Welcome Back Mustangs!
Building a future, finding a way
Translation is available with a click on "translate" in the box at the top
如需翻譯,請單擊頂部框中的“翻譯”,然後選擇首選語言
Rú xū fānyì, qǐng dān jī dǐngbù kuāng zhōng de “fānyì”, ránhòu xuǎnzé shǒuxuǎn yǔyán
Để dịch, nhấp vào "dịch" trong hộp ở trên cùng và chọn ngôn ngữ ưa thích ntawm "txhais lus" hauv lub thawv rau saum toj thiab xaiv hom lus nyiamMonterey Trail High School Mission
The Learning Community of Monterey Trail High School Challenges ALL students to realize their greatest potential while preparing them for their future.
Inside this issue
- Opening Message
- New for 2022-2023
- Bell Schedules
- Class Schedules, ID cards and more
- 9th Grade Orientation and ALL grades Mustang Giddy Up Flyers
- Office Hours and Key Contacts
- Message from the Counseling Department
- Advocacy - aka - Moving Towards the Future
- Chromebooks Charged and At School Starting Day 1
- Save the Dates
- Term/Report Card Dates
- PBIS at MTHS
- Athletics, Clubs and ASSETs
- Parent/Guardian Partnership Opportunities
- School Site Council
- Attendance
- Campus Visits and Safety Protocols/Policies
- ID Cards
- Before and After School Safety
- Dress Code
- Tardy Policy
- Cell Phone/Earbuds/Electronic Devices
- Staying Connected
- Parent Vue Instructions
- Opt-Out information
- Link for the EGUSD Parent/Student Handbook
Our site level MTHS Student Handbook will be ready and sent out digitally by August 8, 2022 with more details and generally a weekly newsletter will be sent to your email on file, posted on the HUB and sent via Synergy email.
Opening Message
Welcome back Mustangs!
The 2022-23 school year is about to begin! Can you believe it? It seems like this summer flew by, but it definitely feels great to know that we are about to begin an incredible year with our amazing Mustang students, families, staff, and community! Driving to MT the other day, a smile came over my face as I got closer to the school. Many people don’t know what it is to love what they do; but, I can honestly say that this is where I want to be...with you all here at the Trail. From the time I stepped into administration at MT in 2015, I knew that there was something different, something very special about this place. It is an honor to be starting my 4th year as principal and getting to partner with such amazing people day in and day out. Thank you for your continued support as we continue to build relationships and connections with you all towards a common goal of helping our students succeed. That said, there are so many exciting things going on this year as we commit to putting kids first at the Trail. Here is just a quick overview of things to look for as we head into the school year.
In our continued dedication to improving student outcomes through our efforts at MT, we continue to reflect on where we are at, what the needs are and how to best take action to be the best learning institution with a welcoming and positive school climate and culture to help our students achieve their dreams. While striving daily to meet our mission, there are some key areas of focus such as:
- building relationships and connections
- implementing high quality teaching strategies that actively engage students and are culturally responsive and appropriate
- elevating voices of our students, families, staff and community in meaningful ways
- providing opportunities and access for all academically, social-emotionally and for overall wellness
- developing and utilizing systematic evaluation systems to guide our work towards continuous improvement.
In addition, we are excited to offer many opportunities to help students reach their goals. Our students can share their talents not only in the classroom but in many other ways: Athletics, Impulse Dance Company, Visual and Performing Arts, Clubs, Career Technical Education pathways and more. In addition, we continue to have growth in the number of course offerings for our students in things such as: American Sign Language, Ethnic Studies, Focus on College and Career, DATA academy beginning in 10th grade, Work Experience for 12th graders and more. We have added Trail Time to our schedule for a dedicated in the school day intervention and guided practice time to help our students flourish. Additionally, we are continuing our ASSETs program with opportunities for after school engagement, enrichment, and extra help. Through our counseling and career programs and our Moving Towards the Future Advocacy program, along with built in Social Emotional Learning components, we continue to strive to meet the needs of our students for high school and beyond. These are just a few of the things that make MT the place to be. You will read about more in this newsletter and get to know us soon at Mustang GiddyUp and Back to School Night events which are back in person!
