SVHS Senior Newsletter

This newsletter will be updated as needed or changes warrant. Please check back regularly for the most current information.

Class of 2024, welcome to your senior year newsletter. Here you will find important dates, resources, and guidelines. Should you have any questions or require further details, please refer to the contacts and resources provided:

• David Jones, Assistant Principal: david.jones@simivalleyusd.org
• Lindsay Miller, Leadership Advisor: lindsay.miller@simivalleyusd.org
• Sam Crane, AP Jones Secretary: samantha.crane@simivalleyusd.org
• Jessica Gugnitz, ASB Clerk: jessica.gugnitz@simivalleyusd.org
  
• Jostens, Yearbook and Graduation Regalia and Supplies: jostens.com
  
• SVHS Website: svhs.simivalleyusd.org
• SVHS Instagram: simivalleyhs
  

• August 1: Pioneer Orientation | 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM | SVHS Library
• September 22: Senior Sunrise | 6:00 AM - 7:00 AM | SVHS Stadium

• September 30: Homecoming Dance | 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM | SVHS Stadium
• October 31: Halloween Costume Contest | 12:21 PM - 12:56 PM | SVHS Pioneer Plaza
• November 9: Senior Dinner | 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM | SVHS Pioneer Plaza
• December 13: Senior Movie Night | 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM | Studio Move Grill Simi Valley
• February 3: Winter Formal | 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM | The Vineyards Simi Valley
• February 14: Senior Hug Day | All Day | SVHS
• March 13 & 14: Every 15 Minutes | All Day | SVHS
• May 11: Prom | 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM | Skirball Cultural Center Los Angeles
• May 22: Scholarship Night | 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM | TBD
  
• May 31: Grad Nite | 6:00 PM - 2:00 AM | Disneyland California Adventure Anaheim
• June 3 (Tentative): Senior Lunch | 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM | SVHS Stadium
  
• June 4: Senior Grad Shop | 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM | SVHS Stadium
• June 5: Graduation Rehearsal | 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM | SVHS Stadium
  
• June 6: Graduation | 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM | SVHS Stadium

Please note: Dates and details for the events listed are subject to change.

As we step into this final year at Simi Valley High School, I am filled with pride seeing the growth and achievements of the Class of 2024. Your journey has been one of dedication, enthusiasm, and the true Pioneer spirit.

I encourage each one of you to make the most of this senior year. Embrace the moments at the Homecoming Dance, look forward to Prom, and be part of Grad Nite. These are the memories that will stay with you, and as the chapters of high school come to a close, new exciting stories await.

Looking forward to a vibrant and memorable year for the Class of 2024.

J.C. Baxter, Principal

Everyone has both good days and challenging ones. However, there are moments when mental health challenges can overshadow the good. Signs such as persistent sadness, loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities, thoughts of self-harm, feelings of inadequacy, or resorting to substances for relief are indicators that mental well-being may be compromised. It is crucial to understand that mental health is as vital as physical health, and its effects, though not always visible, are very real. If a students daily activities, school attendance, or relationships are affected, it signals a need for support.

• School Counselor: svhs.simivalleyusd.org/counseling
• Crisis Line: Text "TALK" to 741741
• Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Dial 988

Students are assigned a Teacher Advisement (TA) Class, usually scheduled on Mondays. Each TA Class is linked to a specific counselor through its Teacher Advisor. Parents and students can identify the associated counselor for a TA Class by referring to the SVHS Counseling Units 2023-2024 document.

Seniors should have already taken their senior portraits. If not, please contact Honest Light Photography to schedule a sitting as soon as possible.

Deadline: January 10, 2024

The memories, the moments, the milestones; capture them all in the SVHS Yearbook. It is now available for order on the Jostens website. Secure your copy today for $110 to ensure you have a keepsake of this pivotal year.

For direct ordering, visit the SVHS Yearbook Page on Jostens website.

Senior Baby Photo Submissions:

• Share your adorable baby moments.
• Submit through the Senior Baby Photo Submission Form.
• Deadline: January 10, 2024.

Senior Quote Submissions:

• Keep it to ONE sentence.
  
• Ensure it is school appropriate (no cursing or inappropriate references).

• Submit through the Senior Quote Submission Form.

• Deadline: January 10, 2024.

Important Yearbook Update:

• Remaining Copies: There are only 50 yearbooks left to buy.
• Pre-sale Deadline: Yearbook pre-sales end on April 30. Buy your book today before they are sold out.
• Post-Pre-sale Sales: Starting May 20, any extra yearbooks will be sold in the ASB office for $120 on a first-come, first-serve basis until sold out.

Ordering caps and gowns is accessible online through the Jostens website or by calling 1-800-JOSTENS (567-8367). For further inquiries or issues, contact the local Jostens office directly:

• Office: 805-987-4147
• Email: Zavala.Office@Jostens.com

Direct Ordering: Visit the SVHS Cap & Gown Page on Jostens' website for easy access.

