Dear Parents and Guardians of the Bonita Vista Middle School Community,

Good morning! I hope this message finds you well as we step into March—a month of reflection, celebration, and continued growth. We are excited for what this new month brings, including some fun surprises on campus (I hear Leprechauns may be making an appearance soon!).

Academic Reflection & Goal Setting

One of the most important milestones last week was the release of the 1st Progress Report for the 2nd Semester on Friday, February 28th--progress report grades are accessible through your Infinite Campus Parent Portal. Remember, this semester tends to move quickly with extended breaks (Presidents’ Day, Spring Break, etc.) and SBAC/CAASPP testing in May, so now is the perfect time to reflect on academic progress and set goals for a strong finish.

This week, our teachers will be reflecting on grade distribution in their classes, and during our Professional Learning Community (PLC) meeting this Friday (a 12:50 PM dismissal day for students), they will engage in discussions about student progress and strategies to support learning. We encourage you to do the same at home—taking time as a family to review your child's progress and discuss next steps for success.

Here are some questions to guide your conversation at home:

• What subject(s) am I doing well in, and what has helped me succeed?
• Which areas have been challenging for me, and what can I do to improve?
• Have I been using my class time effectively and completing my assignments (including Advisory)?
• Am I asking for help when I need it—whether from my teachers, peers, or parents (Am I taking advantage of After School Tutoring)?
• How do I feel about school emotionally and socially? Am I feeling motivated and supported?

With about three months left in the school year, this is also a great time to set specific, achievable goals to ensure a strong finish. Some examples include:

• Improving a grade in a specific subject by seeking extra help or staying more organized.
• Strengthening study habits, such as setting a regular homework schedule or minimizing distractions.
• Engaging more actively in class discussions and participation (make it a goal to ask 1 question per day in one of your classes).
• Building positive relationships and making sure interactions with peers are respectful and supportive.
• Preparing for 8th grade (for our 7th graders) or for high school (for our 8th graders) by researching course options and developing a plan for a smooth transition.

A Time for Reflection & Growth

As we begin Women’s History Month, we recognize and celebrate the invaluable contributions of women in history and in our everyday lives. At the same time, we close out Black History Month, continuing our commitment to honoring and learning from the past while striving for a more inclusive future. These celebrations serve as a reminder of the power of respect, understanding, and unity in our community.

A Message on Kindness & Language

Recently, we have noticed an increase in the inappropriate use of language among some students. As a school, we are committed to ensuring that our words uplift others rather than tear them down. We ask that families continue these important conversations at home, reinforcing the idea that language matters and that kindness should always be at the forefront of our interactions. We are currently on strengthening our protocols when addressing inappropriate or even hateful language directed toward others.

Lastly, if you haven't already done so, parents please tell us how we are doing and make your voices be heard by filling out the following survey! Last year, our school was #1 in Parent Participation in this Survey. Not only did we take notice, but our district took notice in making sure that we were responding to our community's concerns --so please let us know how we are doing: https://wested.ugam-apps.com/wested/ts/u9ix

Thank you, BVM community, for your partnership in helping our students grow academically, socially, and emotionally. Let’s work together to ensure a strong, successful, and positive finish to the school year!

Sincerely,

Alex Salazar

Principal, Bonita Vista Middle School

"Another teen, from Philadelphia, told us that his mother texts him four times a day to remind him of things: “She texts me at like 11 a.m. when I am in class to remind me about homework that is due that night. She thinks I can’t manage myself at all, but I think I can.” --from the article "The Teen-Disengagement Crisis" (see below)

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 Coach Beck, Gideon Grace. Gideon is always ready to lend a helping hand to students and his coach. He is respectful every single day. He has incredible character. It is an honor to be his physical Education Teacher and Coach! #CrusaderoftheWeek

Nominated by Ms. Bade, Roman Abueg. Romain is a nice, supportive student. He is good at making friends. He is dependable and gets his assignments done. Roman doesn't get distracted. He is laser focused on his goals! #CrusaderoftheWeek

At Bonita Vista Middle School, we recognize that a smooth and effective transition from elementary to middle school is essential for student success. Our onboarding efforts begin as early as 6th grade, ensuring that incoming students feel supported and prepared before they even set foot on our campus.

