Dear Bonita Vista Middle School Families,

Good morning! I hope we are all doing safe and well! As we approach Spring Break, scheduled from Monday, March 24, to Sunday, April 6, 2025, we want to share important updates and suggest enjoyable activities for your family during this period.

School Resumption and Credit Recovery Program

School will resume on Monday, April 7, 2025 for ALL STUDENTS. To support our students' academic progress, the second session of our Credit Recovery program will begin on Tuesday, April 1, and continue through Friday, April 4, from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM (This is only for 8th and 7th grade students needing to recover credits). Please note that Monday, March 31, is a holiday. For more information, contact our Head Counselor, Ms. Veronica Sandoval, at Veronica.Sandoval@sweetwaterschools.org, or our Assistant Principal, Ms. Marisol Higareda, at Marisol.Higareda@sweetwaterschools.org.

8th Grade Promotion Ceremony

Looking ahead, our 8th Grade Promotion Ceremony is scheduled for Thursday, June 5, 2025. At this time, we anticipate the first ceremony to begin at 3:00 PM, with the second ceremony at 5:00 PM. Final times will be confirmed closer to the date. For any ceremony change requests, please contact Mr. Bonilla at Roberto.Bonilla@sweetwaterschools.org.

Spring Break Activity Suggestions

San Diego offers a variety of family-friendly activities to enjoy during Spring Break. Here are some recommendations:

Visit the San Diego Zoo https://sandiegozoowildlifealliance.org/
Explore diverse animal exhibits and interactive experiences suitable for all ages.

Relax at La Jolla Cove https://www.sandiego.gov/lifeguards/beaches/cove
Enjoy the scenic coastline, observe sea lions, and explore tide pools.

Experience LEGOLAND California https://www.legoland.com/california/
A theme park offering rides, shows, and attractions for younger children.

Explore The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch https://visitcarlsbad.com/directory/the-flower-fields-at-carlsbad-ranch/
Witness vibrant fields of blooming flowers and enjoy family-friendly activities.

Attend Mission Bay Spring Fest https://discovermissionbay.org/calendar/
A family-friendly event featuring live music, food trucks, and activities by the bay.

For more ideas, visit San Diego's Spring Break Activities: https://www.sandiego.org/campaigns/spring-break.aspx.

Student Engagement and Achievements

Our students continue to excel both academically and in extracurricular activities. Over the past weekend, many participated in the annual UCSD Conference: It Begins with a Dream (Comienza con un Sueño), our ASB Mixer at Rancho Del Rey Middle School, and our Mine Craft Build Challenge! We appreciate the involvement of our students and parents, and extend special thanks to Ms. Ortiz and Ms. Cableaux for their guidance and support during the UCSD event and Mr. Claudio for being our Mine Craft advisor! We also want to commend all our Volleyball Student-Athletes who competed over the weekend at Otay Ranch High School!

Looking Ahead

As we near the end of the school year, it's essential for students to maintain positive academic and behavioral momentum. Encouraging your child to engage in learning activities during Spring Break can be beneficial. Consider visiting local museums, reading together, or exploring educational exhibits at places like Balboa Park.

Thank you for your continued support. We wish you a restful and enjoyable Spring Break, and look forward to welcoming students back on April 7.

Sincerely,

Alex Salazar Principal,

Bonita Vista Middle School

Post Script: I will be available and on campus beginning on Tuesday, April 8th thru Friday, April 11th. Come by and let's chat!

Dear BVM Community,

Good morning! I am reaching out to inform you of a concerning matter that requires our collective attention. The above social media accounts was created anomously with the intent to spread false rumors and negative gossip about our students and community. Such actions can have serious implications for our students' social-emotional well-being, they also come with serious consequences.

Immediate Actions:

1. Report the Accounts (See Account Above): If you come across these accounts, please report it directly to the platform. Most social media sites have mechanisms to report inappropriate content or harassment. For guidance on reporting, you can refer to resources like Minc Law's guide on dealing with social media defamation.

