Midland Messages

July 31, 2025

Welcome Back, Midland Families! 

I hope this message finds you well and enjoying the final weeks of summer. I am beyond excited to welcome you to a brand new school year, and even more excited to introduce myself as the new Principal of Midland Elementary! It is a true honor to join this incredible community, and I can’t wait to meet each of you and get started on what I know will be an amazing journey together.

Before we dive into the nuts and bolts of the new school year, I wanted to take a moment to share a little bit about myself. For the past 24 years, I have proudly served in the Poway Unified School District in a variety of roles, including Special Education Teacher, School Counselor, Assistant Principal, and now Principal. Each of these experiences has shaped me as both an educator and a leader, and they’ve strengthened my passion for building strong, trusting relationships, fostering inclusive and engaging learning environments, and promoting a love of lifelong learning for both students and staff.

My wife, Liana, and I are originally from Baltimore, Maryland, and we moved to San Diego in 2001. We’ve been married for 18 years and are the parents of two daughters Lauren and Taylor who both attend schools here in Poway Unified. As a family, we enjoy reading, anything and everything related to lacrosse, and spending time outdoors together.

Midland is a school community that is rich in tradition and excellence, supported by a dedicated and passionate staff, and grounded in thoughtful systems designed to help every student thrive. At Midland, we believe deeply in the power of partnership, and that means YOU. Families play a vital role in everything we do, and I am committed to building strong connections between home and school as we work together to support our students.

Here’s to a year filled with learning, growth, and meaningful connection. I’m thrilled to be on this journey with you and can’t wait to meet you all very soon!

We are excited to invite you to our Annual Meet & Greet on Tuesday, August 12th, from 2:00 to 3:00 PM on campus!

This special event is designed to help ease the transition from summer break into the new school year—especially for our youngest Rattlers in Transitional Kindergarten (TK) and Kindergarten. It’s a great opportunity for students in all grades (TK–5th) to visit campus, locate their classrooms, and meet their teachers with a friendly face-to-face introduction.

To provide a bit of extra support, TK and Kindergarten families will be allowed to briefly enter the classrooms. We kindly ask families of students in grades 1–5 to refrain from entering classrooms during this time. Those teachers will be available in their designated areas and are happy to answer any general questions you may have.

We look forward to welcoming everyone back and starting the year off with positive energy and strong connections!

On the first day of school, we kindly ask parents to walk their child to the classroom and say their goodbyes at the door. While this can be an emotional moment (for students and parents alike!), please rest assured: your child is safe, supported, and will be well cared for. It’s perfectly normal if there are a few tears—this transition gets easier with time, I promise!

Please note that Midland is a closed campus, and walking children to their classroom is a Day 1 event only for parents. 

After the first day of school, TK and Kindergarten students will meet their teacher at Gate A each morning and walk together to their classroom.

To help ease the transition and build confidence, Kindergarten students will follow this routine for the first six weeks of school. Our TK students will continue to receive this support throughout the school year.

Starting the morning of August 12, 2025, families will be able to view teacher assignments for students in grades 1 through 5 by visiting: https://MyPlan.powayusd.com

To access your child’s teacher assignment:

1. Log in using your parent PUSD login.
   
   
2. Click on the Canvas login.
   
   
3. You will see a tile with your child’s teacher assignment information.

If you need help retrieving your login information, please visit: https://password.powayusd.com

As we prepare for the upcoming school year, we know how much you care about your child’s educational experience and want what’s best for them, something we deeply value and share. Each spring, our staff takes great care and pride in thoughtfully creating class rosters. We consider many important factors to ensure balanced, supportive learning environments where all students can thrive. Because of this complex process, we do not honor specific teacher requests.

We appreciate your trust in our team and ask that you continue to partner with us in supporting your child’s growth and success. If you have specific concerns about your child’s needs, please don’t hesitate to reach out directly to me. We’re committed to working together to ensure a smooth and positive school experience. Thank you for your understanding and continued support.

To help ensure a smooth and safe start to the school year, please take a moment to review our updated arrival and dismissal procedures:

Breakfast gates open at 7:15 AM. 

Arrival for Grades 1–5: All students in grades 1–5 should enter campus through the playground gate near the lunch tables. Supervised playground access begins at 7:25 AM.

TK and Kindergarten Arrival: TK and Kindergarten families may enter through Gate A, located closest to the admin building. If older siblings are helping with a Kindergarten drop-off, they may also enter through Gate A.

Parking Lot Safety: For everyone’s safety, please use the crosswalk when walking through the parking lot. It’s a great opportunity to model safe behavior for our students!

Drop-Off Zone: Follow all traffic laws and use the designated drop-off zone near the ESS building. This helps keep our students safe and traffic flowing.

Dismissal Locations:

• TK & Kindergarten:
  Dismissal will take place at Gate A. Kindergarten follows a hand-to-hand dismissal process, so students will only be released to an approved adult. Please be patient as teachers learn which adult is picking up each child.
  
  
• First Grade:
  Students will meet parents at Gate B (just to the left of the admin building).
  
  
• Second through Fifth Grade:
  Dismissal for these grades will occur at Gate C (the large playground gate).

Each year, the MDES Educational Foundation helps bring valuable resources to our schools by funding special projects and providing mini-grants for teachers to enhance their classrooms. These contributions directly benefit our students and help create a richer learning environment.

If you'd like to learn more about the foundation or are interested in making a donation, please CLICK HERE. Every contribution, big or small, makes a difference.

Thank you for supporting our students, teachers, and the entire Midland community!

Midland PTA Wants YOU!
Be part of something fun and important! By joining the Midland PTA, you’re helping to create a stronger, more connected school community—and making a direct impact on your child’s education.

As a member, you’ll:
✅ Support fun school events and activities
✅ Help fund important programs and classroom needs
✅ Stay in the know about what’s happening at school
✅ Connect with other awesome Midland families and staff!

Click HERE to read more about how to join this great organization!

You're also invited to our monthly PTSA meetings (check the school newsletter for dates). We’d love your ideas, energy, and input!

Together, we can make Midland an even better place to learn and grow!

Midland Elementary is turning 100 this year, a truly incredible milestone! We are so proud to be part of a school with such a rich history, and we’re excited to begin planning a celebration that honors all that Midland has meant to our students, families, and community over the past century. While some ideas are already taking shape, we would love to hear your thoughts and invite you to be part of the planning. Please keep an eye out for opportunities to share your ideas and get involved as we prepare to wish Midland a very happy 100th birthday!

As we begin this new chapter together, I’m eager to get to know you and build strong connections with our parent community.

In the coming weeks, I’ll be hosting a series of informal meet-and-greet events where we can connect, share ideas, and begin conversations that will help shape the year ahead. These gatherings will also be a great opportunity for you to ask questions and get to know me better.

Details around dates, times, and location on campus are still coming together, but I wanted to give you a heads-up so you can be on the lookout for more information very soon.

Midland Elementary Poway Unified School District

Welcome back to an exciting new school year!

GO Rattlers!
Principal Matt Hunt

Dear Midland Families,

School meals continue to befree for all students, regardless of household income, under California’s Universal Meals Program.  Every student enrolled in PUSD (PreK-12) is offered one free breakfast meal and one free lunch meal each school day.  Meals must be recorded by specific student account, either by scanning their barcode or entering their ID number in a pin pad.  Please note that a student cannot take just a free beverage; they must select enough items to make a reimbursable meal. 

Although meals are free for all students, our District is still required to process Applications for Free and Reduced-Price Meals.  We encourage all households to apply online at MySchoolApps.com, or using a paper application.   Meal applications are very important because meal reimbursements are still based on individual student eligibility, and State funding for school sites is partially determined by free/reduced eligibility.  Households that are income-eligible for free or reduced-price meals may also qualify for other benefits such as: free or discounted after-school care, reduced home internet costs, discounts on standardized testing fees, and food-purchasing assistance during summer breaks.

In addition to complete school meals, some school sites offer a la carte snacks and beverages for purchase.  PUSD Food and Nutrition is a cashless operation, so students must have money in their prepaid account or bring a check to buy a la carte items.  To load funds on a cafeteria account, families can visit MySchoolBucks.com or bring a check to the school cafeteria. 

• To view interactive school menus, with nutrition facts and allergen information, visit MySchoolMenus.com, which is also accessible from the PUSD Food and Nutrition webpage.

• Simple, printer-friendly PDF menus are posted monthly on the PUSD Food and Nutrition webpage, under School Menus > Printable PDF Menus.

• Information about special dietary accommodations and the CDE form to request special meals can be found on the PUSD Food and Nutrition webpage, under Resources and Links > Special Dietary Needs.

PUSD Food and Nutrition is ready to answer any questions you have about school meals.  Call us at 858-668-2570.

Greetings, Midland Families! 

Welcome back! On behalf of the entire Midland Elementary staff, I want to extend our heartfelt thanks for your amazing support as we opened the 2025–2026 school year. It has been a fantastic first week, and we couldn’t have asked for a more positive and energizing start.

As a fellow parent, I know how busy and sometimes stressful the lead up to the first day of school can be. Thank you for all the time and effort you put into making sure your children arrived on campus ready and excited. Seeing their smiles, confident steps, and eagerness to learn has been incredibly rewarding.

I spent much of the week visiting classrooms. Teachers and students are already building strong connections, classrooms full of curiosity and joy, and new friendships beginning to blossom. These early days are filled with excitement, and we are so grateful to share them with your children.

We’re excited to invite all parents and guardians to Back to School Night at Midland on Thursday, August 21st! This special evening is a valuable opportunity to meet your child’s teacher, explore the classroom environment, and gain important insight into the curriculum, expectations, and goals for the school year ahead. 

Attending helps strengthen the home-school connection, setting the foundation for a successful and supported year for your child. We truly hope you’ll join us as we partner together to ensure a positive and productive school year for every student!

Back To School Night Schedule: 

3rd-5th @ 5:00-5:45pm
PTA presentation 5:45-6:00pm
TK-2nd @ 6:00-6:45pm

I am excited to invite you to one of three upcoming Principal Meet & Greet events that I will be hosting as your new principal! These gatherings are a wonderful opportunity for me to welcome you to campus, share a bit about my background, begin building strong, positive connections, and answer any questions you may have. 

Each session will follow the same format, so please feel free to choose the date and time that works best for you and your family. While I absolutely love seeing our students each day, I kindly ask that this event be reserved for parents and guardians only. I look forward to meeting you soon and beginning this exciting journey together!

Dates: 8/26/25, 8/28/25, and 9/2/25
Time: 5:30 to 6:30
Location: Midland MPR

MEF is excited to announce the fall production of the Lion King! This opportunity is open to 1st through 5th grade students. There is a $50 suggested donation for each participant that will cover the costs for play scripts, costumes and a T-shirt.  MEF is offering ten scholarships to cover the cost of materials fees for families where that would be a hardship. The performances will be open to the entire school and parent community and will be held on 11/7 at 6pm and 11/8 at 2pm in the MPR. 

The participation is capped at 50 students. Registration will open on 8/24 and closes on 8/29,  and participation will be first come, first serve based on order of registration. So please plan accordingly. 

Let’s kick off each week with some Rattler pride! Every Monday is “Midland Monday”, and we love to see our students and staff showing off their school spirit. Wear your Midland gear or anything red or yellow to celebrate our fantastic school community. GO Rattlers! ❤️💛

We know volunteers are a vital part of our school community, and we’re excited to share that the district is updating the volunteer process to make it easier and more efficient.

While this new system is being prepared, we are still welcoming volunteers as visitors. We encourage anyone interested in volunteering this year to begin their TB assessment now so they’re ready to go when the updated process launches, which is expected in mid-September. You can learn more about this process by visiting our website.

Thank you for your patience and your willingness to help. We’ll provide more information as soon as it becomes available.

To help ensure a safe arrivals and departures throughout the school year, please take a moment to review our updated arrival and dismissal procedures:

Breakfast gates open at 7:15 AM. 

Arrival for Grades 1–5: All students in grades 1–5 should enter campus through the playground gate near the lunch tables. Supervised playground access begins at 7:25 AM.

TK and Kindergarten Arrival: TK and Kindergarten families may enter through Gate A, located closest to the admin building. If older siblings are helping with a Kindergarten drop-off, they may also enter through Gate A.