For the past three years, we have been deepening our collaboration with our local elementary feeder schools, working closely with teachers and administrators to bridge the transition for our incoming 7th graders. A key partner in these efforts has been Ms. Delia Arancibia, Principal of Sunnyside Elementary, whose leadership has helped strengthen this vital connection between our schools.

This past Wednesday, February 26th, we had the privilege of hosting teacher teams from Allen, Chula Vista Hills, Clearview, Discovery, Tiffany, Sunnyside, and Valley Vista for a half-day of collaboration, a learning walk, and a debrief session. These dedicated educators engaged in meaningful discussions with four of our 7th-grade teachers—Ms. Cappos, Ms. Forg, Mr. Galindo, and Mr. Martinez—to exchange ideas on curriculum, instruction, and the key skills students need for a successful transition into middle school.

Through these ongoing efforts, we continue to build a strong, aligned pathway for student success, ensuring that students arrive at Bonita Vista Middle not only academically prepared but also confident in their ability to thrive. We are excited to see this collaboration grow and look forward to further strengthening our partnerships with our feeder schools in the years to come!

Students in Mr. Martinez’s class recently embarked on an engaging exploration of West African history, focusing on the rise and influence of the Ghana and Mali empires, the spread of Islam, and the legendary leadership of Mansa Musa. Through a variety of creative projects—including acrostic poems and visual representations—students demonstrated their understanding of the rich cultural, economic, and historical impact of these civilizations.

This learning aligns with California History-Social Science Standard 7.4, which emphasizes analyzing the geographic, political, economic, religious, and social structures of sub-Saharan African civilizations, including their trade networks and cultural diffusion.

Check out some of their incredible work displayed in our main office if you visit us this week!

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.

As we conclude our celebration of Black History Month, I want to take a moment to reaffirm our commitment to fostering an inclusive and united community at Bonita Vista Middle School. While we are all American, our collective history is rich, diverse, and complex. It is essential not only to acknowledge but to celebrate the many cultural groups that have shaped and continue to shape the fabric of our nation.

No one group is more important than another, just like no one group is less important than another, yet we must recognize that history has marginalized certain communities. Our goal is to build a community—both inside and outside the gates of BVM—where we uplift and support one another, embracing the diversity that strengthens us.

As part of our continuous improvement mindset, I encourage all of us to reflect on the power of our words and actions. Let’s be intentional about using language that uplifts, unites, and empowers rather than divides. These conversations don’t stop at school; they continue at home, in our neighborhoods, and in our daily interactions.

Thank you for being part of the BVM community and for committing to this ongoing work. Together, we can continue to create a space where everyone feels seen, valued, and celebrated.

As we close out Black History Month, we want to take a moment to recognize and celebrate Ms. Crystal Evans, a valued member of our Bonita Vista Middle School community! Known affectionately by our students as Ms. Crystal, she is more than just a campus assistant—she is a mentor, an educator, and a trusted adult who provides unwavering support and guidance to our students every day.

Ms. Evans, we truly appreciate your dedication and the positive impact you make on our campus. Thank you for all that you do!

As we close out Black History Month, we want to take a moment to recognize and celebrate Coach Butterfield for his dedication and impact at Bonita Vista Middle School. Now in his second year with us, Coach Butterfield has quickly become a student favorite in our PE program, bringing energy, enthusiasm, and a commitment to student success both inside and outside the classroom.

Beyond BVM, Coach Butterfield has also made his mark as a football coach, leading successful seasons at Chula Vista High School and most recently at San Ysidro High School.

Coach Butterfield, we appreciate your hard work, dedication, and the positive influence you bring to our students every day. Thank you for all that you do!

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