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