Pick-Up Details: Caps and gowns are not shipped to homes but must be collected at the Grad Shop event on June 5 at SVHS.

Early Bird Pricing: Extended to November 30, 2023, allowing for savings and avoidance of late fees.

Financial Assistance: Students needing financial support for cap and gown purchases should consult their counselor.

Modification Policy: Modifications to caps and gowns are not permitted, except for official school awards.

Students are encouraged to place their order early!

Celebrate the Class of 2024 with personalized senior yard signs, exclusively from American Trophies & Awards, our official retailer for SVHS senior yard signs. With six vibrant designs to choose from, these signs are a perfect way to showcase your senior's achievements and make their year even more memorable.

Details:

• Each sign measures 18″ x 24″ in a horizontal layout.
• Comes with a durable metal H-frame for easy yard display.
• Imprint available on one side.
• Personalization is free, and there are no set-up fees.
• Please note: This item is for PICK-UP ONLY at American Trophies & Awards. Free shipping is not available for this offer. Expect a production time of 4-5 business days.

Price: $25.00 per sign.

For direct ordering and to view the designs, visit the SVHS Senior Yard Sign Page on American Trophies & Awards' website.

Deadline: Purchase tickets by Monday, November 6. LAST CHANCE!

Where to Buy: Tickets available at the ASB Office or online via the SVUSD Webstore. (Note: A service fee applies for online purchases.)

Requirement: Submit the SVUSD Dance & Event Contract 2023-2024 to the ASB Office prior to ticket purchase.

Event Details:

• Date: Thursday, November 9
• Time: 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
• Location: SVHS Pioneer Plaza

Ticket Pricing:

• Standard: $30
• With ASB Card: $25 (SVHS students only - Discount applied at checkout)

Don't miss out on the Senior Dinner—secure your spot now!

Who to Honor: Choose a teacher, coach, or mentor from any school year who has been influential in your educational journey.

Recognition: Honorees receive VIP seating at graduation, an invitation to the Senior Luau, inclusion in the graduation program, and a Certificate of Appreciation.

How to Nominate: Fill out the Honor Guard Nomination Form - Class of 2024 by February 2.

No Late Nominations: Ensure timely submission as late entries cannot be accepted.

Celebrate an educator who made a difference in your life!

Deadline: Secure your tickets by Monday, December 4. Don't miss out!

Where to Buy: Tickets available at the ASB Office or online via the SVUSD Webstore. (Note: A service fee applies for online purchases.)

Event Details:

• Date: Wednesday, December 13 - CANCELED!
• Time: 6:00 PM
• Location: Studio Movie Grill Simi Valley
• Movie: Crazy Rich Asians
• Ticket Pricing: $30 (Includes meal, popcorn, and drink).

Enjoy a fun-filled movie night with your classmates. Get your tickets now!

Date: February 3, 2024

Time: 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM

Location: The Vineyards, 2525 Stow St, Simi Valley, CA 93063

Theme: Mardi Gras

Ticket Sales:

• Availability: January 10 to January 29.
• Where to Buy: ASB Office or online via the SVUSD Webstore. (Note: A service fee applies for online purchases.)
• Requirement: Complete the SVUSD Dance & Event Contract 2023-2024 and submit it to the ASB Office before buying tickets.
• Non-SVHS Guests: Complete the SVUSD Guest Dance & Event Contract 2023-2024 and Senior before buying tickets on the ASB Office.

Ticket Pricing:

• Standard: $95
• With ASB Card: $85 (Discount applied at checkout for SVHS students only)

Prepare for an evening of enchantment at the Winter Formal. Don't miss out—get your tickets early!

• Date: Tuesday, February 6
• Time: 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
• Format: Online via Zoom
• Purpose: Gain valuable information about financial aid for college.
• Attendees: Open to all interested in learning about financial aid options.

Don't miss this opportunity to get informed about financial aid. Mark your calendar!

Date: Friday, May 31, 2024

Time: 9:00 PM - 2:00 AM

Location: Disney California Adventure, Anaheim, CA 92802

Parking: SVHS West Lot

Meet Up: SVHS Gym at 6:00 PM

Return: SVHS West Lot at approximately 3:00 AM

Price: $210.00 per ticket

Ticket Purchase Opportunities:

First Opportunity: Online Purchase

• Dates: February 29, 7:30 AM - March 4, 11:59 PM (or until sold out).
• Where: SVUSD Web Store (Access via SVHS website → "Students" tab → "Web Store").
• Pre-Purchase: Verify SVUSD Web Store account & complete the SVUSD Dance & Event Contract.
• Ticket Limit: One ticket per SVHS student.

