Bonita Vista Middle School Community,

Good morning BVM community, I hope we are enjoying this awesome and sunny Souther California weather! As we enter the final stretch before Spring Break, I want to take a moment to celebrate the incredible achievements of our students—both in academics and extracurricular activities—while also reinforcing our commitment to continuous improvement.

Celebrating Our Successes 🎉

This past weekend, our Spring Sports teams dominated in their season openers! Track, Boys Flag Football, Girls Flag Football, and Girls Volleyball all secured impressive victories, showcasing the hard work and dedication of our student-athletes. Additionally, we are thrilled to recognize Sophia Colwell, who received the prestigious “Mayor’s Choice Award” at the Sweetwater Union High School District Visual and Performing Arts Awards Night for her stunning mixed-media artwork, Skater Girl. Sophia’s achievement is a testament to the talent and creativity we nurture at BVM.

At Bonita Vista Middle, we take great pride in the fact that so many of our students are engaged in positive extracurricular activities, and we will continue to support their passions—whether on the field, in the arts, or in the classroom.

Academic Excellence – A Shared Responsibility 📚

While we celebrate these achievements, we also recognize that there is always room for growth, particularly in academics. Last Friday, our teachers conducted a data analysis of their grade distribution to determine how best to support students in and out of the classroom. Historically, 33% of our students receive at least one D or F at the end of the semester—an improvement from 42% 5 years ago, but we know we can do better. We are looking for a break through in academic achievement while maintain access to a rigorous curriculum.

Parents, we ask that you continue these conversations at home. I was encouraged by the number of families who reached out last week to schedule meetings focused on academic improvement with mself, counselors, or teachers. Together, we can ensure that more of our students are prepared for the challenges of high school and beyond. Please encourage your child to take advantage of tutoring opportunities and communicate with teachers about their progress.

Building a Positive & Inclusive School Culture 💙

In addition to our academic goals, we are working diligently to strengthen our school culture—particularly in the area of respectful and positive language. We have seen an increase in concerns regarding hateful, discriminatory, and inappropriate speech. Let me be clear: there is no place for this language at BVM.

To address this issue, we are implementing a consistent protocol when incidents arise:
✅ Investigation: A thorough review of any reported incidents.
✅ Support for Students: Providing immediate resources, including counseling and a safe space for affected students.
✅ Preventative Measures: Strengthening our policies on bullying and harassment, including additional staff training on diversity and inclusion.
✅ Communication: Keeping families informed about the actions we are taking and ensuring they feel supported.

We are committed to making BVM a safe and welcoming environment for all students. I ask for your partnership in reinforcing this message at home so that we can continue building a positive and inclusive school community.

Service Orientation at Bonita Vista Middle School:

Please make sure to read the messag below around our Leprechaun contest. This week, we are asking students to bring a box from home for their advisory classes (only 1 box needed for each advisory class) where students will work to construct a Leprechaun Trap. On March 17th and 18th, students will get to vote (50 cents a ticket or 3 tickets for $1). We are looking to raise funds for the victims impacted by the recent LA fires.

Looking Ahead 🚀

With just 10 days until Spring Break, let’s finish strong! We will celebrate our students’ successes, double down on our academic improvement efforts, and continue fostering a culture of respect and inclusion.

Thank you for your ongoing support, and as always—Go Crusaders!

Sincerely,

Alex Salazar

Principal, Bonita Vista Middle School

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

"Gendered cautioning in childhood, such as 'be careful', disproportionately targets girls, instilling undue fear and timidity."

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 Ms. Vallejo, Jade Miranda. Jade has an excellent classroom demeanor. Jade has shown how well she can advocate for herself in math. Jade works well in partnership as she walks through her math curriculum. It is a pleasure to have Jade working in our class each day. Let's go BVM!!!

Nominated by Ms. Vallejo, Alexis Rutland! Alexis is an amazing math student. Alexis has a record of asking excellent questions to rurther her understanding and help facilitate a learning environment. Alexis works hard daily in her own classwork and in helping her classmates understand concepts. She has a learning attitude and it is contagious. Thank you Alexis.

We are thrilled to celebrate Sophia Colwell, who was awarded the prestigious Mayor's Award at the 2025 Sweetwater Union High School District Visual and Performing Arts Awards on March 7, 2025! This incredible honor recognizes her artistic talent, creativity, and dedication to the arts.

Sophia’s award-winning piece, "Skater Girl," is a stunning mixed-media artwork that beautifully captures the spirit of youthful energy and freedom. Through her masterful use of color and texture, she brings to life the movement and emotion of a teenage girl skating at a vibrant skate park. The dynamic composition and rich color palette showcase not only her technical skill but also her ability to tell a powerful story through art.

Sophia, we are so proud of you and your achievements! Your artistry and passion continue to inspire our school community, and we can’t wait to see what you create next.