All of that said, we can’t do this alone. Your partnership is key to our students' success! We value your meaningful input and active participation that will help us improve upon what is great and innovate as needed. Please check out the various ways to be involved throughout the year and don’t hesitate to let us know your thoughts. Be sure to utilize Parent Vue, check your emails, keep your contacts up to date, read the weekly newsletter and reach out whenever you have a need or suggestion. We are here to serve you and we are honored to be a part of the community and to help in any way we can for our students to reach their goals. As we say, we are ONE TRAIL – A COMMUNITY with RESPECT, INTEGRITY, and CONFIDENCE and we appreciate your partnership in upholding our Core Values and doing what is best for ALL students here at MT.
On behalf of all the staff at Monterey Trail High School, welcome back Mustangs! See you at Mustang Giddy Up and then again on Thursday, August 11th at 8:30 am for the first day of school!
NEW for 2022-2023
Murals, Fountains, Bike Racks and more...
- There are 3 water fountains on campus located near HG, HK and by the gym where you can use your own water bottle and fill it up with cold water OR use the drinking fountain if you desire
- We have 2 bike racks where you can secure your bike - one on the south side by the front of campus and one at the north side between the gym and the cafeteria. Please do not lock bikes to any fences or other areas.
- Skateboarders will bring the skateboards to a designated skateboard closet since we do not allow skateboards, bikes, scooters, etc to be out on campus.
Welcome/Newcomer Center opening soon
- Construction is taking place on our campus in the grass nearest Auberry. This is the location of a center open to families where the office of Family and Community Engagement will have staff available to help families who are newer to the area. More details to come.
Security Cameras
- Security Cameras are installed and will help us keep our campus safe as we continue to do our due diligence with our campus supervision and keeping to our motto: If you see something, hear something or know something say something.
Regional Family, School, Community Liaison
- Keep an eye out for communications from Gina Perez to invite you to partner with us through various opportunities
Parking Lots and Traffic Patterns
- While we can't fix all of the congestion in the mornings for you, we are doing our best to hang new signage, paint directional arrows and remind everyone to observe the drop off areas, don't stop in the red zones and drive safely for all involved. In addition, pedestrians and those on bikes, skateboards, etc. should use crosswalks and always look both ways before crossing a street.
Campus Beautification
- One of our enrichment classes this summer collaborated along with our amazing visual arts teachers to design and paint an amazing new mural near our portables on campus. See below
- In addition, they are working on some restroom beautification.
- Nature has made our quad even more beautiful as one of our trees has become home to a beautiful hawk family - babies are now flying about and we will see if they stick around once the students are back.
- Despite the drought and less time this summer after summer school to get things ready, the custodial crew, grounds crew, maintenance crews are doing all they can to help us keep our site looking nice and we appreciate all the hard work this summer.
New Website
- MTHS has a new website. It is via the same address mths.egusd.net and we are still using Synergy - Parentvue and Studentvue as our main source of communication and for all things you need to know (grades, attendance, etc). And we still have our HUB which is an amazing resource for students and families alike. Check out our website and the HUB as we continue to add information there for you to have a one stop shop that is efficient and user friendly to help your student succeed.
- Our webstore, athletics pages and counseling pages can also be reached via the website along with many other resources.
2022-2023 - Breakfast and Lunch are free to ALL students - just have your ID with you (get your ID picture at Mustang GiddyUp - see below)
Enrollment and New Staff
We have grown and keep growing! We welcome over 2400 students and families and 24 new staff this year! It is great to see the interest in our school and we have an awesome staff ready to welcome you very soon. As with any year, some new chapters have occurred and a few staff members retired, moved out of state or even made a life/career change. We are very happy for them and excited that we are able to welcome new members to the staff who are coming with a wealth of knowledge and ideas to add to our team.
NOTE: A few things to remember related to the size of our school:
MT is now closed to open enrollment and all transfers due to our capacity.
Traffic will be a bit more congested the closer you get to arrival time so plan accordingly and leave a bit earlier to be on time.
Patience and following directional signs and keeping safety in mind when driving and walking will help everyone out.
EHMS starts before MT this year!
With the change in bell schedules, our friends at Edward Harris Middle School start school before the high school. Please keep that in mind when dropping off in the front parking lot and respect all signage, fire lanes and staff so we can keep traffic moving safely for all.
New Bell Schedules
Why is there a new bell schedule?
New this year, per California law, high schools must start no earlier than 8:30. In addition, schools have required minutes per day and days per year. As a result, MTHS now has a new start time and end time for 2022-23.
Where can I get the new schedules?
The bell schedules are below to start the year either in the photo or in the attachments. They are also on the MTHS website.
What is Trail Time in the regular schedule?
