Kristina and Subrina have made collecting canned food for Second Harvest their top priority this fall.

They are the team at Shoreline Middle School responsible for the Grind Out Hunger school-wide, county-wide project. Both girls feel we are on track to beat our best year, but we need to keep up the donations.

There's still time to donate - bring your cans to school!

This food drive has been an annual project at Shoreline. In 2009, the students earned an award for their hard work. By collecting over 2600 pounds of food, they won a bronze recognition. They want to beat that record this year and go for the gold!

"We've collected three full barrels so far," said Kristina, "and each barrel is about 125 pounds." We have also collected over $400, and each dollar is worth 3lbs of food equivalency.

"We want to do even better than last year!" added Subrina.

The two spend their early mornings counting out the cans making sure every student gets credit for their contribution. With just over 1000 pounds collected, there is still a lot of work to do to come close to last year's winning total.

"The winning class that brings in the most pounds wins a pizza party”, said Bob van Dyk, faculty member and project advisor. “The top 10 students who also bring in the most cans get to join the top class.

"It's great to see the students focus on a project that meets such a fundamental need in our community," he explained. "They realize some of the children who benefit from Second Harvest are the kids in their classes."

A couple girls in the sixth grade went door to door in their neighborhood to collect food from people who don't have kids in school. They collected over 60 items in just under two hours.

They walked the neighborhood with a garden wagon to carry the cans as the donations piled up. "It was fun," said Katie and Johnna. "We were surprised how many people were willing to make a donation."

"We are asking the students to really think about others this holiday season. With donations being down, the energy these kids can contribute to getting donations can really make a difference," added Bob van Dyk.

The food drive started on October 18th and concludes December 7th. Members of the community can drop off donations in the Shoreline office. Shoreline’s leadership class gives a big THANK YOU for all the support!

An Exciting Day: The Sentinel Came to School to Learn about our Promethean Boards

2010-11-12T14:03:00.000-08:00

You may not realize that Shoreline is breaking new ground. We are a Digital Destination which means we are using technology in new ways to help our students learn and explore. And today, the local newspaper, The Santa Cruz Sentinel, came to learn more about what we are doing.

While the reporter is still working on the article and the photographer is culling through his photographs, we wanted to take a minute and share a bit of the behind the scenes excitement from this morning.

Superintendent Tamra Taylor was there with Principal Stella Moreno to help the report understand just how we are using the Promethean Boards in the classroom. Ms. McMillin's sixth grade math class (third period) were there to demonstrate how the boards help learning happen.

The Tech Squad showed up to talk about the ways they help teach the teachers about the new technologies and to problem-solve when something isn't working properly. Then the whole Squad posed for a picture in the Quad while the whole school watched!

In addition to these pictures, we have posted more on our Facebook page. Take a look, find your friends and look for the article here or in The Sentinel.

It was a great day of working together to share the good news about Shoreline Middle School!

UPDATE: Here's the link to the story in The Sentinel!

Local Artist Explains How Art Offers Exciting Career Options

2010-11-10T10:43:00.000-08:00

Kate Mullikin teaches art to sixth, seventh and eighth grade students at Shoreline Middle School. Her class recently hosted a visit from a local artist that turned into an inspiring discussion of art in the workplace.

It all started during the Open Studios Art tour on October 17^th.

Four eager teens met me on a sunny Saturday afternoon to view some local art at the 17th Avenue Studios in the factory buildings right across the street from our school. Among the glass blowers, woodcutters and paper makers, the students met up with Michele Indiana Anderson, an abstract expressionist who works in layers of acrylics with vivid colors that explode like supernovas.

Four students, Salvador, Omar, Michele and Manuel, so enjoyed her painting and her personality, that I sent a follow-up e-mail expressing their compliments. Michelle responded with an offer to speak in my art class!

Her visit was inspiring!

Michele brought examples of her work that the students could touch as well as photos of her artistic process. She also spoke of artists who inspired her like David Hockney and Jim Dine. When she asked the students who might be thinking of becoming an artist, almost all of them raised their hands!

“There are so many careers today that involve the arts,” she told them. "Art is in T.V. commercials, video games, web sites, books, even in the clothes we wear. If you want to be a professional artist you must practice looking and drawing! Stay in school, get educated and go and view works of art first hand!”

