Navigating the Social Scene at Ralston Middle School   

A Healthy (Middle School) Social Life

Socializing is a top priority for many middle graders. However, hanging out with friends isn't just fun - it's an important part of growing up. Tweens and teens who have friends enjoy school more and do better with their studies. Help your children have a safe, healthy social life with these ideas:

Home:

Encourage your youngsters to have friends over to watch football, play cards, watch a movie, or some other activity. Try to include their friends in family activities when possible. If you host a dinner party, let them invite a buddy or two. They'll have a safe environment for socializing, and you'll get to know the people they spend time with at school. If you go on a fun family activity, have them invite along a friend.

School:

A circle of friends is an important support network. Suggest that your children participate in study groups or call classmates with questions about assignments. Also, urge them to be "joiners." They could sign up for after-school clubs or teams. Volunteering to help with a special event (science fair, art exhibit) might allow them to work with students they don't see all the time.

Community:

Going to local tween and teen-friendly events can strengthen your children's ties to the community. Have them look for announcements in the newspaper or call the parks and recreation department. You might drive your son or daughter and a friend to a tween/teen night at a roller-skating rink or a laser tag arena. Or they can train for a charity 5K run together or join an outside orchestra group.

Timely Giving in the Community:

Take advantage of the holiday season to teach your tweens and teens about compassion. As the weather gets cooler, consider collecting blankets for homeless shelters or sorting toy donations for gift drives (for example, the Ralston Student Government Drive, right here!) This one is easy: just have them go along with you to pick out the toys. Doing these activities as a family will build bonds and let you set a good example of helping others.

Teresa Bergin,School Counselor

 tbergin@brssd.org 

Hello, Ralston Parents!  

Now that the holidays are here, our community drives are coming and going. Our Book Drive ended December 4th and it was a great success! We collected about 3,410 books. Our Toy Drive started December 9th and will end on the 20th. The toys that are collected will be donated to children who can't afford presents for the holidays. We are asking students to bring in new toys that are still in the original packages but unwrapped. Holiday Grams were sold December 9 for one dollar each and proceeds will go to the Philippines for disaster relief.  

The school voted to name the new area between the black top and the lunch benches. It is now called the "Spirit Pit." Student Government will also be making Para cord survival bracelets. They will be sold before the holiday break for five dollars and all proceeds will go to an organization called Yellow Boats of Hope. Children in the Philippines have been swimming to school and the money we raise will buy them a boat. Spirit Smackdown is the week of December 16, and it will be a spirit week of fun dress up days , a three-legged race activity, and a tug of war activity at lunch. Finally, the Winter Wonderland dance is coming up January 24th and tickets will be sold beginning January 17.

Happy Holidays!

Shelby Young

Secretary, Student Government

Meet Mr. Chaidez

8th Grade Social Studies

Q: If Ralston were a seven-layer cake, which layer would you be part of?

A: Perhaps I would be part of the third layer, because I am a new teacher here.

Q: If your wildest dreams came true, who would you be?

A: I would be Bob Dylan, because he is my favorite musical artist. I have always wanted to be able to play music like him.

Q: If you were given a renewed version of your favorite childhood toy, what would it be, and what would you do with it?

A: It would be the ninja turtles. I would collect them, because I never had the chance to, and play with them.

Q: If you were the ruler of the universe, what would you change?

A: I would make everyone take a siesta, every day, from 1:00-3:00. Because you get tired around that time anyway.

Q: If you could change your name, what would you change it to?

A: Gino Cervantes de las Casas.

Q: What is one word that would summarize your average week?

A: Productive!

Q: If you could take a vacation to anywhere in the world, where would you go, and who would you take with you?

A: I would go to Liverpool England, to watch the Liverpool FC soccer team, and I would bring my brother with me.

Q: If someone told you that the sky is falling, what would you do?

A: I would drop and cover.

Interviewed by Brianna Roskind, 7th Grade President

The Ralston Music Students ended the calendar year with a bang, performing two nights of amazing music at the annual Winter Concerts! We are so proud of our students, as well as our wonderful music teachers!

Tuesday & Wednesday,  December 17th & 18th
 
Concessions and Bake Sale fundraiser.  Hot dogs and sandwiches available for $4.  Baked goods and treats $1. 
 
Tuesday - 6th gr. Band, 6th gr. Orchestra, 6th gr. Chorus, Advanced Chorus & Jazz Ensemble.
 
Wednesday - Advanced Orchestra, Symphonic Band, Chamber Choir, Chamber Orchestra, & Honors Band.
 
Come support your fabulous Ralston Music program!

Thanks to all who supported our students. I'm sure you all enjoyed your evening out.  

Last month, we spotlighted our new music teacher, Kate Roseman. This month, I'd like to introduce you to our new Jazz Ensemble teacher, Mr. Lieven Smart!   

 Meet Mr. Lieven Smart

Jazz Band Director

I teach the Ralston Jazz Band on Tuesday and Friday mornings and the Carlmont Jazz Band on Monday and Thursday mornings. These classes are in addition to my regular teaching schedule at Carlmont High School, where I lead two sections of Concert Band and one section of Symphony Orchestra with my colleague Mr. John Dabaldo.

