Good Morning River Hawk Families,

Our Electives Department knocked it out of the park with their Home for the Holidays event! Our photo class had a festive backdrop where they took beautiful photos of any and all who wanted their pictures taken and sent us home with a print. Our Advanced Culinary treated us to delightful homemade snacks and hot cocoa. Advanced Art made wonderful holiday items for purchase; I walked away with adorable gingerbread earrings! ASB collected canned goods for our local food pantry and the choir serenaded the audience with holiday songs and a group sing-a-long. All of this culminated with an outstanding performance by our Drama Hawks in the radio stage play, It's A Wonderful Life. And, it truly was WONDERFUL! A HUGE shout out to Mr. O and his fellow electives department teachers: Mrs. Mandel, Art James, Mrs. Prieto, Mr. Gilbert, and Mrs. Welch. This event truly could not have happened without their support for all of the students involved. Mr. O's incredible vision is destined to be a annual Rio tradition!

The final week is upon us and ASB has planned a festive spirit week. Be sure to see the spirit days below and take a look at further ticket information regarding the semi-formal dance at the end of January. Next week's newsletter will have the dress code for those who want to hit holiday sales. On our early release Wednesday (dismissal 1:30 p.m.), the office will close at 2 p.m. for an ALL staff meeting.

And finally, PTSA is hoping you and/or your student will support the Boba Boba fundraiser on the last day of school. They're also looking for a few last items for the staff breakfast this Friday. Read on for more on both items.

In this issue learn more about:

• PTSA Boba Fundraiser
• ASB News - Spirit Week and more details on the semi-formal

Repeated in this issue:

• PTSA Staff Holiday Breakfast Donation Sign-up
• Lost and Found - being donated on 12/20/24
• Limited Sales on 8th Grade Hoodies
• From the Hart Newsletter

Sincerely,

Mrs. Bennett

December 18th:

• Office Closes at 2 p.m. for staff gathering

December 19th:

• Last Student Day of Semester 1 - normal dismissal of 2:30 p.m.

December 20th:

• NO School for students - Teacher Work Day

December 23rd - January 10th:

• Winter Break, No School
• The School Office Will be CLOSED

January 13th:

• School resumes, tardy bell 8:15 a.m.
• Second semester, Quarter 3 begins

CLICK HERE for a printable copy of the calendar pictured. Please use this calendar for our holidays, minimum days, and Early Release Schedule to plan as many appointments and trips during non-instructional times.

Mark your calendars and join us for a PTSA fundraiser on the last day of school before the holiday break! Students can say they're there for Rio Norte or show the flyer on their phone.

When: Thursday, December 19, from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Where: Boba Boba
23886 Copper Hill Dr, Valencia, CA 91354

Right next to Kumon in the Albertson's Shopping Center!

Enjoy delicious drinks and snacks while supporting our school community. A portion of the proceeds will go towards PTSA that benefit our students and staff. We hope to see you there—thank you for your support!

Holiday Spirit Week - December 16th -19th:

Monday 12/16 - Polar Express Day (PJs too)

Tuesday 12/17 - Holiday Headwear Day

Wednesday 12/18 - Holiday Cheer Day and a special LTA (Lunch-Time Activity)

• 8th grade - Wear Red
• 7th grade - Wear Green

Thursday 12/19 - Festive Holiday Clothing Day

***Remember students finish school on Thursday, December 19th. Only teachers have to come back on Friday.

Winter Semi-Formal Tickets:

After winter break, tickets will go on sale for our annual Winter Semi-Formal Dance. See details below and note tickets for this dance will NOT be on the webstore. DINNER will be served at this special dance. Student's tickets will be automatically loaded to their ID card, so they need that to buy the ticket and enter the dance. GROOVE PACK students MUST go to the ASB window to RSVP and have their ticket loaded to their ID card. All of this will help us ensure food for every individual that attends.

Every day this month we put out the lost and found for students to get their belongings before the end of the semester. Any unclaimed items will be donated December 20th. Please have students look, esp. at the windows (pictured above) for lost water bottles. Many of these are expensive refillable bottles. Parents please call the office to arrange a time if you'd like to look prior to December 20th, so someone can help you.

8th grade parents! If your student didn't purchase an 8th grade hoodie, but would like one we still have a few left for sale in sizes: M, L, XL. The cost of the hoodies are $30 and can be purchased at the ASB window. They will be sold on a first come, first serve basis. Thank you!

Shonna August, 8th grade Assistant Principal

Lauren Dunn, 7th grade Assistant Principal

ATTENDANCE Needs: Email RNattendance@hartdistrict.org

Email: bjbennett@hartdistrict.org
Website: https://www.rionortejuniorhigh.org/
Location: 28771 Rio Norte Dr, Valencia, CA, USA
Phone: 661-295-3700

Nondiscrimination Statement

The William S. Hart Union High School District prohibits discrimination, intimidation, harassment (including sexual harassment), or bullying based on a person’s actual or perceived race, color, ethnicity, national origin, immigration status, ancestry, religion, age, marital status, pregnancy, parental status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, military or veteran status, political affiliation, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, sexual orientation, or association with a person or a group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics. For questions or complaints, contact Equity Compliance Officer and Section 504 Coordinator Erum Velek, and Title II / Title IX Coordinator, Mark Crawford. Both can be reached at the William S. Hart Union High School District, 21380 Centre Pointe Pkwy, Santa Clarita, CA 91350, (661) 259-0033, or by email: UCP@hartdistrict.org.

El Distrito de Escuelas Secundarias William S. Hart Union prohíbe la discriminación, la intimidación, acoso (incluido el acoso sexual) o intimidación basada en la realidad o percepción de una persona raza, color, etnia, origen nacional, estado migratorio, ascendencia, religión, edad, estado civil, embarazo, estado parental, discapacidad física o mental, condición médica, estado militar o veterano, afiliación política, sexo, género, identidad de género, expresión de género, información genética, orientación sexual, o asociación con una persona o un grupo con uno o más de estos características percibidas. Para preguntas o quejas, comuníquese con el Oficial de Cumplimiento de Equidad y el coordinador de la Sección 504, Erum Velek, y el coordinador del Título II / Título IX, Mark Crawford. Ambos pueden ser contactado en William S. Hart Union High School District, 21380 Centre Pointe Pkwy, Santa Clarita, CA 91350, (661) 259-0033,​ o por correo electrónico: UCP@hartdistrict.org.