Sabercat News

Volume 3.4

November 1, 2023

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Mission Statement: South Valley's mission is to provide a safe and nurturing environment, rich with rigorous educational experiences that engage, empower, and inspire students to higher levels of personal and academic excellence.

Core Values: Character, Community, Commitment

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Celebrating Our Success!!

Dear South Valley Community,

We have some exciting news to share! South Valley has once again been awarded an "A" letter grade by the Arizona Department of Education! We couldn't be prouder of this significant achievement. This remarkable accomplishment is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our incredible teachers and staff.

The "A" letter grade from the Arizona Department of Education is a true reflection of the passion and commitment that our educators exhibit day in and day out. It's a result of countless hours spent planning engaging lessons, nurturing our students' growth, and creating a positive learning environment that empowers our students to thrive.

We also want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to our supportive community of parents, guardians, and volunteers who have played a vital role in our success. Your involvement and commitment to our school have been essential in achieving this remarkable milestone.

The journey to excellence is ongoing, and we are excited to continue building on this success. South Valley is more than just a school; it's a close-knit family that works together to ensure the best possible education for our students. As we celebrate this achievement, we remain committed to providing a top-quality education and fostering an environment where every student can reach their full potential.

Once again, thank you to our extraordinary South Valley community.

GO SABERCATS!

Best regards,

Jonathan Schley

Principal

South Valley School

Congratulations to our August and September STUDENTS OF THE MONTH! These students are nominated by their teachers and staff members for their display of South Valley Junior High's core values: Character, Community, and Commitment.

• Friday, November 10th - NO SCHOOL in observance of Veteran's Day
• Wednesday through Friday, November 22-24 - NO SCHOOL in observance of Thanksgiving Holiday
• Monday & Tuesday, December 18 & 19 - HALF DAYS for 2nd Semester Finals (12:30 pm release)
• Wednesday December 20th Through Tuesday January 2nd - NO SCHOOL, Winter Break. Students return on 1/3/24.

This year, the Bee will be held on November 14 in the Library during 1st & 2nd hour, may run into 3rd hour as well.

The following is the link to the Google sign up form: https://bit.ly/SVJH-SpellingBee-2023 . This was also posted directly in the Advisory Google Classroom last week for all students. We will also have posters throughout campus soon with a QR code that they can scan. The students will receive a link to the study list immediately after they submit their sign-up, and they will also receive an email from Mrs. Irvine with a link to the study list.

Good Luck to all of our Bee contestants!

Please join us Friday, November 17th at 6:00pm in our gym for our semi-annual Dance Showcase. All of these young women have been working very hard and can't wait to showcase what they've learned!

We are excited to be invited to join the Gilbert Days Parade again this year! This year the parade will be on Saturday, November 18th. Last year we had a blast seeing everyone in our community. We hope to see you there!

Sam Slade, a famous (although rather inept) detective, needs the help of your audience in solving this delightful mystery. Sam has come to the Clam Cove Inn island resort in a marital pursuit of his girlfriend, Lila Dean, but also stumbles upon the murder of Colonel Horace Clamskey. Motives are discovered among the many guests as a vicious hurricane bears down on the island. The web of sticky spine-tingling suspense continues as our criminal strikes again — the Colonel’s niece is kidnapped. Who could it be?! Sam Slade untangles this twisted plot of intrigue, eventually apprehending the killer, thanks to the help from your audience.

The SVJH Drama Department will be hosting their annual Dessert Theatre Production of Touchtone "M" For Murder on November 30th & December 1st, 2023

South Valley Junior High Cafeteria

7:00 p.m - Doors will open at 6:30p.m.

Cost: $10 per person & includes dessert.

Tickets will be available in the SVJH Office starting November 20th

Upcoming GPS Bond and Budget Override Continuation Election

Gilbert Public Schools Governing Board approved that in November 2023, voters living within Gilbert Public School boundaries will decide on a proposed 15% budget override continuation and a $100 million dollar bond. Voters last approved a bond and override in November 2019. For more information please visit www.gilbertschools.net/election and watch the short video below.

• In-person voting available - October 30 - November 6th, 8 am-5 pm (Mon-Fri) and 5:30 am-7 pm on Election Day November 7th (Location - Gilbert Public Schools, Building B, 140 S Gilbert Rd)

We are excited to have the Campo Verde High School Air Force JROTC here during our lunch hours on November 14th. Stop by and get all the information you need to know about joining the JROTC when you get to high school!

SECOND QUARTER SPORTS

Our Quarter Two sports have begun! This week our first game will be here at HOME on November 1st for Boys Basketball, Girls Soccer, and Cheer. Wrestling will be participating their first Meet at Highland Junior High on Wednesday, November 1st as well!

