Bronco Newsletter

Phone: (916) 971-7842

Fax: (916) 971-7839

Website: barrett.sanjuan.edu

Office Hours:

M-W & F 7:30 a.m. - 3:15 p.m.

Th 7:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Principal - Amy Alexander-Carter

aalexander-carter@sanjuan.edu

Vice Principal - Sabrina Young

sabrina.young@sanjuan.edu

Secretary - Amelia Rolf

amelia.rolf@sanjuan.edu

Attendance barrettabsence@sanjuan.edu or

call (916) 971-7842 and selection Option 1

Parent Portal: sis.sanjuan.edu/parentportal

Parent Resources: sanjuan.edu/parents

March 5th - Spring Dance - Barrett Beach Bash 5pm-6:30pm

March 6th - eSports Tournament 4pm-7pm

March 9th - 11th - 7th Grade Field Trip to Marin Headlands

March 19th - Sports-O-Rama @ Del Campo 6pm-8pm

March 27th - Minimum Day DISMISSAL @ 11:15am

March 30th - April 3rd - Spring Break - NO SCHOOL!

Here are a few important reminders and FYIs:

• Please DO NOT use Talking Points to report absences.

• Single period absences:
  If your student was on campus, please have them ask their teacher for an attendance correction.

• All absences must be cleared within 5 days.

• Early dismissals:
  Please call the Front Desk to speak with someone directly - do not email your request.

• The most efficient way to clear absences is by emailing 📧 barrettabsence@sanjuan.edu or by using the Parent Portal.

• Questions about attendance?
  Please email barrettabsence@sanjuan.edu or call 📞 (916) 971-7844.

Thank you for your cooperation and helping us support strong attendance!

Policy Overview
Unless explicitly permitted by a school employee, students may NOT USE smartphones, mobile communication devices, or headphones (airpods) while on campus during school hours 7:30AM – 2:45 PM (From the time the student walks through Barrett’s Black Gates until they leave Barrett’s Black Gates). All such devices must be powered off and kept in students’ backpacks throughout the school day.

Unauthorized Use
If a student uses a smartphone or mobile device in violation of this policy while on campus or under school supervision, school staff may confiscate the device and issue disciplinary action.

Confiscation & Storage
Any confiscated device will be turned into the main office, where it will be stored securely. Devices will be returned to the student, parent/guardian, or school administrator, as appropriate.

Repeated Violations
Students may be prohibited from bringing devices to campus after multiple infractions. The escalation process is as follows:

# of Infraction - Consequence

1st - Verbal warning and put your phone away

2nd -Detention and students can pick up phone after school

3rd - Parent contact by teacher/office and parent pick up

4th - After-School detention and parent pick up

5th - Parent/student/administrator meeting

Liability
John Barrett Middle School is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged cell phones. Students are strongly encouraged to secure personal devices at all times.

** A log will be kept for all student’s cell infractions

⏰ Early Dismissals During Lunch

Please note: early dismissals during lunch may take 20+ minutes, depending on if your student has lunch or Flex.

🍽️ Lunch Time: 11:40am - 12:55pm
If your student is at lunch:
✍️ Parent/guardian must sign in at the office
🪪 You’ll receive a visitor badge
🏫 You’ll go to the cafeteria or quad to locate your student
🎒 You will need to find a teacher or campus monitor to retrieve your student’s backpack from their classroom

Please note that there are NO early dismissals 20 minutes before the end of the day bell. That means that Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays after 2:25pm and Thursdays after 1:10pm - the front office will not process early dismissals.

Thank you for your understanding and continued cooperation!

We know that life happens! PE clothes, lunches, and sometimes even shirts or shoes can get forgotten. We also understand that kids are kids - spills happen, and a change of clothes may be needed.

We are more than happy to help students get the items they need. When dropping off items with the ladies in the office, please be sure they are secured in a bag and labeled with your students name - they will greatly appreciate it!

Thank you for your continued understanding and support! 😊

🔎 Our Lost and Found continues to fill up with jackets, water bottles, and lunchboxes! Please remind your student to check for any missing items before the end of the month.

⚠️ Important: The lost and found is cleared out at the end of every month. Any unclaimed items will be donated or discarded.

Thank you for helping us keep our school organized and make sure belongings find their way home!

SAVE THE DATE

CAASPP State Testing Week

April 20–24, 2026

State testing will take place Monday, April 20 through Friday, April 24, 2026. All students will be released at 1:30 p.m. each day during testing week.

This is an exciting time for Barrett! We have seen significant growth in our iReady diagnostic results and CAASPP scores from last year, and we are extremely excited to see how our Barrett students perform on this year's state assessments.

