McMillin Elementary School

Once a Beagle, Always a Beagle

We have some McMillin Beagles retiring this year. If your child or you would like to wish them well. You can send them an email or drop off a card in the office. 🙂

• Ms. Denee – Our Secretary
• Mr. Ralph – Our Day Custodian
• Mr. Jaime – Our Night Custodian
• Mrs. Reece – Our 2nd-grade teacher
• Mrs. Natalia – Our 2nd-grade teacher
• Ms. Chase – Our Cafeteria Lead
• Mr. Simsic – Our Music Teacher
• Ms. T – Our Librarian
• Ms. Kathy – Our Student Attendant in SDC

** I know!! They will all be missed

WE NEED YOUR INPUT

We are always looking for ways to improve at McMillin. We have only had 20 parents respond. We would like to hear from all our parents regarding parental involvement. Please take a few minutes to complete our brief survey. https://forms.gle/ANAbEaJiyijunFiy8

RESIDENCY VERIFICATION

Residency verification will take place online this year.

If you are planning on not returning to McMillin next year, please email Dalia in our attendance office. dalia.guerra@cvesd.org

NEW REGISTRATION FOR 2021-2022 SCHOOL YEAR

Kindergarten and NEW student registration is happening now for the 2021-22 school year. McMillin students currently enrolled DO NOT have to register. You will just complete proof of residency when the time comes. CLICK HERE for further information. If you are having any difficulty with the online registration process, please stop by the office.

Returning Computers and WiFi Hot Spots

We must collect all school laptop computers and wifi hot spot devices that were checked out by families.  For your convenience, we are offering three different dates with a wide range of times. Please bring the computers and chargers to the front of the school where we will have staff ready to accept them at a table and record that the computer or wifi hot spot device was returned.

• June 15th: 11:30 pm to 5:30 pm
• June 16th: 8:00 am to 3:30 pm
• June 17th: 8:00 am to 3:30 pm

Please make plans to return any computers or WiFi hotspot device at one of these times. Please note:

• If your device was damaged while in your family’s possession, you may contact the school office at (619) 397-0103 to set up a payment plan to fix or replace the damaged device. You may also contact the school office if the computer or wifi hot spot device was lost or destroyed to set up a payment plan to replace the device.
• If you would like to return your device earlier, please bring it to the front office.

A Look Ahead:

Tuesday, June 8th – DAC/DELAC Committee (12:00 pm – 2:00 pm)

Friday, June 11, 2021 – Sixth Grade Promotion Ceremony at 9:00 am – 10:00 am

Tuesday, June 15, 2021

• Last Day of School [Distance Learning for all students]
• Kindergarten Promotion at 9 am
• District device return from 11:30 am to 5:30 pm

Wednesday, June 16, 2021 – District device return from 8 am to 3:30 pm

Thursday, June 17, 2021 – District device return from 8 am to 3:30 pm

Wednesday, July 21, 2021 – First Day of School for ALL students on campus

WE NEED YOUR INPUT

We are always looking for ways to improve at McMillin. We would like to hear from all our parents regarding parental involvement. Please take a few minutes to complete our brief survey. https://forms.gle/ANAbEaJiyijunFiy8

RESIDENCY VERIFICATION

Residency verification will take place online this year. All students returning to any school in the Chula Vista Elementary School District for the 2021/22 school year are required to show proof of residency at their school of attendance before the start of school in order for their child’s name to be placed on a class list. If you have moved out of our area, and would like to continue at McMillin, you must contact the office to receive a Zone Transfer document. You will be receiving an email that will contain a unique “Snap Code” for each of your children enrolled at McMillin and a link to the website where you will be able to update information for your child and upload your residency for the 21/22 school year. You will only receive an email if you have a valid email on file at McMillin. If your email has recently changed, or if you do not receive emails from the district, please call the office to update your information: 619-397-0103.

If you are planning on not returning to McMillin next year, please email Dalia in our attendance office. dalia.guerra@cvesd.org

NEW REGISTRATION FOR 2021-2022 SCHOOL YEAR

Kindergarten and NEW student registration is happening now for the 2021-22 school year. McMillin students currently enrolled DO NOT have to register. You will just complete proof of residency when the time comes. CLICK HERE for further information. If you are having any difficulty with the online registration process, please stop by the office.

Returning Computers and WiFi Hot Spots

We must collect all school laptop computers and wifi hot spot devices that were checked out by families.  For your convenience, we are offering three different dates with a wide range of times. Please bring the computers and chargers to the front of the school where we will have staff ready to accept them at a table and record that the computer or wifi hot spot device was returned.

