Dear Bonita Vista Middle School Community,

Good morning BVM Community! I hope everyone is staying hydrated and avoiding the heat as much as possible this weekend. Please take some time to read our newsletter this week where some of our main topics for this week cover: Fall Sports Spirit Week, our recent Progress Report 1 (September 6, 2024), and guidelines that we use during Heat Advisories due to extreme weather.

Fall Sports Spirit Week:

We are excited to announce our upcoming Fall Sports Spirit Week, which will take place from Monday, September 9th to Friday, September 13th. This is a great opportunity for our students to show their school spirit and support our Fall Sports Teams--Boys and Girls Basketball, Baseball, Softball, Cross Country, and Cheer. We encourage all students to participate and show off their enthusiasm for our school's athletic programs. Please remind your student to wear their favorite basketball jersey, shorts, or gear this coming Monday, September 8, 2024.

Progress Report 1 (September 6, 2024):

In addition, we want to remind all parents about the progress report that was recently published on Infinite Campus Parent Portal on Friday, September 6th (we have attached instructions on how to access your student's grades via your parent portal). Moreover, we encourage you to take the time to sit down with your student and have a conversation about their progress in school. This is an important opportunity to provide support and encouragement, as well as address any areas that may need improvement. Some of the areas may include academics, while other areas may include behavior. If after the first 6 weeks of school, your student is struggling academically then they should be attending some form of tutoring and additional time at home she be spent on academics. If your student has struggled with behavior, then a time for reflection and conversation should be happening weekly. Please make sure to include your student's assistant principal and counselor in these types of conversations. For severe cases, I will be scheduling parent meetings to begin creating a plan to redirect our students toward a more positive path.

Also, our head counselor, Ms. Sandoval at our recent Coffee with the Principal (Thursday, September 6), discussed how to frame these conversations. Please make sure to check out the video below of Ms. Sandoval's discussion about how to best respond to progress reports with your respective students.

Heat Advisory:

As we are currently experiencing a heat wave, it is crucial for students to stay well hydrated throughout the school day. Please remind your students to drink plenty of water and to take advantage of the water stations available on campus--we have three available water filtration stations in the 300 building, 500 building and by our Girls PE building. We have also been providing additional shade out in PE as long as 4 additional water jugs where students can refill their water bottles. Please make sure to invest in a water bottle that your student can bring to school. It's crucial for their health and well-being, especially during these hot weather conditions. Also, we encourage students to to wear light clothing, drink plenty of fluids, and wear sunscreen as needed.

Other adjustments we have made and will continue through Tuesday is during lunchtime. At lunchtime we typically allow our students to play full court basketball (and many of our students spend their lunchtime doing this) but due to the heat, we are only allowing students to play 3 vs. 3 half court with a mandatory 5 minute break after 10 minutes of continous play.

In PE last week, we reduced the activity time as well, provided additional shade for students, and iced, drinking water. I have been in continuous communication with our PE department to ensure our students' safety and well being.

Lockdown Safety Drill:

Please be advised that this Tuesday, September 10th, we will have a lockdown drill on our campus. Again, this is only a drill so we want to make sure that everyone knows well in advance. Please scroll down to our FYI section where I discuss Student and Staff Safety being our paramount priority at BVM. Again, please be advised that this Tuesday, September 10th we will have a Lockdown Drill.

Thank you for your ongoing support, and let's have an awesome week BVM Community!

Sincerely,
Dr. Salazar

Hello Parents,

We are excited to invite you to the Parent Math Night at Olympian High School on September 11, 2024. We encourage you to take a look at the attached flyer for more details. To reserve your spot, please register at bit.ly/parentnight2024.

Join us for a delightful dinner from 4:30 pm to 5:00 pm, followed by an engaging presentation from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm. We look forward to seeing you there!

We want to remind all parents about the progress report that was recently published on Infinite Campus Parent Portal on Friday, September 6th (we have attached instructions on how to access your student's grades via your parent portal). Moreover, we encourage you to take the time to sit down with your student and have a conversation about their progress in school. This is an important opportunity to provide support and encouragement, as well as address any areas that may need improvement. Some of the areas may include academics, while other areas may include behavior. If after the first 6 weeks of school, your student is struggling academically then they should be attending some form of tutoring and additional time at home she be spent on academics.

