Dear ASI Families,

This week, our Positivity Project focus was Open-Mindedness. We encouraged students to listen to new ideas, consider different perspectives, and approach new experiences with curiosity rather than judgment. These are important skills that help our Bruins build strong relationships, navigate challenges, and grow both inside and outside the classroom. Thank you for reinforcing these qualities at home!

I also want to thank you for your continued partnership in helping our students come to school ready to learn and ready to be their best. When students arrive dressed according to the dress code, prepared for class, and ready to make positive choices, they contribute to a safe, focused, and welcoming campus. Your support truly makes a difference.

As we move through the first grading period, now is a great time to check Parent Connect and take a look at your student’s grades and progress. If you have questions or concerns, please reach out to your student’s teachers. Strong communication between home and school is an important part of student success, and we are always here to support our Bruins.

A reminder that after-school labs are available Monday through Thursday from 3:20–5:20 p.m. for students who need additional academic support, a quiet place to work, or time to catch up on assignments. Labs are organized by course, and students are welcome to drop in when they need the extra support. Please encourage your student to take advantage of this great resource.

Finally, as the school year gets busier, I encourage our families to help students find a healthy balance. Staying organized and keeping up with assignments is important, but so are rest, physical activity, time with family and friends, and simply having time to be a kid. Middle school can be a busy and exciting time, and learning to balance responsibilities with well-being is an important part of growing into a successful young adult.

Thank you for your continued support, encouragement, and partnership. We are grateful to have such wonderful families supporting our Bruins. Together, we are building a strong foundation for success — in the classroom, on our campus, and beyond.

Warmly,

Mrs. Carter

#1.) Academic Success Instruction does not stop when a child is absent. Missing school makes it harder for kids to learn fundamental concepts for reading and math or keep up with an ongoing unit of history or science. Students show missing just 1-2 days per month can negatively impact a child's academic performance, comprehension, and test scores.

Our Fall Fundraiser is underway! We need EVERY Bruin to participate as we work toward our $75,000 schoolwide goal and 80% participation!

📅 Fundraiser Deadline: Friday, September 18th

⭐ REACH $60 — EARN 3 AWESOME REWARDS! ⭐

Students who raise $60 will earn:

• 🏃 Inflatable Fun During PE
• 🎟️ A “No Run” Mile Pass
• 🍔 Early Release Bracelet for the November Food Fair

And $60 is just the beginning! 🎉 Students who raise more can earn additional prizes at the higher donation levels. Check out the prize flyer below to see what you can earn!

💙 HOW TO DONATE

Online: Make a secure, tax-deductible donation using the link below:

ASI Fall Fundraiser – Online Donation

Cash or Check: Bring donations to the Main Office. Checks should be payable to Buchanan Foundation. Please include your student’s first and last name and AB teacher.

Donations Fund: Each year, donations help provide meaningful opportunities and experiences for our students. Funds support student incentives and awards, classroom teacher grants, grade-level spirit T-shirts for all students, Academic Team T-shirts, entrance fees for co-curricular events, and special projects that directly benefit our students.

In past years, donations have helped us upgrade the sound systems in the MPR and Gym, install two blue water bottle filling stations for students, and add skateboard and scooter racks.

This year, we are continuing to enhance our MPR with new Positivity Project wallpaper, updated mascot graphics, and refreshed award signage. We hope to continue this project by adding a new projection system and screen to enhance student awards, assemblies, and performances.

🔥 SET YOUR GOAL. GET YOUR FAMILY & FRIENDS INVOLVED. EARN THE REWARDS! 🔥

LET’S GO, BRUINS! 💙

Thank you for supporting Alta Sierra Intermediate and helping us provide great opportunities and experiences for our students!

Mrs. Brown: Activities Director
Mrs. Carter: Principal

Hi ____________________!

We are doing a fundraiser at my school, Alta Sierra Intermediate! 

My goal is to raise $__________. Can you help me reach my goal?

To help me earn prizes, please make sure you include:

My AB Teacher: ____________________________

My AB Period: _____________________________

At ASI, we value and support the observance of the many religious and cultural traditions represented in our school community. This month, we recognize two important Jewish observances and Hispanic Heritage Month.

Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, begins at sundown on Friday, September 11, and concludes Sunday evening, September 13. Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, begins at sundown on Sunday, September 20, and concludes Monday evening, September 21. We wish a Shanah Tovah—“Good New Year”—to all who celebrate.

Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated from September 15 through October 15. This month-long observance recognizes and celebrates the histories, cultures, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans.

We encourage our students and families to share their traditions, celebrations, and experiences with others. Learning from one another helps us build a more inclusive, respectful, and connected Bruin community.

