The Mustang Messenger
March 1st, 2024
Greetings Mustang Families!
I hope you are doing well.
We are so excited and proud of being named a California Distinguished School. Rancho Pico staff and students continue to work hard to make Rancho Pico a great place to learn.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Catherine Nicholas, Ed.D.
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Rancho Pico Jr. High 2024 California Distinguished School
Rancho Pico has been named a 2024 California Distinguished School. This honor was also granted to Rancho Pico in 2009, 2013, 2017, 2019, and 2021.
The criteria to be named a CA Distinguished School are as follows:
The exceptional middle and high schools recognized this year are illustrative of the persistence and promise of California’s students, educators, and schools. To select California Distinguished Schools, the California Department of Education (CDE) uses multiple measures to identify eligible schools based on their performance on the state indicators as specified on the California School Dashboard (Dashboard).
Specifically, schools were selected by analyzing data reported through the 2023 Dashboard, with a focus on demonstrating excellence and growth in academic achievement and ensuring a positive school climate.
Schools are recognized for exceptional student performance based on achieving exemplary performance in English Language Arts (ELA) and math, reducing suspensions, and demonstrating high graduation rates (high schools only).
Here is a link with more information and a list of all of the California Distinguished Middle Schools and High Schools: https://www.cde.ca.gov/nr/ne/yr24/yr24rel09.asp
A special shout-out and congratulations go out to Rio Norte, who also made the list.
Thank you for your hard work and dedication that collectively makes Rancho Pico a Distinguished School.
Women's History Month
March is Women's History Month
Every year, March is designated Women’s History Month by presidential proclamation. The month is set aside to honor women’s contributions in American history.
Ramadan
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and is considered the holiest month for Muslims worldwide. It is a time of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community for Muslims. During Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn until sunset, refraining from consuming food, and drinking liquids. The fast is broken each evening with a meal called iftar, often beginning with dates and water followed by a larger meal. The pre-dawn meal before the fast begins is called suhoor.
Fasting during Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, which are the five basic acts of worship that are considered obligatory for Muslims. The purpose of fasting during Ramadan is to increase self-discipline, self-control, and empathy for those less fortunate, as well as to purify the soul and develop a closer relationship with Allah (God). Additionally, Ramadan is a time for increased prayer, reading of the Quran, and acts of charity.
The end of Ramadan is marked by the celebration of Eid al-Fitr, which is a festive occasion that includes communal prayers, feasting, giving of gifts, and acts of charity. Eid al-Fitr is a time of joy and gratitude for Muslims, as it signifies the completion of the month-long fast and the spiritual growth achieved during Ramadan.
This year, it will begin on the evening of March 10th and will conclude on April 9th. The end of Ramadan is marked by Eid, a holiday that will be celebrated on April 10th.
If your student is fasting during Ramadan, please reach out to Rancho Pico's PE teachers or counselor for alternative assignments. We are here to support your students and make sure they are healthy.
Leap Year Math
Leap Year, for those who want the math, actually takes about 365.2422 days, not 365.25, for the Earth to orbit the sun — so by adding an extra day every four years, we are adding slightly more time than needed to align a complete orbit with the length of a calendar year.
A Night at the Movies
Congratulations to Rancho Pico and West Ranch Choir directed by Molly Peters and student teacher Ashley Luk for an amazing concert last night at the West Ranch theater.
8th Grade Universal Trip
8th Grade Grad Night at Universal Studios is Friday, May 17th, and tickets are selling fast! Tickets are $115 and can be bought using this link or in the ASB & Counseling Office (room 411) during the school day. Get your ticket before we sell out! Look for a ParentSquare message from ASB with more information.
8th Grade Three Strikes
This is just a friendly reminder that the “Loss of Privilege” list will be going into effect as of this 4th quarter. It is based on student behavior in the fourth quarter of this semester. A three-strike program will be implemented to monitor student behavior during the school day, on the way to school, and on the way home from school to determine student eligibility to attend end of the year school events, such as the 8th grade Universal Studios trip. This information has been relayed to all students.
Strikes are received by breaking school rules including, but not limited to:
excessive horseplay
bullying
fighting
drugs/vapes
using racial slurs
defiance/disrespect
other such offenses and repeated school rule violations (i.e. personal device violations, dress code violations, gum chewing, etc.)
