High Desert School Hawk Happenings

Good evening High Desert Hawks and Families,

Each week, we would like to share some tips for supporting middle schoolers from home:

• Focus on Testing Preparation: Next week, our students will begin our state's standardized test. By working together, we can help your child have a positive and successful testing experience this year.

As a part of your child’s P.E. program, High Desert School is preparing to participate in the FITNESSGRAM physical fitness assessment required by the State of California. The FITNESSGRAM assessment will be administered to all students in grades 5-8. FITNESSGRAM is a comprehensive fitness assessment for youth and is designed to assess cardiovascular fitness, muscular strength and endurance, flexibility and body composition.

1. FITNESSGRAM assessments use criterion-referenced standards. This means that a student can compare his/her scores with standards that have been identified for good health.

2. FITNESSGRAM assesses the current fitness level of students and promotes individual goal setting to allow students to take ownership of their health.

3. FITNESSGRAM does not assess skill or athletic ability.

FITNESSGRAM will be used by all students that are enrolled in a P.E. class regardless of age, gender, or ability. Students are encouraged to be self-aware of their health related fitness and to take responsibility by setting personal fitness goals. When students focus on continually improving their fitness level, a positive lifelong impact can be achieved.

Please make sure that your child is appropriately dressed for PE, especially on fitness assessment days. This includes the proper footwear. For the safety of your child it is important for your child to wear tennis shoes and socks, PE dress out attire, athletic shorts, and t-shirt. Please, NO CROCS.

A healthy student is better prepared to learn and perform in all aspects of life.

If you have any questions about the FITNESSGRAM assessment, feel free to contact us at High Desert School or gbotton@aadusd.k12.ca.us.

California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) is California's system of end-of-year state assessments comprising of computer-based and paper-based assessments that is administered each Spring. This includes:

• Smarter Balanced assessments (SBAC) for English language arts (ELA) and mathematics in grades 5, 6, 7, and 8
• California Science Test (CAST) in grades 5 and 8
  
• Physical Fitness Testing (PFT) in grades 5 and 7

The CAASPP assessments allow students to demonstrate analytical writing, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills along with their knowledge of facts in ELA, mathematics, and science. Overall state and district results will be released on the California Department of Education (CDE) website in the fall.

Understanding the Results

After students take the Smarter Balanced assessments, their results are reported in two primary ways: scale scores and achievement levels. On this page, you can learn more about scores, as well as how achievement levels were determined and how they are used by educators and parents.

Additional Information and Resources

If you have questions regarding the information in the CAASPP report or the testing program in general, please contact your student's teacher or principal. Additional resources are included below.

• Frequently Asked Questions - Smarter Balanced Assessments (CDE)
• Parent and student resources (CAASPP and CDE)
• California Department of Education CAASPP System
• Test Score Guide

CAASPP Testing Parent Letter with Testing Schedule

• 5/6th - English / Spanish
• 7/8th - English / Spanish

Monday, April 22

• LACOE FNL Drug, Alcohol, and Vaping Prevention Assembly
• 6th Handbells 2:30-3:15pm
  
• JV Basketball Games @ HDS - 4:15 Girls, 5:15 Boys

Tuesday, April 23

• 100-Mile Club 2:20-3:00pm
  
• 7/8th Handbells 2:30-3:15pm
• Spirit Squad Practice 2:30-3:30pm
• Boys Basketball Practice 2:30-4:30pm
• Florida Trip 2025 - Parent Information Meeting 6:00pm in Room 308

Wednesday, April 24

• Early Release - Dismissal 1:10pm
  
• 100-Mile Club 1:15-1:45pm
• Basketball Game @ Challenger - 3:00 JV Girls, 4:00 JV Boys, 5:00 V. Girls, 6:00 V. Boys
• HDS Incoming Parent Night 6:00pm

Thursday, April 25

• 4th Grade Roadshow 9:00 - 1:30pm
• 100-Mile Club 2:20-3:00pm
  
• Spirit Squad Practice 2:30-3:30pm
• Basketball Game @ SOAR Prep, 3:00 - V. Girls, 4:00 - V. Boys
• Spirit Squad Practice 2:30-3:30pm

Friday, April 26

• End 4th Quarter Progress Period
• HDS Hawks Spirit Day
  
• Basketball Game @ Cal City, 3:00 - JV Boys, 4:00 - V. Girls, 5:00 - V. Boys
  

Have a great week and Go Hawks!

