BCE Bear Mail

Friday September 15th

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Message from the office.

Hello BCE Community-


We are excited to say that we have started Drumming at BCE. We are seeing the kids learning African drumming, and all ages just loving it. It has been so exciting. Every class will have 8 sessions thanks to the parent club. The parent club raises money daily to give back to our school community, which couldn't be a better way. Students are smiling, saying they can't wait till next week. Thank you, Parent Club, for helping bring more arts and excitement to our school.


As many of you know, we will have conferences early this year, the week of October 16th-20th. Teachers will be setting up times for parents to come in and learn how students are doing and make goals for the year. Please know that ENTIRE week is an early-out schedule.


  • TK- 12:20
  • K-2- 12:10

  • 3-5- 12:15


I hope everyone can join us at the first family event Next Friday, 9/22, for the Icecream Social from 5-7. It is a great time for everyone to reunite and enjoy each other.


We will be having our next Bear Paw store on 9/28. Students earn Bear Paws throughout the day at BCE for showing the BCE WAY- Being Safe, Respectful, and Responsible. We purchase all the objects at the Bear Paw Store from the site donation account. If you can and want to help with this, we have started an Amazon List. Any help would be amazing and greatly appreciated.


I am excited to announce the BCE has been awarded the Plantuim PBIS Award this year. The state of California awards schools implementing Positive Behavior Support at different levels based on the implementation. BCE has been awarded the highest level possible this year. We are excited to educate the WHOLE CHILD, focusing on academics, social-emotional learning, and positive reinforcement. To learn more about the state recognition system, click here.



Have a great weekend.

I can be reached best by email at gfippin@slvusd.org


Gerri Fippin

Principal BCE

Our Writing Matters

I am so proud of all our students' work here at BCE. Last year, Mrs. Jaime's class wrote persuasive letters about changes they want to see in the world. She had students write to Ms. Fippin about recess and to Santa Cruz leaders, organizations, and even President Biden about issues they're passionate about. Students wrote neat copies of our final draft, addressed them, and mailed them off last May to the appropriate audience.


Today was special because Maddy Minnella got a response from President Biden! It's a good reminder that the writing we do in class can impact the world and that people care what kids have to say.


Congratulations to Maddy and to all our BCE writers.

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Attendance Matters

We know people get sick, people get injured, and there can be family or life responsibilities and other issues that are reasonable and excused.

But if your student can attend, they need to be in school.

If your student is out for three or more consecutive days, we may request a doctor's note to continue excusing the absences.


Students who miss 3-5 days will receive a Chronic Absence letter. We will then meet with those families to attempt to support the student attending school. On the second Chronic Absence Letter, families may be required to meet at the District Office to put a plan in place for the student's attendance. On the third Chronic Absence Letter, families may be required to meet with the County Office Student Attendance Review Board for truancy.


Our goal is that nobody ever gets that far along with truancy. We are here to help and support, but it does start at home with the expectation that your student will attend school regularly.

Volunteer TB Risk Assessment Screenings



Kelly McWaid, the District Nurse, will be available for Volunteer TB risk assessment screening.

All district volunteers must have a current TB on file, and renew it every four years.


TB Risk Assessments for volunteers will not be done outside of the following schedule.

The assessments will be done in the HR Department at the District Office, 325 Marion Ave, Ben Lomond.

School Nurse - Volunteer TB Risk Assessment Schedule:


  • Tuesday, September 26 (8:00 am - 11:00 am)
  • Thursday, September 28 (12:30 pm - 3:30 p

Dine Out to support 2024 SLVHS Grad Night.




Head to Trout Farm anytime from 11 am - 9 pm on Tuesday, September 26th to support our fundraising efforts for this years Grad Night. Trout Farm is graciously supporting us with a percentage of proceeds from the pool deck, restaurant, and bar from the entire day. Be sure to mention you are there for SLVHS Grad Night Fundraiser. See you there!

SLV Music Fundraiser

The SLV Music Mattress Sale is happening a week from Sunday, September 24th, from 10 am to 5 pm in the SLVHS Gym. This benefits all SLVUSD music students!
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Drop off and Pick Up

We are so excited to see everyone, and the first couple of weeks can be very busy in the parking lot. Please be patient with everyone while we learn and remember the parking lot rules. If you are dropping off or picking up, please remember not to leave your car if you are not parked in an assigned spot. There is no parent parking on campus, all parents need to park on the street and walk in. If you drop off at YMCA before 8, you may park in the bus zone for your quick drop-off. We do not have supervision for students before 8:10. Please do not leave your students before 8:10 unattended. Staff will be out and about to help and ensure everyone is safe.
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