• June 15th: 11:30 pm to 5:30 pm
• June 16th: 8:00 am to 3:30 pm
• June 17th: 8:00 am to 3:30 pm

Please make plans to return any computers or WiFi hotspot device at one of these times. Please note:

• If your device was damaged while in your family’s possession, you may contact the school office at (619) 397-0103 to set up a payment plan to fix or replace the damaged device. You may also contact the school office if the computer or wifi hot spot device was lost or destroyed to set up a payment plan to replace the device.
• If you would like to return your device earlier, please bring it to the front office.

A Look Ahead:

Friday, June 11, 2021 – Sixth Grade Promotion Ceremony at 9:00 am – 10:00 am

Tuesday, June 15, 2021

• Last Day of School [Distance Learning for all students]
• Kindergarten Promotion at 9 am
• District device return from 11:30 am to 5:30 pm

Wednesday, June 16, 2021 – District device return from 8 am to 3:30 pm

Wednesday, July 21, 2021 – First Day of School for ALL students on campus

CVESD will host a Virtual Town Hall

at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, May 25. Join us to hear more about preparations for the new school year, the 2021-22 academic year.
Join the meeting in English: https://bit.ly/3fFdEFC 
Join the meeting in Spanish: https://bit.ly/3vlk4QT

Returning Computers and WiFi Hot Spots

We will be collecting all school laptop computers that were checked out by families on the dates below. For your convenience, we are offering three different dates with a wide range of times. Please bring the computers and chargers to the front of the school where we will have staff ready to accept them at a table and record that the computer and/or wifi hot spot device was returned.

• June 15th: 11:30 am to 5:30 pm
• June 16th: 8:00 am to 3:30 pm
• June 17th: 8:00 am to 3:30 pm

Please make plans to return any computers or WiFi hotspots device at one of these times. Please note:

• If you would like to return your device earlier (because you have your own computer and no longer need a district device), please contact the school office to arrange an earlier drop-off date and time.

The library is now closed for inventory. Please return all library books. Thank you!

PTA EXECUTIVE BOARD-ELECT, VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

We would love your help! There are still opportunities to serve on the McMillin PTA executive board for the 2021-2022 school year! Board position vacancies include President, Secretary,  VP of Communications, VP of Programs, VP of Volunteers, Auditor, and Historian (please click on a position title to view its description). Training is provided! Please email cynthia.orr@cvesd.org if you can help by serving in any of these volunteer roles. Thank you!

Assessments in May

Scholastic Bookfair at McMillin- May 19th and 21st

eWallet is a safe, cashless way to shop at the book fair. It’s easy to create an eWallet for your student, simply add funds or invite family and friends to contribute. After the book fair, the remaining eWallet funds display as a gift card balance and can be used at the Scholastic Store Online, or to fund an eWallet for a future book fair. Create your account student’s eWallet account at https://bookfairs.scholastic.com/bookfairs/parent-how-it-works.html?fairID=4882982

END OF YEAR TESTING

As the end of the year quickly approaches, we are preparing to administer end-of-year assessments to all our Beagles to see how they have progressed this year. We will not administer CAASPP assessments this year, but we will administer Local Measures assessments, all students will be assessed in language arts and mathematics. Are local measures District assessments are Smarty Ants TK-2nd, Achieve 3000/Level Set for grades 2nd – 6th, and iReady for grades Kinder – 6th Grade. Please encourage your children to use these technology accelerators daily as we approach the end-of-year testing window. Teachers will be letting you know the dates of your child’s assessments.

Your child will be assessed in class if they are in-person and at home with the teacher proctoring the assessment, if they are in Distance Learning. A Test Proctor is a person who ensures the identity of the test taker and the integrity of the test-taking environment.

Distance Learning Guardians: It is VERY important that these assessments are what your child knows and can do at the time of the test. It is not a time to help. Please encourage your child to do the best they can do. “Your teacher wants to see how much you have learned not how much I know. It is okay if you don’t know, you are only in ____ grade just do the best you can. You will learn it soon.”  

Residency Verification for the 2021-22 School Year

Parents of returning students….be sure to save your residency proof invoices because residency verification time will soon be upon us! The invoice showing the parent/guardian’s name, address, and a date of May 24th or later must be included on the invoice that you provide.  Due to the office being closed to the public, all residency verification will be submitted online this year. Please be watching for more information to come!

The 2020-2021 McMillin yearbook is on sale now through June 14, the cost is $30. Please fill out the order form at https://forms.gle/dk54mAv8JkYJqqM98 to order your copy and be billed. Yearbooks will be available for pickup in July.

