Sunday 1/11/2026

Hello Julian Families,

Mr. Pierce here with your Sunday message. A few reminders for this week:

• • • Temperature: Friday was 31 degrees as the buses dropped off - 14 degrees with wind chill. We will have indoor recess when appropriate, but with days getting colder, please remind your child to dress appropriately (jackets/sweaters/etc. - Pathways is available to assist with students needing winter-wear)

    • End of 2nd quarter: This Friday marks the end of 2nd quarter. Please take a moment to look at grades with your student, and discuss any opportunities to make up missed work.

I hope that you and your family had a great weekend, and we'll see your student in class tomorrow.

____

Sunday 1/4/2026

Hello Julian Families,

Mr. Pierce here with your Sunday message as we return from Winter Break!:

• • • Classes restart tomorrow, Monday Jan 5th: Transitions after break can be exciting, but it's important for students to get back into the school schedule (especially important to get enough sleep!).

    • Pathways announcements:

      • Coffee and Conversation: Join us in the Pathways building for coffee and conversation this Wednesday, from 8:00 - 9:00.

      • First Friday Lunch: 1/9 will be our first First Friday lunch for new year. Elementary parents who can attend are invited to join their student for lunch in the garden! 

I hope that you and your student had an amazing vacation - with time to recharge and reconnect with friends and extended family! Have a great last day of winter break, and we'll see your student in class tomorrow.

____

Sunday 12/21/2025

Julian Union School District is on Winter Break. Have an amazing time with friends and family, and we'll see your student back in class on 1/5/2026!

____________

Sunday 12/14/2025

Hello Julian Families,

Mr. Pierce here with your Sunday message - A lot going on this week as we prepare for winter break starting this Thursday, 12/18!:

• • • Country Christmas Music Program: Our students have been hard at work preparing for our Christmas music program - all elementary parents and family members are invited to join us for the performance this Wednesday, 12/17 at 10:00AM. Given the number of families attending, you may want to plan on arriving early. On-street parking outside the school lot is available, and the parking lot at the Julian Library is only a short 5 minute walk from campus.

    • Santa's Secret Shop: Santa's Secret Shop is continuing this week. Monday and Tuesday it will remain open after school from 2:15-3:00, and will open after the Wednesday music program from 11:30 - 1:00 for parents and families. Thank you to our amazing PTO volunteers for organizing and staffing!

    • Book givaway: Mr. Pritchard would like to announce a book givaway this Tuesday and Wednesday after school. Students and parents can grab a book, or a bag of books for winter break - books are available at all reading levels!

    • Pathways Winter Camp:  Winter Camp registration is open and plenty of spots still available. Dates are Dec. 18th and 19th, and  Dec. 22nd and 23rd. Field trips include Alpine Acres Animal Sanctuary and Fort Cross. Use the link on the Sunday Message page to register your student.

I hope that you and your family had a great weekend, and we'll see your student in class tomorrow.

________

Sunday 12/7/2025

Hello Julian Families,

Mr. Pierce here with your Sunday message - and a few reminders for this week:

• • • Santa's Secret Shop: Santa's Secret Shop starting tomorrow 12/8 as preview day only. No money is to be collected on Monday - It is more window shopping for kids to get an idea of what they want to get for their loved ones. A wish list and envelope will be given to the kids on preview day in the shop so they can make note of items/pricing. Shopping will begin Tuesday with teachers selecting their shopping time slots and days.

    • JJH Flag Football Tournament: Our Junior High Timberwolves will be competing in Vallacitos this Thursday, 12/11.

    • JJH Winter Formal Dance: The Junior High Winter Formal will be this Friday, 12/12 from 6-9PM

    • BizTown: Our 5th grade will be going on a field trip to BizTown this Friday, 12/12.

I hope that you and your family had a great weekend, and we'll see your student in class tomorrow.

_____

Sunday Message 11/30/2025

Hello Julian Families,

Mr. Pierce here with your Sunday message - Some events for this week as we come back from Thanksgiving Break:

• • • First Friday Lunch: 12/5 will be our First Friday lunch for the month of December. Elementary parents who can attend are invited to join their student for lunch in the garden! 

    • Santa's Secret Shop: Our Julian PTO still needs parent volunteers for Santa's Secret Shop beginning on 12/8! If you'd like to volunteer, please the link on the Sunday Message page to sign up! Link to the Santa's Secret Shop Volunteer Schedule

    • Julian Youth Basketball registration: The JYB season is starting in December and running through March. Registration is open now. Students from TK-12 including homeschool students are welcome, and parent coaches and volunteers are needed, too. Follow the link to the JYB website on the Sunday message page to register!

I hope that you and your family had a great Thanksgiving Break, and we'll see your student in class tomorrow.

______

Sunday Message 11/23/2025

Hello Julian Families,

Mr. Pierce here with your Sunday message. Some reminders as we start Thanksgiving Break.

• • • No school this week: There will be no school this week!

    • Santa's Secret Shop: Our Julian PTO is gearing up for Santa's Secret Shop beginning on 12/8! This is a yearly tradition that is open to kids TK-8th grade, and it means a lot to our students, and it only works thanks to our parent volunteers! If you'd like to volunteer, please the link on the Sunday Message page to sign up! Link to the Santa's Secret Shop Volunteer Schedule

    • Pathways Fall Camp: For those parents with students signed up for the Pathways Fall Camp, we'll see your student starting tomorrow! Camp runs this week from Monday through Wednesday, from 8 to 5.

I hope you and you and your student have a great time with family over the holiday break, and we'll see your student in class on 12/1.