Trail time is a dedicated period in the school day where students will have additional time with their teachers and class in which no new learning will take place. Instead, during this time the following are some of the ways the time will be used:
- intervention time such as tutoring, reteaching and additional activities to clarify concepts already taught
- collaborative study groups
- makeup and retakes for assessments as allowed
Trail time will consistently take place after first period each day on M, T, W, F. Each day, students will report to the appropriate class based on the day during the Trail Time period. (Mon. 1st per., Tues. 2nd per., Wed. 3rd per., Fri. 4th per)
Note: In order to take proper attendance, the Trail Time periods show up on schedules as additional class but they are really the Trail Time section. This is how the periods correlate:
Per 1 with Per. 7 (Trail time for first period on Mon)
Per 2 with Per. 8 (Trail time for second period on Tues)
Per 3 with Per. 9 (Trail time for third period on Wed)
Per 4 with Per. 10 (Trail time for fourth period on Fri)
*Don't worry - we will explain it as well on the first days of school.
How do I know my lunch?
Once schedules are available at Mustang Giddy Up, you will look at your 3rd period class. Lunches are based on the teacher and department lunch. At the bottom of the regular schedule there is a cheat sheet for which department has what lunch. For example, if you have science in third period, you will have lunch A since science is listed under lunch A.
Teachers will review this in the first days as well to help you.
Other bell schedules - click on the links below or head to our MTHS website
Get your schedules, ID's, spirit wear and more...Orientation & Mustang Giddy Up
Don't miss our first events that help you on the TRAIL to success!
Join us at these important events prior to the first day of school!
Giddy Up info and 10-12th grade specific info
For more information or questions please call 916-688-0050 or
Email Craig Grivel: cgrivel@egusd.net or Tova El-Atrache: telatrac@egusd.net
The first day of the 2022-2023 school year is Thursday, August 11, 2022.
Please check out the MTHS website for important dates: www.mths.egusd.net
Office Hours and Key Contacts
OFFICE and PHONE HOURS
Administration & Counseling:
Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri:
8:00AM—4:15 PM
Thursday
9:20AM—4:15 PM
Note: Monday, August 8 special office hours for meetings - 9:30AM-4:15PM
Key Contacts
All students should become familiar with two very important service providers on the campus –their Counselor and Vice Principal.
At many schools Vice Principals are viewed as the school’s disciplinarians. Although they do play a role in campus safety and security, their main function is to help provide for the personal and academic needs of all students.
Counselors and Vice Principals will always find time to assist students to improve academically, obtain scholarships, work to resolve student/teacher issues, resolve student conflicts, or other student needs.
Your student’s Vice Principal and Counselor are assigned based on your student’s last name OR program. Each student’s Counselor will be listed on their schedule.
*students work with all of us but the main Vice Principal and Counselor are based on the first letter of the last name/alphabetically and some special programs
Administration, Activities and Athletics
Lara Ricks, Principal
Cheryl Cain, Vice Principal (alpha - S-Z)
Marco Farias, Vice Principal (alpha - M-R)
Nicholas Freathy, Vice Principal (alpha - G-L)
Charles Thatch, Vice Principal (alpha - A-F)
Craig Grivel, Activities Director
David Coronado, Athletic Director
Counselors
Hanh Tran, counselor (DATA and alpha A-At)
Hien Chan, co-lead counselor (ABSS and alpha Au-Fam)
Bai Zhen, counselor (ILS and alpha Fan-Lax)
Adrianne Simon-Carlson, counselor (PALSS and Lay-Mun)
Deisy Padilla, counselor (AVID and alpha Muo-N)
Jennifer Cooper, counselor (DHOH and alpha O-Son)
Elizabeth Ng, counselor (FLS and Soo-Z)
Perla Gaines, counselor (MTHS College and Career Program)
It is best to contact us via Parentvue or Studentvue email - if you are new to EGUSD please contact the front office to get your account active
More info on the MTHS website...
Welcome Message from our Counseling Department
Together, we hope to meet with each and every student:
- In grade level Academic Advising meetings to revisit your educational goals
- To prepare our Seniors so that each graduates with their individual plans, college and financial applications completed.
- To bridge resources and connect you with enriching opportunities to further your learning and growth as a Mustang through Social Emotional Counseling groups, college workshops and fairs, clubs, pathways and special programs in our community.
We welcome insights from our parents/caregivers and will seek your input as we refine our comprehensive school counseling program to be a Recognized American School Counseling Association (ASCA) National Model Program. We look forward to working alongside you.
