Alta Sierra's Bruin's Den

Dear ASI Families,

This week, our Positivity Project focus was on Open-Mindedness. We encouraged students to listen to new ideas, consider different perspectives, and approach challenges with curiosity rather than judgment. Thank you for reinforcing these traits at home—together we are helping students grow not only academically, but also as kind, respectful community members.

I also want to thank you for your continued partnership in ensuring that students come to school ready to learn—dressed in dress code, making positive choices, and bringing their best each day. Your support makes a real difference in helping us maintain a safe, focused, and welcoming learning environment.

The first grading period will end in just two weeks. Now is a great time to check grades on Parent Connect and reach out to teachers if you have any questions or concerns. Communication between home and school is essential, and we are here to support your student’s success.

Please also remember that we offer after-school labs Monday through Thursday for students who need extra help, a quiet place to study, or simply time to get caught up. This is a valuable resource, and I encourage students to take advantage of it.

Finally, as we move into the heart of the school year, I want to recognize the importance of balance. Encourage your student to stay on top of assignments, but also to get plenty of rest, stay active, and enjoy time with family and friends. Middle school is a busy time, and helping students find that balance builds lifelong habits for success.

Thank you again for your continued support and partnership. Together, we are building a strong foundation for our Bruins—both in the classroom 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 and continues through Wednesday, September 17th!

Thank you for partnering with your students by helping them set a prize goal and approving family and friends for them to contact. Your support makes a huge difference!

This year, our schoolwide goal is to raise $60,000 and to reach 80% participation from our student body. Every contribution—big or small—helps us get closer to that goal and directly benefits our students and school programs.

We truly appreciate your continued generosity and teamwork in making this fundraiser a success!

How to Donate:

• Online Donations: Use the attached link to make a secure, tax-deductible donation. : HTTPS://TINYURL.COM/ASIFALL25

• Checks: Make payable to Buchanan Foundation and return to the Kodiak Office, clearly noting your student’s first and last name.

Students will have the chance to earn prizes and participate in class competitions as we work together toward our schoolwide fundraising goal!

Thank you in advance for supporting Alta Sierra Intermediate and helping us provide the very best experiences for our students.

Sincerely,
Mrs. Martin - Activities Director

Mrs. Carter - Principal

Dear Family & Friends,

This fall, my school, Alta Sierra Intermediate, is holding our annual fundraiser to support student rewards, spirit activities, and school improvements. I am excited to participate and would love your support!

My personal fundraising goal is $__________. Would you consider sponsoring me with a donation of $__________ toward my goal? Every contribution, no matter the size, directly helps provide opportunities and experiences for students like me.

Thank you so much for supporting me and my school!

Sincerely, [Student Name]

At ASI, we value and support the observance of all major religious and cultural traditions in our community. This month, we look forward to recognizing and learning from two important observances.

Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, begins at sundown on Monday, September 22, and concludes on the evening of Wednesday, September 24. Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, begins the evening of Wednesday, October 1, and ends after sundown on Thursday, October 2. We wish a Shanah Tovah—a “Good New Year”—to all who celebrate.

In addition, Hispanic Heritage Month runs from September 15 through October 15. This is a time to celebrate the histories, cultures, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans.

We encourage students and families to share their traditions, celebrations, and experiences with teachers and classmates. These opportunities help us learn from one another and build a more inclusive and connected school community. If your family needs any support or accommodations in observance of these holidays, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Students can earn a Bravo Bruin entry from any teacher or staff member each day by demonstrating one of the 24 character strengths from the Positivity Project. Entries are collected for our weekly gift card drawing, held every Thursday. Congratulations to our winners so far and the character trait they exemplified!

8/28:

• Haidee Beltran - Perseverance
• Stallone Taliaferro - Love of Learning
• Emillio Perez - Purpose
• Melanie Quintero-Sotelo - Perseverance

9/4:

• Carter Jaeckel - Love of Learning
• Romona Bell - Bravery & Kindness
• Chanel Biggs Evans - Bravery & Kindness
• Muajtsim Vang - Kindness

• Max Thompson - Honesty

• Cole Adley - Teamwork
• William Espinosa - Purpose
• Griffin Ross-Capelletti - Love of Learning

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, September23rd —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 year, in partnership with the Fresno County Superintendent of Schools, the One Voice – Spirit of 9/12 ceremony is held to honor student creativity and reflection. In the spring, students are invited to participate in a poetry, art, or logo contest connected to this event. We are proud to share that three former Bruins (9th graders) —Grace Lim, Juliette Heisdorf, and Michelle Watt—were honored for their poetry at this year’s celebration. Each student received a $500 scholarship for their outstanding work. Congratulations to these students on their achievement!