Parking Lot Safety: For everyone’s safety, please use the crosswalk when walking through the parking lot. It’s a great opportunity to model safe behavior for our students!

Drop-Off Zone: Follow all traffic laws and use the designated drop-off zone near the ESS building. This helps keep our students safe and traffic flowing.

Dismissal Locations:

• TK & Kindergarten:
  Dismissal will take place at Gate A. Kindergarten follows a hand-to-hand dismissal process, so students will only be released to an approved adult. Please be patient as teachers learn which adult is picking up each child.
  
  
• First Grade:
  Students will meet parents at Gate B (just to the left of the admin building).
  
  
• Second through Fifth Grade:
  Dismissal for these grades will occur at Gate C (the large playground gate).

Each year, the MDES Educational Foundation helps bring valuable resources to our schools by funding special projects and providing mini-grants for teachers to enhance their classrooms. These contributions directly benefit our students and help create a richer learning environment.

If you'd like to learn more about the foundation or are interested in making a donation, please CLICK HERE. Every contribution, big or small, makes a difference.

Thank you for supporting our students, teachers, and the entire Midland community!

Midland PTA Wants YOU!
Be part of something fun and important! By joining the Midland PTA, you’re helping to create a stronger, more connected school community—and making a direct impact on your child’s education.

As a member, you’ll:
✅ Support fun school events and activities
✅ Help fund important programs and classroom needs
✅ Stay in the know about what’s happening at school
✅ Connect with other awesome Midland families and staff!

Click HERE to read more about how to join this great organization!

You're also invited to our monthly PTSA meetings (check the school newsletter for dates). We’d love your ideas, energy, and input!

Together, we can make Midland an even better place to learn and grow!

Midland Elementary is turning 100 this year, a truly incredible milestone! We are so proud to be part of a school with such a rich history, and we’re excited to begin planning a celebration that honors all that Midland has meant to our students, families, and community over the past century. While some ideas are already taking shape, we would love to hear your thoughts and invite you to be part of the planning. Please keep an eye out for opportunities to share your ideas and get involved as we prepare to wish Midland a very happy 100th birthday!

As we prepare for the upcoming school year, we know how much you care about your child’s educational experience and want what’s best for them, something we deeply value and share. Each spring, our staff takes great care and pride in thoughtfully creating class rosters. We consider many important factors to ensure balanced, supportive learning environments where all students can thrive. Because of this complex process, we do not honor specific teacher requests.

We appreciate your trust in our team and ask that you continue to partner with us in supporting your child’s growth and success. If you have specific concerns about your child’s needs, please don’t hesitate to reach out directly to me. We’re committed to working together to ensure a smooth and positive school experience. Thank you for your understanding and continued support.

• 8/21/25 MEF First Ask Fundraiser begins
• 8/21/25 Back to School Night
• 8/26/25 Meet and greet with Principal Hunt, 5:30 to 6:30
• 8/28/25 Meet and greet with Principal Hunt, 5:30 to 6:30
• 8/29/25 Rattler Rock - Character Counts 
• 9/1/25 Labor Day
• 9/2/25 Meet and greet with Principal Hunt, 5:30 to 6:30

Midland Elementary Poway Unified School District

GO Rattlers!
Principal Matt Hunt

Por favor haga clic aquí para la versión en español

Greetings, Midland Families! 

It’s been another fantastic week at Midland! Mrs. Miranda and I have enjoyed visiting classrooms, and we are so impressed with the teaching and learning happening across campus. We’re especially excited to see a strong focus on promoting higher-level thinking, teachers are encouraging thoughtful questioning, providing meaningful wait time, and giving all students the opportunity to not only respond, but also explain the “why” behind their thinking. 

Charlas con el Director/Chats with the Principal!  We invite families of English Learner (EL) students to join us for a meet and greet with principal, Mr. Hunt.

📅 Wednesday, September 18

⏰ 8:00 a.m.

📍 Midland Elementary MPR

We look forward to seeing you there!

Next week, we will be holding our annual Safety Week to help students and staff practice important emergency procedures. A detailed email has been sent home with more information about the schedule and the various drills taking place throughout the week.

Please note: Due to active pest control treatment for wasps, we will not be using the grass field during this time.

Thank you for your continued support as we work to ensure a safe and prepared school environment for everyone!

At Midland Elementary School and throughout Poway Unified School District, student safety remains a top priority. We are committed to continually improving our emergency preparedness and ensuring a safe learning environment for all.

To support this important work, we are looking for 3 to 4 parent volunteers to serve on the MDES Site Safety Committee. This committee plays a vital role in shaping our school safety efforts by:

• Reviewing and providing input on school emergency procedures
• Participating in campus safety walk
• Collaborating with teachers, staff, administrators, a Poway Sheriff School Resource Officer, and district representatives

The committee meets just a few times throughout the school year, but your insights can make a lasting impact.

If you’re interested in getting involved or would like more information, please contact Assistant Principal Selene Miranda at [email protected].

Only a Few Days Left to Give!

Our first giving campaign of the year is almost over—now’s the perfect time to make a gift that directly enriches your child’s school experience. Your support brings exciting new programs to life while keeping favorites like the Disney Jr. musical, teacher funding, and classroom materials going strong. For the Red Envelope Drive click on this Link

Lion King Musical Update

Registration went live this week and the response has been amazing! Spots filled quickly, but our waitlist is still open— click on signup if your child would like to join.

 Save the Date: Two performances on Saturday, Nov.8th: 2pm and 6pm

Join the Fun—Volunteer With Us!

Want to get involved but not sure how much time you can give? No worries—we’d love your help in any way that works for you! Just fill out this quick survey to let us know your interests and availability, and we’ll follow up with opportunities. Volunteer Survey Link

Team Midland Padres Game: Sept. 28th at 12:10

Tickets are on sale now through Sept. 11th and only $40! Follow us on social media for a chance to win some fun Padres prizes. 

FB: @TeamMidland

Instagram: @TeamMidlandPoway

Buy your tickets now, click on this link Padres 

Kids Are First Fundraiser – Starts September 5

The PTA’s only traditional fundraiser of the year starts Friday, 9/5 and runs through 9/19! Funds go directly toward student activities, events, and programs. Be on the lookout for packets coming home with your student today!

Go to www.clubschoicefundraising.com and click SHOP NOW. Our school campaign ID is MIDL28.

We will be collecting prize ticket coupons from students outside each morning at a table near the office.

We thank you for your support!

Spirit Wear Available Now!

Hoodies available online: https://stores.inksoft.com/mid054. 4 colors available! 

Poway Parade | September 13

Calling All Proud Midland Rattlers!

Come walk with us next to the Midland float at the iconic Poway Parade. Wagons and strollers welcome! Our float will be for our smaller Rattlers! Meet at 8 p.m. at Pomerado Road and Metate Lane. Wear your Centennial or Midland shirt and help us show Poway what Midland pride looks like!

Join the PTA – Only $13!

Membership supports school programs and events. Visit jointotem.com and search Midland!

Reflections Art Program – Entries Due October 6

Celebrate creativity! The theme this year is “I Belong!”  Visit http://capta.org/programs-events/reflections for rules and categories.

E-Bike Safety Event: Saturday, September 20th

The Poway Sheriff's Office will be hosting an E-Bike Safety Event at Midland Elementary on Saturday, September 20th from 9:00am to 12:00pm.

This free event is open to both students and parents and will cover important topics like e-bike safety, traffic rules, and theft prevention. There will be bike raffles, free helmets, and other giveaways (while supplies last). Come out and learn how to stay safe while enjoying the ride!

Let’s kick off each week with some Rattler pride! Every Monday is “Midland Monday”, and we love to see our students and staff showing off their school spirit. Wear your Midland gear or anything red or yellow to celebrate our fantastic school community. GO Rattlers! ❤️💛

Over the summer, Poway Unified installed new security technology to enhance the safety of our campus. The main office entry doors are now equipped with a video and intercom system (similar to a Ring camera) which allows our front office staff to see and communicate with visitors before granting access.

When you arrive on campus, please use this new system (pictured below). You’ll be asked to briefly state the reason for your visit. For example, you might say, “I’m here for a meeting with my 1st grader’s teacher.”

We appreciate your support and cooperation as we continue to maintain a safe and secure environment for all students, staff, and families here at Midland.

• 9/9/25 PTA meeting 
• 9/16/25 Picture Day 
• 9/13/25 Poway Days Parade 
• 9/15 to 9/19 Start with Hello Week 
• 9/18/25 Charlas con el Director/Chats with the Principal 8am
• 9/19/25 Spirit Day Sports Day 
• 9/20/25 E-Bike Safety event hosted by Poway Sheriff from 9-noon at Midland 
• 9/26/25 Rattler Rock - Trustworthiness 
• 9/28/25 MEF Padres Game 
• 9/29/25 Non-student day PUSD Professional Development
• 9/30/25 Makeup Picture Day 
• 10/10/25 Spirit Day - Crazy Hair Day
• 10/20/25 Play it Safe Assembly 
• 10/24/25 Truck or Treat from 6 to 8pm 
• 10/27/25 to 10/31/25 - Red Ribbon Week 
• 10/31/25 - Character Parade 
• 11/11/25 - No School Veteran’s Day 

Midland Elementary Poway Unified School District

GO Rattlers!
Principal Matt Hunt

September 14, 2025

Por favor haga clic aquí para la versión en español

Greetings, Midland Families! 

Poway Parade Days: What an incredible experience! I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of our amazing students, families, and staff for making our participation in Poway Parade Days such a huge success.

The excitement, enthusiasm, and nonstop smiles made the day truly special. The float was fantastic, the school spirit was off the charts, and the energy from our Rattler community was unforgettable.

This was my first time taking part in the parade, and I couldn't have asked for a better group to share it with. Thank you for helping showcase just how strong, supportive, and spirited the Midland Elementary School community is.

GO Rattlers!

On Monday our school will be participating in Start with Hello Week, a national initiative that teaches students the importance of kindness, connection, and including others. Throughout the week, students will take part in fun activities that encourage building friendships and making everyone feel welcome.

Please see the attached flyer for a schedule of our school’s activities.

Thank you for your support in helping us create a caring and inclusive school community!

Warmly,
Tonya Edrington 
School Counselor

We’re excited to launch a new feature in our weekly newsletter called Counseling Corner. This space is dedicated to highlighting the many ways our school counselor, Mrs. Edrington, supports students and families here at Midland. From social/emotional learning tips and academic success strategies to resources for parents and guidance on student wellbeing, Counseling Corner will be filled with helpful information to support our school community. Be sure to check out the attached flyer! 

I want to take a moment to express my praise and gratitude to our incredible students and staff for a fantastic Safety Week! Everyone did an excellent job following directions and treating each drill with the seriousness and focus it deserves. I am so proud of how well our school community came together to prioritize safety. 

A special thank you goes to our Assistant Principal, Mrs. Miranda, for her leadership and hard work in making the week such a success. Great job, everyone!

Charlas con el Director/Chats with the Principal!  We invite families of English Learner (EL) students to join us for a meet and greet with principal, Mr. Hunt.

📅 Thursday, September 18

⏰ 8:00 a.m.

📍 Midland Elementary MPR

We look forward to seeing you there!

E-Bike Safety Event: Saturday, September 20th

The Poway Sheriff's Office will be hosting an E-Bike Safety Event at Midland Elementary on Saturday, September 20th from 9:00am to 12:00pm.

This free event is open to both students and parents and will cover important topics like e-bike safety, traffic rules, and theft prevention. There will be bike raffles, free helmets, and other giveaways (while supplies last). Come out and learn how to stay safe while enjoying the ride!

Only a Few Days Left to Give!

Our first giving campaign of the year is almost over—now’s the perfect time to make a gift that directly enriches your child’s school experience. Your support brings exciting new programs to life while keeping favorites like the Disney Jr. musical, teacher funding, and classroom materials going strong. For the Red Envelope Drive click on this Link

Lion King Musical Update

 Save the Date: Two performances on Saturday, Nov.8th: 2pm and 6pm

Join the Fun—Volunteer With Us!

Want to get involved but not sure how much time you can give? No worries—we’d love your help in any way that works for you! Just fill out this quick survey to let us know your interests and availability, and we’ll follow up with opportunities. Volunteer Survey Link

Team Midland Padres Game: Sept. 28th at 12:10

Tickets are on sale now through Sept. 11th and only $40! Follow us on social media for a chance to win some fun Padres prizes. 

