Nurse’s Note
December 20, 2024
It’s the time of year when we are seeing a significant increase in upper respiratory infections, sore throats and coughs, and post-viral rashes. Fun Fact: the rash can appear after the time you were infectious!
As a friendly reminder, students are not permitted to have cough drops/ lozenges/ cold medications/ ointments or creams on campus without a completed Parent/Physician Authorization and Release to Administer Medication form (PDF).
Your student’s healthcare provider completes page 1, and a parent or guardian reads and completes the bottom of page 2.
detailed instructions regarding the labeling of over-the-counter and prescription medications (PDF)
Communicating with your student’s teacher(s) about their absences and conditions is incredibly helpful. If you’re emailing your student’s teacher regarding a condition that’s communicable such as conjunctivitis (pink eye), lice, or strep throat, please include:
Mr. Romer (A–L) wromer@millbraesd.org
Mr. Nichols (M–Z) cnichols@millbraesd.org
Ms. Thomas dthomas@millbraesd.org
Nurse Jimmy jgoh@millbraesd.org
…who will communicate with a nurse.
Friday’s Lunch
Date: December 20, 2024
Turkey and cheese sandwich is served after 12:18 PM dismissal. Students who get the sandwich must eat at Shea Center.
Winter Break
Date: December 20, 2024
12:18 PM dismissal today followed by a two-week break. School starts again on Monday, January 6.
Staff Holiday Treats
Date: December 18, 2024
The holidays are here, and we’re looking for all Taylor Bakers & Chefs!
Please sign up and share your family’s favorite holiday treats—sugar cookies, Gingerbread men, and special traditional treats, as well as your favorite holiday candies—peppermint bark, creamy fudge, toffee, or caramels! We would love your collaboration in bringing holiday cheer with your delicious cookies and treats, HOMEMADE or NOT, to celebrate this festive time of year with our Taylor Middle School staff, so please help us at this festive holiday event.
For questions on these donations, please contact the PTA Hospitality Committee: Jessica Panoutsopoulos and Lorena Ortega (hospitality@millbraetaylorpta.org)
MEF Holiday Boutique
December 14, 2024
11 AM–5 PM, Millbrae Recreation Center: Millbrae Education Foundation (MEF) Holiday Boutique is back!
This event brings together our wonderful community for some holiday cheer. Last year, we had nearly 400 attendees and over 40 vendors plus food trucks and activities for the kids.
Thank you to all of our amazing volunteers and our student and parent organizations for supporting this effort. We look forward to seeing you.
A Night of Cinderellas
Date: December 14, 2024
Join us for a special evening showcasing A Night of Cinderellas, a unique student-created production celebrating this timeless tale through the lens of three different cultures—Chinese, Indian and Peruvian.
Experience the creativity, talent, and diversity of our students as they bring these captivating stories alive.
December 13 @ 6:30 PM
December 14 @ 1 PM
@ Taylor Auditorium
Free Movie Night
Date: December 6, 2024
Leadership class proudly presents Kung Fu Panda 4 at our upcoming Movie Night at 4:30 PM–6:30 PM in the auditorium!
doors close at 4:45 PM
students may not leave early
students absent from school today cannot attend
This free event includes popcorn and water, but feel free to bring your own snacks, a cozy blanket and don’t forget to wear your comfy clothes/pajamas!
Taylor Music Winter Concert
Date: December 4, 2024
Today, 6:30 PM, Taylor auditorium
Come celebrate the lovely winter season with our talented Taylor musicians at the annual Winter Concert!
This incredible concert will showcase the hard work, dedication, and talent of our students as they play pieces that are sure to warm your heart.
Invite your friends and family for an evening of wonderful music and community spirit.
See you there!
Report Card and CAASPP
Date: November 22, 2024
Trimester 1 Report Cards posted. Please log on to ParentVue then click on Report Cards on left side.
If you would like a hard copy of your student’s report card please reach out to Mrs. Thomas or Mrs. Evans and we can print it for you.
If you have questions regarding your child’s grades, please reach out to your child’s teacher for further information.