This year, the entire week will be dedicated solely to state testing. Each day will include four testing sessions, two 10-minute stretch breaks, and normal FLEX and lunch break. To support student wellness and focus, no homework will be assigned during testing week.

To build excitement, we will host a schoolwide rally on April 17 to motivate and encourage our students. We will wrap up testing with a Field Day celebration on April 30 for students who meet expectations.

📅 Testing Week Details

• State testing Monday–Friday

• Early release at 1:30 p.m. daily

• Four testing sessions each day

• Two 10-minute stretch breaks

• Lunch and FLEX built in

• No homework all week-just testing for CAASPP

📣 Schoolwide Rally: April 17, 2026- 6th period

🎉 Field Day Requirements

Students may participate if they:

1. Are on time all 5 days

(seated in their chair by 8:00 a.m.-no tardies)

2. Have no absences during testing

3. Have no behavior issues

4. Give maximum effort on all tests

5. Have no early dismissals all week

🏆 Field Day: April 30, 2026- 6th period

Your support is critical in helping our Barrett students do their very best. Thank you for partnering with us to encourage our students to have positive behavior, put forth their best effort, and to take pride in their learning.

Go Broncos!!!

Warm regards,

Sabrina Young

Vice Principal, Barrett Middle School

Getting enough sleep and proper nutrition are key factors in helping students perform their best on exams like the SAT and ACT. Research shows that students who get around eight hours of sleep have better memory, focus, and concentration, making it easier to recall what they’ve learned. Eating a balanced breakfast with whole grains, protein, and healthy fats provides steady energy and supports brain function, while staying hydrated helps maintain alertness and prevents fatigue. Preparing for test day isn’t just about studying - it’s also about taking care of your body so your brain can work at its highest potential.

Read this article to gain more insight. Thank you!!

Please take a look at the registration days and time.

Bella Vista High School is hosting Incoming Freshman Registration Nights ✨
If your are planning for your student to attend Bella Vista High School please take a look at these dates.

Here are the dates and times for our incoming 9th grade course registration:
Thursday, March 19
2:30 pm: Last names A-E
3:30 pm: Last names F-L

Thursday, March 26
2:30 pm: Last names A-E
3:30 pm: Last names F-L
2:30 pm: Last names M-R
5:00 pm: Make-up session for all parents

Attention English Language Learners:

ELPAC testing is beginning soon! Please click on the link to see the schedule!

We’re excited to offer after school homework support for students who want a quiet place to work, extra guidance, or enrichment opportunities . Sessions are held Mondays and Wednesdays from 2:50–3:50 PM in Room F-1 (Ms. Trotti) and Room D-3 (Mr. Latimer). All are welcome! Come join us and stay on track for success!

Students are encouraged to wear sunglasses,

bright colors, beach or Hawaiian themed clothing.

The school dress code will be enforced.

Celebrating the spring season with a dance and swag

bags. The snack bar will have its regular treats and

also feature $2.00 snow cones and $5.00 swag bags.

Tickets will not be issued without

a signed permission slip and ID card.

Permission forms will be sent home prior to the dance. Or you can print it here.

We’re gearing up for the Barrett Beach Bash: Spring Dance & Luau on Thursday, March 5 from

5:00 - 6:30 PM, and we need your help to make it a fun and safe event for our students! Volunteers are needed for set-up, supervision, the snack bar, and clean-up.

If you’re able to help, please sign up using the link below!

Thank you for supporting our school and our students - we truly appreciate you! 🌊💙

Sign up here to help with the dance.

Sign up sheet is here for your student to sign up. Please note that this Sports-o-Rama is at Del Campo High School.

Sweet treats are still available this March! 🍫✨

Our See’s Candy Yumraising fundraiser is in full swing and runs through March 20. Enjoy delicious See’s Candies that ship quickly and directly to your door—perfect for family, friends, coworkers, or yourself!

Don’t miss this chance to treat yourself while supporting our students and their school.

Thank you for your continued support! 💙

Support Our School at the Ballpark!

Join us for a fun night out while supporting our school! Families are invited to attend one of the upcoming San Francisco Giants fundraising games at Oracle Park. When you purchase tickets using our school code BMS, $5 from every ticket sold goes directly back to our school to support student programs and activities. Scan the QR code on the flyer or click here to purchase tickets and be part of an exciting community event. 🌟

Get your running shoes ready to support the San Juan Education Foundation at the 45th annual Fair Oaks Chicken Run on Sunday, May 3. Proceeds from the event benefit the San Juan Education Foundation, which directly supports programs and opportunities for San Juan Unified students and staff.

Choose your challenge: the five-mile run, the non-competitive two-mile run/walk or the kids race for children 12 and under – there’s a race for all!

