September 2022
MSJE Office Staff
Katy Carter, Principal
Shanthi Sukumar, Secretary
TBD: Attendance Clerk
Office: 510-656-1200
Fax: 510 651-4211
Hours: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Mission San Jose Elementary School
43545 Bryant St. Fremont, CA 94539 [MAP]
Hello Mission San Jose Elementary Families,
What a Wonderful start to the school year it has been! Thank you to all students, families, and staff for your patience as we have been settling into our new routines. As we enter into the Fall season and wrap up our first weeks of the school year, I also want to thank each of you for working to sustain a strong home-school relationship. I encourage all families to partner with teachers and staff to maintain open lines of communication. I look forward to the opportunity to meet with you throughout the year; my door is always open. In-person classroom visitors and volunteers must have an approved appointment with the teacher.
This month all grade levels will be focusing on growth mindset and goal setting. I encourage parents/guardians to reinforce these concepts at home. How can a growth mindset and goal setting help us at home, at school, and in our communities?
For any questions you may have or for more information about how you can support MSJE, please do not hesitate to reach out to me. I look forward to the opportunity to partner with all members of the MSJE community to provide our students with an amazing year! GO MUSTANGS!
In Partnership,
Katy Carter, Principal
Mission San Jose Vision Statement
All students will be valued, encouraged, and challenged in a collaborative learning environment.
COVID Testing for Staff and Students
Starting on Monday, September 12, MSJE will offer COVID testing to all students from 12:30 - 4:00 PM in room 13. All students that wish to participate in testing this year will have to fill out a new waiver. Each school has an updated link here. COVID testing will continue to be available at the district office Monday-Friday.
MSJE's School Site Council Membership Ballot
The school Site Council is composed of parents/community members and school staff. Collaboratively we work to advance the School Plan for Student Achievement (SPSA) for the continued growth of student success in order to close the achievement gap and enhance and enrich the school experience for all students. We will soon be welcoming two new parent/community members. Please take a moment to vote for the new members on this School Site Council Membership Ballot by Friday, September 9.
Back-to-School Night
Thank you to all of you who attended this year's MSJE Back-to-School Night. Here are a few resources for your review:
FUSD Family Resource Website
Welcome to the 2022 - 2023 school year! On this FUSD Family Resource Website, you will find resources, news, information about upcoming events that FUSD will host throughout the school year, past presentations, ways to encourage learning at home, and more. FUSD will continue to update this site so please be sure to bookmark this site and check back for more updates.
Office Business and Visitor Policy
When possible our office staff prefers to support parents and families via email or phone. Please be sure your child(ren) has all of their belongings (backpack, lunch, water bottle, etc) upon school arrival. Our office will not accept any late drop-offs of lunches, water bottles, or other items.
All visitors must be pre-approved by the teacher and principal. All visitors must be fully vaccinated. All visitors must check in at the office prior to going into a classroom.
Amplify Science Curriculum
New this year... Our teachers will be providing science instruction this year with Amplify Science. Amplify Science is a K–8 science curriculum that blends hands-on investigations, literacy-rich activities, and interactive digital tools to empower students to think, read, write, and argue like real scientists and engineers.
Second Step Social-Emotional Learning Curriculum
New this year... We are excited to begin using Second Step curriculum to support our students in social-emotional learning. Students in grades Kindergarten-8th will receive instruction with this program in all FUSD schools. For more information, please read this Second Step Information for Families. We look forward to watching our students' social and emotional growth throughout the year.
GATE (Gifted and Talented Education)
Fremont Unified School District (FUSD) provides support for gifted and talented (GATE) students through differentiated instruction. FUSD believes that differentiated instruction not only serves the needs of our exceptional students, but also enhances the entire educational program for all students. In February of 2020, funding for the CogAT testing was cut as part of the budget savings. While the CogAT testing has been the primary means of qualifying students for GATE identification we are now in the process of identifying an alternative way of identifying students. There will not be a test for GATE eligibility given this year. We are currently revising the GATE identification process and handbook. FUSD will have an update by Spring 2023.
During the 2022/2023 school year we will continue to identify 5th and 6th grade students who were not identified in an earlier grade. These students may be considered for GATE identification through the professional judgement process. Teachers and/or parents may nominate a student. A completed nomination form must be submitted by the teacher or parent to the school Principal by December 15, 2022. Principals will set up meetings with the teacher, student, and parent to discuss the student’s eligibility for GATE identification. In June 2023, parents, teachers, and students who applied for professional judgement will be informed of their child’s GATE eligibility.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Water Bottles
Free breakfast will be available for students on school days from 7:30-8:30 AM in the multi-use room. Lunch will continue to be free for the 2022-2023 school year. Students may also bring lunch from home. Students will eat lunch at designated times according to the 2022-2023 Bell Schedule. Select classes will eat their lunches in the outdoor eating area allowing other classes who will eat in the multi-use room to spread out appropriately. Students should bring a pre-filled water bottle to school daily. Students may refill water bottles at our refilling station as needed. No lunches or water bottles (or school materials) are permitted to be dropped off after the start of the school day. Students who forget to bring lunch may receive a free school lunch.