_____

Sunday Message 11/16/2025

Hello Julian Families,

Mr. Pierce here with your Sunday message. Some updates for our last week before Thanksgiving:

• • • JJH ASB Conference: Our Junior High ASB will be attending a leadership conference this Tuesday, 11/18.

    • Native Ampppperican Heritage Week: This week we'll be recognizing Native American Heritage Week, including assemblies for the Elementary on Thursday, and for the Junior High on Friday. See the flyer on the Sunday Message page for day-by-day color themes for classroom spirit points.

    • Thanksgiving Break/Minimum Day this Friday: Thanksgiving Break starts on 11/24, with students returning on 12/1. This Friday, 11/21 is a minimum day.

    • Pathways Fall Camp: Last chance to register for Julian Pathways Fall Camp running from November 24th through the 26th. Please follow the Sunday message link fill out the form linked on the Sunday Message Page to register.

I hope you and your family are having a great weekend, and we'll see your student in class tomorrow.

________

Sunday Message 11/9/2025

Hello Julian Families,

Mr. Pierce here with your Sunday message.

• • • Veterans Day - No School Monday/Tuesday: In recognition of Veterans Day this Tuesday, 11/11, there will be no school tomorrow, Monday the 10th or on Tuesday the 11th.

    • Thanksgiving Food Drive: To support our community this Thanksgiving, JUSD will be collecting canned and other shelf-stable food. Donations will be accepted through 11/21 - the last school day before Thanksgiving Break.

    • Community Center Bus Stop on Desert Route: The Community Center bus stop has been shifted to improve bus safety. If your student uses this stop, please see the diagram on the Sunday Message page for details.

    • First Friday Lunch: Since our first Friday of the month was a non-student day, we'll be holding our First Friday Lunch this week - parents of Elementary students are invited to join their child in the school garden on 11/14.

    • PTO Meeting: Our next PTO meeting will be this Friday, 11/14, at 12:15pm in the elementary garden.

    • Pathways Fall Camp: Registration is still open for Julian Pathways Fall Camp running from November 24th through the 26th. Please follow the Sunday message link fill out the form linked on the Sunday Message Page to register.

I hope you and your family are having a great start to the long weekend, and we'll see your student in class on Wednesday.

_____

Sunday Message 11/2/2025

Hello Julian Families,

Mr. Pierce here with your Sunday message. Thank you to our incredible PTO for organizing our Halloween carnival on Friday - follow the link to the Sunday Message page for Instagram photos and reels. Some brief updates for this week.

• • • PTO Meeting: Our next PTO meeting will be this Tuesday, 11/4, at 2:30pm in the elemetnary staff room.

    • Walk to School Day: This Wednesday is a walk to school day. Buses will drop students at JBC at 7:15, and staff, students and volunteers will walk to school. Parents and family members are welcome!

    • No School Friday: Friday is a staff development day - no school for students!

    • Time Change: Today is the end of Daylight Savings time. If you haven't already, please 'fall back' and set your clock one hour earlier.

    • Pathways Fall Camp: Registration is still open for Julian Pathways Fall Camp running from November 24th through the 26th. Please follow the Sunday message link fill out the form linked on the Sunday Message Page to register.

I hope you and your family had a great weekend. We'll see your student in class tomorrow.

_____

Sunday Message 10/26/2025

Hello Julian Families,

Mr. Pierce here with your Sunday message. Thank you to all the families who were able to attend parent-teacher and student-led conferences last week! A brief update for this week: 

• • • Awards Assembly: 1st Quarter Awards will be tomorrow, 10/26. Elementary parents with students who are receiving awards were notified by phone last week. JJH parents were notified by mail. 1st through 3rd awards will begin at 10:20, 4th-5th will start at 11:20. Jr. High awards will begin after lunch, at 1:00.

    • JJH Soccer Tournament: Our JJH Timerwolves will be playing at Vallecitos' soccer tournament on Thursday, 10/30

    • Red Ribbon Week: This week the elementary and junior high celebrate Red Ribbon Week, saying no to drugs, tobacco and alcohol. Tomorrow's Red Ribbon theme is crazy hair - see the Sunday Message page for a full day by day list of all days!

      • • Monday - Crazy Hair

        • Tuesday - Anything but a Backpack

        • Wednesday - Wear Red

        • Thursday - Sports Jersey / Julian Day

        • Friday - Halloween Costumes!

    • Halloween Carnival/Minimum Day: The Halloween Carnival will be this Friday, 10/31 - Thank you to our amazing PTO for organizing! The Carnival will start after our minimum day release at 11:45am, and runs through 3pm. We look forward to seeing you there!

    • Pathways Fall Camp: Registration is now open for Julian Pathways Fall Camp running from November 24th through the 26th. Please email Mr. Alec at his email alec@julianpathways.org or fill out the form linked on the Sunday Message Page to register.

I hope you and your family had a great weekend. We'll see your student in class tomorrow.

______

Sunday Message 10/19/2025

Hello Julian Families,

Mr. Pierce here with your Sunday message.

A brief update for this week: 

• • • End of First Quarter/Parent-Teacher Conferences: Last Friday marked the end of first quarter! Your child's teacher is looking forward to meeting with you this week for parent-teacher conferences at the elementary, and for student-led conferences at the junior high. Report cards come out this week at conferences. If you can't make your scheduled conference time for any reason, please contact the school to reschedule.

    • Monday-Friday minimum days schedule: All days this week will be minimum day schedule to acomodate conferences. Buses home will leave at 11:45am - however the after-school program will be open through 6pm daily as usual.

    • Picture make-up day: For students who missed picture day last month, picture make-ups will be this Tuesday, 10/21.

