Viking Vibes
Engage. Educate. Empower.
Volume 3 ~ Issue 3 ~ Week of August 4, 2024
π Message from the Principal π
We had a great first full week of school last week! Our 7th graders got acclimated to the Block Schedule and our 8th graders were reminded of what Tardy Sweeps looked like! π Let's be sure to get to class on time, Vikings! You have 5 minutes to get to your classes, most of which are right down the hall from each other. When you hear that warning bell, that means you only have 60 seconds left, so close those mouths and get those feet moving to class! You got this, Vikings!
Congrats to Mrs. Bailon's Advisory for winning our first Music Monday of the year!! π€ Will your Advisory be our winners this week? πΆ
Let's make it a great week, Vikings!! π
Mondays and Wednesdays are Periods 1, 3, 5
Tuesdays and Thursdays are Periods 2, 4, 6
Fridays are Periods 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 with Advisory or SIG
It's our FIRST Spirit Week of the Year!! π
Dress up each day to earn spirit points on 5-star!! Remember, you can cash in your points for a variety of different prizes!! Check out your 5-star App for more information!
Class Schedule Changes
Due to enrollment changes and contractual obligations, we had to open a couple classes which means that there were approximately 60 students whose schedules were affected. Tomorrow during Advisory, those students will receive new locator cards with their new schedules. As mentioned previously, the counselors try their best to make the least amount of impact to a student's schedule where possible. Thank you for your understanding and patience.
Welcome to our Foreign Exchange Students!!
This week, we have 7 exchange students from Japan and China visiting Mar Vista Academy. They are partnered with an MVA student who will take them to all of their classes and immerse them in what it's like to be a student at Mar Vista Academy. We are so excited for the opportunity to learn from them while they are learning from us! We look forward to more partnerships with EduAbroad Exchange Program in the future!
Students: 10 Tips for Middle School Success!
1. Sleep Well. Teens should be getting 8 to 10 hours per night. Enough sleep is critical for your body and brain to function well. So turn off those TVs, phones and video game consoles, and get good rest each night!
2. Eat Right. Healthy and balanced meals give your body and mind energy to work well throughout the day. Take extra time and effort to make sure youβre not only eating enough but, eating a mix of everything you need (fruits, veggies, dairy and, whole grains). Our cafeteria offers FREE food every day, so take advantage of that!
3. Do your homework. Making it a habit to do your homework each night will help you practice skills and be ready for quizzes/tests. You should expect more homework to be assigned each night. If you do not complete your homework assignments, you will fall behind and it will be that much harder to be successful in class.
4. Stay organized. A little organization goes a LONG way in middle school. Having a system to keep track of assignments, due dates and keeping pages in the right order will help you study, turn in work and, do better on tests/quizzes. Be sure to use your FREE student planner to help you with organization!
5. Use Google Classroom and Jupiter Grades frequently. Viking students have their own iPad to use. Using it on a daily basis to check google classroom and Jupiter Grades will help you complete assignments on time and stay on top of your grades.
6. Study. Establish a consistent study routine to help you earn the best score possible on quizzes/tests and help reduce stress. Reviewing notes and creating/reviewing flashcards as a part of your nightly routine will help eliminate last-minute cram sessions.
7. Ask for help. Whether it is academic, social, or emotional help, there are adults at Mar Vista Academy ready and willing to help you! Seek out and ask for help when you feel you might need it.
8. Get involved. Research shows that school involvement can be a big determining factor for your success. Students who are involved with after-school activities, sports, and clubs are more likely to do well inside and outside of school.
9. Make goals. Give yourself something that you want to attain by the end of each quarter. Then, make a plan and stick with it to get there.
10. Stay positive. Keep a positive mindset and know that you CAN do whatever you put your mind to!
Parents/Guardians: 10 Tips to Help Your Child Succeed in Middle School!
1. Attend Open House, Viking Shadow Days, and Coffee with the Principal
Students do better in school when parents are involved in their academic lives. Attending Open House on August 15th is a great way to get to know your child's teachers and their expectations. Attending Viking Shadow Days gives you a sneak peak into your child's school day in each class. Also, keep in mind that parents or guardians can request meetings with teachers, principals, school counselors, or other school staff any time during the school year.
2. Read the Viking Vibes Newsletter and visit the School Website
Staying informed with what's happening at school can help you connect with your child when you talk about their school day. The weekly newsletter and school website have information about:
- the school calendar, bell schedule, and important dates
- contacting school staff
- special events like dances and programs
- testing dates
- sign-up information and schedules for sports, clubs, and other extracurricular activities
3. Support Homework Expectations
During the middle school years, homework gets more intense and takes students longer to do than during the elementary years, ranging anywhere from 1β2 hours each school night. An important way to help is to make sure your child has a quiet, well-lit, distraction-free place to study that's stocked with school supplies. Distraction-free means no phone, TV, or websites other than homework-related resources. And be sure to check in from time to time to make sure that your child hasn't gotten distracted.