My Art II class is currently working on glass painting and proportion drawing from photographs. They have almost finished their group mural of author Francisco Jimenez! We will send a copy of it to him for Thanksgiving with a personal thank you for his recent visit. A copy of the mural will also be housed in the Jimenez Archives at Santa Clara University.

GO ART SHARKS!!!

Use Report Cards to Have a Conversation: Host a Student Led Conference at Home

2010-11-04T10:03:00.000-07:00

Time has flown, the students have been working hard and it's already time for first quarter report cards.

These report cards reflect the work the students have done over the last eleven weeks. They show how your child is doing at the halfway point. Semester grades come out in January.

When your child brings home the report, please take some time and review it together. It's a great opportunity for you to have a "student led" conference. Sit down together, go slowly and listen to your child. Ask them questions. They should tell you about the class, the grade and why they earned that grade (for example: I worked really hard, I don't understand the teacher, I am struggling with the homework, etc.).

If there are any problems, come up with a plan for how to improve the grade.

Here are a few ideas:

1. Have your child meet with their teacher. If you think there's a communication problem, you can also reach out to the teacher.

2. Help your child with their homework. Have them show you their class notes and teach what they have learned.

3. Remind your child to call a friend or classmate to get help. Other students can be very helpful when it comes to clarifying assignments or explaining a concept.

4. Have your child drop by The Club after school. The project is sponsored by the Boys and Girls Club of Santa Cruz and they can help with homework.

5. If there's a big problem, talk with our school counselor, Lisa Perea. You can reach her by phone or email - both are listed on the school website; or you can leave her a note in the office.

We strongly encourage you to visit the Parent Portal on a regular basis. Each class grade is based on several things your child is doing - homework, class work, oral presentations, projects and tests. That detail is available on the portal. If you don't have a computer, you can use the computers in the school library. The best time to stop by is 2pm before school gets out. Be sure to stop by the office and get your password first.

You can see more ideas to help your child do well at school here. We believe in your student and we can't do this without you. Please use these report cards as an opportunity to get involved and show your child school matters!

Shoreline's Band Tunes-Up Capitola's Halloween Celebration

2010-11-01T15:48:00.000-07:00

The Shoreline Middle School band helped kids in Capitola celebrate Halloween on Sunday!

The band provided the entertainment while riding in a flat bed truck and leading the procession in the annual Capitola Halloween Parade. The story was covered in the Santa Cruz Sentinel.

"It was very exciting," said Caleb Murray, band teacher at Shoreline. "Our students wore costumes and performed very well. This was our second time performing at this event. It really is a blast to get out in the community and give back to it in this way."

You can hear the Shoreline Band play at the Capitola Tree Lighting in Capitola Village on December 3 at 5:30pm and the Winter Concert at Shoreline Middle School on December 16, at 7pm.

[Photos of the event are coming!]

Spirit Day Brought Out the Halloween in Our Students! (Photos)

2010-10-28T16:15:00.000-07:00

Today was Spirit Day and the theme was Halloween!

Students were encouraged to show up in their costumes and strut their stuff. There was a costume contest at lunch with lots if participants and a few winners. We have a few photos for you here and then you can see the rest on Facebook! (And be sure to tag yourself and your friends!)

Don't forget the Home and School Club Movie Night tomorrow at 6pm. Wear your costume, maybe win a prize! RSVP here!

These guys were too chicken to wear a costume!

This beautiful fairy was granting wishes.

Go Giants! World Series Game 2 Tonight!

The Mad Hatter on his way to a crazy tea party.

A frightening site in the Quad. The Legend of Sleepy Hollow!

Would you like fries with that shake?

Publish Post

Cool! Shoreline Science Project is Featured in Bay Area Parent Magazine!

2010-10-28T12:10:00.000-07:00

When Bay Area Parent magazine was looking for stories about what schools are doing to help the planet, our sixth grade science teacher, Robin Dinino spoke up! She told us about a lot of the great things happening at school.

One of them interested Millicent Skiles, author of the article, "Green Enrichment Grows
‘Living laboratories’ provide hands-on education" in the October 26, 2010 edition of Bay Area Parent's Education and Enrichment Guide.

Follow this link to the story; we're on page 48.

Here's what they said about us:

Each year in the spring, for example, children at Shoreline Middle School in Santa Cruz incubate steelhead trout eggs in the classroom and later release them in the San Lorenzo River.

While learning about the challenges faced by the fish, they also learn how a watershed works.

