Upper School: Get ready for the 2024-2025 school year!
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.
Dates to Note
DATE
EVENT
Monday,Aug. 5
Instructions for accessing Upper School schedules were sent in this email with online change request instructions.
Monday,Aug. 19
Parking Permits for Seniors and Juniors: In an effort to help streamline traffic to and from campus, we’ve tweaked our parking permit process this year. Students applying for a parking permit must complete this form by Aug. 23. If there are more applications than spaces, we will hold a lottery based on this priority: 1) those committing to carpools for the year 2) Seniors 3) Juniors. Questions? Contact Director of Security Mustapha Moutri.
Wednesday,Aug. 21
Freshman Orientation. 8:30 am-2:30 pm, US Quad/Spieker Center. Snacks and lunch will also be provided for students. Read more about Orientation in this letter from the Freshman Co-Deans.
9th Grade Parent Coffee. Parents are invited to this optional parent coffee on the Dining Commons Patio at 9:00 am.
Freshman Tech Help(Optional). 1:30-2:30 pm. Menlo Technology Department will be on hand if you are having trouble logging into your Okta/Canvas/Email accounts.
Orientation for New 10th and 11th Grade Students. 1:00-3:30 pm, Stent Hall Steps. Students will have an opportunity to build community with new students, meet their advocate, have their photo taken for Menlo’s online directory, and get important information for the start of school.
9th Grade Knightbook Photo Makeups and Retakes. Ninth graders who were unable to take their photos in May for Menlo’s online directory or those who would like to have their photo retaken, can do so on Aug. 21 from 1:00-3:00 pm in the CADC Lobby.
Knightbook Photos for Seniors. 3:00-5:00 pm, CADC Lobby. Sign up for a time here. Also, see this email about special optional senior mini-sessions on campus with Still Light Studios on Aug. 9 and 16.
Senior Class BBQ. 6:00-8:00 pm, US Quad.
Thursday,Aug. 22
First Day of Classes. School begins at 8:45 am with a spirit assembly in the Athletic Center. It will be a Special Schedule.
Schedule Change Requests: students can continue to make course change requests online. If you’ve already made a request(s), you should have received an email that we have logged it. We will continue to work on these requests two weeks into the start of the school year and will notify you with updates as soon as possible. Note: Students should only attend a class once that class has been added to their schedule. For safety reasons, we do not allow students to audit or drop in on classes that are not already on their schedule.
Friday,Aug. 23
Auditions for 2024-2025 Menlo Dance Enrichment Program. 2:30-5:30 pm, CADC Dance Room (CA106). Interested in joining Menlo’s Dance Enrichment? All dancers participating in the audition must fill out this form by Aug. 22. Please refer to this FAQ sheet for more information.
Monday,Aug. 26
11th Grade Parents’ Coffee. 9:30-11:00 am on the Commons Patio.
9th Grade Retreat. Menlo School campus. Complete details and permission forms found here.
10th Grade Overnight Retreat. Happy Valley Conference Center. See complete details and permission forms here.
11th Grade Overnight Retreat. YMCA Camp Jones Gulch. See complete details and permission forms here.
12th Grade Overnight Retreat. NatureBridge Golden Gate Retreat Center, Sausalito, CA. See complete details and permission forms here.
Wednesday,Aug. 28
Knightbook Photos for Juniors 10:00-10:40 am and 11:55 am-12:35 pm. Sign up for a time here. Drop-in times are 8:15-9:45 am, 10:55-11:50 am, or 12:35-1:00 pm.
Thursday,Aug. 29
9th Grade Parent Information Evening. 6:00-7:30 pm, Martin Hall.
Knightbook Photos for Sophomores 10:00-10:40 am and 11:55 am-12:35 pm. Sign up for a time here. Drop-in times are 8:15-9:45 am, 10:55-11:50 am, or 12:35-1:00 pm.
Wednesday, Sept. 4
10th Grade Parents’ Coffee. 9:30-11:00 am on the CADC Patio.
Thursday,Sept. 12
Back-to-School Night. 6:00 pm, Upper School Campus.
Saturday, Sept. 14
Upper School Back-to-School Dance. 8:00-10:00 pm, in the West Gym. The theme for the dance will be announced on Friday at the Welcome Back Assembly.