Second Opportunity: In-Person Purchase

• Dates: March 5, 3:00 PM - March 11, 3:00 PM (or until sold out).
• Where: SVHS ASB Office.
• Pre-Purchase: Complete the SVUSD Dance & Event Contract.
• Ticket Limit: One ticket per SVHS student.

Important Reminders:

• Plan ahead and coordinate with friends for bus assignments.
• Tickets are exclusively for SVHS Grade 12 students.
• All purchases are non-refundable.
• For full details and instructions, review the Disneyland Grad Nite Ticket document.
• For detailed Grad Nite policies and expectations, review the Disneyland Grad Nite Policies and Expectations.

The following items are prohibited by Disneyland for all attendees:

• Alcoholic beverages and any illegal narcotics/substances.
• Marijuana (or any of its derivatives including marijuana enriched products and medical marijuana), even if it has been legally prescribed to the student or chaperone.
• Glass containers of any kind, glass perfume/cologne bottles of any size.
• All outside food and drinks that are not factory sealed.
• Smoking, vaping, cigarettes, electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), vaping products and any other tobacco products.
• Grads and/or their chaperones may only bring in medication (including but not limited to inhalers and over the counter and prescription medications) in conformance with school policy and the requirements under applicable laws and regulations, such as Section 49423.1 of the California Education Code.

Act now to make Grad Nite a highlight of your senior year!

Distribution: Contracts will be handed out in TA classes on Wednesday, April 3.
Signatures Needed: Both student and parent/guardian must sign the contract.
Return Deadline: Signed contracts are due back in TA Class on Monday, April 8.
Requirements: Completed contracts are required to attend Prom and the Graduation ceremony.

Key Contract Points:

1. Senior Activities and Commencement: Participation in senior activities and the commencement ceremony is a privilege, not a requirement for receiving a diploma.
2. Eligibility for Participation: To partake in senior activities, maintaining satisfactory attendance, behavior, and citizenship is required.
3. Financial Obligations: Clearing all school-related debts is required to receive yearbook and cap and gown. Unresolved debts may lead to diploma withholding.
4. Behavioral Standards: Appropriate behavior is required at all school activities. Serious violations may result in exclusion from senior events, including commencement.
5. Cap and Gown Protocol: Caps and gowns must be purchased from Jostens and worn as intended. Unauthorized modifications are not permitted. Financial assistance inquiries should be directed to a counselor.
6. Substance Abuse Policy: Compliance with the district's substance abuse policy is required at all school events. Violations will be subject to disciplinary action.
7. Rehearsal Attendance: Attendance at all rehearsals is mandatory for commencement participation. Conflicts with work or other commitments are not valid excuses.
8. Conduct at Graduation: Exemplary behavior and adherence to staff instructions during graduation events are required. Failure to comply may result in removal from the event.

Ensure the contract is signed by both the student and a parent/guardian and returned by the due date to participate in these significant senior year events.

Date: Saturday, May 11

Time: 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM

Location: Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N Sepulveda Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90049

Theme: Paris

Ticket Sales:

• Availability: April 9 to April 22 (extended until April 24).
• Where to Buy: ASB Office or online via the SVUSD Webstore. (Note: A service fee applies for online purchases.)
• Requirement: Complete the SVUSD Dance & Event Contract 2023-2024 and Senior Contract 2024 before buying tickets.
• Non-SVHS Guests: Complete the SVUSD Guest Dance & Event Contract 2023-2024 before buying tickets on the ASB Office.

Ticket Pricing:

• Standard: $165/each
• With ASB Card: $155/each (Discount applied at checkout for SVHS senior students only)

Prepare for an evening of festivities at the Prom. Don't miss out—get your tickets early!

Schedule Overview:

• B Day Exams: Thursday, May 30 - Exams for Periods 2, 4, 6, and 7.
• A Day Exams: Friday, May 31 - Exams for Periods 1, 3, 5, and 7.

Exam Timing: Exams will be held during regular class times.

Modified Schedule Information: Due to the school being closed for Memorial Day on Monday, May 27, there is a modified schedule that week.

Date: Thursday, June 6, 2024

Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Location: SVHS Stadium

Gate Opens: 4:30 PM

Review the new Graduation Guide for complete details on graduation information for graduating seniors, guests, Honor Guard, and SVHS staff.

• Google Accounts Deactivation: Google Accounts for graduating students will be disabled shortly after graduation. Students should start transferring items from their Drive to another storage solution before June 7.
• Email Address Updates: Students are advised to review their email subscriptions and account registrations. It's crucial to ensure the school email is not listed as the primary contact for important communications, such as future schooling or employment. These should be updated to a personal email address to avoid missing critical information.
  

Graduating students are encouraged to start these steps now to ensure a smooth transition post-graduation.

Disclaimer: Information in this publication is subject to change without notice. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, Simi Valley High School cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions. For the most current information, please verify details directly with the appropriate contacts.