2. Share Information: If you have any details about these accounts or its activities, please email me directly at [Alexander.Salazar-Arbelaez@sweetwaterschools.org]. Your information will be invaluable in addressing this issue promptly.

3. Discuss Social Media Use with Your Children: Engage in open conversations with your students about their social media activities. Discuss the importance of using these platforms responsibly and the potential impact of online actions. Resources such as the American Psychological Association's guidelines can provide valuable insights into managing social media use among teens.

Additional Recommendations:

• Monitor Online Interactions: Be aware of your child's online friends and the nature of their interactions--this includes the accounts that they follow. Encourage them to set privacy settings appropriately and to be cautious about the information they share.

• Promote Positive Online Behavior: Encourage your children to use social media to uplift and support others, fostering a positive digital community.

• 
  

Thank you for your attention to this matter and for your continued support in safeguarding the well-being of our students. Together, we can ensure that our school remains a safe and supportive environment for all.

Best regards,

Dr. Salazar

BVM Team,

Good morning! We are excited to announce our Leprechaun Trap Advisory Contest, organized by our Builder’s Club, as a fundraiser to support the victims of the recent LA Fires. This is an incredible opportunity for our school community to come together in the spirit of service and generosity, as all proceeds will be donated to the Red Cross.

What is a Leprechaun Trap?

A decorated shoebox or similar-sized box, creatively designed as a “trap” to catch a mischievous Leprechaun! This is a fun and engaging way for our advisory classes to participate in a meaningful cause while showcasing their creativity and teamwork.

Why Participate?

This contest is more than just a fun challenge—it aligns with our International Baccalaureate (IB) values and principles, emphasizing service, global awareness, and community action. By participating, students will engage in a school-wide service project that fosters collaboration, creativity, and civic responsibility.

How to Participate:

We would love every advisory class to take part in this event! Each class will need to provide their own materials, including:
✅ A shoebox or a similarly sized box
✅ Decorative materials

Contest Timeline:

📢 March 3rd – March 7th: Raising awareness for the fundraiser! Our Builders Club will be spreading the word and encouraging participation across campus. Each advisory class will need at least one shoebox (or similar size box) and decorations to get started.

🎨 March 10th – March 14th: Leprechaun Trap design and construction begins in advisory classes.

🗳️ March 17th & 18th: Traps on display & voting takes place! (Rumor has it, a special Leprechaun might be making an appearance! 🍀)

How Voting Works:

Students, staff, and parents will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite Leprechaun Trap (March 17th and March 18th) by purchasing tickets:
🎟 $0.50 per ticket
🎟 3 tickets for $1

All proceeds from voting will go directly to the Red Cross to support those affected by the LA Fires.

Prizes for Winning Advisory Classes:

🏆 1st Place: Ice Cream Party 🍦
🥈 2nd Place: Donut Party 🍩
🥉 3rd Place: Lollipop Party 🍭

7th and 8th grade advisory classes will compete separately, ensuring that we will have winners in both grade levels!

Let’s make this a school-wide effort and encourage full participation! This is a wonderful opportunity to give back to those in need while fostering a sense of community and creativity at BVM. Thank you in advance for your support, and let’s make this event a success!

🍀 Let’s trap some Leprechauns for a great cause! 🍀

Sincerely

Alex Salazar, Ed.D.

Principal

Bonita Vista Middle School

March is Women’s History Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the countless contributions women have made to our society, history, and culture. At Bonita Vista Middle School, we take this opportunity to honor the achievements of women who have paved the way for progress, resilience, and change.

This year, our theme is "Women Who Advocate, Innovate, and Lead," highlighting the powerful impact women have had in shaping our world. From scientists and educators to activists and artists, women continue to break barriers and inspire future generations.

