Joaquin Miller Middle School MUSTANG - Teacher Web

Joaquin Miller Middle School MUSTANG 6151 Rainbow Drive San Jose, CA 95129 Principal: Richard P. Taylor Assistant Principal: Steve Burrell 1420

Phone: (408) 252-3755 Fax: (408) 255-5269 Counselor: Amorette Lueck Counselor: Amy Steele

Board of Education Anjali Kausar, Ben Liao, Josephine Lucey, Gary McCue, Phyllis Vogel

Superintendent Phil Quon

Attendance: Call 252-3755, extension 6 Please report absences by 9:00 a.m. each morning that your child is absent. Please spell the child’s name beginning with last name, first name, include grade, reason for absence, and your relation to the child. Homework: Homework may be requested for absences of three days or more. Please call before 9:00 a.m. to request, and pickup the homework after 3:00 p.m. You may also check the teacher’s website for homework. To email Staff: [email protected] April 2009 Website: http://teacherweb.com/CA/MillerMiddle School/MillerMustang/

The teachers of Miller Middle School have selected Ms. Valerie Cypert as Miller Middle School Teacher of the Year for the 2008-2009 school year. Ms Cypert is truly an exemplary teacher demonstrating an abundance of professional skills and enthusiasm. Ms. Cypert teaches 7th grade English Language Arts and has pioneered a new Communication Arts class that creates video production for the morning announcements and podcasts it daily. Ms. Cypert organizes the after school program, Miller Power Hour, teaches a writing lab, and participates on the Grant Writing Committee. Ms. Cypert has participated in the Yale University Summer Literacy Institute, the Enhancing Education through Technology Program, California League of Middle Schools Conference, and the Stanford Program on International and Cross-Cultural Education. In the community, Ms. Cypert participates in fundraising for WomenCARE (Women’s Cancer Advocacy, Resources, and Education) in Santa Cruz, and also volunteers for Project Purr (nonprofit cat rescue). Ms. Cypert truly cares about the academic, social, and emotional development of all students. Ms. Cypert’s generosity of time and spirit is amazing. We at Miller deeply appreciate all of her efforts. STAR Multiple Choice Testing will be held May 4-7, May 11 & 12th The STAR Program is a state accountability measure that helps us assess how we are meeting the needs of our students. You can help prepare your child for the test by ensuring your child goes to bed on time, eats a good breakfast, and leaves for school with a positive attitude. Please do not schedule any family trips or doctor appointments during this time. Testing will be done by 12:30 p.m. at the latest each day. Please check the website for the daily revised bell schedules as lunch and brunch will be at different times. Panoramic Pictures: April 9th for all grades: 8th grade: 1st period, 7th grade: 2nd period, and 6th grade: 3rd period. Order forms will be sent home with kids on Friday, April 3rd. Laminated 10x30 Picture: $19.75 and Laminated 10x30 Picture in wood frame: $31.25. Please make checks payable to Len Conrad School Photography. Please submit order forms with checks directly to the photographer on picture day.

Congratulations! The Science Bowl San Jose Regional competition was held at the National Hispanic University on Saturday, March 7th from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. A total of 13 teams representing 9 schools participated. The Harker school came in 3rd place, the Miller team came in 2nd place, and Challenger Sunnyvale Team2 placed 1st. The science bowl is a fast-paced question-and-answer academic contest where students answer questions about earth science, physical science, life science, math, and general science. The Miller team consisted of Kevin Lei, Nikkil Buduma, Victor Xu, MyungGeun Chi and Keegan Mendonca. Congratulations to the team and Mrs. Duan, their coach. Math and Science Teachers, congratulations on your excellent instruction which enabled our team to place so well. Synopsys Silicon Valley Science and Technology Championship - Congratuations! We are pleased to announce that 7th grader Susmitha Bhat won first prize at the county level, and received the medal at the Awards Ceremony held at Great America on Sunday, March 29, 2009. Susmitha was also awarded best environmental science project by Science Discovery! She has been invited to attend the state level competition in L.A (CA State Science Fair, May 18-19, 2009). (http://synopsys.championship.googlepages.com/ ) Again, congratulations, Susmitha! Ramya Wins Spelling Bee!! We have amazing news. On Saturday, March 21, 2009, Ramya Auroprem (Miller 8th grader) took first place at the SF Chronicle's final spelling bee in San Francisco. She endured 12 rounds of such words as invigilation, amadelphous, and boucharde. Ramya and her parents will now fly to Washington, D.C. the week of May 24th to not only represent Miller Middle School but the entire Bay Area. The later rounds of this Scripps National Spelling Bee are always televised on ESPN. Ramya, we wish you the best. You have already made us proud! Congratulation to all FBLA members who competed in the Bay Sectionals (Feb. 28-March 1, 2009). You not only represented Miller well, you simply rocked!!! Miller was the only middle school that had 15 students placing in the top 10 spots for all the testing categories. Although Miller students competed with High Schoolers, 6 students placed high enough to go on to State Competition!! Students moving on to State competition are Angela Li who placed 2nd in Introduction to Business; Kimberly Tan who placed 4th in Introduction to Business Communication; Prachi Shah who placed 4th in Public Speaking I; and Eric Xu, Alex Lee and Michael Luo who placed 4th in Global Business Group competition. Well done! Mrs. Kennedy CMEA SOLO ENSEMBLE FESTIVAL – A BIG SUCCESS! Miller Band musicians, parents, and friends had a busy and very productive day at the Solo Ensemble Festival at San Jose State University, Saturday, March 21. Seven adjudicators listened to approximately 350 performers from twenty different schools throughout the whole day. We thank all of the volunteer students, parents, and band friends who so graciously gave their time on Saturday to help our Miller Band Department run a successful festival. Special thanks go to Katie Alexander and Tom Soukup, for organizing all of the volunteers and keeping everyone calm and happy throughout the process! About 80 Miller Band musicians performed at the festival, earning great ratings and comments from the adjudicators. We are proud of all of our performers, no matter what the rating. Each performer took the time to prepare his or her own music carefully, then had the courage to perform it in front of a judge. Congratulations to all who performed, and thank you for representing Miller in such a positive way! Thank you also to our wonderful accompanists, including Miller’s Jane Jun, Weian Wang, Mike Zhong, and Mr. Arnold, who helped our performances sound even better! Below are the results of our Miller performances from Saturday’s Solo Ensemble Festival. GOOD RATING: Anudeep Vedagiri – clarinet solo Erica Soukup – clarinet solo Albert Dinh & Rory Burtzlaff – baritone horn duet