Sunday,Sept. 15
12th Annual Peninsula Bridge Fun Run. 9:00 am, Menlo School Loop. Join us for a fun, family-friendly event benefiting Peninsula Bridge. The first 100 participants to register will receive a commemorative race t-shirt. Questions? Contact Heidi Abrams or Julia Anderson
Wednesday,Sept. 18
Joint Upper & Middle School MSPA Meeting. 9:00 am, Martin Family Hall. (Coffee at 8:45 am). Please park off campus.
Various
Fall Sports: Baseline testing must be completed before the start of practice. See details below.
Parent Events and Socials: Check your Grade Level News pages for details.
If you haven’t already, please submit your forms through August Schools, our partner in collecting and managing student medical information. You can access the platform by entering your email via this link to begin uploading your health information. Athletic forms and all health forms were due Aug. 1.
Upper School student-athletes will need to complete baseline testing with Menlo’s sports medicine team before any participation. Students may sign up using the scheduling app here. When booking an appointment, select “Sway Baseline Testing.” All testing will be conducted in the Rehab Room of the Athletic Center. Find fall sports start dates, coaches’ contacts here, and the latest athletics information, schedules, and updates at menloschool.org/athletics.
2. Get Your Class Schedules and Request Course Changes
Families new to Menlo should get familiar with the daily block schedule. Upper School classes begin at 8:45 am, and students are dismissed at 3:00 pm.
Instructions on accessing individual student course schedules were shared in this Aug. 5 email, which also outlines how you can request changes to your schedule if needed.
Students can continue to make course change requests online two weeks into the start of the school year. If you’ve already made a request(s), you should have received a confirmation that it has been received, and we will continue to work on these and will notify you with updates as soon as possible.
3. Sign Up for Knightbook Photos
Students in grades 10-12 need to sign up for a time to take a Knightbook photo for Menlo’s online directory. Freshmen do not need to worry about this as they took photos in the spring. Any 9th grader who didn’t take a photo in May or those who would like a retake can get their photo taken from 1:00-3:00 pm on Aug. 21.
Still Light Studios, our photography partner, will send students and parents instructions on viewing and purchasing prints through Still Light’s online gallery system in September.
4. Get Your Locker, Books, Laptop, and Supplies
Lockers: Students in grades 10-12 can sign-up for lockers starting Aug. 22 by visiting the Upper School Office. There are a limited number of lockers: first come, first served! Freshmen: no need to do this; you’ll sign up at orientation on Aug. 21.
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. Your booklist will specify the correct ISBN # of the edition you’ll need for class.” Books can be purchased from any retailer that stocks the correct ISBN (such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org, Kepler’s, etc.)
Technology: You’ll also need to ensure you have a laptop for the start of school. Get some gadget advice and learn about technology at Menlo.
Supplies: In case you’re wondering what Upper School students will need for the first day, in addition to their fully-charged laptop, students should be ready with a notebook, assigned summer work, and a pencil or pen. There isn’t a master list of required supplies for Upper School students as each student’s needs will depend on their courses. Teachers will let students know what supplies will be needed for each class.
6. Finish Your Summer Assignments
Review and complete your summer reading and assignments. Many classes have multiple summer readings or detailed teacher instructions; please double-check your assignments.
7. 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—view the route schedule here. All buses will arrive at 8:20 am and leave school at 3:35 pm. Additionally, you can sign up for the Caltrain Shuttle here.
Do your part by carpooling! Menlo is launching a new carpool feature in our Knightbook directly. Parents who are logged into Knightbook, access it by clicking on the map icon in the top right-hand. From there you can find families near you, filter by grade, and reach out to families to form a carpool. For step-by-step instructions, visit the Menlo Carpool page.
Go by bus! If you haven’t signed up for Menlo’s Zum bus program but would like your student to ride the bus, please complete this form as soon as possible. If already signed up, you will receive additional onboarding information by email on Aug. 15. If you haven’t received additional information or if you have decided not to have your student ride the bus, please contact transportation@menloschool.org as soon as possible. For questions about our Zum bus, please refer to this Q&A.
Parking permits for seniors and juniors: In an effort to help streamline traffic to and from campus, we’ve tweaked our parking permit process this year. Students applying for a parking permit must complete this form by Aug. 23. If there are more applications than spaces, we will hold a lottery based on this priority: 1) those committing to carpools for the year; 2) Seniors; 3) Juniors. Questions? Contact Director of Security Mustapha Moutri.
