Pleasant Grove High School News
November 2021
Dear PGHS Families,
As we approach the holiday season, we would like to take a moment to express our gratitude for all of the good things that the fall semester has offered. We have so much to be grateful for at PGHS; first of all, having our students back on campus has been amazing! We have been able to offer most of our student activities; including athletics, club gatherings, academic competitions, food fairs, and spirit days and are looking forward to offering even more in the spring.
We are grateful for our families. Thank you for your engagement by staying in touch with us and your partnership as we all work together to provide emotional and academic support to our students. We are also grateful for our staff who work tirelessly to ensure that your children are safe, supported, and encouraged to grow.
We are hoping to be able to offer opportunities during the spring semester for families to connect with us by participating in on-campus activities.
Sending gratitude, joy and peace your way.
In Partnership,
Taigan Keplinger
Pleasant Grove High School Principal
In This Issue:
- PGHS Food and Beverage Deliveries
- Virtual Medical/Mental Health Appointments
- Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day
- Action Allies
- EGUSD Community Updates
- LCAP Parent Survey
- Student Activities
- PGHS EagleForce Robotics Team
- Senior Portrait Reminder
- PGHS Theater Company...She Kills Monsters
- Get involved! PTSO [Parent Teacher Student Organization]
- Food and Nutrition Services-Free Meals to all EGUSD Students
- WASC Parent Survey
- Athletic News
- Student Wellness
- Student Score Reports for 2021 State Assessments
- College & Career Information
PGHS Food and Beverage Deliveries
Virtual Medical/Mental Health Appointments
Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day Event, November 17, 2021
Qulani Turner (PGHS Student), Ruby Bridges, Timeka Francis (PGHS Administrator and BSU advisor)
Ruby Bridges Day
History
Ruby Bridges is an American activist who walked to school nearly every day and became a symbol of the civil rights movement at age six when she was the youngest of a group of African American students designated to integrate schools in the American South. On November 14, 1960, her first day of school, she was escorted by four federal marshals and spent the entire day in the Principal's office as irate parents marched into the school to remove their children.
Today, Ruby Bridges stands for equality and desegregation. She is currently the chair of the Ruby Bridges Foundation, which she formed in 1999 to promote "the values of tolerance, respect, and appreciation of all differences."
The idea to celebrate Ruby's courage came from Deborah Carlino's 2016-2017 fifth-grade class at South San Francisco Unified (SSFUSD) Martin Elementary School, whose students learned about Ruby in class and came up with an idea to adopt a "Ruby Bridges Day" to honor Ruby's role in the civil rights movement. The students gathered over 1,000 signatures from students, parents, and community members. They presented their proposal to SSFUSD's Board of Trustees, who in turn passed a resolution approving November 14 as Ruby Bridges Day.
November 14 is now recognized in the Elk Grove Unified School District as Ruby Bridges Day as a result of the work of Timeka Francis and Delaire Doyle, PGHS BSU co-advisors, and the PGHS BSU.
Action Allies: HOLIDAY COMMUNITY FUNDRAISER
Pleasant Grove High School and The Pleasant Grove Track & Field Booster Club are continuing our partnership that we created last school year with the common goal of supporting families within our school community during the holiday season through Action Allies.
ACTION ALLIES’ HOLIDAY COMMUNITY FUNDRAISER: November 11 - December 18
· The Family Holiday Outreach Project: PGHS counselors reached out to specific families they knew were facing hardships, such as homelessness or job loss this holiday season. Some of the families contacted stated they did not have a financial need at this time; Several families said they would be grateful for any help our community could provide. To support these local families, you can donate any amount you would like by using the link below.
DONTATE NOW: www.venmo.com/actionallies-pghskams
*The last day to make donations to ACTION ALLIES’ Holiday Community Fundraiser is December 17, 2021. The Pleasant Grove Track & Field Booster Club is handling all contributions through their Charitable Venmo account and distributing all funds. Please call 916-686-0230 and leave a message for Tony Gates with any questions or concerns. Tax ID available upon request. Thank you for your generosity and support.
EGUSD Community Updates
November 12, 2021
Dear Elk Grove Unified Students, Parents and Families,
Thanksgiving celebrations are near where we welcome and include family, friends and neighbors. This holiday season will be different from previous years as more and more people become vaccinated, including our children ages 5+. As we find occasion to come together, we ask our community to remain mindful about others and health concerns and to be considerate and respectful of one another, whether we are interacting in-person or remotely.
