Jaguar News
One Town. One Team. One Dream.
Upcoming Events/Dates of Note
April 23: Early Release Day. Students release at 1:13 pm.
April 24 and 25: Every 15 Minute Assembly
May 2: School Sight Council Meeting/ ELAC Meeting
May 4: Prom
May 6 - 17: AP Testing
May 6 - 10: Teacher Appreciation Week
May 9: VCPUSD Board Meeting
May 10 - 12: Spring Musical
May 16: Title VI Meeting
Lasting Influences
Nicholas Lowinger
As a teenager, Nicholas Lowinger started a community service drive to donate footwear to children experiencing homelessness. As part of the project, he started the nonprofit Gotta Have Sole.
To date, the program has donated over 100,000 shoes to shelters across every state in the United States.
Non-Returning Students for the 2024-2025 School Year
If you know or you think your student will not return to VCHS next school year, please utilize this form to help with that process: https://forms.gle/j8Pya7zdpc1Ub9pZ7
As part of Valley Center-Pauma Unified's commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of our students, faculty, and the wider community, Valley Center High School will be conducting a two-day assembly in collaboration with the California Highway Patrol (CHP) as part of the Every 15 Minutes program on April 24th and 25th. This program is designed to educate our students about the dangers of driving under the influence and the potentially devastating consequences of such actions.
On April 24th, students will witness a simulated car accident on our football stadium grounds. Emergency crews, including representatives from the CHP, will be on-site to demonstrate the response to such incidents. This realistic portrayal will serve as a powerful reminder of the risks associated with impaired driving. Additionally, a Lifelight helicopter will be present to simulate the airlifting of a "victim" from the accident scene, further emphasizing the severity of the situation.
The following day, April 25th, our entire student body will gather in the gymnasium for a mock funeral service. This solemn event will provide an opportunity for students to reflect on the impact of their choices and to hear from speakers who will share personal stories and insights regarding the dangers of driving under the influence.
It is essential for our students to understand the real-world consequences of their actions, particularly when it comes to matters as serious as driving under the influence. By participating in the Every 15 Minutes program, we aim to empower our students to make responsible decisions and to prioritize their safety and the safety of others on the road.
I encourage parents and guardians to discuss the importance of this program with their children and to reinforce the message of responsible driving habits. Together, we can work towards creating a safer community for everyone.
Visit the VCHS Online Store Here
AP Testing Starts May 6th!
Grad Nite Tickets Sold Out!
The Grad Nite Committee is taking names for a waitlist - Permission slips should continue to be submitted and payments can be made in cash or PayPal.
Questions? Contact VCHSgradnight2024@gmail.com
Upcoming Grad Nite Fundraising Events
April 23
Visit BJs Restaurant anytime on 4/23 and mention Valley Center Grad Nite to have a portion of your check donated to Grad Nite!
May 11th
Recycling Fundraiser in the gym parking lot. 8:30 am - 11:30 am
April Rotary Students of the Month
Congratulations to:
Jayden Soliz– 9th
Aaron Knuttila – 10th
Erik Escobedo– 11th
Natalie Allen– 12th
Jags of the Month!
Congratulations to the following students for being selected to be our
Students and Jags of the Month!!
Alexis Bucio
Anagil Lujan
Charlotte Boleda
Citlaly Angel-Martinez
Dylan Machuca
Eliana Berber
Ella Burningham
Emiley Arai
Felipe Cervantes
Felix Diego
Gabriella Khasho
Giulia Betunio
James Williams
Joel Rios
Kamryn Harris
Landon Reiche
Mario Torres
Mary Pojas
Nevaeh Colon
Nusun Pojas
Oos Morales
Raquel Contreras
Tatum Gonsalves
Viviana Vega
Senior Jags:
Madison Latulippe and Armando Vasquez
Welcome California Junior Scholastic Federation Students!
