Panther Press: May 2, 2025

Panther Press Important Updates for our Panther Community Ms. Akemon Sets her Students Up for Success During State Testing Week Principal's Message Happy Friday, Panther Community. May has now arrived! We've now concluded the first week of state testing and I have been very, very impressed by the efforts that our students and teachers have put into making this week a success. Thanks to our Home and School Club, we were able to pass out healthy snacks during testing days; our LEAD students ran daily motivational videos to keep the momentum going and to remind everyone to take care of their mental and physical heath this week; and teachers were conscientious in their classroom activities to keep student learning moving forward while also allowing students time to recuperate from their testing efforts. Check out this learning highlight from Mr. DeMont's Science 6 classes, which kept learning fun this week: In a unit where students learn about  heat transfer , Mr. DeMont has his students build their own homes, then measure the success of their insulation efforts by increasing and decreasing the temperature inside their homes. Once they track their insulation success, they then analyze their engineering efforts and make renovations.  We also have a number of celebrations to acknowledge in the days leading up to state testing week: 41st Annual Margie Burke Speech Tournament Success On Saturday, our Speech Club advisor Ms. Kessel l brought a team of 10 students to participate in the 41st Annual Margie Burke Speech Tournament at Ross School. 135 participants from 11 middle schools presented 237 speeches in an impressive and fun competition. Altogether, Miller Creek students took home 13 medals. Additionally, Evelyn Pelleriti  earned a trophy for 3rd place overall for 6th grade. Congratulations, Evelyn! We echo Ms. Kessell's pride in our entire team's performance. Representing Miller Creek this year was:  6th graders Evelyn Pelleriti, Emerson Jaeger, Arjun Singh, and Cori Newman; 7th graders Sophia Becker and Lucas Wong; and 8th graders Alina Hoxsey, Dylan Jaeger, Phoebe Disharoon, and Ana Alexa Psychoyos. Here is the list of the  13 medals  our students earned this past weekend: Dramatic Interpretation 7th grade  - Silver: Sophia Becker & Lucas Wong 8th grade - Gold: Dylan Jaeger Impromptu 6th Grade - Gold: Evelyn Pelleriti - Bronze: Arjun Singh 7th Grade - Silver: Sophia Becker - Bronze: Lucas Wong 8th Grade - Silver: Ana Alexa Psychoyos & Alina Hoxsey Original Prose and Poetry 6th grade - Gold: Evelyn Pelleriti 8th grade - Silver: Ana Alexa Psychoyos Argument 6th grade - Gold: Arjun Singh - Bronze: Evelyn Pelleriti We must also stress that our participation in this contest would not be possible without your support of our  Can Do! funded school clubs. Our Can Do! supported activities are a huge part of what makes Miller Creek Middle School so special. Thank you for your contributions to Can Do! and for providing this experience for our students.  41st Annual Margie Burke Speech Tournament Medalists  Advisor Ms. Kessell Celebrates with Team Members April Panther Pride Winners At our April grade level assemblies, we celebrated a dozen new Panther PRIDE winners. These students received a Panther Pride ticket at some point during the month of April for demonstrating one of our four key behavior expectations. We celebrate when our students can be Safe , Respectful , Responsible , or an  Ally  to one another.  8th Grade Winners Thomas Albrecht, Jennifer Alvarado Ramirez, Tor Burke, Emily Chavez, Leo Croak, Layla Dempsey, Sebastian King, Lea Lewis, Lily Mbaidjol, Riordan McBride,  Brianna Powell, and Piper Stewart 7th Grade Winners Gabriella Bronstein, Daisey Casas, Sydney Dillon, Mia Eastlack, Skylar Gilligan, Hudson Hevia, Liz Long, Callum Mullen, Connor Nixon, McKenzie Rhodes, Hadley Schneider, and Lili Sordoillet 6th Grade Winners  Yuki Chance, Solea Childers, Saadhvi Das, Calvin Dreikosen, Matthew DeMartini,  Amanda Ley, Coco Newhoff, Evelyn Pelleriti, Allison Ruggeri, Sawyer Shea, Talia Stern, and Charlotte Winton Asian American and Pacific Islander Festival Highlights Thank you to our Home and School club DEI team for putting together an lively community building event here at Miller Creek last weekend. We were lucky to host this year's AAPI festival, which featured lion dancers (including our very own Panther,  Brayden Tindall ) a Korean drum performance, a Filipino fashion show, Hawaiian dancers, food, games and more!  This Week in Panther Athletics Track & Field Over 80 Miller Creek student athletes participated in our county track meet today at the College of Marin's Kentfield Campus. The results of today's races will be reported in next week's Panther Press. Go Panthers! 8th Grader Hailey Lauster Races Today in the County Track Meet Relays  Boys Volleyball Clinics A parent coach has volunteered to run Boys Volleyball Clinics on Wednesdays for the following Wednesdays: May 7, 21, 28 & June 4 from 1:30 - 3:00 PM at the MC gym. Participants should show up on time, ready to participate in active wear (sneakers, shorts/sweats, tee shirt), water and a snack are suggested. Please let Kathy Jung, at kjung@millercreeksd.org know if your student is interested in participating. Community Education A big thank you to HSC for hosting the Angst Film Night on Thursday. If you were unable to attend, please check out  this slide deck that includes resources from Cal HOPE and the film’s producers. Attention 7th Grade Families: WEB Now Accepting Applications WEB (Where Everyone Belongs) is recruiting a new group of student leaders for the 2025-2026 school year. WEB is a peer mentoring and transition program for incoming students, and we are looking for around 50 energetic and caring soon to be 8th grade leaders to apply. Students will learn about the application process this coming week in their social studies classes, please encourage your child to apply! Here is the link to the application. Applications are due May 9th. WEB Leaders must be able to attend all the training days this summer. If you have any questions please contact your school counselor . Reminders State Testing Continues Attending school every day well-rested and ready to show what you know is extremely important during state testing season, so please review these dates and your family calendar:  Monday, April 28th - Monday, May 5th: All Students English Language Arts and Math CAASPP Tests Tuesday, May 6th - Friday, May 9th: 8th grade California Science Test (CAST) Please review our district  2025 State Testing Notification for further information about state testing. Attendance Reminders This is a reminder that parents and caregivers must contact the Main Office to clear any student absences. If your child is absent for any reason, please be sure to contact the Main Office by calling 415-492-3760 or email our attendance clerk, Jocelyn Padilla, at jpadilla@millercreeksd.org. In addition, students who arrive to campus any later than 10 minutes after our first morning bell must sign in at the Main Office. For students checking out early, they must also sign out at the Main Office before leaving campus. 2025 MCMS Yearbook Update The yearbook is now officially sold out. Thank you to everyone who purchased a yearbook. A yearbook waiting list will now be started for those people who are still interested in purchasing the yearbook. Please bring your $55 payment to the office in the form of cash or a check made out to Miller Creek Home and School Club. Anyone on the waiting list that does not receive a yearbook will have their payment returned to them on June 13. Get Involved HSC Volunteer Opportunities and Events April, May and June Lunch Volunteers : We need volunteers to help with our lunch service. These services rely on our volunteers and we would LOVE to have your support. The volunteer shifts are under an hour and are a great way to meet other parents and get involved on campus.  Please click HERE to sign up for shifts in May and June.   Home and School Club 2024-25  Calendar of Events: Print this flyer, mark your calendars and plan to join us! Community Events & Resources Miller Creek Jazz Combo Summer Camp : Jump into jazz music this summer with a vibrant jazz camp at Miller Creek Middle School! Students will improve their skills on their individual instruments while exploring jazz, blues, funk and rock music. Players will be exposed to the music of jazz masters, create their own original music compositions, and learn to improvise jazz solos. The focus is on using their creativity to make music fun and meaningful. They will work with small combo groups of comparable skill levels, and have the opportunity to focus on woodwinds, brass and rhythm section skills. At the end of each week, students will perform live for parents and friends. Register online at marinwood.org or learn more  HERE . Terra Linda High School Athletics Information Night : For incoming freshmen and their families, join the TLHS athletics department to meet coaches and staff, learn about the 25/26 programs, and learn how to get involved in athletics at TL on Thursday, May 22nd from 6 - 7:30 PM in the Main Gym. San Rafael High School Athletics Information Meeting for Incoming 9th Graders and Families : For those who are interested in playing a sport in the 2025-2026 season at SRHS, there will be an informational meeting for incoming 9th graders and their parents on Monday May 12th from 5:30 - 7 PM in the SRHS Commons. Check out the information below: Last Let's Talk Discussion Session of the Yea r (CANCELLED) : The last Let's Talk and Marin Health Youth Partnership discussion scheduled for Wednesday, May 7th from 7-8:30 PM has been  cancelled . Grief and Loss Support in Marin County : In light of the recent tragedy involving six teens from Archie Williams High School, the Marin County Office of Education has compiled a series of free resources for Marin County for our students, staff and families: Free ongoing bereavement support groups offered by Kaiser.  You do not need to be a Kaiser member to access. Free drop-in bereavement workshops offered by Kaiser.  You do not need to be a Kaiser member to access. By the Bay Health grief counseling services Free/low cost By the Bay Health in-person support group calendar Guidance document from By the Bay Health on “ Helping Children Cope with Loss ” Additional resources (websites, books, videos) Karma Club : Karma Club is a free after school teen center available to all Marin County teens ages 13 - 19, open Monday - Friday from 2:00 - 6:00 pm, located inside Northgate Mall. In order to confirm age, Miller Creek students must have their student ID to enter Karma Club, or be registered by their parent/caregiver by going to the Karma Club website at: www.karma-club.org . Ongoing Karma Club programs include Free Peer-to-Peer Tutoring (a partnership with Branson High School), ESL Homework Club, Self-Defense Class, and more.  Visit  https://karma-club.org/ to learn more. Important Dates and Events MCMS Community Events Google Calendar          Panther Athletics Google Calendar - for all Sports-Related Practices and Events   Next Week at MCMS  B-Week for 6th Grade Exploratory Classes     Staff Appreciation Week / CAASPP Testing Week Continues Monday, 5/5 CAASPP Testing in Math Classes (grade 8) Golf Match, Teams 1 & 2, McInnis Golf Park, 3:30 PM Tuesday, 5/6 CAASPP Testing in Math Classes (grades 6/7) 8th Grade State Science Testing (CAST) in Science Classes  Order LunchMaster Meals by 9 AM for delivery the week of 5/12 Wednesday, 5/7 National Bike to School Day! All who walk or roll will be entered into a raffle to win one of two $50 gift cards to Sports Basement courtesy of Safe Routes to School. They will also receive a delicious organic energy bar from JAMBAR! CAASPP Testing in Math Classes (grades 6/7) 8th Grade State Science Testing (CAST) in Science Classes  MCMS English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC) Meeting, 5 - 6 PM in MCMS Library Thursday, 5/8 CAASPP Testing in Math Classes (grades 6/7) 8th Grade State Science Testing (CAST) in Science Classes  Friday, 5/9 Annual Can Do! Golf Tournament Show Up, Stand Up, Step Up, Panthers!

