ASI Bruin's Den November Newsletter
For Parents, Guardians, & Students
Principal's Message
Dear ASI Parents, Guardians, and Students,
Happy November!
As we move into this season of gratitude, I want to thank you for your continued partnership and support of Alta Sierra Intermediate. Our school thrives because of the collaboration between our dedicated staff, incredible students, and supportive families. Together, we are building a community where students feel valued, supported, and challenged to reach their full potential.
November offers an opportunity to recognize the diverse cultures, traditions, and experiences that enrich our ASI community. During Native American Heritage Month, we honor the histories and contributions of Native American communities. We also recognize Sikh American Awareness and Appreciation Month, acknowledge families celebrating Diwali, and thank the veterans and military families in our community for their service and sacrifice. These observances remind us of the importance of learning from one another, respecting our differences, and celebrating the many experiences that make our community stronger.
Our 12-week progress grading period ends Friday, November 6th. Please continue to monitor your student’s grades in Parent Connect and reach out to teachers if you have questions about their progress. While opportunities to make up work may be limited, students still have time to strengthen their understanding and improve their performance before semester grades are finalized.
At ASI, we want every student to have the support they need to succeed. Many teachers offer Lunch Labs, and Afterschool Labs are available Monday through Thursday from 3:20–5:20 p.m. Students should bring assignments and materials to work on. Tutor.com is also available 24/7 through CUSD, providing additional academic support whenever it is needed.
As we head into the holiday season, please continue to stay connected with your student by checking Parent Connect, talking about their school experience, and monitoring social media activity and phone use. Your involvement makes a meaningful difference in helping students make positive choices and stay focused on their goals.
Our last day of school before Thanksgiving break is Friday, November 20th. I hope the upcoming break provides your family with time to rest, reconnect, and enjoy time together. Please make every effort to ensure your student attends school throughout that final week, as important assessments will take place during this time. Being present gives students the opportunity to demonstrate their learning and finish the weeks leading up to the break successfully. Thank you for helping us keep students engaged and learning through the last day before break. I hope the upcoming holiday provides your family with time to rest, reconnect, and enjoy time together.
Thank you for being such an important part of the ASI family. I am grateful for your trust and partnership as we continue to help our Bruins learn, grow, and succeed.
Wishing you and your family a wonderful November and a happy Thanksgiving!
With appreciation,
Mrs. Carter
Principal, Alta Sierra Intermediate
Congratulations to the Alta Sierra Chess Team who took 1st place as a team at the Central Valley Fall Kick Off Chess Tournament held at Clovis High School on Saturday, October 17th. Special congratulations to these students who medaled in the top 15: David Feng - 1st, Baron Fung - 6th, Lincoln Garcia - 8th, Joshua Lan - 10th, Noah Kozuki - 14th, and Apollo Ofstad - 15th. In addition, Ellyana Urrutia placed 3rd in the female division. In addition, Lucas Donati, Declan Kong, Steven Wu, Nicolas Gonzalez, and Kenneth Pittenger participated and represented Alta Sierra with excellent sportsmanship. The Alta Sierra Chess Club meets weekly on Mondays during lunch in Room 106 with Mrs. Nenadov. All are welcome to attend.
Congratulations to Mrs. Barger! We are proud to share that Mrs. Barger has been named a finalist for the California League of Middle Schools Educator of the Year Award! Mrs. Barger's dedication to student achievement, outstanding instruction, and helping students take ownership of their learning make her a wonderful representative of Alta Sierra. We are so proud of Mrs. Barger and grateful for the difference she makes in the lives of our Bruins.
Congratulations to Mrs. Siemens on receiving a 2026 Foundation @ FCOE Innovation Grant! Honored yesterday at the Fresno County Office of Education, Mrs. Siemens was awarded $1,000 for her project, Write Your Story: The Good Newsroom. This exciting initiative will give students opportunities to develop storytelling and digital media skills while sharing inspiring stories of resilience, growth, and achievement. We are proud of Mrs. Siemens and her commitment to creating meaningful learning experiences for our students!
7th Boys Water Polo
8th Boys Water Polo
7th Girls Volleyball
8th Girls Water Polo
Girls Tennis
8th Girls Volleyball
DANCE CLUB
FCA CLUB
KARAOKE CLUB
ASI celebrated Red Ribbon Week, October 26th- October 30th by dressing up and participating in lunchtime activities to support living a drug-free lifestyle.
Most importantly, students participated in "Be the Difference. Be a Hero. Stay Drug Free," drug prevention lessons from Naturalhigh.org in elective classes that included a video, group discussion and activity. Please follow up and discuss living an anti-drug lifestyle with your student at home.
SOCK IT TO DRUGS
SOCK IT TO DRUGS
Team Up Against Drugs
Team Up Against Drugs
Spirit Day!
Spirit Day!
Be a Hero. Say No to Drugs!
Be a Hero. Say No to Drugs!
Your Future is Bright!