If your student has struggled with behavior, then a time for reflection and conversation should be happening weekly. Please make sure to include your student's assistant principal and counselor in these types of conversations. For severe cases, I will be scheduling parent meetings to begin creating a plan to redirect our students toward a more positive path.

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.

Parents please make sure not to park in the parking lots of our local business or churches. We want to respect our neighbors and the spaces that they use for their employees.

Parents and guardians, to ensure a smooth flow of traffic during drop off and pick-up, please follow our traffic guidelines: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1h0yXoyV5YvLAWlj7qBZbbvb0RKGKkEYAoAGqUStI1Bg/edit.

Additionally, we ask to not use our church across the street, Risen Savior Lutheran Church, or other local businesses like the Bonita Del Rey Dental Care, and Ralph's to drop off or pick up your students. We have received reports that employees at these organizations and establishments have not been able to either park or access their cars becasue our parents are using these areas to wait or drop off their students. We kindly ask that you use the traffic guidelines above.

Thank you!

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. Claudio, Julian Maynard. Julian deserves Crusader of the Week due to his supportive spirit in my efforts to get the 3D Printer operational!!! Let's go BVM!!! #IBCandidateSchool #IBProfilePrincipled

Nominated by Ms. Monge, Alliah Lizarraga. I would like to nominate Alliah for being an excellent example of the CARING IB Learner Profile. While Alliah is not my student, she has made it a point to say hello before her 6th period class on a regular basis. She brightens my day because she goes out of her way to greet me and ask how I am doing. Alliah shows sincere kindness and care for others while also being an example to her classmates who see her positive behavior. I am grateful to be surrounded by students like Alliah who have joy in their hearts and share that happiness with others. Thanks, Alliah! Let's go BVM!!! #IBPROFILECARING#IBCANDIDATESCHOOL

As we continue building a more positive culture at Bonita Vista Middle School, one thing that we ask all our students is to wear blue on Fridays! Please make sure to encourage your student to wear blue on Friday and to stay connected and engaged to our school!

Character building is embedded in an IB education. We want our students to learn and embody 10 Learner Profiles (See attachment below). Our Second Learner Profile: Principled being someone who will act with integrity and honesty, with a strong sense of faireness and justice, and with respect for the dignity and rights of people everywhere. You can email me directly pictures and stories of how your student has exemplified being Principled if you'd like your student to be featured in our weekly newsletter: alexander.salazar-arbelaez@sweetwaterschools.org.

IB Learner Profile Principled: We act with integrity and honesty, with a strong sense of faireness and justice, and with respect for the dignity and rights of peple everywhere. We take responsibility for our actions and their consequences.

Crusader of the Week

Students are nominated for Crusader of the Week in the following areas academic achievement, improvement in behavior, demonstrating kindness and so much more. After the 10-day balance period at the beginning of each semester, teachers may begin submitting their nominations. Each week one 7th and one 8th-grade student will be recognized. If more than one student in each grade level is nominated next in line will be recognized the following week. Students may only receive Crusader of the Week once in the school year. Those who earn Crusader of the Week will be mentioned in the Principal’s newsletter, and the morning announcements, and receive a certificate and a small treat in front of their peers.

Straight A Luncheon –

Students (7th & 8th) who earned Straight A’s in BOTH Scholarship and Citizenship on the Fall Semester Report Card are recognized with a luncheon at the end of January/beginning of February.

Outstanding 8th Grade Students (We select two per year)

8th-grade teachers and other school staff nominate two students who have been outstanding the entire school year in all subject areas and extracurriculars. Those nominated then go on a ballot and are then voted on by the admin, counseling team, and other school personnel for the award. Each member of the voting team gets 1 vote. This award is then presented at 8th grade awards night, each May.

For the month of July, our new psychologist, Ms. Mariscal-Huizar, was awarded as our certificated employee of the month. She is new to our site this year, but already is making significant contributions to our Special Education Department and to our overall BVM community! We are lucky to have Ms. Mariscal! Thank you for demonstrating and always acting with utmost integrity! Congratulations!