California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) score is also available on ParentVue under State Tests on the left side.
CAASPP has four achievement levels for English language arts (ELA) and mathematics:
Level 4: standard exceeded
Level 3: standard met
Level 2: standard nearly met
Level 1: standard not met
If your child scored at Levels 3 and 4, they are proficient or above and they should be proud of their accomplishments. For students who are at Levels 1 and 2, please know that your teachers and school staff are committed to working closely with you and your family to provide the support you need to reach your full potential.
Thanksgiving Break
Date: November 22, 2024
School resumes Monday, December 2.
General PTA Meeting
Date: November 21, 2024
7 PM–7:45 PM on Zoom: only Taylor PTA members may vote, so join Taylor PTA.
Agenda
Review and approve minutes from previous meeting
Financial report, release of funds
Teacher’s report
Principal’s report
PTA updates or announcements
MEF updates or announcements
District English Language Advisory Committee
Date: November 20, 2024
We are pleased to inform you about the District English Learner Advisory Committee (DELAC), a state-mandated group that plays an essential role in advising our district on programs and services designed to support our Multilingual learners.
DELAC provides an opportunity for parents, guardians, staff, and community members to collaborate and share insights on educational programs, policies, and resources that impact English Learners (EL). With our district having 51 or more students whose primary language is not English, we are committed to ensuring these students receive the best support possible.
At least 51% of our DELAC committee is comprised of parents or guardians, underscoring our commitment to family voices in de
cisions that shape our students’ educational experiences.
We encourage all interested parents and community members to join us. Your involvement is invaluable as we work together to enhance the learning environment for our Multilingual learners.
Our first meeting is 8:30 AM–9:30 AM, Lomita Park Elementary School. Spanish interpretation will be provided.
Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting all students!
Thankful Treats
Date: November 19, 2024
Taylor PTA’s Hospitality Team served teachers and staff three deep fried turkeys, biscuits, mashed potatoes with gravy, coleslaw, and mac n cheese. Parents volunteered to bring additional treats.
Parents, thank you for your donations.
Thank you so much for your generosity and thoughtfulness in providing such a warm and delicious lunch for our staff. Your kindness and support mean so much to us and truly make us feel appreciated. It’s your thoughtfulness and support that remind us what a wonderful community we are a part of.
With Gratitude,
Taylor Staff
School Site Council
Date: November 19, 2024
Meeting is today, 3:30 PM in Room G1 or on Zoom.
Meeting ID: 8126 3104 11
Passcode: 983085
Next meeting is December 17.
School Site Council collaborates as a team to advise and assist the school staff in the development, implementation, and annual review of Taylor’s educational programs in order to improve the quality of education Taylor provides.
Sojourn Project
Date: November 15, 2024
Audra the trip photographer has taken over 2000 photos; buy for $65
Nurse’s Note
Date: November 15, 2024
It feels like fall. We’re starting to see students who have upper respiratory infections. Primary care offices, clinics and pharmacies are stocked up and ready to administer Flu and COVID vaccines.
As a proactive measure to maintain a healthy school environment, we encourage you to consider having COVID-19 tests readily available at home. Quick and easy at-home tests can help identify potential cases early.
Every household is eligible to order 4 free COVID tests.
Several brands of tests have extended expiration dates. See if your tests are still valid.
Students Who Test Positive for COVID
Symptomatic/Has Symptoms
Stay home until no fever for 24 hours without use of fever-reducing medications AND other COVID symptoms are mild and improving.
When returning to school, wear a mask for 5 days, Day 0 being the day of symptom onset or positive test.
Asymptomatic/No Symptoms
May come to school.
If symptoms develop, test and follow guidance for symptomatic.
Note: Anyone with COVID-19 should avoid contact for 10 days people at higher-risk for severe COVID-19.
No School Today
Date: November 7, 2024
Today is Veterans Day holiday.
Nurse’s Note
Date: November 7, 2024
It’s the days after Halloween and perhaps your student collected a treasure chest of candy. You’ve noticed that there’s not a give-a-way collection near you.