8. We’ll See You on the First Day!
Upper School begins at 8:45 am with a spirit assembly in the Athletic Center on August 22. Please arrive at least 10 minutes prior. Note: August 22 and 23 will be special schedules. The regular 7-day rotating schedule begins with a Day 1 on August 28, following class retreats.
New families: Your Menlo Okta login information was sent on August 5. If you have trouble logging in, please contact techticket@menloschool.org with your child’s full name and grade level. We will respond to you in a timely manner.
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Get ready for the 2022-2023 school year!
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.
Upper School: Important Dates
Date
Event
Monday,
Aug. 8
Instructions for accessing Upper School schedules were sent in this email with online change request instructions.
Monday,
Aug. 22
Parking permits for juniors and seniors are distributed by the security office. If you haven’t already, please complete this form. Contact Director of Security Mustapha Moutri.
Junior Welcome Back Event. 5:30-7:30 pm, US Quad. The Class of 2024 is invited to reconnect before the school year starts. Enjoy dinner, games, and fun!
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
Freshman Pre-Orientation Meet and Greet Event. 4:00-5:30 pm, US Quad. An informal fun get-together for students.
Sophomore Welcome Back Event. 6:00-7:30 pm, US Quad. The Class of 2025 is invited to reconnect before the school year starts. Enjoy dinner, games, and fun!
Freshman Orientation. 9:00 am-2:30 pm, Martin Family Hall/Athletic Center. (Best to arrive by 8:45 am to check in; activities kick off at 9:00 am.) Lunch will be provided for students. There is an optional parent coffee on the Dining Commons Patio at 9:00 am. Read more about Orientation in this letter from the Freshman Dean.
Freshman Tech Help (OPTIONAL). 2:30-3:30 pm. Menlo Technology Department will be on hand if you are having trouble logging into your Okta/Canvas/Email accounts.
9th 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.
Knightbook Photos for Seniors: 3:00-5:00 pm, Athletic Center Lobby. Sign up for a time here. Also, see this email about special optional senior mini sessions on campus with Still Light Studios on Aug. 20 and 28.
Senior Class BBQ. 5:30-7:30 pm, US Quad.
COVID-19 PCR Testing Clinic (Open to All). 8:00 am-4:00 pm, Spieker Center Lobby.
Thursday,
Aug. 25
First Day of Classes. School begins at 8:45 am with a spirit assembly in the Athletic Center (masks required). It will be a Day 0. Please make note of the daily schedule, which was slightly changed from last year.
Schedule Change Requests: students can continue to make course change requests online. If you’ve already made a request(s), you should have received an email that we have logged it. We will continue to work on these requests two weeks into the start of the school year and will notify you with updates as soon as possible.
COVID-19 PCR Testing Clinic (Open to All). 9:00 am-4:00 pm, Spieker Center Lobby.
Friday,
Aug. 26
Junior Parents’ Coffee. 8:30 am on the CADC Patio. Details to come.
COVID-19 PCR Testing Clinic (Open to All). 8:00 am-4:00 pm, Spieker Center Lobby.
Saturday,
Aug. 27
Upper School Back-to-School Dance. 7:30-10:30 pm, on the Junior Quad. The theme for the dance will be announced on Friday at the Welcome Back Assembly.
Monday,
Aug. 29
9th Grade Parents’ Coffee. 8:30-10:00 am on the CADC Patio. Details to come.
COVID-19 PCR Testing Clinic (Open to All). 8:00 am-4:00 pm, Spieker Center Lobby.
Tuesday,
Aug. 30
10th Grade Parents’ Coffee. 9:00-10:30 am on the CADC Patio. Details to come.
Wednesday,
Aug. 31
Knightbook Photos for Juniors 10:00-10:40 am and 11:55 am-12:50 pm. Sign up for a time here. You can also drop in before school from 8:15-8:40 am, or 3:00-3:00 pm.
Thursday,
Sept. 1
12th Grade Parents’ Coffee. 8:30-10:30 am on the CADC Patio. Details to come.
Knightbook Photos for Sophomores 10:00-10:40 am and 11:55 am-12:50 pm. Sign up for a time here. You can also drop in before school from 8:15-8:40 am, or 3:00-3:00 pm.