FB: @TeamMidland

Instagram: @TeamMidlandPoway

Buy your tickets now, click on this link Padres 

Kids Are First Fundraiser – Ends September 19

The PTA’s only traditional fundraiser of the year has begun and runs through 9/19! Funds go directly toward student activities, events, and programs.

Go to www.clubschoicefundraising.com and click SHOP NOW. Our school campaign ID is MIDL28.

We will be collecting prize ticket coupons from students outside each morning at a table near the office.

We thank you for your support!

Poway Parade | September 13

Calling All Proud Midland Rattlers!

Come walk with us next to the Midland float at the iconic Poway Parade. Wagons and strollers welcome! Our float will be for our smaller Rattlers! Meet at 8 a.m. at Pomerado Road and Metate Lane. Wear your Centennial or Midland shirt and help us show Poway what Midland pride looks like!

Join the PTA – Only $13!

Membership supports school programs and events. Visitjointotem.com and search Midland!

Reflections Art Program – Entries Due October 6

Celebrate creativity! The theme this year is “I Belong!”  Visit http://capta.org/programs-events/reflections for rules and categories.

• 9/13/25 Poway Days Parade 
• 9/16/25 Picture Day 
• 9/15 to 9/19 Start with Hello Week 
• 9/18/25 Charlas con el Director/Chats with the Principal 8am
• 9/19/25 Spirit Day Sports Day 
• 9/20/25 E-Bike Safety event hosted by Poway Sheriff from 9-noon at Midland 
• 9/26/25 Rattler Rock - Trustworthiness 
• 9/28/25 MEF and PTA Padres Game 
• 9/29/25 Non-student day PUSD Professional Development
• 9/30/25 Makeup Picture Day 
• 10/10/25 Spirit Day - Crazy Hair Day
• 10/14/25 PTA Meeting at 5:30
• 10/20/25 Play it Safe Assembly 
• 10/24/25 Truck or Treat from 6 to 8pm 
• 10/27/25 to 10/31/25 - Red Ribbon Week 
• 10/31/25 Character Parade 
• 11/11/25  No School Veteran’s Day 
• 11/14/25 Spirit Day - Twin Day
• 11/17/25 Non Student Day conferences 
• 11/18 to 11/21 - Minimum Days (12pm dismissal) Conference Week 
• 11/21/25 Rattler Rock - Respect
• 11/24 to 11/28 - No School Thanksgiving Break 

Midland Elementary Poway Unified School District

October 19, 2025

Por favor haga clic aquí para la versión en español

Greetings, Midland Families!

We’re excited to announce that our outstanding PTA is hosting a special school wide assembly this Monday morning: “Play It Safe, Keep the Power and Be a Winner!”

This engaging program is designed to educate and empower our students with strategies to handle bullying, promote kindness, and encourage positive behavior. It’s a great opportunity for our entire school community students, teachers, and staff to  grow together in creating a safe and supportive environment.

Thank you to our incredible PTA for making this important event possible!

Mark your calendars! Our annual Trunk or Treat event is coming up on Friday, October 24th from 6 to 8pm. This fun, family friendly evening is sponsored by our amazing PTA and open to everyone in our school community. Come in costume, enjoy decorated trunks, collect treats, and make some great memories together. We can’t wait to see you there!

Red Ribbon Week is a special time each year, October 27 to 31,when schools across the country come together to promote healthy choices and a drug-free lifestyle. It’s all about helping students learn to make smart, safe decisions and take care of their minds and bodies.

To make this week extra fun and meaningful, we’ll be having spirit days and activities throughout the week. Check out the schedule below and join us in celebrating healthy living!

Tuesday, Oct. 28:
🦸‍♀️ Superhero Day
Dress like your favorite hero — real or fictional!

Wednesday, Oct. 29:
💡 Neon Day
Stand out and shine bright in your brightest neon colors!

Thursday, Oct. 30:
🌎 Cultural Celebration Day
Wear something that represents your family’s heritage and pride.

Friday, Oct. 31:
📚 Character Parade
Dress as your favorite book character and join the parade!

Our annual Character Parade (10/31/25) is quickly approaching and we’re excited to celebrate a Midland tradition with everyone! Students are encouraged to join the fun by dressing as their favorite character from literature. Participation is optional, but we hope many Rattlers will join in the creativity and excitement!

At Midland, our goal is to create an event that is fun, safe, and inclusive, for all. We respectfully ask families to follow the guidelines below:

• No dangerous objects are allowed at school (i.e. toy swords, toy guns, chains, skates, light sabers, or spray cans) – please leave those items at home for Halloween.
• Plan to dress in school clothes/attire with your Halloween costume overtop. This allows students to change after the Character Parade if needed. 
• Costumes should not be scary or frightening.  Please make sure your costume doesn't have any of the following: gore, blood, open wounds, displays of scary or frightening characters.
• Costumes should be appropriate for the school setting, please be mindful of length, fit, and see-through material as we excerpt all students to arrive dressed appropriately and ready for fun. 
• Costumes may not cover the face or hands which would interfere with the learning environment and process. 
• Regular dress code applies for footwear please no flip flops, slippers, or high heels. 
• Students may wear full cover facemasks only during the character parade. 
• Makeup and hair color is permitted on this day.
• Please leave any and all candy at home.
• If you have any questions please contact the Admin team so we may support.

Poway Unified School District, including Midland Elementary, is now using a new system for volunteer applications through Verkada. All individuals who wish to volunteer on campus whether Level 1 or Level 2 are required to complete the new Verkada Volunteer Application form. This updated process helps ensure a safe and secure environment for our students and staff. 

To get started, please use the provided URL for the application and more information. Thank you for your continued support and involvement in our school community!

URL:
http://bit.ly/4gD52yp

K-Kids is a new community service-based club for TK-5th graders, sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Poway. Students will learn important skills like kindness, leadership, and teamwork through fun service projects that make a difference in our school and community. Members will also earn community service hours and take part in a special induction ceremony to celebrate.

Check out our website to become a member and save the date for our first meeting!

🗓️  K-Kids First Meeting

Date: Wednesday, October 22, 2025

Time: 1:50 pm - 3:00 pm

Location: Midland Elementary MPR

Website: https://p03667.site.kiwanis.org/

Announcements:

- Disney's Lion King Kids Production: Tickets are almost sold out! Get them HERE! We will have two performances on Saturday, Nov.8th at 2pm and 6pm. Please purchase your tickets online in advance, as we will have very limited tickets available at the door. Your adult ticket purchase is a tax-deductible donation that helps MEF fund performance arts programs like Lion King Kids at Midland Elementary. Thank you for supporting our future stars!

Coming Up Next:

- Holiday Mini-Photoshoot: MEF will be holding our annual Holiday Mini-Photoshoot fundraiser the week of November 15th-21st. Sign-ups with locations and times coming this week!

- After School Lego Club: We're kicking off a parent volunteer-led Lego Club at Midland! Lego Club is free to join and will meet once a week on Wednesdays after school. Sign-ups and dates coming this week!

MEF Projects in the Works:

We are working with Principal Hunt on an Artist in Residence (AIR) position to bring music instruction into our classrooms on a regular basis. Details are being finalized!

Make a Difference—Volunteer With Us!

- We are looking for Level 2 cleared volunteers to help with free After School Clubs starting in November. Please fill out the Volunteer Survey Form and select "After School Activities" to let us know if you are interested.

- Want to get involved but not sure how? Do you have enrichment program ideas or suggestions? We’d love your help in any way that works for you! Just fill out this quick survey to let us know your interests and availability, and we’ll follow up with opportunities. Volunteer Survey Link

Trunk or Treat | Friday, October 24 @ 6 pm

🎃👻 Trunk or Treat is coming! 👻🎃 Bring the whole family for decorated trunks, costumes, games, and lots of candy! 🍬✨

⚠️ Important: This is not a drop-off event. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

👉 Want to help? Volunteer: Sign up here for concessions, safety monitors, or cleanup.
PTA proudly presents…: Midland Elementary’s Annual Trunk or Treat

Candy Donations:

• Drop off candy labeled with your child’s teacher’s name at the office by October 21

• The class with the most donated pounds wins a Popcorn Party! 🎉

• No time to shop? No problem! Each $5 donated = 1 lb. of candy.
  Donate via Zeffy here: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/trunk-or-treat-candy-donations

Let’s make this a spooktacular night for our kids! 

PTA Membership

Your Midland PTA is looking for your help to build our membership base with as many members as possible!  ANYONE who would like to help our children and our school can join: parents, guardians, teachers, students, grandparents, friends, businesses, etc. - our Rattlers Rock! Thank you for your support!

Sign Up Here: https://jointotem.com/ca/poway/midland-elementary-pta 

Please save the date, Friday, November 21st, for the final celebration of Midland’s 100th anniversary! While details are still being finalized, we’re excited to share that our scheduled Rattler Rock event will be extended that morning to include special recognitions honoring this milestone. We warmly welcome families and especially Midland alumni to join us as we celebrate 100 years of learning, community, and tradition!

Each school day is a valuable opportunity for your child to learn, grow, and connect with their teacher, their classmates, and their school community. When students are present consistently, they build strong relationships, engage in meaningful learning, and feel a greater sense of belonging.When a student misses school, they miss more than just lessons they miss important social connections and experiences that help them thrive both academically and emotionally. If your family is experiencing any difficulties that are impacting your child's attendance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our Administration or Counseling team. We are here to support you and your child every step of the way. Thank you for partnering with us in your child’s success!

• 10/20/25 Play it Safe Assembly 
• 10/24/25 Truck or Treat from 6 to 8pm 
• 10/27/25 to 10/31/25 - Red Ribbon Week 
• 10/31/25 Character Parade 
• 11/11/25  No School Veteran’s Day 
• 11/14/25 Spirit Day - Twin Day
• 11/17/25 Non Student Day conferences 
• 11/18 to 11/21 - Minimum Days (12pm dismissal) Conference Week 
• 11/21/25 Rattler Rock - Respect & 100th Celebration! 
• 11/24 to 11/28 - No School Thanksgiving Break 
• 12/6/25 Pancake Breakfast from 8-11am
• 12/19/25 Spirit Day - Pajama Day
• 12/22 to 1/2 - No School Winter Break 

Midland Elementary Poway Unified School District

October 26, 2025

Por favor haga clic aquí para la versión en español

Greetings, Midland Families!

Thank You for a fantastic Trunk or Treat! What an incredible evening we had at Friday’s Trunk or Treat! It was so great to see our students, families, and community members come together to celebrate and have fun. The creativity, laughter, and sense of community made it a truly special event.

A tremendous thank you to our amazing PTA for their tireless efforts in organizing this annual tradition. Your dedication and hard work behind the scenes make all the difference, and we are so grateful for everything you do for the Midland School community.

I’m already looking forward to next year!

Why do we celebrate and honor Red Ribbon week? 

Red Ribbon Week is named after the red ribbon that people wore to honor DEA agent Enrique "Kiki" Camarena, who was murdered in 1985. The campaign began in his hometown of Calexico, California, where citizens started wearing red ribbons to protest drug use and to symbolize their commitment to a drug-free America in Camarena's memory.  

When we, ourselves, or loved one’s struggle with Alcohol or Drugs it can be difficult to find and ask for help. The Midland PTA would like to provide our families with this list of resources as a way for others to get support in a time of need.  The hardest thing to do can be asking for help.

Resources:

•       The San Diego Access and Crisis Line (ACL) is available 24/7 for mental health or substance use crises at 1-888-724-7240 or by dialing 988.
•       Call 211 or go to https://211sandiego.org/ for resources help.
•       Alcohol Anonymous https://www.aa.org/
•       Lock your meds https://lockyourmeds.org/
•       Moms Against Drunk Driving https://madd.org/
•       SDCOE Mental health resources https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TaRGDR2m9qHHPC2J7Go3szkHe5z1vwhZ/view
•       Drug and Alcohol resources offered from PUSD website https://www.powayusd.com/apps/pages/drug-and-alcohol-prevention
•       Caring Connections Provides Mental Health Resources through PUSD https://www.powayusd.com/apps/pages/caring-connections-counseling
•       Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) https://www.samhsa.gov/

You're Not Alone.

