High Desert School Hawk Happenings
Week of January 15, 2024
Good evening High Desert Hawks and Families,
Many of you have heard of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and many of you have heard about his 'I Have a Dream' speech. Dr. King was born in 1929 and died in 1968. While he was alive, he was an important leader and activist in the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960's. In his 'I Have a Dream' speech, he spoke of something of equality. He believed that all people are created equal. All people. It doesn't matter what grade level you are in, if you are a boy or girl, what color your eyes, hair, or skin is, if you are in a class with 20-some kids or a small class with five or six others, if you are tall or small, or a teacher or student. We are all people and we need to treat each other with respect and kindness. We all have ideas, opinions, and dreams. This week, we challenge our students to - Be determined, like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., to keep your dreams alive and his. Every day is what you make it. Make it a great day.
We look forward to wonderful second half of the school year fill with achievement, growth, school spirit, and success in our students and staff! Communication between home and school is crucial for the success of our students, so we encourage you to stay engaged and involved. Whether through parent-teacher conferences, Booster Club, school events, or regular updates from our school, your support makes a significant impact on your child's education.
On-time behavior is a great way to start the new year. Students should arrive by 7:55am so they can be in the classroom in their seats when classes begin at 8:00am.
Please review our Welcome Back Infographic for Student Success Reminders.
Weekly Flight Plan
Week of January 15, 2024
Monday, January 15
- NO SCHOOL - MLK Jr. Day
Tuesday, January 16
- PBIS Meeting 2:30-3:30pm
- 100-Mile Club 2:20-3:00pm
- Spirit Squad Practice 2:30-3:30pm
- 7/8th Handbells 2:30-3:15pm
- Boys Soccer Tryouts 2:30-4:30pm
- Early Release - Dismissal 1:10pm
- 100-Mile Club 1:15-1:45pm
- Girls Soccer Tryouts 1:30-3:30pm
Thursday, January 18
- Sem 1 Awards - 5th @ 8:15am, 6th @ 9:00am
- 100-Mile Club 2:20-3:00pm
- Spirit Squad Practice 2:30-3:30pm
- Boys Soccer Tryouts 2:30-4:30pm
Friday, January 19
- HDS Pride and Spirit Day
- Sem 1 Awards - 7th @ 8:15am, 8th @ 9:00am
- Dance Force Practice 2:30-4:00pm
Have a great week and Go Hawks!
SAVE the DATE - Semester 1 Awards
Awards include: Attendance, Honor Roll, STAR Reading and Math Growth, MOH, Athletics, 100-Mile Club
- 5th Grade - Thursday, January 18 @ 8:15am
- 6th Grade - Thursday, January 18 @ 9:00am
- 7th Grade - Friday, January 19 @ 8:15am
- 8th Grade - Friday, January 19 @ 9:00am
Hawk Happenings
VFW Patriot's Pen 2023 Winners
For the Veteran's of Foreign War's Quartz Hill Post - Patriot's Pen Scholarship Competition, the requirement was to submit a 300-400 word essay on the topic, "What inspires you about America?"
Congratulations to our High Desert Hawks for their great work representing themselves, our school, and our community.
1st Ailen Cabrera
2nd Alexis Van Ornum
3rd Connor Koopman
3rd Aiden Duenas - Joe Walker Middle School
Honorable Mention Esther Rivas
Honorable Mention Valeria Gonzalez-Medina
Honorable Mention Addison Walker
It was an honor to attend the ceremony. At the ceremony, they also awarded a teacher of the year and a law enforcement office of the year, who also have both served in the military. Our students are making a difference on campus and in the community.
Hawk Highlights
DWSL and HDS Students Have Great Showing at Soccer Tournament
Great work to all of our HDS Hawks who were part of the DWSL All-Stars Soccer Teams. Teams from three age groups participated in the tournament, U15, U12, and U10. We are so proud of all of our students for their hard work, determination, and resilience. We look forward to seeing what they will do on our High Desert Hawks Soccer team this year as tryouts are held this week.
HDS Academics
AVID Advisory and SEL - Weekly Focus
- AVID - This week, we are working on goal setting for the New Year
- SEL - This week we continue supporting students with learning about their thoughts and emotions and how them impact the decisions they make.