Congratulations to the HDS ASB/Yearbook Class and Mrs. Goodstein on the successful completion of the 2024 HDS Yearbook. They followed the yellow brick road to success as they built a book to celebrate all of the great things happening on campus this year.

It's not too late to get in on the memories... Order your yearbook today at https://yearbookforever.com/ or using the order form available in the HDS office. Price increase to $40 cash only starting on May 15th.

Great job to all of the students and Mrs. Goodstein for making this year's book possible!

Bridge the gap, ignite the spark! Summer learning that keeps you growing. We will be offering Summer Support for students entering 1st-6th grade at Meadowlark, which will be a Literacy and Math Intervention program with a weekly art lesson component as well.

The dates for Summer School are June 20th thru July 19th. Summer School hours are 8:30am - 11:45am.

If you are interests in your child attending summer school, please click the link to register.

Summer School 2024 Registration Link

Academic Continuity and High School Readiness. We will be offering Summer Support for students entering 7th-12th grade at Vasquez Seventh and eighth grade will be offered Literacy and Math Intervention and summer learning loss support. We are planning to incorporate a weekly art lesson as well. This program will be held at VHS.

For our incoming 9th grades we are offering a transition to high school Boot Camp. This program will include a transition to high school exploration class and intervention Math and ELA.

The dates for Summer School are June 20th thru July 19th. Summer School hours are 8:30am - 11:45am.

If you are interests in your child attending summer school, please click the link to register.

Summer School 2024 Registration Link

Our HDS Booster Club, led by President Corrin Bailey, has been hard at work running the snack bar, planning events, providing food for presenters, and decorating our campus events. We are so grateful for their tireless efforts behind the scenes to make High Desert the best middle school ever. Their dedication is evident in all that they do! Way to make HDS SOAR!

~ Thank you, From HDS Students and Staff

Hello Students and Parents,

I’ll be hosting a family trip information meeting next week for our return to the Florida Keys on the Splash into Science program!

This trip is all-inclusive, and we’ll be going over what we’ll get to see and do on our program, such as:

• Swim with dolphins
• Snorkel the coral reef
• Kayak the mangroves
• Behind the scenes visit at The Turtle Hospital Rescue, Rehab, Release Center
• Explore Everglades National Park

Registration is now open, and those who sign up by May 10th will receive a $70 Early Registration Discount. As a bonus, those who attend our meeting with learn how to receive an additional $100 credit applied to your account on top of the $70 Early Registration Discount! Don’t miss out!

Here are the details for our upcoming trip meeting:

Meeting Date: Tuesday, April 23rd

Meeting Time: 6:00 pm

Meeting Location: in Ms. Alford’s room, # 308

I also wanted to share our trip website with you: High Desert School's Florida Splash into Science Trip | WorldStrides In our trip meeting we will be covering itinerary highlights, information regarding WorldStrides FLAG Financial Assistance, Extended Payment Options, and other important items you need to know about Educational Travel.

HDS Florida Trip Registration Link

HDS Florida Trip Registration Flyer - English / Spanish

• AVID - This week, we are working on preparing for CAASPP Testing that is coming up in next week.
• SEL - This week we continue supporting students with learning about integrity, stereotypes, and how to avoid bias. We want to encourage students to get the facts, be an upstander, see people as individuals, and use empathy to connect with others.

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

Families, please click this link to apply.

Thank you for your interest in participating in the High Desert Talent Show. To ensure your spot in the show, please follow these steps:

1. Permission Forms: Please have the bottom of this paper signed by both your parent and homeroom teacher to grant permission for your participation in the talent show.
2. Audition Requirements: For your audition, remember to bring:

• Your signed permission slip
• All materials necessary for your performance, such as props, music, mats, etc.

Audition Dates:

• April 29 and May 2
• After school from 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM

Talent Show Date:

• May 24 6:00 PM (Performers must arrive at 5:30 PM to prepare)

Rehearsal Dates:

• May 6, 16, 20, 23
• After school from 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM

Kindly direct any inquiries regarding the talent show to Mrs. Mahotz, Mrs. Goodstein, or Mrs. Ayers. Thank you for your cooperation and dedication to making this event a success!

