Getting Ready for High School

One of PUSD’s guiding principles during stay at home learning is that the relationships and mental well-being of everyone that is part of the learning community, are of the highest importance. That includes students, families, teachers, and staff. The reason is simple. Keeping students motivated to participate in at-home learning works best when they already have a meaningful relationship with their teacher.

For Ashley Butler, a social studies teacher in the Arts, Entertainment, and Media Academy at John Muir Early College Magnet High School, that means she is focused on maintaining her relationships with her students while continuing to support their skill development. “In addition to providing online instruction and assigning school work that students can complete on their own time, I have daily Google Hangout Meets where my students have an opportunity to talk about how the pandemic is impacting them,” said Butler. Students know that Ms. Butler offers a safe environment where they can connect with their classmates and discuss any challenges they may be facing.

“In addition to connecting historical content to their own lives, my students continue to reflect on learning, and practice the skills that they have been using all year,” said Butler. “If a student isn’t participating on any given week, I make contact with them individually to encourage their engagement and provide them with support if needed. I also create weekly video recordings to walk students through their work, and encourage students to reach out if anything comes up or if they have any issues.”

John Muir Early College Magnet prides itself on the personal relationships that faculty and staff develop with their students and families.

That personal connection starts when Principal Lawton Gray leads a virtual orientation on Tuesday, May 12th at 5 pm for new families who plan to attend Muir for the 2020-2021 school year.

Middle school students transferring to John Muir High School Early College Magnet in the Fall can join Dr. Lawton Gray, principal at John Muir, for a virtual orientation on Tuesday, May 12th at 5 p.m. Their parents and prospective families are also encouraged to attend.

“This is a great opportunity to give incoming students and families information about what to expect in high school,” says Dr. Lawton Gray, Principal. “We want families to feel prepared for this important transition.”

The orientation will help familiarize students with the campus, Early College offerings, policies, and student life.

To get log-in information for the orientation or to take a virtual tour of JMHS, visit www.pusd.us/MuirTours or RSVP here.

John Muir High School Early College Magnet, 1905 Lincoln Avenue, Pasadena, (626) 396-5600 or visit www.pusd.us/Page/57.