Hello Phoenix Families,

We have been thinking about our mascot lately. First of all, a Phoenix as a mascot cannot be more appropriate for the fabulous group of students we have here at HSMC. Merriam-Webster defines a phoenix as "A legendary bird which according to one account, lived 500 years, burned itself to ashes on a pyre, and rose alive from the ashes to live another period" and "A person or thing likened to the phoenix." Our students are resilient, legendary, and rise from challenges to become better and stronger than they were before.....just like the Phoenix.

However, what is the plural of Phoenix? We have a school full of students, not just one, so what are they called. A search of the internet, did not give a definitive answer. It is generally thought that the Greek mythological bird was unique so a plural form was not necessary and so there is not a plural form that is strictly grammatically correct. However, we are not the only school with Phoenix as a mascot...so what do we do? The word "Phoenixes" is mentioned most often as the best choice for a plural Phoenix so that is the one we will use here at HSMC.

When your child has to leave early for an appointment please DO NOT contact them directly. Call the office and we will call them out of class. The teachers, including the college professors have been instructed to not let students leave class without being called out by the office.

This is a safety issue. If there is a situation on campus, we must have an accurate account of the location of all students. Allowing students to leave class for appointments without being called out by the office compromises our safety protocols.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Mrs. Dyan McIntosh dmcintosh@mrpk.org

HSMC School Counselor

Mon/Wed & Alternating Fridays

We are excited about the opportunity to provide the PSAT/NMSQT to all HSMC 11th grade students.

When: Wednesday, Oct. 13th 1:30-5:30 PM

Donation $20.00

The National Merit® Scholarship Program is an academic competition for recognition and scholarships that began in 1955. Approximately 1.5 million high school students enter the program each year.

Beside being a practice exam for the SAT (which is not required by MOST colleges) it gives our students an opportunity to be entered into the National Merit Scholarship Program. Qualifying students will have opportunities for college scholarships.

I will be presenting to the Advisory class on Friday, September 24th. Graduation Requirements, A-G Requirements for college admissions, College information, Naviance, and so much more will be discussed. All students will receive the PowerPoint to share with their parents.

All transcripts are in the process of being transcribed. You all will receive a transcript by Oct. 1st with your courses, GPA, and class rank included.

How is the transition going? Are you overwhelmed? Stressed out? We can help! Let us know how you are feeling and we will work through it together.

On October 8th at 12:00 noon, the Moorpark College Teaching Zoo will visit our campus and bring some special visitors.

Juniors and Seniors - Consider staying on campus for a few minutes longer to see and meet the animals.

Join us for our first Phoenix Night Out of the year at Chipotle Moorpark on Wednesday, October 6, 2021, From 4-8pm.

Chipotle has generously agreed to donate 30% of the proceeds to benefit HSMC student activities.

See you there and don't forget the guac!

Seniors can submit their portrait photo of choice to the yearbook gmail. This photo must be submitted by DECEMBER 10, 2021 to hsmcyearbook2022@gmail.com. Please see the yearbook information for requirements, resolution, and suggested photographers.

Please note: Photos do not have to be taken by a professional photographer, but the lighting, quality, and content must be professional in nature.

Those who choose not to submit senior portraits will have their Cornerstone photos in the yearbook.

Senior quotes are not mandatory. Students can submit quotes that are 140 characters or fewer, and are school appropriate.

Quotes must be submitted by DECEMBER 10, 2021. Send them to hsmyearbook2022@gmail.com

If you have any questions, contact Mrs. Sandoval at jhendrixsandoval@mrpk.org

HSMC Senior Project is looking for Job Shadow and Mock Interview hosts! If you are in one of the following career fields, and would like to help our seniors explore this career pathway, please contact Mrs. Sandoval at jhendrixsandoval@mrpk.org.

• Anesthesiologist

• Biomedical engineer

• Lawyer/paralegal

• Neural engineer

• Animator

Do you LOVE The High School at Moorpark College? Let us know! Help us spread the word about this incredible and successful school. Please follow these links and tell us your experience with our wonderful school.

