Olive Vista MS & STEAM Magnet
WEEK OF September 15, 2025

New This Week
Family Resources for having difficult conversations
On Wednesday, September 10, 2025, there were multiple shooting incidents at Utah Valley University and a high school in Colorado.
Please know that resources for talking to students are available on the Human Relations, Diversity & Equity website under the Courageous Conversations tab located in both the Family and Caregivers Sections.
At Los Angeles Unified, we prioritize respect, understanding and empathy. We understand that events like these can be unsettling, and we're here to support one another. Counselors/mental health staff and additional resources are available for anyone who needs assistance processing this information or has concerns. Additionally, the Student and Family Wellness Hotline is available for live support 24 hours a day at (213) 241-3840.
As always, our primary concern is the safety and security of our students, employees and families. We will continue to monitor this situation and provide updates as appropriate.
Thank you for your continued engagement and cooperation in maintaining a calm and supportive atmosphere within our school community.
HumanRelations,Diversity and Equity - Website home page
Human Relations, Diversity and Equity - Families and Caregivers home page
Human Relations, Diversity and Equity - Courageous conversations resources
Parent Information - How OVMS handles emergencies
Resources are available here with information regarding the LAUSD procedures used at each school to address different emergencies.
School Emergency Information For Parents is available on the LAUSD website HERE
Coffee with the Principal via Zoom - Tuesday, September 16, 2025 5pm
Join us for Coffee with the Principal where I will review OVMS emergency procedures and safety drills. Progress reports were sent home with students on Friday, and we will review how what information is available to you and how to reach out if you have questions or concerns. Important Calendar dates will be reviewed and there will be time for questions.
Zoom link: https://lausd.zoom.us/j/83267252331
Our Website:
Click here for a link to our website:
https://olivevistams.lausd.org/
You can find important calendar dates, news, and school updates on our website. All past family newsletters can be found at this link on our website.
Sprit Week September 15 - September 19, 2025
Students and staff are encouraged to participate in our Spirit Week. Everyone is reminded of the importance of dressing appropriately for school. Use your individuality to plan your outfit but please follow the following guidelines:
The following items are to be left at home and not worn during spirit week:
- Hats
- Pajamas
- ProClub sweatpants
- Sweatpants
- Slippers
- Swimwear
- Sandals
- Crocs
If any questions arise, administrators will make the final determination for appropriateness.
IMPORTANT DATES
Friday, September 12, 2025 - Progress reports sent home with students
Tuesday, September 16, 2025 - Coffee with the principal - 5:00 pm - zoom only
Wednesday, September 17, 2025 - Constitution Day & Student Body Elections
Friday, September 19, 2025 - 25th Day of School - Chip! Chip! Hurray!
Saturday, September 20, 2025 - College Fair at Mission College
Tuesday, September 23, 2025 - Holiday: School Closed
Thursday, September 25, 2025 - Club Rush - Students can sign up for different school clubs
Saturday, September 27, 2025 - Choices Fair for Region North at Frost MS
Wednesday, October 1, 2025 - The window opens for families to apply for Magnet schools and for 8th graders to select their high school for next year (both for Magnet or non-Magnet)
Olive Vista Middle School Recognized for our Positive Behavior Intervention and Support with Students
In 2015, California PBIS (Postive Behavior Intervention and Support) initiated an effort to have a recognition systems to acknowledge schools for implementing PBIS with fidelity to the national framework. Olive Vista applied to be recognized at the Silver Level. We earned Silver recognition!
Relaxation Station
Room 60 is available during lunch each day, staffed by one of our counseling support team to provide students a place to de-stress, talk and play board games with friends. Thanks to funds awarded to our school last year, we were able to purchase items to make the space more comfortable, inviting, and fun. Students can go during lunch when you would like, but are only are allowed in while there is space.
We Are One
Subject: Resources and Support for a Safe Start to the School Year
Dear Olive Vista Families,
As we begin this school year, we want every family to know: you are welcome, valued, and safe in our school community.
Los Angeles Unified has created a We Are One Family Care Package with important resources to support families during uncertain times. It includes information on:
● Know Your Rights
● Legal referrals through trusted partners
● Mental health services and emergency tools
You can access these materials online at lausd.org/weareone and on campus the first day of school.
The Family Hotline at (213) 443-1300 is also available 24/7 to help with any questions.
Would you like to order pictures?
Order forms were sent home with students and additional before picture day, but families can go to the Fotorama website to view and order their child's pictures. Have the student ID and your email address available.
Progress Reports Went Home This Week
Please be sure to ask your student for his or her progress report. All progress reports were sent home on Friday afternoon with each student. If your child lost his progress report, you may check in the parent app to see up to date grades. If you have questions or concerns about your child's academic progress so far, you can contact the grade level counselor.
Need to reach your child's counselor?
Mr. Turcios - 6th grade counselor - rene.turcios@lausd.net
Ms. Santini - 7th grade counselor - myra.santini@lausd.net
Ms. Vasquez - 8th grade counselor - clv9747@lausd.net
Mr. Camposano - Lead counselor - lgc4122@lausd.net
Mr. Meneses - Dean of Discipline - ram5014@lausd.net
Ways to Contact Us
Download the LAUSD APP to see up to the minute information about your chlld
The LAUSD Parent Portal App is a powerful resource to stay informed of what is going on with your child each day. It is free to use and we encourage all families to download it to a device for easy daily access. You can download it for FREE at the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
If you need assistance setting up your parent portal account or linking your students to the App, contact our parent center at 818-833-3909.