Saturday, May 03 2025

Panther Press: April 25, 2025

Panther Press Important Updates for our Panther Community 8th Grader Piper Stewart Races the 100-meter Dash at the Area II Track Meet at TLHS This Past Thursday Principal's Message Happy Friday, Panther Community. While we have much to highlight here at Miller Creek this week, it's important that I take a moment to reflect first on the tragic loss of and injury to six students from Archie Williams High School this past weekend. Regardless of whether you have a direct connection to the students and families involved in the accident, I know that processing this incident -- both for yourself and your child -- can be overwhelming. For those that may be in need of support, I want to highlight a series of resources gathered by the Marin County Office of Education below, which you can find in the Community Events & Resources section of our newsletter. I also feel fortunate to work in a district that highly values Counseling and Wellness for our students. Please know that our Counseling and Wellness team are an excellent asset to start the search for help and can connect you with local resources. B elow, you'll find an overview of some of the activities that took place on campus this week as well as an update on what we have ahead of us in the week to come. Also, don't forget to check out this weekend's Asian American and Pacific Islander Festival , organized by our district Home and School Club, hosted  at Miller Creek on Sunday from 2 - 4 PM. If you haven't tracked on the event, there's going to be a ton going on, including lion dancers, a Korean drum performance, a Filipino fashion show, Hawaiian dancers, snacks, treats, games, raffle prizes, and more! Panthers in Action This week, Ms. Dowd's LEAD students worked with  Garden Coordinator, Nina Cunnan , to beautify the campus to commemorate Earth Day. The students weeded, pruned, mulched and much more in our various campus gardens. By volunteering and participating in these activities, these students are contributing to a healthier planet Earth and embody the spirit of why we celebrate Earth Day. Go Panthers! If you didn't get a chance to stop by our annual Garden Club Plant Sale  this past Wednesday, no problem! They'll be back out for their second and final sale day this coming Wednesday the 30th, directly after school until 1:45 PM. They have lots of tomatoes for $3 and other veggies like cucumbers, zucchini, kale, lettuce, swiss chard, mint, and oregano for $3 or 2 for $5. They also have seeds for sale for 50 cents an envelope. Everything has been grown locally right here at Miller Creek! They will be selling plants right in front of the school by the sign and by the bike rack right after school until 1:45 the next Wednesday. Cash Only. Garden Club Plant Sale Continues this Coming Wednesday, 4/30, Right after School Those students who raised enough money during our  March Walkathon fundraiser to earn an In-n-Out lunch were treated to their winnings this week. Many thanks to our HSC parents who volunteered to distribute the 75+ lunches to our students this past Thursday and Friday. Last, we held Grade Level Assemblies this Friday to rally students to put their best selves forward during next week's state tests. The creativity of our LEAD students was impressive: somehow, they put together a state test-themed obstacle course , complete with a Chromebook charging station, a test completion station, and a healthy meal station! Note that our students will  not be taking their state tests blindfolded next week.  This Week in Panther Athletics Track & Field Our Student Athletes participated in the Area II Track Meet this past Thursday at TLHS. Area II meet results will be posted on Monday, 4/28. Those that qualified will participate in the county track meet this coming Friday, May 2nd at College of Marin, Kentfield. For qualifiers, there will be a meeting next Thursday, 5/1 at lunch in the gym to provide information about the county meet. Go Panthers! 7th Grader Jaxon Brown Crosses the Finish Line of the 100-meter Dash Assistant Principal's Update CAASPP testing is here and we are ready to go! There has been a lot of preparation for testing that has happened on campus and now all that is left to do is take a deep breath and try our best. Just a reminder to have your kiddos get a good night's sleep, eat a healthy breakfast ( we will also provide healthy snacks before testing thanks to HSC!) , and come to school with a positive mindset. If your child is expressing worry about testing, remind them that this test is simply a way to show what they know while demonstrating mastery of the CA state standards. It's a snapshot of where they are right now--not a measure of their intelligence or their future. Remind them: You are so much more than a test score.  Students will take ELA tests on Monday and Tuesday, math on Thursday and next Monday, 5/5. Science testing for our 8th graders begins on Tuesday 5/6. Make up testing for the students will happen the week of 5/12.  Thank you for all your support at home. We are excited to Crush the CAASPP! In partnership, Nicholas Miller Community Education Opportunity Calling all 5th through 8th grade families: Please consider joining Miller Creek’s Home and School Club and our Counseling and Wellness Team on Thursday, May 1st for a screening of the movie  Angst  from 5:30 - 7:00 PM in the MCMS library. The film is an hour long and explores anxiety, its causes and effects, and what we can do about it. Through candid interviews with kids and young adults who suffer from anxiety, the producer’s goal is to raise awareness and begin a conversation about anxiety. After the film, Miller Creek School Counselors will continue the discussion and share additional tools and resources.   We encourage caregivers to bring their students to view the film together. The film’s website suggests the film is appropriate for ages 10 and up.  Tickets are free, but we ask that you sign up  here  since seats will be limited.  Please visit the  Angst  website to learn more and to see the film’s additional  resources . Attention 7th Grade Families: WEB Now Accepting Applications WEB (Where Everyone Belongs) is recruiting a new group of student leaders for the 2025-2026 school year. WEB is a peer mentoring and transition program for incoming students, and we are looking for around 50 energetic and caring soon to be 8th grade leaders to apply. Students will learn about the application process this coming week in their social studies classes, please encourage your child to apply! Here is the link to the application. Applications are due May 9th. WEB Leaders must be able to attend all the training days this summer. If you have any questions please contact your school counselor . Reminders State Testing is Almost Here Attending school every day well-rested and ready to show what you know is extremely important during state testing season, so please review these dates and your family calendar:  Monday, April 28th - Monday, May 5th: All Students English Language Arts and Math CAASPP Tests Tuesday, May 6th - Friday, May 9th: 8th grade California Science Test (CAST) Please review our district  2025 State Testing Notification for further information about state testing. Attendance Reminders This is a reminder that parents and caregivers must contact the Main Office to clear any student absences. If your child is absent for any reason, please be sure to contact the Main Office by calling 415-492-3760 or email our attendance clerk, Jocelyn Padilla, at jpadilla@millercreeksd.org. In addition, students who arrive to campus any later than 10 minutes after our first morning bell must sign in at the Main Office. For students checking out early, they must also sign out at the Main Office before leaving campus. 2025 MCMS Yearbook on Sale The 2025 Yearbook is on sale now. The yearbook students are working hard to create a memorable and fun 2025 Miller Creek yearbook. Use this link to go online to purchase your student’s yearbook (code 7653 or search Miller Creek Middle School) Yearbooks can also be purchased at the Miller Creek office by check (made out to Miller Creek Home and School Club) or cash. All questions can be emailed directly to Mr. Case at ccase@millercreeksd.org Get Involved HSC Volunteer Opportunities and Events April, May and June Lunch Volunteers : We need volunteers to help with our lunch service. These services rely on our volunteers and we would LOVE to have your support. The volunteer shifts are under an hour and are a great way to meet other parents and get involved on campus.  Please click HERE to sign up for shifts in May and June.   Home and School Club 2024-25  Calendar of Events: Print this flyer, mark your calendars and plan to join us! 8th Grade Fundraiser: Bingo at Ounces Outdoor this Saturday, April 19th Come join us Saturday April 19 (1:00 -3:00 pm) for an afternoon of B-I-N-G-O at Ounces Outdoors in Northgate!Great prizes from local businesses: Kayak and SUP rentals, gift baskets, and lots of gift cards!! All ages welcome.  Preorder your Bingo board now . Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Festival Next Weekend Sunday, April 27th from 2pm-4pm at Miller Creek Middle School  Enjoy many cultural performances: Lion Dancing, Traditional Korean Music Performance, FANCO Filipino Fashion Show, Hawaiian Dancers and Las Sampaguitas Filipina Singers. Enjoy interactive activities for the whole family: Henna, Korean Cultural Games (Jegichagi, Tuho, Gonggi), Flag & Country Game, Scavenger Hunt and more. Yes, there will be prizes!  Enjoy delicious food for sale (cash preferred): lots of food vendors, Kona Ice , snacks and drinks available for sale.  All in celebration of AAPI month!  There will be no seating, so bring lawn chairs. All District Families Welcome! Community Events & Resources Miller Creek Jazz Combo Summer Camp : Jump into jazz music this summer with a vibrant jazz camp at Miller Creek Middle School! Students will improve their skills on their individual instruments while exploring jazz, blues, funk and rock music. Players will be exposed to the music of jazz masters, create their own original music compositions, and learn to improvise jazz solos. The focus is on using their creativity to make music fun and meaningful. They will work with small combo groups of comparable skill levels, and have the opportunity to focus on woodwinds, brass and rhythm section skills. At the end of each week, students will perform live for parents and friends. Register online at marinwood.org ​or learn more  HERE . San Rafael High School Athletics Information Meeting for Incoming 9th Graders and Families : For those who are interested in playing a sport in the 2025-2026 season at SRHS, there will be an informational meeting for incoming 9th graders and their parents on Monday May 12th from 5:30 - 7 PM in the SRHS Commons. Check out the information below: Last Let's Talk Discussion Session of the Yea r : Join Let's Talk and Marin Health Youth Partnership on Wednesday, May 7th from 7-8:30PM for the last Let's Talk Discussion of the school year! This discussion will examine the link between teen mental health and underage substance use, exploring how anxiety, depression, and stress can lead to substance use as a coping mechanism. We will cover warning signs, effects on brain development, long-term consequences, and prevention strategies to support parents and caregivers. Our speakers include Branson School junior, Barry Liu, and Dr. Tracy Foose, former Director of UCSF’s Anxiety Disorders Treatment Program. She continues to teach about fear and anxiety at the UCSF School of Medicine and has established a psychiatry practice in Mill Valley focusing on anxiety. For the past 15 years, she has explored how protective emotions like fear and anxiety can sometimes lead to significant distress and impairment. Find out more and register for the event  HERE .  Grief and Loss Support in Marin County : In light of the recent tragedy involving six teens from Archie Williams High School, the Marin County Office of Education has compiled a series of free resources for Marin County for our students, staff and families: Free ongoing bereavement support groups offered by Kaiser.  You do not need to be a Kaiser member to access. Free drop-in bereavement workshops offered by Kaiser.  You do not need to be a Kaiser member to access. By the Bay Health grief counseling services Free/low cost By the Bay Health in-person support group calendar Guidance document from By the Bay Health on “ Helping Children Cope with Loss ” Additional resources (websites, books, videos) Karma Club : Karma Club is a free after school teen center available to all Marin County teens ages 13 - 19, open Monday - Friday from 2:00 - 6:00 pm, located inside Northgate Mall. Karma Club is announcing two new programs that help bring equity in basic needs to our “Karma Krew” kids: KARMA GROCERIES : Learning of food insecurity experienced by some of our participants, we recently partnered with Extrafood and soon Marin Food Bank to allow teens to grocery shop for free on delivery days (Tuesdays and Wednesdays) and bring home a bag or two of healthy groceries to their families - encouraging them to make dinner together. KARMA CLOTHING : A “Wear, Care, Share” project of two Terra Linda High students, this partnership was facilitated by TL admin and offers free clothes shopping in the back area of Karma Club. Ongoing Karma Club programs include Free Peer-to-Peer Tutoring (a partnership with Branson High School), ESL Homework Club, Self-Defense Class, and more.  Visit  https://karma-club.org/ to learn more. Important Dates and Events MCMS Community Events Google Calendar          Panther Athletics Google Calendar - for all Sports-Related Practices and Events   Next Week at MCMS  B-Week for 6th Grade Exploratory Classes     CAASPP Testing Week Monday, 4/28 CAASPP Testing, 9:17 AM - 10:47 AM Tuesday, 4/29 CAASPP Testing, 9:17 AM - 10:47 AM Order LunchMaster Meals by 9 AM for delivery the week of 5/5 Track Practice for Qualifiers, 3:30 - 4:30 PM @ Terra Linda HS Track Led by Coach Wallen & Coach Leipsic Wednesday, 4/30 CAASPP Make Up Testing - All Day MCMS Garden Club Annual Plant Sale, directly after school through 1:45 PM Current 7th Grade Families: Washington, D.C. Informational Parent Meeting for Early Registration, 5 - 6 PM in Library Thursday, 5/1 CAASPP Testing, 9:17 AM - 10:47 AM HSC Presents Movie Screening of Angst , 5:30 - 7 PM in MCMS Library, Hosted by MCMS HSC for all 5th - 8th Grade Families Friday, 5/2 County Track Meet CAASPP Make Up Testing - All Day     Future Events Monday, 5/5 CAASPP Testing in Math Classes Tuesday 5/6 - Thursday, 5/8 8th Grade State Science Testing (CAST) in Science Classes  Friday, 5/9 Annual Can Do! Golf Tournament Show Up, Stand Up, Step Up, Panthers!

