The River Hawk
Rio Norte News - November 1, 2024
A Note From the Principal
Good Morning River Hawk Families,
We had an amazing week with some great things I'm thankful to be able to share! Be sure to check-out everything in this issue, as several things have deadlines this week.
Last Friday night our ASB and Band were invited to participate in the Valencia High Football Game. Our students had the chance to learn just how involved High School ASB is in every aspect of school activities and how they prepare. Our band had the chance to learn from and perform with the Valencia High School Band at the game. It was a great experience for our students and we thank the ASB Advisors, Mr. Benham (Valencia) and our own, Mrs. Welch, as well as the Band Directions, Mr. Flores (Valencia) and our esteemed, Mr. Gilbert! Check out pictures and videos here.
Our Advanced Art students, under the direction of Art James, presented an incredible project to our special needs students. Click here to see the amazing transformation of our students' art work. They drew monsters and then our Advanced Art students turned them into ceramic replicas. I was astounded and just how well they captured our special needs students' creations. Each student was then given their ceramic monster by the Advanced Art student, along with a book to record the name and attributes of their monster, as well as hold the original drawing. It was an amazing interaction to watch and such a gift to our students and their families. Thank you to Art James and her Advanced Art class!
Finally, we ended our week with the famous PE Halloween Show, an annual tradition at Rio Norte! Each year our PE teachers pick a theme to entertain all 6 PE classes and hold a costume contest for each period. Enjoy this album for a few pictures and a video of our PE dinosaurs (yes, the teachers). Every year our students love it, but this is definitely my favorite so far. We hope you enjoy it, too!
In this issue learn more about:
- Math Olympiad Team forming NOW! DUE this Thursday!
- AOC Mandatory Meetings (8th graders applying)
- PTSA Restaurant Night at Panda Express
- From the Hart Newsletter
- Hart District November No-Miss Attendance Challenge
- National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) DUE by 3 p.m. Monday, 11/4!
Repeated in this issue:
- District Cross Country Meet - volunteers and donations still needed *dates updated
- Mathematical Association of America AMC 8 Math Test (registration through 11/22)
Sincerely,
Mrs. Bennett
Important Dates
November 4th:
- 3 p.m. Deadline for NJHS Applications
November 11th:
- Veteran's Day Holiday - No School
November 13th:
- Hart District Cross Country Meet
- PTSA Panda Express Fundraiser
November 14th:
- PTSA Reflections Gala
November 15th:
- Q2 Progress Report Period Ends
November 19th:
- Q2 Progress Report Grades Post to IC after 3 p.m.
- Rio Choir Concert, MPR, 7 p.m.
November 21st:
- Rio Band/Guitar Concert, MPR, 7 p.m.
November 22nd:
- Turkey Bowl for 8th Grade
- Deadline for AMC 8 Math Registration
November 25th-29th:
- Thanksgiving Break - No School
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.
Math Olympiad Team Forming NOW!
Math Olympiad is an exciting opportunity for students to tackle challenging math problems and compete with peers from around the globe. If you're interested in joining our team, please fill out the interest form by this Thursday, November 7. You can also join our Google Classroom using the code 2CD7JIL to get more information and updates. The cost to participate is typically between $10 to $15, depending on how many students sign up.
*Participants will need to submit payment by Thursday, November 17th. We are only allowed 35 participants for our team, so make sure to sign up soon!
Academy of the Canyons (AOC) Mandatory Meeting
Dear Families,
Are you interested in an innovative high school experience where students can earn college credits while attending a small, supportive school? We invite you to our upcoming Academy of the Canyons (AOC)'s Virtual Parent & Student Information Meeting! Join us to learn more about AOC's middle college high school model, our unique campus community, and the exciting opportunities awaiting your student. Please view our student video invitation.
Here are the specific meeting details:
AOC Virtual Information Nights via Google Meet
For Current 8th Grade Students ONLY (Incoming 9th Graders)
November 6 or 7, 2024 at 6:00pm
Google Meet Link: Google Meet for CURRENT 8th Grade Only
Please choose one of the two dates to attend.
For Current 9th and 10th Grade Students ONLY (Incoming 10th & 11th Graders)
November 13, 2024 at 6:00pm
Google Meet Link: Google Meet for CURRENT 9th & 10th Grade Only
Important: All interested applicants must attend one of the informational meetings. Attendance is taken at each meeting, and only those who attend will receive the application link.
Additional Information:
To learn more about AOC’s admissions process, our academic program, and how your student can earn college credits while in high school, please visit our website at www.academyofthecanyons.com.