• Facebook Officialhsmc

• Twitter OfficialHSMC

• @officialhsmc on Instagram

Ordering an HSMC yearbook is quick and easy! Visit treering.com to customize your TWO FREE PAGES and order your yearbook online. See attached yearbook information for our school code and instructions on customizing and ordering a yearbook. ** Please note that yearbook is NOT part of the Spirit Pack that will be offered.

· Yearbook website for customizing and ordering: www.treering.com

· Deadline to customize and order: April 8, 2022

· Purchase price: $50

· HSMC Passcode: 1014109872723234

Spirit Packs are a great way for junior and senior families to save money by purchasing tickets for end-of-the-year events in advance. Each Spirit Pack also includes a free HSMC T-shirt! Please bring your completed form and cash or checks made payable to HSMC to the office before October 22, 2021. For any questions regarding Spirit Packs, please email Mrs. Sandoval at jhendrixsandoval@mrpk.org

Debate Club

Are you interested in learning more about debate and engaging in interesting discussions? Join the HSMC Debate Club! The next meeting will be held virtually Thursday Sept. 9th at 5PM at https://meet.google.com/caq-gakg-ogr . If you have any questions, please contact the club's Founder, Ashley Kim at 5109520@mrpk.org.

HSMC Art Club

Bring your artistic talents and passion for art and meet virtually with other artists and art lovers on Friday Sept. 10th at 4:30pm https://meet.google.com/gaq-xxpx-aoe Each week the art club's work is featured in the HSMC newsletter! Art club also has wonderful opportunities for scholarships, collaboration in school events, guest speakers and showcasing art in the community! We hope to see you there. For more information, please email the club's founder Emily Fisher at 5100307@mrpk.org.

LGBTQ+ History and Book Club

Discuss books with LGBT+ themes or authors and their historical context. LGBT+ people and allies are welcome! Meet every other Friday 3:00-3:30pm in person in Ms. Pistone's room. First meeting will be Friday September 17th. Google Meets link is https://meet.google.com/hqa-kacy-soo

Tabletop Roleplay Game Club (TTRPG)

TTRPG is a club that promotes creativity through playing games like Dungeons and Dragons. You can play an exotic spellcaster who wishes to rule the world with an iron fist or you can play Bob who wants to settle down on a farm with a loving family. No Experience with TTRPG? Doesn't matter! Our main goal is to just have fun so we welcome anyone who is open to playing no matter their experience!

Meetings every Friday from 12-1pm in Ms. Pistone's room. Questions? Email Ryan McCombs at 5116653@mrpk.org

Film and Photography Club

The film and photography club on the HSMC campus will have weekly themes, as well as an opportunity to present your photos/films every week. You can make them as funny or as serious as you would like. This club will differ from Mr. Hoobs' film class in that we will not be watching films, but shooting them, or, if that's not your style, just taking photos. The club will be meeting in TR-3 every friday from 12:00 - 12:40. This is a place where you can express your personal identity, while also creating a laid back environment to destress every week. For questions, please contact Mars at 5116634@mrpk.org

Instagram: @thesunin.rags

Chess Club

Are you a Grand Master of chess? Or maybe just a pawn? Come to Chess Club in person to learn more and practice your skills! Chess club will be meeting Thursdays from 11:40 to 12:40 in Mr. Hoobs' room. For more information, contact Hersh Niranjani at hershraj_niranjani1@my.vcccd.edu.

Wednesday, September 22, 2021 - St. Johns College Visits Sr. Project

Friday, September 24, 2021 - Counselor Speaks to 10th Grade Class

Tuesday, September 28, 2021 - PSSA Meeting

Wednesday, September 29, 2021 - HSMC Movie Night

Friday, October 1, 2021 - Makerspace Tour For 10th Grade

Saturday, October 2, 2021 - Moorpark Country Days

Wednesday, October 6, 2021 - Chipotle Fundraiser

Monday, October 11, 2021 - Menlo College Representative Visits Campus

Wednesday, October 13, 2021 - 11th Graders Take PSAT

Friday, October 15, 2021 - Last Day To Upload Vaccine Information Or Exemption

Sunday, October 17, 2021 - Food Truck Meet Up