On Friday, VCHS was happy to host approximately 30 middle school members of the CJSF. They shadowed a Jaguar for the day to see what the high school experience is like!
Clear those Absences!!
Please remember to clear absences and tardies within 72 hours. Call the Attendance Hotline (24 hrs) @ (760)751-5512.
Saturday School Dates
4/27, 5/4, 5/11, 5/18, 6/8
Saturday school is from 8am-12pm. Please arrive on time as the gate will be locked at 8:00am. Students must bring something to work on quietly.
Need a HotSpot for Internet?
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdVByBtv8T4FT2HYUsxvRQ1mR3INHh3ijvZuu6PrRzBX9NOZg/viewform
Start Smart for Students who wish to park on campus
"Remember that students parking on campus must have a parking permit. In order to apply for a parking permit, students must attend a Start Smart class with a parent or guardian. Start Smart dates for the 2023-2024 school year are:
04/23/24
06/05/24
Please fill out the Start Smart RSVP Form if you plan on attending.
Excellence in the Classroom
Learning about the Need for Clean Water with Mrs. Rincon
All Spanish levels in Mrs. Rincon's classes gained an understanding about one of the world's challenges: The lack of clean water.
All students learned vocabulary related to the topic, analyzed infographics and shared with their partners their opinion and the changes they are willing to make to conserve water.
Spanish II students created a dialogue, in Spanish, using the data from various sources.
Spanish Speakers II wrote a paragraph making inferences about the causes of water stress in different parts of the world and using authentic sources, summarized a list of possible solutions given by experts.
On the other hand, AP Spanish students wrote a cultural comparison between their own community and a Spanish-speaking country; this was done in addition to the activities mentioned above. Both advanced classes used critical thinking identifying possible solutions of their own.
As the saying goes: "Every drop counts." We all can make a difference.
Working with their hands in Stagecraft
Stagecraft has been busy creating their own comfy pajama bottoms as part of the costume unit. So proud of their success!
AP Spanish engaging with the Community through Service
Community Service Projects
AP Spanish students have been learning to be community participants, leaders and problem solvers while working on a project that deals with a social challenge.
Valley Center High School, VC Primary and Pauma schools grew more empathetic as they became aware of the challenges and the needs of people less fortunate and chose to donate food, clothing and school supplies to aid AP Spanish students in reaching their goals.
While developing their projects, students learned to work together in small groups; they planned, made phone calls, wrote emails, created flyers, spoke to an audience of adults and solved any discrepancies of ideas. Students created and showed to their classmates a narrated iMovie that documented the project from beginning to end. As they reflected on this small act of kindness, they realized that it was really gratifying and allowed them to know that they have the power to impact the lives of people.
The Projects
Students in Mrs. Rincon's class chose to help Interfaith provide nutritional meals to the homeless in Escondido: they solicited canned food donations to the schools mentioned above, others prepared lunch sack bags with sandwiches, snacks and water. Others students went to Interfaith and prepared food. AP Spanish students not only thought about the hungry in Escondido, but they were also moved to help their own community. They worked with St. Stephen's church and requested food donations from the congregation; donated items benefited some of VC needy families.
Moreover, women who are victims of domestic violence were in the minds of a group of girls who sought clothing donations to support them. Lastly, AP Spanish students know the importance of education, therefore, they found a way to support schools from impoverished areas and donated school supplies to a non-profit organization that seeks to help poor families in the United States.
On behalf of my students, I thank all the good-hearted people who gave a little to show that every person has value no matter the condition they find themselves in; a donated meal, a smile while serving food, a notebook or a sweater are proof that students and staff can make a difference in the world around us.
Once again, thank you to every person who helped AP Spanish students in one way or another and to the wonderful communities of Valley Center High School, VC Primary School and Pauma School.
