The Acorn
Message from Academy of the Canyons' Principal, Dr. Fine
Week of 8/14-8/18
Last week was a great first week of the school year! Thank you to our students, staff and families who made it successful!
Week of 8/13 Events
- Friday, 8/18-ROOTED event, minimum day for Freshman ONLY (see details below)
- Monday, 8/21- First day of COC classes
- Friday, 8/25- Coffee with the Principal and ROOTED event for freshman on campus
Have a fantastic week! Please do not hesitate to reach out to me or our main office with any questions.
Sincerely,
Dr. Juliet Fine
Principal of AOC
(661) 362-3056
661-362-3056
A Few Reminders from our Main Office
- ID Cards-From our campus security, students must have their IDs visible at all times while on campus. This is a safety procedure that most schools in our district follow.
- Student Absences-For any absences, please contact us using the attendance phone line. It is: 661-362-5211 or email Mrs. Laliberte, jlaliberte@hartdistrict.org
- Student parking and parking passes-Students must purchase a COC parking pass and must park in the student area of the lot. If they are missing a parking pass or are parked in the incorrect parking area, they may be ticketed.
- Lunch- In order to receive a free lunch, students must sign up on the website or use the QR code. You will only be able to receive a free lunch if you have signed up before 8am.
- Lockers- We do not have student lockers and we do not have the ability to store student items in the office. Please only bring what is needed the school day.
- Yearbooks and Sr. Dance Tickets- They can be purchased through Ms. Perkins in the Front Office ($70/each for yearbook and $85 for Senior Dance). Get in on the "early bird special".
* I do apologize, but we do not accept credit cards or debit cards for payment for anything at AOC. Thank you for having your student bring exact cash or a check.
Counseling Corner from Ms. Grijalva
Welcome back to AOC! This fall the Counseling Department focuses on assisting 12th grade students with college applications and meeting with 11th grade students to update their AOC/COC Education Plan. College application support will be offered during Advisement classes as well as college labs in October after-school.
- 9th grade parents, please save the date: Wednesday, September 27th (via Zoom 6-7:30pm). This meeting will review the AOC Academic Experience.
- 11th and 12th grade counseling meetings "Grijalva Appts" will begin on August 21st and conclude October 10th. 11th and 12th grade students will receive a link to book their appointments via Google Classroom in the coming days.
- 12th grade parents, please save the date: Tuesday, September 12th (via Zoom 6-7:30pm) This meeting will review the AOC college application timeline. 1
- 11th Grade: PSAT Information will be available in the coming weeks.
- Reminder: COC fall semester begins August 21st;Students: to check your COC schedule, login to MyCanyons
Wellness Activities
Students can join the wellness center everyday for practices and fun events throughout the week. See posted bulletin for more details.
Lunch time -"Friends making Friends" (optional and voluntary participation)
Join the wellness center during lunch where you can partake in fun events while making new friends.
Enjoy games, including mindful movement activities. We will have different games available for everyone to come and participate together
Focused/Mindful Moments (optional and voluntary participation)
Together we will participate in practices of breathwork and focused/mindful moments. You will learn self- regulation techniques to manage anxiety and stress.
ASB Annoucements-Spirit Wear, Senior Baby Pictures, COC Tours
Class of 2024 Photograph Submission Guidelines
Hey, seniors!! This year ASB is trying something different. Rather than ask you to submit a picture of yourself as a baby or toddler, you will have three options for your submission. Additionally, we are asking you to submit a jpeg link instead of an actual physical photograph, unless, of course, you only have a physical photo that you want to submit in which case you will be allowed to do so.
For this year, please use the Google form link below to submit a photograph of yourself. The photo can be ONE of the following.
You can submit an image of yourself as a baby or toddler. Until now, this has been the picture traditionally requested.
You can submit an image of yourself taking part in a favorite hobby or activity (for example, playing soccer or going on a hike). This photo can show you at any age.
You can submit an image of yourself in a favorite location (for instance, visiting the Grand Canyon or at the Lincoln Memorial). This photo can show you at any age.
If you wish to submit a physical photograph, please put it in an envelope with your first and last name on the envelope and give it to Dr. Shapiro. Additionally, if you have any questions about this, please feel free to contact Dr. Shapiro or speak with him in person. Thank you!
Online Spiritwear Store (see below this line of text):
The Online Spiritwear Store is Open!
The AOC online spiritwear store is now up and running. You can purchase spiritwear items from now through Monday, August 21st by using the link that follows this announcement. Please remember that your credit card statement will show “Idea Factory” as the business name for your purchase, but please note that the proceeds go to AOC. If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Shapiro via email at wshapiro@hartdistrict.org. Thank you.