“I think the programs are fantastic because the teachers have fi gured out ways to integrate doing good and thinking about planet health into the curriculum,” says Santa Cruz mom Jennifer Carole. “Th e teachers are taking initiative and their enthusiasm is infectious. Th e kids can’t help but share their excitement about the projects.”

Ask your students to tell you more about what they are doing at school to "do good"!

Shoreline After-School Sports Tryouts Scheduled for Monday Afternoon

2010-10-22T09:36:00.000-07:00

Are you ready to join some of the best sports teams in Santa Cruz County? Come try out this Monday, October 25th, after school or on Wednesday if you are interested in Cheer (see specific schedule below).

Sports are a great way to make friends, learn sportsmanship and get fit. And it can also help boost self-esteem. In this article based on research conducted by West Virginia University, kids who played sports reported feeling healthier and more satisfied with their lives.

We want you!

New to tryouts? Here's what you need to know: you should show up at tryout with gym clothes or comfortable work-out clothes, water and a good attitude!

Here's the schedule:

Girls Soccer
All grades meet at 2:45 on the soccer field (you'll be broken out by grade there)

Boys Basketball

6th Grade - 3:45 in the gym

7th Grade - 2:45 in the gym

8th Grade - 4:45 in the gym

Girls and Boys: Cheerleading

Anyone interested meet Wednesday, 12:45 in the gym

Twist and Shout at Shoreline's First Dance of the School Year!

2010-10-21T13:42:00.000-07:00

This Friday, Shoreline will host its first dance from 4-7pm (registered students only). The theme is "Psychedelic Color Dance" and everyone is encouraged to dress in bright colors or tie-dye.

Dances are a great way to see friends and enjoy a shared experience. It's also scary for many first-timers.

"It really helps bond the student body beyond the classroom setting," said Bob vanDyk, a long-time teacher at Shoreline, who also advises the leadership group. “The students have a blast and there’s always something cool to talk about when the students return on Monday.”

If it's your first time at a school dance, don't worry, it's easy and fun. "It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3!” said Josh Noland. "At the dance you can do your own little prance," added Ashley Holguin.

Students who attend school dances should know there are a few rules of conduct that make the event work.

1. There's a dress code.
You can learn more about this from your home room teacher or in the student handbook. Generally, the rules are common sense - don't wear clothes to a dance that you wouldn't wear to dinner with your elders!

2. Appropriate dancing only.
We want you to have fun and enjoy yourself. We don't want you to be rude or obscene in the way you are dancing - the kind of dancing we want you to do is the kind you would do at a family event.

3. No "in and outs" during the event.
If you come, you need to plan on staying until you are ready to leave. We don't allow anyone to come in and out during the event.

Parents should plan on making sure your child gets something to eat before the dance (it starts at 4pm and ends at 7pm). Food and drinks will also be available for sale at the event; the office recommends bringing $6-$7. Pick up is at 7pm; leadership students stay until 7:30pm.

Traffic Safety Improvements at Felt Street: We are ALL in this Together

2010-10-14T15:17:00.000-07:00

We received good news from County Public Works this morning. They have made an adjustment to the traffic light at 17th Avenue and Felt Street.

There is now a "protected pedestrian crossing" for students. That means the light stops all traffic and gives an "all walk" to anyone waiting to cross the street.

There are a few other ways we can make safety our priority:

1. Remind your students to cross in marked crosswalks.
As you know, we experience a crush of activity before and after school. Drivers are dealing with other drivers, pedestrians, bikers and congested roadways and any time a child steps into the road, they are at risk. Pease remind your child to use good judgment on the road - they are responsible for their own safety and we don't want anyone to get hurt.

2. Use both lanes for exiting the parking lot.
Too often traffic gets stopped at the red light and pushes back into the parking lot creating gridlock that backs cars out onto 17th Avenue. If you use both "outbound" lanes in our parking lot to wait for the red light, it greatly reduces that gridlock.

3. Take your time.
As I watch the traffic come and go in the morning and afternoon, I am surprised that the actual window of congestion is really quite small. I have been pleased to see so many of you taking your time, driving carefully and putting student safety first. If you really struggle with the traffic, (remember to breathe), wait just a few minutes and the crowd will disperse and you can get on your way.

Thank you everyone for working together on making arrivals and departures a safe experience.