Talk with your child regularly about class loads and make sure they're balanced. It's also a good idea to set a specific start time for homework each night. Helping your child set a homework schedule and consistent homework routine sends a message that academics are a priority. Encourage your child to ask for help when it's needed. Many teachers are available for extra help before or after school and might be able to recommend other resources. We also offer after school tutoring starting August 19th.
4. Send Your Child to School Ready to Learn
A nutritious breakfast fuels up middle schoolers and gets them ready for the day. In general, students who eat breakfast have more energy and do better in school. Help boost your child's attention span, concentration, and memory with breakfast foods that are rich in whole grains, fiber, and protein, and low in added sugar. If your child is running late, send along fresh fruit, nuts, yogurt, or half a peanut butter and banana sandwich. Our cafeteria also provides nutritious breakfast options before the first bell, at nutrition break, and at lunch.
Adolescents also need enough sleep to be alert and ready to learn all day. In general, preteens need about 9β12 hours of sleep each night and teens need about 8β10 hours. Bedtime problems can come up at this age for a variety of reasons. Homework, sports, after-school activities, texting, TVs, computers, and video games, as well as hectic family schedules, can lead to students not getting enough sleep. Also try to prevent kids from napping after school to ensure they can fall asleep at an appropriate time each night. Lack of sleep can make it hard for preteens and teens to pay attention in school. It's important to have a consistent bedtime routine, especially on school nights.
5. Teach Organization Skills
No one is born with great organizational skills β they have to be learned and practiced. Being organized is a key to success in middle school, as it's the first time that most students will have multiple teachers and classrooms, or do extracurricular or after-school activities. Students can benefit from parents helping with organizing assignments and time management. Class information and assignments should be organized by subject in binders, notebooks, or folders. Teach your child how to use a calendar or the free planner we gave them to stay organized and schedule study times. Calendars or planners also should include your child's non-academic commitments to help with time management.
Your child should know how to make a daily to-do list to prioritize tasks and manage time. It can be as simple as:
- swim practice
- walk the dog
- dinner
- study for social studies test (30 minutes)
- finish math worksheet
- read over science class notes (15 minutes)
- put clothes away
6. Teach Study Skills
Planning is a big part of helping your middle schooler study for tests now that they're juggling work from multiple teachers. Be sure you both know when tests are scheduled, and plan enough study time before each. When there's a lot to study, help figure out roughly how much time it will take to study for each test, then make a study calendar so your child doesn't have to study for multiple tests all in one night. Remind your child to take notes in class, organize them by subject, and review them at home each day. Help your child review material and study with easy techniques like simple questioning, asking to provide the missing word, and creating practice tests. The more processes the brain uses to handle information β such as writing, reading, speaking, and listening β the more likely students will remember the information. Repeating words, re-reading passages aloud, re-writing notes, or visualizing or drawing information all help the brain retain data. Remind your child that it usually takes a few tries to remember something correctly. And remember that getting a good night's sleep is smarter than cramming. Studies show that students who skip sleep to study are more likely to struggle on tests the next day.
7. Know the Disciplinary and Bullying Policies
Our student handbook is posted on our school website. The handbook covers expectations β and consequences for not meeting them β for things like student behavior, dress codes, use of electronic devices, and acceptable language. The policies also include details about attendance, vandalism, cheating, fighting. In addition, we have policies for bullying, consequences for bullies, support for victims, and how to report bullying.
Your child should be aware of what's expected at school and know that you'll support the consequences if expectations aren't met. It's easiest for students when school expectations match the ones at home. That way, kids see both settings as safe, caring places that work together as a team.
8. Get Involved
Volunteering at MVA is a great way to show you're interested in their education. Some students like to see their parents at school or school events. But others may feel embarrassed by it. Follow your child's cues about what works for you both, and whether your volunteering should stay behind the scenes. Make it clear that you aren't there to spy β you're just trying to help the school community.
Parents can get involved by:
- serving on a school committee like School Site Council or ELAC
- organizing and/or working at fundraising activities and other special events, like bake sales, car washes, and book fairs
- attending school board meetings
- working as a library assistant
- giving a talk for career day
- attending school concerts, plays, and athletic events
Check out our school website to find out volunteer opportunities that fit your schedule. Even giving a few hours during the school year can make an impression on your child.
9. Take Attendance Seriously
Students should take a sick day if they have a fever, are nauseated, vomiting, or have diarrhea. Otherwise, it's important that they arrive at school on time every day, because having to catch up can be stressful and interfere with learning. Middle schoolers may have many reasons for not wanting to go to school β tough assignments, low grades, social problems, or issues with classmates or teachers. Talk with your child β and then an administrator or school counselor β to find out more about what's causing any anxiety.
Students also may be late for school due to changes in their body clocks. During adolescence, the body's circadian rhythm (an internal biological clock) is reset, telling a teen to fall asleep later at night and wake up later in the morning. Keeping your teen on a consistent daily sleep schedule can help avoid problems like tiredness and tardiness.
