Thor's Report
Welcome Back Orange Nation!
While some may buckle under the pressure we've faced, I am impressed by the resiliency our students. Pause for a second and look back at school and life since August- we've accomplished a lot. Homecoming. Odin's Procession. Fall/Winter sport seasons. Performing Arts concerts and productions. Finals. Sure, it was strange coming back after so much time at home. The routine and classroom expectations probably felt unnatural. Yet, here we are embarking on the second semester. Ready to start with some learning routines back in shape.
Ultimately, the only person in control of your success is you. However, everyone needs a team of people cheering along side them as they strive towards their goals. We are here to be your partners. We are here to see you succeed. When you succeed, Valhalla succeeds. This takes work, personal accountability, and community support. The more you put in, the more you get back in return.
Want to increase your success going into the second semester? Set some goals around these guidelines:
Take care of yourself. If you have challenges in your life and need some help, contact your counselor or trusted adult on campus. Your school has people and resources to help.
Stay healthy. Get food at break and lunch - it’s free. Try to go to sleep at a reasonable time. If you are stressed, find a positive way to relieve it - check these out. (resource link)
Come to class and be on time. Attendance is the foundation of success in school.
Be willing and ready to learn. This takes some work but your teachers are there to help and guide you through. Be proud of your efforts and keep trying.
Pace yourself. Managing your time will allow you to complete your assignments on time. If you are falling behind, find an ally to help you. Check Schoology and Infinite Campus to see what you are missing. Talk with your teachers and make a specific plan for how you can catch up.
If absent, check Schoology, ask a friend, or ask the teacher when you come back to class. You are responsible for any work you miss.
When in class, put those phones away. Your ability to learn decreases significantly when you are constantly checking your phone. We aren’t making this up. There is research that proves it.
Stuck? Talk to your teacher. Or attend a tutorial session. Doing nothing keeps you stuck.
Reflect on everything. If something went right, what did you do to get there? If something didn’t go as planned, what could you do differently? Then act on that information.
Ultimately, you are responsible for your educational experience. Own it, get the help you need, and focus on getting better. Stick with it and keep trying.
Learning is a routine of questioning, processing, reflecting that carries on throughout your life. My time with you on this journey is simply a brief moment. However, I enjoy every celebration of your achievements and learn from every challenge we face together. I hope you feel a sense of EMPOWERMENT as you embrace the unique strengths and abilities that make you special.
Let's have a fantastic Semester Two!
Brianne Froumis
What's Happening! Save the Dates
Monday January 3rd - Late Start schedule. School Returns.
Saturday January 8th- Winter Formal at SDSU. MASKS REQUIRED!
Wednesday January 12th - H.O.W Rep meeting- Start of period 4 in the library.
Monday January 17th - No School in celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Wednesday January 26th- Minimum Day
Mask Mandates
- Students, Staff, Parents and Guests are required to wear a mask inside our building, classrooms and Gym.
- Masks must cover the nose and mouth and be in place prior to entering our indoor spaces.
- Students should bring a mask to school each and everyday.
- Teachers and Administration may enforce masks compliance through detention, referrals, Saturday School and Parent/Student conferences. Guests not wearing masks at indoor athletic events may be denied entry.
- Students should remain home if they are feeling symptoms or awaiting a COVID test result.
- If you receive a positive COVID test please contact Mrs. Dixon (Nurse) at (619) 593-5371.
- Let's work together to ensure the safety of all!
Congratulations Mrs. Toni Myers - Golden Apple Winner
Winter Formal
Financial Aid Fridays
Financial Aid Fridays are back! Seniors, have you submitted your FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application yet? Make sure to file soon for your chance to be entered into our Financial Aid Friday drawings. Every week from now until the March 2nd deadline, counselors will draw the names of a couple seniors who have submitted their FAFSA or CADAA. The sooner you submit, the more opportunities you have to win!
9th and 10th grade students:
The College and Career Readiness department will be hosting their annual GUHSD CTE Career Pathway Fair on Saturday, January 29th, from 10:00am to 1:00pm at Grossmont Center in the Courtyard area. We would love to see you there!