South Lake Newsletter 2/14/2025

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Good Afternoon South Lake Families,

This week, Ms. Granger and I visited PE classes to review the behavior expectations outlined in South Lake Cares with all students. These sessions provide an important opportunity to remind and reteach our shared expectations, ensuring a safe and positive school community. We hold these reviews about three times throughout the year to reinforce positive behaviors.
 
Here are the key topics we covered so you can review them at home as well:
 

  • Students are NOT permitted to use their cell phones during school. The expectation is that they are off and away. This also includes Airpods. This is all outlined in our South Lake Cell Phone Policy and we will confiscate as needed.
  • We promote the use of inclusive and positive language, both online and at school. Hate speech is NOT permitted and is considered harassment.
  • We reviewed the importance of attending school regularly and getting to class on time.
  • We reviewed the value of Integrity and making positive choices, being an upstander and knowing the difference between intent and impact. 

 
The middle school years are a time of rapid brain development, especially in areas responsible for decision-making, impulse control, and social awareness. Adolescents are still strengthening neural connections that help them manage emotions, assess risks, and make thoughtful choices. Because their brains are still developing, it’s essential to teach and reteach expectations consistently. At South Lake, we intentionally reinforce behavior expectations throughout the year to provide the structure and support students need to navigate this critical stage. When families and schools work together to model and reinforce positive behaviors, we help students develop the skills they need to thrive both academically and socially.
 
Next week we will be celebrating Random Acts of Kindness Week to promote kindness and compassion. We have fun dress-up days and lunch time activities to spread kindness and support our community!
Check out the daily themes:
 

  • Tuesday, Feb 18th: Kick Off Kindness Week! (Western Wear) & Kindness Egg Hunt
  • Wednesday, Feb 19th: Kindness Rocks! (Dress like a Rock Star/Celebrity) & Donation Drive for SPIN (Serving People in Need)
  • Thursday, Feb 20th: Plant Seeds of Kindness (Floral/Camo) & Spring Wreath Making for Waymakers
  • Friday, Feb 21st: Shine Bright with Kindness (Neon/Bright Colors) & Bookmark Making for Future Acts of Kindness

Join the Fun! Encourage your child to participate in the dress-up days and help spread kindness throughout the week. 
 
 
Support SPIN! We'll be collecting donations for SPIN (Serving People in Need) during lunch on Wednesday. A list of needed items will be sent out shortly. Your generosity will help make a difference in the lives of others.

Let's show the world how kind our school community can be! 

We have a three-day weekend for President’s Day on Monday…It’s a great day to be a Shark!
In kindness,
Belinda Averill
Principal

Schedule for the Week of February 17th - 21st
MondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFriday

President's Day

No School

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 - 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!

IUSD Transportation Survey
The Irvine Unified School District (IUSD) and the City of Irvine (City) need your feedback on the Transportation Survey before it closes on Monday, February 17. Transportation Survey feedback will be used to:
 

  • Identify the transportation needs of IUSD families.
  • Improve transportation services across the District.
  • Update the City's Suggested Routes to School.
  • Evaluate the need for additional safe routes to school.

Survey responses are anonymous and it only takes a few minutes to complete. We encourage you to share your thoughts and opinions with us - your feedback is highly valued. The survey can be taken by clicking here and it is available in multiple languages.

Shrek the Musical
Shrek the Musical is happening. Here is the link to the box office for tickets https://woodbridgehs.booktix.com/dept/main/e/Shrek

Yearbook
Just a reminder to preserve all of your student’s memories at South Lake by purchasing a yearbook.  The cost right now is $30 per yearbook, but on March 1, 2025 the price will increase to $40.  Purchase now on-line at MySchoolBucks and save memories and money at the same time!  Go to:  http://www.myschoolbucks.com/. Please see MySchoolBucks Purchase Instructions for how to set up an account for purchasing.  

After School Tutoring
We have free after school tutoring in Math and Science. See flyer below for more information. All students are invited to attend and NEED to bring their Planner and Chromebook.

SpongeBob Musical
The Irvine Public Schools Foundation is proud to present The SpongeBob Musical, a community musical featuring talented performers from Beacon Park, Cadence Park, Jeffrey Trail Middle School, Lakeside Middle School, Rancho San Joaquin, Sierra Vista Middle School, South Lake Middle School & Venado Middle School for our fourth year in a combined middle school musical!    This group of talented students has been rehearsing since December and have worked very hard to put on this show!  We would love your support and hope you can join us in one of their shows!  
 
Come cheer on your peers and enjoy the fun, March 7 and 8 at Westpark Elementary' s MPR!  Tickets will be available beginning Feb. 17th after 5:00 p.m. at: ipsf.seatyourself.biz

E-Bike Safety Presentation
Mr. Vasquez, our Campus Supervisor, coordinates our E-Bike registration. If you would like to schedule a time to participate in the Safety Presentation in order to register your student’s E-Bike, please contact him at orlandovasquez@iusd.org.
 
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
February 17th – President’s Day Holiday
February 18th – 21st – Acts of Kindness Week
February 28th – Last day of Trimester 2
March 1st – Price Increase for Yearbook