If your family needs support or accommodations related to religious or cultural observances, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We are proud to celebrate the diversity that makes our ASI community so special.

Every day, students have the opportunity to earn a Bravo Bruin entry from any ASI teacher or staff member by demonstrating one of the 24 character strengths from the Positivity Project.

Each week, entries are collected for our Thursday gift card drawing! 🎁

We love recognizing our Bruins for the positive character they demonstrate every day. Congratulations to our winners so far and to the character strengths they exemplified! Keep up the great work, Bruins! 💙

9/4:

Tyler Freeman - Love of Learning

Emilia Thompson - Kindness

Connor Neal - Love of Learning

Talae Prok - Teamwork

Spirit Pack Tickets: A list of student names that purchased a Spirit Pack will be at the door.

Important Times:

• Dance begins at 6:30 PM
• Student are not admitted after 7:30 PM
• Students may not leave before 8:30 PM unless picked up by a parent/guardian at the Main Door

Dance Rules & Expectations

Alta Sierra is committed to providing a safe, respectful, and fun environment. Attendance at any ASI dance requires adherence to school and district rules. Failure to follow guidelines may result in removal from the dance and additional disciplinary consequences.

1. Academic Eligibility: There is no grade requirement for the 1st dance.

2. Student Conduct Eligibility

• Students who have earned a suspension during the semester are not eligible to attend.

3. Dress Code

• All students will be checked at the door; outerwear must be removed.
• Guidelines:
  • No bare midriffs or cleavage
  • Shoulder straps must be at least 2 inches wide
  • Shorts must have a 5-inch inseam, stitched evenly, no holes revealing skin or undergarments; spandex/Lycra shorts are not allowed
  • Skirts must be no shorter than 5 inches above the knee cap and mid-thigh.
  • Slippers and pajama bottoms are not allowed

4. Prohibited Items

• No purses, backpacks, or large personal items unless approved for medical/health reasons

5. Behavior Expectations

• Students must act with class, dignity, and respect
• Inappropriate dancing (grinding, freaking) and dangerous behavior (moshing, lifting others, running) are prohibited
• All dancing must remain vertical
• Misbehavior will result in removal from the dance with no refund and parents/guardians will be contacted

6. Personal Belongings

• Alta Sierra is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged items. Staff does not watch student personal items during the dance.
• Cell phones are allowed for parent contact. But filming during the dance is not allowed.

All students will be participating in clubs six times this year during the school day. Clubs are a wonderful opportunity for students to meet new people, explore new interests, and connect with others who share similar passions. Every student has now been placed in a club, and assignments will be shared with them soon. Our first Club Day is Tuesday, September 22nd —please note we will be on a Club Day Schedule. We look forward to seeing our Bruins grow friendships and make meaningful connections through these experiences.

Each month, teachers recognize students who are making a positive impact on our school community by demonstrating one of our Positivity Project character strengths. These students are invited to join their teacher for a special Bruin of the Month lunch in the LMC.

It’s a chance to celebrate students who are being there for others, making positive choices, and showing character every day. We are proud to recognize these Bruins for the ways they help make ASI a great place to be!

September Honorees:

On Wednesday and Thursday of this week, the ASI Counselors will deliver a guidance lesson in all 8th grade science classrooms called, Pathways & Possibilities: Understanding How School Success Leads to Opportunity. The lesson emphasized the importance of understanding how the academic choices they make now can impact their future college and career opportunities. Students learned how to read a high school transcript and understand that it is their permanent high school academic record. They learned that they only earn credits if they pass their classes, and that depending on their goals, it is key to pass with a C or better. Graduation and A-G requirements were introduced. Students were encouraged to seek help directly from their teachers regarding their grades and utilize additional resources like after-school labs and Tutor.com.

• Wednesday, September 9th - New to CUSD Reception - Peer Counseling Led
• Thursday, September 10th - Back to School Dance - 6:30pm-8:30pm - GYM
• Tuesday, September 15th - Food Fair #1
• Wednesday, September 16th - SART Parent Meeting - Room 853 - 8:30am
• Wednesday, September 16th - Foundation Parent Meeting - Room 853 - 11:30am
• Wednesday, September 16th - Safety Drill
• Friday, September 18th - Fall Fundraiser Ends
• Friday, September 18th - Fall Rally - Rally Day Schedule
• Friday, September 18th - PASA meeting - LMC - Lunch
• Saturday, September 19th - Jazz Night @ PAC
• Tuesday, September 22nd - Club Day #1 - Club Day Schedule
• Friday, September 25th - Progress Report Grading Period #1 Ends
• Wednesday, September 30th - Fieldtrip: Intro to Teaching Class to Teacher Center