Important Dates

• Book Fair – May 19th and 21st
• McMillin Site Council Meeting – May 26th
• Memorial Day – No School – May 31
• 6th Grade Drive-by Promotion – June 11th at 9:00
• Students last day of class – June 15th

Assessments in May

Plan for Next School Year: In-Person Instruction as We Explore a ‘Virtual Academy’ Option

Dear Parent/Guardian:

As you may know, students in the Chula Vista Elementary School District are scheduled to start the next school year on Wednesday, July 21. It is our intention to start the 2021-22 academic year with full-day, in-person instruction for five days a week. Governor Gavin Newsom has announced that the state is preparing for a full reopening of California’s economy on June 15—ending the “tier” system of restrictions that also had impacted schools. I do expect that a number of safety and cleaning protocols we currently have in place will continue in alignment with recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Please understand that CDC’s guidance can change rapidly, as we have witnessed throughout the pandemic. We will inform you of any new developments.

It is also important to note that the distance learning instructional format is scheduled to expire at the end of the current 2020-21 school year, in accordance with California law.

While we look forward to bringing all of our staff members and students back for traditional in-person instruction for the 2021-22 school year, we are aware of parent interest in their children continuing in an online instructional model, similar to distance learning. In order to provide such an educational option for our students/families, the District is exploring the development of a virtual school/online academy. Such a platform will provide live instruction in real time with teachers being able to provide instant feedback as well as online opportunities where students complete assignments on their own time.

We will survey parents to determine the level of interest in this alternative to traditional in-person instruction. A preliminary proposal envisions a Districtwide “virtual academy” that would not necessarily be tied to or associated with a student’s school of residence. I welcome any of your comments or novel ideas regarding this option. Please click on this link to access the survey, which will remain open until May 10.

To reiterate, it is our intention to offer full-time, in-person instruction while also offering a virtual academy model for those who prefer this option to in-person instruction.

Sincerely,

Francisco Escobedo, Ed.D.
Superintendent

Apreciables padres y tutores:

Como se habrán enterado, los estudiantes del Distrito de Escuelas Primarias de Chula Vista están programados para comenzar el próximo ciclo escolar el miércoles, 21 de julio. Es nuestra intención comenzar el año académico 2021-22 con instrucción en persona de día completo los cinco días de la semana. El Gobernador Gavin Newson ha anunciado que el estado se está preparando para la reapertura total de la economía de California el 15 de junio, poniendo fin al sistema de restricciones de “niveles” que también ha afectado a las escuelas. Espero que la serie de protocolos de seguridad y limpieza que actualmente tenemos en vigor continúen alineados con las recomendaciones de los Centros para el Control y Prevención de Enfermedades (CDC). Por favor comprenda que las pautas de CDC pueden cambiar rápidamente, tal como lo hemos atestiguado durante la pandemia. Los mantendremos informados de cualquier novedad.

También es importante tener en cuenta que el formato de instrucción de educación a distancia está programado para terminar al final del ciclo escolar actual 2020-21, de conformidad con la ley de California.

Mientras esperamos tener a todos nuestros miembros del personal y estudiantes de regreso a la tradicional instrucción en persona para el ciclo escolar 2021-22, estamos conscientes del interés de los padres en que sus hijos continúen en un modelo de instrucción en línea, similar a la educación a distancia. Con el fin de proporcionar una opción educativa para nuestros estudiantes y familias, el Distrito está explorando el desarrollo de una escuela/academia virtual. Dicha plataforma proporcionará instrucción en vivo en tiempo real y los maestros podrán brindar retroalimentación instantánea, así como oportunidades en línea donde los estudiantes completarán las tareas en su propio tiempo.

Enviaremos una encuesta para determinar el nivel de interés de esta alternativa a la instrucción tradicional en persona. Una propuesta preliminar visualiza una “academia virtual” en todo el Distrito que no necesariamente estará vinculada o asociada con la escuela de residencia del estudiante. Agradezco sus comentarios o ideas novedosas con respecto a esta opción. Favor de hacer clic en el enlace para accesar a la encuesta, que permanecerá abierta hasta el 10 de mayo.

Enfatizamos, es nuestra intención ofrecer instrucción en persona de tiempo completo y al mismo tiempo ofrecer un modelo de academia virtual para aquellos que prefieran esta opción en lugar de la instrucción en persona.