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EXCELLENT RATING: Anna Naylor – flute solo Jessica Zhang – flute solo Christopher Ma – clarinet solo Kevin Chang – clarinet solo Austin Holland – trumpet solo Jeffrey Luan – trumpet solo Diane Yoon – trumpet solo Henry Yi – trombone solo Rory Burtzlaff – baritone horn solo Nitya Mani – violin solo Brandon Wei & Christopher Ma – clarinet duet Louise Zhou, Michelle Chang, & Christina Lin – flute/clarinet trio Kathy Dong, Sujin Lee, Yuqing Zhu, & Kathy Jang – flute/clarinet quartet Eva Chen, Winnie Chao, & Daniel Sun – flute/bassoon trio Rachel Song & Susmitha Bhat – clarinet duet Albert Chen, Albert Dinh, & James Wang – clarinet trio Mallika Sathe & Winnie Chao – alto sax duet Simon Rhee & Mike Zhong – tenor sax duet Dasha Birkina & James Ma – trumpet duet Dasha Birkina, Diane Yoon, & Brian Shu – trumpet trio Vincent Wu & Brian Su – trumpet/trombone duet Nikhil Unni & Mike Zhong – trumpet/tuba duet SUPERIOR RATING: Kathy Dong – flute solo Makenzie Larsen – flute solo Kimberly Tan – flute solo Nicholas Lie – clarinet solo Daniel Sun – clarinet solo Myung-Geun Chi – clarinet solo Steven Chao – alto sax solo Brian Shu – trumpet solo Jesse Soliman – trumpet solo Kyle Williams – trumpet solo Jesse Chou – French horn solo Gary Chen – trombone solo Manpreet Singh Tiwana – snare drum solo Jonathan Uesato & Austin Yu – flute duet Stacy Jeong & Kimberly Tan – flute duet Mustafa Guler & Ethan Wang – clarinet duet Nancy Zhou, Devaki Belwalkar, & Crystal Guo – clarinet trio SUPERIOR RATING WITH COMMAND PERFORMANCE (special commendation): Helen Jun – flute solo Eric Xu – clarinet solo Jack Yu – clarinet solo Daniel Sun – bassoon solo Derrick Du – violin solo Eric Xu, Jack Yu, & Myung-Geun Chi – clarinet trio Helen Jun, Emily Shung, Kevin Chang, Jesse Chou, & Albert Xu – woodwind quintet Arkadip Saha, Sabrina Woolhiser, Juliana Yau, & Steven Chao – saxophone quartet

Graduation Standards & Policies Academic Standards: (for participating in the graduation ceremony)

1) Cupertino Union School District requires all students to pass all courses to graduate (this means academic courses, PE, and electives). Students are expected and encouraged to achieve to their highest potential. A student who earns at least a D average in all classes may participate in the graduation ceremony. All middle schools use the following point scale: A = 5 points B = 4 points C = 3 points

