High Desert School Hawk Happenings
Week of February 5, 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.
100th Day of School - Monday, February 5th
Join us in Dressing Like You are 100 Years Old on Monday, February 5th to celebrate our 100th Day of School. Here are some fun activities you could do to celebrate 100 Days of Learning:
- What could you build with 100 legos?
- 100 Acts of Kindness
- What big events happened 100 years ago?
- 100 Books You have Read
- What could you make with 100 bricks, rubber bands, etc?
- 100 Exercise Movements - Choose an activity and do it 100 times
Weekly Flight Plan
Week of February 5, 2024
Monday, February 5
- 100th Day of School - Dress Like you are 100 Years Old
- 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 6
- 100-Mile Club 2:20-3:00pm
- 7/8th Handbells 2:30-3:15pm
- Spirit Squad Practice 2:30-3:30pm
- Varsity Boys Soccer Practice 2:30-4:30pm
- HDS Booster Club Meeting 8:45am
- Early Release - Dismissal 1:10pm
- 100-Mile Club 1:15-1:45pm
- Varsity Boys Soccer Practice 1:30-3:30pm
Thursday, February 8
- MOH Speaker's Forum Reagan Library Trip - Ayers, Cieslik, and Goodstein ASB
- 100-Mile Club 2:20-3:00pm
- Spirit Squad Practice 2:30-3:30pm
- Varsity Girls Soccer Practice 2:30-4:30pm
Friday, February 9
- HDS Pride and Spirit Day
- End of Q3 Progress Period
- ASB Meeting 1:30pm
- Tournament Team Soccer Practice 2:30-4:30pm
- Varsity Girls Soccer Practice 2:30-4:30pm
- Dance Force Practice 2:30-4:00pm
- HDS Winter Dance 5:30-8:00pm
Inclement Weather Note - If it is raining:
- 100-Mile Club will be cancelled
- Handbells will still practice
- Dance Force will still practice on the stage
- Soccer will still practice in the gym
Have a great week and Go Hawks!
Hawk Happenings
Winter Dance - February 9th
Students in Grades 6, 7, 8 are invited to attend the Winter Dance on February 9 from 5:30-8:00am. Dance tickets are included in the Spirit Pack. For students who did not purchase the Spirit Pack during registration, tickets are on sale for $10 at lunch all week.
Medal of Honor Mentor Days Bring Leadership
Out 8th grade mentors taught lessons of Integrity, Courage, and ways to choose the right to our 5th and 6th grade students. Students learned about the Citizen Honors program that recognizes everyday citizens who do heroic acts of service. Citizen Honors recipient Myles Eckert continues to make a difference today with his Pay it Forward initiative supporting Gold Star Families.
Hawk Highlights
Mrs. Maria Gonzalez - Campus Beautification
We would like to express my heartfelt appreciation for Mrs. Maria Gonzalez, our dedicated custodian. Her tireless efforts and unwavering commitment to maintaining a clean and organized environment have not gone unnoticed. Mrs. Gonzalez goes above and beyond her duties, ensuring that every corner of our facility shines with her meticulous care. Her positive attitude and friendly demeanor create a welcoming atmosphere for everyone. It's evident that Mrs. Gonzalez takes pride in her work, and her attention to detail truly makes a difference. We are fortunate to have such a dedicated custodian, and her hard work does not go unnoticed. Thank you, Mrs. Gonzalez, for making our space a better place for all of us.
AADUSD 2024 Spelling Bee is a Buzzing Success
We want to thank all of our students for their amazing efforts in the AADUSD Spelling Bee. Last year's winner, Riley Ragon, along with our teachers, Mrs. Goodstein and Mr. Knee served with distinction as judges for the event. We are so proud of all of the participants for their courage and poise during the Spelling Bee. Participants: Abigail Seymour, Ella Bernero, Emely Moya Escamilla, Ernesto Moya, Micah Rivas, Noah Honicky, Ben Fatool, Mia Caplinger, Olivia Bacon, Kylie Finn, Bentleigh Arndt, McKenzie Goodman, Hartlee Cochran, Emma Bailey, Bethany Keeter, Andranik Hounanian, Patty Rios, Drue Fallgatter, Max Davis, Cassidy Olson, Kamryn Phillips-Towery, Chris Burns-Haser, Lillian Martin, Jasmine Hernandez, Valerie Narcizo, Haley Guerrero, and Holden White Eagle. Heartfelt thanks and appreciation to Mr. Rowland for being our Spellmaster and Advisor for the Spelling Bee! The event was a big success for all!
Congratulations to this year's winners:
- 1st Place - Lillian Martin
- 2nd Place - Andranik Hounanian
- 3rd Place - Holden White Eagle
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.
Acton-Agua Dulce Arts Council - Logo Contest
AADAC invites you to submit your ideas for a new logo. Our goal is to modernize and streamline our logo, and reflect our identity as promoting all of the arts.
PRIZE: Winning submission to receive $200
Deadline for submission is February 10, 2024
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 Booster Club Meeting - Feb. 7th at 8:45am
You're Invited to Join our HDS Booster Club Meeting on February 7th at 8:45am. Booster Club will be discussing great ways to support students and the school, like the upcoming staff luncheon, chaperoning the Winter Dance, fundraising, and their new goal to Light Up the Field. 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
VHS 9th Grade Registration
VHS hosted 9th Grade Information Night on January 24th. If you wish to see the presentation shared with future Mustangs and families that night, here is the link to that presentation! 8th Grade Information Night
VHS counselors presented to HDS students on January 25th. This is the information regarding VHS Registration/ Class sign-ups. If your student plans to attend VHS in the Fall and become a Mustang, please complete the attached course request form as soon as possible and send it back to VHS so it can be time stamped upon return. Classes are given to students on a first-come, first-serve basis (based on what fits in their schedules). Also, you will need to complete the Google Form so it matches the physical form!
Please contact Mrs. Salcedo or Miss Quezada with any questions.
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
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.
AYBL Winter League
Acton Youth Basketball League is starting its Winter Season. They are looking for players in grades 1st thru 8th. Sign-up to improve your basketball skills and get ready for the season.
Sierra Youth Sports Baseball/Softball Registration
SYS is looking for baseball and softball players to join their team this season. This is a great opportunity to increase skills prior to entering high school.
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