Atentamente,

Dr. Francisco Escobedo
Superintendente

‘Operation Immunity’ Provides Mobile Vaccination Clinic on Campus

Operation Immunity’s first mobile vaccination clinic at a campus in the Chula Vista Elementary School District was a success. Operation Immunity is a mobile COVID-19 vaccination unit that provides COVID-19 vaccinations to hard-to-reach populations in Chula Vista. All 151 doses were administered to those who made appointments or walked-up for the opportunity on Friday, April 23 at Harborside Elementary School. Hard-to-reach populations of seniors, kinship caregivers, parents and community members expressed thanks and appreciation to those who made the event possible. The vaccination clinic was the result of a partnership of the District, City of Chula Vista, Chula Vista Fire Department and many amazing volunteers and school staff. Getting the COVID-19 vaccine adds one more layer of protection for you, your family, and your loved ones. #VaccinesSaveLives

Black Learners Advisory Council (B-LAC) Invites Your Participation

Would you like to help create a strategic plan to support Black students, staff, and families within the Chula Vista Elementary School District? Join the newly developed Black Learners Advisory Council (B-LAC). Learn more about our purpose, vision and goals. Please click here to upcoming meeting dates and links to register in advance.

How to Build Resiliency Parent Workshop

Learn the different strategies to help strengthen our kids by building resiliency and grit; teach problem-solving skills; promote healthy risk-taking; and promote positive social connections.

Watch Video

Dear families, students, and staff,

The COVID-19 pandemic has created opportunities for us all to work harder and overcome obstacles together. I have been in education for 31 years. I can honestly say that we have never faced anything like this before. McMillin teachers never blinked. They continued McMillin’s passion for learning through the computer. Everything they knew about delivering a lesson had to change. Our teachers remained passionate about ensuring that all students remain connected to their teachers and our school. Our teachers made sure McMillin students received high-quality instruction—whether in person or virtually through distance learning. They built lasting relationships with their students online and made sure all students felt loved, safe, and excited about learning every day.

THANK YOU MCMILLIN TEACHER! 

Teacher Appreciation Week

Summer Camp

Important Dates

PTA Staff Appreciation Luncheon – May 7

Book Fair – TBA

Makeup Picture Day and 6th Grade Promotion Pictures – Friday, May 7th

• 12:00-1:00–TK, Kinder, 1st Grades
  1:00-2:00–2nd, 3rd, 4th Grades
  2:00-3:00–5th, 6th, SDC
  3:00-4:00–All grades
  

6th Grade Graduation Pictures – Friday, May 7th from 12:00-4:00 pm

DAC/DELAC – May 11th at 12:00

McMillin Site Council Meeting – May 26th

Memorial Day – No School – May 31

6th Grade Drive-by Promotion – June 11th at 9:00

Students last day of class – June 15th

2021-22 School Year-Round Calendar

Student 2021-22 School Calendar – Link

McMillin students are scheduled to start the 2021-22 school year on Wednesday, July 21 and end the school year on Friday, June 3.

Student Starting Date: July 21, 2021
Student Ending Date: June 3, 2022

Key breaks include:

• Fall Break: September 20 – October 1, 2021
• Thanksgiving Break: November 22 – November 26, 2021
• Winter Break: December 20, 2021 – January 7, 2022
• Spring Break: March 21 – April 1, 2022

District Calendar Items https://www.cvesd.org/calendar

Last week you should have received (through email and/or text message) information on how to register for your child to get tested for COVID-19 at our school site. You will not need to make an appointment for testing at our school sites. Our schools will provide on-demand testing, which means that we are accepting “walk-ins”—no appointments are necessary. Here is important information on the CVESD COVID-19 Testing Program:

· Testing will occur at McMillin Elementary School campus on the following days: April 29 , May 13, May 27, and June 10

· On these days, testing will occur from 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM, with no testing from 12:30 pm – 1:00 pm due to staff lunch times.

· If your student is experiencing symptoms, we highly recommend getting a PCR test at a free County facility or with a medical provider, and not reporting to the school for the antigen test. Unfortunately, the antigen tests used by CVESD cannot be used for return to work or school, per the County’s Symptom Decision Tree. The antigen testing program is for surveillance purposes, in order to quickly determine if individuals are positive and remove such individuals and their close contacts from campus as soon as possible. Contact our school health office for more information or discuss your child’s symptoms.

· At this time, we can only test staff and CVESD students. No family members are able test at this time.

· You do not need to be with your child in order for your child to test under our program; however, if your child walks up to the testing location, we will not be able to test them unless you have signed the on-line consent form at the link you are provided. We highly recommend that you accompany your child to the testing location.