Suicide is a major public health challenge, with more than 700 000 deaths each year globally. Each suicide has far-reaching social, emotional, and economic consequences, and deeply affects individuals and communities worldwide.

The triennial theme for World Suicide Prevention Day for 2024-2026 is "Changing the Narrative on Suicide" with the call to action "Start the Conversation". This theme aims to raise awareness about the importance of reducing stigma and encouraging open conversations to prevent suicides. Changing the narrative on suicide is about transforming how we perceive this complex issue and shifting from a culture of silence and stigma to one of openness, understanding, and support.

The call to action encourages everyone to start the conversation on suicide and suicide prevention. Every conversation, no matter how small, contributes to a supportive and understanding society. By initiating these vital conversations, we can break down barriers, raise awareness, and create better cultures of support.

This theme also emphasizes the need to prioritize suicide prevention and mental health in policy making, calling for government action. Changing the narrative requires advocating for policies that prioritize mental health, increase access to care, and provide support for those in need.

World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) was established in 2003 by the International Association for Suicide Prevention in conjunction with the World Health Organization (WHO). The 10 September each year aims to focus attention on the issue, reduces stigma and raises awareness among organizations, governments, and the public, giving a singular message that suicides are preventable.

Every September 11, we solemnly commemorate the largest terrorist attack on the United States and honor the brave individuals who made the ultimate sacrifice in protecting our country. The events of September 11, 2001, left an indelible mark on the lives of people not only in America but across the world. The deliberate crashes of hijacked planes into the Twin Towers in New York City, the Pentagon, and a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania shook the world to its core. The loss of life and the immense impact on our nation was unprecedented.

On this day, we also pay tribute to the first responders who courageously put their lives on the line, many of whom made the ultimate sacrifice. If you are a first responder, we express our deepest gratitude for your selfless service.

Available to all SUHSD students "Escape the Vape" Logo and Poster Contest --Entry Deadline is September 20, winning entries will receive $100 Target Gift Certificate. Interested participants may see the posters around campus or they may go see Dr. Meza in room 406 for more information. Thank you! Let's participate BVM!!!

As we are currently experiencing a heat wave, it is crucial for students to stay well hydrated throughout the school day. Please remind your students to drink plenty of water and to take advantage of the water stations available on campus--we have three available water filtration stations in the 300 building, 500 building and by our Girls PE building. We have also been providing additional shade out in PE as long as 4 additional water jugs where students can refill their water bottles. Please make sure to invest in a water bottle that your student can bring to school. It's crucial for their health and well-being, especially during these hot weather conditions.

Other adjustments we have made and will continue through Tuesday is during lunchtime. At lunchtime we typically allow our students to play full court basketball (and many of our students spend their lunchtime doing this) but due to the heat, we are only allowing students to play 3 vs. 3 half court with a mandatory 5 minute break after 10 minutes of continous play.

In PE last week, we reduced the activity time as well, provided additional shade for students, and iced, drinking water. I have been in continuous communication with our PE department to ensure our students' safety and well being.

In response to the recent tragic event at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia, I want to emphasize that the safety of our students and staff is our utmost priority at Bonita Vista Middle School.

Please know that this week, we are conducting our annual Behavioral Threat Assessment Training for all administrators and support personnel to address and review potential threats that unfortunately occur across schools nationwide. Furthermore, this Tuesday, September 10th --we will be conducting one of our Safety Drills with all students and staff --Lockdown Drill. Please note, this is a scheduled safety drill and it is only a drill.

Moreover, communication and information sharing play a vital role in maintaining a safe environment, which is why we consistently engage in discussions with campus safety personnel to address both macro and micro safety issues (weekly). We also conduct debrief sessions following any significant safety incidents to identify areas of improvement and communication gaps. Our approach to school safety is both proactive and reflective, and we encourage ongoing communication from our school community regarding any safety-related matters. Thank you for your continued collaboration and support in ensuring the safety of our school--and please continue communicating with us as you have been.

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