Week 1 Update 8/18/2023
What a great and energetic first week!
Dear Lancaster High School Eagle Families
What a wonderful opening week to school. The best thing about the opening week is the energy that is infused onto campus. We appreciate the patience exhibited by both our families, students, and staff as we all worked through the opening-week craziness. Once next week ends, we will be in full motion of our school year. We hope our students take advantage and are a part of the many different events and activities on campus.
Now that we are rolling, the next big step is finalizing our schedules, which require schedule changes. Please read the information under the heading "student schedules" to familiarize yourself with the scheduling process.
Now that students have their IDs, identification will need to be provided at the front gate daily and upon request. Please read the information under "Student ID Cards" for ID expectations and tips to always have your ID.
We have spent the first week trying to inform our students as to our acceptable dress code. We need your help. Please read the information under the section "dress code" for a better understanding of the partnership we are looking for.
We kick off the year of activities and athletics TONIGHT at 7pm as our defending CIF CHAMPION Football team takes on Saltana (see info below). And next week, students, it's our first SPIRIT WEEK. Check out the dates and dress up!
Sincerely,
Your Principal, Zach Mercier
Friday Night Lights - TONIGHT 7pm
Come out and support the defending CIF Champion Eagles Friday night! Wear black!
Students: Free with ASB cards (we have a lot of home games this year… get your card for $25 at the student store) or $10
Parents: $10 entry
Let’s go Eagles!!!!!
School Site Council Nominations
We invite you to actively contribute to our school community by considering a nomination for the School Site Council. This esteemed council plays a vital role in shaping our educational priorities and initiatives. As a member, you will participate in collaborative decision-making, reviewing and approving school plans, and ensuring that resources are allocated effectively to meet the needs of our students. Your involvement will make a significant impact on the direction and success of our school. Nominations are open until September 1st, 2023. Join us in fostering a supportive and enriching environment for our students. Your commitment is valued and essential to our shared mission of providing an exceptional education. Terms are two-year terms beginning in September 2023 - September 2025. Thank you for considering this opportunity to make a difference.
Student Schedules
Schedule Changes Coming
In an effort to be transparent and open in our communication, we want to inform you of the scheduling process that each school site is currently going through. If you are not new to LnHS, you may remember this process from previous years. During the first three weeks of the school year and the first two weeks of the second semester, many student schedules will be changed.
Essentially, there are two reasons schedules would change. First, schedules need to be changed due to class sections being either added or closed due to over or under enrollment. Secondly, sections need to be balanced to adjust for classes that are over or under contracted class caps.
During the next few days, these class changes will take effect and some students will have their schedule adjusted. New schedules will be delivered to students who have schedule adjustments. This is a necessary, albeit frustrating, process for our students. We understand that having teacher or period changes is inconvenient and I ensure you we do not take this lightly. If a class change was made, it had to be made. If you have a schedule change, we cannot change your class back because quite simply, the class you were removed from no longer exists or cannot be made due to contracted student caps. We will not, and would not, change any schedule unless it was absolutely necessary. We appreciate your understanding and we apologize in advance for any inconvenience as we work to complete schedule modifications as quick as possible to provide the best educational environment for your student.
- Many schedules will change over the course of the week of August 21 - August 25. This is a normal process. Once again, we understand the schedule changes are frustrating, however, they must be done in order to provide the best possible educational experiences for all students.
What do you do if you NEED a schedule change?
- We will not make schedule changes at this point unless you have a missing class period, a class on your schedule that you have passed, a missing senior grad requirement class, or a duplicate class.
- If you have a missing class period, a class on your schedule that you have already passed, a missing senior grad requirement class, or a duplicate class, you go to room 307 on the first day of school DURING THE PERIOD where the error exists.
- The counselor's focus during the first week of school will be to fix schedules that meet the conditions above. Requests for teacher changes, period changes, or lunch changes will not be processed. Schedules are made off student's course selections or counselor direction based on graduation requirements. If you have any questions regarding your schedule that does not meet the above conditions, please reach out to your counselor, but expect delays in response time this first week of school.