Team Midland wants you to know that help is always available. It takes a strong, supportive community to heal and grow and Midland Elementary is committed to being that community. We hope these resources provide comfort, guidance, and support to our families when it's needed most. - Midland Elementary PTA

Red Ribbon Week is a special time each year, October 27 to 31,when schools across the country come together to promote healthy choices and a drug-free lifestyle. It’s all about helping students learn to make smart, safe decisions and take care of their minds and bodies.

To make this week extra fun and meaningful, we’ll be having spirit days and activities throughout the week. Check out the schedule below and join us in celebrating healthy living!

Tuesday, Oct. 28:
🦸‍♀️ Superhero Day
Dress like your favorite hero — real or fictional!

Wednesday, Oct. 29:
💡 Neon Day
Stand out and shine bright in your brightest neon colors!

Thursday, Oct. 30:
🌎 Cultural Celebration Day
Wear something that represents your family’s heritage and pride.

Friday, Oct. 31:
📚 Character Parade
Dress as your favorite book character and join the parade!

Join Us for Our First ELAC Meeting!
All families of English Learners are invited to our first English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC) meeting on Tuesday, October 28th from 8:00–9:00 a.m. at Midland Elementary.
We’ll discuss important topics including:

• Purpose and responsibilities of ELAC
• Identification and reclassification procedures
• Parent notification letters and available resources
• And more 

We look forward to seeing you and working together to support our English Learners!

I want to take a moment to follow up on the fire alarm that occurred at Midland on Wednesday. I’m happy to report that there was no actual fire or emergency. The alarm was unintentionally triggered during a routine safety compliance test conducted by our facilities and maintenance team. While there was never any danger to students or staff, I’m incredibly proud of how seriously everyone responded. Our students and staff acted quickly and calmly, exiting the building and carrying out a successful evacuation exactly as trained.Thank you for your continued support in helping us maintain a safe and prepared school environment. 

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our very first K-Kids meeting! If your student would like to join, it's not too late! K-Kids is open to all TK-5th graders and sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Poway. Students can earn community service hours, help with fun service projects, and take part in our special recognition ceremony. 

Learn more or sign up at: https://p03667.site.kiwanis.org/

Our annual Character Parade (10/31/25) is quickly approaching and we’re excited to celebrate a Midland tradition with everyone! Students are encouraged to join the fun by dressing as their favorite character from literature. Participation is optional, but we hope many Rattlers will join in the creativity and excitement!

At Midland, our goal is to create an event that is fun, safe, and inclusive, for all. We respectfully ask families to follow the guidelines below:

• No dangerous objects are allowed at school (i.e. toy swords, toy guns, chains, skates, light sabers, or spray cans) – please leave those items at home for Halloween.
• Plan to dress in school clothes/attire with your Halloween costume overtop. This allows students to change after the Character Parade if needed. 
• Costumes should not be scary or frightening.  Please make sure your costume doesn't have any of the following: gore, blood, open wounds, displays of scary or frightening characters.
• Costumes should be appropriate for the school setting, please be mindful of length, fit, and see-through material as we excerpt all students to arrive dressed appropriately and ready for fun. 
• Costumes may not cover the face or hands which would interfere with the learning environment and process. 
• Regular dress code applies for footwear please no flip flops, slippers, or high heels. 
• Students may wear full cover facemasks only during the character parade. 
• Makeup and hair color is permitted on this day.
• Please leave any and all candy at home.
• If you have any questions please contact the Admin team so we may support.

We are excited to share that Love on a Leash will be visiting Midland Elementary on Friday, November 14th for the first of many visits this school year! This wonderful program provides our students and staff with the opportunity to interact with certified therapy dogs on campus.

I’ve personally experienced and observed the positive impact these visits can have, bringing joy, comfort, and a sense of calm to both students and staff. We’re excited to bring that same experience to our Midland community!

Participation in this activity is completely optional and is intended to offer a positive and uplifting outlet for everyone on campus. Teachers will have the opportunity to sign up for a short visit in the Multipurpose Room (MPR), where classes can spend a few minutes interacting with the therapy dogs before returning to their regular schedule.

If you would prefer that your child not participate, please feel free to communicate directly with your child’s teacher or a member of the Administrative Team. The Love on a Leash team will be visiting throughout the school year, so families will always have the option to opt out if desired.

Love on a Leash: https://www.loveonaleash.org/san-diego-central/

What's Happening This Week:

- NCSP is coming to Midland: North County Soccer Park's after-school soccer program brings fun and expert instruction right to the fields at Midland Elementary. Starting Thursdays, Nov. 6th-20th 1:50-2:50pm. The first class (Nov. 6) is FREE! Then $25 per class with $5 from each signup donated to Midland Educational Foundation. Also mention Midland when signing up for classes at NCSP fields and get 10% off! Sign up for after school classes HERE.

- After School Lego Club: We're kicking off a parent volunteer-led Lego Club at Midland! Lego Club is FREE to join and will meet once a week on Wednesdays after school starting November 5th. The club is limited to the first 25 kids to join. Get the details and sign-up HERE!

Fundraiser Activities:

- Holiday Mini-Photoshoot: Marina Shkolnik Photography is back to support MEF's annual Holiday Mini-Photoshoot fundraiser. 20% of the proceeds from your beautiful family Mini-Photoshoot Session are donated back to the Foundation to support Midland. Sessions will take place the week of November 15th-21st. Sign-ups are located HERE!

- Disney's Lion King Kids Production: Tickets are almost sold out! Get them HERE! We will have two performances on Saturday, Nov. 8th at 2pm and 6p. If you weren't able to get tickets online, we will have very limited tickets available at the door. Your adult ticket purchase is a tax-deductible donation that helps MEF fund performance arts programs like Lion King Kids at Midland Elementary. Thank you for supporting our future stars!

Looking Ahead:

- In The Rush Coffee is coming back! Join us November 14th from 7:00am-8:30am for your morning cup of deliciousness.

- We are working with Principal Hunt on an Artist in Residence (AIR) position to bring music instruction into our classrooms on a regular basis. Details are being finalized!

Make a Difference—Volunteer With Us!

- We are looking for Level 2 cleared volunteers to help with free After School Clubs starting in November. Please fill out the Volunteer Survey Form and select "After School Activities" to let us know if you are interested.

- We also need LEGO's! Contact us at [email protected] if you have LEGO's you would like to donate to the LEGO club.

- Want to get involved but not sure how? Do you have enrichment program ideas or suggestions? We’d love your help in any way that works for you! Just fill out this quick survey and we’ll follow up with opportunities. Volunteer Survey Link

PTA Membership

Your Midland PTA is looking for your help to build our membership base with as many members as possible!  ANYONE who would like to help our children and our school can join: parents, guardians, teachers, students, grandparents, friends, businesses, etc. - our Rattlers Rock! Thank you for your support!

Sign Up Here: https://jointotem.com/ca/poway/midland-elementary-pta 

Fall 2025: Healthy Tech Habits
Teaching children to develop healthy habits with technology is important for their overall physical and mental well-being. A balanced approach to technology helps students thrive both in and out of the classroom.

Families can promote mindful and balanced technology use at home. By establishing these habits early, you help your child build a strong foundation for responsible technology use throughout their life.

Resources for Your Family:

• Elementary Resource: New Healthy Media Habits for Young Kids

Please save the date, Friday, November 21st, for the final celebration of Midland’s 100th anniversary! While details are still being finalized, we’re excited to share that our scheduled Rattler Rock event will be extended that morning to include special recognitions honoring this milestone. We warmly welcome families and especially Midland alumni to join us as we celebrate 100 years of learning, community, and tradition!

• 10/27/25 to 10/31/25 - Red Ribbon Week 
• 10/31/25 Character Parade 
• 11/11/25  No School Veteran’s Day 
• 11/14/25 Spirit Day - Twin Day
• 11/17/25 Non Student Day conferences 
• 11/18 to 11/21 - Minimum Days (12pm dismissal) Conference Week 
• 11/21/25 Rattler Rock - Respect & 100th Celebration! 
• 11/24 to 11/28 - No School Thanksgiving Break 
• 12/6/25 Pancake Breakfast from 8-11am
• 12/19/25 Spirit Day - Pajama Day
• 12/22 to 1/2 - No School Winter Break 

Midland Elementary Poway Unified School District

November 2, 2025

Por favor haga clic aquí para la versión en español

Greetings, Midland Families!

I hope everyone enjoyed a fun and festive Halloween! It was wonderful to see so many of our students celebrating with big smiles and creative costumes during the annual Character Parade on Friday. I hope your families had a safe and fun time making memories together with friends and neighbors.

Thank you, as always, for your continued support and partnership in making our school such a special place to learn and grow. Wishing everyone a restful and happy week ahead.

Coming Up:

- NCSP is coming to Midland: Starting Thursdays, Nov. 6th-20th 1:50-3pm, North County Soccer Park will be holding after-school soccer classes at Midland Elementary. The first class (Nov. 6) is FREE, then $25 per class. Sign up for after school classes HERE. 

*NCSP is donating $5 from each signup to the Midland Educational Foundation, and get 10% off if you mention Midland when signing up for classes at the NCSP fields! 

- Disney's Lion King Kids Production: Tickets are sold out but if you weren't able to get tickets online, we will have 20 tickets per show available for purchase at the door. Performances are Saturday, Nov.8th at 2pm and 6p. Thank you for supporting our future stars!

- After School Lego Club: We're excited to kick off Lego Club Wednesdays after school starting November 5th. Thank you to everyone who signed up, volunteered and donated Legos. The club is full but get details and join the waitlist HERE! *Keep an eye out for more clubs coming soon!

Fundraiser Activities:

- Holiday Mini-Photoshoot: Marina Shkolnik Photography is back to support MEF's annual Holiday Mini-Photoshoot fundraiser. 20% of the proceeds from your beautiful family Mini-Photoshoot Session are donated back to the Foundation to support Midland. Sign-ups are located HERE.

- Square1Art: Orders for Square1Art start next week! Look for our table in front of the school in the morning to see examples of all the creative ways your child's art can be made into fun keepsakes and holiday gifts!

-Boots & Bling: Midland's First Annual Auction Night. Mark your Calendars: February 6, 2026 - 6-10pm. Get ready for an adults only night full of good food, fun, and dancing to raise money for our school! More details to come.

Looking Ahead:

- In The Rush Coffee is coming back! Join us November 14th from 7:00am-8:30am for your morning cup of deliciousness.

- We are working with Principal Hunt on an Artist in Residence (AIR) position to bring music instruction into our classrooms on a regular basis. Details are being finalized!

Make a Difference—Volunteer With Us!

- We are looking for Level 2 cleared volunteers to help with free After School Clubs. Please fill out the Volunteer Survey Form and select "After School Activities" to let us know if you are interested.

Trunk or Treat

What spooktacular night! 👻 Thank you to everyone who joined us for Trunk or Treat on October 24! We’re so grateful for our amazing volunteers, families, and corporate partners who helped make the evening such a success.

📸 Got great photos from Trunk or Treat?
Please email them to [email protected] so we can include them in the yearbook!
➡️ Photos must be emailed from an address linked to a TreeRing account to be accepted.

Trunk or Treat Winners

Favorite Trunks:

🥇 1st Place: Vo Family – K-Pop Demon Hunters
🥈 2nd Place: Hildreth Family – Costco Theme
🥉 3rd Place: MacDonald/Felton Families – Star Wars

Cheeseball Guess Winner: Sacha (Mrs. Mikkelsen’s class)

Classes who donated the most candy:

🥇 1st Place: Mr. Gentile
🥈 2nd Place: Mrs. Brenman
🥉 3rd Place: Mrs. Roji

Turkey Bingo | November 20

Join us for Turkey Bingo on Wednesday, November 20 at 6:00 PM in the MPR.

🎟️ $2 per person per bingo sheet (one sheet at a time)
🚫 Not a drop-off event — children must be accompanied by an adult.

 Pancake Breakfast and Santa Shop | December 6 at 8-11 am

Join us for the PTA Pancake Breakfast & Santa Shop on Saturday, December 6 from 8:00–11:00 AM!

Enjoy a morning full of holiday fun:
🥞 Delicious pancake breakfast – $6 per person
🎅 Photos with Santa – $3 each
🎟️ Raffle tickets – $2 each
🍪 Cookie decorating, holiday shopping, and festive fun for the whole family!

