Communications » Principals Message

Principals Message

Welcome Back, Midland Families! Por favor haga clic aquí para la versión en español

I hope you and your family had a fantastic summer filled with fun, relaxation, and special time together. As we begin a new school year, I am excited to welcome everyone back to Midland Elementary! 

I am thrilled to be entering my second year as principal of Midland Elementary, and I could not be more excited to continue building on the incredible progress we made together during our first year together. Thanks to the dedication of our students, staff, and families, we have much to celebrate. Following the successful launch of our schoolwide MTSS positive behavior framework, Rattlers R.O.C.K.: Respect, Owning Our Actions, Challenging Ourselves, and Keeping It Safe, we have seen a positive impact across our campus. This year, we look forward to strengthening that work as we continue fostering a safe, supportive, and positive learning environment for every student. 

I am also proud of the significant progress we made in reducing student chronic absenteeism, and we remain committed to ensuring every child feels welcomed and excited to come to school each day. 

To our families who are new to Midland, welcome! As someone new to this community just last year, I know what it feels like to begin a new chapter. I want you to know that you are joining a school community that is kind, supportive, and filled with school spirit and pride. Midland has a rich tradition of excellence, a dedicated and passionate staff, and thoughtful systems in place to help every student learn, grow, and thrive. 

At Midland, we believe in the power of partnership. Families are an essential part of our school community, and I am committed to building strong relationships between home and school. Together, we can create the best possible experience for every child and ensure they feel valued, challenged, and supported throughout the year.

Here’s to a school year filled with learning, growth, meaningful connections, and memorable experiences. I am grateful to be on this journey with you and look forward to seeing our returning families, meeting those who are new, and welcoming all of our Rattlers back to campus very soon! GO Rattlers! 

 

TK & Kinder Back to School Night, August 12th, 1:00 to 2:00

We are excited to introduce a new opportunity designed especially for our youngest Rattlers and their families! On Wednesday, August 12, beginning at 1:00 p.m., TK and Kindergarten families are invited to attend their Back to School Night before our schoolwide Meet & Greet, which begins at 2:00 p.m. During this time, TK and Kindergarten families will have the opportunity to visit their child's classroom, meet their teacher, hear a brief presentation about the upcoming school year, and ask any questions they may have.

Following the classroom visit, families are encouraged to visit the informational booths located in the quad. We look forward to welcoming our newest Rattlers and helping your family start the school year with confidence and excitement!

To help make TK/K Back To School Night as accessible and convenient as possible for our families, childcare will be available during the event. We hope this additional support allows families to participate and make the most of this important tradition. 

 

Annual Meet & Greet Wednesday, August 12th, from 2:00 to 3:00

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

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

We kindly ask families of students in grades TK to 5th 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!

Back To School Night - information 

 

Save The Date! 

 

TK and K: Wednesday, August 12, beginning at 1:00

 

Grades 1st to 5th: Thursday, August 20:

 

1st and 2nd grade from 5:00 to 5:45 

 

3rd to 5th, 6:00 to 6:45 

 

To help make BTSN as accessible and convenient as possible for our families, childcare will be available during the event. We hope this additional support allows families to participate and make the most of this important tradition. 



First Day of School Procedures - TK and Kindergarten

The first day of school is an exciting milestone for both children and families! To help make this special day a positive experience, we invite parents and caregivers to walk their child to their classroom and say their goodbyes at the classroom door. 

We know this moment can bring a mix of emotions for students and parents. Please know that our staff will be there to welcome, support, and reassure every child as they begin their day. It is completely normal for some students to experience a few tears during this transition, and we have found that with consistent routines and encouragement, those feelings quickly give way to confidence, comfort, and excitement about school. 

Please note that Midland is a closed campus. Walking students to their classroom is a first-day-only opportunity for families. Beginning on the second day of school, TK and Kindergarten students will be greeted by their teacher at Gate A each morning and will walk to their classroom together. 

To provide additional support as students build independence and confidence, Kindergarten students will follow this arrival routine for the first six weeks of school. Our TK students will continue this routine throughout the school year to ensure they have the extra guidance and consistency they need for a successful start each day. 

Teacher Assignment - Grades TK to 5

Starting the morning of August 12, 2026, families will be able to view teacher assignments for students in grades TK 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

 

Class Placement for the New School Year 

 

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 teachers and administrators work collaboratively to thoughtfully create balanced classroom rosters. This is a careful and intentional process that considers many factors, including students' academic, social, and emotional needs, learning styles, and classroom dynamics. Our goal is to create learning environments where every child has the opportunity to be successful and thrive. 

 

Because class placement is such a comprehensive process, Midland Elementary does not accept or honor requests for specific teachers. We have complete confidence in every member of our teaching staff and are committed to ensuring that each student is placed in a classroom where they can grow, learn, and be supported throughout the school year. 

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 there is information about your child's educational or social-emotional needs that you believe would be helpful for us to know, please don't hesitate to reach out to me directly. We value our partnership with families and are committed to working together to provide every student with a positive, successful school experience. 

 

Morning Arrival & Dismissal: Best Practices 

 

The safety of our students is always our highest priority. To help ensure a smooth, safe, and successful start to the school year, please take a few moments to review our arrival and dismissal procedures. Your partnership in following these expectations helps create a positive experience for all students and families. 


