Wildcat Weekly

Hello, Wildcat Families and Students!

What a busy and exciting week at Sullivan! Our Wildcats showed their school spirit throughout Spirit Week and enjoyed celebrating together at the Falloween Dance.

Our sixth-grade team hosted Early Civilization Day, bringing history to life for our students. Thank you to the families who volunteered their time to help make this annual tradition such a special experience!

On Friday, our eighth graders attended the College and Career Fair at Bonsall High School, where they explored opportunities for their futures.

Sullivan and Bonsall High School also hosted our 5th Annual Cultural Night. Students presented their Spanish 1 projects and practiced their Spanish-speaking skills while sharing their learning with others. We also enjoyed music and dance performances representing a variety of cultures. Thank you to our students, staff, families, and performers for making this a wonderful evening of learning and celebration!

Our fall sports teams wrapped up their final home games this week. It has been an exciting season, and we appreciate the dedication of our student-athletes, coaches, and cheering families. Our Winter Sports Meeting will be held Monday after school at 4:30 p.m. Watch for winter sports tryout information coming soon!

Looking ahead, after-school tutoring with Ms. Bons begins October 28, from 2:45–3:45 p.m. We also have our ELAC meeting on Tuesday, and we encourage our families to join us. Our PTO See’s Candy fundraiser has officially started—a sweet way to support our school!

Finally, first-quarter grades are finalized. Please check Aeries and take a few minutes to talk with your student about their progress, celebrate their accomplishments, and set goals for the new quarter.

Finally, please remember to complete the Impact Aid form in Aeries if you haven’t already. Thank you for taking a few minutes to support our school.

Thank you for supporting our students and the experiences that make middle school memorable. Thank you for being part of our Wildcat community!

A few important reminders:

• 1ST QUARTER FINAL GRADES HAVE BEEN POSTED. PLEAES CHECK AERIES FOR THE UPDATED GRADES.

Please contact the office with any questions you may have!

Important Links:

DISTRICT CALENDAR.

BHS Legion Landing

Gratefully,

Angie James, Proud Principal ~ Click to email.

Sullivan Middle School and Bonsall High School

Bigger and better than ever—the Bonsall Woman’s Club / Bonsall Unified School District Stages of Inspiration Art Contest & Show returns January 20, 2027, at SMS/BHS!

This year’s theme is “Building a Brighter Future.” All BUSD students (TK–12+) are invited to share their 2D/3D/Photography Art! January is right around the corner—start planning and making your artwork now!

Submit your entries December 1–16, 2026. Read the contest rules & complete the online submission form.

Meet the student artists helping spread the word!

Congratulations to the SMS and BHS art students whose art was selected to promote this year’s show; you will see their posters hanging at all BUSD school sites!

Winning Poster Artist: Charli Nguyen
Selected Poster Artists: Harper Ross, Selma Haven, Lily Winebrenner, and Jessica Clift-Crudo
Poster Contest Runners-Up: Chloe Ferrante, Kenia Delgado, and Brooklyn Knewek

Their creativity is just the beginning—we can’t wait to see yours!

Save the date: January 20, 2027 | SMS/BHS

Thank you to our sponsor, Nessy Burgers, for supporting the arts in Bonsall Unified School District!

THIS WEEK:

Monday:

• Winter Sports Meeting Room 19 @ 4:30

Tuesday:

• Student Store Opening (Sell Dippin Dots)
• ELAC Meeting in the Library from 3:30 to 4:30.

Wednesday:

• 6th, 7th, and 8th Afterschool Tutoring - Ms. Bond's room

• Bingo Fundraiser at Firehouse in Fallbrook @ 6:00 pm

Thursday:

Friday:

• Superintendent Student Council @ 8:00 SMS & BHS

UPCOMING:

Sullivan Parents & Athletes,

The Athletic Director Mr. Arteaga will be hosting a Q&A in room 19 Monday October 26th to answer all questions about winter sports. Please attend if you or your child is interested in participating in our winter sports. Meeting time will be from 4:30m to 5pm.The 2 sports offered in the WINTER are Boys Basketball and Girls Soccer.

Please bring an electronic device to join the TEAMREACH APP.