Girls Soccer fans, please bring a lawn chair and come out and enjoy the perfect weather, while you cheer on our Sabercats!

Below is our FULL YEAR game schedule. Click on it to enlarge.

Have questions regarding South Valley Athletics or need more details? Please email our Athletic Admin Assistant at: Lesli.Napier@GilbertSchools.net or call our Athletics Department at (480) 855-0015 Ext. 1551

**SVJH Library Wish List**

Thanks for supporting our Library!

We are also in need of gently used games such as Jenga, Connect 4, Uno, and Chess. Please click on the following link - or scan the QR Code!

https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1V1TUAA294JGQ?ref_=wl_share

Looking for a great holiday gift? Buy a yearbook for your student! The price goes up after December, so make sure to make your purchase soon! Click here to buy a book: Yearbook Order Center

Want to know more about PTSO? Now you can find everything you need to know in one place! Just click on our website: SVJH PTSO Website

You can find information about our monthly meetings and the meeting minutes. You can also find out about our upcoming teacher appreciation events and restaurant nights. Did you know you can even find our staffs' favorites? This is a great way to surprise our amazing staff with a special gift or treat. Just look for the "teacher favorites" tab on the dropdown menu.

SVJH PTSO has a new Facebook page and Instagram account! To find us, just clink the links:

South Valley Junior High PTSO Facebook

southvalleyjrhighptso Instagram

South Valley Jr. High PTSO website

It's not too late to make a donation. Use this QR Code to donate using Square or email us at ptsosvjh@gmail.com.

• The Lost and found is located in the Library. Please check it periodically if you are missing any clothing, lunch boxes, hydroflasks, etc. Anything left in the bin when we leave for school breaks, will be donated
• Cell phones are not allowed to be used while on campus from the start of the school day, at first bell, until the last bell of the day rings. They should remain in their backpacks and turned off or turned to silent. If a student needs to call a parent, they can use any classroom phone or one of the many available in the Front Office. If a parent needs to get a message to their student, the Front Office will be glad to relay the message to your student in between class periods.
• Replacement ID Cards - if you have misplaced your ID card, a new one can be purchased from our Attendance Office for $5.

Here Comes the Bus app: https://www.gilbertschools.net/Page/2597

'Here Comes the Bus,' is a service for families whose students ride the school bus. The app allows GPS parents and families to track the real-time location of their student's school bus, to know when and where their student boards or exits the bus, and helps ensure GPS students get to the bus stop on time.

Student ID Badges - Secondary: https://www.gilbertschools.net/Page/2771

All junior high and high school students are expected to wear student ID badges at all times to promote the safety and security of everyone on campus. Students will receive their badges and lanyards during the first weeks of school.

‘Annual Update’ on Infinite Campus: https://www.gilbertschools.net/annualupdate

It is crucial that all GPS families complete the online 'Annual Update' in Infinite Campus. The

information provided will be used by the district or your school to directly communicate with you regarding your student, or in the event of an emergency on campus. Please log into your Infinite Campus Parent Portal and complete the 'Annual Update' today!

Free & Reduced Meals: https://linqconnect.com/

Families can apply securely online for the Free & Reduced Meals program for the 2023/24 school year. Students who are eligible will also receive additional benefits such as reduced internet fees and waived college testing fees. The Free & Reduced Meals program also ensures your school continues to receive funding for many programs. Apply today.

Families Hub: https://www.gilbertschools.net/families

The Families Hub offers a wide range of resources to help you and your student(s) throughout the school year, including back to school updates, menus, nutritional information, enrollment details and more.

GPS District Community Calendar:

https://www.gilbertschools.net/calendar#calendar1/20220627/month

Check out our district calendar for the latest details on GPS events, holidays, breaks and more.

See Something? Say Something!: https://www.gilbertschools.net/tip

The confidential GPS Tip Line was designed to promote school and student safety and wellbeing. Students and parents can report a threat or potential threat about a student or school. The Tip Line also provides information on other topics, which may affect our students, staffs, or schools.

Stay Connected with GPS: https://www.gilbertschools.net/app

Our GPS Mobile App is free and easy to download! From a smart device, go to the App Store® or Google Play Store® and search for "Gilbert Public Schools." Don't forget to customize your app by selecting to follow your student's school calendar and notifications!

Get your South Valley Spirit Shirt for spirit days this SEMESTER! We have a variety of different spirit shirts starting at $10. We also have State 48 shirts in stock for $25 in red and black. We wear spirit shirts on Fridays and other days like pep assembly days, etc. Come by and check it out!

Email: svjhsinfo@gilbertschools.net
Website: www.gilbertschools.net/southvalleyjunior
Location: 2034 South Lindsay Road, Gilbert, AZ, USA
Phone: 480-855-0015
Facebook: facebook.com/SVJHS
Twitter: @SVJHSabercats