    • Halloween Carnival: Please send in your Halloween carnival ticket orders! The pre-sale bundle will be available until this Friday, 10/24.

    • Julian Dark Sky Network: The Julian Dark Sky Network would like to invite students, parents and community members to the last star party of 2025 next Saturday Oct. 25th at 7:00pm at Inspiration Point. Multiple telescopes will be set up, and families are invited to bring their own binoculars as well - we'll get a great look at Saturn and the constellations. Bring comfortable folding chairs and dress warmly. See the Sunday message page link for a full flier with details - we hope to see you there!

I hope you and your family had a great weekend. We'll see your student in class tomorrow.

_____

Sunday Message 10/12/2025

Hello Julian Families,

Mr. Pierce here with your Sunday message.

A brief update for this week: 

• • • End of First Quarter: This Friday marks the end of first quarter. Take a moment to talk with your student about any missing work or outstanding assignments.

    • Moving into cold weather: As we move toward the colder part of the year, a reminder to please write your student's name inside their jacket - this makes it much easier to identify in the event it gets left at school.

    • Pathways Announcements:

      • Coffee and conversation: This Wednesday's Coffee and Conversation from 8-9 o'clock be focused on mental health and what the 988 mental health crisis line has to offer.

I hope you and your family had a great weekend. We'll see your student in class tomorrow.

______

Sunday Message 10/5/2025

Hello Julian Families,

Mr. Pierce here with your Sunday message. We'd like to welcome our 8th graders back from camp on Cataline:

A brief update for this week: 

• • • Walk to school Wednesday: This Wednesday is National Walk To School Day. Buses will drop students off at JBC at 7:15AM. Students who normally walk or are dropped off by parents are also invited to join us, as are parents who have time to walk with us.

    • Two weeks left in 1st Quarter: 1st Quarter ends on 10/17 - two weeks left. Take a moment to check your students grades, and discuss any missing assignments or opportunities to make up any outstanding work.

I hope you and your family had a great weekend. We'll see your student in class tomorrow.

________

Sunday Message 9/28/2025

Hello Julian Families,

Mr. Pierce here with your Sunday message. Thank you to all the families who were able to make it to Open Mic Night at Heroes - check our Sunday message page for photos!:

Updates for this week: 

• • • 8th Grade to Catalina: Our JJH 8th grade will be visiting Catalina Island this week.

    • Children's Museum: The Children's Museum will be visiting this Tuesday, 9/30 for 1/2, 2nd and 3rd grade.

    • Balet Folklorico: The Borrego Springs Dancers, Flores del Desierto, will performing at JES on Wednesday, 10/1 at 10am.

    • First Friday Lunch: 10/3 will be our First Friday lunch for the month of October. Elementary parents who can attend are invited to join their student for lunch in the garden!

I hope you and your family had a great three-day weekend, and we'll see your student in class tomorrow.

____

Sunday Message 9/21/2025

Hello Julian Families,

Mr. Pierce here with your Sunday message. A lot going on for a short week:

Updates for this week: 

• • • Progress Reports: Progress reports came home last Thursday. Please take a few minutes to review with your student. This can be a great time to celebrate successes, or set goals where needed. Reach out to your child's teacher if you did not receive a progress report, or if you have any questions.

    • Children's Museum: The Children's Museum will be visiting this Monday, 9/22 for TK, Kinder and 1st grades.

    • Picture Day: Our kids are looking forward to looking their best for picture Day - this Tuesday, 9/23.

    • Junior High Volleyball Tournament: With last week's competition canceled due to rain, our JJH Timberwolves will be in Pauma this Thursday 9/25 for the makeup volleyball tournament.

    • Native American Day: In celebration of California Native Day, we will be having a Cultural Performance Assembly on Thursday at 10:30 am. In the multipurpose room with local Birdsingers and Intertribal STAR Dancers.

    • PTO Open Mic Night: Our PTO is holding an open mic night at Heros in Wynola from 4:30 - 7:00PM this Thursday. We're looking forward to hearing the kids perform, and look forward to seeing you there if you can attend.

    • Halloween Carnival: The PTO Halloween Carnival is only a month away! We depend on parent volunteers to make this an amazing experience for our kids. Please keep an eye out for communication from your student's teacher regarding opportunities to help.

    • Pathways announcements:

      • Community Engagement Initiative: Pathways is seeking Julian students and parent representatives for our community engagement initiative grant team. See the flyer on the Sunday Message page for details and contact information.

    • No School Friday: There will be no school this Friday, 9/26.

I hope you and your family had a great weekend, and we'll see your student in class on tomorrow.

Sunday Message 9/7/2025

Hello Julian Families,

Mr. Pierce here with your Sunday message. Thank you to all the families who were able to join us for the Junior High back-to-school night last Thursday, and thank you to our amazing PTO and parent volunteers for an incredible book fair!

Updates for this week: 

• • • Mid Quarter: Hard to believe, but we're almost halfway done with 1st quarter! Mid-quarter is this Friday, and progress reports for elementary and Jr. High will go home next week, on Thursday the 18th.

    • Jr. High Assembly: Rachel's Challenge assembly will be this Friday, 9/12.

    • AYSO: Julian AYSO soccer signups are here. See the Sunday message page for for information and a link to sign your student up or volunteer!

    • Pathways announcements:

      • Coffee and conversation: Join us in the Pathways building for coffee and conversation this Wednesday, from 8:00 - 9:00.

I hope you and your family had a great weekend, and we'll see your student in class on tomorrow.

__________

Sunday Message 8/31/2025

Hello Julian Families,

Mr. Pierce here with your Sunday message. Thank you to all the families who were able to join us for the elementary back-to-school night last week.