D = 2 points F = 0 points 3

In order to graduate, students must receive a total of at least 8 points in all year long courses, and at least 4 points in all semester long electives, in the four quarters of a year’s course work. Here’s an example of how the policy works: John earned an “F” in the first quarter in English, a “D” in the second quarter, and a “D-“ in the third quarter. So far, he has 4 points. He must get at least a “B” (4 points) the fourth quarter in order to graduate. * Note: + and - on a grade does not make a difference on the point scale. 2) Students are required to attend classes at least 85% of the school days from the first day of school, or the date of enrollment (if the students arrived in the middle of the year.) In the absence of extenuating circumstances, failure to meet this requirement will result in exclusion from the graduation ceremony. 85% attendance means that students may not miss more than 27 days in the school year if they started on August 23rd of this year. (It would be fewer days if the student enrolled after August 23rd. Parents should note that there is no distinction made between excused or unexcused absences. If these two requirements are not met, the student will not be able to participate in the graduation ceremony. Please note that not participating in the graduation ceremony does not mean that the student will be retained. END OF THE YEAR ATTENDANCE POLICY Students must be in attendance on the last day of school to guarantee their place in the school they are registered in for the 2009-2010 school year. When the student returns, if space is available at his or her school, the student will be reinstated. If no space is available, the student will be assigned to another school in the district where space is available. If the student is ill, parents must notify the school of the absence and provide documentation. When you are making travel plans, please consider the possible ramifications. If you have any questions, please contact Student Assignment at (408) 252-3000, Extension 110.

PTA NEWS PTA NEWS Election at April PTA Meeting Please join us at our PTA Meeting on Thursday, April 9th, 7:45 a.m. in the Miller Library. We will elect the Miller PTA officers for the 2009-2010 school year. The following slate of officers are presented for the association’s consideration: President — Lori Stafford Vice President — Subha Rajana Treasurer — Wanda Schenck Secretary — Shannon Breuckman Auditor — Gabriella Truckai Historian — Tiffany Hsiao

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In addition, Miller's principal, Richard Taylor, will give us an update on the happenings at Miller and answer your questions. Students without a zero period are welcome to attend with their parents and lounge in the reading area. We hope to see you there!

Need Your Help for Graduation! Our Graduation committee is looking for volunteer photographers with their own digital camera to take pictures during the 8th Grade Graduation Party on June 12th. If you are interested, please contact Tiffany Hsiao at (408) 768-7067, or [email protected] for more details. THANKS!

Volunteers Needed for 2009-2010 There are lots of ways to get involved at Miller! We will be looking for several volunteers to help lead various “committees” in the next school year. Examples include, Welcome Back BBQ, Reflections Program, Birthday Book Club, Lunch/Brunch Helpers, and Membership. If you are interested in learning more about these and other volunteer opportunities, please contact Lori Stafford ([email protected] or 255-1445). Thank you!

Translation Services Available The Parent Partner Program is a new initiative of the Miller PTA whose charge is to obtain increased bilingual parent participation in school life. This program works to inform bilingual parents about school culture, procedures, activities, as well as to facilitate communication between the school and bilingual families. Miller teachers or staff can request support in reaching out to bilingual families of various languages in our community. Parents can ask for support in navigating school procedures or communicating their concerns with the school or teachers. If you would like to request translation support, please contact Teresa Huang at [email protected] or refer to the PTA icon on the Miller web site.

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CUSD NEWS District News Please click on link below for most recent letter to the community from Superintendent Phil Quon about the state budget.

State Budget Update from Superintendent Phil Quon PARENT SPEAKER SERIES SELPA II (Special Education Local Plan Area II) is proud to host the following guest speaker presentation to parents of students with special needs. The event takes place at Sedgwick Elementary School (19200 Phil Lane in Cupertino) in the GLC from 7:00-9:00 PM. There is no registration required to attend the event. Onsite childcare is available, but registration is required for childcare and closes one week prior to the event, with no exceptions. For childcare contact Linda Toda at (408) 522-2474. Thursday, April 23, 2009 “Dating and Adolescence Considerations for Special Needs Teens” Lynn Muccigrosso Lynn Muccigrosso is chief consultant of Stiggall & Assoc., a private consulting firm that addresses the social education needs of students with disabilities, of all ages. It's essential for self-esteem and personal safety! Getting clear about what this topic includes, and why it is so critically important, can be very motivating. This will be a group discussion, with much interaction, questions and answers.