AADUSD 8th Annual Spelling Bee - Grades 4, 5, and 6
We are busily buzzing around preparing for our district Spelling Bee. All students in grades 4, 5, and 6 are invited to participate in our Spelling Bee. If you are interested in participating, complete the form and return it to your classroom teacher.
Intent to Participate forms are due by Friday, January 19, 2024.
Step Up Tutoring - FREE for Grades 5-6
Step Up delivers 1-on-1 math tutoring, conducted online with a consistent tutor
Students receive tailored math support using a curriculum that is tailored to address their needs
Tutors focus on relationship-building and provide mentorship in a fun learning environment
Students receive tutoring at least twice weekly via one of three program models: at-home, during an after-school program, or during the school day
HDS Parent/Guardian Involvement for Student Success
VHS 8th Grade Roadshow - Jan. 24th
Attendance Matters
HDS Spirit Wear
HDS Yearbook 2024
Yearbooks are selling quickly. They are a great way to preserve the memories that students make during their middle school years. Purchase your yearbook today online or in the HDS Office.
HDS Athletics and Activities
Little Cesars Pizza Pizza
Order pizzas for the holidays or as a quick meal to store in the freezer. Delicious pizza is just a click away. Help us raise money to support High Desert students.
PureVida Spirit Bracelets
HDS Booster Club is fundraising for programs and equipment for our school. Purchase a spirit bracelet for $8 by Nov. 17th while they are on sale and help support events at our school.
Outdoor Science School - Open to 5th & 6th Graders
Outdoor Science School is fast approaching. High Desert invites both 5th and 6th grade students to attend. Be sure to sign up as soon as possible. You won't want to miss this great opportunity!
HDS Soccer Tryouts
Our soccer coaches are looking forward to a great season. They will be on campus during lunch this week for sign-ups. Tryouts start next week. Students need to be sure that they have submitted their online athletic clearance including physical and insurance card.
HDS Tournament Team - Grades 5-6
High Desert is hosting a soccer tournament for students in grades 4-6. Students in grades 5 & 6 are eligible to join High Desert's tournament team. We also welcome other groups and schools to form a team and participate in the tournament. Contact Athletic Director, Mrs. Gina Botton with any questions.
HDS Counseling Corner
Happy Holidays from WeCare AADUSD
As many of you know, this can be a beautiful time to gather with loved ones and create memories; however, this time of year isn’t always the brightest for everyone. Please take some time for yourself - journal, go for a walk, connect with a trusted friend or family. Our WeCare AADUSD mental health team has created this video for our students and compiled some resources for parents and guardians.
Happy Holidays!
Teen Mental Health Toolkit - For Parents and Guardians
About half of teens in the U.S. had a mental health concern at some point in their life. Recognizing teen mental health issues and connecting to early intervention and treatment can be lifesaving. Check out this free guide to the most common teen mental health challenges and find local mental health resources.
HDS Community Opportunities
Antelope Valley CAC Meeting
The AV SELPA invites all parents of students participating in the Special Education Program to join the CAC for an informational meeting regarding IEPs.
AYBL Winter League
Acton Youth Basketball League is starting its Winter Season. They are looking for players in grades 1st thru 8th. Sign-up to improve your basketball skills and get ready for the season.
Sierra Youth Sports Baseball/Softball Registration
SYS is looking for baseball and softball players to join their team this season. This is a great opportunity to increase skills prior to entering high school.
VFW Illustrating America Art Contest
The VFW is pleased to present this National art contest to introduce, encourage, and recognize young artist with patriotism through art. Entries will be judged on patriotic theme and technique. Entries are due by March 31, 2024.
VFW Auxiliary National Singing Contest
The VFW encourages students to "Get Excited for the Red, White, and Blue!" Students enter by submitting a video solo vocal performance of The Star-Spangled Banner. Entries are due by March 31, 2024.
5th Grade Art Contest
The U.S. DOJ sponsors this national poster contest to raise awareness and bring attention to children who have been recovered, as well as the children who are still missing. The winner at the California state level will be receiving a pizza party for themselves and their 5th grade class! Entries are due by February 9, 2024.
High Desert School
Email: mvanornum@aadusd.k12.ca.us
Website: http://aadusd.k12.ca.is/domain/9/
Location: 3620 Antelope Woods Road, Acton, CA, USA
Phone: (661) 269-0310
Facebook: facebook.com/hdsboosterclub/
Twitter: @Highdesert_aad