TRYOUT INFORMATIONWinter Sports Tryouts are November 16th - November 18th! **Your child may try out without being registered on Home Campus, but if they are selected for the team, they MUST be cleared by Friday, Nov. 27th, or their spot on the roster will be in jeopardy. Please have a plan to get them a sports physical NOW so you are prepared! The Physical must have a STAMP to verify they went to see a Doctor! Dr. Richard Uhler in Temecula, can do physicals for $40. He will get you scheduled within a day or two! His phone number is: 951-693-9678

Here are the links on how to clear your athlete as well as HOMECAMPUSSullivan Clearance Checklist
HOMECAMPUS

Boys' Basketball Tryouts will be Monday, Wednesday, Nov. 16,18th from 3:00pm -4:15pmand Thursday Nov 19th from 1:30 to 3:00pmFinal Roster Posted Friday

Girls' Soccer Tryouts will be on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday Nov. 16th, 17th, and 18th on the upper field from 3:00-4:15pm. Final Roster Posted Friday Nov 20th

Practices will begin Nov 30th. You must be cleared in order to practice.
Please email Mr. Arteaga if there are any questionssierra.arteaga@bonsallusd.com

--
Sierra ArteagaSullivan Middle School
Math Teacher | Athletic Director

Bonsall High School students and Sullivan Middle School eighth graders explored future possibilities together at our College and Career Day! With more than 35 colleges and trades represented, students had the opportunity to ask questions, gather information, and learn about the many paths available after high school.

Students and participating representatives alike had a great time connecting and learning from one another. A special thank you to Ms. Crystal and Ms. Lockhardt for organizing this amazing event! Thank you also to our college and trade representatives for sharing their time and expertise to help our students envision their futures.

Our seventh graders had a great time visiting San Diego State University and learning more about college life! Experiences like this help students connect what they are learning today with the possibilities ahead. The earlier we introduce our students to colleges and trades, the more they can begin to see these opportunities as part of their own futures.

Thank you to all the families who volunteered their time to chaperone and help make this trip possible. Great job, Wildcats!

Dear Sullivan Families,
This Thanksgiving, Love On Your Back (LOYB) is working to help local children and families enjoy a special holiday meal. We are currently serving 55 local families and are hoping to collect as many gift cards and monetary donations as possible to help make Thanksgiving a little brighter for everyone.
We are collecting $20 gift cards to Walmart or Grocery Outlet, allowing families to purchase the food they need for a Thanksgiving meal of their choice. Monetary donations are also greatly appreciated and will help us support these families during the holiday season.
Every donation, big or small, makes a difference!
Please see the attached flyer for details on how to donate. Your generosity helps ensure that local children and families can enjoy a Thanksgiving meal with the people they love.
Thank you so much for your continued kindness, generosity, and support of our Bonsall community!
With gratitude,
Love On Your Back (LOYB)
Together, we can make a difference! ❤️

Each year, Bonsall Unified School District is eligible to receive Federal Impact Aid funds. This program provides financial assistance to school districts with federally connected students enrolled (e.g., children of active-duty military personnel, families living on federal property or Indian lands, or parents working on federal property/civilian bases).

These funds support all students. They help pay for supplies, instructional materials, classroom technology, and student support services. School districts nationwide collect this information on a designated Census Day, which this year is Wednesday, October 7, 2026.

To make this process faster, more secure, and environmentally friendly, we are moving away from traditional paper survey cards. Instead, Bonsall Unified School District has been authorized to use an Electronic Data Collection (EDC) system.

• When: The online portal is open on October 7, 2026. Please complete the form by October 16, 2026.

• Who should complete it: All families should complete this form. Even if you are not a federal or military employee, your response helps us accurately account for our entire student body.

• Privacy: All data collected via the EDC portal is strictly confidential and used solely to verify eligibility for these federal grants.

• Participation: Your participation and completion of this form ensures our schools receive the maximum federal funding we are legally owed. Thank you for your continued partnership and for helping us support our students and teachers.

We are asking all parents/guardians to log in to the Aeries Parent Portal and complete the Federal Impact Aid Electronic Data Collection survey form. The the deadline to submit the form is Friday, October 16th.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation . If you have any questions please contact the office.

Every school day matters! Regular attendance helps students stay connected, keep up with learning, and build strong relationships with teachers and classmates.

Students are considered chronically absent when they miss 10% or more of the school days, including excused and unexcused absences. At this point in the year, missing just four days reaches that threshold.

When students are absent for any reason, our school offers an opportunity to complete an independent study agreement. Students must complete the missed work for their classes and have the independent study paperwork signed by each teacher. Students may use up to 15 independent study days, which, when properly completed and approved, do not count toward chronic absenteeism.