Saturday, Apr 26 2025

Panther Press: April 18, 2025

Panther Press Important Updates for our Panther Community Miller Creek Students Visit Lucas Valley's 5th Grade Classes this Week Principal's Message Happy Friday, Panther Community! This week, Miller Creek took its show on the road. Administrators, counselors and student representatives visited our three elementary schools to give our incoming sixth graders a vision into what being a Panther is all about. Seeing the excited faces, answering the wealth of questions and curiosities, and watching our Panther student reps take the lead on the entire visit was a highlight of my week. Many thanks to our Panther students reps for getting our incoming class of sixth graders excited for what aways them:  David Santos ,  Josephine Laico ,  Inara Thai  (Lucas Valley reps);  Mark DeMartini ,  Conor Esler ,  Giselle Flores ,  Micah Fells  and  Emerson Jaeger  (Vallecito reps);  Leo Croak ,  Layla Dempsey ,  Alex Hernandez  and  Sebastian Rivas  (Mary E. Silveira reps).  We also hosted our incoming Panther families at our  5th Grade Parent Night . For those that missed our presentation, you can find it HERE . Our incoming Panther families had the opportunity to hear from two student speakers, sixth grader  Arjun Singh  and eighth grader  Dylan Jaeger,  who shared their perspective on life at Miller Creek with a full audience of adults. They rocked it! In their speeches, both  Arjun  and  Dylan  highlighted the importance of taking advantage of the opportunities our schools provide through clubs, intramurals and sports, all of which increase a student's sense of identify, belonging and connection in our community. With that, I want to take a moment to acknowledge that Miller Creek would absolutely not be what it is without the contributions of our families to our  Can Do!  Education Foundation.   You Can  Can Do! As we head into the final stretch of the school year, we encourage  every Panther family to support Can Do!  Thanks to your support, our students have thrived through essential programs and services like Counseling, twenty-five (!!) different student club options, a vibrant athletics program, and - a recent highlight - an incredible production of Xanadu, Jr.! These experiences have sparked creativity, fostered well-being, and made learning come alive. But Can Do! is still $75,000 away from reaching their fundraising goal for 2024–2025, and so far, only 40 % of families have contributed —even though  100% of our students benefit from the programs these funds make possible. We need all Miller Creek families to participate to ensure these programs and services continue. Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a difference and helps sustain the programs that make our schools truly exceptional. You Can Can Do! Consider Donating Today at  cando4schools.org/donate . Miller Creek Celebrates Golden Bell Winner Monica Burrowes This past Tuesday, we were fortunate to honor the amazing work of Eighth Grade Core and Miller Creek Drama teacher Monica Burrowes , who was awarded this year's Golden Bell award recipient. Created in 1982, the Golden Bell Awards annually celebrate outstanding educators throughout Marin County and this year, it's Ms. Burrowes' well-deserved time to shine! Monica Burrowes has been a member of the Miller Creek Middle School teaching staff since 2015. In her decade of dedication to our campus, Ms. Burrowes has developed an outstanding drama program, put on annual spring musicals including this year's rockin' production of Xanadu, Jr., advised our student drama club, and has taught both English and Social Studies to hundreds of Miller Creek students. In addition, she is our school's Peer Assistance Review (PAR) mentor, helping onboard new staff at Miller Creek each year. She has also represented Miller Creek at both the state and county level as a member of the California Teachers Collaborative for Holocaust and Genocide Education. Ms. Burrowes is compassionate, intuitive, and unwavering in her efforts to promote students' self-efficacy. She truly sees the light in every child. We are lucky to have  Monica Burrowes as a member of our Miller Creek staff. Please join me in celebrating her achievement!  ** Jazzhands ** Monica Burrowes (center) is this Year's Miller Creek Middle School Golden Bell Winner Learning Highlights Mr. Small's Science 6  students are building models of homes in science class for an Engineering and Design Project. Students will test the homes and then redesign them to be more energy efficient for trapping heat. Here, students show teamwork in the early stages of building: This Week in Panther Athletics Track & Field  Student Athletes that qualified for the Area II meet on Thursday, 4/24 @ TLHS @ 4 PM received their permission and info packets this week.  Permission slip (page #2) is due back to their PE teacher by Monday, 4/21 so we can create the Heat Sheets and get athletes lined up. Should your student qualify based on their results from the Area II meet, student athletes will qualify for the County Meet, Friday 5/2 @ COM Kentfield @ 10 AM.  Please note transportation is not provided by MCMS for either meet. Practices Monday, 4/21:  for relays teams, 600 and 1200 meters @ TLHS, 3:30-5 PM. C oached by Mr. Leipsic, Tim Wallen and the Terra Linda track team. Parents are responsible for their own transportation.  Tuesday, 4/22: relay teams, long jump and shot put @ MCMS track @ lunch, 12:45 PM Wednesday, 4/23 : mandatory all team meeting in the gym @ lunch, 11:45 PM to go over specifics about Area II meet Golf Monday, 4/21: multiple team match at McInnis Golf Center. Tee time is 3:30 PM. Any questions, please email your student's PE teacher Go Panthers! Garden Club Plant Sale Starts this Wednesday Directly after School Celebrate Earth Week by supporting the Garden Club Plant Sale! We'll be open this coming Wednesday the 23rd and again next Wednesday the 30th. We have lots of tomatoes for $3 and other veggies like cucumbers, zucchini, kale, lettuce, swiss chard, mint for $3 or 2 for $5. We also have some seeds for sale for 50 cents an envelope. We will be selling plants right in front of the school by the sign and by the bike rack right after school until 1:45 the next two Wednesdays. Cash Only. Let The Garden Club Get Your Garden Ready this Wednesday! Assistant Principal's Update Eight weeks to go! Woohoo! F ood, Drinks, Gum A reminder that no energy drinks are allowed on campus. This includes Red Bull, Monster, etc. If seen by a staff member, it will be taken to the front office to be picked up after school.  Large amounts of chips, candy, and drinks are not allowed as it creates an unsafe environment with students crowding around in order to try and get an item.  Gum is never allowed on campus. Lunch clean up detentions will be issued if students are seen with gum.  