Voice MasterClass in Advanced Choir
VCHS Advanced Choir students sang for Dr Travis Sherwood, Voice Chair at San Diego State University in class Tuesday, March 19 when Dr Sherman presented a Voice Masterclass. Lex English, Jack Ramirez, Emma Pinkerton, Erica Hood, Iwiga Delgado and Bobyan deWilde
Our Advanced Choir students got a chance to work with Dr. Arian Khaefi, Choral Director at San Diego State University last Wed!
Getting Fishy with Honors Physiology
This week, Ms. Meyer's Honors Physiology students performed a live fish lab.
They had to work in a team and keep the fish oxygenated and then record Blood flow through the vessels. (No fish were harmed during this lab!)
They will be making an educational video for VC elementary students to teach them about our blood vessels and how they function with our body cells.
Getting Creative with Coach Lawrance
Coach Lawrance's Freshman PE classes created their own games this week! They worked in groups to create a fun and interactive game that can be played in a PE class. Groups then taught their games to the class and we had an opportunity to play each game! We will be adding a few of these to our regular rotation!
Making an Impact Beyond the VCHS Campus
Mr. Sunderman and his Adult Transition Students volunteered at the OceanView Post Acute Rehab center in Escondido last week. Our students did a great job working outside of their comfort zone. They put smiles on residents' faces. Our students did such a wonderful job that they were invited back and they asked us to fill out future volunteer forms!
We are all so proud of the impact these students are making on some of the most vulnerable residents of our community.
Counseling Corner
Independent Study Reminder
Potential NCAA Athletes!
NCAA Initial Eligibility Webinar: http://fs.ncaa.org.s3.amazonaws.com/Docs/eligibility_center/Webinar/PSA/2024/Promo_05082024.pdf
Mason Industry Training Bootcampu
The Mason Industry Training Association will host a FREE summer high school Masonry Careers Bootcamp in Escondido from Monday, July 8th through Friday, July 19th. Over the course of 2 weeks, students will complete hands-on training and explore careers in the construction trade of masonry. Training topics will include…
- Basic Construction Safety
- Masonry Tools & Equipment
- Construction Drawings
- Construction Math
- Mortar Mixing
- Use of Hand and Power Tools
- Laying of Block, Brick & Stone
- Employability Skills
There are only 20 spots available, so students should register ASAP.
Event Details
Where: Escondido Adult School; 302 N. Midway Drive, Escondido 92025
When: Mon, Jul 8th – Fri, Jul 19th; 9 am – 3:30 pm each day
Who: rising high school juniors, seniors, and graduating seniors (current sophomores, juniors, and seniors)
Cost: Free!
To Register: Students should complete this form by Tuesday, April 30th - https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/NrNzTNO?source_id=f18c69c3-dad4-4417-a882-3af2550dcac4&source_type=em&c=Z0YaEAGXUAILegZ7ylvckABcuVok4YwEtf3APk9Pmuf0KD5W8VQflA==.
High-Tech and High-Wage Career Zoom
Exploring High-Tech and High-Wage Careers virtual STEM careers conference taking place the week of April 22nd. As a reminder, this event will feature 8 live breakout sessions and several pre-recorded sessions from STEM employers in fields ranging from game design and environmental protection to artificial intelligence and biotech. Sessions will be recorded, so if you cannot make a session, be sure to register anyway so that you will get access to the recording link.
Event Details
Where: Online via Zoom
When: Mon, Apr 22nd – Thurs, Apr 25th; session times vary by day
Who: Middle and high school students and educators
Cost: Free!
To Register: Visit the event website and register independently for each session: https://sites.google.com/view/hthw-week-2024/home.
2024 Teen Academy
FBI San Diego is now accepting applications for their 2024 Teen Academy, a free full-day program for rising high school juniors and seniors to get a comprehensive look into today’s FBI. Students will participate in presentations and hands-on activities covering a variety of law enforcement topics such as terrorism, cybercrime, public corruption, polygraph exams, evidence response, SWAT, and the day-to-day operations of a typical FBI office. Students will also hear from special agents, intelligence analysts, language specialists, and professional staff about investigative tactics including gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and assisting with cases.
