Bonita Vista Middle School Community,

Good morning! I hope you all had the chance to enjoy the beautiful weather this past weekend. As always, I want to thank you for your continued collaboration and partnership—it’s the foundation that allows our school community to grow stronger each day.

Last Friday, we experienced a few unfortunate incidents on campus involving a small number of students. While these situations directly involved only a few individuals, we recognize the broader impact they can have on our entire student body and our staff. We addressed the incidents promptly, and you can read more in the communication that was sent home on Friday. As part of our commitment to growth and learning, we will be speaking with students on Monday during lunch to reflect on what occurred and reinforce our shared expectations as a community. We will also continue some of this conversation with our staff.

At the same time, it’s essential that we shine a light on the many incredible things happening at Bonita Vista Middle School. Last week, we proudly hosted our 2025 Unified Kickball Tournament, led by the outstanding Ms. Ehrig. This event was a true celebration of inclusion and community, bringing together general education students and students in our specialized support programs in a fun, spirited, and meaningful way (please make sure to check out the pictures below). We also want to recognize our Crusader Buddy Club, our Cheerleaders, and all the students who came out during their own lunch break to support and cheer—what a powerful example of unity and kindness.

Additionally, we celebrated our student-athletes at the Spring Sports Assembly on Friday. We highlighted our Dance Team, Cheerleaders, Boys and Girls Volleyball, Boys and Girls Flag Football, and our Track Team, who delivered a dominant performance at Eastlake High School over the weekend. Their dedication, teamwork, and Crusader spirit continue to inspire us all. We also want to recognize that our Boys and Girls Flag Football Teams had dominating performances over the weekend. In fact, our Girls Flagfootball Team remains undefeated!

Looking ahead--as it is always important to look ahead, we have just seven weeks left in the school year—and we’re entering an important and exciting final stretch. Our 8th-grade class continues to lead by example. Many students have successfully completed their third round of credit recovery, and BVM currently boasts the highest percentage of promotion-eligible 8th-grade students among all middle schools in the district--yes we are 2nd to none in academically preparing students for high school. This is a tremendous accomplishment and a testament to the combined efforts of our students, families, and dedicated staff. By ensuring that our 8th graders pass all their classes this semester, we wil keep this standing.

We are equally focused on preparing our 7th-grade students to become next year’s student leaders and ensuring they finish strong—academically, socially, and emotionally--we still have some work to do here which is why it will be important that we make every day count left in this semester (and during Summer). This Friday, April 25, Progress Report 2 will be published on Infinite Campus. This progress report plays a key role in shaping our final academic outcomes, and we encourage families to review it closely and have conversations at home about goals, expectations, and finishing the year on a high note.

Thank you once again for your continued support. Together, we will rise from challenges, celebrate our wins, and keep our focus on what matters most: the success and well-being of every Crusader.

Let’s have a great week ahead—Let’s go BVM!

Sincerely,
Alexander Salazar
Principal, Bonita Vista Middle School

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 Mr. Armendariz, Beau Coleman. Beau consistently puts in the effort, gets her work turned in on time, and gives her best in every class. She's made amazing progress trhoughout the school year and doesn't let any challenge slow her down. Great job. Beau! Let's go BVM!!!

Nominated by Ms. Leonhardt, Victoria Becerra. Victoria has shown notable improvement in her academic performance. She demonstrates increased focus, a stronger work ethic, and a growing confidence in her learning. Her preogress is a reflection of her dedication and perseverance. Let's go BVM!!!

This past Thursday, Bonita Vista Middle School had the distinct honor of hosting the 2025 Unified Kickball Tournament, a powerful celebration of inclusion, teamwork, and school spirit. With heartfelt thanks to Ms. Ehrig, our incredible science teacher, and the collaborative efforts of our staff and students, we welcomed teams from Eastlake Middle School, Hilltop Middle, and Mar Vista Academy for an unforgettable event.

The tournament brought together students in our general education program—serving as Student Buddies—and students from our specialized programs in an environment filled with music, food, laughter, and support. It was more than just a game—it was a moment that reflected the true heart of our school community: unity, respect, and joy.

We extend our sincere gratitude to our dedicated custodial crew, Ms. Evans, our spirited cheerleaders, our outstanding Special Education team, and our inspiring Crusader Buddies Club for their role in making this event such a resounding success.

Thank you BVM!!!

On Friday, April 18th, we had the wonderful opportunity to celebrate our amazing Spring Sports athletes during our Spring Sports Assembly. The event highlighted the talents and dedication of our Cheer, Volleyball, Flag Football, and Track teams, as well as their team captains. It was a proud moment for our athletic community!

Our spirited Cheer and Dance teams brought energy and excitement to the assembly with fantastic performances, and our outstanding ASB organized fun student activities to promote school-wide engagement and enthusiasm.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to making this a memorable event. While we faced some behavioral challenges later in the day, we want to recognize and appreciate that, during the assembly, students demonstrated respectful and positive behavior. As Ms. Schroeder, our ASB Dean, shared—our students truly rose to the occasion during this special celebration.

Way to go, Crusaders! 💙👏🏽🏆

This past Saturday, the Bonita Vista Middle School Track Team delivered a powerhouse performance at Eastlake High School, showcasing speed, endurance, and heart across every event. With the sun shining and the competition fierce, our Crusaders rose to the occasion and left their mark on the track.