And one final reminder: the selling of any goods or services is strictly prohibited on campus. We appreciate the entrepreneurial spirit, but we cannot allow this at school. Please see the  Miller Creek Student and Parent Handbook for more information. In partnership, Nicholas Miller Community Education Opportunity Calling all 5th through 8th grade families: Please consider joining Miller Creek’s Home and School Club and our Counseling and Wellness Team on Thursday, May 1st for a screening of the movie  Angst  from 5:30 - 7:00 PM in the MCMS library. The film is an hour long and explores anxiety, its causes and effects, and what we can do about it. Through candid interviews with kids and young adults who suffer from anxiety, the producer’s goal is to raise awareness and begin a conversation about anxiety. After the film, Miller Creek School Counselors will continue the discussion and share additional tools and resources.   We encourage caregivers to bring their students to view the film together. The film’s website suggests the film is appropriate for ages 10 and up.  Tickets are free, but we ask that you sign up  here  since seats will be limited.  Please visit the  Angst  website to learn more and to see the film’s additional  resources . Reminders State Testing is Almost Here Attending school every day well-rested and ready to show what you know is extremely important during state testing season, so please review these dates and your family calendar:  Monday, April 28th - Monday, May 5th: All Students English Language Arts and Math CAASPP Tests Tuesday, May 6th - Friday, May 9th: 8th grade California Science Test (CAST) Please review our district  2025 State Testing Notification for further information about state testing. Attendance Reminders This is a reminder that parents and caregivers must contact the Main Office to clear any student absences. If your child is absent for any reason, please be sure to contact the Main Office by calling 415-492-3760 or email our attendance clerk, Jocelyn Padilla, at jpadilla@millercreeksd.org. In addition, students who arrive to campus any later than 10 minutes after our first morning bell must sign in at the Main Office. For students checking out early, they must also sign out at the Main Office before leaving campus. 2025 MCMS Yearbook on Sale The 2025 Yearbook is on sale now. The yearbook students are working hard to create a memorable and fun 2025 Miller Creek yearbook. Use this link to go online to purchase your student’s yearbook (code 7653 or search Miller Creek Middle School) Yearbooks can also be purchased at the Miller Creek office by check (made out to Miller Creek Home and School Club) or cash. All questions can be emailed directly to Mr. Case at ccase@millercreeksd.org Get Involved HSC Volunteer Opportunities and Events April, May and June Lunch Volunteers : We need volunteers to help with our lunch service. These services rely on our volunteers and we would LOVE to have your support. The volunteer shifts are under an hour and are a great way to meet other parents and get involved on campus.  Please click HERE to sign up for shifts in May and June.   Home and School Club 2024-25  Calendar of Events: Print this flyer, mark your calendars and plan to join us! 8th Grade Fundraiser: Bingo at Ounces Outdoor this Saturday, April 19th Come join us Saturday April 19 (1:00 -3:00 pm) for an afternoon of B-I-N-G-O at Ounces Outdoors in Northgate!Great prizes from local businesses: Kayak and SUP rentals, gift baskets, and lots of gift cards!! All ages welcome.  Preorder your Bingo board now . Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Festival Next Weekend Sunday, April 27th from 2pm-4pm at Miller Creek Middle School  Enjoy many cultural performances: Lion Dancing, Traditional Korean Music Performance, FANCO Filipino Fashion Show, Hawaiian Dancers and Las Sampaguitas Filipina Singers. Enjoy interactive activities for the whole family: Henna, Korean Cultural Games (Jegichagi, Tuho, Gonggi), Flag & Country Game, Scavenger Hunt and more. Yes, there will be prizes!  Enjoy delicious food for sale (cash preferred): lots of food vendors, Kona Ice , snacks and drinks available for sale.  All in celebration of AAPI month!  There will be no seating, so bring lawn chairs. All District Families Welcome! Community Events & Resources Last Let's Talk Discussion Session of the Yea r : Join Let's Talk and Marin Health Youth Partnership on Wednesday, May 7th from 7-8:30PM for the last Let's Talk Discussion of the school year! This discussion will examine the link between teen mental health and underage substance use, exploring how anxiety, depression, and stress can lead to substance use as a coping mechanism. We will cover warning signs, effects on brain development, long-term consequences, and prevention strategies to support parents and caregivers. Our speakers include Branson School junior, Barry Liu, and Dr. Tracy Foose, former Director of UCSF’s Anxiety Disorders Treatment Program. She continues to teach about fear and anxiety at the UCSF School of Medicine and has established a psychiatry practice in Mill Valley focusing on anxiety. For the past 15 years, she has explored how protective emotions like fear and anxiety can sometimes lead to significant distress and impairment. Find out more and register for the event  HERE .  Karma Club : Karma Club is a free after school teen center available to all Marin County teens ages 13 - 19, open Monday - Friday from 2:00 - 6:00 pm, located inside Northgate Mall. Karma Club is announcing two new programs that help bring equity in basic needs to our “Karma Krew” kids: KARMA GROCERIES : Learning of food insecurity experienced by some of our participants, we recently partnered with Extrafood and soon Marin Food Bank to allow teens to grocery shop for free on delivery days (Tuesdays and Wednesdays) and bring home a bag or two of healthy groceries to their families - encouraging them to make dinner together. KARMA CLOTHING : A “Wear, Care, Share” project of two Terra Linda High students, this partnership was facilitated by TL admin and offers free clothes shopping in the back area of Karma Club. Ongoing Karma Club programs include Free Peer-to-Peer Tutoring (a partnership with Branson High School), ESL Homework Club, Self-Defense Class, and more.  Visit  https://karma-club.org/ to learn more. Important Dates and Events MCMS Community Events Google Calendar          Panther Athletics Google Calendar - for all Sports-Related Practices and Events   Next Week at MCMS  A-Week for 6th Grade Exploratory Classes      Monday, 4/21 Golf Math at McInnis Park Golf Center, 3:30 PM Tuesday, 4/22 Order LunchMaster Meals by 9 AM for delivery the week of 4/28 Wednesday, 4/23 MCMS Garden Club Annual Plant Sale, directly after school through 1:45 PM (Sale continues next Wednesday) Thursday, 4/24 HSC Walkathon In-n-Out Lunch Achievers - 6th Grade Celebration HSC Teacher Appreciation Lunch Hosted by 6th Grade Families Can Do! Comedy Night at Hopmonk Tavern, 8 PM (Doors at 7 PM) Purchase Tickets HERE Friday, 4/25 Grade Level Assemblies HSC Walkathon In-n-Out Lunch Achievers - 7th/8th Grade Celebration     Future Events Sunday, April 27th MCSD Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Celebration: 2 - 4 PM at Miller Creek Middle School, Hosted by HSC DEI Teams Week of April 28th State Testing Begins April 30th Current 7th Grade Families: Washington, D.C. Informational Parent Meeting for Early Registration, 5 - 6 PM in Library Thursday May 1st Movie Screening of Angst, 5:30 - 7 PM in MCMS Library, Hosted by MCMS HSC Show Up, Stand Up, Step Up, Panthers!

