Newsletter 4/10/26

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Good Afternoon South Lake Families,

Regular school attendance is one of the most important factors in a student’s academic success and overall well-being. Being present, and on time, each day ensures that students stay connected to their learning, build strong relationships with peers and teachers, and fully engage in the classroom experience. Even missing small amounts of time can add up quickly, impacting understanding, confidence, and progress.
 
We want to emphasize that all absences, both excused and unexcused, count toward a student’s overall attendance rate. This means that even when an absence is unavoidable or illness-related, it still contributes to time missed from instruction. Students who miss more than 10% of the school year are considered chronically absent, which can have a significant impact on their academic outcomes.
 
We ask for your partnership in prioritizing daily, on-time attendance whenever possible. Establishing consistent routines, scheduling appointments outside of school hours when feasible, and encouraging your child to be present and ready to learn each day makes a meaningful difference. If your family is experiencing challenges that impact attendance, please reach out - we are here to support you and your child every step of the way.
 
Learn Essential Mental Health Tools for your students at the April 13 Information Night! The Irvine Unified School District (IUSD) Mental Health and Wellness Team, in partnership with IUCPTA, is inviting parents, guardians, teachers and staff to attend a presentation on supporting student mental health and strengthening family communication. 
 
The event will feature Dr. Jerry Weichman, a parenting coach and adolescent psychologist with more than two decades of experience working with families across Orange County. This event is for adults only. Dr. Weichman has counseled over 6,500 children and families and is widely recognized for his expertise in adolescent development and mental health. The presentation will cover:
 

  • Essential mental health tools that are easy to apply and effective
  • Dr. Weichman’s Bi-Pyramid of Mental Health framework
  • How to prepare for adolescent mental health milestones
  • Tools for your daily family routine to improve overall well-being

Attendees will learn practical, easy-to-implement tools from Dr. Weichman to apply in daily life, focusing on building routines and habits for long-term well-being. Strategies will cover navigating adolescent milestones, improving family interactions, and supporting a child's emotional health in a changing world.
Translation services will also be provided at the event. We hope to see you there!


Join the IUSD AI Parent Information Night on April 15! AI continues to rapidly shape the world our students will live and work in. Join us for a virtual parent information session to learn about IUSD’s vision for artificial intelligence (AI) in the classroom and how we are preparing students for the future.
Meeting Details
Date: Wednesday, April 15
Time: 4:30 - 5:30 p.m.
Join via Zoombit.ly/AIParentNight2026 
 
During this session, families will learn:
 

  • The different efforts underway across IUSD that support effective and responsible AI integration.
  • Examples showing how AI is being thoughtfully implemented in instruction.
  • About AI Literacy content designed to empower students in utilizing these tools responsibly and effectively.
  • Current projections for college and career readiness in an AI-rich world
  • Join to learn more about AI in IUSD or visit iusd.org/AI


Lastly, please note we have a Super Late Start on Wednesday, April 15th to allow time for our incoming 7th grade student orientation. Please make sure your student does not arrive before 9:30am…thank you!
 
Have a wonderful weekend Sharks! 
In kindness, 
Belinda Averill
 

Principal

Schedule for April 13th - 17th
MondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFriday

Anchor Day
8:15am – 3:02pm 
Bonus Period PE
 


 

Anchor Day
8:15am – 3:02pm 
Bonus Period PE
Odd Periods
SUPER Late Start
9:45am – 3:02pm

Even Periods
Late Start

9:00am - 3:02pm 
Bonus Period PE 


 

 

 

Anchor Day

 

8:15am – 3:02pm 
Bonus Period PE

Information & Resources

WHS Registration
8th graders will be registering for WHS on Monday, April 13th during their PE class. Please make sure your student brings their Registration Packet to school on Monday. 

WHS Football Interest
Woodbridge High School Football will be holding their mandatory parent & player meeting for all incoming WHS freshmen wanting to join the football program. They will go over important details, expectations, and volunteer opportunities for the upcoming 2026 football season. 
 
Meeting Details: 
📅 Date: Monday, April 20th 
🕕 Time: 7:00-8:30PM
📍 Location: Woodbridge Performing Arts Center Theater
Meeting Topics will Include: 
 

  • Joining the Program
  • Summer Camp Details
  • Suggested Donations
  • Fundraising Details
  • Volunteer Opportunities

Parent and player attendance is crucial to ensure we are all on the same page in preparing for a successful 2026 football season. Please try to have at least one parent/guardian in attendance with each player.