Register here https://www.fairoakschickenrun.com/

Our youth heart screening video highlights the importance of early detection and awareness. Sudden Cardiac Arrest affects 23,000 young people each year, often without warning. This video explains why heart screenings matter and how taking action can help save lives.

****This is not a district sponsored event****

Create a passion project. Publish research with PhD mentors.

Lumiere’s Junior Explorer and Junior Research & Publication Programs pair middle school students 1-on-1 with PhD mentors from universities like Harvard, MIT, Stanford, and Cambridge. Students build research skills, explore a field, and complete a project - from case studies to publishable papers.

We offer need-based financial aid for students who qualify. More details on our website and brochure.

Apply by March 8 for our Summer Cohort's Priority Admissions using this application link!

If you have any questions, feel free to email our director, Dr. Dhruva Bhat, at dhruva.bhat@lumiere.education

****This is not a district sponsored event****

It’s time to make mountain memories at Camp Winthers! San Juan Unified students aged 9-13 can make early reservations for this unforgettable retreat. Registration will open to the general public on Feb. 23. This year, we’re proud to introduce a dedicated Music Camp to the Camp Winthers experience for students who want to learn, perform and grow through concert and jazz band.

This year, Camp Winthers will be hosting its activities during the following weeks:

• June 29 to July 3
• July 6 to 10
• July 13 to 17
• July 20 to 24
• July 27 to Aug. 1 (Music Camp)

Students have a variety of enrichment programs to choose from, including outdoor skills, recreational sports, STEAM, and Art in Nature. Exclusive to San Juan Unified students, early registration is available at www.sanjuan.edu/register.

Weekly Themes:

June 29 - July 3 - Week 1 - Rainforest Rumble

July 6- 10 - Week 2 - Arctic Freeze

July 13-17 - Week 3 - Desert Discovery

July 20-24 - Week 4 - Coastal Splash

Registration Opens March 1!

Sacramento State’s College of Continuing Education (CCE) is excited to announce the return of Summer Youth Academies, offering students in 7th through 12th grade a hands-on way to explore future careers, build skills, and experience college life.
These one-week academies combine interactive projects, real-world learning, and expert instruction from campus faculty and industry professionals. Students can explore areas such as engineering, robotics, art, writing, business, and technology, all in a supportive and engaging environment.
New for Summer 2026, we are introducing several STEM-focused courses, including:

• Aerial Robotics – coding and drone technology
• Data Structure Problem Solving – foundational computer science skills
• Introduction to Web Development – build an interactive website using HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and React

Courses begin the week of June 22 and continue through July 27, with morning and afternoon options, both online and in person on the Sacramento State campus. Financial assistance is available through an application process.

Save the date! Registration opens March 1.

If you have any questions, or would like to receive more information about our Summer Youth Academies, feel free to contact us.

Pattie Gomez
Senior Program Coordinator

****This is not a district sponsored event****

The RoboThink Team teaches the following in their STEM/Robotics classes:

• Basics of robot design and engineering
• Coding and programming
• S.T.E.M. hands on learning experiences that make learning engaging and memorable.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills, analytical skills essential for success
• Creativity and innovation, thinking outside the box and developing groundbreaking solutions to real-world problems.

Barrett Middle School

• Day: Thursdays
• Dates: 3/5/26 - 4/30/26 (no program on 4/2/26)
• Times: 1:45pm - 3:15pm
• Location: Barrett Middle School - Room R1
• Fee: $10
• Register Online
• Registration Form - In-Person at La Sierra Community Center (5325 Engle Rd. Suite 100)

Informational meeting on March 9th after school in the gym. Students will get the registration forms in their PE class so be on the lookout.

2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month

2:50 p.m. - 3:30p.m.

Mondays and Wednesdays

3:00p.m. - 5:00p.m.

Thursdays

2:p.m. - 4p.m.

Mondays and Wednesdays

2:50p.m. - 3:45p.m.

Mondays and Wednesday

2:45p.m. - 3:45p.m.

* Must have permission slip turned in to Mrs. Irvine *

Please note: A maximum of 20 students is allowed during every meeting!

Mondays and Tuesdays

3:00p.m. - 4:00p.m

Tuesdays (except the first Tuesday of the month)

3:00p.m. - 4:00p.m

Tuesdays (except the first Tuesday of the month)

2:50p.m. - 3:30p.m.

Fridays

3p.m. - 4p.m.

Mondays

3:00p.m. - 4:00p.m.

Thursdays

1:45p.m. - 3:15p.m.

Tuesdays

3:00pm - 4:30pm

Thursdays

1:45pm - 3:15pm

The San Juan Unified School District offers a variety of family education and engagement opportunities including workshops, conferences, newsletters, volunteering and more! Explore the tabs, calendar and content on their website for more details. Visit sanjuan.edu/familyed for more information and to register for events!