What could you do with an excess supply of sweets? A couple of options include:
Having a communal bowl of all candy you’ve chosen to save in a heavy traffic area of your house. The candy can be shared, quietly taken to the side to freeze or save for baking holiday cookies or gingerbread houses or be distributed at a future gathering.
Keeping only the favorites or less sugared for the chosen to save collection.
Buffalo Healthy Living created a table to help identify lower sugar options.
Measure J
Date: November 5, 2024
Measure J issues $95 million in bonds for Millbrae Elementary School District (MESD) to improve and fix their schools. The bond would be repaid by levying $30 per $100,000 in assessed property value. Measure J requires at least 55% yes votes to pass. Click this link then scroll down to the middle of the page to see Measure J details.
Nurse’s Note
Date: November 1, 2024
Today, please do not permit your student to bring candy to school to share with others.
Celebrating Halloween is a fun tradition with cool costumes, parades, parties, and candy/treat sharing. As you are likely aware, treats can contain ingredients that some students are not permitted to eat for allergy/health/religious reasons. It can be distressing to students who know they can’t have these items to see everyone else in their class enjoying the candy/treats and asking them why they aren’t eating them and feeling different/excluded.
In an effort to maintain the safety and comfort of all students, treats that are brought to celebrate the occasion will be saved and sent home with the students at the end of the day or with them to their aftercare providers. This gives you decision-making choices in the quantity of treats your child is permitted to consume and doesn’t openly identify students who aren’t permitted to consume them.
Thank you for your kind understanding.
In good health ~ Nurses Julie, Claudette, and Jimmy
Thank you for your support.
Happy Halloween
Date: October 31, 2024
Who Wants Class Treats
Date: October 31, 2024
We’re excited to kick off our annual PTA Membership Drive! This year, we suggest a donation of $250 per student, but any amount makes a difference. Your contribution directly supports programs that enrich our students’ learning experience.
The class with the highest participation (based on the number of students, not donation amount) will win a special treat during their SEL/Advisory class!
Thank you for your support in making Taylor Middle School an amazing place for our children!
MEF Fundraising
Date: October 31, 2024
Please consider donating to the Millbrae Education Foundation (MEF) this year! We appreciate any contribution to help us reach our goal of giving the best opportunities to Millbrae kids… and, we have raffle prizes! Donate by today!
General Prize
Everyone who donates by today is entered to win a $200 Target gift card (one winner for each school, one winner for TK/Kinder families)
Grand Prize
For every $900 or $90/month* donated, receive another raffle ticket to win a $900 Amazon Gift Card.
*The monthly plan is for 10 months.
Halloween Costumes
Date: October 31, 2024
Students are welcome to wear their costumes to school. Expectations:
Be considerate of wearing a costume that sends a message of microaggressions based on a person’s abilities, culture, or protected class.
Eye and face masks may be worn at the lunchtime parade and competition only.
Inflatable costumes can be worn only at the student lunch time parade.
Weapons are not permitted on school premises.
Accessories are discouraged as they often get lost.
Student-Only Parade
Students may choose to participate in the Halloween parade at lunch. A costume competition will also be available on the volleyball courts following the parade.
8th Grade Commitee
Date: October 30, 2024
Sign up if you are interested in being involved in 8th grade activities. Jamie Casile and Jen Pedroza are organizing 8th grade activities.
8th Grade Information
Date: October 30, 2024
Principal Zlatunich: in this video, I provide information regarding 8th grade expectations and activities for this school year. Key points include high school registration deadlines, 8th grade promotion celebrations, and volunteer opportunities.
A donation of $75 is requested to support 8th grade activities. Include “8th grade” in the check memo and drop off the donation to the office.
Date: October 29, 2024
5 PM–7 PM, library basketball courts: Join us for a fantastic evening to connect with other Taylor families and celebrate our diverse community!
We invite you to share a dish that represents your culture or a family favorite. Please prepare your dish in small samples sizes so everyone can enjoy a taste of each unique creation.
