Back to School - Middle School

We’re excited to welcome you to campus. Here’s what you need to know and do to ensure your year gets off to a great start. Before we dive into the details, please take note of Menlo’s COVID-19 protocols for testing and masking so you are ready for the first day of school.

Middle School: Important Dates

Date	Event
Monday, Aug. 8	Instructions for accessing Middle School schedules were sent in this email.
Monday,  Aug. 22	COVID-19 PCR Testing Clinic (6th, 9th, 12th). 8:00 am-4:00 pm, Spieker Center Lobby.  All students, faculty, and staff need to obtain a negative test before coming to campus for the first time (orientation activities or the first day of school). Either a PCR or an antigen test is sufficient though those who have had Covid in the last 90 days should use the antigen test. Those new to Menlo who would like to test on campus, should pre-register at Inspire Diagnostics here. See full safety protocols here.
Tuesday,  Aug. 23	6th Grade Field Event. 9:00 am-11:00 am, Cartan Field. Outdoor fun and games for students. COVID-19 PCR Testing Clinic (7th, 8th, 10th, 11th). 8:00 am-4:00 pm, Spieker Center Lobby.
Wednesday,  Aug. 24	6th Grade Orientation (students only). 9:30 am to 12:00 pm. Students will receive their lockers and locks, tour the Middle School Campus and get essential information for the Outdoor Ed. trip on August 25. Details here. 6th Grade Knightbook Photo Makeups and Retakes. Students who were unable to take their photos taken in May for Menlo’s online directory or those who would like to have their photo retaken, can do so on Aug. 24 from 1:00-3:00 pm in the Athletic Center Lobby. COVID-19 PCR Testing Clinic (Open to All). 8:00 am-4:00 pm, Spieker Center Lobby.
Thursday,  Aug. 25	First Day of School. The day begins with a short assembly in the Middle School Garage (masks required) at 8:35 am. 6th Grade Overnight Outdoor Ed. Details are in this email. 6th Grade Parent Coffee. 8:45-10:30 am on the CADC Patio. Details to come. COVID-19 PCR Testing Clinic. 7:30 am-4:00 pm, Spieker Center Lobby. 6th grade and chaperones to antigen test prior to boarding the bus to depart on the retreat; open to all after 9:00 am.
Friday,  Aug. 26	6th Grade Returns from Overnight Outdoor Ed, approximately 4:00 pm.  7th Grade Day Retreat to the Riekes Center. Details in this email. 8th Grade Retreat. Details in this email.
Monday,  Aug. 29	COVID-19 PCR Testing Clinic (Open to All). 8:00 am-4:00 pm, Spieker Center Lobby.
Wednesday,  Aug. 31	7th Grade Knightbook Photos. 10:55-11:50 am, Athletic Center Lobby, during tutorial and lunch. 8th Grade Parent Coffee. 9:00-11:00 am, CADC Patio
Thursday,  Sept. 1	8th Grade Knightbook Photos. 10:55-11:50 am, Athletic Center Lobby, during advocacy and lunch.
Friday,  Sept. 2	7th Grade Parent Fall Coffee. 9:00-11:00 am, CADC Patio
Various dates	Parent Evenings and Socials. See the class pages for details. You can also view and subscribe to the full school calendar.

Before School Starts, Do This:

1. TURN IN YOUR HEALTH FORMS

• If you haven’t already, please submit your forms through Magnus Health Student Medical Record (SMR), our partner in collecting and managing student medical information. You can also upload Covid-19 student vaccination cards to Magnus. Athletic forms and all health forms were due Aug. 1. Questions? Contact the School Nurse.

2. REVIEW COVID-19 HEALTH AND SAFETY DETAILS

• Testing: All students, faculty, and staff need to obtain a negative test before coming to campus for the first time (orientation activities or the first day of school). Either a PCR or an antigen test is sufficient though those who have had Covid in the last 90 days should use the antigen test. Students may test on campus, through their preferred provider, or with a home kit if antigen testing. Inspire Diagnostics will offer PCR and antigen testing clinics for Aug. 22-26. Those new to Menlo can pre-register here (there will be no out-of-pocket cost to the Menlo community members.) After the start of school, testing will be optional.
• Masking: Wearing masks on campus will be optional except for indoor assemblies and on Menlo buses. 
• Symptoms? It’s essential that anyone who has any cold and flu symptoms stay home and contact the Health Offices.
• Please review Menlo’s back-to-school Covid protocols here.

3. GET YOUR SCHEDULE, BOOKS, AND SUPPLIES AND FINISH SUMMER ASSIGNMENTS

• Schedules: Instructions on accessing your course schedules were shared in this August 8 email. The Middle School will be following this daily schedule this year, with a start time of 8:35 am.
• Books: To see what books are needed for your courses, please visit the Menlo Booklist generator. Using this site, you can generate your own unique URL that allows you to come back to your personalized booklist without having to worry about a login; just bookmark your booklist page to visit it again later or to share it with members of your family. Your booklist will specify the correct ISBN # of the edition you’ll need for class, and you can keep track of your shopping list and what you’ve already purchased by marking “Need it” or “Have it.” Books can be purchased from any retailer that stocks the correct ISBN (such as Amazon, Powell’s, Bookshop.org, Kepler’s, etc.)
• Supplies: You can view the Middle School supply list for the year at Keokit. You can order everything there, or you can view the list and shop elsewhere.
• Technology: Middle School students will need a laptop for the start of school. Learn more about our technology requirements and recommendations. 
• Summer Reading: Review the summer reading assignments and finish your assignments before the first class.

4. GETTING TO CAMPUS

• Help reduce traffic! GO MENLO is THE way the Menlo community gets to and from school. Commit to walk, bike, carpool, or ride the train or bus. You can also take one of the Menlo buses, from San Mateo/Belmont/San Carlos, Woodside/Portola Valley, East Palo Alto/Palo Alto/Menlo Park, and Cupertino/Los Alto. You can also use the Carpool Map to find other Menlo families for a carpool. Additionally, you can sign up for the Caltrain Shuttle here.
• If you signed up for our bus program, you should have received additional onboarding information by email. All buses will arrive at 8:20 am and leave school at 3:35 pm. If you haven’t received additional information or if you have decided not to have your student ride the bus, please contact Chrissy Orangio as soon as possible.
• For the time being, masks will be required on the bus regardless of vaccination status.

5. WE’LL SEE YOU ON THE FIRST DAY! 

• Middle School begins at 8:35 am with a short assembly in the Middle School Garage on Aug. 25. There are special activities/schedules for Aug. 25 and 26 for all three grades. The regular 7-Day rotating schedule will begin Monday, Aug. 29 with a Day 1. Remember, on all Day 1s, the Middle School has an early dismissal time of 2:50 pm.

QUESTIONS?

These people may be able to help, or you can email info@menloschool.org. You may also want to check out the Menlo Dictionary to help understand the programs and terminology at Menlo.