MTHS Advocacy Program aka "Moving to the Future"
The Monterey Trail Advocacy program is a credited class called “Moving Toward the Future.”
All students are assigned an Advocacy class and remain together throughout their 4 years at Monterey Trail. Students meet with their Advocacy class once a week on Thursdays with the intention to help students build strong connections with our school, our community, and each other. On-going topics and activities include class community building, building a positive school community and culture, individual character development, grade level college and career planning, and digital citizenship.
Throughout the school year students will develop and reflect on goals and in-class assignments to help them complete their grade level culminating project or activity. This project will connect their growth and reflection with their understanding of themselves and their future. During the student's senior year, senior students will showcase themselves and their growth through a senior presentation developed in their Advocacy class.
Bring CHARGED Chromebooks to School Every Day
EGUSD provides a Chromebook and charger to every student.
It is the student's responsibility to take care of these devices and make sure they are charged and at school with them every day. They should be protected from damage to last for all 4 years. We ask that all families remind their students to take care of the equipment so we can continue to provide them with the best instructional program possible.
Returning EGUSD students already have their Chromebooks and are expected to bring them charged starting the first day of school.
New students - keep an eye out for possible distribution at GiddyUp - more info to come
9th grade students will be exchanging their device at some point at the beginning of school for a newer device to last for the entire 4 years while in EGUSD.
Save the Dates!!!
Sat. Aug. 6, 2022 - Link Crew Orientation and Mustang GiddyUp - 9th grade and New Students (see flyer below) Learn about MT, Meet staff AND get your tentative schedules, ID pictures, spirit wear and more...
- 9-12:30 Student Orientation
- 11:30-12:30 New and 9th grade Parent Orientation
- 12:30-2:30 Mustang Giddy Up for 9th graders and new students and Link Crew members
Mon., Aug. 8, 2022 - Mustang Giddy Up - 10th-12th graders last name alpha A-MA (see flyer below for more details) Meet staff and get your tentative schedules, ID pictures, spirit wear and more...
Tues., Aug. 9, 2022 - Mustang Giddy Up - 10th-12th graders last name alpha MB-Z (see flyer below for more details) Meet staff and get your tentative schedules, ID pictures, spirit wear and more...
Thurs., Aug. 11, 2022 - First Day of School special schedule (see above)
Mon., Aug. 15, 2022 - Reverse Minimum Day schedule (see above in attachments)
Tues., Aug. 23, 2022 - Back to School Night (tentative time 6-8pm in person - watch for more info)
Note: Additional dates and events will be sent out soon - keep an eye on Synergy emails
HOLIDAYS - No School & Office not open
September 5, 2022 - Labor Day
November 11, 2022 - Veteran’s Day (Observance)
November 21-25 - Thanksgiving Break
December 19-January 3 - Winter Break
January 16, 2023 - Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
February 13,2023 - Lincoln’s Birthday
February 20,2023 - Presidents Day
March 13-17 - Spring Break
May 29, 2023 - Memorial Day
Note: Last day of school is May 26, 2023.
Term Dates, Grade Reporting and Final Exams
During the school year, Monterey Trail will distribute progress reports and a term report card for all students electronically, via Synergy ParentVue. In addition, progress reports for students with one or more progress report grades of D or F are mailed home. Please refer to the above table for the expected dates these reports will be mailed. Please contact MTHS to request a paper copy.
FINAL EXAM DATES
Term 1—Thurs & Friday October 6th & 7th
Term 2—Thurs & Fri December 15th & 16th
Term 3—Thurs & Friday March 9th & 10th
Term 4—Weds & Friday May 25th & 26th
*Seniors take finals earlier due to graduation schedules - more info to come*
Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) at MTHS
We are proud to be a PBIS school where we teach student how to exemplify our Core Values of Respect, Integrity, Community, and Confidence. Through PBIS lessons in the first days and revisited throughout the year, we use a proactive approach to help our students understand these core values and how they fit into the day to day actions and expected behaviors in school.
We reward these positive behaviors through our Mustang Gold Ticket program When students earn Mustang Gold Tickets, they have the opportunity to redeem their copy for a small token of appreciation throughout the year and are entered into drawings for incentives weekly. In addition, when data shows that our values are not being upheld, we help individuals to be reflective and use restorative practices as alternates to suspension whenever possible. Our staff also takes opportunities to find ways to re-teach students about our Core Values. Through these efforts, students are better able to return to our MTHS Community in a positive manner.