This is my fourth year of teaching, and my first at Ralston and second at Carlmont. Before coming to Carlmont I taught middle school instrumental music in Castro Valley, where I attended school as a student. I received my BA in music from CSU East Bay with an emphasis in classical trumpet performance and music education. I am still involved with CSUEB as an assistant director of the university's Singing Society, a student/community chorus. My wife, Mandy, and I have lived in Dublin for the past several years.

My first impression of Ralston Middle School was during my visit last year to tell the students about the instrumental music program that is offered at Carlmont. The Ralston students were very attentive and respectful, which I really appreciated. When Mr. Peter Thielen had them play for me, I was very impressed!

I'm very grateful to the BRSSD for their friendly and helpful support as I've adjusted to my new schedule this year. I am enjoying my mornings with your students and feel lucky to be given this opportunity.

   

Parents of Music Students: Please continue to check our Music Booster page on School Loop (under "Groups") frequently or any time you have a question. You will find all kinds of timely information, especially concerning our upcoming Disneyland Trip! And it's never too late to find the Volunteer Form and fill it out and submit it on-line. We are a program that runs on volunteers and we need you!!  

Do you appreciate our stellar music program at Ralston? Don't forget to show your support by upping your donation to School Force, which supports all of our big-ticket needs! Let School Force know that your increased donation is your vote to keep Ralston Music a high priority. There are no "specific" dues required to be considered a member of Music Boosters, but your financial support is very much needed.

Betsy Carter, Music Booster President

betsycarter123@gmail.com

A BIG THANK YOU FROM THE RALSTON P.E. STAFF 

On behalf of the entire Physical Education Department we would like to send a huge THANK YOU to the PTA and the Ralston community for making a dream come true. Early this November we were able to purchase 22 beautiful commercial grade spin bikes for our school. The cost totaled nearly $24,000 and this would not have happened without the support of the PTA and the hard work of the students that participated in the Jog-A-Thon.  

The spin bikes have been in use every day and the students are having a blast as we lead them through high energy spin workouts to their favorite music. It has been great for students with medical issues to be able to maintain their cardiovascular fitness using spinning as an alternative to running. Also, we have found it extremely beneficial on rainy days to give kids another option to be active and it helps alleviate the congestion in the gym as we share the space.

We are currently organizing staff wellness programs and we will be offering a spin class once a week for the teachers and staff of the district. The addition of these spin bikes has benefited the students & staff immensely and for that we are so grateful for your support.  

Thank You!!!

The Ralston P.E. Staff

Using PBIS to Support a Positive School Climate at Ralston

Over the past year, Ralston has been focusing on school climate. A part of that focus has been on developing a Positive Behavior Intervention & Support (PBIS) program. PBIS  is a systemic approach to proactive, school-wide behavior that is recommended by the US Department of Education. Ralston's PBIS program has been developed by a team of teachers and administrators with support from the district's Healthy Schools Initiative. 

PBIS focuses on 3 tiers of support: 

·      Level 1 - Primary Prevention Programs - School-wide systems for ALL students

·      Level 2 - Secondary Prevention Programs - Systems for students with "at risk" behavior

·      Level 3 - Tertiary Prevention Programs - Specialized and individualized systems for students with high risk.

Please click here to view a list of interventions and supports Ralston has in place for each tier.

Mindy Shelton

Health Educator / Wellness Coordinator

Belmont-Redwood Shores Healthy Schools Initiative

650-802-8060 x1731

 mshelton@brssd.org 

A collection box is located in the Ralston office.

UPCOMING 8th GRADE TRANSITION EVENTS FOR 2013-2014

• Student Shadowing Program (through February)
• Student/Parent Forums (January 14, 29 and February 6 - attend one)
• Parent Night hosted by Carlmont Guidance counselors regarding freshman registration (March 6)
• Open House (April 25)

Visit our website for other sporting, concert, and school events you may be interested in attending. Our goal is to familiarize future Scots and their families with the wonderful experience Carlmont High School offers!

CARLMONT'S SHADOWING PROGRAM

Group Shadowing: February 26, 2014

Visiting 8th grade students will have the opportunity to visit classrooms, meet Carlmont students and Principal, Lisa Gleaton, and tour the campus in a large group setting. Please use this link to register and complete the required

Individual (one on one) Shadowing: Registration is ** CLOSED **

OPEN ENROLLMENT/INTRA-DISTRICT TRANSFER REQUEST DEADLINE: Jan. 17, 2014

Open Enrollment is an open time period to request a transfer from your home school to another school in the district. The application period for the 2014-2015 school year began October 1, 2013 with a deadline to the Sequoia Union High School District at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, January 17, 2014. Applications may be submitted online, mailed in or dropped off at the district office. Please use this link for more information and for the Open Enrollment Application:

These evening events will be held in the Carlmont Library beginning at 7:30 p.m. and offer 8th grade students and their parents an informal opportunity to learn more about the program at Carlmont and to ask questions of Carlmont's Principal, administration/staff, parents and current students. Campus tours will be offered prior to the event beginning at 7:00 p.m. in front of the library. Please use this link for more information and to RSVP beginning December 10: http://www.sequoiadistrict.org/Page/368.