To learn more, visit their website (scroll down to the Teen Academy header) and see attached flier.
Program Details
Where: FBI San Diego Field Office; 10385 Vista Sorrento Parkway, San Diego 92121
When: Thursday, July 11th; 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Eligibility: Students must be rising Juniors and Seniors (current Sophomores and Juniors).
To Apply: Complete the 2024 Teen Academy application. Completed applications must be emailed to SD_Outreach@fbi.gov by Sunday, May 19th. Incomplete and/or late applications will not be accepted.
All Girls Camp at Cleveland National Forest
The Cleveland National Forest is seeking female students ages 16 – 18 to participate in their inaugural All Girls Camp to inspire girls to pursue careers in wildland firefighting and other exciting and rewarding Forest Service occupations. Participants will learn how to fight fires and manage national resources through a variety of hands-on activities with their fellow camp members. See the attached flyer and details below for more information.
Camp Details
Where: Cleveland National Forest in East San Diego County
When: Thurs, Jun 27th – Sun, Jun 30th
Who: Female students ages 16-18
To Register: Complete this form - https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=5zZb7e4BvE6GfuA8-g1Gl4bK98T8NlJAnQCR0f7zVWpUMkRKTE1BUE9HVDVMNkJDVU5CRU9SU1ZGUi4u&origin=QRCode
For questions, contact Cindy Petrich at 619-850-0344 or Erica Miller at 858-585-3198
Best,
Alexander Becker
Program Specialist, Work Based Learning
Innovation Division
San Diego County Office of Education
858-298-2126 -- https://www.sdcoe.net/cte-innovation/home
2nd Annual A.R. Gurrey Jr. Surf Photo Competition
This competition carries the name of A.R. Gurrey Jr. (1874 – c.1927). He was the first person to photograph surfers in the early 20th century. A pioneer in water photography, he used boats and canoes to get closer to the action. He was also a surfer himself, so knew how and where to capture surf riders gliding across Waikiki’s waves.
https://surfmuseum.org/photo-contest/ar-gurrey-jr-surf-photography-competition/
The Power of Youth Voice
Join Outside the Lens in celebrating the power of youth voices to shape the future of our community. Voice Out, an innovative youth media arts exhibition, provides a special opportunity for San Diego+Tijuana youth to express their unique point of view on the subject of PLACE, through digital works of photography, mixed media and illustration.
Young Women's Conference in STEM
The Department of Energy's Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory is partnering with DIII-D National Fusion Facility and General Atomics to offer the Young Women's Conference in STEM (YWC) on Friday, May 17th at San Diego State University for girls in grades 7 through 10. Attendees will network with STEM professionals, learn about a wide variety of STEM careers, participate in hands-on technology exhibits and demos, and tour SDSU labs. They will also hear an inspiring keynote presentation from Dr. Sandra Adams of Montclair State University, whose research focuses on the use of natural products to inhibit the replication of animal viruses. To preview the event, check our this video from the YWC in NJ.
Students must be accompanied by a parent or teacher to attend the YWC and so teachers and parents are required to register on behalf of their students. Teachers/parents must register a minimum of 3 students.
Event Details
Where: San Diego State University; 5500 Campanile Dr, San Diego, CA 92182
When: Fri, May 17th; 9 am – 2 pm
Who: Girls in grades 7 – 10
Cost: Free!
To Register: Teachers or parents can register on behalf of their students (minimum of 3) by completing this form - https://forms.gle/ffGnrCBeXE9QwgrJ7
Free Prom Dresses from the Princess Project!
From the Princess Project of San Diego...
Once again this year we are pleased to be offering free prom dresses to high school teens that may want a dress for prom!
· Each teen will be able to select one free prom dress and one accessory
· Teens must reserve their appointment online to come get a dress. In addition an online waiver must be completed prior to arrival.