Cell Phone / Smart Watch Policy and Agreement
Cell phones/Smart Watches may be brought to school for safety purposes and students must follow the following guidelines:
Cell phone/Smart Watch must be turned off between 8:20 AM and 2:40 PM.
Cell phone must be kept in the student’s backpack.
Cell phones/Smart Watches will not be loaned to another student.
Cell phones are used to make a phone call for a ride only. It is not allowed to take pictures, listen to music, call friends, etc.
The school is not responsible if the cell phone/Smart Watch is lost or damaged. Students who use cell phones/Smart Watches at any time during the instructional day shall be subject to the following progressive discipline procedures:
First Offense: the cell phone/Smart Watch will be confiscated and sent to the office with a referral slip. Parents will be called to pick up the cell phone.
Subsequent offense(s) - (defiance): Additional parent contact and more severe disciplinary action including but not limited to suspension.
Parents must provide a written request (MSJE Cell Phone / Smart Watch Agreement Form) to the school for a student to carry a cell phone/Smart Watch. By filling out this form, students and parent/guardian is agreeing to the MSJE cell phone policy.
MSJE Green Team
Volunteers needed... Our MSJE Green Team helps to sort and limit waste at our school. Being a part of the team is a great opportunity for students to volunteer their time to help our school as well as our environment. Groups of students in 4th - 6th grades can get involved when it is their class’s turn to pick up classroom recycling during their lunch recess. We also have opportunities for student supervisors in 2nd-6th grades to help other students sort their waste correctly at both lunch and snack recess. We welcome parent help, too! If you are interested, please contact Mrs. O’Hara at dohara@fusdk12.net.
FAME (Fine Art Music Mini Experience) is recruiting
Volunteers needed... FAME parent volunteers come into the classroom to teach art/music history and do an art project with students. No previous art/music experience is necessary. If you’d like to join FAME, please let your child’s teacher know you want to be a FAME volunteer for your classroom. To learn more about FAME and get updates on training days join our WhatsApp group at https://chat.whatsapp.com/IjMU9EBzq6X6vksVqTw48D or contact us at famemsje@gmail.com
Safety Patrol
Volunteers needed... 5th and 6th-grade students are welcome and encouraged to join the MSJE Safety Patrol. Participating students will help ensure safe arrival and dismissal on Bryant Street. Students interested in participating must return this Safety Patrol Permission Form to Mr. Singleton. Please direct all questions to Mr. Singleton (bsingleton@fusdk12.net).
Additionally, we are still happily welcoming additional adult volunteers to help out with arrival and dismissal. If you are available to support our school's Safety Patrol in the mornings (8:00 - 8:20 AM) and/or afternoons (2:40 - 3:00 PM), please contact Katy Carter (kcarter@fusdk12.net).
MSJE's Health and Safety Committee
Volunteer opportunity available! We are seeking a parent to sit on MSJE's Health and Safety committee. This committee will meet in-person every other 4th Monday (3:00 - 4:00 PM) at the MSJE Library. Collaboratively, we will review and resubmit our Comprehensive School Safety Plan and consider the health and safety needs.
Please contact Katy Carter kcarter@fusdk12.net if you are interested.
MSJE's English Language Advisory Committee (ELAC)
Calling on Parents of Multilingual Learners... We are looking for parents of Multilingual Learners to serve on the District English Language Advisory Committee (DELAC) and the MSJE English Language Advisory Committee (ELAC). DELAC provides a forum for parents/guardians of Multilingual Learners to advise, assist and provide recommendations to District administration and the Board of Education for the continuing improvement of programs, services, and policies for English Learners and their families.
DELAC MEETINGS 2022-2023: Oct. 24, Dec. 12, Feb. 27, and May 22 - all meetings at 6:00 PM on Zoom - more info
MSJE ELAC: The ELAC meetings will be held in-person on Zoom (2nd Wednesdays of September, October, February, March, and May, 3:00 to 4:00 PM). At ELAC meetings, you would share DELAC information with our School Site Council which is made up of staff and other parents.
Please contact Katy Carter kcarter@fusdk12.net if you are interested.
