Hilltop Herald - Parent Edition
Be Respectful ~ Be Responsible ~ Be Resilient
Volume 1 ~ Issue 29 ~ April 3, 2023
Marvelous Falcon Families,
“Character consists of what you do on the third and fourth tries.” ~ James A. Michener
This weekend was quite a special day in San Diego as the SDSU Men's Basketball team made it to the championship game for the first time in Aztec history. Before Saturday, this team made history for making it into the Elite Eight and and Final Four, and only by one point for each game. These historic games were not planned at the beginning of this season; rather, it was 27 years in the making. It began when Coach Stever Fisher was brought in from University of Michigan where he coached the famous Fab Five with assistant coach, now, SDSU Coach Brian Dutcher, worked together in creating a championship team there. Coach Dutcher was credited in recruiting the Fab Five. When Steve Fisher became the SDSU head coach in 1999, he brought Coach Dutcher with him, where Dutcher worked on recruiting quality players like Kawai Leonard. Together with Coach Fisher, they created the vision for a winning SDSU Men's basketball team. In 2011, it was announced that Coach Dutcher would take over as head coach of SDSU when Coach Fisher retired, but Coach Fisher did not retire until 2017. So here were are in 2023, at the precipice of yet another historic game, where SDSU could potentially win its first-ever championship and it is all because Coach Fisher and Coach Dutcher knew that creating a championship team was not a one-season effort. They knew it would take multiple years for this to happen, and now it has. As author, James Michener said, “Character consists of what you do on the third and fourth tries.” People who succeed do not give up after one try. They continue to get up and try again. Falcons, as we finish the school year, I want you to remember this quote and the historic moment in San Diego history that has taken place already and will continue on Monday night. When you feel like giving up, get up and try again. You will tell me, "Mrs. Finley, I can't raise my grade to pass the class. There's not enough time." But I say regardless of the possibility of failing, you get up and try once more. This means going to tutoring when you do not want to. This means studying for a test so you pass the first time. This means asking your teachers questions especially if you do not understand. Yes, you may yet fail, but what you are building are characters of successful habits,and that supercedes all prior failures. And when these habits become strong because you exercised them, they will produce success beyond what you can imagine. Coach Valvano, former coach of the 1983 North Carolina State University Championship Basketball team, who was diagnosed with terminal cancer in 1992 made this slogan for the Jimmy V Foundation for Cancer Research, "Don't give up...don't ever give up." By the way, NC State won the NCAA Championship in 1983 55-52, a buzzer-beater three-pointer. Click on this link to see that game. Click on this link to hear Coach V impassioned speech at the ESPYs. Falcons, don't give up...don't ever give up.
National Assistant Principals' Week
I would like to take this time to acknowledge and appreciate the work of my two assistant principals: Mrs. Cruz and Mr. Toms. While both are new to their jobs, they have done well in this transition from teaching to administration. They work tirelessly to make sure that our campus is safe and ensure that staff and students are equally supported. This Thursday, we want to give both APs thank you notes/cards from students and parents. If you would like to show your appreciation, please write them an appreciation note/card and bring to school. Give to Ms. Puga who will collect them and will give all the notes/cards from you on Thursday. Falcon families, let's pile their desks with our appreciation. I know they will appreciate them over referrals. :-) Thank you Mrs. Cruz and Mr. Toms for all you do!!!
Royal Court Spirit Week: April 3 - 7, 2023
Falcons, we return to start our Royal Court Spirit Week. We will end the week with a pep-rally and then a dance later on that night. If you have not bought your tickets, you need to do so sooner than later. We are not selling tickets at the door for this event. Royal Court Nominees, it is important that you follow all rules regarding your voting campaign. A reminder that any major disciplinary actions this week can result in the removal of your nomination by administration. As members of the Royal Court, you represent the Falcon Way and Spirit. Take that responsibility seriously please. I look forward to your fun week.
Below are the spirit gear for each day.
- Monday - Disney Pair **You my opt out to wear Red & Black to support SDSU in honor of their first trip to the NCAA championship.