Whether you bring food or simply come to enjoy, your presence will make the event special!
If your student is interested in helping out, please have them see Vice Principal Nichols.
Areas that need student help:
5 students for set up from 4 PM–5 PM
5 servers from 5 PM–6 PM
5 servers from 6 PM–7 PM
5 students for clean up
School Forms
Date: October 25, 2024
At the beginning of this school year, parents needed to fill out two forms. 50% have filled out the Annual Student Data Update on ParentVUE and 70% have filled out the Parent-Student Handbook on ParentSquare. Please fill out both forms by October 25.
Halloween Dance
Date: October 25, 2024
The first dance of the school year ends at 6:30 PM, auditorium.
Drop Off and Pick Up
No student entry after 5 PM.
If a student leaves the dance, they won’t be allowed back in.
Students who leave early must coordinate with family and family must meet at the Taylor front door along Taylor Blvd. Students will not be released to meet an adult in a parking lot.
Please coordinate pickup plan with student. School staff will not have the capacity to search for students during the dance.
There will be a general release of students at 6:30 PM. Parents don’t need to sign students out.
Please be prompt in picking up your student.
School administration will be calling parents at 7 PM if students are not picked up.
Rules for the Dance
Students who do not attend school today, may not be allowed to participate in the dance.
Students will follow all school expectations at the dance.
Please no backpacks.
No costume accessories (masks, or handheld items).
No costumes that portray violence, illegal substances or are racially or culturally insensitive.
This event is for Taylor Middle School students only. No guests allowed.
What Students and Families can Expect
a decorated Taylor auditorium (Thank you PTA and Student Leadership)
a DJ playing age-appropriate music
snacks, pizza, soft drinks, and water
chaperones including Principal, Vice Principals, school staff, and parent volunteers
school staff will be supervise campus until all students have been picked up
October Safety Update
Date: October 23, 2024
Safety Drills
On October 17th, we joined the Great Shakeout earthquake drill, in commemoration of the Loma Prieta earthquake on the same date in 1989. Earlier in the month, we had a surprise evacuation drill at lunch and the students were well organized and attentive. We’ll be conducting emergency drills monthly, in compliance with the SMCOE sponsored Big Five training.
Cell Phone Policy Reminder
Please remind students that cell phones and all other electronic devices must be turned off and placed in their backpack from 8:35 AM until the end of the school day. This includes breakfast and lunch break times. Thank you for helping us maintain this important safety rule.
Lunch Supervision
We could still use more help with lunch supervision on the yard. It is nice to see the kids enjoying the new yard, and more adults increases safety for all. Volunteer.
Lost and Found
Please remind students to go to the front lobby or Shea Center to retrieve lost items and to remember to pick up their sweatshirts and jackets at the bell. We are still seeing plenty of clothes left in the yard. Clothes left on Fridays will be donated.
Drop Off and Pick Up
We appreciate everyone’s continued cooperation in keeping all of our students safe both in transit to and from school and while on campus.
Pull up all the way past the electronic sign so cars behind you won’t double park.
In front of the school, do not double park, U-Turn, or allow your child to cross the street alone.
Maintain a safe speed; not more than 25 mph in front of a school.
Do not leave your vehicle unattended in the school’s white zone.
Keep the Taylor front driveway clear for maintenance purposes.
Students should be dropped off by 8:20 AM and in their class by 8:35 AM:
Shea Center’s traffic circle at end of Minorca Wy.
white zone on Taylor Blvd. in front of school
District Office’s parking lot off Richmond Dr.
Pick Up Time is 3:15 PM on Mon/Tues/Fri, and 2:15 PM on Wed/Thurs.
Bikes, Skateboards, and Scooters/E-Scooters
Bikes must be locked on the rack outside of B Hall. Helmets are required by law.
Skateboards and scooters must NOT be ridden on campus.
Rollerblades and shoes with wheels are NOT allowed on campus.
When students are coming on and off campus, students will walk their bicycle, skateboard, or scooter to a complete stop at the edge of campus.