Practices week of April 22nd

Boys Tues 2:30-4:30pm

Games This Week

April 22nd - JV Boys/Girls @ HDS

April 24th - JV and Varsity Boys/Girls @ Challenger

April 25th - Varsity Boys/Girls @ SOAR Prep

April 26th - JV Boys and Varsity Boys/Girls @ Cal City

Full Schedule PDF

Live to run and run to live! Track and field events include distance running, relay races, discuss throwing, and the long-jump. Coach Erika is looking for motivated athletes to join the track and field team representing High Desert this year.

Track and Field Flyer PDF

Staying informed about online safety is crucial, especially when it comes to protecting our children. As the digital world continues to evolve, so do the potential risks our kids face online. We've gathered some simple but effective tips to help you navigate this landscape.

Here are some key points to consider:

1. Stay Informed: Regularly educate yourself about the latest online threats, trends, and safety measures. Awareness is the first step towards effective digital parenting.
2. Open Communication: Foster an open and honest dialogue with your child about their online experiences. Encourage them to share any concerns or encounters they may have had.
3. Set Boundaries: Establish clear guidelines for screen time, app usage, and online activities. Regularly review and update these boundaries based on your child's age and maturity.
4. Empower Yourself: Equip yourself with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the online world alongside your child.

To further support you on this journey, we encourage you to take Cyber Safety Cop's Digital Parenting 101. This comprehensive 16-lesson course covers everything you need to know to keep your child safe and thriving online, including:

• Protecting your child from online dangers such as cyberbullying, online predators, and inappropriate content.
• Setting healthy screen time limits and choosing age-appropriate apps and games.
• Initiating conversations with your child about online safety and monitoring their online activity.
• Assisting your child in developing healthy digital habits.
• Gaining knowledge to discuss online drug access and substance abuse risks with your child.

Remember, our mission is to help children not just survive online but thrive while staying safe and informed. Digital Parenting 101 is the essential first step to ensuring your child has a safe and positive experience online.

High Desert School invites all 4th grade parents and parents of incoming HDS students to an information night on April 24th at 6pm in our MPR. This is a great opportunity for parents to learn more about our school, academic programs, athletics opportunities, HDS Booster Club, and ways for your future Hawk to get the most out of their middle school experience.

High Desert School and ASMO proudly present HDS Music and Talent Night on May 24th at 6pm. The show will feature talent from our HDS students as well as ASMO music performances from our 5th grade, 6th grade, and 7/8th grade VAPA class. We look forward to seeing the talents of our Hawks soaring on stage.

You're invited to our High Desert Student Showcase and Open House on May 30th at 6pm. Our Hawks are excited to share all of the great things they have been learning and doing this year. The show will feature: academics, electives, athletics, 100- Mile Club and performances from: Dance Force, Spirit Squad, keyboarding and Harmonic Bronze Handbells.

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.

We will be celebrating the achievements of our High Desert Hawks in our Semester 2 Awards Assemblies. Awards include: Academics, STAR Reading/Math, Athletics, 100-Mile Club, Physical Education, and MOH. Be sure to Save the Date and join us in honoring our Hawks.

Our incredible 8th graders are enthusiastically preparing for the Class of 2024 Promotion! Be sure to save the date to join us for the great event celebrating the hard work of our Hawks. All seating is open and gates open at 5pm. The ceremony begins at 6pm.

We want to thank HDS Booster Club for the beautiful decorations and supporting our students through the year. To join the Promotion Committee, please contact Megan Laviolette or Corrin Bailey.

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.

The AV SELPA invites all parents of students participating in the Special Education Program to join the CAC for an informational meeting regarding IEPs.

Check out the great programs offered for Hawks and their families at Vasquez Rocks!

Early bird pricing is now available for early registration for summer camp. Kids Summer Day Camp is run by Sunny Days and is located at the AADUSD District Office building across from Acton Park. See flyer for more details.

The Acton-Agua Dulce Arts Council is hosting a photography contest for all ages. The entry deadline is Friday, April 26, 2024.

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.

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.

Principal, Mrs. Michelle Van Ornum

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