High Desert School Hawk Happenings
Week of February 12, 2024
Good evening High Desert Hawks and Families,
This week, we want to share some reminders:
- Daily attendance is very important to student success. School, even in the early years, is critical to building a strong foundation for learning that will help your child succeed in middle school, high school and beyond. You cannot make up for too many absences with homework or take-home assignments. Please support your student's school success by ensuring that they attend school each day.
- Cell Phones are to be off and in student's backpacks during the day. Research shows that kids and teens do better with phones away during school hours. Please support your student with focus on school by reminding them to keep their cell phones Away for the Day.
- Showing Kindness is crucial to build empathy and respect for others around you. Please encourage your student to show kindness to themself, our students, and staff members on campus. Increasing kindness can stop conflict and bullying.
Weekly Flight Plan
Week of February 12, 2024
Monday, February 12
- Booster Club Staff Luncheon
- 6th Handbells 2:30-3:15pm
- Dance Force Practice 2:30-4:00pm
- Varsity Boys and Girls Soccer Practice 2:30-4:30pm
Tuesday, February 13
- 100-Mile Club 2:20-3:00pm
- 7/8th Handbells 2:30-3:15pm
- Spirit Squad Practice 2:30-3:30pm
- Varsity Soccer Game @ HDS - Girls 3:00pm, Boys 4:00pm
- Wear Red, White, and Pink
- HDS ELAC Meeting 9:00am
- Early Release - Dismissal 1:10pm
- 100-Mile Club 1:15-1:45pm
- Varsity Soccer Game @ HDS - Girls 3:00pm, Boys 4:00pm
Thursday, February 15
- 100-Mile Club 2:20-3:00pm
- Spirit Squad Practice 2:30-3:30pm
- Varsity Soccer Game @ HDS - Girls 3:00pm, Boys 4:00pm
Friday, February 16
- NO SCHOOL
Have a great week and Go Hawks!
Help Wanted - HDS Booster Club Snack Bar
HDS Booster Club Snack Bar is looking for parents who are able to run the snack bar during soccer games. Our boys and girls Varsity soccer teams have games at home three days in a row this week. 2/13, 2/14 & 2/15.
If you’re able to, please consider donating a little bit of your time and helping out with our snack bar, which is Booster Clubs' most profitable fundraiser. Click to sign up.
Help us raise funds to "Light up the Field."
Valentine Grams - Delivery Feb. 14th during Period 6
Mon, Tues, and Wed - Fun Dip Grams on sale at lunch for $1
Mon, Tues - Carnation Grams on sale at lunch for $1
Share your friendship by purchasing a gram and sending it to a friend.
Hawk Happenings
Medal of Honor Speaker's Forum at Reagan Library
On February 8th, students in Mrs. Goodstein, Mr. Cieslik, and Miss Ayers class were able to attend the Medal of Honor Speaker's Forum to hear from Medal of Honor Recipient, Sgt. Bellavia. Our Hawks were honored to have him as our guest at our kick-off Zoom meeting this year. It was a special treat to be able to meet him in person at this event. His stories of leadership, integrity, and selfless service were impactful. "Leaders build leaders. They build trust. Leadership is inclusion." He reminded our students that "You can do anything, you just have to want to and go out and get it." "If your school is a better place after you leave it, you are a great leader." We encourage our students to take these lessons and use them to grow the leadership within them.
Hawk Highlights
Louis Messina
"Louis is a new student and is working hard to not only catch up in class, but also to be close to his peers and participate in after school activities."
~ Mrs. Reveles
Jack Cocuzza
"Since the beginning of this semester, Jack has been working hard to participate in class and be on task. Jack is really showing an effort to be an active participant in class. I am so proud of him and his effort this semester."
~ Mrs. Reveles
Caleb Fancy
"Caleb spent his lunch helping students who were having a bad day. He listened to their concerns and gave great advice on standing up for themselves. We are so proud of his leadership and example that he sets for others."
~ Mr. Knee
Mrs. Heather Goodstein - ASB Advisor
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.
2024 Young People's Art Show
The Acton-Agua Dulce Arts Council invites all students to submit work for the 2024 Young People's Art Show. Artists should be students/and or residents in the Acton or Agua Dulce area in Grades K-12. Artists may enter up to 4 pieces of original, hanging artwork. Any 2D artform is allowed, including painting (oil, pastel, acrylic, watercolor), charcoal, pencil, photography, mixed media, and digital art (no AI allowed).
2024 Young People's Art Show Guidelines
Deadline to submit the Entry Form is March 1st
Deadline to submit Art Work is March 8th
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
HDS ELAC Meeting - Feb. 14th at 9:00am
You're Invited to Join our HDS ELAC Meeting on February 14th at 9:00am. ELAC will be discussing great ways to support students and the school, improve attendance, and give input on future projects on campus. We need your support to continue making events and activities possible for our students to enjoy.
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
CJSF - Spring Applications due March 1st
CJSF stands for California Junior Scholarship Federation. It is the Middle School's version of High School's CSF (California Scholarship Federation).
CJSF is a statewide organization founded for the purpose of fostering high standards of scholarship, service, and citizenship in the middle grades. CJSF emphasizes service to the community while creating pride in scholastic achievement. Click here to view the CJSF/CSF State Website.
Spring 2024 Applications (based on Fall Semester Grades) are due Friday, March 1st by 3pm.
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
Show the Love - Red, White, and Pink Day - Feb. 14th
Wear Red, White, or Pink on Wednesday, February 14th to show your love and school spirit.
Color Run - Feb. 23rd
Join us for a fun Color Run on Friday, February 23rd. Students will run the course and have fun colors added for each milestone in the course. Please be sure to wear clothes you don't mind getting color on.
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
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.
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