Recognizing Women’s Achievements in History

Throughout this month, our students will engage in activities and lessons that shine a light on remarkable women who have influenced history. Some of the historical figures we will explore include:

• Dr. Ellen Ochoa – The first Hispanic woman in space and a trailblazer in STEM.
• Maya Angelou – A celebrated poet and activist whose words continue to inspire generations.
• Ruth Bader Ginsburg – A Supreme Court Justice who fought for gender equality and justice.
• Malala Yousafzai – A global advocate for girls’ education and the youngest Nobel Peace Prize winner.
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Honoring the Women of BVM

At BVM, we are privileged to have strong, dedicated women who inspire our students daily. From our teachers and staff to our coaches and administrators, the women of BVM play an essential role in shaping our learning environment and fostering a culture of inclusivity and growth. This month, we encourage our students to take a moment to appreciate the incredible women in their lives—whether it's a teacher, family member, or mentor.

Join the Celebration

Students and families can participate in Women’s History Month by:

• Engaging in classroom discussions and projects on influential women.
• Reading books by female authors or about women’s achievements.
• Encouraging conversations at home about the importance of gender equality and representation.

As we celebrate Women’s History Month, let us continue to empower and uplift one another, ensuring that every student—regardless of gender—feels valued, heard, and inspired to achieve greatness.

Thank you for being a part of our Bonita Vista Middle School community. Let’s make this Women’s History Month a time of learning, appreciation, and action!

#BVMCelebratesWomen #EmpowerHer #WomensHistoryMonth2025

Parents and guardians, to report a student absence, please make sure to fill out the following form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScLJrFXTi9s9G9nIzEOJSMEn2NeMLbDqMYUseHAKr5YRwJmYQ/viewform.

For any absences extending to 5 or more school days, please contact Ana.Monge@sweetwaterschools.org, our Attendance Coordinator, to complete an short-term independence study contract.

Please contact Ms. Rubi.deleon@sweetwaterschools.org, our attendance technician, to report any attendance errors.

The Acknowledgment Corner will be continued to be used to highlight and celebrate our students at any opportunity that we can! If you would like your student acknowledged for something we may not be aware of, please feel free to contact me (include a picture or video if possible).

Nominated by Mr. Galindo, Dominic Meza. Dominic is a model student who demonstrates all the great characteristics that a student should have. He works hard and never complains. He helps anyone who needs help and is always willing to share his thoughts. He always raises his hand to answer any question that is asked in class and therefore is a great example of this month's IB Learner Profile--Risk Taker. He has the potential to succeed in any and all endeavors. And I am honored to have him as a student! Let's go BVM!!!

Nominated by Coach Spencer, Elizabeth Burgos. Elizabeth is a wonderful student. She always does her best in class and tries her hardest. Elizabeth has a great attitude and is a kind friend to her classmates. Elizabeth is also a trustworthy PE Loaner Aide in the girls locker room. She makes sure the loaner room is running smoothly every morning. She always has a smile on her face and is quick to laugh at funny jokes. Elizabeth has a great future ahead of her! Let's go BVM!!!

March is Arts in Education Month in California, and we are thrilled to celebrate the incredible impact that the Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) have on our students! At Bonita Vista Middle School, we are proud to foster creativity, self-expression, and artistic excellence through our outstanding VAPA programs.

A huge THANK YOU to our phenomenal VAPA teachers—Ms. Timmons (Dance), Mr. Atwood (Choir), Mr. Sias (Art), and Mr. TM (Band)—for their unwavering dedication to providing our students with platforms to showcase their talents and passion for the arts. Your hard work ensures that the arts continue to thrive at BVM!

This month alone, our students have shined in various district-wide events, including:

✨ Middle School Dance District Workshop – Engaging in an enriching experience with fellow young dancers.

🎭 Attending "Get on Your Feet" at Southwestern College – Inspiring our students through the magic of musical theater.

🏆 Sweetwater Union High School District VAPA Awards – Not only did we participate, but BVM took home the prestigious Mayor’s Choice Award for "Skater Girl" by Sophia Colwell!