Ninth Grade Parent Information Evening. 6:00-7:30 pm, details to come.
Wednesday,
Sept. 7
First Upper School MSPA Meeting. 9:30 am, Martin Family Hall and via livestream
Various
Fall Sports: Baseline testing must be complete before the start of practice. See details below.
Parent Events and Socials: Check your Grade Level News pages for details.
If you haven’t already, please submit your forms throughMagnus Health Student Medical Record(SMR), our partner in collecting and managing student medical information. You can also upload Covid-19 vaccination cards to Magnus. Athletic forms and all health forms were due Aug. 1. Questions? Contact theSchool Nurse.
Upper School student-athletes will need to complete baseline testing with Menlo’s sports medicine team before any participation starting Aug 6. The School has streamlined its baseline testing, and students may sign up using the scheduling apphere. All testing will be conducted in the Athletic Center. For the latest athletics information, schedules, and updates atmenloschool.org/athletics.
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 Aug. 22-26. Those new to Menlo canpre-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 hasanycold and flu symptomsstay homeand contact the Health Offices.
3. GET YOUR CLASS SCHEDULES AND REQUEST COURSE CHANGES
Please note that we have tweaked ourdaily block schedulefor the year. Upper School classes begin at 8:45 am, there’s more time for lunch, and students are dismissed at 3:00 pm.
Instructions on accessing individual student course schedules were shared in thisAugust 8 email, which also outlines how you can request changes to your schedule if needed.
Students can continue to make course change requestsonlinetwo weeks into the start of the school year. If you’ve already made a request(s), you should have received a confirmation that it has been received, and we will continue to work on these and will notify you with updates as soon as possible.
4. SIGN UP FOR KNIGHTBOOK PHOTOS
Students in grades 10-12 need tosign upfor a time to take a Knightbook photo for Menlo’s online directory. Freshmen, no need to worry about this, you took your photos in the spring. Any 9th grader who didn’t take a photo in May or those who would like a retake can get their photo taken from 1:00-3:00 pm on August 24.
Still Light Studios, our photography partner, will send students and parents instructions on viewing and purchasing prints through Still Light’s online gallery system in September.
5. GET YOUR LOCKER, BOOKS, LAPTOP, AND SUPPLIES
Lockers:Students in grades 10-12 can sign-up for lockers starting Aug. 26 by visiting the Upper School Office. There are a limited number of lockers: first come, first served! Freshmen: no need to do this; you’ll sign up at orientation on Aug. 24.
Books:To see what books are needed for your courses, please visit theMenlo Booklistgenerator. 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 asAmazon,Powell’s,Bookshop.org,Kepler’s, etc.)
Technology:You’ll also need to ensure you have a laptop for the start of school. Get some gadget advice and learn abouttechnology at Menlo.
Supplies:In case you’re wondering what Upper School students will need for the first day, in addition to their fully-charged laptop, students should be ready with a binder or notebook, assigned summer work, and a pencil or pen. There isn’t a master list of required supplies for Upper School students as each student’s needs will depend on their courses. Teachers will let students know what supplies will be needed for each class.
6. FINISH YOUR SUMMER ASSIGNMENTS
Review and complete yoursummer reading and assignments.Many classes have multiple summer readings or detailed teacher instructions; please double-check your assignments.
7. GETTING TO CAMPUS
Help reduce traffic!GO MENLOisTHEway 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 theMenlo 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 theCarpool Mapto find other Menlo families for a carpool. Additionally, you can sign up for the Caltrain Shuttlehere.
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 contactChrissy Orangioas soon as possible.
For the time being,masks will be required on the bus regardless of vaccination status.
8. WE’LL SEE YOU ON THE FIRST DAY!
Upper School begins at 8:45 am with a spirit assembly in the Athletic Center. August 25 will be aDay 0, where each class meets for 35 minutes. The regular7-day rotating schedulebegins with a Day 1 on August 26.
QUESTIONS?
These peoplemay be able to help, or you can email info@menloschool.org. You may also want to check out theMenlo Dictionaryto help understand the programs and terminology at Menlo.
New families: Your Menlo Okta login information was sent on August 8. If you have trouble logging in, please contact techticket@menloschool.org with your child’s full name and grade level. We will respond to you in a timely manner.
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