Letter to Parents

As the end of the year approaches it is time to begin discussing our year end activities.
As you probably know by now, the end of the year activities for 8th grade students changed dramatically last year...

May 26, 2010


Dear South Families,

As the end of the year approaches it is time to begin discussing our year end activities.
As you probably know by now, the end of the year activities for 8th grade students changed dramatically last year. Due to a series of factors including changes in the high school graduation dates, reductions in the district budget, and a shifting in the district’s philosophy about the junior high school ceremonies themselves, junior high schools in the Anaheim Union High School District eliminated the traditional promotion ceremonies. Instead, each school is charged with creating events to celebrate the accomplishments of the 8th grade class.

Promotion from junior high to high school is a right of passage that we want to continue to celebrate here at South. We will celebrate the accomplishments of the class of 2010 and we are working to ensure that their final days here at South will be memorable for them.

The following are the activities that the 8th graders will participate in as the year draws to a close:

* Thursday, June 10 (6:30-8:30)                - Awards Night
* Tuesday, June 15 (12:30 – 2:30)            - In & Out Truck and 8th Grade Dance
* Wednesday, June 16 (7:50 – 8:50)         - 8th Grade Breakfast
* Wednesday, June 16 (9:00 – 10:00)       - 8th Grade Assembly
* Wednesday, June 16 (10:00 – 11:30)     - 8th Grade Party
* Wednesday, June 16 (11:30 – 12:00)     - Distribute Promotion Certificates
* Wednesday, June 16 (12:01 pm)            - 8th Grade Students Released

Families of the many students who will be receiving academic awards are welcome and encouraged to attend the Awards night on June 10. Invitations for those families will be going out shortly. This is the only component of the end of the year activities that parents will attend with their children. I recognize that for some, the absence of a traditional ceremony where parents watch their kids receive a promotion certificate with their classmates, is a significant disappointment. I encourage you to do what you can as a family to celebrate the accomplishments of your child and to ensure that this “right of passage” is memorable for them. As the principal of South Jr. High School, it is my intention to ensure that we are doing everything that we can to do the same.

On Tuesday June 15 all students will be required to wear their school uniforms. On Wednesday June 16 students are encouraged to wear casual attire, as they will be very “active” during the 8th grade party. There will be jumpers and games and the students will need to be dressed comfortably. Please refer to the AUHSD dress code policy in the reminder binder for specific information about what students can wear.

Permission slips and information regarding 8th grade day activities will be sent home during the first week of June. The cost to participate is $10. All 8th grade students may participate in 8th grade day activities with the exception of those who lose the privilege due to unpaid library fines or other disciplinary infractions. Thank you for your understanding and partnership in celebrating the accomplishments of our outstanding group of 8th grade students. I know that they are headed for great things in their future. Please feel free to contact me if you have further questions.


Sincerely,



Chris Esperanza
Principal
South Jr. High School