As always, parents and guardians are our best partners in helping students to know the importance of these values as they move through their lives both in and out of school. Thank you for your support.
Check out information about Athletics, Clubs and ASSETs on our website
Athletics:
Fall sports are starting - tryout information is on the site along with contacts, eligibility information and more. Check out the athletics newsletter with all of the coaches contacts in the file below. If you have additional questions, email dcoronad@egusd.net
ASB clubs:
Find out information on clubs, how to join a club and/or start a club here.
ASSETs is back:
Monterey Trail has many after school options for your student(s) besides athletics and ASB clubs. ASSET’s stands for After School Safety and Enrichment for Teens providing free programs and free SUPPER Monday thru Friday.
Watch for more information regarding this year's opportunities coming soon.
For more information, please email or call the ASSET’s Administrator on campus, Angela Wardlaw. 916-688-0050 ext. 44503 or awardlaw@egusd.net. #ONETRAIL.
Parent/Family Partnership and Opportunities
There are several ways to get involved but one thing is for sure...we want you to have meaningful involvement in our school as partners in your student's education. We know that working together is what will help us to improve outcomes for ALL of our students. Here is a list of some of the many ways you can get involved and let us get your input in meaningful ways but watch for additional information on many of these and additional opportunities coming soon:
- School Site Council (see below about us)
- Monterey Trail Regional Equity Coalition (click to learn about our work)
- Volunteers with activities, events, Booster clubs and more (email mfarias@egusd.net for more info)
- African American/Black Family Leadership Team (click to fill out interest form and watch for info in weekly newsletter)
- ELAC and DELAC - work with us to help meet the needs for our EL students and families (email mfarias@egusd.net for more info)
- Join us on after school governance committees once a month - instruction, wellness, family/community engagement and assessment committees meet to do the work towards our schoolwide goals (email mfarias@egusd.net for more info)
- Join us for events like Back to School Night, Family Lunches, Athletics, Parent Universities, Open House and more
- Keep in communication with teachers
- Request a home visit (can be a neutral site or your home - email mfarias@egusd.net or watch for more info)
- Leave us a note on the website in the suggestion box to help us hear from you
More opportunities to come so keep an eye out
School Site Council
What is School Site Council?
The School Site Council of Monterey Trail High School carries out the following duties:
- Obtain recommendations for, and review of the proposed Single Plan for Student Achievement (LCAP) from all school advisory committees.
- Develop and approve the plan and related expenditures in accordance with all state and federal laws and regulations.
- Recommend the plan and expenditures to the governing board for approval.
- Provide ongoing review of the implementation of the plan with the principal, teachers and other school staff members.
- Make modifications to the plan whenever the need arises.
- Submit the modified plan for governing board approval whenever a material change (as defined in district governing board policy) is made in planned activities or related expenditures.
- Annually evaluate the progress made toward school goals to raise the academic achievement of all students.
- Carry out all other duties assigned to the council by the district governing board and by state law.
Members
The council shall be composed of 10 members, selected by their peers, as follows:
- 3 Classroom teachers
- 1 Other school staff member
- 2 or 3 Parents and community members
- 2 or 3 Students
- The school principal shall be an ex officio member of the council.
Council members chosen to represent parents may be employees of the school district so long as they are not employed at this school.
Election Process and Timeline
The election process will follow the procedures below when there is a vacant position:
Student Postiions:
- Annually, students who are voted in by their peers in the schoolwide ASB election for the following positions will be the student representatives on the council: ASB Pres, VP, and treasurer
For all other positions:
- Vacancies for will be posted in emails to families in the newsletter and in email to families and staff at MTHS at the start of the school year
- Candidates can be nominated or declare their own nomination each year digitally or turned in the front office before Back to School Night in August
- Election for School Site Council members will be held digitally and during Back to School Night each year.
- Candidates will be notified of election results by the end of the following week
Keep an eye out for vacancy postings in the next newsletter.
Important Policies and Procedures
Attendance
Showing up is the first step to success!
Students are expected to attend school regularly. Academic success and achievement begin with a commitment to being punctual and prepared for the rigors of school. Maintaining this high standard will positively affect a student’s achievement as well as reinforce a strong work ethic for the future. Regular attendance and punctuality are key elements in determining your success at Monterey Trail High School. Irregular attendance will negatively affect class progress and grades. Parents/guardians, please feel free to call and check attendance at any time and check it out on Parentvue. Please look over the student handbook in August and check the Attendance section for more information.