Updates for this week: 

• • • No School Tomorrow: A reminder that tomorrow is Labor Day - there will be no school tomorrow, Monday Sept. 1st.

    • Back To School Night: Back to School Night is coming up:

      • JJH Back to School Night: Thursday September 4th from 5:30 - 7:00PM

    • First Friday Lunch: Parents of Elementary students are invited to join their child in the school garden for First Friday Lunch this Friday, Sept. 5th.

    • Julian PTO:

      • Book Fair: Our book fair continues to run through this Thursday, 9/4. In addition to being open during the school day, the book fair is open before school from 7:30 - 7:50, and after school from 2:15 - 2:45 for families.

    • Pathways announcements:

      • San Ysidro Health: San Ysidro Health Mobile Services will be on campus Sept. 3rd from 9am - 2pm for well child visits, immuniztions, sports phsicals, minor sick visit. See the link and the San Ysidro Health flier on the Sunday Message Page for more information and to schedule an appointment.

    • SD County Sheriff - Rise Above: The SD County Sheriff's Department is holding an 8 week 'Rise Above' program for students aged 9 and up, and their families. Meetings are Wednesdays in Ramona from 6pm - 7:30pm, and dinner is provided. See the flier on the Sunday Message for details.

I hope you and your family had a great long weekend, and we'll see your student in class on Tuesday.

____

Sunday Message 8/24/2025

Hello Julian Families,

Mr. Pierce here with your Sunday message.

Updates for this week: 

• • • Back To School Night: Back to School Night is coming up:

      • Elementary Back to School Night: This Thursday, August 28th from 5:00 - 7:00PM

      • JJH Back to School Night: Next week, Thursday September 4th from 5:30 - 7:00PM

    • Julian PTO:

      • Book Fair: We're gearing up for our PTO-sponsored Book Fair! Set-up starts tomorrow, 8/25, and the fair runs 8/27 - 9/4. Our kids get a lot out of this event every year, and parent support makes it possible. Please use the volunteer link on the Sunday Message Page to sign up!

      • First PTO Meeting of the year: Our first PTO meeting will be Tuesday 8/26 at 5:00pm in the back room of Heroes! Please meet up there to collaborate on a fun year for the students!

    • Pathways announcements:

      • Late bus Wednesdays for After School: Pathways is working with the High School to offer late buses on Wednesdays for students staying after school, but space is limited. If you would be interested in having your after school student take the 2:40PM bus home rather than the normal minimum day 11:45AM bus, please reach out to Alec at Pathways to sign up: julianafterschool@juesd.net. 

I hope you and your family had a great weekend, and we'll see your student in class tomorrow.

_____

Sunday Message 8/17/2025

Hello Julian Families,

Mr. Pierce here with your Sunday message.

Our students had a great first week back! Thank you to all the families who were able to join us for our First Friday Lunch in the garden. Updates for this week: 

• • • JJH ASB Election: ASB campaings are this week - elections will be Friday, 8/22 after lunch.

    • Back To School Night: Back to School Night is coming up:

      • Elementary Back to School Night: August 28th (not this week, but next Thursday)

      • JJH Back to School Night: Sept. 3rd

    • Breakfast available daily: Reminder that breakfast is available to students daily in the multi-purpose room.

    • Student Drop Off: Reminder that student drop off should be between 7:20-7:50. There is no playground supervision prior to 7:20am - please do not drop your student off prior to that time.

    • Pathways announcements:

      • Collaborative: Parents are invited to join us for the Pathways collaborative this Wednesday, August 20 at 12:40. Lunch will be provided - our presenter this week is the Volcan Mountain Foundation.

Thanks for making this a great start to the school year. I hope you and your family had a great weekend, and we'll see your student in class tomorrow.

_____

Sunday Message 8/10/2025

Hello Julian Families,

Mr. Pierce here with your Sunday message - just a few days left before your student is back in school.

Some first week announcements: 

• • • 1st Day of School: Classes start this Wednesday, August 13th at 7:50. If your student will be riding the bus, please take a moment to review the new transportation schedule on the school website (and Sunday message page).

    • Classes Posted on Monday: Class lists will be posted at the office on Monday, August 11th.

    • Welcome Back Breakfast: Pathways will be hosting a first day welcome back breakfast for parents in the multi-purpose room this Wednesday at 8:00am, after student drop-off - please join us if you're able!

    • First Friday Lunch: This Friday will be our First Friday Lunch in the elementary garden. Parents of elementary students who can attend are invited to join your student for lunch in the garden.

    • New Electronic Marquee: Next time you're at the school, take a moment to look at our new electronic marquee. This sign will be updated regularly with upcoming events and announcements.

Your student's teacher is looking forward to meeting them! Take a moment to review first-day notices, and take a moment to reach out to your child's teacher and introduce yourself. We're looking forward to a great school year, and we'll see your student in class on Wednesday.

_____________________

Sunday Message 8/3/2025

Hello Julian Families,

Mr. Pierce here with your first Sunday message of the 25-26 school year. The start of our new academic year is coming up quickly - 8/13 will be our students' first day.

• • • Registration: If you have not yet done so, please register your student (link on the school website, as well as the Sunday Message page).

    • Bus Schedules: Bus schedules have been updated, and are listed on the school website (and on the Sunday Message page). Starting out the year, there will be morning and 2:40PM buses only - more news to follow regarding late buses for students in the after-school program. Some bus times and stops have been updated - take a moment to review the new schedule.

    • Desert bus updates - Listed stops along the highway will be the only stops along the route. Please look at the locations and times, and make plans to drop off and pick up at the nearest stop if your student cannot walk from your home to their bus stop.