Site Council Members Wanted: First Meeting Mon., Oct. 18, 5pm

2010-10-14T10:10:00.000-07:00

Are you interested in helping make a difference today while shaping the future of Shoreline Middle School? Then you should attend Shoreline's Site Council meetings.

Meetings are the third Monday of the month. 5pm in the School Library.

The Site Council is responsible for allocating federal and state money to school programs, develops and refines the school plan each year, sets goals for student achievement and monitors progress toward those goals.

Everyone is welcome - come listen and participate. If you indicated an interest in becoming a formal member of the council, we'll discuss what that means at this meeting. See you there!

Shoreline Student Writers Celebrate Francisco Jimenez

2010-10-13T14:26:00.000-07:00

Dr. Jimenez made me realize how fortunate we all are. From now on I am going to try and appreciate everything I’ve got, and treat everyone with respect.
By Annie in Kate Mullikin's Class

*****************

Dr. Jimenez made me feel more confident as a student.
By Javier in Kate Mullikin's Class

*****************

I thought that Dr Jimenez's presentation was meaningful in many ways and conveyed the hardships that he experience and showed a side of life that many of us have yet to, or may even never experience at all. His hardships and problems had a very deep meaning.

He spoke so you could hear his remorseful tone and he shared his life with us not only through his amazing stories but through his personal feelings and thoughts. I believe that if we all worked, and strive as hard as Mr. Jimenez, the world would be a better place.

Many people have very special gifts and Dr. Jimenez's gift is probably of the most special. His gift of endurance and hard work, and perhaps the most special of all, influence. He has made an impact on this school that I believe every one of us will keep with us and cherish for the rest of our lives...
By Dylan S. in Carol Glenn's Class

*****************

The times I ignored, the times I stopped and thought...
But you can gain more if you listen and learn.
Hearing his soft voice made me do
What I should have done a long time ago:
Stop, listen, think. Learn, appreciate
I appreciate what my family has gone through
To make me safe.

Hearing Francisco’s story turned
My mind the opposite way
And I feel privileged to see him
Face to face.

I am now proud of my dad
And proud of the fact
That he is working so hard
For me and himself.
I have a life that I can be proud of.

Dr. Jimenez, in an awesome way, changed my opinion about my life.

Thank you Dr. Jimenez

By Amanda in Kate Mullikin's Class

*****************

Jimenez’s talk really made me appreciate my parents’ hard work. I also learned that students should support each other giving each other supplies, and help each other out with their studies.
By Kevin in Kate Mullikin's Class

*****************

Dr. Jimenez really made his message clear in my eyes. I believed he was speaking about how, in his life, he ran into many obstacles, but he learned from them. He learned how to pick himself up. I believe that students need to embrace this and help to support one another.

To support each other, we can help when things are hard or when we just need someone to talk to. I know tat is what most adults try to do (I said most), but I think students should try too. If it's too hard to try, imagine yourself in Dr. Jimenez's place as a kid. What would you want someone to do for you?
By Lindsey M. in Carol Glenn's Class

*****************

One hour and 17 minute wait was worth it for me to shake his hand, it was a tedious privilege. I felt honored to meet Dr. Jimenez and see him talk. He showed us all how far he’s come and that there’s no excuse for failure.
By Armin in Kate Mullikin's Class

*****************

The way Dr. Jimenez talked made me believe that anything is possible; that everything you want to be or do in the future you can make that dream come true to you. What Dr. Jimenez tried to tell us is that wherever you are from, that doesn't matter and to never give up on stuff you want or like to do.
By Jose V. in Carol Glenn's Class

*****************

As Dr. Jimenez talked to the school about coming to California, it made me feel sorry for him and the many other families that crossed the border to make a better living. The hardships he and his family went through were very moving. I also feel grateful and lucky that I didn't have to go through those hard times. Dr. Jimenez's story was touching and made me think more about the people who go through lives like that.
By Dylan R. in Carol Glenn's Class

*****************

His talk made me feel like my life is good. I should cherish being able to go to school.
By Max in Kate Mullikin's Class

*****************

Dr. Jimenez totally turned my head around. His love for education inspired me. I was feeling so stressed juggling school, sports, friends, family, but now I don’t. When I got home after his speech I was feeling so emotional. I was crying and singing thinking about his awesome speech. His speech hit me straight in the heart. From now one I will walk my life and appreciate school and say to myself, “I can do it.”
By Carly in Kate Mullikin's Class

*****************

Dr. Jimenez made me feel like I have everything I need. Why should I be asking for more when I have food, shelter and a stable life and family? He made me realize I need to keep studying and I can be even better off in the future.
By Nahun in Kate Mullikin's Class

*****************

I do think having the live assembly was more insightful than the books (by a certain degree) and you could really feel the emotion of such a great live speaker such as himself.

