High Desert School Hawk Happenings
Week of February 26, 2024
Good evening High Desert Hawks and Families,
This week, we want to share some reminders:
- Life Skills are an important part of growth and development. Check out this article highlighting 10 Life Skills You Should Start Working on With Your Middle-Schooler Today.
- On-time Behavior is crucial to effective instruction in classrooms. Please support your student in arriving to school on time. Students should be one campus at 7:55am so that they can be in the classroom prepared to learn at 8:00am. In addition, students need to walk to class when the first bell rings. We will be supporting on-time behavior with PBIS Rewards Points for students who are on time. Students with tardies will be assigned lunch detention when they reach three tardies. Thank you for your support in students attending class on time.
- 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.
- Dress Code is part of our school campus culture. Please review the school dress code and support your student in following the dress code.
Consent for California Healthy Kids Survey - Grades 5 and 7
Dear Parent or Guardian:
Your child is being asked to be a part of our school’s California Healthy Kids Survey (CHKS) sponsored by the California Department of Education (CDE). This is a very important survey that will help promote better health and well-being among our youth, improve the school learning environment and combat problems such as drug abuse and violence. Your child does not have to take the survey. If you do not want your child to complete the survey, you must notify your school.
Survey Content. The survey gathers information on developmental supports provided to youth; school connectedness and barriers to learning; school safety; health-related concerns such as physical activity and nutritional habits; alcohol, tobacco and other drug use; risk of depression and suicide; and protected class identifiers such as sexual orientation and gender identity.
You may examine the questionnaire in the school office or at your district’s web site aadusd.k12.ca.us.
The results from this survey are compiled into district- and county-level CHKS Reports. To view a copy of your district’s report, go to https://calschls.org/reports-data/search-lea-reports/ (Outside Source) and type in the district name.
It is Voluntary. Students who, with your permission, agree to participate do not have to answer any questions they do not want to answer, and may stop taking the survey at any time.
It is Anonymous. No names are recorded or attached to the survey forms or data. The results will be made available for analysis only under strict confidentiality controls.
Administration. The survey will be administered on Week of March 25-29, 2024
Potential Risks. There are no known risks of physical harm to your child. Risks of psychological or social harm are very small. None have been reported in 25 years of survey administration. In rare instances, some discomfort might be experienced from the questions. The school’s counseling services will be available to answer any personal questions that may materialize.
For Further Information. The survey was developed for the CDE by WestEd, a public, non-profit educational institution. If you have any questions about this survey, or about your rights, contact your school principal
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If you do not want your child to participate, you may contact your school principal.
Weekly Flight Plan
Week of February 26, 2024
Monday, February 26
- 6th Handbells 2:30-3:15pm
- Dance Force Practice 2:30-4:30pm
- Varsity Soccer Game @ SOAR Prep - Girls 3:00pm, Boys 4:00pm
Tuesday, February 27
- 100-Mile Club 2:20-3:00pm
- 7/8th Handbells 2:30-3:15pm
- Spirit Squad Practice 2:30-3:30pm
- Varsity Girls Soccer Practice 2:30-4:30pm
- Early Release - Dismissal 1:10pm
- 100-Mile Club 1:15-1:45pm
- Soccer 5/6th Tournament Team Practice 1:30-3:00pm
- Varsity Soccer Game @ Cal City - Girls 3:00pm, Boys 4:00pm
Thursday, February 29
- 100-Mile Club 2:20-3:00pm
- Varsity Soccer Game @ Challenger - Girls 3:00pm, Boys 4:00pm
Friday, March 1
- HDS Hawks Spirit Day
- ASB Generation Swap Day - Trivia at Lunch
- Soccer Tournament 2:30-5:30pm - see Athletics section for full schedule
- Dance Force Social Dance 6:00-8:00pm
Have a great week and Go Hawks!
Help Wanted - HDS Booster Club Snack Bar
HDS Booster Club Snack Bar is looking for parents who are able to run the snack bar during soccer games.
If you’re able to, please consider donating a little bit of your time and helping out with our snack bar, which is Booster Clubs' most profitable fundraiser. Click to sign up.