CUSD STATE PRESCHOOL ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS The Cupertino Union School District is currently taking applications for its free State Preschool Program for the Fall of 2009. The program, which serves low-income three- and four-year-old children, is located at Sedgwick Elementary School, 19200 Phil Lane in Cupertino. Children who will be three or four-years-old by Dec. 2 may qualify. Priority is given to children who will be four by Dec. 2, 2009. This free, parent participation preschool offers children many exciting learning experiences including math, pre-reading, science and creative arts, as well as the opportunity to work and play in group situations. Preschool activities are designed to help children make a successful transition to kindergarten. Children attend three hours per day, five days a week. Parents interested in enrolling their children should contact Ruth Wachob at Sedgwick Elementary School, (408) 252-3103 ext. 202. DE ANZA COLLEGE SUMMER EXTENDED YEAR PROGRAM 2009 De Anza College in partnership with the Cupertino Union School District will offer the Extended Year Program this summer, mornings only, from June 22 to July 17, 2009.

Students entering grades 6 through 10 Classes will be held at Cupertino and Miller Middle Schools, and will include: Speech and Debate, Japanese, Advanced Writer’s Workshop, Intro to Algebra 1&2, Geometry, Lego Robotics, ML Cad Design, PSAT Prep-Verbal, Fashion Design, and many others.

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Students entering grades 1 through 5 Classes will be held at Collins Elementary School, and will include: Math Applications & Concepts, Writing: Paragraphs to Essays, Reading Intensive, Geology, Math & Art, Mandarin, Journalism/Writing, First Grade Block, and more! Program brochures will be sent home in early March and will also be available at your school office. More information is available at www.extendedyear.deanza.edu. Early registration is by mail only and will begin on March 9, 2009 and ends on May 23, 2009. There will also be walk-in registration available from June 1 to June 8, 2009.

UPDATING RESIDENCY INFORMATION Please be aware that district guidelines require that any change of residence must be reported to the school office within ten (10) days. This guideline is in place to ensure that the address and contact information that the school has on file is accurate, since this crucial information is used to send official school/district correspondence and in the case of an emergency. Failure to provide current residency information could result in the immediate withdrawal of your child. If you have any questions regarding this guideline, please contact your school office.

School Calendar April 1 April 3 – 10 April 3 April 3 April 4 April 4 -7 April 7 April 8 – 10 April 9 April 13 – 17 April 23 May 1 May 4 – 8 May 4 – 15 May 6 May 7 May 8 May 8 May 11 May 13 TBD May 14 May 21 May 22 May 27

50th Anniversary Planning Mtg 7:45 a.m. -8:45 a.m./Library Book Fair in the Library Ecology Assembly (revised bell schedule) Miller Dance 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. Librarian’s Day Advanced Band Disneyland Trip Report Cards mailed Auditions for Advanced Band for 2009-2010 PTA meeting 7:45 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. in Library Panoramic Picture Day Spring Recess – no school MCEF meeting 7:45 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. in Office Conf. Rm. PTA Staff Appreciation Luncheon Teacher Appreciation Week STAR Testing Window, revised bell schedule May 4-7, May 11, 12, makeups thereafter 8th grade Award Nominations: Faculty, Garrido/PTA due Volunteer Tea hosted by the staff Deficiency Notices mailed Mustang Corral 3:15 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. 8th grade Dept award nominations due Finalize Faculty Award selection PTA meeting 7:45 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. in Library Talent Show – Revised Bell Schedule MCEF meeting 7:45 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. in Office Conf. Rm In Service Day – no school for students Advanced Band to Fresno (all day) 50th Anniversary Planning Mtg 7:45 a.m. -8:45 a.m./Library 7

May 28, 29 May 29 June 1 June 2 June 8 June 10 June 11 June 12 June 19

Spring Concerts 7 p.m. Last day for students to turn in Library books Library closed for remainder of year NJHS Award Program 4:00 p.m., gym 8th Grade Dept Award Night 7:00 p.m., gym Great America 9 am – 4:45 p.m. Sixth grade picnic at Rainbow Park Minimum day – students dismissed at 12:03 p.m. Last day of school min day 12:03 Graduation 4:00 p.m. Report Cards Mailed

/updated 3/26/09 June 22 – July 17

District Calendar 2009-2010 August 17 August 17, 18 and 19, 2009 August 18 August 20, 2009 September 7, 2009 September 18 October 26 November 11, 2009 November 17 November 25, 26 and 27, 2009 Dec. 21, 2009 – Jan. 1, 2010 January 18, 2010 February 9 February 15-19, 2010 March 15 March 16 April 12-16, 2010 May 28 May 31, 2010 June 10, 2010

Summer School

Welcome Forum for parents/new students 7:00 p.m. Teacher Work Days W.E.B. Orientation new incoming 6th gr: 9am - 12 noon New 7th/8th : 1- 2 p.m. Students Return Labor Day Staff Learning Day Staff Learning Day Veteran’s Day AMC – 8 in Algebra AB & Geometry classes Thanksgiving Recess Winter Recess Martin Luther King Day AMC – 10 in the gym from 8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Mid-Year Recess Staff Learning Day AIME in library 7:15 – 10:30 a.m., library closed During testing hours Spring Recess Staff Learning Day Memorial Day Last Day of School

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