MSJE Student Council Updates
Student Council Timeline:
Aug. 26: Information and permission form go out to students and parents
Sept. 2: Permission forms due (return to Mr. Singleton)
Sept. 6-9: Campaigning and Posters
Sept. 12-16: Speech week (live speeches at lunchtime)
Sept. 19-20: Voting
Sept. 21: Election Results shared
Description of Positions:
President (6th grade only)
sets the agenda for student council goals
leads all student council meetings
helps to keep meetings task-oriented and agenda-driven
coordinates/delegates the roles of all council members in all activities.
Vice President (5th and 6th grade only)
works closely with the President in setting agenda/goals for meetings
acts as President in their absence
helps to keep attendance at the meetings
helps in the decision-making process of all council business
Secretary (4th, 5th, and 6th grade)
keeps all of the notes at student council meetings
keeps written record of attendance at the meetings
helps in the decision-making process of all council business
Treasurer (4th, 5th, and 6th grade)
keeps track of all fundraising numbers
keeps track of all spirit day counts and reports results to secretary
helps in the decision making-process of all council business
Sergeant of Arms (4th and 5th grade only)
responsible for keeping order during the meetings
keeps meetings on-task and agenda-driven
helps in the decision-making process of all council business
2022-2023 FUSD School Year Calendar
Please see the 2022-2023 FUSD School Year Calendar.
Instructional-Calendar-22-23.pdf
Counselor's Corner
Greetings MSJE Families,
Counselor Introductions will start this month. I look forward to meeting your students in their classes this month to introduce my role and explain how students can access support at school. I work with students individually, and in groups, to learn skills that will contribute to their success in school and life. Students may be referred by a self-referral, staff member, or parent. I also work with students on a school-wide basis to promote kindness and to build a welcoming school environment for all. You may visit the counseling website for more information about our program.
Start with Hello Week is an initiative from the Sandy Hook Promise that runs from September 19-23. Our school will be participating in this weeklong event through spirit dress-up days, activities and challenges. The focus of this initiative is to empower students to create a culture of kindness, inclusion and connectedness in their school community. Students will learn about the following three step process to help other students who are lonely or need support: Reach out + Help + Start with "Hello."
Second Step is our new social-emotional curriculum this year. For August and September, students will focus on learning about the importance of “Growth Mindset and Setting Goals” through the Second Step Curriculum. At home, we encourage families to engage in conversations which reinforce their student’s learning and support additional practice beyond the classroom. The following resources provide an overview of the ideas and concepts your student will be learning: Kindergarten, First Grade, Second Grade, Third Grade, Fourth Grade, and Fifth Grade. In sixth grade, students will learn about the brain’s ability to grow and change when they practice challenging things. Tell your child about a time you had to learn something new and explain whether it was hard to learn and how you learned it. Ask your child if there’s anything they would like to learn to do this year. Thank you for your continued support.
Best Regards,
Ko Vue
kvue@fusdk12.net
MSJE PTC Contribution Drive flyer - 2022_2023.pdfPTC Connections
We are all looking forward to a year of partnership, involvement, and enrichment! The support provided by parents and families will continue to play an important role in our students' lives.
Thank you, in advance, for your support!
The PTC mission is to facilitate excellent communication among parents and teachers together, and to build one another up for the benefit of these amazing children! The goal of the PTC Contribution Drive is to raise and administer funds that provide enrichment opportunities to MSJE students beyond those provided by the FUSD. The PTC will react to the changing needs of our students and teachers, and focus on creative ways to complement the ever changing learning environment. And we need your support to do so!
Over the years, the PTC has funded after school programs, classroom, and school needs to promote a more advanced and holistic education for our students. Examples include STEM programs such as Math Counts, Math Olympiad and Schmahl Science; Arts programs such as FAME, Music Programs, Creative Assemblies, Teacher Allotments, School Technology, School Library, Chess and more. All funded by parents like you.
Your one-time donation for the current academic year is very important as the children’s needs are new. To donate, simply point your smartphone camera at one of the QR codes below and tap the link that pops up.
Suggested donation: $225 per student
Thank you in advance for your help!
For more information, please visit the PTC page on the MSJE Website or email the PTC at msjeptcexecboard@gmail.com.
Next PTC Meeting: Tuesday, September 13, 7:00 PM - in-person meeting (MSJE Library)
MSJE Community
Paperless fliers for community events, programs, and resources can be found at https://app.peachjar.com/flyers/all/schools/51584 . To sign up for automatic notifications, go to www.peachjar.com and click on 'Sign Up'.
Remember to also check MSJE's School Website for updates and information.
Mission San Jose Elementary
43545 Bryant St. Fremont, CA 94539 [MAP]
Office: 510-656-1200 ┃Fax: 510 651-4211
Office Hours: Mon - Fri: 8:00 am - 4:00pm