The Saber Truth
November 26-30, 2018
Saber Speak
Dear Sabers,
Welcome back to school! We hope you are rested and ready for the end of the fall semester! With a well-deserved Thanksgiving break behind us, it is time to turn our focus back to school, at least for a few weeks. With winter break running from December 20th to January 4th (note that January 7th is a non-student day), we have less than four weeks to wrap up our work in classes before next year. Though it may be tempting to coast into the winter holidays, this is a critical time for students and schools; we appreciate your help in keeping students motivated!
Importantly, to the degree that it is possible, please remember that any family vacations should be planned during the holiday break. Especially at the end of the semester, it is critical that student be in attendance at school. If an absence is unavoidable, please communicate early with the attendance office and your student's teachers. If you have any specific questions about this, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Even as we are wrapping up the fall semester, we are headlong into preparing for the spring! For many students, this may mean a change of elective course. We are constantly working to bring as many opportunities to Sinaloa students as possible, an in that vein, I would like to mention our Mock Trial program, which is a great opportunity for students to learn about the judicial system, develop critical thinking and argumentation skills, and importantly, meet others who are interested in the same things! It's also a great opportunity to work on acting and performance skills, which are critical to the Mock Trial team's success. If you or your child is interested in this program, please reach out to your counselor before December 7th!
As always, please keep an eye on our website, this newsletter, and our marquee for updates about all the great stuff going on at and around Sinaloa.
Best regards,
Bradley Torti
Principal, Sinaloa Middle School
Sinaloa Mock Trail
Sinaloa will be offering the elective class, Mock Trial for second semester. Mock Trial was created to help students acquire a working knowledge of our judicial system, develop analytical abilities and communication skills, and gain an understanding of their obligations and responsibilities as participating members of our society. Students actively experience the excitement of working in teams, exchanging ideas, setting goals, and examining issues. By studying different mock cases and preparing strategies and arguments for trials, students develop presentation skills, analytic ability, and team cooperation. Students will have the opportunity to demonstrate their creativity, acting skills, and ability to think on their feet as witnesses in the trial who go through direct and cross-examinations. In addition, students hone their public speaking skills by writing and preparing speeches.
By participating in this class there is no obligation to the Sinaloa Mock Trial team or club that meets after school. We want to extend this awesome opportunity to peak our students' interests and allow them to try something new. If your student would be interested in this opportunity please contact the counseling office before December 7th. You can send us an email or encourage your student to come and speak to his/ her counselor.
School Supplies Donations Appreciated
- binder dividers with pockets
- 2-inch binders
- plain college ruled paper
- pencil pockets
- small calculators
- school scissors
- colored pencils
SV Running Rebels
Volunteer Fair
Yearbook Ads for Sale!
Counseling Corner
This last week has been a stressful time for our community. We thought we'd share some tips for helping your teen through these stressful moments. As always, please encourage your student to stop by counseling if they need to talk.
How can parents help children and teens manage stress?
Be aware of your child’s behaviors and emotions.
Build trust with your child.
Be available and open to talk with your child when he or she is ready.
Encourage the expression of feelings.
Teach and model good emotional responses.
Encourage your child to tell you if he or she feels overwhelmed.
Encourage healthy and diverse friendships.
Encourage physical activity, good nutrition, and rest.
Teach your child to problem solve.
Remind your child of his or her ability to get through tough times, particularly with the love and support of family and friends.
Keep your child aware of anticipated family changes.
Monitor television programs that could worry your child and pay attention to the use of computer games, movies, and the Internet.
Use encouragement and natural consequences when poor decisions are made.
Help your child select appropriate extracurricular activities and limit overscheduling.
Make your child aware of the harmful effects of drugs and alcohol before experimentation begins.
Monitor your own stress level. Take care of yourself.
Contact your child’s teacher with any concerns and make him or her part of the team available to assist your child.
Seek the assistance of a physician, school psychologist, school counselor, or school social worker if stress continues to be a concern.
Sources: Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Center for Adolescent Health; National Association of School Psychology
2018/19 Saber Club Schedule
Attached below is the flyer for this year's clubs. They are a great way for your student to make new friends, try new things, and even get help with homework. Check out the schedule with your student and encourage them to try at least one!
Attendance Policies
Attendance Phone Line: 805-520-6830 Press 1, or Ext. 7021 (Can call anytime day or night)
Para espanol, oprima la estrella. (Llama dia o noche)
ABSENCES - Parents have five (5) days to call-in, email, or send in a note to the attendance office to excuse an absence otherwise it becomes truant. Keep in mind that personal/vacation are verified but still considered unexcused.
TARDIES - If a student is tardy to homeroom or late to school, they need to check-in with the attendance office to get a tardy pass. Students tardy to homeroom will have a 15 minute detention after school unless a parent calls, emails, or sends in a note to excuse the tardy. Excessive tardies to classes will affect "citizenship" grade.
EARLY PICK-UPS - We encourage parents to call-in ahead of time (or send in a note or email) for early pick-ups so that we can have the student in the office ready to go. Anyone checking-out a student must be listed on the student's emergency contact list, be 18 years or older, and must show a valid ID.
Upcoming Events
For the full Sinaloa Calendar of Events, CLICK HERE.
Sinaloa Middle School
Website: sinaloa.simivalleyusd.org
Location: 601 Royal Avenue, Simi Valley, CA, USA
Phone: 805-520-6830
Facebook: facebook.com/sinaloamiddleschool
Twitter: @sinaloasabers