WHS – Class Council & ASB Interest
Woodbridge HS is currently accepting applications for incoming freshman ASB and Class Council positions.  Interested students should enroll in this "Join WHS Leadership" Canvas course (https://iusd.instructure.com/enroll/9FH9K4), where they will find a module for "Incoming Freshman Applications." The module will walk them through the application steps, including teacher recommendations, peer signatures, and a Google form, which are due Sunday, 4/12. Any questions – please contact Activities Director, Lauren Prudhomme at laurenprudhomme@iusd.org

Uni Cheer Info Meeting
See info for upcoming Cheer Try-outs.

CAASPP Testing
Please see the schedule for CAASPP testing below. We ask for students to arrive at school on time as we will test at the beginning of the day. These scores are used to measure student growth, place students in specific courses, and provide valuable insight into your student’s overall performance including areas of academic strength and areas for growth before entering high school. 

 Tuesday, April 21st - ELA
 Wednesday, April 22nd  - ELA
 Thursday, April 23rd - ELA
 Wednesday, April 29th - Math
 Thursday, April 30th – Math 
 
Here are some tips to help prepare your child for testing:
 

7th Grade Families – Parent Notification
All 7th grade parents received the Parent Health Notification Letter 2025-2026 this week about our upcoming Health education with information and links for what to expect as well as opt out options. 

IPSF - SUMMER IS COMING!
Let curiosity lead the way this summer with classes that inspire innovation! Choose from a variety of exciting and educational classes for students in grades PreK-12, all taught by IUSD teachers and specialized instructors. Browse classes to plan your summer and register for classes TODAY! www.IPSF.net/summer 

Summer Dual Enrollment Classes
Looking for classes for your soon to be high schooler…see information about IVC/IUSD Summer College and Dual enrollment below. 
Yearbooks on Sale
Yearbooks are on sale NOW! If you would like to purchase a yearbook, you can do so online at MySchoolBucks for $35.00. Quantities are limited – secure yours today! Prices will increase to $40 on March 1, 2026. Don’t miss out on this year’s memories and ensure your child can participate in our school wide signature party at the end of the year!

Middle School Program 
Please visit www.yourirvine.org  and search “YOUTH OUTREACH” in the filter box to see a complete list of upcoming classes, programs, and events. Follow us on Instagram @irvineyouthoutreach for the latest information on all our programs! If you have any questions, please feel free to email us at mspcamps@cityofirvine.org.

Signing out Procedures
Just a reminder that when you are picking up your student early from school, please bring your photo ID into the office to verify your identification for safety purposes.  This identification may be your driver’s license, passport or a California ID card. It is critical to check your student out through the front office…thank you for helping us keep your student safe.

E-Bike Safety Presentation
All the eBike Safety presentations hosted by the high schools are completed. Moving forward, if you need to complete this in order to obtain a registration sticker to park on campus, please contact our Campus Supervisor, Mr. Vasquez at orlandovasquez@iusd.org. Safety presentations will most likely be held on Thursday mornings before school. 

E-bike Reminders
Important Regulations
Age and Licensing Requirements
 

  • E-scooters: Riders must be 16 years or older and have a valid driver’s license or permit.
  • E-bike classifications: There are three different e-bike classifications. California law restricts Type 3 e-bikes (up to 28 mph) to riders 16 and older.

Do not allow e-Bike Modifications
 

  • Students may be tempted to modify their e-bikes to increase the speed by purchasing a kit online or having a friend modify the bike for them. This can be extremely dangerous.
  • Many e-bikes are not equipped to handle higher speeds, and the braking systems may not be sufficient.

Safety Tips for All E-Vehicles
Follow the Rules of the Road
 

  • Obey traffic laws: stop at signals, yield to pedestrians, and ride with the flow of traffic.

Always Wear a Helmet
 

  • Required for riders under 18 and all Type 3 e-bike users. Helmets greatly reduce the risk of serious injury.

Stay Visible
 

  • Use a front white light and rear red reflector, wear reflective clothing, and avoid poorly lit areas at night.

Avoid Distractions
 

  • Do not use mobile devices or wear headphones while riding. Stay alert to your surroundings.

Ride Courteously
 

  • Yield to pedestrians, use a bell or audible signal when passing, and slowdown in crowded areas.

