Luis P. Untalan Middle School

Welcome Back to School!

Teachers returned to their classes to prepare for the first day of school on Aug. 13. The morning Faculty Meeting held in the library began with basic introductions and "housekeeping" information. Then the meeting focused on this year's Accreditation Process. Self-Study Coordinator, Juvy Carino, presented a Keynote presentation on Accreditation, titled "Mission Accreditation," to the faculty and staff. The school community then went into break-out sessions based on their Focus Groups. After the informative sessions, everyone completed preparations in their classrooms and offices.

The first day of classes for students is Tuesday, Aug. 14. The tardy bell rings at 8:24 a.m. The bell schedule will be posted soon.

Regulations of UMS and the Political Struggle for Power

By Mrs. Carino's Creative Writing Class

School policies and spirited speeches were heard in the Luis P. Untalan Middle School gym during the assemblies on Aug. 22nd and 23rd.

Assistant Principal Maria San Nicolas talked about dress codes. She talked about the do's and don'ts of the school uniform policy. She said polo shirts have to be tucked in, and they may wear a white T-shirt if they choose to wear an inside shirt. Students should not wear baggy or sagging pants. Jackets/sweaters are not allowed to be worn outside the classroom.

Mrs. San Nicolas (in background) speaks at the assembly. Photo by Mrs. Juvy Carino.

Mrs. San Nicolas said that there is zero tolerance for bullying. She added that a 10-day suspension will be given as punishment for any form of bullying. No weapons, including fake ones, are allowed in school. Tucked-in shirts prevent the concealment of weapons. Alcohol and other drugs are not allowed in school premises. Mrs. Castro and Mrs. Wong are the advisors for peer mediation and are looking for participants. Youth Crime Watch meetings will be posted in the bulletin.

After Mrs. San Nicolas spoke, it was the Student Body Association candidates' turn to show what they were made of. The enthusiastic candidates gave promising speeches. One candidate said the reason she was running was because she was doing it for her friends, her classmates, and the Class of 2008. One candidate for treasurer said she had experience being treasurer in the 6th and 7th grade. Many of the candidates yelled into the microphone enthusiastically and rapped about why they were running for their office.

Mr. Pama (in foreground) talks about the SBA election process while the SBA candidates prepare to present their speeches. Photo by Mr. Felix Santos.