The strongest part about the speech though, in my opinion, was the segment where he was asked questions by students. This opened up aspects of his life that we would otherwise not have known, and it revealed some of his opinions on lives like his.
By Alan R. in Carol Glenn's Class

*****************

I learned from Dr. Jimenez that students should not gossip about each other. They should not judge each other either. They should get to know each other.
By Emily in Kate Mullikin's Class

*****************

Dr. Jimenez showed me that if you really want something to go get it and never look back, and to appreciate what you have and what your parents did for you.
By Jamie in Kate Mullikin's Class

Progress Reports Are Here: Five Simple Ways to Help Your Child Succeed

2010-10-11T12:22:00.000-07:00

As I hope many of you know Progress Reports came out on Thursday, October 7th. These reports are important. They point to areas where your child is succeeding and where they need to improve. You need to look at the Progress Report, discuss it with your child, sign it and return it.

I thought I would also share a few ways you can help your child do well in school.

1. Review the Shark Planner.
With him or her by your side, have them show you their Shark Planner and review the homework that has been assigned. You should do this daily to make sure your child is writing down their daily assignments and is learning how to be organized and prepared.

2. Look at their class work and homework.
Have your student tell you what they have done and what they did well. See where they missed answers or got something wrong; ask them to tell you what corrections they should make to complete the work correctly. Show enthusiasm for their willingness to try harder. Let them teach you something. If they can teach it to you, chances are they have mastered the skill.

3. Remind them to read.
No matter what, reading is linked to success across all subject areas. A child who is struggling with reading will have a hard time in Social Studies, Science, even Electives. Let them read out loud to you while you prepare dinner and if possible, take time to read to them as well. Make it a family activity. We ask the students to do a minimum of a half hour of independent reading daily.

4. Check in on the Parent Portal.
This window to your child's progress can truly help you understand what is happening at school. The teachers are excellent about regularly posting recent homework, tests, class assignments and the associated grades. You can also see if your child is missing class - which can be a red flag if there are absences you don't know about. Get your log-in information from the office (you will need the internet; you can do this on your phone or computer).

5. Talk to your child's teachers.
If there is a problem you don't know how to approach, that's what we are here for. We want your child to do well. It's vital to their success in high school. We are here to work with you and your child to get them on track and ideally, enjoying school and learning. Send teachers an email or leave them a voice mail message (here's the list).

Always remind your child that effort determines success.

Report cards for the first quarter come out in November. There is time for your student to improve his or her grades. We are here to help. Please let us know what we can do.

Join the Shoreline Home and School Club: A Great Way to Get Involved

2010-10-10T14:47:00.000-07:00

"Many people think this is like elementary school," says Sacha Ow, treasurer of the Shoreline Home and School Club, "but it's much easier. We have a few key projects that are a lot of fun. And then we focus on supporting the teachers."

Subscribe to the weekly emails!
Send an email with "subscribe" in the subject line to ShorelineMiddleSchoolHSC@Gmail.com.

Meetings are the first Wednesday of the month at 5:30 in the school library. They typically last about an hour. Some of the programs the club sponsors include: the music program, teacher wish lists, career day, movie nights, honor roll awards, the Media Center and Book Fair, summer band camp, the 8th grade graduation dance and more.

We also sponsor a number of easy fundraising activities like eScrip, savings cards and Box Tops for Education (a list of links is posted in the upper right corner of this blog).

Please join us! Be an active part of the Shoreline community!

Get connected: subscribe to the weekly email by sending an email with "subscribe" in the subject line to ShorelineMiddleSchoolHSC@Gmail.com.

Our Day with Dr. Francisco Jimenez: Emotional, Amazing, Inspiring

2010-10-08T15:43:00.000-07:00

I will remember moments from last Wednesday like photographs in my mind. The students lining up to have Dr. Jimenez sign their books, their shirts, even a cast. At the luncheon with our special guest when one student said "this feels like family" with a broad smile on this face. The parking lot, nearly two and a half hours later as the kids followed him to his car. And there are so many more.