Note: Taylor is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged personal items brought to school.
Boundaries— Obey the Red Lines
For safety reasons the follow areas are off-limits during recess and lunch:
Parking areas and front lawn; hallways and in between buildings
Behind or beside the gym; past the third base fence line on the baseball field
On the walking path around the field and on the hill behind the volleyball courts.
Thank you for your partnership in keeping all students safe!
Mr. Romer
Vice Principal
School Site Council
Date: October 22, 2024
3:30 PM, in library or virtual: Taylor’s School Site Council collaborates as a team to advise and assist the school staff in the development, implementation, and annual review of Taylor’s educational programs in order to improve the quality of education Taylor provides.
Nominations for this committee are now open! Please nominate yourself or a friend as a voting member. Terms last two years. Nominees will be contacted before they are placed on the ballot.
Date: October 17, 2024
Parents of 8th graders, it’s time to get ready for high school enrollment. If your student wants to attend Burlingame High School or Hillsdale High School, then go to their Information Night.
Mills High School Information Night takes place October 30.
No School Today
Date: October 14, 2024
Indigenous Peoples’ Day: no school for Taylor, all Millbrae elementary schools, and all San Mateo county public high schools (such as Mills).
Principals Coffee
Date: October 4, 2024
Please join us at 8:45 AM in the auditorium to share concerns and hear updates of the happenings on campus.
8th Grade Info. Night
Date: October 3, 2024
All 8th grade parents/guardians are invited to join us today from 5:30 PM–6:30 PM in the auditorium to learn about:
8th grade activities
promotion
expectations
Pinkout Day
Date: October 2, 2024
Today is PINKOUT DAY! Spread awareness about Breast Cancer by wearing PINK! Top 3 SEL classes with the highest participation will win pink ribbon pins!
Picture Makeup Day
Date: September 26, 2024
Picture make-up day is today and is a chance for students who missed the original photo day to get their picture taken or would like to retake their photo.
If you purchased portraits and your student will retake their photo, they must bring the photo package with them to the photo session.
Homework Center
Date: September 24, 2024
Every Monday and Tuesday, 3:10 PM–4:10 PM, room B3, two teachers will assist students with homework.
Students must sign-in no later than 3:10 PM.
Students must stay until 4:10 PM.
Chromebooks will be provided if needed.
No advanced sign up needed.
International Potluck Update
Date: September 20, 2024
Due to low signups, we’re moving the event to a later date. We apologize for the late notice.
First General PTA Meeting
Date: September 19, 2024
7 PM–8:30 PM on Zoom. Meet this year’s PTA board and approve this year’s PTA budget + calendar. You must be a PTA member to vote.
Confirm quorum, call to order
Approve previous meeting minute
Introduction of the 2024–2025 Board members
Financial Report, Release of Funds
Membership Update
Principal’s Report
Teachers Update
Updates or Announcements
MEF Update
Adjourn
Healthy Habits for Technology
Date: September 18, 2024
Webinar, 5 PM–5:40 PM in English and 5:45 PM–6:30 PM en Español, register for free
As the back-to-school season begins, it’s time to bring back healthy habits with media and technology. During summer, many of us spend more time on screens, and reestablishing healthy tech habits can seem overwhelming. Join Common Sense Media to gain practical tips and tools, like our Family Tech Planners, to make it easier to have conversations about screen time and help foster a healthier relationship with technology. Setting rules and expectations early on can support your family's digital well-being, setting kids up for success in the school year and beyond.
Featured Speakers: Tali Horowitz, East Coast Education Director, Common Sense Education
Dery Rodriguez, Director of Family Engagement, NYC Department of Education
SamTrans Potential Disruption
Date: September 6, 2024
Due to a labor action, SamTrans service is disrupted today. Students who take SamTrans should consider alternate method of transportation. Read more.
MEF Ice Cream Social
Date: September 4, 2024
5:30 PM–7:30 PM, Shea Center: Millbrae Education Foundation (MEF) wants families to enjoy free IT’S-IT ice cream sandwiches while checking out the STEAM activities. Raffle prizes available.