Bring your holiday spirit and join us for a cozy morning of food and fun!

We are excited to share that Love on a Leash will be visiting Midland Elementary on Friday, November 14th for the first of many visits this school year! This wonderful program provides our students and staff with the opportunity to interact with certified therapy dogs on campus.

I’ve personally experienced and observed the positive impact these visits can have, bringing joy, comfort, and a sense of calm to both students and staff. We’re excited to bring that same experience to our Midland community!

Participation in this activity is completely optional and is intended to offer a positive and uplifting outlet for everyone on campus. Teachers will have the opportunity to sign up for a short visit in the Multipurpose Room (MPR), where classes can spend a few minutes interacting with the therapy dogs before returning to their regular schedule.

If you would prefer that your child not participate, please feel free to communicate directly with your child’s teacher or a member of the Administrative Team. The Love on a Leash team will be visiting throughout the school year, so families will always have the option to opt out if desired.

Love on a Leash: https://www.loveonaleash.org/san-diego-central/

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our very first K-Kids meeting! If your student would like to join, it's not too late! K-Kids is open to all TK-5th graders and sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Poway. Students can earn community service hours, help with fun service projects, and take part in our special recognition ceremony. 

Learn more or sign up at: https://p03667.site.kiwanis.org/

Please save the date, Friday, November 21st, for the final celebration of Midland’s 100th anniversary! While details are still being finalized, we’re excited to share that our scheduled Rattler Rock event will be extended that morning to include special recognitions honoring this milestone. We warmly welcome families and especially Midland alumni to join us as we celebrate 100 years of learning, community, and tradition!

• 11/11/25  No School Veteran’s Day 
• 11/14/25 Spirit Day - Twin Day
• 11/17/25 Non Student Day conferences 
• 11/18 to 11/21 - Minimum Days (12pm dismissal) Conference Week 
• 11/21/25 Rattler Rock - Respect & 100th Celebration! 
• 11/24 to 11/28 - No School Thanksgiving Break 
• 12/6/25 Pancake Breakfast from 8-11am
• 12/19/25 Spirit Day - Pajama Day
• 12/22 to 1/2 - No School Winter Break 

Midland Elementary Poway Unified School District

Por favor haga clic aquí para la versión en español

Greetings, Midland Families!

As a reminder, school will be closed on Tuesday, November 11th, in observance of Veterans Day. Please note that school will be in session on Monday, November 10th.

I would like to take this opportunity to express our heartfelt gratitude to all the service men and women and first responders in our school community and throughout San Diego County. Thank you for your courage, dedication, and the many sacrifices you make to support our community every day.

What a fantastic response we’ve had to our new campus extracurricular activities! It has been awesome to see our students’ enthusiasm and smiles as they participate in Lego Club, K-Kids, and Midland Media. Their excitement reminds us how powerful it is to learn, build friendships, and have fun together beyond the classroom.

My goal is to continue expanding these opportunities so that more students can explore their interests, discover new talents, and connect with others. To make this happen, I need your help! 

If you have an idea for a club or activity and would like to volunteer your time or expertise please reach out to me. Let’s find a time to talk and see how we can build even more engaging opportunities for our students.

Our Lost and Found cart is filling up! We have quite a few items, sweatshirts, jackets, water bottles, and more that we’d love to return to their owners.

Please take a moment to check the Lost and Found cart located out front in the morning or afternoon. You might just find something that belongs to your student!

Thank you for helping us reunite these items with their homes.

Coming Up:

- NCSP Soccer Classes at Midland: We kicked off NCSP soccer classes this week and had a blast! It's not too late to register if you would like to join! Classes are Thursdays, Nov. 6th-20th 1:50-3pm on the Midland field. $25 per class. Sign up for classes HERE. 

*NCSP is donating $5 from each signup to the Midland Educational Foundation, and get 10% off if you mention Midland when signing up for classes at the NCSP fields! 

Fundraiser Activities:

- Holiday Mini-Photoshoot: Marina Shkolnik Photography is back to support MEF's annual Holiday Mini-Photoshoot fundraiser. 20% of the proceeds from your beautiful family Mini-Photoshoot Session are donated back to the Foundation to support Midland. Sign-ups are located HERE.

- Square1Art: Orders for Square1Art start this week! Your child came home Friday with a flyer showing a sample of their artwork and how to order. Look for our table in front of the school in the morning this week to see examples of all the creative ways your child's art can be made into fun keepsakes and holiday gifts!

-Boots & Bling: Midland's First Annual Auction Night. Mark your Calendars: February 6, 2026 - 6-10pm. Get ready for an adults only night full of good food, fun, and dancing to raise money for our school! More details to come.

Looking Ahead:

- In The Rush Coffee is coming back! Join us November 14th from 7:00am-8:30am for your morning cup of deliciousness.

- We have funded an Artist in Residence (AIR) teacher position to support a Music Program at Midland! Program details and schedule are coming soon!

Make a Difference—Volunteer With Us!

- We are looking for Level 2 cleared volunteers to help with free After School Clubs. Please fill out the Volunteer Survey Form and select "After School Activities" to let us know if you are interested.

🧴✨ TOILETRIES DRIVE ✨🧼
Sponsored by Midland PTA

We’re collecting toiletry items to support local youth through the Youth Assistance Coalition (YAC) 💙 https://www.yacsd.org/

📦 Drop-off Location: Main Office (designated box)
📅 Collection Dates: November 3–21

Items for Donation:
🪥 Toothbrushes
🧵 Floss
🪒 Razors
💧 Travel-sized lotion & conditioner
🧴 Cotton balls
🧻 Kleenex
🪣 Mouthwash
🦷 Toothpaste

Support Midland PTA While You Shop
Here’s an easy (and fun!) way to support our school while doing your everyday or holiday shopping! We’re partnering with SchoolStore.net — a simple way to earn money for Midland through your regular online purchases.

🛒 How it works:
1️⃣ Scan the QR code on the lanyard card that came home to visit SchoolStore.net.
2️⃣ Sign up for a free account — be sure to note your username and password!
3️⃣ (Optional) Send 8 emails to family and friends to share our school’s shopping link and you’ll earn a FREE Book Buddy plush!
4️⃣ Log in and click “Shop – National Merchants” to browse over 300 popular retailers like:
Carter’s,  Home Depot, Old Navy,  Walmart …and many more!

A percentage of every purchase made through these links goes right back to Midland to support classroom supplies, student programs, and more. 

Questions? Email us anytime at [email protected].

Turkey Bingo | November 20
Join us for Turkey Bingo on Wednesday, November 20 at 6:00 PM in the MPR.

🎟️ $2 per person per bingo sheet (one sheet at a time)
🚫 Not a drop-off event — children must be accompanied by an adult.

• 11/11/25  No School Veteran’s Day 
• 11/14/25 Spirit Day - Twin Day
• 11/17/25 Non Student Day conferences 
• 11/18 to 11/21 - Minimum Days (12pm dismissal) Conference Week 
• 11/21/25 Rattler Rock - Respect & 100th Celebration! 
• 11/24 to 11/28 - No School Thanksgiving Break 
• 12/6/25 Pancake Breakfast from 8-11am
• 12/19/25 Spirit Day - Pajama Day
• 12/22 to 1/2 - No School Winter Break 
• 1/5/26 Return from Winter Break
• 1/9/26 Spirit Day - Disney Day 
• 1/15/26 Navigating the Tween Years Parent Event 
• 1/19/26 No School MLK Day 
• 1/30/26 Rattler Rock Assembly 

Midland Elementary Poway Unified School District

Por favor haga clic aquí para la versión en español

Greetings, Midland Families!

Next week is our annual Parent-Teacher Conference Week! This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with your child’s teacher to learn more about their progress, areas of strength, and goals for continued growth. These conversations are an important part of our home to school partnership as we work together to support each student’s learning and overall success.

We look forward to welcoming you on campus next week! If you have any questions or need assistance with scheduling, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

We’re thrilled to announce that next Friday, November 21st, we’ll be hosting the final celebration of Midland Elementary’s 100th Anniversary! This is a very special milestone for our school, and we’re excited to welcome back alumni, former staff members, parents, and anyone who has been part of the Midland community over the years.

Please plan to arrive early, as we are anticipating a large crowd for this wonderful event. Our celebration will take place during an extended Rattler Rock Community Gathering, beginning at 8:00 a.m. We’ll follow a similar format to our usual gatherings, with a few exciting additions to honor this milestone.

As you arrive:

• Visitor stickers will be available in front of the Main Office for those entering campus.
  
  
• The A Gate (located between the Main Office and the TK building) will be open for guests.
  
  
• We kindly ask visitors to stand around the perimeter of the quad to allow our students to sit in their usual assembly areas.
  
  

The program will last about 45 minutes and will include special recognitions and tributes celebrating 100 years of learning, community, and tradition. Afterward, we invite alumni, former staff, parents, and guests to visit the MPR, where you’ll find historical displays, school memorabilia, and other items highlighting Midland’s rich history.

We can’t wait to celebrate this remarkable milestone with our community, please help spread the word. Thank you for being part of Midland’s story, past, present, and future! 

Next week is our annual Parent Teacher Conference Week! This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with your child’s teacher to learn more about their progress, areas of strength, and goals for continued growth. These conversations are an important part of our home to school partnership as we work together to support each student’s learning and overall success.

Conferences are scheduled to begin Monday and conclude on Friday afternoon.

Best Practices for a Successful Conference

To help ensure all conferences run smoothly and you get the most out of your scheduled time, please consider the following best practices:

• Arrive on Time: Please plan to arrive a few minutes before your scheduled time slot to allow for check-in and travel time to the classroom.
• Prepare Questions: It can be helpful to come with a few specific questions about your child's academic progress, social-emotional well-being, or the curriculum.
• Focus on Partnership: Remember that the teacher is your partner. This is a collaborative conversation aimed at developing shared goals for your child.
• Be Mindful of Time: Conferences are scheduled back to back. Please respect the allotted time so that subsequent parents can begin their meetings promptly.

Check-in Procedures

For the safety of our students and staff, and to help guide you efficiently:

• When you arrive for your scheduled conference, please plan to check in at the main office.
• At the main office, you will be given a visitor sticker and a campus map to help guide you to your conference location.

We look forward to welcoming you on campus next week! If you have any questions or need assistance with scheduling, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

Progress reports will be available online through Synergy ParentVUE beginning on Wednesday, December 3rd at 5:00 pm.  Please use the following links - English | Spanish - to learn how to access the progress report. Elementary school families can access the Trimester 1 Parent-Friendly Page 3 through the PUSD website under Parent Resources or by clicking HERE. 

Happening Now! 

- Square1Art: Look for the order form that came home with your child last week to see examples of all the creative ways your child's art can be made into fun keepsakes and holiday gifts! A percentage of proceeds are donated to MEF to help us fund programs for Midland Elementary.

- NCSP Soccer Classes at Midland: NCSP soccer classes are going strong! It's not too late to register if you would like to join! This Thursday's 11/20 class will be from 12-1:15pm due to the conference schedule. $25 per class. Sign up for classes HERE. 

- Yee-haw! Boots & Bling tickets are officially live!
Grab your cowboy boots, sparkle up your night, and join us on February 6th at The Heights in RB for the most fun-filled fundraiser of the year. We’ll have live music from The Traveling Nobodys, a lively auction, a silent auction, great food, and a photobooth to capture all the fun.
**Early bird pricing is available now, so saddle up and snag your tickets HERE before prices go up!

- Holiday Mini-Photoshoot: This is your last chance to grab a spot with Marina Shkolnik Photography for your annual Holiday Mini-Photoshoot. 20% of the proceeds from your beautiful family Mini-Photoshoot Session are donated back to the Foundation to support Midland. Sign-ups are located HERE.

Your Support Makes a Difference! Thanks to your donations and PUSD grant funding…

- We have hired an Artist in Residence (AIR) teacher position to support a Music Program at Midland Elementary. Weekly music instruction will be available to all classrooms starting this winter!

- Science labs are coming to Midland! We will be bringing a monthly science lab program to our classrooms in January.

 Thanks for your continued support as we keep growing and looking ahead to next year!