    • Kindergarten/TK Orientation: Kindergarten and TK orientation will be this Friday, 8/8 at 9:00AM.

If you need assistance with the office, our staff will be available from 10:00AM - 2:00PM in the elementary office (except Monday, 8/4, when our campus closed). I hope that you and your family have a great last week and a half of summer, and we're looking forward to seeing your student in class on the 13th.

______________________

Sunday Message 6/1/25

Hello Julian Families,

Mr. Pierce with your Sunday Message. Thank you to all the families who were able to attend our Field Day last week, and to our parent volunteers.

• Events for this week:

  • Awards: 4th Quarter Awards will be tomorrow, 6/2. Elementary parents with students who are receiving awards were notified by phone last week. JJH parents were notified by mail last week. 1st through 3rd awards will begin at 10:20, 4th-5th will start at 11:20. Jr. High awards will begin after lunch, at 1:00.

  • 8th Grade Graduation/5th Grade Promotion: 

    • 5th grade promotion will be this Wednesday, 6/4 at 10AM.

    • 8th grade graduation will be this Wednesday at 5PM

  • Final Walk-to School Day: Wednesday will also be our final Walk to School Day. Meet at JBC at 7:15AM - parents and students are invited to wear their wackiest clothing to celebrate the end of the school year. 5th graders who dress up may optionally want to bring a change of clothes for promotion (or not).

  • Last Day of School: Our last day of school will be this Thursday, 6/5!

• Pathways update: 

  • Mental Health Workshop: The last Pathways Mental Health Monday workshop for this year will be tomorrow, Monday 6/2 from 8-9AM.

  • Summer Camp!: Summer camp starts next Monday, 6/9 for those who've registered. If you have not registered but would like to do so, please reach out to Pathways to check on availability.

We're coming to the end of an amazing year. I hope you and your family had a great weekend, and we look forward to seeing your student in class tomorrow.

______________________

Sunday message 5/31/2025

Hello Julian Families,

Mr. Pierce with your Sunday Message. Thank you to everyone who attended our Open House and Pathways Wellness Fair!

• Field trips and events:

  • Volcan Mountain Field Trips: Mrs. Cornett's 4th grade class will be on Volcan this Tuesday, 5/27, and Mrs. Stanley's 5th grade class will be on Volcan on Thursday the 29th.

  • Elementary Field Day: This Friday, 5/30 will be our elementary Field Day. 1st-3rd graders will begin at 8:30, and 4th-5th will start at 9:00. See the Sunday message page for a full schedule of events - thank you to those parents who have volunteered to help!

  • Upcoming Awards: 4th Quarter Awards will be 6/2. Elementary parents with students who are recieving awards will be recieving a call this week to notify them. JJH parents will be notified by mail this week.

  • Registration: Thank you to those families who registered your student at Open House - we had great turnout. For those parents who were unable to register at Open House, please use the registration link at www.juesd.net (or use the registration link included on the Sunday Message page). Pathways has $25 grocery gift cards for parents who complete registration before Friday, 5/30.

Lastly - a reminder that there is no school tomorrow, Monday the 26th in recognition of Memorial Day. I hope you and your family had a great weekend, and we'll see your student in class on Tuesday.

_____

Sunday message 5/18/2025

Open House and Wellness Fair!

Hello Julian Families, Mr. Pierce here with some important information on our Open House and Wellness Fair.

Tomorrow, Thursday the 22nd is our Open House and Wellness Fair.

4:00PM: Julian Elementary and JJH parents, staff and students will meet for a short staff and parent presentation in the elementary Multipurpose Room

4:00PM - 6:00PM: Wellness Fair - Information booths, family resources, free haircuts, games and activities

4:30PM - 6:00PM: Registration - Register your student for next year, families registering their child at Open House will receive a $25 grocery gift card compliments of Pathways

4:30PM - 6:00PM: Classrooms open - join your child's teacher to celebrate their growth this year

4:30PM - 5:30PM: Food available for purchase

5:45PM: Raffle

6:00PM: Open House ends

Your students have worked hard this year, and we look forward to seeing you at Open House!

_____________

Hello Julian Families,

Mr. Pierce with your Sunday Message.

• Field trips and events:

  • Jr. High Washington DC Trip: 23 of our 6th, 7th and 8th graders will be gone to Washington DC this week.

  • Open House: Julian Elemetnary and JJH will have open house this Thursday, 5/22 from 4:00pm - 6:00pm. Pathways will also be hosting a wellness fair with snacks available for purchase. Registration for next year will be open.

  • Elementary Track and Field Day: Two weeks out - On Friday 5/30, the elementary will host our annual track and field day! Parents are welcome, and volunteers are needed - If you would like to help our, please use the link on our Sunday Message page to sign up!

• Julian Pathways updates:

  • Summer Program Sign-up: All Julian Elementary and JJH students, graduating 8th graders, may sign up for our upcoming summer camp. Please use the linked Google Form on the Sunday Message website to register your students.

I hope you and your family had a great weekend, and we'll see your student in class tomorrow.

____

Sunday message 5/11/25

Hello Julian Families,

Happy Mother's Day - Mr. Pierce with your Sunday Message.

• Field trips and events:

  • 8th Grade Field Trip to Disneyland: Our 8th grade will be taking their end-of-year field trip to Disneyland on Tuesday the 12th. 8th graders should be at school at 5:45AM.

  • Volcan Mountain Field Trips: Mrs. White's Kindergarten class will be at Volcan Mountain on Wednesday the 14th, and Mrs. Kelly's TK class will follow on Thursday the 15th.