The arts are alive and well at Bonita Vista Middle School, and it’s because of our dedicated teachers and talented students. Let's continue to support and celebrate the power of arts education! 🎨🎶🎭 #BVMArts #ArtsInEducation #CreativityInAction

For the second year in a row, our BVM Dance Team, led by their dedicated advisor Ms. Timmons, proudly participated in the Sweetwater Union High School District Middle School Dance Workshop. This event provided our students with an exciting and enriching experience, allowing them to grow as dancers while collaborating with peers from across the district. Way to go, BVM Dance! 💃✨ #BVMArts #BVMDance #CreativityInMotion

Our BVM Dance Team recently had the incredible opportunity to attend the nationally celebrated musical "Get on Your Feet" at Southwestern College! This unforgettable experience allowed our students to witness the power of storytelling through music and movement, further enriching their passion for the performing arts.

A huge thank you to our amazing Ms. Timmons, whose dedication and advocacy continue to ensure that the arts remain a vibrant and essential part of the student experience at Bonita Vista Middle School. Your commitment to providing our dancers with opportunities like this is truly inspiring!

Way to go, BVM Dance! 🎭💃✨ #BVMArts #BVMDance #GetOnYourFeet #TheArtsMatter

Hugo emerged as the champion of our Tournament of Books, showcasing his love for reading and critical thinking skills in a thrilling competition that connected literacy and literature with the excitement of March Madness! His dedication to reading truly exemplifies the spirit of academic excellence we celebrate at BVM.

A huge thank you to Ms. Colin and Ms. Funk for their unwavering commitment to promoting literacy and fostering a love for books in our beloved BVM Library. Your efforts continue to make reading a fun, engaging, and rewarding experience for our students!

Way to go, Hugo! Keep turning those pages and chasing greatness! 📖🏀✨ #BVMReads #MarchMadness #TournamentOfBooks #LiteracyMatters

Despite last Thursday’s rainy and chilly weather, our incoming parents and students showed up in huge numbers, bringing an incredible energy that filled the air with excitement and anticipation! The enthusiasm was palpable, and we cannot wait to welcome our future 7th-grade class to the BVM family!

This unforgettable event would not have been possible without the positive spirit, dedication, and warmth of our amazing BVM staff, who were ready and eager to greet our incoming community with open arms. Your energy and commitment make all the difference! Our student performers, although they were unable to perform, were equally positive to ensure that our incoming parents received a warm welcome! Thank you to our Choir, Dance, and Cheerleaders--YOU TRULY ARE THE BEST!!!!

The future at BVM is brighter than ever! 🌟💙 Thank you all! #FutureCrusaders #BVMFamily

Our district continues to be incredible, creating amazing opportunities for students to connect, collaborate, and grow alongside their peers from across the district! Last Friday, Mr. Ruiz (RDR ASB Advisor) and our fantastic neighbors at Rancho Del Rey Middle School hosted a district-wide ASB gathering, bringing together student leaders from every middle school.

Not only did students socialize and forge new friendships, but they also shared best practices to bring even more exciting activities to their campuses! To top it off, principals got behind the grill, flipping burgers for these hardworking and dedicated student leaders—a small way to show appreciation for their passion and commitment to their schools! Thank you to our very own Ms. Schroeder, who continues to also shine as our ASB advisor--her ASB cabinet improves every year!

Super proud to serve the incredible students of Bonita Vista Middle School! 💙🔥 Let’s keep building, leading, and making a difference! Let’s go, BVM! 🚀💪 #FutureLeaders #ASBStrong #BVMFamily #WeAreBVM

This weekend, our talented students, Thomas Asman and Nikolas Dallaris, showcased their creativity and teamwork by participating in the Minecraft Build Challenge. Competing against seven other teams from across San Diego, they dived into Round 1 with enthusiasm and dedication. While they didn't advance to the finals, their experience was enriching and memorable.

A special shoutout to our exceptional CTE Teacher and Advisor, Mr. Claudio, whose guidance and support were instrumental in making this opportunity possible.

These events not only highlight our students' skills but also foster a sense of community and innovation. Let's continue to support and celebrate their efforts.

Go BVM!