Student Drop Off/Pick Up
Gates near the front office, the HK building and the portables will open 30 minutes prior to school starting (8am regular days and 9:20 late start days). For your student's safety, please do not drop students off at school prior to gates opening. Students should exit campus no later than 3:45 p.m. each day unless they have a pre-arranged meeting or activity or are participating in ASSETs. ASSETs students will need to exit through a specific gate.
*Any student in zero period will be informed of their start times and entrance information.
Absences
Please call the main office each day your student is absent at 916-688-0050. A student’s absence must be cleared within five (5) school days or the absence is considered a truancy. Please refer to the Student Handbook for more details regarding attendance and what is considered excused and
unexcused per the state of California’s Education Code.
*If your student is positive for COVID or has symptoms, please keep the student home and call the front office as with any absence even if you are emailing teachers in addition. It helps us to keep everyone safe as we are still contact tracing at this time.
Early Dismissals
Parents are asked to call the main office well in advance of an early dismissal from school. Early
dismissals may not be arranged after 3:20 p.m since it does not allow for enough time to supervise the end of day processes. In addition, students are only dismissed to parents/guardians with permission from the ed rights holders listed on the student’s record.
Late Arrivals
Students who arrive late to school are required to enter through the main office and check in at
the rear attendance window. Students and parents are advised to carefully review the MTHS
Tardy Policy included below as well as in the student handbook.
Campus Visits and Policies for Safety
All visitors with pre-arranged appointments with a staff member are required to check in and provide proper identification at the Front Office to receive a visitor’s badge prior to entering campus including before and after school.
Parents/Guardians are welcome to visit classrooms with a 24-hour advance arrangement with
the teacher and are also required to check in at the Front Office to receive a visitor’s
badge prior to entering campus. Teachers may be contacted via email to make
arrangements. For other staff members, please check the website and/or contact the front office for help.
We cannot accept the following at the office or through gates for safety for all:
The front office is not able to accept any items to be delivered to students. This includes books,
lunches, money, sports equipment, flowers, balloons, clothing, etc. In addition, food deliveries by
outside companies, such as Uber Eats, DoorDash, etc. and or individuals, are not allowed on our
campus, including deliveries to parking lots, gates, and fences.
We all want everyone safe - students, staff and all who visit our campus. We thank you for adhering to these policies.
Student ID cards are a MUST
Students are required to be in possession of their student identification card at all times on campus or at any school sponsored activity or event. Students shall provide identification at the request of any staff member on campus. Having students possess their student identification cards is critical to insuring student safety. We’ll see you at Giddy Up to take your photo!
Emergency Information Updates
We want to keep everyone safe and also want to keep everyone informed. In the event of an emergency, we need to know who to contact and how with accurate information in our system.
Please keep all information current. We will send home a form to update information during the first days and you can also check your Parentvue account or come into the front office to make changes/updates.
When you see, hear or know something, tell someone!
We have a great community of students, staff and families who have helped by letting us know when there is something going on or someone who may be in trouble. Please help us by letting us know so we can help.
Remember these are ways to help:
- refer students in "drama" or in "need" to conflict mediation
- seek help by connecting with counselors or admin as needed
Students can self refer to conflict mediation as well. See the form above for referrals.
Remind students of our Anonymous Incident Reporting system on our website. It allows for anonymous reporting of bullying, self harm, violence, harassment and more. If the person allows us, we can also communicate two way to get additional details while they still remain anonymous if they choose.
Before and After School Safety and Positive Behavior
We love our students and families and we want them to be safe and be honoring the core values when they are out in the community as well as at school. Here is some information so that you can partner with us to be proactive in helping our students make great choices for themselves and for all involved in our community.
Fales Park - This is a park located off of Auberry by sidewalk near the apartments. It is meant to be a family oriented place that is safe for all to enjoy the outdoors.
In our experience, unfortunately, it has been a common place for unsafe behavior before and after school from time to time. This does not always include our students but sometimes our students have made poor decisions when crossing through the park or by going there with intention to fight or engage in other inappropriate behaviors. In addition, students have gone through the park with best intentions and have gotten caught up in situations, sometimes including concerns with strangers who are not connected to our school or even to our community at times.
We encourage all families to find safe routes for their students before and after school and talk with your students about positive behaviors and safety.
