South Lake Newsletter - March 15, 2024

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Good Afternoon South Lake Community,

Each spring, students in grades 3-8 and 11 participate in the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) to provide information about their skills in English-language arts/literacy (ELA), mathematics, and science.  These computer-based assessments reflect California’s rigorous academic standards, and measure students’ ability to write clearly, think critically, and solve problems—skills needed for success in college or career. One of the contributing factors for South Lake being awarded California Distinguished School is because of our strong performance on the CAASPP…let’s try to top our scores from last year! 
 
Your child will take the following tests, depending on their grade level or instructional program:
Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium Assessments (SBAC) - Grades 7 & 8
The SBAC assessments are aligned with the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) in ELA and mathematics.  In grade eleven, results can be used as an indicator of college readiness.
California Science Test (CAST) - Grade 8
The CAST is aligned with the California Next Generation Science Standards (CA NGSS) in Life Sciences, Physical Sciences, and Earth and Space Sciences. 
California Alternate Assessments (CAAs) - Grades 7 & 8 for ELA and Mathematics; Grade 8 for Science
Only eligible students whose individualized education program (IEP) identifies the use of alternate assessments may participate in the CAAs. The CAAs are administered to students one-on-one, and measure student progress toward alternate achievement standards aligned with the CCSS and CA NGSS.  

Testing Dates:

ELA—April 23, 24, 25

Science 8th grade only—Week of April 29 - May 3

Math—May 8 & 9

Helping Your Child Prepare for Testing
Here are some tips to help prepare your child for testing:
  • Talk about the tests and encourage your child to try their best.
  • Take a practice test with your child at http://www.caaspp.org/practice-and-training/index.html.
  • Make sure your child gets a good night’s sleep and a nutritious breakfast before testing.
  • Please make sure your student is not absent during testing. 
Test Scores and Additional Information
CAASPP assessments provide one piece of information about student progress and should always be interpreted as one of multiple measures of a student’s skills.  When your child’s scores are available, you will receive an automated email with directions for accessing results in the Parent Portal.
 
For more information about the assessments, please visit the IUSD Statewide Testing website at iusd.org/statewide-testing or the California Department of Education’s Starting Smarter web page at ca.startingsmarter.org.  If you have any questions, please contact our Testing Coordinator Mrs.Amanda Welch at amandawelch@iusd.org
 
ELPAC Testing is Happening next week. This ELPAC Parent Notification Letter is to inform the parents/guardians of our English Learner students that your child will be participating in this year's statewide Summative English Language Proficiency Assessments for California (ELPAC) on Wednesday, March 20th and Thursday, March 21st in the domains of listening, reading, and writing. On Thursday, April 18th and Friday, April 19th your child will be taking the speaking portion of the assessment. You will receive your child’s results at or before the beginning of the next school year. Test results will identify areas where your child is doing well or needs more support, so we can better assist their learning.
 
Have a wonderful weekend...go Sharks!
In kindness,
Belinda Averill
Principal
Schedule for Week of  3/18 - 3/22

Monday 

Tuesday 

Wednesday 

Thursday 

Friday 

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 
Shark Night Out at CPK

Even Periods

Late Start
9:00am - 3:02pm
Bonus Period PE 

Anchor Day 

8:15am – 3:02pm

Bonus Period PE

South Lake Announcements and Information
PTSA Information 
Stay informed on all SLMS PTSA information by subscribing at PTSA LINKS and here for our Year-At-A-Glance PTSA Calendar
SLMS GEAR: Get your SLMS GEAR and stay cozy while showing your school spirit! ORDER HERE
ASB SPIRIT WEAR: We have a limited supply of ASB spirit wear being sold on our webstore and all proceeds go to ASB. ASB Spirit Wear
SHARK SHOPPE:  We are looking for donations to stock the Shoppe with snacks, candy, and drinks.  Please order from our Amazon link SHARK SHOPPE WISHLIST or purchase from any store and drop off in the front office.  We appreciate any and all donations. This is a great incentive for our students, so please consider donating.
SHARK NIGHT OUT is at California Pizza Kitchen Wednesday, March 20th where 20% of all purchases go to South Lake PTSA all day!