We have long awaited news to share about COVID-19 vaccines for children 5+ and plans for added school activities. As you may have heard already, the CDC approved the emergency authorization of the Pfizer vaccine for children between the ages of 5 and 11. On Saturday, November 13, we look forward to hosting a COVID vaccination clinic for all who are eligible ages 5+ (see the upcoming vaccine clinic information below and walk-ins are welcome). If you would like to have your child vaccinated against COVID-19 as soon as possible, please check with your local health care provider or local pharmacy to see if they already have the appropriate vaccine.
On December 1st, we will provide schools and our community with a set of clear parameters related specifically to school dances, and the hope is that dances can once again resume in December as long as COVID-19 infection rates continue to improve. The caveat is that depending on public health conditions, we could also receive information provided by State or County Health Officials to further restrict such events. We remain hopeful that our health and safety protocols as well as the availability of vaccines will keep infection rates relatively low. Currently, we have a 7.38 case rate per 100,000 compared to 11.9 countywide. This is great news for Elk Grove Unified, and shows that our mitigation strategies along with COVID-19 vaccinations continue to keep infection rates low and our community safe and healthy.
LCAP Parent Survey
2021-2022 LCAP Needs Survey
The Elk Grove Unified School District is seeking your input in regards to prioritizing funding for various priorities to be included in the Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP). Your valuable input will be used to help determine budgetary decisions and establish priorities for programs like the arts, after school tutoring and facilities improvements.
- Survey now open.
- Survey closes: December 22, 2021
- Survey link (for use with students, parents, staff and all languages): https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LCAP_Needs2021
Student Activities
As we close the calendar year ASB is busy working on a couple of large projects. At the beginning of November ASB and LINK crew went out to every advocacy class and did our yearly "Make A Wish" activity. All students are asked to make a wish for themselves or others.
That begins a very cumbersome process of going through all of those wishes by ASB students and advocacy teachers. It that process approximately 500 of the wishes are granted. The granting of those wishes will take place in the early portion of December during Kindness Week designated for December 6-10. AS a part of this process, we will recognize our Kindness Royalty. The obvious goal is to spread kindness around our campus through the holiday season and into the new year.
We also just completed are KCRA Kids can food drive and will be publicizing the total cans we collected. Thanks to all who donated. This is just another way we try to spread Kindness in the community.
Lastly, we are excited about our planning for the first Unity Day of the school year to be held in January as well as for all of our Spring semester activities (including a dance, Prom and Ball) pending CDPH COVID-19 safety guidelines. Please check the calendar @ PGHS.net for updates and dates for all activities planned for the spring semester.
PGHS EagleForce Robotics Team
We are so proud of the PGHS Robotics team for their participation in the Madtown Throwdown in Madera, California on Nov.13 & 14-they took 3rd place in a field of 25 robots! Of the teams present, at least three of them are prior World Champions. This tournament represented the final off-season competition in Robotics, until the new season starts in January. We look forward to seeing their incredible robot compete this spring!
Senior Portrait Reminder
This is a reminder that your senior portraits must be taken by Saturday, November 27th, 2021.
You may schedule appointments through the Elk Grove or Citrus Heights Prestige Portrait locations.
If you are unable to locate an appointment using the online scheduler HERE, you can also call 916-535-7799 or walk-in and speak with an employee on-site at either location. There should not be a cost associated with only a yearbook portrait sitting.
If you have already taken your portrait, make sure to login and select your pose before December 10th!
If you are interested in purchasing a yearbook, you can buy one for $90 HERE. Prices go up January 31st.
If you would like to buy a senior recognition ad for your senior, you can do so HERE. Senior ads are due before January 31st.
Please email yearbook advisor Amber Sousa with any questions regarding yearbooks or senior ads.Pleasant Grove High School Theater Company Fall Production
"She Kills Monsters was simply amazing! These talented young actors, led by Mr. Sandoval will have you laughing and crying. I have never seen an audience so moved by emotion. The play is definitely a must see!" PGHS Vice Principal Laurie Weiss.
2021-22 Homecoming Parade
2021-22 Homecoming Parade
2021-22 Homecoming Parade
Get involved! PTSO [Parent Teacher Student Organization]
Interested in getting involved in the planning Sober Grad Night? Please join PTSO!
We welcome new members any time; please complete the membership form at https://sites.google.com/egusd.net/pghs-ptso/become-a-member and submit to PTSO4pghs@gmail.com.