Community Businesses (McDonald's, Starbucks, Lowes and many others)
We know our students can make great choices and we want them to be able to enjoy spending time at the local businesses who are our community partners.
It is our expectation that Mustangs are respectful and demonstrate all of our core values in the community. We also need students at school on time which can be an issue for those who stay too long at the businesses for breakfast or waiting for a drink.
We encourage all families to discuss best behaviors and be sure to only go to the business when you have enough time to finish your meal, drinks, etc. and arrive to school on time.
Here are just a few of many ways students can do their part:
- Enter respectfully and talk politely
- Order saying please and thank you
- Use the seating areas that are available
- Avoid any behavior that interrupts the families, workers or other guests at the business
- Throw away your trash
- Leave the establishment better than when you first arrived
We encourage all families to discuss appropriate behaviors and be sure to only go to the business when you have enough time to finish your meal, drinks, etc. and arrive to school on time.
COVID Protocols Continue
To ensure a positive 2022 - 2023 in-school experience and in support of the health and safety of staff, students, and families, EGUSD is continuing to adhere to the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and Sacramento County Public Health (SCPH) guidance and protocols.
Some of the important basics:
- Face Masks strongly recommended indoors
- Wash hands frequently
- COSI room remains open
- Frequent cleaning continues
- Contract Tracing continues
- COVID Clinic testing sites are open for students, staff, and families.
Optimal Learning and College/Career Prep Culture and Climate
In order to be college/career ready and to be professional, respectful and have integrity students at MTHS are part of a community that has specific expectations and policies to help support that. Here are just a few to highlight but please refer to the student handbook coming soon.
MTHS Dress Code Revised for 2022-23
Parents/Guardians have the primary responsibility for appropriate standards of dress and grooming. However, as an educational entity, the Secondary Division of EGUSD has the responsibility to establish and maintain standards of dress and grooming that support a positive, appropriate and safe learning and teaching environment. The purpose of a dress code is to facilitate education and not to inhibit any person's taste in attire or appearance.
In accordance with BP 5132 and after educational partner input, MTHS will refer to the Board Policy where dress code is concerned. However, the following picture shows the basic guidelines for how to dress for success at school.
Partnering for Punctuality - Let's be on time!
Everyone plays an important role and we know together we can make a difference.
Here is how everyone can help.
Families:
-Partner with the school to help teach punctuality
-Help your student set timers/alarms and be prepared to arrive on time
-Attempt to schedule appointments outside of school time as much as possible
-Check your students attendance in Synergy and discuss the importance of being on time
-Work with administration and staff if you are experiencing an issue that is causing the tardiness
-Avoid early dismissals to maximize learning time
-No early dismissals in the last 15 minutes - we don't have the resources to find the students at that time
Students:
-Before school set an alarm with plenty of time to get ready, account for traffic or walk/bike.
- If you are using restroom go straight there (we do not have lines to wait in).
-Pay attention to the warning bell/sound that rings with at least 3 minutes left to get to class.
-Head to your next class at that time so you make it to your seat before the bell.
-In the event you are late, listen respectfully to every staff member who is telling you to go to class and hurry. Then apologize to the teacher and correct the behavior for the next time.
Teachers:
-First 5 minutes need to be vital/meaningful to students.
-Do not issue bathroom passes first 10-15 minutes nor (also allows for cleaning)
-Continue to build strong positive relationships
Campus Supervisors and all staff on campus:
-Remind students when it is time to go to class and give prompts to help remind
-Continue to build strong positive relationships
All support staff on campus:
-Continue to build strong positive relationships
When expectations are not met, reteaching will occur and behavioral consequences will be progressive:
1st-3rd tardies - teacher issued consequence with family contact documented in synergy: which is not limited to but may include a restorative conference, reflection sheet, detention/time owed, parent/teacher/student meeting, phone call home
4th tardy- teacher submits major referral and students will be placed on the No Activities List
5th tardy and beyond and/or multiple period tardies will be used to identify habitually tardy students by administration. These students, in addition to the No Activities List, will be given progressive additional consequences which may include but are not limited to: restorative projects and campus beautification, parent/guardian meetings, parent/guardian attend classes with student, Saturday School, after school intervention programs, attendance contract, revocation of work permits
NAL means students cannot attend after-school clubs, dances, athletic competitions, after school events, etc.
How to be cleared from NAL =
A student who attends their assigned detention will be removed from the No Activities List, effective the following day.
The No-Activities List will be posted in the back of the school administration building.