Saturday, Apr 19 2025

Panther Press: April 4, 2025

Panther Press Important Updates for our Panther Community Miller Creek Drama Performs Xanadu, Jr. this Week Principal's Message Happy Friday, Panther Community! As we head into Spring Break, I want to celebrate a few accomplishments and activities that took place this week. In addition, I want to prepare our students and families for our return as we enter state testing season. Please review our district  2025 State Testing Notification  for further information about state testing. Attending school every day well-rested and ready to show what you know is extremely important during state testing season, so please review these dates and your family calendar:  Monday, April 28th - Monday, May 5th: All Students English Language Arts and Math CAASPP Tests Monday, May 5th - Friday, May 9th: 8th grade California Science Test (CAST) Campus Highlights Xanadu, Jr Takes Over Miller Creek ! This week, our students and families were treated to two evening performances and two daytime performances of the Miller Creek Drama Production of Xanadu, Jr. I am so very proud of what our students have accomplished. Their hard work, motivation, and courage, all led by our dedicated drama teacher and this year's Golden Bell recipient,  Monica Burrowes, deserves recognition. Check out just a few scenes below. The pictures don't fully capture the fun and energy of the show: STRAW Miller Creek Restoration Project Returns for its 27th Year This week, students in our science classes were guided by professional restoration experts to improve the health of our local Miller Creek ecosystem primarily through the removal of invasive species such as English Ivy, Cap Ivey, Himalayan Blackberry and Periwinkle plants. This hard work allows for native plants to thrive in the area and leads to a healthier and more biodiverse creek ecosystem. The students' work really makes a difference! Assistant Principal's Update This week, I resumed my role as Assistant Principal of Miller Creek. A huge thank you to Chris Case for stepping into my role while I was out on paternity leave! It was so helpful to have someone that knows our site inside and out to serve as the AP for those 4 weeks. I also want to thank the teachers and staff who stepped up in my absence to keep our school running smoothly.  Additionally, Principal Dinday worked extra hard in my absence providing space and time for me to be with my family. I am so grateful for that time together! Here is a picture of the little cheeky nugget:  Norah Elena Miller Selling Food and other Items:  MCMS Handbook Reminder : The unauthorized selling of items or goods at school is never allowed. We have noticed an increase in items being sold on campus, specifically food items like gum, chips, candy, soda, etc. Students caught selling items or goods at school will be referred to administration for consequences and parents/caregivers will be contacted. Please remind your child that this is not allowed per our school policy.  Thanks and happy Spring Break! In partnership, Nicholas Miller Community Education Opportunity Join Miller Creek’s HSC and our Counseling and Wellness Team for a screening of the movie  Angst  from 5:30 - 7:0 PM on Thursday, May 1st in the MCMS library. The film is an hour long and explores anxiety, its causes and effects, and what we can do about it. Through candid interviews with kids and young adults who suffer from anxiety, the producer’s goal is to raise awareness and begin a conversation about anxiety. After the film, Miller Creek School Counselors will continue the discussion and share additional tools and resources.   We encourage caregivers to bring their students to view the film together. The film’s website suggests the film is appropriate for ages 10 and up.   Tickets are free, but we ask that you sign up  here  since seats will be limited.  Please visit the  Angst  website to learn more and to see the film’s additional  resources . Mental Health Support Over the Break If your family needs mental health support over the break, please refer to the Miller Creek Counseling and Wellness page for resources.  Wishing everyone a restful break! Reminders Attendance Reminders As we head ​back from Spring Break, this is a reminder that parents and caregivers must ​contact the Main ​Office to clear any student absences. ​If your child is absent for any reason, ​please be sure to contact the ​Main Office by calling 415-492-3760 or email our attendance clerk, Jocelyn Padilla, at ​jpadilla@millercreeksd.org. In addition, ​students who arrive to campus any later than 10 minutes after our first morning bell must ​sign in at the Main Office. ​For students checking out early, they must also sign out at the Main Office before leaving campus. 2025 MCMS Yearbook on Sale The 2025 Yearbook is on sale now. The yearbook students are working hard to create a memorable and fun 2025 Miller Creek yearbook. Use this link to go online to purchase your student’s yearbook (code 7653 or search Miller Creek Middle School) Yearbooks can also be purchased at the Miller Creek office by check (made out to Miller Creek Home and School Club) or cash. All questions can be emailed directly to Mr. Case at ccase@millercreeksd.org Get Involved HSC Volunteer Opportunities March and April Lunch Volunteers : We need volunteers to help with our lunch service. These services rely on our volunteers and we would LOVE to have your support. The volunteer shifts are under an hour and are a great way to meet other parents and get involved on campus.  Please click  HERE to sign up for shifts in March and April.  Home and School Club 2024-25  Calendar of Events: Print this flyer, mark your calendars and plan to join us! Community Events & Resources MCOE's Marin Health and Wellbeing Series for Parents and Caregivers : Please check out Marin County Office of Education's flyer HERE to see the range of topics being discussed in a series of parent education nights in 24/25, all relevant to parenting/caregiving our middle school students.  Karma Club : Karma Club is a free after school teen center available to all Marin County teens ages 13 - 19, open Monday - Friday from 2:00 - 6:00 pm, located inside Northgate Mall. Karma Club is announcing two new programs that help bring equity in basic needs to our “Karma Krew” kids: KARMA GROCERIES : Learning of food insecurity experienced by some of our participants, we recently partnered with Extrafood and soon Marin Food Bank to allow teens to grocery shop for free on delivery days (Tuesdays and Wednesdays) and bring home a bag or two of healthy groceries to their families - encouraging them to make dinner together. KARMA CLOTHING : A “Wear, Care, Share” project of two Terra Linda High students, this partnership was facilitated by TL admin and offers free clothes shopping in the back area of Karma Club. Ongoing Karma Club programs include Free Peer-to-Peer Tutoring (a partnership with Branson High School), ESL Homework Club, Self-Defense Class, and more.  Visit  https://karma-club.org/ to learn more. Important Dates and Events MCMS Community Events Google Calendar          Panther Athletics Google Calendar - for all Sports-Related Practices and Events   Next Week at MCMS (Week of 4/14) A-Week for 6th Grade Exploratory Classes      Monday, 4/14 MCMS Visits 5th Grade Classes at Lucas Valley Elementary School Tuesday, 4/15 Order LunchMaster Meals by 9 AM for delivery the week of 4/21 MCMS Visits 5th Grade Classes at Vallecito Elementary School MCSD School Board Meeting, 6 PM at MCSD Board Room Wednesday, 4/16 MCMS Visits 5th Grade Classes at Mary E. Silveira Elementary School HSC Monthly Meeting, 6 PM in Room M-3 and on Zoom Thursday, 4/17 5th Grade Parent Orientation Night, MCMS Gymnasium, 5:30 - 6:30 PM Friday, 4/18 --.     Future Events State CAASPP Testing Begins Week of April 28th Show Up, Stand Up, Step Up, Panthers!

