High Desert School Hawk Happenings
Week of January 29, 2024
Good evening High Desert Hawks and Families,
This week, we are focused on the Medal of Honor Character Development Program and the core value of Integrity. The Medal of Honor Character Development Program is a free resource which teaches courage, commitment, integrity, sacrifice, citizenship, and patriotism to students through educationally grounded lessons developed by teachers for teachers. These six values are embodied in the Medal of Honor and exemplified in the actions for which it has been awarded. These character education lessons feature extraordinary military and civilian stories, providing students with concrete examples to live by.
On Thursday and Friday, many of our 8th graders will serve as mentors for the 5th and 6th grade students teaching them a lesson about life, choices, and how experiences affect our choices.
Weekly Flight Plan
Week of January 29, 2024
Monday, January 29
- 6th Handbells 2:30-3:15pm
- Dance Force Practice 2:30-4:00pm
- Varsity Boys and Girls Soccer Practice 2:30-4:30pm
Tuesday, January 30
- 100-Mile Club 2:20-3:00pm
- 7/8th Handbells 2:30-3:15pm
- Varsity Boys Soccer Practice 2:30-4:30pm
- Early Release - Dismissal 1:10pm
- 100-Mile Club 1:15-1:45pm
- Varsity Boys Soccer Practice 1:30-3:30pm
Thursday, February 1
- MOH Mentor Day during AVID
- 100-Mile Club 2:20-3:00pm
- Spirit Squad Practice 2:30-3:30pm
- Varsity Girls Soccer Practice 2:30-4:30pm
- AADUSD Spelling Bee 6:00pm
Friday, January 26
- HDS Pride and Spirit Day
- MOH Mentor Day during AVID
- Tournament Team Soccer Practice 2:30-4:30pm
- Varsity Girls Soccer Practice 2:30-4:30pm
- Dance Force Practice 2:30-4:00pm
Inclement Weather Note - If it is raining:
- 100-Mile Club will be cancelled
- Handbells will still practice
- Dance Force will still practice on the stage
- Soccer will still practice in the gym
Have a great week and Go Hawks!
Hawk Happenings
Hawks Take Flight
CTE Lab students learned about Flight Technology as they crafted rockets to launch during their elective class.
High Desert Opens New Learning Spaces at Lunch
Hawk Highlights
Hawk Highlight - Lily Martin
"Responsible, organized, focused, motivated, drive, conscientious, helpful, kind, friendly, enthusiastic, dependable, humble, sensitive, kind-hearted... the list goes on and on... There's an old saying that describes if you want to get a job done well, then assign it to the busiest person in the room - that would be Lily! I would like to personally thank Lily for being one of those special students who are always doing the right thing, always giving their best effort, always being kind to others, and always being the best possible version of herself - she is a genuine inspiration to me as well as her peers in class."
~ Mr. Rowland
Hawk Highlight - Philip Zwart
"If I was able to give an award for the student in class that has made the most positive change and transformation so far this year, it would without a doubt go to Mr. Philip Zwart. Each week, Philip proudly checks his grades in Aeries and beams with self-confidence and pride. He is working hard to excel. Philip is an outstanding citizen in class always eager to participate and contribute his ideas. He is a kind and loyal friend to his peers and modeling for others how to get on the road to success. Thank you Philip for always being the best possible version of yourself."
~ Mr. Rowland
HDS Academics
AVID Advisory and SEL - Weekly Focus
- AVID - This week, we are learning more about the Medal of Honor Character Development Program and how acting with great character helps us to succeed.
- 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.
Please join us on Thursday, February 1, 2024 at 6:00pm to cheer on our Spelling Bee contestants!
Acton-Agua Dulce Arts Council - Logo Contest
AADAC invites you to submit your ideas for a new logo. Our goal is to modernize and streamline our logo, and reflect our identity as promoting all of the arts.
PRIZE: Winning submission to receive $200
Deadline for submission is February 10, 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
Coffee with the Counselor Presentation
HDS hosted Coffee with the Counselor on Friday, January 26th. We had a great discussion about social media, cell phones, and vaping and how we can support our students in dealing with these challenging issues. If you wish to see the presentation shared with parents and families at the meeting, here is the link to that presentation.
Coffee with the Counselor: Parenting in the Age of Social Media, Cell Phones, and Vaping
VHS 9th Grade Registration
VHS hosted 9th Grade Information Night on January 24th. If you wish to see the presentation shared with future Mustangs and families that night, here is the link to that presentation! 8th Grade Information Night
VHS counselors presented to HDS students on January 25th. This is the information regarding VHS Registration/ Class sign-ups. If your student plans to attend VHS in the Fall and become a Mustang, please complete the attached course request form as soon as possible and send it back to VHS so it can be time stamped upon return. Classes are given to students on a first-come, first-serve basis (based on what fits in their schedules). Also, you will need to complete the Google Form so it matches the physical form!
Please contact Mrs. Salcedo or Miss Quezada with any questions.
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!
Boys and Girls Soccer Tournament Teams
Congratulations to all of the boys and girls who made the Tournament Team. Practices are on Fridays.
Girls Varsity Soccer
Congratulations to all of the girls who made the Varsity team! Practices are Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays.
Boys Varsity Soccer
Congratulations to all of the girls who made the Varsity team! Practices are Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays.
Soccer Game Schedule
The Silver League Game Schedule has been released. Click here for full schedule.
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
Teen Tix LA - $5 Art Pass for Teens
This is a program called TeemTix LA that gives teens an opportunity to go to art, dance, and theater events in LA for $5 a ticket.
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.
Sierra Youth Sports and VHS Baseball Skills Clinic
We welcome youth, ages 6-14 from the community to join Sierra Youth Sports and VHS Baseball coaching staff and players in our 2nd annual players clinic. Players of all levels are welcome. Clinic covers everything from the fundamentals of baseball for new players to advanced technique and drills for more experienced players.
Saturday, February 3 from 9:00-11:30 at VHS
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