Legion Landing

Hello Bonsall High School Families and Students,

What an exciting week at Bonsall High School! Our College and Career Fair brought together more than 35 college and trade representatives, and our students took advantage of the opportunity to ask questions, gather information, and explore potential career paths. A special thank you to Ms. Crystal and Ms. Lockhardt for organizing this wonderful event, and to our district cabinet leaders for joining us!

We also celebrated our fifth annual Cultural Night on Wednesday. Our high school students and Sullivan eighth graders shared presentations in Spanish, while performers showcased music and dance representing different cultures.

Friday’s Fall Festival brought students and families together for an evening of fun. Thank you to ASB and Mr. Robinson for organizing this celebration!

Saturday School was another success! Many of our high school students earned community service hours by tutoring Sullivan students, while others used the time to complete missing assignments. Thank you to Dr. Guthrie and Mrs. Suetos for providing this opportunity and supporting our students.

In athletics, we celebrated our volleyball seniors at Senior Night and look forward to Football Senior Night and the football semifinals this coming week. We hope to see you cheering on our Legionnaires!

Winter sports begin in November, with more information coming soon. You can also support BHS athletics at our BINGO fundraiser this Wednesday. We hope you will join us!

Final first-quarter grades are now posted in Aeries. Please review your student’s grades together and discuss goals for the new quarter. All of our Legionnaires also completed the writing assessment this past week, and students will receive their scores within the next two weeks.

Finally, all juniors must arrive no later than 8:30 a.m. on Friday, October 30, to grab breakfast and prepare for the PSAT. Students cannot arrive late, so please plan ahead to ensure they are on campus and ready.

Thank you for your continued support and for helping make BHS a place where our students can learn, connect, and thrive.

Go Legion!

Have an AMAZING WEEK!

Go Legion!

Proud Principal,

Angela James

The 11th grade class has been registered to take the PSAT on campus this Friday, October 30! This standardized exam provides students with an opportunity to practice their test-taking skills and prepare for future college entrance exams. There is no cost to families, as the school has covered the registration fees.

Important Arrival Information: 11th graders must arrive on campus by 8:30 a.m. on Friday to allow time to use the restroom and enjoy breakfast in the cafeteria, if desired, before testing begins promptly at 8:45 a.m.

To help students feel prepared and do their best, we encourage them to get a good night's sleep on Thursday and eat a nutritious breakfast before the exam.

If you have questions about your student's participation or the exam, please contact Dr. Guthrie at cassiopeia.guthrie@bonsallusd.com.

We wish our students the best of luck!

THIS WEEK:

Monday:

Tuesday:

Wednesday:

Friday:

• Superintendent Dr. Golly Student Advisory Council 8-9:30 am.
• PSAT for Juniors starting at 8:30 am.

Upcoming:

• Winter sports meeting and practices. More to come.

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!

Art, Photo, and Yearbook

• Yearbooks are on sale for $85

• Senior Ads on Sale until Feb 12

• Cash sales now accepted with a blue order form (found in my room, Taylor’s room, or Cara’s desk) with a special discount of $5 off if ordered before Fall Break in November

• Seniors are invited to submit their baby photos for a special “Who’s Who” spread in the yearbook

• BUSD/BWC Art Show submissions due by Dec 16

Bonsall High School’s Speech & Debate team celebrated an exciting milestone this past weekend as two students competed in Novice Parliamentary Debate for the very first time… and both returned with medals!

Aaron Arellano and Aiden Montesano represented BHS at the San Diego Imperial Valley Speech League (SDIVSL) League 1A Tournament, held October 17–18 in Carlsbad. The tournament brought together 312 competitors from 20 schools, providing an exciting opportunity for Bonsall students to test their skills against teams from across the region.

Parliamentary Debate challenges students to think on their feet, develop persuasive arguments, work collaboratively, and respond to opposing viewpoints with limited preparation time. Despite entering an entirely new event for the program, Aaron and Aiden competed across four rounds, finishing ahead of 19 other teams in their division! Their performance demonstrated impressive adaptability, teamwork, and confidence.

Their medal-winning debut marks an exciting step forward as Bonsall continues expanding its Speech & Debate program and providing students with new opportunities to develop their communication, critical thinking, and advocacy skills.

Congratulations to Aaron and Aiden on this outstanding accomplishment!

Our Legionnaires explored opportunities beyond high school at our College and Career Fair! With more than 35 college and trade representatives in attendance, students asked questions, gathered information, and learned about pathways that connect to their interests and career goals. We were also excited to welcome Sullivan’s eighth graders as they begin imagining their futures.

A special thank you to Ms. Crystal and Ms. Lockhardt for organizing this amazing event, and to our district cabinet leaders for attending. Thank you to all the representatives who shared their time and knowledge to help our students plan their next steps!

Our Legionnaires made a difference at Saturday School! With more than 30 students in attendance, Bonsall High School students volunteered their time to tutor Sullivan Middle School Wildcats, earning community service hours while providing support and encouragement. Other BHS students used the time to complete missing assignments and catch up on their coursework.

Thank you to our student tutors for being positive role models and to Dr. Guthrie and Mrs. Suetos for supporting this opportunity. We are proud of our Legionnaires for helping others and taking responsibility for their learning!

Parents and guardians are encouraged to check Canvas regularly to stay informed about their student’s academic progress. Through a Canvas Observer account, families can view grades posted in Canvas, monitor assignments and due dates, and review teacher announcements. Regularly checking grades helps families identify missing assignments, monitor progress, and partner with students to stay on track. Parents and guardians of new students can complete the Canvas Observer Request Form to request their own access or view grades by logging in through their student’s Canvas account (ask your student for their login information!). Canvas can be accessed from any phone, computer, or other web-connected device. We encourage families to make checking Canvas a regular weekly routine and to reach out to teachers with questions about grades or academic progress.