If a student misses an after-school detention, they will still need to serve that detention and may be issued additional consequences.
Cell Phone/electronic device and Earbuds Policy
Cell phones (earbuds included) are understandably important to the students and families and even staff. Yet, while they are sometimes used for instructional purposes or even communication from families, they do have a time and a place.
At school some of the use has been negative contributing to some incidents that no one wants for the students (fights, academic dishonesty, bullying on social media, sharing of fight videos and general distraction from instruction such as playing games, texting and meeting up outside for instance). Some students with earbuds in are not responding to adults and may even be at risk in an emergency not being able to hear instructions and directives for safety.
With our educational partners input, the cell phone policy for 2022-23 is as follows:
- Phones/earbuds on campus may only be used when teachers allow it for Instructional use and at passing period and lunch time.
- They are not to be used for videoing fights, bullying, negative social media, etc. This can lead to other consequences that no one wants for our students.
It is the teacher's discretion to incorporate additional procedures in their own classrooms such as:
Students lock up phone in room to use bathroom
All phones turned off and put in a specific location visible to students (calculator pocket holder for instance)
No phones/earbuds during class time at all
When expectations are not met, reteaching will occur and behavioral consequences will be progressive:
- Staff member gives warning to put item (phone or earbuds or both) away first time
- Staff member has student turn it off and student places it in a locked drawer to return to student at end of class and calls home -second time
- Staff member writes incident referral to office for admin intervention and admin contacts home - third time
- Parent/Guardian, student meeting for continued incidents to determine behavior plan going forward
STAY CONNECTED
Students - don't miss out on information for your class
Parentvue and Studentvue
Synergy ParentVUE Portal We utilizes Synergy, by Edupoint for its Student Information System. Synergy has a fully integrated parent portal called ParentVUE. ParentVUE helps parents/guardians stay informed and connected by providing day-to-day insight into their child’s academic experience.
Parents new to EGUSD will need to register for a ParentVUE account using an activation code and instructions available at MTHS or by calling the Office of Family and Community Engagement. Instructions on how to register and update information in the system are included on the activation code handout. If you lose your activation code or need another one, please contact your the front office. This portal is available on the web or mobile phone app.
ParentVUE Features:
• Single sign-on—one login for each parent, which allows access to all children associated with that parent or guardian, across the District in any grade or school
• Big picture information—ability to view attendance, immunization compliance, transcripts, graduation status, and more
• Ability to modify data—emergency contacts, physician and demographic information
• Real-time grades and assessment scores—view if your children are on track academically or may need extra help
• Class website access—know what is happening in your children’s classroom(s)
• Assignments—view when new assignments are posted Customizable alerts – receive email notification for school events, attendance, discipline incidents
• Ability to stay connected with teachers—by communicating within Synergy or through email
• Web Portal and mobile app—available for use anywhere, anytime Parents must register for a ParentVUE account one time only using a specialized code.
NOTE: If you already have an account you do not need a new one. If you forgot your password, you can click "forgot password" and change it. If you are still having an issue, please contact the front office.
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Opt Out forms
During the first days in advocacy, teachers will give students a few documents including the Opt Out form. This form provides parents the opportunity to opt their student out of public media coverage, posting of student images and names through EGUSD digital communication tools, release of student directory information, and viewing of PG-13 or R-rated films. Please read each section of the form carefully.
If you would like to opt your child out of any of the following sections, please fill out your child’s information (one form per child), check the associated box, and sign the form.
Please note: This is an OPTIONAL form. The form should be returned to the school only if you wish to opt your child out of one of these areas.
EGUSD Parent/Student Handbook
Watch for the MTHS Site level Student Handbook coming August 8th digitally.
This is information for the EGUSD Parent/Student Handbook
Online: https://www.egusd.net/StudentsFamilies/ResourcesSupports/District-Handbook/index.html
2022-2023 EGUSD Parent & Student Handbook
The EGUSD Parent and Student Handbook is an annual publication containing updated information relevant to the families of Elk Grove Unified. The Parent and Student Handbook outlines our expectations, our culture, and provides information to help families understand our District policies and procedures. Other sections describe state and federal laws related to public schools.
- Part I: Educational Vision and Mission
- Part II: Student Health and Wellness
- Part III: Engaging Educational Partners
- Part IV: Keeping Learning Environments Safe
- Appendix I: EGUSD Table of Education Codes Related to Discipline
- Appendix II: Opt Out form Samples