COC Tours for freshmen (see below this line of text):
COC Tours: Freshmen are reminded that they will be taking tours of the COC campus tomorrow (Monday, August 14th) and Tuesday (August 15th) during period 1 (on both days). Students will have a chance to see where their COC classes meet. Students are reminded to wear shoes meant for walking, and it is recommended that students bring plenty of water, a hat, and wear sunscreen.
Two last quick announcements (see below this line of text):
Senior Sunrise will take place on the morning of Friday, September 1st. More details to follow!!
The AOC Welcome Dance has been moved to Friday, September 22nd in the Multipurpose Room at Rancho Pico Junior High more details will be announced soon! The dance will run from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.
~AOC ASB
You are Invited to "Coffee with the Principal" on 8/25 at 9:00am
Please join the principal of AOC, Dr. Juliet Fine and guest staff for "Coffee with the Principal" on August 25th at 9:00am in the University Center. Please check in at AOC's campus." Coffee with the Principal" is an opportunity to have an informal conversation with the principal about any topic related to AOC. Learn about what is new and upcoming for our campus. All families and community members are welcome to this chat.
ROOTED Event for 9th Grade Freshman at AOC on 8/18
Greetings, freshman students and families.
I am Mr. Wilhelm, the S.E.L. teacher and RULER Coordinator for Academy of the Canyons. This message is to notify you of an event this upcoming Friday, August 18. I want to make you aware of this event, its purpose, and the modification to Friday’s school day schedule.
The annual AOC Rooted Event is designed to increase relationships between upperclassmen and incoming students. The focus of the program will be on social connections and cultural development. Seniors will be paired with a group of freshmen with whom they can develop relationships and with the intention of easing the transition to the middle college environment. We are a unique school site with unique privileges and responsibilities. Seniors will be discussing the following topics with their 9th graders: communication and collaboration, professional relationships, AOC and COC facilities, AOC cultural characteristics, and other items of interest to new students.
Please note the schedule changes for this day:
The event will be held Friday, 8/18, in the University Center from 9:30-12:25.
Students will be provided lunch and they will be dismissed for the day at the end of the event.
No other 9th grade classes will be in session, including Math, Biology, English, Health, Seminar, and Human Geography. Students should speak to their teachers about assignments.
This information is being communicated to the 9th graders in their Seminar classes and their teachers will address any questions they have this week. You may also reach out to me with your questions through email: jwilhelm@hartdistrict.org.
Our student SEL leadership team and teachers are excited for this annual event, which helps our newest students take root and thrive in the Academy of the Canyons community.
Sincerely,
Mr. Jason Wilhelm
S.E.L. Teacher
RULER Coordinator
Wellness Reminders
As a reminder, DO NOT enter campus if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Chills
- Congestion or runny nose
- Sore throat
- New loss of taste or smell
- Gastrointestinal problems such as nausea, diarrhea or vomiting
- Muscle or body aches
- Headaches
If your student is experiencing these symptoms, please get them tested right away. And, please make sure your student stays home and rests.
Back to School Night will be held on August 29th at Academy of the Canyons.
AOC Back-to-School-Night on 8/29
AOC Back-to School Night will be held on August 29th from 5:30pm-7:30pm. Our ROOTS PTA will also have a table outside between sessions.
Grade 9 -5:30pm - 5:50pm
Grade 10-6:00pm- 6:20pm
Grade 11-6:30pm - 6:50pm
Grade 12-7:00pm - 7:20pm
We look forward to having you join us for this special evening. You will learn all about AOC's grade level specific academic program. To accommodate all of our families, Back to School Night will be located in the University Center (U-Cen). The University Center and is located right next door to Academy of the Canyons. More details to be sent out this week.
ROOTS is Selling Baked Goods at BTSN on 8/29- Volunteers Needed
AOC Back to School Night Bake Sale
The AOC Roots Organization (Parent, Teacher, Student group) will be hosting a Back to School Night Bake Sale!
We are looking for bakers and help with the sale. From previous experiences. we know that AOC has some wonderful bakers! Please share your time and talent to help us add a little run to the evening as well as raising funds for our school and student activities
Please drop off all baked goods either during the day on September 3rd at the office or bring them along with you and drop them off at the Back To School Night . Please include a list of ingredients to ensure anyone with allergies can decide what to purchase.
Bake Sale table in front of UCEN.
If your student wishes to volunteer at the Bake Sale, I can approve volunteer hours for school. Please have them bring the form with them for a signature. we also need some parent volunteers.
Click the link below to sign up.
Academy of the Canyons
Email: jfine@hartdistrict.org
Website: https://www.academyofthecanyons.com/
Location: Academy of the Canyons, Rockwell Canyon Road, Santa Clarita, CA, USA
Phone: 661-362-3056
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Academy-of-the-Canyons-Middle-College-High-School-330158873741614
Twitter: @Academy_Canyons