Block ASI is a special honor that recognizes students who excel in the areas of Mind, Body, and Spirit.

This award is open to all 7th and 8th grade students, and we encourage parents to work with their students throughout the year to make it part of their school journey. Whether or not a student ultimately earns the award, striving toward it enriches and enhances their educational experience.

To earn credit in the Mind category, students must participate on an Academic Team. This year, many of our academic teams will begin virtually. While competitions are tentative, students who attend online practices and actively participate will still receive credit toward Block ASI.

Applications are available beginning Friday, September 5th in the Kodiak Cluster.

They are also attached for you to download and print if you prefer.

Please consider purchasing an annual membership in the ASI & BHS Foundation (serving grades 7–12). The Foundation acts as our Parent Teacher Club and directly supports our schools.

Your membership helps fund:

• Classroom grants for teachers

• Grants for teams and clubs

• Academic team lunches

• Teacher incentives

• Student scholarships

• And more!

How to Join:

• Drop off payment in the ASI main office (8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.)

• Payment options: cash, check, or card

• Make checks payable to BHS Foundation

• Make an Online Purchase Here. https://clovisusd.revtrak.net/r7#/v/alta-sierra-foundation-membership-drive-25-26

All donations are tax-deductible. A federal tax ID number will be provided for your records upon request by emailing Peggy Edwards - peggyedwards@cusd.com

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Thank you for your support and partnership!

Mark your calendars!

Our 11th Annual Bear Bash will be held on Saturday, October 4th, from 5:30–10:00 p.m. at the Clovis Rodeo Grounds.

This exciting 21-and-over community event includes:

• Dinner (vegetarian option available upon request)

• Silent auction & live auction

• Amazing trips and experiences up for bid

Tickets & Support:
Tickets are available online (QR Code by or the Rev Store link) or in person at the ASI Main Office (cash or check accepted). When purchasing online, please include your first and last name and contact information. After purchase, you may either pick up your tickets or, with your permission, have them sent home with your student.

Each ticket generates $20 for an ASI athletic team, academic team, club, or program of your choice. You may also choose to support the ASI Student Body, and funds will be placed into that account.

This outstanding event brings our entire Buchanan Area community together! All elementary sites will have a table and be represented—come say hello to your former principals and to me as well!

Ticket Pricing:

• $60 each

• Tables of 10 for $600

• Sponsorship opportunities available, with recognition in the event program

Don’t miss this fun evening while supporting our schools!

We are now accepting basket donations for the upcoming Bear Bash! To be included in the auction, baskets must have a minimum value of $100.

When submitting a basket, please include:

• A list of items in the basket

• The team, club, or program you would like proceeds to benefit

• The total value of the basket

• The recommended starting bid

🗓️ Baskets must be delivered to the Main Office no later than Thursday, October 2nd.

As a special thank you, donations of $500 or more will have the donor’s company or family name included in the event program if received before Wednesday, September 24th.

Thank you for your generosity and support in making Bear Bash a success for our students!

On Wednesday and Thursday of this week, the ASI Counselors delivered 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. To view the presentation, click here.

Yearbooks are available for $90 at http://Yearbookordercenter.com using our school code: 14499. You can also purchase yearbook advertisements through this site.

Please note: ASI does not order extra yearbooks after the initial order at the beginning of Semester 2. Don’t miss out—purchase your student’s yearbook as soon as possible!

• Wednesday, September 17th - Fall Fundraiser Ends
• Monday, September 22nd - SSC/ELAC Parent Meeting @ 12:35pm-1:15pm @ ASI Room 306 - Please email Amyrios@cusd.com if you would like to participate.
• Tuesday, September 23rd - Club Day #1 - Club Day Schedule
• Tuesday, September 30th - Food Fair @ Lunch - Food Trucks on Campus for Students