Third Week of School
Date: August 25, 2024
Classes this week follow the bell schedule:
Monday, Tuesday, and Friday end at 3 PM.
Wednesday and Thursday end at 2 PM.
MySchoolBucks Autopay
Date: August 22, 2024
Child Nutrition Services would like to remind families to cancel their MySchoolBucks automatic payments for student meals. Please log in as soon as possible to disable this autopay feature.
If you have any questions, please call 650-697-5693 x028.
Free School Meals
Date: August 22, 2024
While the program will offer free Universal Meals for all students, households will continue to be able to complete a free & reduced meal application, which may support the school district’s local education funding and could also qualify the family for additional benefits. Regardless of your determined eligibility status, your child will continue to receive free meals for this school year.
Households do not need to turn in an application when the household receives a Direct Certification notification letter saying that all children automatically qualify for free meals when any household member receives benefits from CalFresh, CalWORKs, or FDPIR. Children who meet the definition of foster, homeless, migrant, or runaway, and children enrolled in their school’s Head Start program are eligible for free meals. Contact school officials if any child in the household is not on the notification letter. The household must let school officials know if they do not want to receive free or reduced-price meals.
Second Week of School
Date: August 19, 2024
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday follow the bell schedule, but Friday is a minimum day (8:30 AM–12:18 PM).
Tuesday is Picture Day. Students will take their picture during their PE class; students won’t wear their PE uniforms. Order pictures using code EVTKC8HBN.
Thursday is Back-to-School Night. 5:30 PM meet at the amphitheater. Event is only for parents/caretakers. Ask your student for their schedule or view it on ParentVUE.
After the amphitheater presentation, parents/caretakers may visit their student’s classroom. school map
period 1: 6:03 PM–6:10 PM
period 2: 6:13 PM–6:20 PM
period 3: 6:23 PM–6:30 PM
period 4: 6:33 PM–6:40 PM
period 5: 6:43 PM–6:50 PM
period 6: 6:53 PM–7 PM
First Days of School
Date: August 14, 2024
First day is August 15, 8:35 AM–12:18 PM. 6th graders and new students go to the front of school before 8:35 AM to get your schedule. The schedule will be handed out by grade then last name. Existing students starting 7th and 8th grade can see their schedule on StudentVUE and ParentVUE.
August 16, Taylor runs from 8:35 AM–3 PM according to the bell schedule and Millbrae elementary schools have early dismissal at 12:30 PM.
Students should be dropped off by 8:20 AM and in their classroom by 8:30 AM. Students arriving after 8:35 AM are marked tardy. If a student arrives by 8:45 AM go directly to classroom otherwise go to the office for a Welcome Pass.
Do not park or block any driveways, make U-turns or double-park on Taylor Blvd. The primary area for drop-off is in the parking lot on Taylor Blvd. The Community/Recreation Center is not a drop-off nor pick-up zone.
Annual Student Data Confirmation
Date: August 14, 2024
This year, we are asking all families to complete the Annual Student Data Confirmation Update by reviewing and updating their information online using ParentVUE. We ask that you complete this process by the first day of school. In addition to reviewing and updating your child’s emergency form, we have moved many elements of the traditional welcome-back packet online.
If you accidentally started the “New and Former Student Enrollment” square please click “Delete New and Former” button to reset your account and allow you to see the square for “New and Former Student Enrollment”.
Thank you to all the families who have worked to complete this important information for the safety of our students.
6th Grade Welcome Day
Date: August 8th, 2024
10 AM–12 PM: incoming 6th graders will have a student-led tour of the campus, participate in some games, enjoy some snacks, and buy their PE uniform.
10 AM: 6th graders check-in on the front lawn and gather into student-led tours
10:15 AM: parents buy student PE uniform in gym and visit club tables
10:45 AM: parents enjoy coffee and cookies
11:15 AM: 6th graders get their ice cream
11:45 AM: beach ball competition between the various 6th-grade groups