- Tuesday - Things that Go Together
- Wednesday - Dance/Music
- Thursday - Medieval Times
- Friday - Dress to Impress ( no high heels).
Falcons, let's see you dressed up!
Registration and Enrollment for 2023-2023 School Year
ALL students (current and incoming) MUST REGISTER for the following year. Please read the section on Registration Section below. All current 7th grade families, please complete this process for your 7th grader sooner than later. It helps us with master schedule building.
Semester 2 Progress Report 2 is April 14, 2023
Falcons, as we return, you have one week to work on improving your grades before teachers submit grades on April 12 for Progress Report 2. A reminder to all 8th graders that you must pass all your classes in order to participate in promotion on May 31. It is your responsibility to make sure that you have passing grades. A reminder to all 7th graders that you must also ensure passing grades so that you will not have to attend summer school in June. Finally, students who receive Fs on this progress, this progress report card serves as the FINAL NOTICE that you will most likely receive an F at the end of the semester. If you do not want to get an F, please talk to your teachers on how you can pass your classes.
Coffee with the Principal: Vaping Presentation
Parents, as we continue to see an increase in teenager use of vapes, it is important that we educate ourselves and our families on vaping. We have partnered up with Chula Vista Police Department and McAllister Center to present you with information on vaping among teens. We will have two presentations. We hope you can make either one. Translation will be provided.
- Thursday, April 13, 2023 at 6:00pm in the cafeteria
- Friday, April 14, 2023 @ 9:00am in the cafeteria.
CAASPP Testing on April 17-21, 2023
State testing will take place on April 17-21, 2023. We will have a testing schedule for this week, which results in a 12:55pm release day. Please see the flyer below.
It's Yearbook Time!
Falcons, do you want a memory of this year? You may now purchase a yearbook for this year's memories. Go to ybpay.com and use our school code 14441323. The cost is $25. The cost will go up in mid-March and again in April. Copies are limited so buy them now. Parents, you will also have an opportunity to buy ads for your 8th graders. More information to come regarding student ads.
Adelante Mujer Conference is Fast Approaching
Lady Falcons, Adelante Mujer is an excellent conference for you to attend in April. It will be held at Rancho Del Rey on April 15, 2023. Bring your mom with you and learn together. Click on the link to register for the conference https://tinyurl.com/AM30Conference.
Falcons, let's have a wonderful and safe week.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Finley
Falcon Families,
It is that time again to register your children for the 2023-2023 school year. ALL students (current and incoming) MUST REGISTER for the following year. Online Registration (OLR) opens Monday, March 13, 2023.Below are all the links that are important for registration.
- Click HERE to access the registration page on our website.
- Click HERE to access Parent/Student Campus Portal to register.
- Click HERE to access the district transfer process.
Starting tomorrow, you can register your child for next year. Go to Campus Portal to register your child. If you have moved, you will need to complete the required documents.
New Students:
You should have received an email from the district with an activation key. If not, wait for it as you will need the activation key to open an account for the district. Click HERE to access all the required registration documents.
New Transfer Students
You will receive your email with the activation key from the district also. If you have not received it, please reach out to your home school and see if they have your email and/or activation key. Once you have that email, click HERE to create your district account. Then apply for an intra-district transfer in your Campus Portal Account. The transfer application is online and can be found in the tab that is titled "More." The open enrollment transfer window opens starting April 3, 2023 until May 5, 2023. Once your transfer has been approved, then you can start the registration process at HTM.
- Click on either English or Spanish version to access the Open Enrollment FAQs
- Click on either the English or Spanish version of the Open Enrollment Flowchart.
- Click either the English or Spanish version of the Open Enrollment Parent Letter.
For more information, please contact at school at 619.498.2700.
This is an excellent conference for all our Latina students. Let's send a big delegation this year. Click on the link to register for the conference https://tinyurl.com/AM30Conference.
Easter Finley, Principal
Email: easter.finley@sweetwaterschools.org
Website: htm.sweetwaterschools.org
Location: 44 East J Street, Chula Vista, CA, USA
Phone: 619.498.2700
Twitter: @erfinleysd