If a student receives a strike, parents will be contacted. After three strikes, a student will not be able to participate in 8th grade events or trips and there is no refund for a paid ticket.
Students displaying extremely egregious behaviors, as determined by administration, regardless of previous strike(s) are subject to automatic placement on the Loss of Privilege list and will be excluded from the 8th grade events or trips. Administration reserves the right to make final decisions in regards to any events or trips.
From the Hart Newsletter
Please read our district's From the Hart newsletter, Promoting Inclusivity, Kindness, and Respect
Attention Families of 8th Graders
Here is a timeline of upcoming events for our 8th graders.
Yearbook Sales
There is still time to buy a Yearbook!
Don't miss out on the opportunity to purchase your yearbook at the current price! After March 29th, the price will go up.
- Standard price: $60
- Discounted price with ASB card: $55
You can place your order conveniently online or visit the ASB office. Act now to secure your yearbook at the best price!
March is National Sleep Awareness Month
Student Drop off Reminder
No Student Drop off or Pick up in the Parking Lot
Please do not drop off or pick up students in the Rancho Pico parking lot. It is a safety hazard to have students crossing to and from the parking lot. The parking lot is for school business only. Thank you in advance for helping keep our students safe.
Rancho Pico parents do a great job with excusing students when they are absent from school. Thank you for that! 95% of our school's absences are excused.
Even excused absences count towards absenteeism and are not included in our ADA (our funding source). A student has to be in school to be counted presented.
If you know ahead of time that your student will be missing school for an extended time, please contact your student's counselor to see if your student qualifies for independent study.
Please be mindful of our district calendar and upcoming breaks while planning vacations and appointment.
If your student is absent, please remember to contact rpattendance@hartdistrict.org
Think Ahead THURSDAY
Every THURSDAY is Think Ahead Thursday. Students and staff are encouraged to wear college gear or shirts that represent something for their future aspiration.
William S. Hart UHSD Non-Discrimination Policy
William S. Hart UHSD Non-Discrimination Policy
The William S. Hart Union High School District prohibits unlawful discrimination against and/or harassment of any student, employee, or job applicant on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, ethnicity, national origin, immigration status, ancestry, religion, age, marital status, pregnancy, parental status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, military or veteran status, political affiliation, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, sexual orientation, or any other basis prohibited by state and federal nondiscrimination laws, respectively, at any District site and/or activity. The William S. Hart Union High School District also provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. All inquiries regarding discrimination, civil rights, Title II, and/or Title IX should be directed to Mark Crawford, Director of Human Resources. Complaints regarding 504 plans should be directed to Erum Velek, Director of Student Services and Equity. Both can be reached at the William S. Hart Union High School District, 21380 Centre Pointe Pkwy, Santa Clarita, CA 91350, or by phone (661) 259-0033, or by email: UCP@hartdistrict.org.
El Distrito de Escuelas Secundarias William S. Hart Union prohíbe la discriminación ilegal y/o el acoso de cualquier estudiante, empleado o solicitante de empleo basado en raza actual o percibido, el color, el origen étnico, el origen nacional, el estado migratorio, la ascendencia, la religión, la edad, estado civil, embarazo, estado parental, discapacidad física o mental, condición médica, estado militar o de veterano, afiliación política, sexo, género, identidad de género, expresión de género, información genética, orientación sexual o cualquier otra base, prohibida por leyes estatales y federales. Leyes de no discriminación, respectivamente, en cualquier sitio y/o actividad del Distrito. El Distrito de Escuelas Secundarias William S. Hart Union también proporciona igualdad de acceso a los Boy Scouts y otros grupos juveniles designados. Todas las consultas sobre discriminación, derechos civiles, Título II y/o Título IX deben dirigirse a Mark Crawford, Director de Recursos Humanos. Las quejas relacionadas con los planes 504 deben dirigirse a Erum Velek, Director de Equidad y Servicios Estudiantiles. Se puede comunicar con ambos en William S. Hart Union High School District, 21380 Center Pointe Pkwy, Santa Clarita, CA 91350, o por teléfono (661) 259-0033, o por correo electrónico: UCP@hartdistrict.org.