We look forward to seeing you there and helping you explore the potential of the Academy of the Canyons for your student!
In order to apply to AOC for the 25/26 school year, you must have attended one of the two meetings listed above. For more information or to sign up for a meeting, please visit Academyofthecanyons.com and click on Admissions. If you have any questions, please email aocadmissions@hartdistrict.org
Panda Express Fundraiser Coming Soon!
Join us for the Rio Norte PTSA Restaurant Fundraiser Night at Panda Express! Enjoy delicious food while supporting our school. Twenty percent of all purchases will be donated back to Rio Norte PTSA.
Don’t miss out on this tasty way to give back!
When: Wednesday, November 13, 2024
Time: 9:30 AM to 9:30 PM - ALL Day!
Where: 28162 Newhall Ranch Road Santa Clarita, CA 91355
PandaExpress.com or the App. Enter 379472 in the fundraiser code box.
Attendance Matters.
Regular attendance helps students keep up with the curriculum, build strong relationships with
their peers and teachers, and develop a routine that fosters responsibility and discipline. These
are essential skills that will benefit them throughout their lives.
No-Miss November:
If your student missed a day in October, they can start fresh in No-miss November. Students who
have perfect attendance (and no tardies) throughout the month of November will automatically
be entered into a drawing for a $150 Nike gift card (four winners districtwide).
Let's Work Together:
We ask for your continued support in encouraging your students to attend school every day.
Together, we can create a positive and engaging learning environment that motivates our
students to succeed.
National Junior Honor Society Application DUE 3 p.m., 11/4/24
Attention parents and students: NJHS applications are DUE this Monday, November 4th at 3 p.m. Exceptions cannot be made. National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) celebrates scholarship, stimulates service, develops character, and encourages citizenship.
NJHS is open to all 7th and 8th grade students that:
- meet the 3.7 GPA (Grade Point Average) requirement after Quarter 1
- promise to commit to 10 hours of community service, proof of service due by April 15th
- meet the NJHS criteria of positive character and citizenship
The online application is on the website under "students," "clubs," "NJHS." If students have questions they should see Science James in room D-11. All applications are due November 4th by 3pm, no late applications will be accepted for any reason, per NJHS rules, so interested students should apply EARLY. Additionally, students who successfully submit an application WILL receive an email of their responses to their hartdistrict email. If your student does not receive this email, the application did NOT go through. 8th Graders already in NJHS from last year no need to reapply, you should have already received a google classroom code & email from Mrs. James. If you did not receive that, please see Science James ASAP.
*** Parents please do not apply for your student, as this is a club that promotes and encourages responsibility, leadership, character and citizenship. The application will only be open to the students using their hartdistrict email account. Please click here to view the information sheet with all the important details. DO NOT wait to ask questions on Monday, November 4th (the deadline).
District Cross Country Meet
Our PE department is participating in the All Junior High District Cross Country Meet on Wednesday, November 13th. Please click on the link below to donate and/or volunteer for the Cross Country Meet. We still need help! We will need all non-perishable donations delivered to the front office between now and November 12th. Please have the perishable donations delivered on the 12th. Thank you for your support!
Mathematical Association of America's AMC 8 Math Test
If your student has a passion for problem-solving and is interested in taking the AMC 8 test, registration is happening now through Friday, November 22, 2024. The cost is $11 and needs to be paid at the ASB window or on the WEBSTORE. The test will be given afterschool on one of the following days: January 23, January 24, or January 27, 2025!!!! The specific date will be determined once we return from winter break.
The AMC 8 is a 25-question, 40-minute, multiple choice examination in middle school mathematics designed to promote the development of problem-solving skills. The AMC 8 provides an opportunity for middle school students to develop positive attitudes towards analytical thinking and mathematics that can assist in future careers. Students apply classroom skills to unique problem-solving challenges in a low-stress and friendly environment.
The material covered on the AMC 8 includes topics from a typical middle school mathematics curriculum. Possible topics include but are not limited to: counting and probability, estimation, proportional reasoning, elementary geometry including the Pythagorean Theorem, spatial visualization, everyday applications, and reading and interpreting graphs and tables. In addition some of the later questions may involve linear or quadratic functions and equations, coordinate geometry, and other topics traditionally covered in a beginning algebra course.
Students must be in 8th grade or below and also 14.5 years or younger on the date of the exam.
For more information, please contact Mrs. Groller (Rio Norte's MathCounts Advisor) at Lgroller@hartdistrict.org or have your student come to C4. We hold our MathCounts weekly meetings on Thursdays at lunch and all interested students are welcome!
RIO NORTE JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
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 / Declaración de no discriminación
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.