Hello River Hawk Families,

Only three school days left and it doesn't feel like summer is coming, does it? Before we know it that dreadful heat will be here though, I'm sure. Next week Tuesday is a regular day (2:30 dismissal), Wednesday is still Early Release (1:30 dismissal), and Thursday, the last day of school, is a minimum day (12:05 dismissal). We look forward to a great last week!

We ask that you, once again, partner with us by having a conversation with your student this weekend about yearbook signing. Whether they have a book or are just signing their friends' yearbook, it helps when they know your expectations match ours, so that no one is paying to replace a damaged book. Please talk with them about the importance of writing positive, respectful messages to everyone whose book they sign. We want all students to have a wonderful collection of positive memories in their book!

As we head into this holiday weekend, may we all take a moment to remember those who gave their life to protect and serve our great nation. To all serving, or who have served, we thank you for your service!

In this issue learn more about:

• Important Dates
• Universal Studios Recap
• Band Concert
• Yearbook Distribution Information
• Block Party & Last Day for 8th Graders
• Sign-up Genius Donations for Teacher Work Day Breakfast by PTSA
• WR Coding Club - Summer Virtual Training Opportunity

Repeat of:

• Lost and Found
• Summer School Options
• Teen Mental Health Resources from the Dept. of Public Health (DPH)

Have a wonderful Memorial Day Weekend,

Mrs. Bennett

May 28th:

• Yearbook Distribution Day
• Yearbooks on sale after 2 p.m. Tuesday - cash only
• 8th Grade Block Party (Dance) - 5 to 7 p.m.

May 30th:

• Minimum Day - Last STUDENT day - dismissal 12:05 p.m.
• 8th Grade Good-bye bash (2nd block after brunch)

UPDATE:

June 3rd:

• Final Grades post to Infinite Campus after 3 p.m.

Current 7th grade Families for Next Year:

Mid-July:

• Families will receive emails/parent square messages regarding summer check-in details, forms to fill out, purchase for next year, immunization information (IF needed), etc.

August 5th:

• 8th Grade Summer Check-in

August 6th:

• 7th Grade Summer Check-in

August 12th:

• First Day of School for Hart District Schools

CLICK HERE for a printable copy of the calendar pictured.

Our 8th graders did a wonderful job representing us proudly at Universal Studios and everywhere we ran into them in the park they were having such a great time. We asked them to have fun safely, respectfully, and kindly no matter what other schools did, and they did just that! Once the public was excused from the park, the lines were practically non-existent and everyone had the opportunity to ride everything they wanted to. While we know the Thursday evening was rough, the lack of crowds made up for that and it was fun to hear the excitement as we talked to students all night. Enjoy a few pictures we captured below from an amazing 8th Grade Trip! It was wonderful to take such a great group of students out and I am going to miss them, but alas they're about to be off to bigger and better things, as it should be.

Last Friday, May 17th, parents, friends, and staff were treated to a lovely musical concert by our Beginning and Advanced Bands and our Guitar elective classes. The students did a wonderful job, under the direction of Mr. Gilbert, and had a great time playing for the audience. Assistant Principal, Ms. August, even shared she had new music to add to her playlist after enjoying the evening's performance! Thank you to all of our families and friends who support our incredible music program here at Rio Norte!

Yearbooks will be distributed starting at 2:00 on Tuesday, May 28th. Students who did not turn in textbooks and/or clear delinquencies by this past Friday, May 24th, will need to clear their delinquency in order to claim their yearbook from the librarian. All students who pre ordered a yearbook and turned in textbooks and cleared any delinquencies will have their yearbook delivered to them at 2:00pm during the special yearbook distribution advisory of the day.

If your child did not preorder a yearbook and would still like to purchase one, they will be on-sale starting at 2:00pm for $52 cash only at the ASB window.

Please remind your child to write their name in ink in several locations in their yearbook. Because yearbooks all look the same, they are easy to mistake for others'. Students are responsible for keeping track of their yearbook as we will not be able to replace misplaced books.

The yearbook staff has worked very hard to bring our students an amazing yearbook. It is an entirely student made book, under the advisement of Ms. Bretthauer. She works hard each year with her new and returning Yearbook Class to ensure they do their best to represent all students, programs, and peer groups. We sincerely hope you enjoy it!

*Pictured above is last years' cover.

Eighth grade block party (dance) tickets are still on sale and include a Habit Burger Meal. Tickets are now $30 through the webstore or at the ASB Window on Tuesday. We will also still sell at the door. Cash only at the ASB window or at the door and still includes the Habit meal. ALL students entering the dance MUST have their student ID with them as the ticket is loaded into the barcode of their ID card. Students without an ID will be sent to the end of the line until all others are in and names can be checked on a list. Please encourage your student to be sure they have their ID card this weekend and to look for it if they don't have it. Students will be given a raffle ticket as they enter for their Habit meal. They MUST treat this ticket as though it is cash and be sure they do not lose it as it cannot be replaced.

ASB has a fun day planned for all 8th graders on Thursday, May 30th. All 8th graders will go to their first block (period 6). After brunch, students will report to period 5 for attendance and be released to join their team in a rotation of three stations: DJ with Inflatables, Donut Truck and Yearbook Signing, and a Video Recap of the year. We can't wait to celebrate our 8th graders and send the off to high school with a fun last day!

Every day we are putting lost and found out for students to claim their belongings through the end of the year. Any unclaimed items will be donated on June 5th. Please have students look at the tables and rack by the office. The water bottles are now all out on a table as well. Parents please call the office to arrange a time if you'd like to look through our lost and found prior to June 5th.

Summer School opportunity for current 8th graders. The William S. Hart School District is offering an online Health class to allow students to complete the Health requirement before starting high school. This is a terrific opportunity to get ahead and complete a required course. If you are interested, please fill out this form: Summer School Interest Form for Current 8th Graders

Summer School Opportunity for current 7th graders. The William S. Hart School District is offering summer school for current 7th graders that either need to make up some junior high credits or wish to review some key concepts before their 8th grade year. This is called The Summer Impact Program. It will begin July 1 through July 30 (no school on July 4th or 5th). If you are interested, please fill out the form below.

Summer School Interest Form for Current 7th Graders

Thomas Flores, 8th grade Assistant Principal

Shonna August, 7th grade Assistant Principal

ATTENDANCE Needs: Email lmcdaniel@hartdistrict.org

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

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, l 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.