Olive Vista Middle School Contact Information
Office Hours:
7:30 am - 4:00 pm
School Phone: 818 -833-3900
Select:
#2 Attendance Office
#3 Counseling Office / Records / SSO
#4 Health Office
#5 Magnet Office
#8 Main Office (until 3:30 pm)
Need to reach your child's counselor?
Mr. Turcios - 6th grade counselor - rene.turcios@lausd.net
Ms. Santini - 7th grade counselor - myra.santini@lausd.net
Ms. Vasquez - 8th grade counselor - clv9747@lausd.net
Mr. Camposano - Lead counselor - lgc4122@lausd.net
Mr. Meneses - Dean of Discipline - ram5014@lausd.net
Ms. Robledo - Restorative Justice Teacher - leticia.o.robledo@lausd.net
Before School Program:
Beyond the Bell
6:30 am - 8:15 am
Drop off at the gym parking lot
After School Program:
Los Angeles Conservation Corps (LACC)
Available after OVMS dismissal (2:15 pm or 3:16 pm) until 6 pm
Phone: 213-458-6385
Student pick up in the gym parking lot
Parent Center Information and Workshops
Walk to Wellness begins week of October 6th
Families are encouraged to participate in our Walk To Wellness activity. The exact date and time will be determined in the next few weeks. We plan to begin during the week of October 6, 2025.
Family Academy Course Catalogue for Families in Region North
Families are invited to participate in Olive Vista workshops and classes and are also invited by our Local Superintendent and Staff to participate in our Region North events and activities also.
More information and live links are available at the Family Academy webpage found HERE. Select Region North for our local offerings.
Drop Off and Pick Up
Students can be dropped off at Borden St gate by auditorium between 7:45 am - 8:30 am.
The bell rings at 8:25 am - ANY STUDENTS ARRIVING AFTER 8:15 AM WILL BE LATE GETTING TO CLASS
Students can be picked up Borden St or Tyler St at the dismissal bell: 3:16 pm (or 2:15 on Tuesdays and Shortened Days)
Before School and After school programs are at the gym on Fellow St. See the map here
To ensure the safe pick up students by authorized adult guardians or caregivers, the LACC after school program staff will only release students to a parent/guardian with a physical identification card.
Please be sure to have your ID ready when you come to pick up your student from the after school program. This is entirely for the safety of the students and their families. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to Mrs. Mayra at 213-458-6385.
Cell phone policy for all students
Students will be issued a pouch to store their phones starting on the first day of school. All families have the option of leaving the phone at home. If students bring it to school, they are expected to store it away in the pouch before entering the gate and will be allowed to unlock the device as they exit the campus. Phones will remain locked away during the time students are on campus including during the after school program.
GETTING TO SCHOOL SAFELY!
As we kick off the new school year, I want to take a moment to encourage everyone to stay mindful of traffic safety whether walking, biking, or driving to campus. Please take a moment to review the attached August Traffic Safety Tips, which offer helpful reminders to ensure everyone gets to and from school safely.
In particular, I urge extra caution when traveling through the area near {Insert Intersection Cross Streets}. This intersection tends to be especially busy during drop-off and pick-up times, so let’s stay alert and considerate of one another.
Wishing you all a safe and successful start to the school year!
Free Telehealth for students while in school
Reminders
Food delivery to school is NOT permitted
Drop off in the morning
All parents are asked to DROP OFF students in the morning at the Borden gate, near our auditorium. Students should be dropped off no later than 8:15 am to ensure students make it to class on time.
Pick up after school
Dismissal Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday is at 3:16 pm
Dismissal Tuesday is at 2:15 pm
Two gates are open for dismissal. Please plan ahead with your child which gate you would like them to exit. We will open Tyler Street gate at the front of the school or Borden St gate next to the auditorium.
Please follow traffic laws - Drop students off on the school side sidewalk or use the crosswalk!
Cones will be set up along Borden street for drop off in the morning. Please ask your child to use the crosswalk if crossing the street, for everyone's safety drop your child off on the school side of the street.
Pick up after school should be within 20 minutes
If your child needs to remain at school longer than 20 minutes waiting for pick up, please sign your child up for the after school program!
8th Grade News
Zone of Choice and Choices Applications Open in October
8th Grade students will be selecting their high school for next year starting in October.
Students that want to attend a Magnet High School:
1. Must complete Zone of Choice application
2. Must complete online Choices application for a Magnet school
Students that DO NOT want to attend a Magnet School
1. Must complete Zone of Choice application
More information coming soon.
CULMINATION REQUIREMENT REMINDERS
This is a reminder of our 8th grade Culmination Requirements:
Is your child on track to meet all the requirements? Check Schoology for up to date grade information.
Students CANNOT earn any U's for Work habits or Cooperation in the Spring 2025 semester! (Especially if they earned U's in the fall semester).
- Advisory earns each student 2.5 credits if they earn a P (Passing) or 0 credits for NP (Not Passing)
- Classes for periods 1-6 earn each student 5 credits per class if they pass (A, B, C, D marks) or 0 Credits for a failing grade (F) Students must earn 50 credits out of a minimum out of a possible 65 credits over the 8th grade year.
- Students earn Work Habits Grades of Excellent, Satisfactory, or Unsatisfactory (E, S, U) Students need 12 E's or S's total for the year.
- Students earn Cooperation Grades of Excellent, Satisfactory, or Unsatisfactory (E, S, U) Students need 12 E's or S's total for the year.
- Counselor / Student meeting were held in January to determine your child's progress
- Is your child in class AND on time every day? Attendance Matters! No more that 7 absences (96% or better attendance and no less than 96% on time to class). To appeal if your child is over the limit, he or she needs to show immediate and continued improvement.
- Reach out to our 8th grade counselor, Mr. Turcios with questions or concerns.