Saturday, Apr 05 2025

Panther Press: March 28, 2025

Panther Press Important Updates for our Panther Community 8th Grade March Madness Musical Chairs Basketball Competition Principal's Message Happy Friday, Panther Community. There was a lot going on at Miller Creek this week: we hosted our Home and School Club  Walkathon  Fundraiser, our  Community Read Closing Event , and our March  Grade Level Assemblies . I've captured highlights from these activities below for your enjoyment.  Stay tuned next week for highlights from our Spring Musical,  Xanadu , which runs performances in the Miller Creek gym next  Wednesday, April 2nd and Thursday, April 3rd at 7 PM .  We'd love to see our students and families there. Don't forget to bring your legwarmers! Campus Highlights: The Walkathon The rain held itself at bay this Thursday, which allowed our students and staff to walk laps to raise money for Miller Creek's Home and School Club. It was great to see our students out there, moving their bodies and having fun while doing so. A huge round of thanks to our HSC President Tristen Levy , Vice President  Jennifer Ishii , and HSC parent  Jamie Dreikosen for organizing our first ever Panther Walkathon. And an extended round of thanks to the dozens of parents who showed up to scoop and serve Silbermann's ice cream for our 600+ students! Celebrating Participation AND Fundraising Totals Thank you to all of our parents, caregivers, extended families and friends who helped fundraise for this event. HSC wants to highlight a few of our homerooms who led the field in total participation (every dollar counts!), and total amount fundraised. These homerooms will be treated to an upcoming class party: 6th Grade Homeroom Walkathon Winners Highest Total Participation: Ms. Campagna's class, with 51% participation! Highest Total Raised: Ms. Campagna's class, with $3,568 raised! 7th Grade Homeroom Walkathon Winners Highest Total Participation: A tie...Ms. Pike's class, with 100% Participation and Ms. Dowd's class, with 100% Participation! Highest Total Raised: Ms. Pike's class, with $3,376 Raised! 8th Grade Homeroom Walkathon Winners Highest Total Participation: Ms. Meschery's class, with 46% participation! Highest Total Raised: Ms. Meschery's class, with $1,431 raised! Campus Highlights: Grade Level Assemblies Our LEAD classes hosted our March grade level assemblies this Friday. In addition to celebrating our 7th Grade Girls Basketball Team , who won this year's league championship, we announced our monthly homeroom winners, announced our Scholastic Book Fair and Walkathon winners, ran a highly competitive March Madness Musical Chairs Basketball Competition, and celebrated a dozen students in each grade level who showed their Panther PRIDE at some point during the month of March by being Safe , Respectful , Responsible or an  Ally .  6th Grade Panther PRIDE Winners Monica Basil-Okoji, Emma Boyd, Ava Caceres, Ma'ayan Friedman, Teagan Gilligan, Penelope Miles, Vivienne Pomfret, Sebastian Rivas, Taewon Seo, Einar Sevilla, Ester Villareal Lovo, Teagan Williams 7th Grade Panther PRIDE Winners Valentina Azadi Lainez, Paige Day, Anderson Dayton, Angel Vega Esparza, Joshua Fuette, William Levine, Natalie Malas, Noah Miranda, William O'Brian, Asha Rajagopal, Justin Schmidt, Griffin Zerger 8th Grade Panther PRIDE Winners Thomas Albrecht, Leo Croak, Max Denise, Cristobal Hernandez, Dylan McPherson, Kennedy Milener, Jackson Mulford, Jasper Previtali, Sasha Southwick, Imer Vasquez, Paula Vilar BOOK FAIR   That's a Wrap! The Results Are In…   Our Book Fair was a wonderful success! We met our goals: to  raise funds  to support reading at MCMS; to  promote student interest  in reading; to  identify books that highlight themes  important to MCMS; to find ways to  incorporate educational opportunities  for students; and to  make it fun!  Here are the results in numbers . . .      8,000+  dollars worth of books and school supplies purchased by the MCMS community. 191  copies of  The Last Cuentista  in English,  plus 30  copies in Spanish gifted to  students by the HSC (aka the “Community Read” book). 51  students who won prizes or gift certificates. ~50  books purchased for teachers and the school library. 24  parent volunteers to plan and staff this week-long event. 11  students who used "eWallet.”  9  teachers/staff involved in the success of the fair. 2  LEAD classes that supported event promotion (tagline, posters, videos). 2  Digital Expressions classes that created Book Genre posters. 1  choir and  1  Jazz Ensemble that made our Family Night a melodious event! Thank you parents for all of your support and to our volunteers: Brittany Greene, Suzanne Dignon, Jenn Ishii-Yu, Elaine Esler, Alice Cummings, Elizabeth Rosetti, Michelle Buell, Gina Stadtner, Shital Patel, Julie Hodel, Tni Newhoff, Melissa Miller, Jennifer Cuthbertson, Dianne Rhodes, Carrie Wurlitzer, Erika Gendreau, John Hutchinson, Lindy Burgon, Robin Norris, Lisa Eastlack, Susanah Gasper, Mary Lee, Jaimi Cortes, and Tristen Levy.  Book Fair Prize Winners!  Miller Creek Drama's Spring Musical Opens Next Week! By Zeus' decree, all noble citizens and demigods of the Miller Creek community are cordially invited to “Xanadu, Jr!” Join us as we travel from 1980s Venice Beach California to the top of Mount Olympus and back in a quest for love, harmony, artistic freedom, and the perfect pair of legwarmers! Performances will be  Wednesday, April 2nd and Thursday, April 3rd at 7 PM. Doors to the gym open for seating at 6:30 PM. Admission is FREE, however MCMS students must be accompanied by an adult to attend the evening performances.  Our Drama Panthers will also be sharing school day performances on Friday April 4th for the MCMS student body only . Our theater Panthers have worked hard over the past 10 weeks and are eager to share this magical story with you. Thank you in advance for supporting our brave actors and bringing your positivity and kindness as an audience member!  ** Jazzhands! ** Community Education Opportunity Join Miller Creek’s HSC and our Counseling and Wellness Team for a screening of the movie  Angst  from 5:30 - 7:0 PM on Thursday, May 1st in the MCMS library. The film is an hour long and explores anxiety, its causes and effects, and what we can do about it. Through candid interviews with kids and young adults who suffer from anxiety, the producer’s goal is to raise awareness and begin a conversation about anxiety. After the film, Miller Creek School Counselors will continue the discussion and share additional tools and resources.   We encourage caregivers to bring their students to view the film together. The film’s website suggests the film is appropriate for ages 10 and up.   Tickets are free, but we ask that you sign up  here  since seats will be limited.  Please visit the  Angst  website to learn more and to see the film’s additional  resources . Reminders LunchMaster Ordering Just a reminder that our district continues to offer breakfast and lunch at no cost to students through the Universal Meals Program and in partnership with The LunchMaster . Please know that if your child plans to pick up breakfast and/or lunch, they must have those meals ordered in advance. LunchMaster meals must be ordered by Tuesday at 9 AM for the following week. Any extra food that we have at the Creek Cafe is due to students not picking up their ordered meals. Extra food is never a guarantee.  All information on setting up a LunchMaster account can be found on our district website's  School Meals Program page, or stop into our Main Office for support. 2025 MCMS Yearbook on Sale The 2025 Yearbook is on sale now. The yearbook students are working hard to create a memorable and fun 2025 Miller Creek yearbook. Use this link to go online to purchase your student’s yearbook (code 7653 or search Miller Creek Middle School) Yearbooks can also be purchased at the Miller Creek office by check (made out to Miller Creek Home and School Club) or cash. All questions can be emailed directly to Mr. Case at ccase@millercreeksd.org Get Involved HSC Volunteer Opportunities March and April Lunch Volunteers : We need volunteers to help with our lunch service. These services rely on our volunteers and we would LOVE to have your support. The volunteer shifts are under an hour and are a great way to meet other parents and get involved on campus.  Please click  HERE to sign up for shifts in March and April.  Home and School Club 2024-25  Calendar of Events: Print this flyer, mark your calendars and plan to join us! Community Events & Resources TLHS Cheer Season Tryouts for Incoming 9th Graders : Calling all 8th graders interested in joining TL’s Cheer Team: TLHS Cheer is holding an information session on Tuesday, April 1st at 4:30 PM in the TLHS Old Gym. Find out more by going to the Terra Linda High School website- under athletics and cheer . Follow their social media account @terra_linda_cheer and be sure to fill out a  TLHS Athletic Interest Form .  MCOE's Marin Health and Wellbeing Series for Parents and Caregivers : Please check out Marin County Office of Education's flyer HERE to see the range of topics being discussed in a series of parent education nights in 24/25, all relevant to parenting/caregiving our middle school students.  Karma Club : Karma Club is a free after school teen center available to all Marin County teens ages 13 - 19, open Monday - Friday from 2:00 - 6:00 pm, located inside Northgate Mall. Karma Club is announcing two new programs that help bring equity in basic needs to our “Karma Krew” kids: KARMA GROCERIES : Learning of food insecurity experienced by some of our participants, we recently partnered with Extrafood and soon Marin Food Bank to allow teens to grocery shop for free on delivery days (Tuesdays and Wednesdays) and bring home a bag or two of healthy groceries to their families - encouraging them to make dinner together. KARMA CLOTHING : A “Wear, Care, Share” project of two Terra Linda High students, this partnership was facilitated by TL admin and offers free clothes shopping in the back area of Karma Club. Ongoing Karma Club programs include Free Peer-to-Peer Tutoring (a partnership with Branson High School), ESL Homework Club, Self-Defense Class, and more.  Visit  https://karma-club.org/ to learn more. Important Dates and Events MCMS Community Events Google Calendar          Panther Athletics Google Calendar - for all Sports-Related Practices and Events   Next Week at MCMS B-Week for 6th Grade Exploratory Classes      Monday, 3/31 MCMS Golf Match at McInnis Golf Park, 3:30 PM Tuesday, 4/1 Order LunchMaster Meals by 9 AM for delivery the week of 4/14 Wednesday, 4/2 MCMS Spring Musical Evening Performance: Xanadu, 7 PM in Gymnasium Thursday, 4/3 MCMS School Site Council Meeting, 3:15 PM in M-3 MCMS Spring Musical Evening Performance: Xanadu, 7 PM in Gymnasium Friday, 4/4 Spring Musical Daytime Performance (Students Only)     Future Events April 7 - 11 Spring Break Show Up, Stand Up, Step Up, Panthers!