As the assembly kicked off, Dr. Jimenez asked how many students had parents who came from another country. More than half the children raised their hands. Immediately, there was a connection. He explained that his parents came to the United States because, "They wanted a better life for all of us."

You can read more about his presentation in this article from The Sentinel.

Dr. Jimenez described his early days to the students, "We picked strawberries in Santa Maria and then moved to the San Joaquin Valley to pick grapes and then cotton. At the end of December, we move back to Santa Maria to pick carrots and thin lettuce - that was the migrant circuit." He then explained his favorite holiday was Thanksgiving because that was when he was finally able to start going to school every year.

A memory from the past comes to life.

When Dr. Jimenez began speaking, he intended to have slides projected on the big screen behind him. Unfortunately, we had technical issues and I was scrambling to see what I could do to make the thing work. He told me he didn't feel comfortable without his slides; but none of us could make the projector work. He had to go on without his slides.

I realized later, that moment absolutely harmonized with another moment in his life. Dr. Jimenez told the children about his notebook. It was a small notebook he kept in his pocket where we wrote words in English that he wanted to learn. He would look at that book every day while he worked in the fields. And then, in a tragic series of events, it was lost in a fire. He was devastated.

But his mother hugged him close and said, "Panchito, I bet, if you think about it, you know every word that you had written down in that notebook." And he said, yes, he did remember every word. And that was exactly what happened on Wednesday.

Despite his initial concern that he couldn't do his talk without his slides, in fact he didn't need them. He knew every picture. And he was able to speak to them, tell his story and connect with our children with the same warmth and comfort that he must have learned from his mother's loving embrace.

This school-wide event brought us together.

I am grateful Dr. Jimenez visited our school. I am grateful for the teachers and staff that persisted in their efforts to get him here. And I am thrilled that our students shared their hearts with him.

Please ask your child to tell you about the assembly. Ask them about what they have learned in class about little Panchito. And then share those stories. You can do that here, by making a comment, or stop by and see me. I would love to hear from you.

Post-Event: Shoreline Students Meet Dr. Jimenez and Get a Lifetime Memory

2010-10-07T10:38:00.000-07:00

[Teacher Kate Mullikin was moved by the incredible, emotional, post-event activities after Dr. Jimenez spoke to the school-wide assembly.

She wrote this poem - and shared these photos - that captures the students' excitement about being able interact with their hero.]

IN LINE AT SHORELINE

In the after-school line for the famous author’s autograph

The Shoreline Middle School children

Wait patiently.

“Can you sign this drawing I made of you, Mr. Jimenez?”

“Could you make it out to my whole family?”

“Please sign this book for my mother.”

In the long, long line to meet the inspiring storyteller,

The young Shoreline readers

Beam with pride.

“I read all of your books.”

“My mother was your student in college.”

“We got to draw pictures of your story in class.”

In the two-hour line to meet their local hero

The Shoreline students realize what is truly worth waiting for.

“Could my brother and I get a photo with you?

(say thank you to Dr. Jimenez hermanito)"

“I am going to be a writer some day, so I need

to have your address to send you my writing!”

“I would have waited all night for this moment.”

Our Students Get Ready for Dr. Francisco Jimenez's Visit on Wednesday

2010-10-04T18:47:00.000-07:00

Dr. Jimenez at Washington School in San Jose

[Today's blog was submitted by Shoreline's librarian Gayle Rorvik. Gayle has a wonderful collection of letters and art the children have created and sent to Dr Jimenez over the years. Stop by the library to see them.]

"My hope is that my writing then gives voice to a large sector of our society that for many, many years has been largely ignored." - Francisco Jimenez

The school is abuzz with activities to honor award-winning author Francisco Jimenez. After six years of asking him to visit, he has finally accepted and will speak at a school-wide assembly on Wednesday.

There's a lot happening to help the students connect with the books Dr. Jimenez has written. In addition to everyone reading excerpts of The Circuit:

Every morning during announcements, the Jimenez Count Down features either Ms. Moreno or Ms. Mullikin reading a small inspirational passage from one of his three books. The selections are chosen by the eighth grade language arts students to further enlighten other students about his stories.
Art students are making a Francisco Jimenez tile mural that will be on display at Shoreline.
Students in Mr. McIntyre's EL class vied for positions as Jimenez Ambassadors. The winners visit other classes talking about Dr. Jimenez and answering questions.
A group of student have been chosen to ask questions at the end of Dr. Jimenez's talk; they are excited and already practicing!