Morning Arrival: 

 

  • Breakfast (free for all students): Students eating breakfast may enter campus beginning at 7:15 a.m.

 

  • Grades 1 to 5: Students in grades 1–5 should enter campus through the playground gate near the lunch tables. Supervised playground access begins at 7:25 a.m.

 

  • TK & Kindergarten: TK and Kindergarten students should enter through Gate A, located near the Administration Building. If an older sibling is assisting with a TK or Kindergarten drop-off, they may also enter through Gate A.

 

Parking Lot & Drop-Off Safety:

 

The first few weeks of school are our busiest, and we appreciate everyone's patience and cooperation.

 

  • Please use the designated crosswalks when walking through the parking lot. Modeling safe habits for our students is one of the best ways we can teach them the importance of safety.

 

  • If you are dropping off your child by car, please use the designated drop-off zone near the ESS building and follow all posted traffic signs and directions from staff. Staying in the designated drop-off area helps keep traffic moving efficiently and ensures the safety of our students, families, and staff.

 

Afternoon Dismissal:

 

  • TK & Kindergarten: Students will be dismissed from Gate A. Kindergarten follows a hand-to-hand dismissal procedure, meaning students will only be released to an approved adult listed in our records. We appreciate your patience during the first few weeks of school as our teachers get to know each family and become familiar with authorized adults.

 

  • First Grade: Students will meet their families at Gate B, located just to the left of the Administration Building.

 

  • Second through Fifth Grade: Students in grades 2–5 will be dismissed from Gate C, the large playground gate.

 

Midland Educational Foundation

 

Welcome back! Here's to another year of learning, growth, and opportunity at Midland.

The Midland Educational Foundation works year-round to fund programs, classroom resources, and opportunities that go beyond what traditional school funding can provide. Whether you choose to make a donation, volunteer your time, share a professional skill, or simply learn more about what we do, there's a place for you in the Foundation.

If you'd like to help shape what's possible for Midland students this year, CLICK HERE to donate, volunteer, or learn more.

Thank you for helping make Midland extraordinary.

 

PTA

Midland PTA Wants YOU!

Joining the Midland PTA is one of the easiest ways to support your child, connect with other families, and help make all the fun stuff happen. Whether you volunteer once a year or just become a member, you're making a real difference.

Why join?

-Help bring awesome events and experiences to our students
-Support teachers and the school with programs and resources they need
-Meet other Midland parents and be part of an amazing community

No, you don't have to volunteer to join. Membership helps fund the programs and events that make Midland such a special place.

Click HERE to learn more and become a member!

Want to volunteer? We've got options for every schedule, whether you have an hour, a day, or prefer to help from home. There are plenty of ways to get involved that fit your availability and interests.

Questions or want to learn more? Email us at [email protected]

Let's make this the best year yet for every Rattler!

New This Year: Successful Rattler Parent Night 

 

We are excited to introduce a new opportunity for our Midland families! Please join us for our Successful Rattler Family Night on Thursday, August 27, at 5:30 in the MPR.

This evening is designed to strengthen the partnership between home and school by helping families connect with our staff, learn more about the supports available at Midland, and explore practical strategies to promote both academic success and overall student well-being. We'll also share community and school resources, along with simple ways families can support learning and help every child thrive.

We hope you'll join us for an informative and welcoming evening. We look forward to connecting with you and working together to make this a successful year for every Rattler!

 

To help make this event as accessible and convenient as possible for our families, childcare and translation services will be available during the event. We hope this additional support allows families to participate.

 

“Away for the Day” - personal electronic devices

 

As we begin another school year, we appreciate your partnership in creating a focused, engaging learning environment for every student. To help minimize distractions and maximize learning, Midland Elementary follows an "Away for the Day" expectation for personal electronic devices. 

 

If your child brings a smartphone, smartwatch, or similar personal device to school, we ask that it remain stored in their backpack for the entire school day. Keeping devices put away during the school day helps students stay engaged in learning, build meaningful connections with their peers, and participate fully in classroom activities without unnecessary distractions. 

If you need to reach your child during the school day, or if your child needs to contact you, our school office is always available to assist.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support in helping us provide a focused and positive learning environment where every student can thrive. 

A Message About Social Media & Communication 

 

At Midland Elementary, we believe that strong partnerships between home and school are built on trust, communication, and a shared commitment to our students' success. If you ever have a question, concern, or need clarification about something happening at school, we encourage you to reach out to us first.

Your child's teacher is always the best first point of contact for classroom-related questions. Our school counselor and administrative team are also here to listen, answer questions, and work collaboratively with you to address any concerns. We are always happy to schedule a time to meet, learn more about your perspective, and work together toward a positive resolution.

While social media can be a helpful way to connect with others, it may not always provide accurate information or allow us the opportunity to address concerns directly. We value open, respectful communication and appreciate the opportunity to partner with you first so we can best support your child and our entire Midland community.

Thank you for your continued trust, partnership, and commitment to making Midland a welcoming and supportive place for all.

Useful Links

 

Midland Elementary Poway Unified School District

 

Welcome back to an exciting new school year!

 

GO Rattlers!
Principal Matt Hunt
Principal Matt HungRocky The Rattler