Help us raise funds to "Light up the Field."
Hawk Happenings
Color Run - Feb. 23rd
Hawk Highlights
Mr. Matt Prosser - Assistant Soccer Coach
"Mr. Prosser, thank you for volunteering and putting in the extra effort for our athletic program and facilities. You are a wonderful example for our youth!"
~ Mrs. Botton, Athletic Director
Mr. Juan Hernandez - HDS Maintenance
"Mr. Hernandez, thank you for volunteering and putting in the extra effort for our athletic program and facilities. You are a wonderful example for our youth! Your hard work and dedication to our campus make events on campus possible."
~ Mrs. Botton, Athletic Director
Bentleigh Arndt
"Bentleigh Arndt is a treasure to our classroom and our school. She is that ideal student everyone can count on and depend. Her attention to detail is flawless. Her mind is focused on success, and she willingly provides the effort needed to achieve that success without excuse or procrastination. She is a wonderful example and role model of balancing commitments with calmness and determination."
~ Mr. Rowland
Patty Rios
"When Patty enters our classroom, the positive tone, energy, and joy she personifies spreads throughout the classroom. Her contagious smile, sincere laughter, and enthusiastic desire to excel help to create a classroom learning environment that no teacher could create alone. When other students receive honors and awards, Patty does not sit there with envy, instead, she is the first one to congratulate others on their honors, accomplishments, and successes. You truly are a hawk that deserves to be highlighted with fireworks, banners, marching bands, and a parade."
~ Mr. Rowland
Ivy Rios
"Ivy has soared in setting an example on how to be a leader during 5/6th PE class. She is engaged with the younger students and brings a special energy to all she is involved in. Ivy has been extremely helpful in setting up all athletic events and making sure the HDS is the best host to our visitors."
~ Mrs. Botton
Savannah Gluth
"Savannah has brought an energy and grit to our athletic program that has inspired me at High Desert. She is funny and responsible in her role as Athletic Commissioner. Savannah has been very helpful in setting up for events and supporting her peers and teammates."
~ Mrs. Botton
HDS Academics
AVID Advisory and SEL - Weekly Focus
- AVID - This week, we are learning more about the Power of Words. Our words have an impact, either positive or negative. Let's choose our words wisely and allow them to have a positive impact.
- SEL - This week we continue supporting students with learning about multiple perspectives, conflict, and how to resolve conflict.
CJSF - Spring Applications due March 1st
CJSF stands for California Junior Scholarship Federation. It is the Middle School's version of High School's CSF (California Scholarship Federation).
CJSF is a statewide organization founded for the purpose of fostering high standards of scholarship, service, and citizenship in the middle grades. CJSF emphasizes service to the community while creating pride in scholastic achievement. Click here to view the CJSF/CSF State Website.
Spring 2024 Applications (based on Fall Semester Grades) are due Friday, March 1st by 3pm.
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
Hawks Family STEAM Night - March 7th
You're Invited to join Hawks Family STEAM Night on March 7th. HDS Booster Club will be hosting a Chili Cook-Off while Hawks and their families participate in STEAM activities. Be sure to mark you calendar and join us on March 7th from 6:00-7:30pm for STEAM Night at the Hawks Nest.
HDS Booster Club Chili Cook-Off - March 7th
During STEAM Night, HDS Booster Club will be hosting a Chili Cook-off. We can't wait to taste the delicious chili made by our Hawks community.
Contact Corrin Bailey to submit your chili.
Click this link to sign up to donate or volunteer.
HDS Used Books Collection
If you are doing an pre-Spring cleaning at home, please go through your bookshelves for any books that you are no longer using. Booster Club will be doing a used book sale to help with the "Light It Up" fundraiser while providing new books for our kids to read before summer, filling up classroom libraries, and the school library. We prefer middle school age chapter books, but are open to others as well.
Please bring any used book donations to the office with a slip of paper containing the student name donating and the amount of books to enter in the prize raffle.
Parent Ambassador Leaders (PALs) Program Application and Toolkit
As a district we are looking for ways to engage our families and our community more.