  • JJH Intermural Track Meet: Julian Junior High will host our invitational track meet this Thursday the 15th. Parents are welcome to attend (and volunteers are appriciated).

• Julian Pathways updates:

  • Coffee and Conversation - Jewelry making class: This week's Coffee and Conversation will host a jewelry making class led by one of our Julian parents - 8AM-9AM this Wednesday.

  • Summer Program Sign-up: All Julian Elementary and JJH students, graduating 8th graders, may sign up for our upcoming summer camp. Please use the linked Google Form on the Sunday Message website to register your students.

A last note for elementary students - this week starts our annual MAP and state testing. Our kids have worked hard all year, and we're excited to see the growth they've made! Please make sure that your student has enough sleep, and a solid breakfast (either at home, or pick up breakfast in the MP room when they get to school). I hope you and your family had a great Mother's Day, and we'll see your student in class tomorrow.

__

Sunday 5/4/25

Hello Julian Families,

Mr. Pierce with your Sunday Message - there is a lot going on this week.

• Field trips and events:

  • May the Fourth Be With You: Students and staff are invited to dress in their favorite Star Wars costumes/clothing tomorrow in honor of May 4th

  • Teacher Appreciation Week: May 5th - 9th is teacher application week - Our PTO will be celebrating teachers' impact on Julian students and families.

  • Field Trips:

    • Thompson's to Volcan: Mrs. Thompson's 1st grade class will be visiting Volcan Mountain on Tuesday 5/6

    • Breshears' to Met Theater: Mrs. Breshears' 3rd grade class will be going to the Met Theater Thursday 5/8

    • Cirillo to Volcan: Mrs. Cirillo's 2nd graders will be visiting Volcan Mountain on Friday May 9th

  • Boots and Beaus Hike: Our PTO is hosting the annual Boots and Beaus Mother/Son hike this Wednesday, 5/7. Meet on the Volcan side of the East Santa Ysabel Preserve (500 Farmers Rd.) at 1pm for photos, and a hike to the creek and back. All family members are welcome!

  • 8th Grade Graduation Dance Donations: 8th grade graduation is just around the corner! This event celebrates a real milestone in our Jr. High student's academic journey, and it is only possible because of the volunteer work and financial support of parents. 8th grade parents are invited to support this event - please open the flyer below for details on how to contribute.

• Julian Pathways updates:

  • Self Care Workshop for Parents: Pathways is hosting a self care workshop for parents 5/8, from 5-6PM (childcare available)

I hope you and your family had a great weekend, and we'll see your student in class tomorrow.

____

Sunday 4/27/25

Hello Julian Families,

Mr. Pierce with your Sunday Message.

• Field trips and events:

  • Breshears - Volcon Moutain Field Trip: Mrs. Breshears class will be going to Volcan Mountain thirs Friday, 5/2

  • First Friday Lunch: Elementary parents are invited to join their student in the garden for First Friday Lunch on 5/2

• Julian Pathways updates:

  • El Día Del Niño: Pathways will be hosting an event for El Día Del Niño April 30 from 5-7 in the elementary multi-purpose room. Use the link included in our Sunday Message page to RSVP to ensure enough food for all participants.

  • Summer Camp: Registration is opening for this year's summer camp! TK-8th are invited to join us for fun summer activities, including weekly field trips. See the Sunday Message page for a for a flyer with details. Use this link to register your student.

I hope you and your family had a great weekend, and we'll see your student in class tomorrow.

____

Sunday 4/20/25

Hello Julian Families,

Mr. Pierce with your Sunday Message.

• Field trips and events:

  • Walk to School Day: This Wednesday is the 4th quarter walk to school day. Buses will drop students at JBC at 7:15, and staff, students and volunteers will walk to school. Parents and family members are welcome! With Earth Day this week, students are encouraged to wear green.

  • Dental Screenings: San Ysidro Health will be back on campus this Tuesday April 28 to screen students who had signed up, but were absent last Thursday.

• PTO:

  • PTO Meeting: We're preparing for our next event - this year's Mother/Son hike. Please join us this Tuesday at 2:20 in the elementary staff lounge if you'd like to be involved!

• Julian Pathways updates:

  • El Día Del Niño: Pathways will be hosting an event for El Día Del Niño April 30 from 5-7 in the elementary multi-purpose room. Use the link included in our Sunday Message page to RSVP to ensure enough food for all participants.

  • Directing Change: Two Julian Junior High entries are being honored as part of the Directing Change film contest. If you are able, please join us at the Julian Library Community Room this Thurday, April 24th at 12:30 to view our students' submissions. Use the links on the Sunday Message page to view the videos being recognized:

    • Drowning - by Leah G. (3rd Place)

    • Perfect - by Josh W., Wyatt M., and Robert O. (Honorable Mention)

I hope you and your family had a great weekend, and we'll see your student in class tomorrow.

____

Sunday message 4/13/25

Hello Julian Families,

Mr. Pierce with your Sunday Message.

• Field trips and events:

  • 7th Grade Floating Lab: Our 7th grade will be at floating lab this Friday, 4/18. This field trip does run late, so students will need a ride when the bus gets back to school.

• PTO:

  • PTO Meeting: Our next PTO meeting will be this Tuesday, 4/15 at Heroes Restaurant at 5:00pm in the back room. Follow this link for the agenda for the April meeting, and the minutes for the prior PTO meeting.

• Julian Pathways updates:

  • Positive Parenting Workshop: There are still spots open for this workshop on Thursday. Contact Pathways for details.

I hope you and your family had a great weekend, and we'll see your student in class tomorrow.