Maintain Safe Speeds
 

  • Practice at lower speeds, understand your braking distance, and ride within your comfort and equipment limits.

Did You Know?
 

  • E-vehicles must be ridden safely on shared paths.
  • Riders must always yield to pedestrians.
  • Proper equipment, responsible behavior and rule-following significantly reduce accidents.

By following these guidelines, students can enjoy their e-vehicles safely and responsibly. Thank you for helping protect our community!

Chromebook Insurance
As we all know, accidents can happen with the IUSD Chromebook that is assigned and loaned to each student. Depending on the damage, this can be costly to a household. Please take a moment and get your Chromebook insurance. The 2025-2026 updated information and link is provided to you for your convenience:  https://support.iusd.org/hc/en-us/articles/360033840394-IUSD-Chromebook-Insurance-Program.

Attendance Matters
As we move through the school year, I want to emphasize the crucial role that regular attendance plays in your student’s success. Every day of learning matters, and consistent school attendance is one of the most important factors in achieving strong academic outcomes and fostering a sense of belonging at school. Here’s why:
 

  • Improved Academic Performance: Students who attend school regularly are more likely to keep up with daily lessons and assignments, leading to better grades and a deeper understanding of the material.
  • Building Positive Habits: Consistent attendance helps students develop responsibility, time management, and perseverance—skills they will carry with them long after middle school.
  • Social Connections: Being in school allows students to participate fully in group work, social activities, and extracurriculars that are vital for their emotional and social growth.
  • Strong Foundations for Future Success: Studies show that students with high attendance rates are more likely to graduate and pursue higher education or career opportunities with confidence.

We understand that occasional absences are unavoidable due to illness or emergencies. However, I encourage you to do your best to schedule appointments, vacations, and other non-urgent activities outside of the school day to minimize disruptions to your child's learning. 

Youth Ride Free
The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) is excited to announce the continuation of their “Youth Ride Free” promotional bus pass program.  This pass allows youth ages 6 to 18 to ride all OC fixed-route buses every day for free.  Last year’s blue Youth Ride Free Passes expire September 30, 2025; the new Wave Youth Ride Free Passes are valid now through September 30, 2026, and require a new Parent Request Form for each recipient.  To participate in the program, complete a new Parent Request Form, available using the below links, printed forms are also available in the front office.  Return the completed and signed Parent Request Form to the front office to receive the new Wave youth bus pass for the 2025-26 school year.
 
Parent Request Form:
English – OCTA.net/YouthRequest
Spanish – OCTA.net/YouthRequest_SPN
Korean – OCTA.net/YouthRequest_KOR
Vietnamese – OCTA.net/YouthRequest_VIET
Mandarin – OCTA.net/YouthRequest_MAN
For more information regarding the program visit: OCTA Youth Ride Free Pass Program 

Language and Accessibility Resources for Families
As part of IUSD’s and our school’s ongoing commitment to making important information, resources and services accessible to our diverse community, we want to remind families that they can adjust language and accessibility preferences on the platforms used for school communications. Whether through ParentSquare, the Parent Portal or the IUSD website, it is easy to set your preferred language, ensuring you receive updates, notifications and resources in the language that works best for you.
 
CLICK HERE for resources, in multiple languages, to show how you can select your preferred language and accessibility features on ParentSquare. With ParentSquare, you can set your language preference to receive notifications, messages and updates directly in the language of your choice. 

Bell Schedule
The 2025-2026 Bell Schedule includes all the minimum days and special schedules for the year.  Please make sure to review the start and end times for these schedules. 

Stay Connected
Stay connected by checking your email for communication from South Lake and IUSD.  South Lake is also on Instagram @southlakemiddleschool and our website is at www.southlake.iusd.org

Stay up to date about what is happening at school and in class by reviewing your student’s Planner, becoming a Canvas Observer, checking Parent Portal and visiting our website. 
Canvas https://iusd.instructure.com/login 
Parent Portal https://my.iusd.org/ 
Website https://southlake.iusd.org/

Upcoming Events
April 13th – WHS 8th grade registration
April 13th – Mental Health Parent Presentation 
April 15th – Super Late Start 
April 15th – AI Tools Parent Presentation 
April 21st – ELA CAASPP
April 22nd – ELA CAASPP 
April 23rd – ELA CAASPP
 April 29th – Math CAASPP
 April 30th – Math CAASPP