Congratulations once again on this well-deserved recognition! 🎨🏆👏

#BVMArt #SkaterGirl #MayorAwardWinner #ProudCrusader

The Bonita Vista Middle School (BVM) Crusaders delivered strong performances in multiple sports during the opening weekend of the Spring Sports Middle School Athletics Season. With standout victories in both Boys and Girls Flag Football and a solid showing in Volleyball, BVM athletes demonstrated skill, determination, and teamwork.

Boys Flag Football: Crusaders Claim Hard-Fought Victory

BVM’s Boys Flag Football team kicked off their season with an impressive 22-14 victory over Rancho Del Rey (RDR) at Southwest High School. The game showcased BVM’s ability to execute on both sides of the ball, as their defense made key stops and their offense capitalized on scoring opportunities. With this win, the team sets a strong foundation for what promises to be a competitive season.

Girls Flag Football: Dominant Performance on the Field

Not to be outdone, the BVM Girls Flag Football team put on a commanding display with a 26-6 win over RDR. The Crusaders dominated from the start, demonstrating excellent teamwork and strategic playmaking. Their high-energy performance set the tone for what looks to be a promising season ahead.

Volleyball: Mixed Results for BVM Teams

BVM’s Volleyball teams had a day of highs and lows at Otay Ranch High School. The Girls Varsity squad secured a well-earned 2-0 victory over EastLake Middle (ELM), showcasing their ability to control the game and execute crucial plays. However, the 7th-grade team faced a tough challenge against ELM, falling 2-0 in a competitive match. Meanwhile, the Boys Volleyball team had a tough opener, dropping their match against RDR 2-0. Despite the loss, the team showed resilience and will look to bounce back in their upcoming contests.

Track:

Track opened up their season with high energy and excitement at Eastlake High School! Coach Diaz took the meet as a great learning opportunity for his young athletes but is very excited about the upcoming meets!

Additionally, BVM 8th Grader, Anthony Heredia, truly shone on the track, competing in three grueling events: the 400m, 800m, and the 1600m. He demonstrated remarkable talent and determination by securing 1st place in both the 400m and the 1600m races. Hats off to Anthony and the Bonita Vista Middle School Track Team for their hard work and inspiring performances!

Looking Ahead

With strong performances across multiple sports, BVM’s student-athletes have started the season with confidence and determination. As the season progresses, expect the Crusaders to continue showcasing their talents and building on these early successes.

Stay tuned for more updates as BVM’s teams continue their journey through the spring athletics season. GO CRUSADERS!

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.

Dear Crusader students and families,

We are excited to announce that the Comienza con un Sueño Conference at UCSD is returning in person! This exciting conference is a FREE, accessible, and culturally enriching event designed for Latinx students in grades 6-11 and their families. While the focus is on the Latinx community, we invite individuals from all backgrounds from Bonita Vista Middle School to join us and benefit from this invaluable experience.

Bonita Vista Middle School is generously providing transportation to ensure you can attend. To help us create an unforgettable and impactful learning experience, we kindly ask for your assistance in providing the necessary information. Students who participate in the Comienza con un Sueño Conference will be able to receive Saturday School Credit.

The conference is scheduled for Saturday, March 15th, 2025 at UCSD. Our deadline to register for this conference is February 18th. Please be advised that this is on a first come first served basis. We need to know the total number of attendees for transportation purposes.

PLEASE CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Thank you for being a part of this amazing opportunity!

For questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact our Community Relations Facilitator, Evelyn Clabeaux at evelyn.clabeaux@sweetwaterschools.org or (619) 397-2210

Estimados estudiantes y familias de BVM,

¡Nos complace informarles que la Conferencia Comienza con un Sueño en UCSD regresa en persona! Esta emocionante conferencia es un evento GRATUITO, accesible y culturalmente enriquecedor diseñado para estudiantes latinos en los grados 6-11 y sus familias. Si bien la atención se centra en la comunidad latina, invitamos a personas de todos los orígenes de Bonita Vista Middle School a unirse a nosotros y beneficiarse de esta valiosa experiencia.

Bonita Vista Middle School proporcionara generosamente transporte para garantizar que pueda asistir. Para ayudarnos a crear una experiencia de aprendizaje inolvidable e impactante, le pedimos amablemente su ayuda para proporcionar la información necesaria. Los estudiantes que participen en la Conferencia Comienza con un Sueño podrán recibir crédito de escuela del sábado.

La conferencia está programada para el sábado 15 de marzo de 2025 en UCSD. La fecha límite para registrarse a esta conferencia es el 18 de febrero. Tenga en cuenta que esto se otorga por orden de llegada. Necesitamos saber el número total de asistentes para fines de transporte.

POR FAVOR HAGA CLIC AQUÍ PARA REGISTRARSE

¡Gracias por ser parte de esta increíble oportunidad!

Si tiene preguntas o inquitudes, no dude en comunicarse con nuestra facilitadora de las relaciones de la comunidad, Evelyn Clabeaux al evelyn.clabeaux@sweetwaterschools.org o (619) 397-2210

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