· In addition to our Central Giveaway Location at Mission Valley Mall, there are 7 "Pop-Up" Prom Shops hosted by our library partners. When registering, teens should double check that they choose the correct giveaway location that they want to come get a dress at.
· Teens must bring a valid ID and proof of enrollment in High School.
· Please Note: Our Main Princess Project Dress Giveaway Location at Mission Valley Mall is located next to Macy's Home Store.
A Better FAFSA and CADAA Opens Dec. 31
The 2024-25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) will launch by Dec. 31 as mentioned in an announcement posted by the U.S. Department of Education. The application deadline is April 2.
FAFSFA/CADAA Toolkits and Resources
- The National College Attainment Network (NCAN) has launched the Better FAFSA Awareness Toolkit to help schools, as well as the students and communities they serve learn about the upcoming changes to the 2024-25 FAFSA. The toolkit also includes a link to NCAN’s Better FAFSA FAQs page.
- The California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) has posted resources for supporting students with the California Dream Act Application (CADAA). Subscribe to a CSAC listserv to receive notifications and updates.
- Visit Ed Trust-West’s All In For Financial Aid Implementation Resource Hub that educators and students can use to ensure all high school seniors complete and submit their applications for financial aid.
CSU Admissions
Fall 2024 Admission - Extended Deadlines
Several CSU campuses have extended their application deadlines to December 15 and beyond for freshman applicants.
Visit our application dates & deadlines page and use the “Is Your Campus Still Accepting Applications?” feature to view open campus programs and their deadlines.
Student Health Insurance
Senior Families!
News from your Nurse
Public Health Advocate Summer Camp
Join us for the 2nd Annual Peer Public Health Advocate Summer Camp, taking place Monday, July 15th through Friday, the 19th. At the 5-day summer camp, students will receive hands-on public health training from San Diego County's Health & Human Services Agency professionals in the following branches: Tuberculosis Control and Refugee Health; Epidemiology and Immunization Services; HIV, STD, and Hepatitis; and Maternal, Child and Family Health Services. Attendees will explore health careers beyond hospital systems, providing an excellent introduction to public health occupations and connecting them to a public health professional network. Students will collaborate on team projects and pursue public health topics individually during the experience.
To apply, students must complete the camp application and have a teacher submit the teacher recommendation form by Monday, April 29th.
Camp Details
Where: San Diego County Office of Education-Linda Vista Innovation Center; 2202 Comstock Street, San Diego 92111
When: Mon, July 15th – Fri, the 19th; 9 am – 12:30 pm each day
Eligibility: Students must…
· Be rising 11th & 12th graders (must be a current sophomore or junior during the 2023-2024 school-year).
· Be 18 years or younger.
· Submit the Student Application by Monday, April 29th. No late submissions will be considered.
· Ask a teacher to submit the Teacher Recommendation Form by Monday, April 29th. No late submissions will be considered.
Get your Teen Screened Today
Eric Paredes Save a Life Foundation: https://epsavealife.org/get-screened/
Maximize the MIcros
You probably have high energy, clear skin, quality sleep and a perfect diet with all your micronutrients -- selenium, B12, magnesium, iron and calcium etc.
You may be an athlete firing on all cylinders or a happy teen who has peace of body and mind without mental health or wellness concerns.
Or, you may want a quick nutrition check up to find out if your intake is well rounded or even create a customized plan based on your food intolerances or likes.
Either way, staff or students, stop by the high school health office for free nutritional counseling. Let us help you maximize the micros and by the way, please drink more water.
Pomegranate Packs a Punch
Pomegranates can help prevent or treat various disease risk factors including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, oxidative stress, hyperglycemia, and inflammatory activities with more antioxidant power than green tea. So enjoy this luscious fruit and do your body good.
Medicinal uses for Pomegranate
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8595036/
Pomegranates in San Diego