Bonita Vista Middle’s 8th Grade Girls Volleyball Team showed resilience and determination in a hard-fought victory over Rancho Del Rey Middle School on Saturday. The thrilling match went the distance, with the Crusaders pulling out a decisive third-set win to clinch the victory.

The Crusaders came out strong, dominating the first set with precision and confidence, putting Rancho Del Rey on their heels. However, the second set told a different story. Rancho adjusted their strategy, capitalized on key moments, and took advantage of a Crusader squad still finding chemistry with new players. With momentum shifting, Rancho managed to steal the second set, setting up a dramatic finale.

In the third and final set, the Crusaders regained their composure, communicated effectively, and refused to back down. With clutch plays and relentless determination, they sealed the win, proving that perseverance and teamwork pay off.

Congratulations to our incredible student-athletes and coaches for their hard-fought victory! Way to represent, Crusaders! We are BVM! 💙🏐🔥 #CrusaderPride #BVMVolleyball #ChampionshipMentality

Over the weekend, our 7th Grade Girls Volleyball Team took the court with determination and heart. Though they came up short in a hard-fought 2-0 loss, the team showcased significant progress, stringing together strong sequences and extended volleys.

Their communication and chemistry continue to improve, setting the foundation for future success. While this young squad is still building experience, their tenacity and teamwork make it clear—they will be a force to be reckoned with in the near future.

We are incredibly proud of their growth and commitment to the game. Let’s celebrate their dedication and resilience—keep grinding, Crusaders! We are BVM! 💙🏐🔥 #CrusaderPride #FutureChampions #BVMVolleyball

Although our BVM staff couldn’t be there in person over the weekend, we want to take a moment to acknowledge and celebrate the incredible efforts of Coach Harvey and our Boys Volleyball Team in their matchup against Eastlake Middle School.

We are so proud of this team’s dedication, hard work, and competitive spirit. No matter the outcome, they continue to show up, stay engaged, and give their best effort every time they step on the court.

Keep grinding, Crusaders! Your hard work is paying off—let’s keep building and getting stronger! 💙🏐🔥 #BVMVolleyball #CrusaderPride #KeepPushing

Post Script: All Flag Football Games were cancelled over the weekend and will continue on 3/22/25

Despite last week's rainy weather, our Track Team continued their training regimen and captured their team picture. Under Coach Diaz's leadership, they remain committed to enhancing their skills in preparation for the next meet on April 26.

Over the weekend, several of our students, staff, and parents had the privilege of attending the annual "Comienza con un Sueño" (It Begins with a Dream) conference at the University of California, San Diego. This free event is designed to inspire and inform students in grades 6 through 11, along with their families, about the possibilities of higher education.

Participants engaged in a variety of activities, including workshops conducted in both English and Spanish, hands-on STEM demonstrations, campus tours, and an educational resource fair featuring over 40 organizations. The day was further enriched with student performances, a club fair, and opportunities to connect with representatives from various sports and academic programs.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the students and parents who attended, as well as to Ms. Ortiz and Ms. Cableaux for their dedicated support as staff guides and chaperones. Their involvement exemplifies the spirit of engagement that contributes to our school's positive culture. We are fortunate to have such a committed community at Bonita Vista Middle School.

Thank you for your continued support in fostering educational opportunities for our students.

Character building is embedded in an IB education. We want our students to learn and embody 10 Learner Profiles (See attachment below). Our Seventh Learner Profile: Risk-Takers: risk-takers describes students who are able to approach new situations with courage and forethought.

IB Learner Profile Risk-Takers: The International Baccalaureate (IB) learner profile for risk-takers describes students who are able to approach new situations with courage and forethought. They are also able to explore new ideas and strategies.

Characteristics of risk-takers

• Courage: Risk-takers are brave and confident in their decisions.

• Independence: Risk-takers have the spirit to explore new roles, ideas, and strategies.

• Forethought: Risk-takers approach unfamiliar situations with thoughtfulness.

• Resilience: Risk-takers are able to learn from failure and bounce back.