If you have any questions, suggestions or would like to help, please e-mail PTSO at: PTSO4pghs@gmail.com
Are you an Amazon shopper? Register at Amazon Smile to support the PTSO
(go to https://smile.amazon.com/ and search for: Pleasant Grove High School Parent Teacher Student Organization)
Food and Nutrition Services-Free Meals to all EGUSD Students
Elk Grove Unified School District Food & Nutrition Services is pleased to be able to provide meals, free of charge, to all enrolled students because of a waiver provided by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Meals (breakfast and lunch) will be provided free to all students without an application to the Free or Reduced Meal Program (FRMP). However, applications are still available for the Free or Reduced Meal Program(FRMP) and it may be in some families best interest to apply. If qualified, families can recieve other discounts (discounted utilities and wifi, free AP testing, free/reduced transportation costs, etc.). Paper applications will be available at PGHS soon. You may also apply on-line to receive eligibility notification soon. Click here for more information and to apply.
For more information, please click on the link below to view the Food & Nutrition Services Newsletter.
WASC - Parent Survey
This year, PGHS will be conducting a full self-study for our WASC accreditation. Accreditation from WASC means that a diploma from PGHS is valid at universities and colleges. Part of the WASC process involves seeking input from all PGHS stakeholders. Staff and students have all been surveyed, now it's time to hear from our parents.
Please take a moment to complete this survey at your earliest convenience.
Your input is essential to this process.
Minimum Days:
January 12, 2022
WASC Visting Committee:
March 7-9, 2022
Athlete of the Month - October 2021
FALL SPORTS ENDS THEIR SEASONS
Fall sports has come to an end. We had some fantastic performances by individuals and teams this year.
Girl’s Golf – The won the Delta League for a second straight year. 5 of the League’s top 10 golfers were Pleasant Grove Golfers and earned All-League honors. The team advanced all of the way to the Northern California Championship Tournament and finished 7th overall which is the highest finish ever by a Pleasant Grove golf team.
Girl’s Tennis – These ladies won the Delta League Championship for the first time in school history! They received the #2 seed in the Division 1section tournament and lost in a very close quarterfinal match to Folsom 5-4. They had 2 doubles teams qualify for the tennis individual section tournament. Both of teams made the semi-finals, and one lost a very close match in the section finals.
Girl’s Volleyball – The PG volleyball team finished 3rd in a very competitive Delta League. The team made it all of the way to the semi-finals in both the section and NorCal playoff brackets.
Football – It was one adverse event after another as the 37 man roster was reduced to 20 due to injury. We are very proud on how they finished the season as they displayed a “no-quit” attitude in the face of adversity.
Cross Country – They have a youth movement going on! Although there are some very good performances at the varsity level for both girls and boys, both the boys and girls frosh/soph group had a lot of success in league and at the section finals.
WINTER SEASON IS UNDER WAY
Now that the fall sport season has ended, the winter sports take center stage. Boy’s and girl’s basketball, boy’s and girl’s soccer, and wrestling begin competitive play. For schedules and other athletic information, please check our website at www.athletics.pghs.net
WHAT ABUT SPRING SPORTS
Do you have a child that wants to play spring sports? Spring sport registration will be January 13th at the PGHS cafeteria. Please see our website for full details.
GOT SPORTS?
Find everything Eagles Athletics at www.athletics.pghs.net
FOLLOW US ON TWITTER - @PGEaglesSports
ON INSTAGRAM OR FACEBOOK - PGEaglesSports
Keeping Teens Safe From Fentanyl !
People in Sacramento County are now dying from fentanyl overdose at virtually identical rates to homicides. Watch Marrisa’s story to see how families have been impacted.
97% of tested street pills are fake and 97% of those pills contained fentanyl. Sacramento County DA Anne Marie Schubert has been promoting a new campaign to bring awareness to the epidemic increase in fentanyl related deaths.The 3 key points of this new campaign include:
If you didn’t get it from a pharmacy--it’s fake!
A very small amount of fentanyl is deadly - one pill can kill
Fake pills are being pushed through social media.
Talking to your teens about the dangers of fentanyl may save their life. See these tips for talking to your teen about opioids.
Signs of an opiod overdose include blue lips and nails, inability to be aroused, dizziness and confusion, choking/snoring sounds, difficulty staying awake, or slow or no breathing.
What can you do? Call 911, start rescue breathing, administer naloxone, and stay with the person until help arrives. Opioid overdose can be reversed by administering naloxone (NARCAN) through a nasal spray. It is available to purchase over the counter from most pharmacies. If it is not needed, it won’t harm the person.
Teen Vaping Resources
Student Score Reports for 2021 State Assessments
Student score reports are now available from the Spring 2021 administration of these state assessments:
- California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP)
- English Language Proficiency Assessments for California (ELPAC)
If your child(ren) participated in one or both of these state assessments, you may download their official score report via ParentVUE under “State Tests.” Please visit Accessing State Score Reports on ParentVUE for instructions and information.