Turkey Bingo | November 20
Join us for Turkey Bingo on Wednesday, November 20 at 6:00 PM in the MPR.

🎟️ $2 per person per bingo sheet (one sheet at a time)
🚫 Not a drop-off event — children must be accompanied by an adult.

🧴✨ TOILETRIES DRIVE ✨🧼
Sponsored by Midland PTA

We’re collecting toiletry items to support local youth through the Youth Assistance Coalition (YAC) 💙 https://www.yacsd.org/

📦 Drop-off Location: Main Office (designated box)
📅 Collection Dates: November 3–21

Items for Donation:
🪥 Toothbrushes
🧵 Floss
🪒 Razors
💧 Travel-sized lotion & conditioner
🧴 Cotton balls
🧻 Kleenex
🪣 Mouthwash
🦷 Toothpaste

Support Midland PTA While You Shop
Here’s an easy (and fun!) way to support our school while doing your everyday or holiday shopping! We’re partnering with SchoolStore.net — a simple way to earn money for Midland through your regular online purchases.

🛒 How it works:
1️⃣ Scan the QR code on the lanyard card that came home to visit SchoolStore.net.
2️⃣ Sign up for a free account — be sure to note your username and password!
3️⃣ (Optional) Send 8 emails to family and friends to share our school’s shopping link and you’ll earn a FREE Book Buddy plush!
4️⃣ Log in and click “Shop – National Merchants” to browse over 300 popular retailers like:
Carter’s,  Home Depot, Old Navy,  Walmart …and many more!

A percentage of every purchase made through these links goes right back to Midland to support classroom supplies, student programs, and more. 

Questions? Email us anytime at [email protected].

• 11/17/25 Non Student Day conferences 
• 11/18 to 11/21 - Minimum Days (12pm dismissal) Conference Week 
• 11/21/25 Rattler Rock - Respect & 100th Celebration! 
• 11/24 to 11/28 - No School Thanksgiving Break 
• 12/6/25 Pancake Breakfast from 8-11am
• 12/19/25 Spirit Day - Pajama Day
• 12/22 to 1/2 - No School Winter Break 
• 1/5/26 Return from Winter Break
• 1/9/26 Spirit Day - Disney Day 
• 1/15/26 Navigating the Tween Years Parent Event 
• 1/19/26 No School MLK Day 
• 1/30/26 Rattler Rock Assembly 

Midland Elementary Poway Unified School District

Por favor haga clic aquí para la versión en español

Greetings, Midland Families!

Thank you all for your incredible support of our Rattler Rock 100th Celebration on Friday! It was truly wonderful to see so many of you come together to celebrate and support Midland Elementary. The spirit, energy, and pride you brought to the event made the day unforgettable. 

A heartfelt thank you to our students, teachers, staff, parents, and alumni. Your enthusiasm and dedication are what make Midland such a remarkable community.

GO Rattlers! 

Our primary goal is always to maintain a safe and healthy learning environment for every student. In reviewing our campus guidelines, I want to share a helpful reminder about a specific district policy.

It was recently brought to my attention per PUSD guidelines, pets (including dogs) are not permitted on school grounds, even if they are properly leashed.

This policy is in place to support student safety, as some children may have allergies. To help us uphold this expectation, we kindly ask that pets remain off all school areas, including:

• The parking lot
• The sidewalk/path leading to the main office
• The area near the TK/Kindergarten gate
• All school entrances

I truly value your partnership in creating a safe and welcoming space for all students. Thank you for your flexibility and understanding in honoring this district-wide expectation.

Boots & Bling Fundraiser:

✨👢 Yeehaw! We have sold out tickets for our first fundraiser! ✨👢 

If you already purchased your tickets and are wanting to sit with friends, consider purchasing a table here.

This event includes a silent auction, food, drinks and live music. All of the proceeds support our wonderful school and we need your help. If you can donate auction items or, even better, help with a gift basket, your contribution will go directly to benefit Midland. We are looking for gift certificates, items of value, and donations. We will also be creating auction baskets from our classrooms - look for more information soon from your room parents.

If you can contribute, please contact [email protected]. We are working hard to make this inaugural event a success and to bring some much-needed dollars to Midland. Thank you!

NCSP Soccer Classes at Midland: 

Sign up now for NCSP soccer classes starting in January. Classes are held on Thursdays from 1:50-3pm and are available for sign-up through March. Open to all grade levels, TK-5th. Learn more HERE.

 El Ranchito Restaurant Night Thursday December 16th 6am-8pm: 

Stop by El Ranchito and grab your favorite breakfast burrito, lunch or dinner, mention Midland, and they will donate 20% back to MEF. We donate these funds to Midland for additional teaching resources, enrichment programs and teacher supplies. Every dollar makes a difference!

Support Midland PTA While You Shop

Here’s an easy (and fun!) way to support our school while doing your everyday or holiday shopping! We’re partnering with SchoolStore.net — a simple way to earn money for Midland through your regular online purchases.

🛒 How it works:
  1️⃣ Scan the QR code on the lanyard card that came home to visit SchoolStore.net.
  2️⃣ Sign up for a free account — be sure to note your username and password!
  3️⃣ (Optional) Send 8 emails to family and friends to share our school’s shopping link and you’ll earn a FREE Book Buddy plush!
  4️⃣ Log in and click “Shop – National Merchants” to browse over 300 popular retailers like:
  Carter’s,  Home Depot, Old Navy,  Walmart …and many more!

A percentage of every purchase made through these links goes right back to Midland to support classroom supplies, student programs, and more. 

Questions? Email us anytime at [email protected]

Pancake Breakfast & Santa Shop

Thank you to everyone who came out to our Pancake Breakfast. Thank you to all volunteers and vendors who made it all happen!

Santa photos are ready! Click the link below to view and download your pictures.

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1FTSqYVHjrjrQSbfvTMTaE-cvA6UlievV?usp=sharing

Giving Tree

Thank you to everyone who donated to our Giving Tree. Your generosity is making a big difference for our families this season.

PTA Membership

Your Midland PTA is looking for your help to build our membership base with as many members as possible!  ANYONE who would like to help our children and our school can join: parents, guardians, teachers, students, grandparents, friends, businesses, etc. - our Rattlers Rock! Thank you for your support!

Sign Up Here: https://jointotem.com/ca/poway/midland-elementary-pta 

• 12/19/25 Coffee with the Principal at 8am in the MPR
• 12/19/25 Spirit Day - Pajama Day
• 12/22 to 1/2 - No School Winter Break 
• 1/5/26 Return from Winter Break
• 1/9/26 Spirit Day - Disney Day 
• 1/15/26 Navigating the Tween Years Parent Event 
• 1/19/26 No School MLK Day 
• 1/26/26 Non-student Day
• 1/30/26 Rattler Rock Assembly 
• 2/13/26 Spirit Day - Tie Dye Day
• 2/16 to 2/20 - District Recess
• 2/27/26 - Rattler Rock Assembly 

Midland Elementary Poway Unified School District

Por favor haga clic aquí para la versión en español

Greetings, Midland Families!

Thank you for a wonderful 2025 school year! It has been such a joy to become part of the Midland community and watch our students learn, grow, and share so many smiles each day. I am so grateful for your continued support and partnership.

As we head into the holidays, I wish you and your families a season filled with joy, laughter, and special moments together. May your break be restful and full of meaningful time with family and friends.

Happy Holidays and best wishes for a healthy, happy New Year! Enjoy the break, and I can’t wait to welcome everyone back and see you in 2026!

Navigating the Tween Years

Fourth and fifth grade parent and child night. January 15, 2026

Join us for a fun and informative evening where parents and kids will:

• Learn communication skills that actually work.
• Get the inside scoop on what’s really going on socially and emotionally in the mysterious world of fourth and fifth graders.
• Jump into playful, interactive activities designed to boost family communication—without eye rolls (we’ll do our best!).

We promise learning, laughing, and maybe even a few “aha!” moments along the way.

Poway Unified School District (PUSD) is committed to building strong partnerships with families to support student success. This policy outlines how PUSD involves parents and guardians, especially those in Title I schools, in meaningful ways that enhance learning and school improvement. Families play a vital role in shaping district and school plans through surveys, advisory committees, and community conversations. PUSD supports schools in hosting engagement activities such as parent workshops, community events, and family nights, with bilingual liaisons available to assist Spanish-speaking families. The district coordinates efforts across programs like English Learners, Special Education, and Preschool to ensure inclusive engagement. Each year, PUSD gathers feedback to identify barriers to parent engagement and improve communication, resources, and services. Families are provided with tools to support learning at home and are encouraged to participate in school events and decision-making processes. Through shared responsibility, ongoing evaluation, and dedicated funding, PUSD ensures that family engagement remains a central part of its mission to help all students thrive. This Policy was created using the California Department of Education’s (CDE) official Title I Parent and Family Engagement Policy template. The numbered and lettered sections come directly from the state and include the required legal wording. Under each section that requires a district response, any italicized text explains the specific practices and actions Poway Unified School District (PUSD) takes to meet each requirement. 

Links: 

• LEA Level Parent and Family Engagement Policy 2025-26 (English)
• LEA Level Parent and Family Engagement Policy 2025-26 (Spanish)
• LEA Level Parent and Family Engagement Policy Summary 2025-26 (English)
• LEA Level Parent and Family Engagement Policy Summary 2025-26 (Spanish)

If anyone is curious and interested in learning more about MEF, please join us for our in-person January meeting. More details to come after the break. Happy Holidays Rattler Families!

Support Midland PTA While You Shop

Here’s an easy (and fun!) way to support our school while doing your everyday or holiday shopping! We’re partnering with SchoolStore.net— a simple way to earn money for Midland through your regular online purchases.

🛒 How it works:
  1️⃣ Scan the QR code on the lanyard card that came home to visit SchoolStore.net.
  2️⃣ Sign up for a free account — be sure to note your username and password!
  3️⃣ (Optional) Send 8 emails to family and friends to share our school’s shopping link and you’ll earn a FREE Book Buddy plush!
  4️⃣ Log in and click “Shop – National Merchants” to browse over 300 popular retailers like:
  Carter’s,  Home Depot, Old Navy,  Walmart …and many more!

A percentage of every purchase made through these links goes right back to Midland to support classroom supplies, student programs, and more. 

Questions? Email us anytime at [email protected]

Pancake Breakfast & Santa Shop

Thank you to everyone who came out to our Pancake Breakfast. Thank you to all volunteers and vendors who made it all happen!

Santa photos are ready! Click the link below to view and download your pictures.

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1FTSqYVHjrjrQSbfvTMTaE-cvA6UlievV?usp=sharing

PTA Membership

Your Midland PTA is looking for your help to build our membership base with as many members as possible!  ANYONE who would like to help our children and our school can join: parents, guardians, teachers, students, grandparents, friends, businesses, etc. - our Rattlers Rock! Thank you for your support!

Sign Up Here: https://jointotem.com/ca/poway/midland-elementary-pta 

• 12/22/25 to 1/2/26 - No School Winter Break 
• 1/5/26 Return from Winter Break
• 1/9/26 Spirit Day - Disney Day 
• 1/15/26 Navigating the Tween Years Parent Event 
• 1/19/26 No School MLK Day 
• 1/26/26 Non-student Day
• 1/30/26 Rattler Rock Assembly 
• 2/13/26 Spirit Day - Tie Dye Day
• 2/16 to 2/20 - District Recess
• 2/27/26 - Rattler Rock Assembly 

Midland Elementary Poway Unified School District

Por favor haga clic aquí para la versión en español

Greetings, Midland Families!

Welcome back, and Happy New Year! I hope everyone had a fantastic winter break and enjoyed special time with family and friends during the holiday season.

It’s hard to believe how quickly the first portion of the school year has come and gone. As we begin the second half of the year, I’m excited about all that’s ahead. Our staff remains committed to supporting every student’s growth and success, and we look forward to continuing to work together with you as we finish the school year strong.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support. We’re so glad to welcome our students back and jump into an exciting new year of learning. GO Rattlers! 

Navigating the Tween Years

Fourth and fifth grade parent and child night. January 15, 2026. Signup information was sent in a separate message along with paper copies in backpacks. We kindly ask families register for this event so we have an accurate count. 

