South Lake Newsletter 12/20/24

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Happy Holidays, South Lake Families!
 
As we step into 2024, we are filled with gratitude and excitement for the journey ahead. This past year has been nothing short of remarkable for South Lake Middle School. Together, we celebrated being named a National Blue Ribbon School, a prestigious honor that reflects the hard work and dedication of our entire school community. We also earned a 9/10 rating on GreatSchools.org, a testament to our commitment to excellence. Most importantly, we have made significant progress in closing the achievement gap, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to thrive.
 
At South Lake, we are proud to say that we have the best staff and the most dedicated teachers. Their unwavering commitment to fostering a love of learning and creating a supportive, inclusive environment is truly inspiring. Our students continue to bring us joy daily, and their growth, curiosity, and achievements motivate us to do our best work.
 
We are also deeply grateful for our incredible families and community partners who support us every step of the way. Your involvement and encouragement make a lasting impact, and we couldn’t do this without you.
 
As we move forward into 2024, let’s continue to celebrate our successes and work together to make this year another outstanding chapter in South Lake’s story. Thank you for being part of our South Lake family. 
We will be on break until January 3rd, school resumes January 6th. While you are home or traveling with your middle schooler, here are three positive strategies to practice together to foster connection and personal growth:

1. Create a Tech-Free Time Together
Set aside a specific time each day to unplug from devices and engage in meaningful activities as a family. Play board games, cook a meal together, or go for a walk. These moments encourage conversation and strengthen your bond.
2. Encourage Reflection and Goal-Setting
Take time to reflect on the past year with your child. Ask open-ended questions like, “What’s something you’re proud of this year?” or “What’s one thing you’d like to learn or improve next year?” Help them set realistic goals for 2024 and brainstorm ways to achieve them.
3. Model Gratitude and Kindness
Practice gratitude by sharing things you’re thankful for daily and encouraging your child to do the same. Engage in acts of kindness, like writing thank-you notes, donating to a cause, or helping a neighbor. These activities help build empathy and a positive outlook.

Enjoy this time to connect, recharge, and make lasting memories…wishing you a joyful and successful New Year Sharks!
Belinda Averill
Principal
Schedule for the Week of January 6th - 10th
MondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFriday

Anchor Day

8:15am – 3:02pm

Bonus Period PE

Anchor Day

8:15am – 3:02pm

Bonus Period PE

 

Odd Periods

Late Start

9:00am – 3:02pm

Even Periods

Late Start

9:00am – 3:02pm

Bonus Period PE 


 

 

Anchor Day

8:15am – 3:02pm

Bonus Period PE

South Lake Information and Resources

PTSA – See’s Candies Fundraiser
It’s that time of year to spoil your family, friends and yourself with some sweet treats! You can help support our South Lake Sharks just by ordering See’s from our South Lake See’s Storefront. The shop is NOW OPEN for orders and a percentage of all sales will go directly to our Sharks! South Lake PTSA See's Candies Store. The online store is open until December 31st, so get your order in today! A big thank you to those who have already ordered!
PTSA - Contact Info
If you have any questions regarding your South Lake PTSA or would like to get involved, please don’t hesitate to contact our PTSA President, Jill Pearson at JillKPearson@gmail.com. You can also visit our PTSA Website at South Lake PTSA. Please follow us on social media @southlakeptsa for all the up-to-date information of what’s going on at South Lake!

WHS Little Warrior Cheer Camp
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. 

Middle School Program (MSP)
If you are looking for great after school activities for your students that build community, have service components and are just plain fun…there are several upcoming events and classes to get involved with through our Middle School Programs hosted by the city of Irvine. Each of the flyers linked below have information about registration, cost and contact information. For more information, please contact Site Coordinator Karley Abeyrama at (949) 724-7190 or at KAbeyrama@cityofirvine.org

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. 

OCTA Transportation Information 
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 purple/orange Youth Ride Free Passes expire September 30, 2024; the new blue Youth Ride Free Passes are valid now through September 30, 2025, 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 be issued a blue youth bus pass for the 2024-25 school year. 
Parent Request Form:

OC Bus Ride Guide – How to Ride:

For more information regarding the program visit: OCbus.com/YouthRideFree.  OC Connect is another option for students. This is a free shuttle service that runs every 20 minutes between the northern end of Irvine and the Irvine Train Station.  This route drops off at Woodbridge High which is a short walk from here. The IrvineCONNECT webpage may be accessed through this link:  https://www.cityofirvine.org/transportation/irvine-connect. On the webpage there is a link to track the shuttles in real time, which can be used in a similar way to watching for an Uber to see how far out it is.
Bell Schedule
The 2024-2025 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

Nondiscrimination Statement 
The Irvine Unified School District is committed to equal opportunity for all individuals in education. District programs and activities including membership in student clubs shall be free from discrimination based on race, color, ancestry, nationality, ethnic group identification, age, religion, actual or potential parental, family, or marital status, or the exclusion of any person because of pregnancy or related conditions, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, or genetic information; the perception of one or more of such characteristics; or association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics. The District does not discriminate in enrollment in or access to any of the activities and programs available. Admission to these programs is based on age appropriateness, class space, interest, aptitude, and prerequisite coursework where applicable. The lack of English skills shall not be a barrier to admission to or participation in the District’s activities and programs. The Irvine Unified School District also does not discriminate in its hiring or employment practices.

Upcoming Dates to Calendar
December 23rd – January 3rd – Winter Recess
January 17th – Minimum Day
January 20th – Martin Luther King Jr Holiday
January 21st – Student/Teacher Holiday