The Parent Ambassador Program is a great way for us to begin. Please check this out and let me know if you know of any of our parents who might be interested.
The Parent Ambassador Leaders (PALs) program is currently accepting applications for the spring semester! PALs is designed to help parents learn, share, and get paid-$550!
- Learn: PALs help parents/guardians (parents) learn about four topics connected to student health and school success via online trainings.
- Share: Parents share what they have learned with people in their child’s school community and can connect others with resources and partners in the community.
- Paid: Parents are paid $550 when they finish approximately 6 hours of training and 14 hours of outreach activities (approximately 20 hours total). Parents receive a gift card at the end of the semester (Spring 2024).
Because outreach activities occur at elementary, middle, or high school campuses, interested parents will need the support of a school administrator. Parents can work with administration to determine what type of outreach would be most beneficial to their specific school site.
Spread the word! Are there parents at your school that are already involved and invested? Share the attached flyer with your various parent groups and encourage parents to apply. Visit the Ambassador home page to find out more about the program.
For additional assistance regarding the PALs program, please contact TK12Ambassador@ph.lacounty.gov
PBIS Rewards Family App Access
Our School is using PBIS Rewards to help us with our PBIS program! PBIS Rewards is a technology-based PBIS Management System that helps us with our behavior incentive program. You can learn about PBIS Rewards at their website (www.pbisrewards.com).
Our students can earn rewards throughout the day by meeting our behavior expectations. These rewards are in the form of electronic points. They can redeem these points for privileges, tangible items, access to events, and other similar things. Our expectation is that we will see overall behavior improve throughout the school and that the number of referrals we have will decrease.
PBIS Rewards has a Family App that will give you some insight into how your child is doing with respect to our PBIS program. The Family App will run on most smart devices, including smartphones and tablets. You can find it in the iPhone/iPad App Store, Google Play, and the Amazon App Store. Just search for "PBIS Rewards Family."
An email has been sent to families to get you set up on the PBIS Rewards Family App. Please access this email from PBIS Rewards if you wish to access your child's progress. If you did not receive an email, please contact Mrs. Van Ornum so she can help get you set up.
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
Generation Swap Day - Mar. 1st
On Friday, students and staff will participate in generation swap. Staff can dress like the students and students will dress like the staff. At lunch, there will be trivia game... How much do you know about the millennial generation?
8th Grade Dedications
We invite parents and guardians of our 8th grade Hawks to write a dedication to them in the yearbook. If you purchased a spirit pack, the dedication is already paid for. If not, the cost of the dedication is $5.
Click this link for the Dedication Form
Dedications are due March 15th.
8th Grade Baby Photos
We would like to feature EVERY 8th grader in the yearbook with a photo of them as a baby/younger kid. Please submit photos to Mrs. Goodstein or upload them to the community upload using the code "yearbook2024"
Baby Photos are due March 15th.
Hobby Photos
All of our Hawks have hobbies in and outside of school. We would like to include them in the yearbook. Please submit photos to Mrs. Goodstein or upload them to the community upload using the code "yearbook2024"
Hobby Photos are due March 15th.
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
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.
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.
Autry Museum Visions of Freedom Art Exhibition
The Autry Museum invites all student to submit a two-dimensional piece of artwork representing the theme: Visions of Freedom.
Student application must be submitted online.
Entries due to the HDS Office by March 12, 2024
Hawk Scholar/Parent Resources
HDS 23-24 School Calendar
Stay up to date on all of the Hawk Happenings throughout the school year. Check out our Yearlong Calendar for the 2023-2024 School Year.
Hawk Handbook
Our scholar handbook contains vital information regarding school policies and procedures, please review with your scholar.
HDS Dress Code
Scholar attire is important to keep the focus on learning. Please review and support your scholar in adhering to the school dress code.
HDS Bell Schedule
On-time Behavior is crucial to effective instruction in classrooms. Please support your student in arriving to school on time.
M/T/Th/F - 8:00am to 2:20pm
W - 8:00am - 1:10pm
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