Knott's Berry Farm - Attention 8th Grade Families
Our end of year fieldtrip and celebration for 8th graders is at Knott’s Berry Farm. This event is for 8th graders only and we encourage all to participate in this fun day! The Knott’s Field Trip will be on June 6, 2024.  This is an all-day school event, all 8th graders are required to ride the bus to and from school. This is not a mandatory trip, should your student not wish to participate, they are expected to come to school that day. This year, Knott’s is requiring us to purchase out tickets in advance. Tickets can be purchased at MySchoolBucks, we will not be accepting cash or checks. Instructions for how to pay through MySchoolBucks are HERE. There are two payment options:
  1. $60 for Ticket + Bus
  2. $20 for Bus Only (For Season Pass Holders ONLY)
The deadline to purchase your ticket is May 10th, 2024. Please make sure to get your ticket! More information about trip, including permission slip will be coming after Spring Break. For questions about the trip, please contact Mrs. Baringoldz, Administrative Assistant, at cindybaringoldz@iusd.org

8th Grade Family Night
Please save the date for upcoming 8th Grade Family Night on April 10th for Woodbridge, University and Irvine High Schools.   
IPSF Summer Enrichment
Registration for summer classes and camps is opening on March 20th…see flyers below. For a full list of available classes and descriptions, please visit www.ipsf.net/summer. IPSF are also offering partial scholarships to those who qualify. The application can be found on our website and families can apply through May 3. For any questions related to IPSF Summer Enrichment, please go to programs@ipsf.net

Yearbook
Make sure you get your Yearbook! To purchase your Yearbook, please go to MySchoolBucks, instructions for this can be found HERE

Chromebook & Charger Reminders
Welcome back! We have seen an increase in missing/lost chargers and lost/damaged Chromebooks during the past couple of months. Just a reminder that Chromebook insurance only covers damage and does not cover lost chargers or lost Chromebooks. The fine for a lost charger is $25 and a lost Chromebook is $225. It is part of your child’s responsibility to charge their Chromebook each night and keep their charger at home. If you have any questions please reach out to our librarian Ms. Byars at mikaylabyars@iusd.org.
 
7th Grade Parent-Guardian Notification Letter
Yesterday all 7th grade families should have received an email detailing the upcoming Health Unit for all 7th grade students. Please make sure to read the 2023-24 Parent-Guardian Notification Letter as it contains all information about resources and what will be covered. For specific questions please reach out to your students 7th grade Science teacher or Principal Averill.

Middle School Program (MSP) at South Lake
If you are looking for great after school activities for your students, there are several events and classes to get involved with through our Middle School Programs hosted by the city of Irvine. Please contact Site Coordinator Karley Abeyrama at (949) 724-7190 or at KAbeyrama@cityofirvine.org for information.    Paper – Free Tutoring
As your student is getting going with their academics, please know that IUSD offers Paper Tutoring, a free resource, giving your student 24/7 access to chat with tutors for live help and assignment support. Paper helps parents and guardians avoid the cost, time, and stress of having to relearn geometry and poetry or hire a private tutor to help their child with classwork. Paper can provide support with homework help, writing feedback (i.e. editing essays), and study support. Help is available in English, Spanish, Mandarin, and French. Students can access Paper Tutoring directly from their class Canvas Page. Some additional resources are this informational video on Paper TutoringPaper for Parents & Guardians and Paper Website: Unlimited Tutoring, Anywhere & Anytime.  
 
Student Attendance
It is important to make every effort to have your student in school and on time. While attendance and success in school are positively correlated and directly linked, there are times when a student should stay home and absences are necessary.
  • Illness - Please keep student home when they have any of the following signs and symptoms of illness: Fever (temp > 100.4), excessive runny nose, excessive cough, two or more episodes of vomiting in the last 24 hours, or an unexplained rash.
  • Mental health – a new California law states that absences for the benefit of the pupil’s mental or behavioral health shall be excused (Ed Code 48205)After 5 absences, a doctor’s note will be required. 
  • Doctor appointments
  • Court appointments
  • Funerals for immediate family members
We want to honor and support the mental and physical health of our students, and we also need to prioritize the importance of attendance both for student success and to ensure that IUSD receives critically important state funding for our schools. Please know that the School Attendance Review Board (SARB process) will be initiated, when a student accumulates 3 unexcused absences or truancies. If you have concerns about extended absences or if you have any questions about attendance, please don’t hesitate to call. We appreciate your partnership in supporting the health, happiness, and academic achievement of our students. 

OCTA Youth Ride Free Program 
The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) is excited to announce the continuation of their “Youth Ride Free” promotional bus pass program.  This free youth pass allows youth ages 6 to 18 to ride all OC fixed-route buses every day for free. The purple/orange Youth Ride Free passes are valid now through September 30, 2024 and require a new Parent Request Form for each recipient.  For more information regarding the program visit: OCbus.com/YouthRideFree. 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 form to the front office to be issued a purple/orange youth bus pass for the 2023-24 school year. 
Parent Request Form: OC Bus Ride Guide – How to Ride:



Bell Schedule 
The 2023-2024 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
Upcoming Events
March 20th & 21st – ELPAC Testing 
March 20th – Shark Night Out at CPK
March 29th - Minimum Day
April 1st - 5th - Spring Break 
April 10th - 8th Grade Family Night