Ms. Carmen has been working with students and families to help them access this opportunity and stay on track with their learning. Please call the office with any questions about attendance or the independent study process. Thank you for partnering with us to keep our Wildcats learning and connected!

Our Wildcats brought plenty of creativity and school spirit to our Halloween and Red Ribbon Spirit Week! Students wore red on Monday, teamed up in sports jerseys on Tuesday, and sported white shirts with playful “white lies” on Wednesday. Thursday featured grade-level colors, orange for sixth grade, green for seventh, and black for eighth—before students finished the week in their Halloween costumes on Friday.

The fun continued at our Falloween Dance, where students had a great time dancing with friends, making their way through the haunted house, and playing laser tag! Thank you to everyone who helped make this a memorable week for our Wildcats!

We had a great turnout for Saturday School, with more than 30 students in attendance! Our Bonsall High School students joined us to tutor our middle school Wildcats, offering support and encouragement as they worked on their learning.

Thank you to our high school tutors for giving their time and being positive role models. We are proud of our Wildcats for showing up, working hard, and taking advantage of this opportunity. Great job, Wildcats!

To help keep our Wildcats safe and ensure a smooth arrival and dismissal each day, please review the following important reminders.

Morning Drop-Off:
Parents and guardians should drop students off in their designated 6th, 7th, or 8th grade drop-off areas. Please do not drop students off in the bus drop-off area at the top of the parking lot. This area must remain clear for our buses to safely enter, unload students, and exit campus.

Afternoon Pick-Up:
To ensure the safety and supervision of all students during dismissal, starting at 3:15 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday, all students who are still waiting to be picked up will be moved to the 6th-grade parking lot. On Thursday, our early release day, students will be moved to this area beginning at 1:40 PM.

If your 7th- or 8th-grade student has not been picked up by these times, they will be directed to the designated supervised area in the 6th-grade parking lot, where families can pick them up.

Thank you for your patience, cooperation, and partnership in helping us keep our Wildcats safe during our busy arrival and dismissal times!

Join us for the first session of the Bonsall Family Digital Wellness Parent Series! "Online Scams & Info Security" is Thursday, October 22, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Learn to recognize today's most common online scams, including AI-generated fake calls and messages, and leave with practical strategies to protect your family. Virtual session in English with Spanish interpretation. Join here: bit.ly/busd-online-scams

• Topic: Online Scams & Info Security

• Date: Thursday, October 29

• Time: 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.

• Format: Virtual, presented in English with Spanish interpretation

• Join link: bit.ly/busd-online-scams

School starts every day at 8:00 am and can be dropped off as early as 7:30 am. Please make sure to drop your student off in the lower parking lot because the upper parking lot will be closed to allow our students to walk across the walkway safely.

All of 8th grade and half of 7th grade will have second lunch and follow Bell Schedule B.

Director: Jannet.villareal@bonsallusd.com

LINK: CLICK HERE TO ENROLL

Sullivan Middle School Before and After School Program (BASP) is located in Room 14. You can reach Room 14 by dialing 1-760-631-5209 ext. 1314.

BASP Hours:

6:00am - 7:30am Monday - Thursday

2:45pm - 6:00pm Monday - Thursday

1:15pm - 6:00pm Friday

Fees:

SMS BASP fees schedule is a flat rate and you may use days at your convenience. Your student is not obligated to attend every day, but the fee will not change if you use less days.

• $175/month (August, December and June are a flat $125) for unlimited AM/PM use or PM only usage.
• $65/month for AM only usage (6-7:45 am)
• $65/month for BHS Siblings PM (2:45-4pm and 1:15-2:15pm on Thursday)
• This option is for middle school students waiting for high school siblings. For 75 minutes, your student will receive homework support, snacks and supervision. Students may not remain on campus during this time without supervision from BASP staff.
• A Late Fee of $30 will be assessed for any student picked up AFTER 6 pm. Please avoid this fee by making arrangements to pick up your student prior to 6:00 pm.
• Payment is due on the 1st of each month.
• Courtesy reminder call/email will be made to remind about late/missing payments on the 8th day of the month.
• Late payment fee of $15 will be assessed after the 10th day of the month.
• If payment hasn’t been received by the 11th day, the student may not attend BASP until full payment is received.