Be sure to talk with your children about this important event. Get their thoughts on what they have been reading and doing. At dinner on Wednesday night be sure to ask your child about the assembly and start a discussion that gets the whole family involved!

Shoreline's Boys and Girls Club Makes News!

2010-09-30T16:47:00.000-07:00

Shoreline's Boys and Girls Club was profiled in today's Santa Cruz Sentinel.

You can read the article here.

If you are interested in learning more about what's going on, stop by after school and talk to the staff!

Award-Winning Author Francisco Jimenez to Visit Our School

2010-09-29T13:53:00.000-07:00

Dr. Jimenez at SSF Library.

Award-winning author Francisco Jimenez will be talking to the student body at an assembly at Shoreline Middle School on Wednesday, October 6th. This event is the first of a series focusing on helping students learn about overcoming adversity and striving for success by making it tangible. For the students, this first person account of perseverance and survival will serve as proof that it is possible to achieve your dreams.

Dr. Jimenez is a professor at Santa Clara University and has been recognized as a voice of a generation of migrant workers - especially children. His book, The Circuit, is currently being read by many of the students. It tells his story of growing up as a migrant worker with limited access to education. In spite of everything, Dr. Jimenez managed to stay focused and his career stands as a testament to his commitment.

In a county that is fueled by agriculture, many of the children at Shoreline Middle School have had a personal experience with migrant workers - either in their own family or with their friends. Dr. Jimenez's story is both captivating and relevant. At Shoreline, students have volunteered to act as ambassadors teaching other students interesting facts about the author (you can spot them wearing a "Who is Francisco Jimenez” tee-shirt).

"Our children come to school with varied life experiences," said Stella Moreno, principal at Shoreline Middle School. "Our goal is to help students take advantage of those life experiences and turn them into personal strengths so they succeed in school and become vital members of the community."

The press are invited to this event which begins at 1:30pm on October 6th. Please check-in a few minutes early at the Shoreline office.

About Shoreline Middle School

2010-09-28T16:54:00.000-07:00

In the heart of Live Oak in Santa Cruz County, Shoreline Middle School serves 600 students in sixth, seventh and eighth grades. The average experience of our credentialed teaching staff exceeds the state median, validated by parent enthusiasm for the quality of the learning experience. With a diverse student body, the teachers and staff focus on teaching the 21^st century skills needed to succeed in high school, college and beyond.

Shoreline is a digital destination.

Focused on using technology to support learning, we have Promethean Boards in every classroom so teachers can quickly include real world examples to make learning a rich experience. With just a click, they can show the intricacies of a microorganism, the faces of another culture or the devastation of the Sendai tsunami.

We have many special programs that encourage students to explore and develop their interests to supplement strong language, math and science curriculums. About 35% of the students participate in instrumental music while others learn art, video production, computer science and languages. We also offer a student leadership program based on teaching leadership skills including civic service.

A passion for learning, the center of excitement.

Logistically, our campus revolves around the student quad that centralizes student activities and optimizes supervision. Shoreline has twenty-four regular classrooms, and a specially designed art room, music room and computer lab. Our student store is just around the corner from the cafeteria and outdoor amphitheater that seats 450 students. The physical education facility contains two large locker rooms, a circuit training room and a large multi-use gymnasium.

We offer tours to interested families. Please contact our office to make arrangements.

Welcome to Shoreline: Do You Believe in You?

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This is the most important question we are asking our students this year. We want them to believe in themselves because we believe in them.

I am thrilled to be joining the Shoreline Middle School team. I have a particular place in my heart for middle school children and I have spent a large part of my career focused on this age group. Most recently I was the principal of Pajaro Middle School in Watsonville, CA.

Early in my career, I worked here in Live Oak, and maybe some of you remember me. I love this community and it's fitting that I have returned to the neighborhood I love as the principal of our wonderful school.

Over the years I have learned there is one thing that helps students succeed more than anything else: the ability to believe in themselves. With that strong belief, they can weather any storm, overcome any challenge, climb the tallest mountain.

The teachers and staff at Shoreline believe in your child. We are working to help your children use their minds well, make good decisions and teach them that effort leads to success. For our part, we are committed to demonstrating our passion for learning, pride in doing it well and performing our best in all situations.

Back to School Night is this Wednesday, September 29th. We hope you will come, meet your child's teachers and show your child you believe in them!