Saturday, Mar 29 2025

Panther Press: March 21, 2025

Panther Press Important Updates for our Panther Community Our 7th Grade Girls Basketball Take Home the League Championship this Week! Principal's Message Happy Friday, Panther Community. I want to highlight a few of the events and activities that took place on campus this week and give you an idea of what we have ahead of us in the weeks to come. With that, check out the most exciting event of the week: Panther Athletics Special Edition 7th Grade Girls Basketball Takes Home the Championship! A hearty congratulations goes to our 7th grade girls basketball team who earned the title of League Champions this week, beating Kent Middle School at San Marin High School on Wednesday evening with a score of  23-8 . While the game was very tight in the first half and the half-time score was 6-3 for Kent, our Miller Creek Panthers fought back and dominated in the second half, at one point outscoring Kent 20-2. This was a huge win for our Panthers, who dug deep in facing a rival in Kent who, in the past two years had beaten them at every turn. We'll be celebrating our 7th Grade Girls Championship Team at our next grade level assembly and they will soon have a banner hanging in our gym.  Thank you to our players for making Miller Creek proud and thank you to our coaches for giving all of our players an opportunity to contribute to this memorable season! Campus Highlights Track season is here! Check out our PE teacher Mr. Zeller's 6th grade students making their first leaps in the long jump: Ms. Akemon takes her social studies students on an artistic journey into developing their own Pharaoh Profile : And  Mr. DeMont challenges his seventh grade science students to engineer a 12 inch tall building that can sustain an earthquake: Our LEAD students also created videos every day this week to promote our  March into Kindness month. For an example of their creativity, click on the image below to see Thursday's clever video: Last but not least, Ms. Meschery welcomed students into her classroom at lunch to watch a bit of  March Madness : Miller Creek Drama's Spring Musical Opens April 2nd By Zeus' decree, all noble citizens and demigods of the Miller Creek community are cordially invited to “Xanadu, Jr!” Join us as we travel from 1980s Venice Beach California to the top of Mount Olympus and back in a quest for love, harmony, artistic freedom, and the perfect pair of legwarmers! Performances will be  Wednesday April 2nd and Thursday April 3rd at 7 PM. Doors to the gym open for seating at 6:30 PM. Admission is FREE, however MCMS students must be accompanied by an adult to attend the evening performances.  Our Drama Panthers will also be sharing school day performances on Friday April 4th for the MCMS student body only . Our theater Panthers have worked hard over the past 10 weeks and are eager to share this magical story with you. Thank you in advance for supporting our brave actors and bringing your positivity and kindness as an audience member!  **Jazzhands** Our biggest Home and School Club fundraiser of the year takes place this coming Thursday, March 27th during Study Hall! Students: Come dressed as your  favorite sports team   and walk laps during study hall to help us reach our goal of $40,000! Students will walk laps and be treated to Silberman's during Study Hall on March 27th in order to raise money for our Home and School Club. Fundraising envelopes have been sent home, or you can search for your student through the 99 Pledges website for online fundraising  here .   Raise $75 for a chance to win spirit wear! Raise $150 for an In-N-Out lunch for your student!  Class prizes for participation! Help our HSC reach its goal of $40,000 to pay for programs including: teacher supplies, grade level parties, staff meals and community building events like Popsicles in the Park, Hispanic Heritage Festival, Asian American Pacific Islander Festival, Community Read and Birthday Book Club.  Note that we're also celebrating our Community Read novel The Last Cuentista with a celebration at Marinwood Park later that evening, the 27th from 6 - 7:30 PM. Reminders Drop Off / Pick Up Reminder for Miller Creek Road Just a reminder to all those drivers who do drop off / pick up on Miller Creek Road next to the park. Please do not park in the newly painted red zone adjacent to the path entrance to the park. This has been painted red in accordance with the new "daylighting" law (AB 413) that creates better visibility and safer crosswalk access for our biking and walking students. Related to safe driving in our community is this month's "Eyes Up, Marin" campaign from the Street Smarts Program and  Safe Routes to Schools , both locally-funded programs of the Transportation Authority of Marin. Eyes Up, Marin reminds us: Don’t be distracted by the alerts from your phone. Turn off your phone when you drive. Did you know you have the ability to silence your phone while driving? To silence your phone while driving, enable "Do Not Disturb While Driving" or "Driving Focus" on your iOS or Android phone, which automatically silences calls, texts, and notifications when you're detected to be driving.  Google “silence phone while driving” to find out how. If you have to use your phone, make sure you use hands free equipment. Remember: Eyes Up!  LunchMaster Ordering Just a reminder that our district continues to offer breakfast and lunch at no cost to students through the Universal Meals Program and in partnership with The LunchMaster . Please know that if your child plans to pick up breakfast and/or lunch, they must have those meals ordered in advance. LunchMaster meals must be ordered by Tuesday at 9 AM for the following week. Any extra food that we have at the Creek Cafe is due to students not picking up their ordered meals. Extra food is never a guarantee.  All information on setting up a LunchMaster account can be found on our district website's  School Meals Program page, or stop into our Main Office for support. 2025 MCMS Yearbook on Sale The 2025 Yearbook is on sale now. The yearbook students are working hard to create a memorable and fun 2025 Miller Creek yearbook. Use this link to go online to purchase your student’s yearbook (code 7653 or search Miller Creek Middle School) Yearbooks can also be purchased at the Miller Creek office by check (made out to Miller Creek Home and School Club) or cash. All questions can be emailed directly to Mr. Case at ccase@millercreeksd.org Get Involved HSC Volunteer Opportunities March and April Lunch Volunteers : We need volunteers to help with our lunch service. These services rely on our volunteers and we would LOVE to have your support. The volunteer shifts are under an hour and are a great way to meet other parents and get involved on campus.  Please click  HERE to sign up for shifts in March and April.  March 27th MCMS Walkathon Volunteers: Help coordinate this year's MCMS Walkathon by signing up  HERE . Home and School Club 2024-25  Calendar of Events: Print this flyer, mark your calendars and plan to join us! Community Events & Resources TLHS Cheer Season Tryouts for Incoming 9th Graders : Calling all 8th graders interested in joining TL’s Cheer Team: TLHS Cheer is holding an information session on Tuesday, April 1st at 4:30 PM in the TLHS Old Gym. Find out more by going to the Terra Linda High School website- under athletics and cheer . Follow their social media account @terra_linda_cheer and be sure to fill out a  TLHS Athletic Interest Form .  Terra Linda Mountain Biking Club All-Girls Fun Ride : Join the Terra Linda Mountain Biking Club for an all-girls fun ride this Sunday, March 23rd from 9 - noon at China Camp. Learn more and register  HERE . MCOE's Marin Health and Wellbeing Series for Parents and Caregivers : Please check out Marin County Office of Education's flyer  HERE to see the range of topics being discussed in a series of parent education nights in 24/25, all relevant to parenting/caregiving our middle school students.  Marinwood Waterpolo Spring 2025 Season : The Marinwood Recreation Department is once again offering a middle school water polo program this Spring. The program begins March 17 and ends May 7. The team is open to all middle school age kids who are water safe. Registration is now open, see the attached flyer for more details. Karma Club : Karma Club is a free after school teen center available to all Marin County teens ages 13 - 19, open Monday - Friday from 2:00 - 6:00 pm, located inside Northgate Mall. Karma Club is announcing two new programs that help bring equity in basic needs to our “Karma Krew” kids: KARMA GROCERIES : Learning of food insecurity experienced by some of our participants, we recently partnered with Extrafood and soon Marin Food Bank to allow teens to grocery shop for free on delivery days (Tuesdays and Wednesdays) and bring home a bag or two of healthy groceries to their families - encouraging them to make dinner together. KARMA CLOTHING : A “Wear, Care, Share” project of two Terra Linda High students, this partnership was facilitated by TL admin and offers free clothes shopping in the back area of Karma Club. Ongoing Karma Club programs include Free Peer-to-Peer Tutoring (a partnership with Branson High School), ESL Homework Club, Self-Defense Class, and more.  Visit  https://karma-club.org/ to learn more. Canal Alliance Charlas de immigració n :  Local San Rafael non-profit Canal Alliance has shared updated resources for our families regarding immigration activities and information related to immigration in Marin. Please click HERE for information regarding their next community Charla via Zoom on March 26th.  Important Dates and Events MCMS Community Events Google Calendar          Panther Athletics Google Calendar - for all Sports-Related Practices and Events   Next Week at MCMS B-Week for 6th Grade Exploratory Classes     Walkathon Week! Monday, 3/24 MCSD Budget/LCAP Advisory Committee Meeting, 3:30 PM at MCSD Board Room Tuesday, 3/25 Order LunchMaster Meals by 9 AM for delivery the week of 3/31 Wednesday, 3/26 --. Thursday, 3/27 MCMS HSC Walkathon during Study Hall - Come dressed as your favorite sports team! HSC Community Read Closing Event @ Marinwood Park, 6 - 7:30 PM Friday, 3/28 Monthly Grade Level Assemblies     Future Events April 7 - 11 Spring Break Show Up, Stand Up, Step Up, Panthers!

Saturday, Mar 22 2025

Mary E Silveira Elementary School | Home-To-School T...

Dear MES Families, Miller Creek School District will offer a  Yellow  Bus service, Monday through Friday, to and from Mary E. Silveira Elementary School this coming school year, including TK/K and early release days. This route is called "D" Here is a link to the stops and times:   Route D For MES Families, the Yellow Bus has several options, including yearly, semester and one-way fares: Students from income-qualified households may be eligible for a  free or reduced fair  for the Yellow Bus.   Bus Pass Application & Payment assistance schedule:  Location:  MCSD Business Office, 380 Nova Albion Way, San Rafael (Library Room) English & Spanish speaking District employees will be available during the following times to assist families with applications and payment for Yellow Bus passes: Thursday, August 8:  8am - 11am Friday, August 9:  3pm - 6pm Monday, August 12:  8am - 11am Tuesday, August 13:  8am - 11am Wednesday, August 14:  3pm - 6pm Thursday, August 15:  8am - 11am Temporary Bus Passes will be provided on the day of application.  We anticipate replacing the temporary bus pass with a permanent version on September 13th, 2024. Please note we are only able to process credit card and cheque payments. For any transport related questions, please email:  transportation@millercreeksd.org Thank you, we look forward to servicing your students' transportations needs for the 2024/25 school year.  Sincerely, The Miller Creek School District

Tuesday, Jul 23 2024

Miller Creek Middle School | Home-To-School Transpor...