📵 Sullivan Middle School Cell Phone & Personal Device Policy

At Sullivan Middle School, our goal is to create a focused, respectful, and academically engaging environment. In alignment with California’s Phone-Free Schools Act (AB 3216) and regional best practices.

Cell Phones/Electronic Devices: Students are allowed to come to the office to use their cell phones to make a call.

• Cell phones must be turned off and out of sight while on Sullivan's campus (Unless required for a classroom activity and authorization is given by the teacher).

• Cell phones may be confiscated if they are visible during the school day and brought to the office to be kept in a locked cabinet for the day. It is YOUR responsibility to pick it up at the end of the school day in the front office.

• Cell phones will be returned at the end of the day to the student unless it is a repeated violation.

• Repeated violations - Parent pick up of cell phone in the front office.

• Students refusing to hand over their phone or electronic device to a staff member will be disciplined for defiance.

*Sullivan Middle School assumes no liability for lost, damaged, or stolen cell phones, earphones/buds, or electronic devices*

🎧 Other Electronic Devices

• Earbuds, headphones, and smartwatches are also considered personal devices and must follow the same “off and away” expectations unless authorized by a teacher.
  

• Listening to music, watching videos, or taking calls while on SMS Campus is strictly prohibited.

🚫 Enforcement and Consequences

SMS will implement a progressive discipline approach grounded in PBIS and Restorative Practices:

1. 1st Violation – Verbal warning and reminder of policy
   
   

2. 2nd Violation – Device is held by the teacher and returned at the end of the period
   
   

3. 3rd Violation – Device is turned in to the front office; parent/guardian is contacted
   
   

4. 4th Violation – Parent must pick up the device; student may lose device privileges for a designated period
   
   

5. Repeated Violations – Student may be restricted from extracurricular activities or subject to further disciplinary action

ATTENTION PARENTS!

Only emergency vehicles, buses, those with handicap placards, and those with other special placards have access to the upper lot, emergency lane closest to the front of our schools. You will need to show your placard to Campus Security.

We ask that If you have a parking pass because your student received the ROAR Award for that month you may continue to have access to the upper lot at the end of the school day. Please do not park in the bus lanes or block the handicap spaces.

This decision to enforce our existing parking lot plan aligns with the recommendations of our community safety partners and will increase our ability to maintain a safe and secure site:

• When dropping students off, please use the lower levels of the parking lot.
• When visiting either the middle or the high school office, please park in the lower levels, bring your ID to the front, and check in with the appropriate staff.

Gates accessing the upper lane will continue to be closed to secure the campus. We appreciate your partnership and support in our efforts to provide the highest levels of safety for our students

Sullivan Middle School hosts a Lunch on the Lawn every other month for parents and families to eat lunch with their students on campus. Parents and families are welcome to bring lunch, chairs, or a blanket and eat lunch on the front lawn of Sullivan. Parents will be asked to check at the Welcome Booth before entering the campus.

Here are the dates for Lunch on the Lawn:

November 19 - Thursday

Lunch A - 10:27 to 10:57

Lunch B - 11:13 to 11:43

January 14 - Thursday

Lunch A - 10:27 to 10:57

Lunch B - 11:13 to 11:43

March 25 - Thursday

Lunch A - 10:27 to 10:57

Lunch B - 11:13 to 11:43

May 20 - Thursday: LAST LUNCH ON THE LAWN

Lunch A - 10:27 to 10:57

Lunch B - 11:13 to 11:43

We discussed fundraising opportunities and fun events to start planning for our Wildcats and discussed classroom/ teacher needs for this school year.

Please check out our membership information. You can help by donating or signing up for any of our events.

Thank you for your support!

Click here to sign up!

Parent Liaison: Leonor Rodriguez

Welcome to another school year 2026-27/Bienvenidos a otro año escolar 2026-27

Mensaje de la Cordinadora de Enlaces Comunitario

The Bonsall Unified School District and I welcome you back to school for the 2026-27 school year.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

El distrito escolar unificado de Bonsall y yo les damos la bienvenida de regreso a la escuela para el año escolar 2026-27.

Community Liaison Newsletter

Exciting news!: Students will be able to eat for free during the 25-26 school year!

CLICK HERE FOR THE LATEST INFORMATION FROM NUTRITION SERVICES and lunch menu.

Website: https://sm.bonsallusd.com
Location: 7350 West Lilac Road, Bonsall, CA 92003, USA
Phone: 760-631-5209