____

Sunday Message 4/26/25

Hello Julian Families,

Mr. Pierce with your Sunday Message - a lot going on this week.

• Field trips and events:

  • BizTown: 5th grade will be attending BizTown this this Tuesday, 4/8

  • Food Day: Julian Elementary and JJH will celebrate food day on Wednesday, 4/9

  • Safari Park/Zoo (Kindergarten, 2nd/3rd): Kindergarten, 2nd and 3rd grade will go to Safari Park (Kinder), and the San Diego Zoo (2nd and 3rd) this Friday, 4/11 

  • Día de los Niños: The Julian Library will be hosting a Día de los Niños event, also Friday, 4/11, at 10:30 for our TK and 1st graders.

  • Floating Lab: 7th grade's Floating Lab field trip has been pushed one week back, from 4/11 to Friday 4/18

• Julian Pathways updates:

  • Mental Health Monday: Monday 4/7 at 8:00AM

  • Positive Parenting Workshop: Workshop for families with teens and pre-teens starts this Thursday, 4/10. If interested, contact Pathways.

  • After school: 15 Club Jag spots open for after school - Monday/Wednesday/Friday

I hope you and your family had a great weekend, and we'll see your student in class tomorrow.

___

Sunday message 3/30

Hello Julian Families,

Mr. Pierce with your Sunday Message.

• Start of 4th quarter: Tomorrow marks the start of 4th quarter.

• First Friday Lunch: After being snowed out for our in March, this Friday, April 4th will be our First Friday Lunch at the elementary.  Elementary parents are invited to join their student for lunch in our school garden.

• Dental Screening Permission Slips: Permission slips have been sent home for dental health screening in April.

• Awards: Third Quarter Awards will be April 4th. Parents of Elementary Students who are being recognized have received a phone call from Megan in the elementary office this past week, and junior high families will have gotten a letter in the mail notifying you if your student is getting an award.

I hope you and your family had an amazing Spring Break, and we'll see your student in class tomorrow.

___

Sunday Message 3/23/25

Hello Julian Families,

Mr. Pierce with your Sunday Message.

• End of 3rd Quarter: A reminder than Friday was the end of third quarter. Please take a moment to review your student's report card, and feel free to reach out when we are back in session if you have any questions.

• Dental Screening Permission Slips: Permission slips have been sent home for dental health screening in April.

• Awards: Third Quarter Awards will be April 4th. Parents of Elementary Students who are being recognized will be receiving a phone call from Megan in the elementary office this week, and junior high families should expect a letter in the mail notifying you if your student is getting an award.

I hope you and your family are having a great start to Spring Break! We'll see your student in class on  Monday March 31st.

___

Sunday Message 3/16/25

Hello Julian Families,

Mr. Pierce with your Sunday Message. After a snow day on Friday, we will have a normal start tomorrow, Monday the 17th.

For this week:

• St. Patrick's Day: Tomorrow is St. Patrick's Day - students are invited to wear green for homeroom points.

• Jr. High: The Jr High is hosting a "Check Your Mood" day for 7th and 8th graders on April 1st.  Parents, please look for an Opt Out permission slip that went home with students.  Pathways will be hosting a "Check Your Mood" parent meeting on Tuesday March 18th from 5-6pm.  Parents are invited to join us Pathways building that evening to learn about the program.

• Lost and found: Parents - please take a moment to check the lost and found (and encourage your student to do so) prior to Spring Break.

• End of 3rd Quarter/Spring Break/Minimum day on Friday: This Friday, March 21st, marks the end of 3rd quarter and the beginning of Spring Break - a reminder that Friday is a minimum day.

I hope you had a great weekend - and we'll see your student in class tomorrow.

_____

Hello Julian Families,

I want to express my appreciation to our Julian parents, students and staff for making today today a successful and safe early release. With snow forecast to continue this evening with additional snowfall overnight through noon tomorrow, Friday March 14th will be a snow day. We anticipate a normal school day Monday.

Stay warm, and expect the normal Sunday message with an update for next week.

___

Sunday Message 3/9/2025

Hello Julian Families,

Mr. Pierce with your Sunday Message. After a snow day on Friday, we will have a normal start tomorrow, Monday the 10th.

For this week:

• Time Change: Today is the start of Daylight Savings time. If you haven't already, please 'spring forward' and set your clock one hour ahead. It's helpful to remind kids that bedtime is still bedtime, even if it's lighter later - losing an hour can make it hard to get up and be at their best tomorrow.

• Read Across America: To make up for our last day of Read Across America, students are encouraged to dress as their favorite Mystery story character tomorrow.

• Jr. High X-Country Meet: With last Thursday's meet canceled due to inclement weather, our rain date will be this Thursday, March 13th. The 10-day forecast shows potential rain for this Thursday, too - we're keeping an eye on the weather and will update our Jr. High athletes as we get closer.

• Cold weather this week: With the exception of Monday, it's looking cold this week - highs many days in the 40's and below. Students are asked to dress accordingly.

I hope you had a great weekend - and we'll see your student in class tomorrow.___Hello Julian Families,

With snow continuing to accumulate presently and temperatures projected to remain below freezing through mid-morning tomorrow with additional snowfall overnight and into the morning, tomorrow, Friday March 7th will be a snow day. We anticipate a normal school day Monday.

Stay warm, and expect the normal Sunday message with an update for next week.

___

Early Release, After , Pathways and Julian Library Announcements (3/6/2025)

Hello Julian Families,

Mr. Pierce here with an important announcement regarding early release and after school programs for today.