In their article "The Teen-Disengagement Crisis," Jenny Anderson and Rebecca Winthrop explore the widespread issue of adolescents becoming disengaged from their education. They introduce the concept of "Passenger Mode," where students attend classes and complete assignments but lack genuine interest and investment in learning. This disengagement often begins in middle school; a study highlighted in the article found that while 74% of third graders enjoyed school, only 26% of tenth graders felt the same.

The authors argue that traditional schooling models may contribute to this disengagement by failing to provide meaningful challenges that foster true cognitive and emotional involvement. They suggest that parents can help counteract this trend by promoting autonomy in their children, guiding them to manage responsibilities independently rather than resorting to nagging. This approach aims to build motivation and essential life skills, helping teens shift from passive participation to active engagement in their education.

Families, below is a message from Superintendent Aguirre that was sent to you on Friday, February 7, 2025.

• In recognition of the complexities surrounding immigration matters, we have developed a dedicated section on our website aimed at providing accessible, reliable information and resources for all members of our community. It is our commitment to ensure that everyone has the necessary support to navigate these issues effectively.

• I encourage you to visit our website to explore these valuable resources. Our goal is to empower our community by providing the information needed to address any questions or challenges related to immigration.

• Click on this LINK to access the resources.

We understand that with busy schedules and different work commitments, finding time to eat together can be challenging. However, research shows that teens and kids who share meals with their families regularly are significantly more likely to achieve excellent grades—up to 40% more likely to earn A's and B's compared to those who have fewer family dinners each week.

At BVM, we encourage you to prioritize family meals, even if it’s just on weekends or during holidays. These moments you share around the table can strengthen your family bond and create great memories, fostering communication and support.

We recognize that every family's situation is unique, and even a few shared meals can make a big difference. So, let’s celebrate those opportunities to come together, nourish our bodies, and deepen our connections whenever we can. Thank you for your efforts to make family time a priority!

We are thrilled to recognize Mr. Armendariz for his outstanding dedication and commitment to Bonita Vista Middle School! Nominated by Mr. Sias, Mr. Armendariz has gone above and beyond in supporting our Special Education Department, ensuring that students receive the guidance and resources they need to thrive.

Not only is he an exceptional classroom teacher, but he also works tirelessly behind the scenes to make sure Tier 2 supports are clear, accessible, and effective for his students. His dedication, passion, and unwavering support make him a true pillar of our BVM community.

Well-deserved, Mr. Armendariz—congratulations! 🎉👏

We have been reviewing the study cited above in our efforts to always work on improving our school culture. Although we have seen significant improvements in student behaviors the past 5 years (according to our student incident data), we are always looking for areas of improvement. Our latest area of focus is targeting behaviors related to bullying, especially the bullying of students with disabilities. In following some of the strategies cited in the Princeton study above, we will be pursuing the following steps:

1. Setting Clear Expectations --In Progress

2. Enforcing Consequences for Bullying Behaviors --In Progress

3. Recruiting the help of our Students to Improve Student Culture and Target Bullying Behaviors (Begins 2nd Semester)

Remember to report Bullying of any kind Crusaders:

Assistant Principals:

Students Last Name (A - L): Roberto.Bonilla@sweetwaterschools.org

Students Last Name (M - Z): Marisol.Higadera@sweetwaterschools.org

Counselors:

Students Last Name (A - Gomez): Woodie.Taeatafa@sweetwaterschools.org

Students Last Name (Gon - Mc): Alexa.Vera@sweetwaterschools.org

Students Last Name (Me - Z): Veronica.Sandoval@sweetwaterschools.org

General Support:

MTSS Coordinator: Karla.Leonhardt@sweetwaterschools.org

Prinicpal:

Alexander.salazar-arbelaez@sweetwaterschools.org

Reach out and communicate with us!

Email: alexander.salazar-arbelaez@sweetwaterschools.org
Website: http://bvm.sweetwaterschools.org/
Location: 650 Otay Lakes Road, Chula Vista, CA, USA
Phone: 619-397-2200
Twitter: @BVM_Principal