Dear MCMS Families, Miller Creek School District is partnering with Marin Transit to provide options for Middle School students to get to and from school on the  Route 57  or  Route 245  bus, depending on where they live. The Terra Linda neighborhood and surrounds will use the 57, and homes on the west side of Highway 101 will utilize the 245. Miller Creek Middle School:  Marin Transit | Route 57 AM:   Route 57  Northbound will serve Terra Linda and then drop off at the Middle School   (Las Gallinas & Elvia Ct ).  The updated time schedule will be published on Marin Transit’s website on 7/19. This is a new trip that will start on 8/12.  PM:   Route 57  Southbound will serve Miller Creek MS at ( Las Gallinas & Elvia Ct ) and then go to Terra Linda.  The updated time schedule will be published on Marin Transit’s website on 7/19. This is a new trip that will start on 8/12.   Early release days will be serviced by a Southbound trip. This is an existing trip. ->  57 Bus Stops & Times Miller Creek Middle School:  Marin Transit | Route 245 AM:   Route 245  Southbound will serve Contempo/Smith Ranch and then drop off at   Las Gallinas & Cedar Hill . This is an existing trip.  PM:   Route 245  Northbound will serve the stop at   Las Gallinas & Santiago Way . This is an existing trip.  Early release days will be serviced by a Northbound trip that departs the same stop around 1:21p or 2:21p. These are both existing trips. ->  245 Bus Stops & Times There are 3 payment options available: 1.  Annual Youth Pass Marin Transit offers an annual pass that will be distributed through the Miller Creek District Office. With a Youth Pass, students and youth ages 18 and under are able to ride on local routes in Marin (excluding any Golden Gate Transit regional or commute routes such as the 101/130/150/580 lines) without paying any additional fare. A Marin Transit Sticker will be applied to your student's School ID card. The Youth Pass costs  $325  for a year and payment will be processed at the District Office.  Only Checks & Credit Cards will be accepted.     2.  Income-qualified FREE Youth Pass Students from income-qualified households may be eligible for a  FREE Youth Pass.  To apply, download the Parent/Guardian Certification for Eligibility for  Free Youth Pass from  (in English or Spanish) and return to  transportation@millercreeksd.org . A Marin Transit Sticker will be applied to your student's School ID card. 3.  Pay-As-You-Ride Each ride costs $1.  You can pay per ride, using cash or a Clipper card.  The clipper card will allow parents to load money or tie a credit card to the pass. Clipper is accepted on all Bay Area transit services including Marin Transit, Golden Gate, and SMART.  More information is provided here .   English & Spanish speaking District employees will be available during the following times to assist families with applications for a YOUTH PASS & FREE Marin Transit Youth bus pass: Location:  MCSD Business Office, 380 Nova Albion Way. San Ran Rafel, 94903 Thursday, August 8:  8am - 11am Friday, August 9:  3pm - 6pm Monday, August 12:  8am - 11am Tuesday, August 13:  8am - 11am Wednesday, August 14:  3pm - 6pm Thursday, August 15:  8am - 11am A dedicated transportation hotline is in effect, please use  transportation@millercreeksd.org  for any transport-related questions. Thank you, we look forward to servicing your student's transportation needs for the 2024/25 school year.  Sincerely, The Miller Creek School District P.S. Youth 18 and under can ride Marin Transit for free all summer.  More info.  

Friday, Jul 12 2024

Summer 2024 Update

Summer 2024 Update Bus Transportation      Electric Bikes      Summer Registration  Home-To-School Transportation plans for the 24/25 School Year As the  national bus driver shortage  continues to prove challenging, we are transitioning to a fully contracted model for our yellow bus program servicing Mary E Silveira Elementary (MES). In addition, we will be partnering with Marin Transit for our Middle School needs (MCMS). Unfortunately, we are unable to service Lucas Valley and Vallecito Elementary Schools. Miller Creek Middle School:  Marin Transit | Route 57 AM:   Route 57  Northbound will serve Terra Linda and then drop off at the Middle School   (Las Gallinas & Elvia Ct ). This is a new trip that will start on 8/12. PM:   Route 57  Southbound will serve Miller Creek MS at ( Las Gallinas & Elvia Ct ) and then go to Terra Linda. This is a new trip that will start on 8/12.  Early release days will be serviced by a Southbound trip. This is an existing trip. Miller Creek Middle School:  Marin Transit | Route 245 AM:   Route 245  Southbound will serve Contempo/Smith Ranch and then drop off at   Las Gallinas & Cedar Hill . This is an existing trip.  PM:   Route 245  Northbound will serve the stop at   Las Gallinas & Santiago Way . This is an existing trip.  Early release days will be serviced by a Northbound trip that departs the same stop around 1:21p or 2:21p. These are both existing trips. Fares & Payment  - Information available on  Marin Transit’s website .  Each ride costs $1.  You can pay per ride, using cash or a Clipper card or pay upfront for the year by purchasing a  Youth Pass  which costs $325. Students from income-qualified households may be eligible for a  FREE Youth Pass.  To apply, download the Parent/Guardian Certification for Eligibility for  Free Youth Pass from  (in English or Spanish) and return to  Transportation Email Youth 18 and under can ride Marin Transit for free all summer.  More info.   Mary E Silveira Elementary:  Yellow Bus | Same route as the Current Route “D” A full weekly service will be provided including TK/K and early release days.    A dedicated transportation hotline is in effect, please use  Transportation Email  for any transport-related questions. Later this week we will provide MCMS and MES families further details, including the bus route and bus pass application process, a schedule for assistance with your application at the District Office, and payment options. E-Bikes for Miller Creek School District Navigating the world of electric bikes and scooters can be confusing, especially when it comes to determining the legal age for children to ride them in California. With a variety of these electric vehicles on the market, it’s important for parents to be informed before allowing their children to hop on and start riding. California law requires electric scooter riders to be at least 16 years old and have a valid driver’s license or instruction permit. Additionally, riders must wear a helmet meeting federal standard, and scooters must not exceed a maximum speed of 15 mph on level ground . Bicycle Registration Beginning with the 204-25 School Year, Miller Creek Middle School will institute a registration process for students who want to ride electric bikes to school.  It will include safety information, including facts about properly fitted helmets and road safety. Look for more information on how to register in August. Allowed Types of Electric Bicycles Only Class 1 and Class 2 electric bikes are allowed for our students who are under 16 years of age.  We cannot allow students to ride any illegal bicycle to or from school. California Vehicle Code defines electric bicycles in three classes: Class 1:  Low-Speed Pedal-Assisted Electric Bikes  The Class 1 e-bike engine can only supply power up to 20 mph. Class 2:  Low-Speed Throttle-Assisted Electric Bikes These low-speed throttle-assisted bicycle motors are also limited to 20 mph.  *Note: These bikes could become illegal for young riders in the coming months or year.  Class 3:  Are those with an allowed top-assisted speed of 28 mph.  Class 3 e-bikes are required to have a speedometer and riders of Class 3 e-bikes must also be at least 16 years old and are required to wear a helmet.  Students in the Miller Creek School District are not old enough to legally ride Class 3 bikes. Electric Motorbikes Two-wheel electric bikes with a motor larger than 750 Watts and/or have a motor that works above 20 mph are considered Electric Motorcycles and require a Driver’s license.  Resources Here  is a presentation provided by Miller Creek Assistant Principal, Nick Miller, to the school board and community on Tuesday 6/11 which reviews current CA legislation, different classes of e-bikes, and information about the updated school procedures for electric bikes. Here  is a presentation provided by Safe Routes to School to 6th and 7th grade students in late May that reviews similar information.  Summer Registration While our school offices are closed for the summer, registration packets and assistance are available at the District Office, located at 380 Nova Albion Way. Bilingual assistance is available per the following schedule: Wednesday, July 10        3pm - 6pm Friday, July 12                  8am - 11am Monday, July 15               8am - 11am Wednesday, July 17         3pm - 6pm Friday, July 19                  8am - 11am Monday, July 22              8am - 11am Wednesday, July 24        3pm - 6pm Friday, July 26                 8am - 11am Monday, July 29              8am - 11am Wednesday, July 31        3pm - 6pm Friday, August 2              8am - 11am   Monday, August 5           8am - 11am Wednesday, August 7     3pm - 6pm Friday, August 9              8am - 11am Before registering your new student, please confirm that your home address is within the Miller Creek School District boundaries and the home school for your neighborhood by reviewing the Miller Creek School  District Boundaries Street Grid , or finding your home address in the following drop-down menu on our website at  this link .  Miller Creek School District www.millercreeksd.org  

Tuesday, Jul 09 2024

3.19.24 Agenda for Special Board Meeting on March 20th

Dear Miller Creek Community, Board Meeting Agenda for March 20, 2024  The agenda for the special meeting of the Miller Creek School Board on Wednesday, March 20th, has been posted  here .  The agenda for this meeting include: Review of communication from the Marin County Office of Education regarding Miller Creek School District’s Second Interim Financial Report Consideration of approval of a resolution to identify the budget reduction plan Approval of employment of Interim Superintendent Members of the public may participate in this meeting in person or via Zoom at the links below: Closed Session  begins at 4:45 p.m. Open Session  begins at 5:00 p.m .  Public Comment is limited to 30 minutes for items on the agenda. For more information about how to make public comments at the meeting, please visit the  Board Meeting webpage  or contact us at the District Office at 415-492-3706. Thank you,  Kristy Treewater | Deputy Superintendent

Tuesday, Mar 19 2024