A Message From Our Principal
Soaring into December: Important Updates for Eagle Families
Dear Eagles Families and Community Partners,
As we enter the month of December, I want to extend my appreciation for your ongoing support and partnership. This time of year brings excitement and reflection as we prepare to close out the first semester and celebrate all the growth our students have made.
End of Quarter
A reminder that the last day of the 2nd quarter is on Friday, December 19. Please encourage your students to finish strong by staying focused, attending daily, and completing any remaining work. Teachers will require all missing assignments to be turned in by Friday, December 12 so that they have the following week to grade and update grades for report cards.
Acadience & CBM Testing (Dec 1–5)
During the week of December 1–5, students will participate in acadience and math fluency CBM testing. These assessments help us measure academic progress and see how much our Eagles have soared this semester. Ensuring students get a good night’s sleep and arrive on time will help them do their best.
Winter Sports Update
Our winter sports season is beginning!
- Girls basketball will start practice this month.
- Boys soccer is also gearing up for a great season.
We are so proud of our student-athletes and the effort they bring every week.
Learning at Home During Winter Break
Winter break is a wonderful opportunity for families to spend time together while keeping students engaged academically. Here are a few simple and fun activities you can do with your child:
- Grocery Store Math:
Have your child estimate the total cost of items in the cart. Compare their estimate to the actual total at checkout. - Real-World Calculations:
When eating out, let your child calculate the tip or estimate the total bill including tax. - Reading on the Go:
Whether you’re traveling or relaxing at home, encourage your student to read a book, magazine, or article and share something interesting they learned. - Cooking Together:
Have your child help measure ingredients, convert measurements, or double a recipe—great real-life practice in math skills. - Daily Journaling:
Encourage your child to write about their day, a fun experience, or something they’re grateful for to keep their writing skills sharp.
These activities help keep learning alive in meaningful and practical ways while giving families a chance to engage together.
Thank you for being an essential part of our school community. I wish you all a safe, joyful, and restful holiday season.
With gratitude,
Riki Valdez
Riki Valdez
Principal
Altar Valley Middle School
¡Bienvenidos de Nuevo, Águilas!
Estimadas familias de Altar Valley Middle School,
Con mucha emoción y orgullo les doy la más cordial bienvenida a un nuevo año escolar en Altar Valley Middle School – ¡El hogar de las Águilas! Es un honor para mí servir como su nuevo director y espero con entusiasmo el camino que recorreremos juntos para ayudar a cada estudiante a elevarse a nuevas alturas.
Nuestro lema escolar, “SOAR” (por sus siglas en inglés: Seguridad, Responsabilidad, Logro y Respeto), nos recuerda los valores fundamentales que guían todo lo que hacemos. Estos principios serán la base de cómo aprendemos, cómo crecemos y cómo nos relacionamos unos con otros cada día.
En AVMS, nuestra principal prioridad es crear un ambiente de aprendizaje seguro, acogedor y positivo, donde cada estudiante se sienta visto, valorado y apoyado. Como una escuela rural pequeña, tenemos la ventaja de poder construir relaciones cercanas y significativas que enriquecen la experiencia educativa de nuestros estudiantes.
Este año escolar, pueden esperar:
- Altas expectativas académicas y personales para todos
- Un ambiente seguro y respetuoso donde el bienestar estudiantil es lo primero
- Comunicación clara y colaboración constante con nuestras familias
- Oportunidades atractivas para que los estudiantes lideren, aprendan y celebren sus logros
Ya sea que estén regresando para otro año emocionante o se estén uniendo a nosotros por primera vez, quiero que sepan que ustedes pertenecen aquí. Trabajemos juntos para hacer de este año uno inolvidable.
¡Vamos a hacer que nuestras Águilas se ELEVEN más alto que nunca!
Con gratitud y entusiasmo,
Riki Valdez
Riki Valdez
Director
Altar Valley Middle School