Join us for a fun and informative evening where parents and kids will:

• Learn communication skills that actually work.
• Get the inside scoop on what’s really going on socially and emotionally in the mysterious world of fourth and fifth graders.
• Jump into playful, interactive activities designed to boost family communication—without eye rolls (we’ll do our best!).

We promise learning, laughing, and maybe even a few “aha!” moments along the way.

Our Lost and Found cart is filling up! We have quite a few items, sweatshirts, jackets, water bottles, and more that we’d love to return to their owners.

Please take a moment to check the Lost and Found cart located out front in the morning or afternoon. You might just find something that belongs to your student!

Thank you for helping us reunite these items with their homes.

IN THE WORKS:

Ratter Run is BACK! Get involved: Rattler Run Kick-Off Meeting is on Jan. 13th at 6pm in the Midland Library. See how you can help with this fun Midland event!

Boots & Bling is less than a month away! We are looking for local businesses to sponsor our Welcome Drink Table! Email [email protected] for more information.

Classroom baskets for the silent auction have kicked off as well. Look for the email from your room parents about your class basket!

NCSP Soccer

Classes starting this week! Classes are held on Thursdays from 1:50-3pm and are available for sign-up through March. Open to all grade levels, TK-5th. 

👉Click here to learn more👈

The K-Kids Club is looking for volunteers to support their meetings and help their members learn leadership, teamwork, and participate in community service activities. Use the link below to sign up to volunteer at their next meeting on Thursday, January 15 from 1:50 - 3:00 pm.

👉CLICK HERE IF YOU WANT TO VOLUNTEER👈 

LOOKING AHEAD:

Harney Sushi is our next Restaurant Fundraiser: January 22nd from 4-8:30pm 

Mark your Calendars of an MEF In-Person Meeting, February 3rd. Meet members of MEF, find out more about our monthly agenda, share fresh ideas, and hear about upcoming projects. All are welcome! More details to come soon

International Craft Night | January 22 @ 6 p.m.
Explore hands-on crafts, traditions, and activities from around the world—fun for the whole family! 

Interested in hosting a country or sharing a cultural craft?
We’d love to feature your heritage, traditions, or a craft your family enjoys.

👉 https://signup.com/client/invitation2/secure/3244741040111/false?popup=true#/invitation

We’re Building our PTA Team for Next Year
Love being involved or want to try something new? We’re looking for committee co-chairs and volunteers for our exciting lineup of events next school year — the same great events our families know and love!

✨ Opportunities include:
• Poway Days Parade
• Trunk or Treat
• Pancake Breakfast & Santa Shop
• International Craft Night
• Science Fair Night
• Book Fair
• Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week
• Family Dance Night

Whether you want to help lead or just lend a hand, we’d love to have you! 

Interested? Email [email protected]

Support Midland PTA While You Shop
Here’s an easy (and fun!) way to support our school while doing your everyday or holiday shopping! We’re partnering with SchoolStore.net — a simple way to earn money for Midland through your regular online purchases.

🛒 How it works:
1️⃣ Scan the QR code on the lanyard card that came home to visit SchoolStore.net.
2️⃣ Sign up for a free account — be sure to note your username and password!
3️⃣ (Optional) Send 8 emails to family and friends to share our school’s shopping link and you’ll earn a FREE Book Buddy plush!
4️⃣ Log in and click “Shop – National Merchants” to browse over 300 popular retailers like:
Carter’s,  Home Depot, Old Navy,  Walmart …and many more!

A percentage of every purchase made through these links goes right back to Midland to support classroom supplies, student programs, and more. 

Questions? Email us anytime at [email protected]

PTA Membership

Your Midland PTA is looking for your help to build our membership base with as many members as possible!  ANYONE who would like to help our children and our school can join: parents, guardians, teachers, students, grandparents, friends, businesses, etc. - our Rattlers Rock! Thank you for your support!

Sign Up Here: https://jointotem.com/ca/poway/midland-elementary-pta 

Let’s kick off each week with some Rattler pride! Every Monday is “Midland Monday”, and we love to see our students and staff showing off their school spirit. Wear your Midland gear or anything red or yellow to celebrate our fantastic school community. GO Rattlers! ❤️💛

• 1/15/26 Navigating the Tween Years Parent Event 
• 1/19/26 No School MLK Day 
• 1/26/26 Non-student Day
• 1/30/26 Rattler Rock Assembly 
• 2/2 to 2/6/26 National School Counseling Week
• 2/9 to 2/13/26 School Kindness Week
• 2/13/26 Spirit Day Tie Dye Day
• 2/16 to 2/20 District Recess
• 2/27/26 Rattler Rock Assembly 
• 3/2 to 3/6/26 Book Fair
• 3/10 to 3/12/26 Spring Safety Week 
• 3/13/26 Spirit Day Western Day
• 3/27/26 Ratter Rock Assembly 
• 3/31/26 Spring Picture Day

Midland Elementary Poway Unified School District

Por favor haga clic aquí para la versión en español

Greetings, Midland Families!

On Thursday evening, I had the pleasure of attending the Navigating the Tween Years parent workshop hosted by our Counseling Team. The session was filled with practical strategies that help parents and students better understand one another, strengthen communication, and grow together in support of overall positive wellness. Thank you to all who attended, and a special thank you to our Counseling Team - Mrs. Edrington and Mrs. Ames for their outstanding work and dedication. It takes a village!

A friendly reminder, no school on Monday, January, 19, 2026 in observance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

I want to share an important update regarding our class placement process for the 2026-2027 school year, as well as to provide insight into the thoughtful decisions that go into building balanced classes with the best interests of each student in mind.

At Midland, we are deeply committed to a culture of collaboration and intentionality, ensuring every decision we make is thoughtful and in the best interest of our Rattlers. Each spring, our teaching teams engage in deep, meaningful conversations as they thoughtfully build class rosters for the upcoming school year. These discussions are rooted in data, professional insight, and a genuine understanding of each student as a learner. Teachers consider academic strengths, social development, learning styles, and peer dynamics to ensure students are placed in environments where they can continue to grow and thrive in the next grade level.

Our staff is collectively committed to providing an exceptional educational experience for every student at Midland. With this goal in mind, we will not be accepting individual teacher requests. This decision was made with great care to ensure that classroom placements are balanced and equitable across the entire grade level. Creating balanced and equitable classes ensures that every student benefits from a diverse, high-quality learning environment where they have the best possible opportunity to succeed.

I appreciate and value your continued trust and partnership as we move forward together to set your child up for a successful school year. Please know that our shared goal remains the same: to build learning environments that support the success, well-being, and growth of each and every Midland Rattler.

As we begin this New Year, I want to remind families of the importance of routine and boundaries in building your child’s sense of security and confidence. Boundaries help students know what is expected of them, what is safe behavior, and that a trusted adult is there to guide and protect them. When children know limits, they feel less anxious. Holding children accountable is showing unconditional love and support. As a parent, you are showing your child, that actions have consequences.

When you hold your child accountable, you are teaching them: How to repair mistakes and that they are capable of growth and improvement. Setting clear expectations around routines (bedtime, homework, screen time) is important. This includes, following through calmly when expectations are not met. You can help your child reflect on their behavior with questions like, “What can we do differently next time?” Children will make mistakes—that’s how they learn. When boundaries are paired with understanding and guidance, children learn that mistakes are not failures but opportunities to grow. - Mrs. Edrington 

Counseling groups support topics:

• Academic Success Skills
• Emotional Regulation 
• Military Child Support
• Family Changes
• Worry Warriors 

Upcoming Events:

• Hope Squad Meetings - 1/14 and 1/28
• 5th grade SEL Lessons beginning in February 
• Kindness Week - mid February 

IN THE WORKS:

Ratter Run is BACK! We had our kick-off meeting this week and have committee heads ready to hit the ground running! We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help with our 2nd Annual Parent-Led Fun Run! Last year, our community came together to move away from APEX and create a new, Midland-focused fundraiser and we were blown away by the support, donations, and how much the students loved it.

We want to take all that energy and excitement into this year and go bigger and better—but we can’t do that without you! Take a peek at the Google Form HERE to see how to get plugged in.

 Boots & Bling is less than a month away! We are looking for local businesses to sponsor our event. For just $250, your business will be advertised all night at our welcome drink table. Click this link below to sponsor now.

 Classroom baskets for the silent auction have kicked off as well. Look for the email from your room parents about your class basket! Last day to collect items for baskets is January 23rd.

NCSP Soccer

Classes are in session! Classes are held on Thursdays from 1:50-3pm and are available for sign-up through March. Open to all grade levels, TK-5th. 

👉Click here to learn more👈

 The K-Kids Club is looking for volunteers to support their meetings and help their members learn leadership, teamwork, and participate in community service activities. Use the link below to sign up to volunteer at their next meeting on Thursday, January 15 from 1:50 - 3:00 pm.

👉Click here if you want to volunteer👈

 LOOKING AHEAD:

Harney Sushi is our next Restaurant Fundraiser: January 22nd from 4-8:30pm

After School Clubs: LEGO Club is returning and Handball is starting! The spring session runs February 4 - March 25th from 1:50-3:00pm. We have another club in the works, but we need your help! We are looking for LEVEL 2 cleared volunteers to join us on Wednesdays. Please contact Carie Fick and Dana Seaton at [email protected] if you (or someone you know) are interested.

International Craft Night | January 22 @ 6 p.m.
Explore hands-on crafts, traditions, and activities from around the world—fun for the whole family! Interested in hosting a country or sharing a cultural craft?
We’d love to feature your heritage, traditions, or a craft your family enjoys.

👉 https://signup.com/client/invitation2/secure/3244741040111/false?popup=true#/invitation

 We’re Building our PTA Team for Next Year
Love being involved or want to try something new? We’re looking for committee co-chairs and volunteers for our exciting lineup of events next school year — the same great events our families know and love!

✨ Opportunities include:
• Poway Days Parade
• Trunk or Treat
• Pancake Breakfast & Santa Shop
• International Craft Night
• Science Fair Night
• Book Fair
• Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week
• Family Dance Night

Whether you want to help lead or just lend a hand, we’d love to have you! 

Interested? Email [email protected]

Support Midland PTA While You Shop
Here’s an easy (and fun!) way to support our school while doing your everyday or holiday shopping! We’re partnering with SchoolStore.net — a simple way to earn money for Midland through your regular online purchases.

🛒 How it works:
1️⃣ Scan the QR code on the lanyard card that came home to visit SchoolStore.net.
2️⃣ Sign up for a free account — be sure to note your username and password!
3️⃣ (Optional) Send 8 emails to family and friends to share our school’s shopping link and you’ll earn a FREE Book Buddy plush!
4️⃣ Log in and click “Shop – National Merchants” to browse over 300 popular retailers like:
Carter’s,  Home Depot, Old Navy,  Walmart …and many more!

A percentage of every purchase made through these links goes right back to Midland to support classroom supplies, student programs, and more. 

Questions? Email us anytime at [email protected]

PTA Membership

Your Midland PTA is looking for your help to build our membership base with as many members as possible!  ANYONE who would like to help our children and our school can join: parents, guardians, teachers, students, grandparents, friends, businesses, etc. - our Rattlers Rock! Thank you for your support!

Sign Up Here: https://jointotem.com/ca/poway/midland-elementary-pta

Each school day is a valuable opportunity for your child to learn, grow, and connect with their teacher, their classmates, and their school community. When students are present consistently, they build strong relationships, engage in meaningful learning, and feel a greater sense of belonging.When a student misses school, they miss more than just lessons they miss important social connections and experiences that help them thrive both academically and emotionally. If your family is experiencing any difficulties that are impacting your child's attendance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our Administration or Counseling team. We are here to support you and your child every step of the way. Thank you for partnering with us in your child’s success!

Let’s kick off each week with some Rattler pride! Every Monday is “Midland Monday”, and we love to see our students and staff showing off their school spirit. Wear your Midland gear or anything red or yellow to celebrate our fantastic school community. GO Rattlers! ❤️💛

• 1/26/26 Non-student Day
• 1/30/26 Rattler Rock Assembly 
• 2/2 to 2/6/26 National School Counseling Week
• 2/9 to 2/13/26 School Kindness Week
• 2/13/26 Spirit Day Tie Dye Day
• 2/16 to 2/20 District Recess
• 2/27/26 Rattler Rock Assembly 
• 3/2 to 3/6/26 Book Fair
• 3/10 to 3/12/26 Spring Safety Week 
• 3/13/26 Spirit Day Western Day
• 3/27/26 Ratter Rock Assembly 
• 3/31/26 Spring Picture Day

Midland Elementary Poway Unified School District

Por favor haga clic aquí para la versión en español

Greetings, Midland Families! 