· Links that are sent to you are personalized for your specific student and shouldn’t be shared with others.

· If you have trouble registering/providing consent for your child through the link, please call the district office at (619) 425-9600 and speak to Sherry Stone at ext. 1327 or Theresa Fletcher at ext. 1027 or visit the testing staff on-site at our school and they will be able to help register and test your child during your visit.

· Because we are not taking appointments, we know there will be long lines before and after school. Please take this into account when planning the time to have your child tested. Please be patient with the testing team and listen carefully to their instructions.

Thank you for supporting our efforts to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus on our campus.

Returning to school if you reported your child absent due to be sick:

Please note, that we must follow the county decision tree before your child can come back on to campus. If you have any questions, please feel free to call the school nurse at 619-397-0103.

Tuesday, April 27, 6:00 pm DAC/DELAC Mtg. (CVESD Teams Virtual)

Thursday, April 29 6:00 pm B-LAC Mtg.

Every Wednesday from 1 – 2 pm in the bus loop.

Reminder: Please Communicate About the Reason for Any Student Absence  

Dear CVESD Parents/Guardians:  

We are very excited to have our students back on our campuses! We missed our students greatly. As always, please contact your school office staff if your student will be absent from school for any reason, regardless of whether they are in hybrid or distance learning.    

Please note, for students physically at school in hybrid learning, it is very important that parents/guardians speak with school office staff regarding the reason for any student absence from class. For the health and safety of all students and staff, students who are absent without parent contact will not be allowed back on campus until the parent/guardian discusses the reason for the absence with school office staff.   

• If a student is sick, we will ask ​the parent to confirm which symptoms the student is experiencing.  
• If symptoms align with symptoms of COVID-19, ​the school will follow the COVID-19 Decision Tree in collaboration with ​the school site nurse. 
• If ​symptoms are part of a chronic condition, the school will work with the school site nurse to determine the next steps.   
• If symptoms are not a possible symptom of COVID-19, the student will be welcomed back to school after following normal school health protocols.  

We look forward to an amazing rest of our school year. Thank you for your support of our learning environment.  

CVESD COVID-19 Testing Program

CVESD is collaborating with the County of San Diego, the State of California and Primary Health (system that reports test results to the state) to conduct free COVID Antigen Testing for our staff and students over the next couple months. For more information, see email, with same subject line, from CVESD Office of Communications sent on Friday, April 9 at approximately 6.30 p. or visit the District or school website.

If you would like your student(s) to get tested for COVID-19 through the CVESD testing program, please register and provide consent by clicking on the link provided on the email sent on 4/16th at 11:15. When you have registered your student once, you will not need to register again if they continue to be tested in our on-going program. This link is personal to one student, so please do not share with anyone.  If you have more than one student at CVESD, you will receive an email/text with the link to register each student.

Testing is only for CVESD Staff and Students.

On April 29th, McMillin we will start a two-week rotation. McMillin will provide on-demand testing, which means that we are accepting “walk-ins”—no appointments are necessary, however, McMillin will not allow students to be taken out of academic/in-person learning time to be tested. In addition, employees and students will have the opportunity to test at the Education Services and Support Center, 84 East J Street, Chula Vista, CA  91910, every Friday if you are unable to attend your school’s testing or would like to be tested more frequently.

For more information on the CVESD COVID-19 Antigen Testing Program, please call (619) 425-9600 ext. 1327 or ext. 1027.

This year – So, when I went to go get my picture taken at school and the photographer asked me if I wanted to take off my glasses. I thought at the time, that is weird, no one has asked me that before. I thought to myself, no, because students would not know who I was with them off. Well, I forgot that my new glasses are transitions.

This will be my picture this year on every classroom composite. I hope this makes you smile.

Makeup Picture Day and 6th Grade Promotion Pictures – Friday, May 7th

12:00-1:00–TK, Kinder, 1st Grades
1:00-2:00–2nd, 3rd, 4th Grades
2:00-3:00–5th, 6th, SDC
3:00-4:00–All grades

If unable to come at scheduled grade level time, please feel free to come anytime between 12:00-4:00 pm

6th Grade Graduation Pictures will be also from
12:00-4:00 pm

A Look Ahead

Wednesday, April 21, 2020 – McMillin’s Virtual SSC Meeting at 3:00 Agenda 4_21_2021

Tuesday, April 27, 2021 – CVESD Virtual DAC/DELAC at 6 pm

Thursday, April 29, 2021 – CVESD Virtual BLAC meeting at 6 pm