• Weather outlook/Early release - No Afterschool program today: Although the forecast initially had a positive outlook for school today, conditions have deteriorated earlier than expected. With snow arriving early and impacting road conditions, we are releasing students early on a minimum day schedule. Buses will leave at 11:45, and the after school programs at the elementary and junior high will be closed. Students and teachers are reaching out to parents to confirm plans to ride the bus or be picked up at 11:45. Please reach out to the office or to your child's teacher if your student cannot ride the bus at 11:45 and you will not be able to pick up your child at 11:45. Expect an update tomorrow morning at 6:00AM if snow accumulation overnight makes roads unsafe for school tomorrow.

• Pathways Class: This afternoon Pathways parent class is canceled and will be rescheduled.

• Library: The Julian library has announced that due to a necessary maintenance project replacing their heating system, they will be unable to open on days when their inside temperature is below 58 degrees. This project is expected to last several weeks - we would encourage families to call ahead to verify if the library will be open before making the trip or sending their child to the library after school.

I hope you're having a great day - expect an update later today or early tomorrow regarding changing conditions and class tomorrow.

__

Sunday Message 03/2/2025

Hello Julian families! Mr. Pierce here with your Sunday message.

For this week:

• Read Across America: To celebrate 'Read Across America' week, we're dressing up as our favorite book characters. Monday is dress like your favorite fantasy character - see the full text link for a complete list of all themes by day for this week:

  • • Monday: Fantasy

    • Tuesday: Historcal Fiction

    • Wednesday: Science Fiction

    • Thursday: Scary Fiction

    • Friday: Mystery

• 8th Grade Graduation Dance: There will be a planning meeting for the 8th grade graduation dance this Tuesday at 4:00 in the multi-purpose room at the elementary.

• Junior High Sports: This Thursday, March 6th, Julian Junior High will host our small school league cross country meet.

• First Friday Lunch: This Friday, March 7th will be our monthly first friday lunch at the elementary. Parents of elementary students are invited to come have lunch with your student in the garden (may be moved inside if the weather does not cooperate).

• Julian Pathways Update:

  • Two Family Classes this week:

    • -Mental Health Ed. 8-9am Monday

    • -Self Care Parent Class 5-6pm Thursday

I hope you and your family are having a great weekend, and we'll see your student in class tomorrow.

____

Sunday Message 2/23/2025

Hello Julian families! Mr. Pierce here with your Sunday message.

Our elementary Daddy/Daughter dance on Friday was amazing! Thank you to all the parents and families who were able to attend, and thank you to our amazing PTO for organizing! Please follow the link to our Sunday Message page for links to photos and more of the dance!

For this week:

• Late buses: Even though the high school will have minimum and staff development days this week, we will still be running 4pm buses for our after school students.

• Club Jaguar Openings: Our elementary after school program has eight openings for students who would like to begin attending. Please reach out to Alec at our after school program to get details on sign-ups. Follow the link to our Sunday message for his email (alec@julianpathways.org).

• YMCA Summer Camp: If your child is interested in attending YMCA overnight camp this summer please return the green flyer that went home this week to be entered in the Pathways raffle for a special rate. These forms are due no later than Weds Feb 26.

• Legion Breakfast: Pathways is hosting a fundraising breakfast at The Legion on March 2 and pre-selling tickets for $15. Please contact pathways to get your tickets!

I hope you and your family are having a great weekend, and we'll see your student in class tomorrow.

_____

Sunday Message 2/16/2025

Hello Julian families! Mr. Pierce here with your Sunday message.

A lot going on for a short week:

• Junior High Graduation Dance: Thank you to those 8th grade parents who were able to attend the last graduation dance meeting. Planning continues - if you have a graduating 8th grader this year, there is another dance planning meeting this Tuesday 2/18 at 4:00PM in the Junior High staff room.

• Father/daughter Family Dance: Our PTO is hosting an elementary school daddy/daughter dance this Friday, 2/21 at 5:30PM in the multi-purpose room. All family members are welcome to attend - we look forward to seeing you there.

• Progress Reports: Elementary progress reports came home last Thursday - please reach out to your student's elementary teacher if you have not received one. Junior high progress reports will come home on Tuesday.

• Website Updates: In addition to having a link to the full text of our Sunday messages texted, the current and prior Sunday messages are now available on our website juesd.net. Click on the megaphone icon on the right (desktop) or the 'Menu' option and 'Important Updates' on your phone. There is also an option to translate to Spanish, as well as a drop-down archive of old Sunday messages.

• No school tomorrow: A reminder that with Presidents Day Weekend, there will be no school tomorrow, Monday the 17th.

I hope you and your family are having a great long weekend, and we'll see your student in class on Tuesday.

__

Sunday Message 2/9/2025

Hello Julian families! Mr. Pierce here with your Sunday message. Thank you to all the families who were able to make it to Wednesday evening's performance of Beauty and the Beast, and congratulations to our Jr. High drama class and our director Ms. Cournoyer on an amazing performance. 

For this week:

• Junior High Graduation Dance: This week marks the middle of 3rd quarter, and graduation is sneaking up on us. 8th grade parents are invited to a parent meeting this Tuesday, Feb. 11th at 4PM in the Jr. High Staff room to discuss our Jr. High graduation dance theme, decorations, food, etc.

• Progress Reports: Both our Elementary and Junior High students will have progress reports coming up. Elementary Progress reports will come home this Thursday, Feb. 13th. Junior High progress reports will come home next Tuesday the 18th.

• Short school week: A reminder that with Presidents Day Weekend coming up, there will be no school This Friday the 14th, or on Monday the 17th.

I hope you and your family had a great weekend, and we'll see your student in class tomorrow.