Leading the charge was Gabriel Heredia, who claimed 1st place in the 800 meters, while his teammate Anthony Heredia blazed through both the 400 and 200 meters, taking 1st place in each. Jacob Aguilar kept the momentum strong with a 1st place finish in his 400-meter heat, further solidifying BVM’s presence in the sprints. Rounding out the impressive results, Remy Padilla sprinted to a 1st place finish in the 200 meters, capping off a spectacular day for the Crusaders.

There were other winners as well! My apologies that I was not able to get all the names (and events)!

On the girls’ side, Mila Arreola Blancafort impressed with 2nd place finishes in both the 800 and 1600 meters, showcasing her strength in distance running. Claudia Luna sprinted her way to 1st place in the 200 meters, and Elena Khuong added to the medal count by securing 3rd in the 800 meters and 1st in another event.

In short, Bonita Vista Middle School dominated the day with pride and passion. A huge thank you to our incredible student-athletes for representing BVM with excellence—and to Coach Diaz, whose preparation and leadership clearly made all the difference.

Go Crusaders! 🏅💙💪

This past Saturday, our Boys Volleyball Team hit the court once again as they gear up for their upcoming playoff run. While the results may not have been exactly what we hoped for, what truly stood out was the heart, determination, and unity our team displayed from start to finish.

Throughout the season, these student-athletes have exemplified what it means to stay positive, resilient, and committed—regardless of the challenges they've faced. Their teamwork, sportsmanship, and Crusader spirit continue to inspire us all.

We are incredibly proud of you, Boys Volleyball! Let’s carry that energy into the playoffs and finish strong.

Let’s go BVM! 🏐💙🔥

Character building is embedded in an IB education. We want our students to learn and embody 10 Learner Profiles (See attachment below). Our Eighth Learner Profile: Inquirers: We nurture our curiosity, developing skills for inquiry and research. We know how to learn independently and with others. We learn with enthusiasm and sustain our love of learning throughout life.

IB Learner Profile Inquirers: We nurture our curiosity, developing skills for inquiry and research. We know how to learn independently and with others. We learn with enthusiasm and sustain our love of learning throughout life.

Dear Bonita Vista Middle School Families,

We are excited to invite our student-athletes (or any interested student) to attend the 3rd Annual Women in Sports Conference on Saturday, May 3, 2025, from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Otay Ranch High School.

This special event is designed to inspire, empower, and celebrate young women in sports, and we hope to see many of our Crusaders there! Here’s what you can look forward to:

✅ Free food for all attendees
✅ Connect with college coaches across various sports
✅ Exciting prize giveaways including Lululemon, Road Runner Sports, Starbucks, Padres gear, and more
✅ Celebrate Christina Murguia, this year’s Hall of Fame Inductee
✅ Hear from incredible women with careers in the world of sports

Please see the attached flyer for more details. We encourage all of our female athletes to attend this empowering and fun-filled event. Let’s show up and represent Bonita Vista Middle School with pride!
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to our office.

Thank you,
Dr. Salazar

Are you passionate about performing arts? Do you dream of dancing on Broadway or acting on stage? Bonita Vista Middle School is excited to partner with Southwestern College to offer two amazing courses this Fall—right here on campus!

📢 Open to all students looking to explore their creative side!

🔥 Dance 181: Musical Theatre Dance I
📅 Tuesdays & Thursdays | 4:00 PM - 5:15 PM

• Learn foundational musical theatre dance techniques

• Perform choreography from Broadway & Off-Broadway musicals

• Final showcase performance required!

🎭 Theatre Arts TA 141: Performance Studio I
📅 Tuesdays & Thursdays | 4:00 PM - 6:05 PM

• Master the art of acting & stage performance

• Develop skills in script analysis, rehearsal techniques, & ensemble work

• Mandatory participation in rehearsals & live performances!

💡 Why enroll?
✅ Earn college credit while in middle school!
✅ Get hands-on experience with industry-level training
✅ Prepare for high school & beyond in the performing arts
✅ Have fun, express yourself, and shine on stage!

Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of something extraordinary! Spots are limited—sign up today!

For more information, see the flyer above!

🎶💃 Let’s bring the stage to life, BVM! 🎭🔥

We are thrilled to celebrate Ms. Laurel Bade, who has been honored as Bonita Vista Middle School’s 2024-2025 Teacher of the Year—an award voted on by her colleagues in recognition of her dedication and impact.

On Thursday, March 21st, we had the privilege of celebrating Ms. Bade, a longstanding Spanish teacher who has played an instrumental role in fostering a love for the Spanish language, Latin American cultures, and traditions among our students at Olympian High School (see the pictures and video above). Beyond her exceptional teaching, Ms. Bade is known for her kindness, enthusiasm, and unwavering commitment to student success.

We are incredibly fortunate to have Ms. Bade as part of our BVM family! Congratulations, Ms. Bade, on this well-deserved honor! 🎉👏💙 #BVMTeacherOfTheYear

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.

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 and celebrate our Certificated Staff Member of the Month—Ms. Kavouklis!

Ms. Kavouklis is truly one of Bonita Vista Middle School’s finest educators. A master of both curriculum and instructional strategy, she brings a deep passion for English and a genuine love for teaching that radiates in her classroom every single day. Her dedication to her students and her role as a mentor make her an invaluable part of our school community and our district writ-large.

Beyond the classroom, Ms. Kavouklis played a key role in BVM earning the No Place for Hate School 2024 designation. Her leadership through the Drama Club and the powerful anti-bullying play they presented last year made a lasting impact on our campus culture and the Anti-Defamation League took notice!

We are incredibly fortunate to have Ms. Kavouklis on our team. Congratulations, and thank you for all that you do! 💙🎉

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