This isn't the elective I signed up for. Can I request a change?
I want to change lunches. Can I request a lunch change?
I would like to change my teacher. Can I change my teacher?
Teacher changes can not be accommodated. There are many factors for this, such as class size, class caps, and overall teacher-student cap. It's important to note that our class sizes are determined to ensure the best possible learning experience for all students while adhering to teacher contracts that limit the number of students per class and overall student numbers.
Our priority is to maintain balanced class sizes to provide an equitable educational environment. This process involves careful consideration of various factors, including teacher contracts and the needs of each student. While we may not be able to accommodate individual teacher requests, please be assured that we are committed to your child's academic success and will work diligently to support their learning journey. We suggest reaching out directly to any teacher that you have any questions for or with class concerns.
Summer Comeback Spirit Week - Let's Participate!
Student ID Cards
Some ID tips:
- Have your student take a picture of their ID and have it on their phone (put it in favorites)
- Put your ID on a lanyard and have it in your bag
What do you do if you do not have an ID yet?
- Have a copy of your schedule to present as your ID
- Use your temporary ID card if you have one
- Get the "avuhsd" app, sign-in to Lancaster, sign-in with your Google Account (click "student info" in the app to log in) and present this at the gate
- Have your Google Classroom open on your phone
Make-Up Picture Day
Makeup Pictures will be taken during English classes on Tuesday, August 22nd and Wednesday, August 23rd. Students who need to take their Make-Up Pictures will do so on the specific date noted below.
Tuesday - 9th and 10th grade
Wednesday - 11th and 12th grade - as well as IS and OSC students
These pictures are for those students who did not take ID pictures last year
Here is a link to picture package ordering information:
Who is my counselor?
Lunch Deliveries
As always, safety and security is a top priority across the Antelope Valley Union High School District. It is with this in mind that we will not be able to allow students and/or parents/guardians to place food orders for delivery to our schools during the school day.
This practice not only causes a disruption to the school environment but also poses a potential security threat. As such, beginning immediately school staff will not accept any food deliveries, nor will delivery personnel be allowed onto our campuses. If your student does not bring a meal or snack, there are no-cost healthy options available in the cafeteria every day.
Thank you in advance for your understanding and your cooperation in keeping our school safe and secure. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Mr. Santoyo at asantoyo@avhsd.org
Dress Code
We need your help!
Specifically, I want to bring up the two most common dress code violations: tube tops and shirts with drug/alcohol references ("Cookies" is the most common violation). These are strictly not allowed per our district dress code. There is more to our dress code, but we are noticing these items are being worn more than usual.
A point of reflection when deciding if something is or is not against dress code is this, if your student is wearing something and is wondering if it is in or out of dress code, don't wear it. Please use common sense and be prepared (have another shirt in your bag for example) if you are unsure.
Trust me, NOBODY likes to stop students for dress code. Our goal is to be the preparatory institution that prepares your student for both college and career. A part of career preparation is wearing proper attire. Please help us by monitoring your own student's dress. Thank you for listening to my thoughts and have a wonderful evening.
2023-2024 Bell Schedule
How does my child get lunch?
Lunch is free for all and can be found at the multiple lunch sites on campus.
This change means students are not required to complete a meal application or provide any specific documentation, however, we are still required to gather family income and demographic information to ensure that your student benefits from additional state and federal programs that are available.
The California Department of Education uses this confidential information to identify qualifications for additional funding that provides for many programs and opportunities for our students. Based on the information provided, eligible students may receive fee waivers for the PSAT, SAT, free college applications, or much more. The AVUHSD is eligible for additional supplemental and targeted funding for our student programs and services based on a variety of factors, including this data.
Lancaster parents, we need your help! Please, regardless of qualifications, or social-economic standing, please help us provide the best opportunities that we can for our students by taking the few minutes it takes to fill out this form. If you need any assistance filling out this form, email food@avhsd.org.
This confidential form* can be found at: https://family.titank12.com/income-form/new?identifier=3JD2ZE
*Please be careful of the most common errors: Do not put a space after any responses and make sure the name on the first page matches the name on the last.