I hope everyone had a great week! As a friendly reminder, there will be no school on Monday due to the PUSD Professional Growth Day. We look forward to welcoming students back on Tuesday.

Have a wonderful weekend!

We are thrilled to recognize our Teacher of the Year and Classified Employee of the Year at Midland Elementary! 

Rachel Hillenbrand Teacher of the Year 

Michelle Rosado Classified of the Year 

These two incredible professionals go above and beyond every single day to support, inspire, and guide our students. Their dedication, kindness, and commitment help make Midland Elementary such a special place to learn and grow. We are so grateful for all that you do. Thank you for making a lasting difference in the lives of our students and school community! 

We kindly ask for your support in reminding students to walk their bikes while on campus during morning arrival and afternoon dismissal. Walking bikes helps students stay aware of their surroundings, reduces distractions, and keeps everyone safe during our busiest times of the day. Thank you for partnering with us to promote safety and responsibility.

We are so proud of our awesome Midland Media student group! These students have been working incredibly hard, learning so much about digital media, teamwork, and creativity. I’m thrilled to share the very first episode of the Midland Media Show.

Please be sure to use the link below to watch the broadcast and celebrate the great work these students have accomplished. 

A huge thank you to our 4th grade teachers as well, whose excellent leadership, organization, and support helped make this project such a success. Great job to everyone involved, we can’t wait to see what Midland Media does next!

https://www.canva.com/design/DAG3NdCq6jw/mj1EkitieXCuz7OVR9DkyA/edit?utm_content=DAG3NdCq6jw&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton

Ratter Run is BACK! We had our kick-off meeting this week and have committee heads ready to hit the ground running! We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help with our 2nd Annual Parent-Led Fun Run! Last year, our community came together to move away from APEX and create a new, Midland-focused fundraiser and we were blown away by the support, donations, and how much the students loved it.

We want to take all that energy and excitement into this year and go bigger and better—but we can’t do that without you! Take a peek at the Google Form HERE to see how to get plugged in.

Boots & Bling is less than a month away! We are looking for local businesses to sponsor our event. For just $250, your business will be advertised all night at our welcome drink table.

Click this link below to sponsor now.

 Classroom baskets for the silent auction have kicked off as well. Look for the email from your room parents about your class basket! Last day to collect items for baskets is January 23rd.

Join us Wednesdays, February 4th-March 25th, after school from 1:50pm-3:00pm for Midland Clubs! The clubs are FREE and led by Level 2 cleared parent volunteers. 

Lego Club:

Lego Club has 25 spots available and welcomes Grades TK-5. It takes place in Mrs. McEvoy's classroom in D20. Activities at Lego Club include free builds, build challenges and building sets. Bring your imagination!

Handball Club:

Handball Club has 20 spots available running on two handball courts. We welcome Grades 1-5. The Handball Club plays at the handball courts by the playground. We will have free play and club tournaments.

The current session of After School Clubs is for 8 weeks and meets on Wednesday's on the following dates:

2/4/26 @ 1:50-3:00pm

2/11/26 @ 1:50-3:00pm

SKI WEEK NO CLUBS ON 2/18/29

2/25/26 @ 1:50-3:00pm

3/4/26 @ 1:50-3:00pm

3/11/26 @ 1:50-3:00pm

3/18/26 @ 1:50-3:00pm

3/25/26 @ 1:50-3:00pm

Sign-ups for Clubs are located HERE

If you are trying to sign-up and the club is full, please join the Waitlist and we will add your child as spaces become available.

If you are interested in volunteering or have a great idea for a club, please contact us at [email protected] for more information.

K-Kids Club at Midland Elementary

The K-Kids Club is currently collecting supplies for the Midland Health Office. Donations can be placed in the red donation bin located in the front office. Any contributions are completely optional but greatly appreciated. 

January 5- 30, 2026

We are Collecting: Health Office Supplies:

-Bandaids (1”-3”)    -Kleenex

-Clorox Wipe              -Alcohol Pads

-Hand Sanitizer         -Water Cups

-Handwashing Soap

- Boys Pants (Ages 5-10)

🗓️  K-Kids Next Meeting
Date: Thursday, February 12

Time: 1:50 pm - 3:00 pm

Location: Midland Elementary MPR

👉CLICK HERE IF YOU CAN HELP AT OUR NEXT MEETING👈

We’re Building our PTA Team for Next Year
Love being involved or want to try something new? We’re looking for committee co-chairs and volunteers for our exciting lineup of events next school year — the same great events our families know and love!

✨ Opportunities include:
• Poway Days Parade
• Trunk or Treat
• Pancake Breakfast & Santa Shop
• International Craft Night
• Science Fair Night
• Book Fair
• Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week
• Family Dance Night

Whether you want to help lead or just lend a hand, we’d love to have you! 

Interested? Email [email protected]

Support Midland PTA While You Shop
Here’s an easy (and fun!) way to support our school while doing your everyday or holiday shopping! We’re partnering with SchoolStore.net — a simple way to earn money for Midland through your regular online purchases.

🛒 How it works:
1️⃣ Scan the QR code on the lanyard card that came home to visit SchoolStore.net.
2️⃣ Sign up for a free account — be sure to note your username and password!
3️⃣ (Optional) Send 8 emails to family and friends to share our school’s shopping link and you’ll earn a FREE Book Buddy plush!
4️⃣ Log in and click “Shop – National Merchants” to browse over 300 popular retailers like:
Carter’s,  Home Depot, Old Navy,  Walmart …and many more!

A percentage of every purchase made through these links goes right back to Midland to support classroom supplies, student programs, and more. 

Questions? Email us anytime at [email protected]

PTA Membership

Your Midland PTA is looking for your help to build our membership base with as many members as possible!  ANYONE who would like to help our children and our school can join: parents, guardians, teachers, students, grandparents, friends, businesses, etc. - our Rattlers Rock! Thank you for your support!

Sign Up Here: https://jointotem.com/ca/poway/midland-elementary-pta

I want to share an important update regarding our class placement process for the 2026-2027 school year, as well as to provide insight into the thoughtful decisions that go into building balanced classes with the best interests of each student in mind.

At Midland, we are deeply committed to a culture of collaboration and intentionality, ensuring every decision we make is thoughtful and in the best interest of our Rattlers. Each spring, our teaching teams engage in deep, meaningful conversations as they thoughtfully build class rosters for the upcoming school year. These discussions are rooted in data, professional insight, and a genuine understanding of each student as a learner. Teachers consider academic strengths, social development, learning styles, and peer dynamics to ensure students are placed in environments where they can continue to grow and thrive in the next grade level.

Our staff is collectively committed to providing an exceptional educational experience for every student at Midland. With this goal in mind, we will not be accepting individual teacher requests. This decision was made with great care to ensure that classroom placements are balanced and equitable across the entire grade level. Creating balanced and equitable classes ensures that every student benefits from a diverse, high-quality learning environment where they have the best possible opportunity to succeed.

I appreciate and value your continued trust and partnership as we move forward together to set your child up for a successful school year. Please know that our shared goal remains the same: to build learning environments that support the success, well-being, and growth of each and every Midland Rattler.

Let’s kick off each week with some Rattler pride! Every Monday is “Midland Monday”, and we love to see our students and staff showing off their school spirit. Wear your Midland gear or anything red or yellow to celebrate our fantastic school community. GO Rattlers! ❤️💛

• 1/26/26 Non-student Day
• 1/30/26 Rattler Rock Assembly 
• 2/2 to 2/6/26 National School Counseling Week
• 2/9 to 2/13/26 School Kindness Week
• 2/13/26 Spirit Day Tie Dye Day
• 2/16 to 2/20 District Recess
• 2/27/26 Rattler Rock Assembly 
• 3/2 to 3/6/26 Book Fair
• 3/10 to 3/12/26 Spring Safety Week 
• 3/13/26 Spirit Day Western Day
• 3/27/26 Ratter Rock Assembly 
• 3/31/26 Spring Picture Day

Midland Elementary Poway Unified School District

Por favor haga clic aquí para la versión en español

Greetings, Midland Families! 

Celebrating National School Counselor Week!

Next week we are excited to celebrate National School Counselor Week, and we want to take a moment to recognize and appreciate our incredible school counselor, Mrs. Edrington!

Mrs. E (as many of our students call her) does an outstanding job supporting our students, teachers, staff, and families each and every day. From academic guidance and social-emotional support to simply being a friendly, welcoming face on campus, Mrs. Edrington plays a vital role in making Midland Elementary such a caring and connected community.

Thank you, Mrs. Edrington, for the kindness, support, and love you share with our students and families every day. We are so grateful for all that you do for Midland Elementary School!

We are excited to share that Midland Elementary is launching a new schoolwide MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Support) initiative called Rattlers R.O.C.K.!

MTSS is a proactive framework designed to support the academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs of all students. Through this approach, we focus on early support, positive behavior, and student well-being while helping every child succeed.

Rattlers R.O.C.K. represents the core values we strive to model and reinforce each day:

• Respectful
• Own your actions
• Challenge yourself
• Keep it safe

Our team has spent a great deal of time throughout the fall thoughtfully designing this program, and we believe it is one that all Rattlers will respond to positively as we work together to support and recognize positive behaviors across campus.

One exciting new component of Rattlers R.O.C.K. is a schoolwide recognition system. Students may earn reward tokens for demonstrating positive behavior and performance. These tokens will be added to a glass progress jar in the main office, and once the jar is full, students will earn a schoolwide reward, such as extra recess minutes!

Parents, we welcome your partnership in this initiative. We encourage you to support and reinforce positive behaviors at home by using the Rattlers R.O.C.K. language and expectations.

Thank you for your continued support, and as always GO Rattlers!

We’re excited to share the First Edition of the Midland Media Newsletter! Our student journalists and their advisors have done an outstanding job creating our very own school newspaper. We are so proud of their creativity, teamwork, and hard work. Keep up the great work, Midland Media!

https://www.canva.com/design/DAG2Yb77J5Q/pfd67iReQzZYdy8axWRcGw/view?utm_content=DAG2Yb77J5Q&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=h8bfb712de9

PTA Big Game Squares

Get in on the Super Bowl fun and support our school at the same time! 

 -Squares: $5 each

 -Limit: Max 10 squares per family

 -Purchase: In front of the school

 -Available until: Friday, February 6

 -Numbers drawn & assigned: Saturday, Feb 7th

How it works:

At the end of each quarter of the Super Bowl, the square that matches the intersection of the second digit of each team’s score wins a prize!

 ~~Prize baskets include:

-Padres gear

-SD Sockers 4-packs of tickets (2 sets)

-Canes gift cards & swag

-Dave & Busters gameplay gift certificates

-Rattler custom '26 shirts

-Impact Martial Arts 1 month of classes & uniform

-City Fun Center bowling certificates

-NFL Team kitchen sets (apron, mitts, chef hat)

-Boxing Club class passes

-Footballs

-Glow basketball hoop

-Midland t-shirts

-& more!

 Winners will be announced on Team Midland social media during the Super Bowl on Sunday, February 8.

Don’t miss out—grab your squares, cheer on your team, and win big!  

PTA Treasured Tales Book Fair Week March 2-6

Save the date to come explore shipwrecks & shores at our PTA Treasured Tales Book Fair! This event is an opportunity for students to build their home libraries and further their love of reading. As always, 100% of purchases benefit our school library & all classroom libraries!

Special Event Days: 

Tues, 3/3: 7-745a Goodies with Grownups

Weds, 3/4: 7-745a Goodies with Grownups

Thurs, 3/5: 6-730p Book Fair Night

 Volunteer link coming soon!

 We’re Building our PTA Team for Next Year!

Love being involved or want to try something new? We’re looking for committee co-chairs and volunteers for our exciting lineup of events next school year — the same great events our families know and love!

✨ Opportunities include:

• Poway Days Parade
• Trunk or Treat
• Pancake Breakfast & Santa Shop
• International Craft Night
• Science Fair Night
• Book Fair
• Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week
• Family Dance Night