10. Talk About School
Staying connected with your child as they grow more independent can be a challenge for parents, but it's more important than ever. While activities at school, new interests, and expanding social circles can play bigger roles in the lives of many middle school students, parents and guardians are still their anchors for providing love, guidance, and support. Talk with your child every day, so they know that what goes on at school is important to you. When children know their parents are interested in their academic lives, they'll take school seriously too. The way you talk and listen to your child can influence how well they listen and respond. Listen carefully, make eye contact, and avoid multitasking while you talk. Be sure to ask questions that go beyond "yes" or "no" answers. When children know they can talk openly with their parents, the challenges of middle school can be a little easier to face.
Want to play basketball, baseball, or softball?!?! Sign ups are this week!
Our Fall Sports registration for basketball, baseball, and softball start this week! Sound like something you're interested in? Come on out after school and register! No experience necessary!!
Join us at our Open House/Back to School Night 2024
We hope to see you there!!
Join VALOR - our FREE before/after school program!! π€
Every Friday is Viking Friday!! π€
Earn DOUBLE POINTS on 5-star if you participate this Friday, August 9th!!
Parents: Listen to San Diego County of Ed's "Parenting the Whole Child" Podcast!
Who We Are
We are Janelle Lopez, Parent and Family Liaison, Dr. Belle Tan, TSEL Project Specialist, and Dr. Felicia Singleton, Executive Director of the Whole Child and Community Design Department at the San Diego County Office of Education. United in our mission, we are committed to supporting and empowering families and communities across San Diego County. Driven by SDCOE's North Star Goal and our passion for fostering inclusive and welcoming spaces, we aim to create a sense of belonging while challenging the notion of "othering." On a personal note, we are also dedicated moms who are excited to connect with others who make a difference in the lives of children and youth.
Why This Podcast?
Our motivation for creating this podcast comes from a passion to expand our reach and strengthen our connections with families across San Diego County and beyond. Our goal is to build open and honest relationships and cultivate a sense of belonging within our communities. On this platform, weβll share our authentic and heartfelt parenting experiences, offering support and guidance to help our listeners navigate their own parenting paths or their roles as youth impact leaders, teachers, aunts, uncles, grandmas, grandpas, etc..
What to Expect
- Monthly Episodes: A new episode will be available on the 1st of each month on Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Podcasts.
- Special Guests: Each episode will feature special guests from our community who will bring their expertise and knowledge on various parenting topics.
- Resources and Support: We will provide valuable resources to help families connect and thrive.
- Interactive Engagement: Listeners can leave voice messages or send emails with their feedback and responses. Plus, there will be opportunities to win exciting prizes!
How Will This Benefit You?
This podcast is intended to be a helpful resource for families, sharing insights, practical tips, and real-life human experiences. Our goal is to help strengthen family engagement by building stronger bonds between families and the educational community through relevant, easy-to-access content. We also hope this podcast can support ongoing efforts by offering fresh perspectives and new ideas to share with families and communities.
Guidance for Our Families
Recognizing that not all families may be familiar with technology, we have put together a step-by-step guide to help them download and subscribe to our podcast. In addition, we are also providing instructions on how to watch our audio podcast on YouTube from a desktop computer, where viewers can select captions in their preferred language.
Don't hesitate to contact me, Janelle Lopez at janelle.lopez@sdcoe.net if you have any questions or would like to connect.
____
Quick Links to Listen:
YouTube Episode 1 Video Link:
YouTube Podcast Channel Link:
http://www.youtube.com/@WholeChildPodcast
Spotify Episode Link:
https://open.spotify.com/episode
Spotify Podcast Profile Link:
Apple Podcast:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/parenting-the-whole-child/
π’ Upcoming Community Events and Opportunities π’
National Night Out - Tuesday, August 6th
Students who attend AND wear their Viking Spirit shirt will earn 25 points on 5-star!! Just arrive by 4pm at the park and check in with Ms. Scott to get your points! π€
π South Bay Summer Festival - August 24th π
Keep our school safe!!
Interested in donating to MVA?!?
About Us
The mission of Mar Vista Academy is to engage, educate and empower each student to thrive in the global community.
Please reach out with any questions, comments, or concerns!
The Sweetwater Union High School District prohibits discrimination, intimidation, harassment (including sexual harassment) or bullying based on a personβs actual or perceived age, ancestry, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, immigration status, nationality, race or ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or association with a person or a group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics. For questions or complaints, contact Equity Compliance Officer Dr. Vernon Moore at 1130 Fifth Avenue, Chula Vista, CA 91911, (619) 691-5564, vernon.moore@sweetwaterschools.org; Title IX Coordinator Robert Hughes at 670 L Street, Suite G, Chula Vista, CA 91911, (619) 600-4900, robert.hughes@sweetwaterschools.org; and Section 504 Coordinator Sonia Picos at 1130 Fifth Avenue, Chula Vista, CA 91911, (619) 691-5564, sonia.picos@sweetwaterschools.org.
Email: sasha.scott@sweetwaterschools.org
Website: mva.sweetwaterschools.org
Location: 1247 Thermal Avenue, San Diego, CA, USA
Phone: (619) 628-5100