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.

Mrs. Sonia 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 students learning and connected!

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.

Our Fall Festival brought students and families together Friday evening for a fun night of celebrating the season and spending time with one another. It was wonderful to see our Legionnaire community enjoying the evening together!

A big thank you to ASB and Mr. Robinson for organizing this event and helping create special memories for our students. Thank you to everyone who joined us!

Bonsall High School’s new letterman jackets are now available for purchase through Manor Cleaners in Fallbrook. These high-quality, California-weight wool jackets feature genuine leather sleeves, the Bonsall “B,” Legionnaire blue, and durable gray sleeves that will stay looking great longer. Boys’ and girls’ styles are available.

The base jacket costs approximately $250 before alterations. Jackets are sold at cost, with Manor Cleaners charging only a small service fee for alterations and sewing on varsity letters and other patches.

Contact Paul at Manor Cleaners: 125 E. Mission Road, Fallbrook, CA 92028 (760) 728-1307 M-F 8-5 PM, S 8-2PM, Closed Sunday.

Nearly 1 in 4 BHS students is already participating in Early College — could you be next?

The Spring Early College enrollment window is now open for students interested in joining the program for the first time!

Early College gives BHS students the opportunity to take Palomar College courses while still in high school, explore subjects connected to their interests and future goals, and begin earning college credit.

📂 Ready to get started?
Pick up a red Early College application folder near Mr. Hinchliff’s office. Applications for Spring Semester will be accepted September through November.

📅 Learn more Wednesday, September 9
Students will receive more information about Early College, available opportunities, and how to apply during College & Career.

Your college journey can start right here at BHS.

Interested in art, design, marketing, digital media, or just creating something new? The Graphic Designer I Certificate pathway gives BHS students the opportunity to learn professional design skills while earning high school and college credit at the same time!

Students learn to create with industry-standard tools including Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator, while working with an experienced college professor right here on campus. Students say the pathway gives them the freedom to experiment, express their creativity, and discover new possibilities for college and future careers. One student shared that the courses “made me rethink my career choice and be more open to more options.”

Even better, the entire Graphic Designer I Certificate of Achievement can be completed in just three semesters—Spring 2027, Fall 2027, and Spring 2028.

Ready to create? 🎓🎨 Scan the QR code above or sign up below to get started in Spring 2027!

Sign Up for the Graphic Design Pathway →

Join us for the first session of the Bonsall Family Digital Wellness Parent Series! "Online Scams & Info Security" is Thursday, October 28, 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 28

• Time: 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.

• Format: Virtual, presented in English with Spanish interpretation

• Join link: bit.ly/busd-online-scams

📵 Bonsall High School Cell Phone & Personal Device Policy

Effective: July 1, 2026 | Aligned with CA AB 3216 and adopted by our BUSD School Board.

At Bonsall High 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, BHS will enforce the following zero-tolerance cell phone policy during instructional time beginning in the 2026–27 school year.

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 put into the classroom cell phone pocket holder (Unless required for a classroom activity).

• Cell phones are not to be used out in the hallways, Quad, Forum or outside areas during class time.

• Cell phones may NOT be used in the restrooms.

• Cell phones are permitted to be out and used during passing periods and during your lunch.

• Cell phones may be confiscated if they are visible during class time 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.

*Bonsall High 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 during class is strictly prohibited.

🚫 Enforcement and Consequences

BHS 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

💬 Communication Expectations

We understand that families may need to reach their students. During the school day, please contact the main office for urgent messages. Students can also request to use the office phone if needed.

🧭 Why the policy exists

The policy was developed to improve focus, academic performance, and mental health by minimizing technology-related distractions. It also aligns with California's Phone‑Free School Act (AB 3216), which requires statewide limits on student phone use by July 1, 2026.

This policy supports:

• Focused learning environments
  
  

• Reduction in cyberbullying and digital distraction
  
  

• Improved academic performance and mental well-being
  
  

It aligns with California’s AB 3216, which requires schools to set boundaries on personal device use to protect instructional time and student wellness.

Questions?

Please reach out to the BHS Administration Office with any questions or if your student needs a documented exception.

Thank you,
Angela James,
Principal, BHS and SMS

School starts every day at 8:45 am and can be dropped off as early as 7:15 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.

Your student will receive his/ her class schedule on the first day of school. Schedules will be available on Aeries for students on Tuesday. Please make sure you have filled out the Data Confirmation or your students will not be able to attend school on the first day. Please check in at the check in table on the first day of school!

Please note that Bonsall Unified School District’s weekly early-release day has moved from Friday to Thursday. Bonsall High School students will now be dismissed at 2:15 p.m. every Thursday. We hope this advance notice helps families plan transportation and after-school arrangements. Thank you for your flexibility as we begin our new schedule!

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! ❤️

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

ATTENTION PARENTS!

New this year for both BHS and SMS: Students will not be released 15 minutes before the end of the school day. The latest a student can be picked up is:

Monday- Wednesday and Friday= 3:30 pm

Thursday= 2:00 pm

This ensures we have enough time to call for your student and sure the safety of our campus at the end of the school day.

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.

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

Exciting news!: Students will be able to eat for free during the 26-27 school year!

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

Website: https://hs.bonsallusd.com/
Location: 7350 West Lilac Road, Bonsall, CA 92003, USA
Phone: (760) 941-8055