Amazing Falcon Families,
"Without education and liberty, which are the soil and the sun of man, no reform is possible, no measure can give the result desired." ~Jose Rizal~
I hope that you have enjoyed your fall break and are ready to work hard and representing what it means to be a Falcon.
This month, we are celebrating Filipino-American History Month where we recognize the contributions of Filipinos in the United States and around the world. As a Filipino who was born in the Philippines, grew up in Africa and now reside as a citizen of the United States in San Diego, I have only started to appreciate my own race and our contributions to the world about 15 years ago. When I visit my relatives in the Philippines and ask them about our family history, I learn more and more about how resilient and resourceful Filipinos are in spite of their circumstances. During my 2015 trip to the Philippines, I learned that my grandfather was one of the radio operators who assisted in communications for the United States during World War II. Despite being occupied by Spain and Japan, Filipinos are one of the most hopeful races in the world. They make opportunities where there are none. To Filipinos, education is a means to procure liberty and security, and the importance of education is instilled in all Filipino homes. Jose Rizal, the father of the Philippine Propaganda Movement, took advantage of the education he obtained from the University of Madrid, and wrote about the evils of the Spanish rule in the Philippines. Through his writings, Rizal formed a non-violent reform movement to fight for Filipino Equality Rights. Shortly after his return to the Philippines, he was exiled for four years to the Southern region in the Philippines because of his writings. When a secret insurrection group revolted against Spain, he was blamed for it and was accused of sedition against the Spanish government. He was executed before a firing squad in Manila. In early dawn of his execution he wrote a poem titled Mi Ultimo Adios, his final farewell to his beloved Pearl of the Orient. Rizal utilized his education in his reform efforts. To my Filipino students, be proud of your heritage becuase you stand on the shoulders of Jose Rizal who died fighting for your rights.
Celebrating our Custodians
October 2 was National Custodian Day. Please take time to honor all of our custodians for the hard work they do in keeping our classrooms and campus clean. Thank you for all you do!
Progress Report 1 Principal Honor Roll
Congratulations to all 325 students who made the Principal Honor Roll for Progress Report 1. These students have earned a scholarship GPA of 3.5 or higher. Keep up the excellent work. Honorees will receive a letter and certificate for making the list.
Magkaisa Conference Filipino Student/Parent Conference is on October 28, 2023
In celebration of the Filipino American History Month, Otay Ranch High will host the 21st Magkaisa Conference on Saturday, October 28, 2023 from 8:00am - 2:00pm. This event is open to everyone. Please read the flyer below and join me on that day.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
HTM recognizes the importance of doing our part in bringing awareness of this important topic in our community. We will have a a couple of ASB events to demonstrate our support for breast cancer awareness.
HTM ASB Spirit Day on Friday, October 13, 2023 - Pinktober Day
Staff, this Friday is Pinktober Day. Please wear pink in showing our solidarity of support for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Many of us know of someone who has been diagnosed with breast cancer. Let's show our support for them.
Wellness Wednesday T-Shirt Competition
We would like to be able to sell our won HTM Wellness Wednesday T-Shirts in the ASB. Students, you will have the opportunity to participate in a competition for the chosen graphic design. This is a nice way to leave a legacy at HTM. All original designs must be submitted into this google LINK. The deadline is October 16, 2023. Please see flyer below.
2023-2024 Yearbook Orders
It is that time for us to start selling yearbooks. While the deadline for students and staff is on April 15, 2024, we encourage everyone to order as early as possible. We typically order 250 copies, so it is first come-first served. I believe we sold out last year.
Make Up Picture Day is October 27, 2023
Students, if you have not taken your picture yet, here is your opportunity to be included in the yearbook. Please see the flyer further down in this newsletter.
Let's have an amazing week!
Sincerely,
Ms. Finley