Note that state score reports cannot be viewed in the ParentVUE app for iOS and Android, so please use the ParentVUE mobile site or a desktop/laptop.
If you do not yet have a ParentVUE account, we encourage you to contact your child’s school office in order to activate your account.
College, Career Center, & Counseling Updates
Please make sure to check out our Counseling and Career Center Website!!! You will find Academic, Personal/Social, and College & Career information as well as a link to Senior Central and all Student Services forms.
At the beginning of November, the Counseling Department invited all 9th grade English classes to the Career Center for our 9th Grade Career Unit. Counselors did a wellness check-in with students, then discussed the many resources available to students in the Student Services building and beyond. They went over a 4-year plan, and finished with an “Interest Profiler” lesson on the California Colleges platform. Students were allowed to explore careers related to their reported interests. Please check out the presentation on our website: Freshman Classroom Presentation. It was great having students back in person in the Career Center!
COLLEGES:
Sac State will be virtually visiting PGHS for a Sac State Presentation/CSU Application workshop for seniors:
November 16, 10:15 - 11:15 am. Register to attend the Career Center.
CSU Sacramento is offering Wednesday evening virtual CSU Application workshops - 4:00-6:00 pm.
November 17: Cal State Apply Workshop
November 24: Cal State Apply Workshop
CSU Sacramento is also offering late-start Thursday virtual CSU workshops, 8:00 - 8:45 a.m.
November 18: Cal State Apply Workshop
Join Zoom Meeting
https://egusd-net.zoom.us/j/88005466004
Meeting ID: 880 0546 6004
Passcode: 788543
*** Please come to the Career Center or email Mrs. Melady, kmelady@egusd.net, to sign up to attend in the Career Center!!!
FINANCIAL AID
- FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and California Dream Act applications opened on October 1, 2021. Please complete FAFSA/CADAA by March 2, 2022. Go to PG Counseling website for more information: Financial Aid.
All seniors should be filing the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application (CADAA) beginning in October. Students and parents must both file in order to be eligible for grants, free money, student/parent loans, work study, etc., while students are in college. Two years of community college aree FREE for ALL full-time students regardless of income, but parents and students must fill out the FAFSA. See the links below:
Apply for California Dream Act
- EGUSD Cash for College Virtual Workshop:
November 18, 6:00 - 8:00 pm: ZOOM LINK
SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION
Please go to PGHS.net for a listing of selected scholarships. Go to “Our School,” “Counseling and Career Center,” choose “College & Career” tab at top, and select “Scholarships” dropdown. Check out “PG Scholarships” for weekly updates. There are additional scholarship resources listed on this page as well. See link below:
TESTING 2021 (Testing dates are subject to change/cancellation due to county health ordinances related to COVID 19.)
PLEASE NOTE: CSU HAS TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED THE USE OF SAT/ACT SCORES IN ADMISSIONS DECISIONS: Test scores may be used to place you in math and English upon enrollment. UCs ARE NOT CONSIDERING SAT/ACT SCORES IN ADMISSIONS DECISIONS: They may be used for course placement after you enroll in a UC. Many private colleges are test-optional. Please go to FairTest.org for updated information on testing. If you are planning to take the SAT/ACT, it is recommended that students take the SAT and/or ACT in the spring of their junior year and again in the fall of their senior year.
Next SAT test date is December 4, 2021. Registration deadline is November 4, 2021. To register and for additional test dates and deadlines, go to the College Board website at:
Next ACT test date is December 11, 2021. Registration deadline is November 5, 2021. To register and for additional test dates and deadlines, go to ACT website at:
PGHS Finals Minimum Day Schedule [Dec 15, 16, & 17] 8:00 am-12:30 pm]
Wednesday, Dec 15, 2021, 08:00 AM
Pleasant Grove High School, Bond Road, Elk Grove, CA, USA
EGUSD Winter Break [December 20- January 4]
Monday, Dec 20, 2021, 08:00 AM
Elk Grove Unified School District, CA, USA
Minimum Day [Staff WASC meeting]
Wednesday, Jan 12, 2022, 08:00 AM
Pleasant Grove High School, Bond Road, Elk Grove, CA, USA
Pleasant Grove High School
Email: admin@pghs.net
Website: www.pghs.net
Location: Pleasant Grove High School, Bond Road, Elk Grove, CA, USA
Phone: 916-686-0230
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/PleasantGroveHS
Twitter: @PleasantGroveHS