Week 1 Update 8/16/2024

What a wonderful opening week to school. The best thing about the opening week is the energy that is infused onto campus by our Eagles. We appreciate the patience exhibited by both our families, students, and staff as we all worked through the opening-week craziness. Once next week ends, we will be in full motion of our school year. We hope our students take advantage and are a part of the many different events and activities on campus.

Activities are already beginning as we had our first ASB student rally today and tonight is our Freshmen Only Dance (info below). We are committed to making this the most exciting and fun year in our 30 year history!

Please scroll through each heading to find information that pertains to you and your family. Have a wonderful weekend.

Sincerely,

Your Principal, Zach Mercier

Freshmen, what better way to celebrate your first week of high school than to enjoy a Freshman Only "Sneaker Ball!" This event is for freshmen only and will be held this Friday at Lancaster High School for only $10. See info below and see you there!

What: Welcome to High School Freshman 'Sneaker Ball'

Who: Class of 2028/ FRESHMAN ONLY
When: 8/16 from 6p-8p
Where: Lancaster High School Quad

Cost: $10 (see QR code below or pay at the door)
Attire: Best Dress/Drip & Sneakers
Refreshments: Will be available for purchase
Brought to you by the Girls Volleyball Team

We invite you to actively contribute to our school community by considering a nomination for the School Site Council. This esteemed council plays a vital role in shaping our educational priorities and initiatives. As a member, you will participate in collaborative decision-making, reviewing and approving school plans, and ensuring that resources are allocated effectively to meet the needs of our students. Your involvement will make a significant impact on the direction and success of our school. Nominations are open until September 1st, 2024. Join us in fostering a supportive and enriching environment for our students. Your commitment is valued and essential to our shared mission of providing an exceptional education. Terms are two-year terms beginning in September 2024 - September 2026. Thank you for considering this opportunity to make a difference.

Please see the link below for full Student Schedule Change Information.

Information includes:

• Schedule changes due to error
• Schedule change requests
• Unavoidable schedule changes that are happening

Students should now have their ID cards as they were printed and given to students. Please make sure that your student has their ID daily and presents it upon request.

Some ID tips:

• Have your student take a picture of their ID and have it on their phone (put it in favorites)
• Put your ID on a lanyard and have it in your bag

If you do not have an ID yet, you will need to take your picture at picture make-up day (9th grade pictures are on August 26th and 10th-12th makes ups are August 27th). In the meantime, you may:

• Have a copy of your schedule to present as your ID
• Use your temporary ID card if you have one
• Get the "avuhsd" app, sign-in to Lancaster, sign-in with your Google Account (click "student info" in the app to log in) and present this at the gate
• Have your Google Classroom open on your phone
• If you were a student last year, but did not get your ID on the first day, go to the Activities Office to pick up your ID

If you are a student who was not here last year:

• 9th: IDs will be given during picture day on August 26
• 10th-12th: IDs will be given during picture day on August 27

Freshmen and Makeup Pictures will be taken during English classes on Monday, August 26th and Tuesday August 27th. Students who do not have a current picture/ID need to take their Make-Up Pictures will do so on the specific date noted below.

These pictures are for Freshmen and those students who did not take ID pictures last year or for our new students.

Here is a link to picture package ordering information:

https://home.oconnorphotography.net/online-ordering

We are excited to announce the upcoming opening of our new Composites Lab at Lancaster High School, a cutting-edge facility designed to provide our students with hands-on experience in one of the most innovative fields of material science. In this lab, students will have the opportunity to learn about and work with composite materials, which are made by combining two or more distinct substances to create a material with enhanced properties. These materials are widely used in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and construction, making this an invaluable learning experience for those interested in STEM fields.

The Composites Lab will allow our students to explore the processes of designing, fabricating, and testing these advanced materials, fostering their creativity, problem-solving skills, and understanding of real-world applications. Our goal is to provide a dynamic and engaging learning environment that prepares them for future academic and career opportunities in engineering, manufacturing, and beyond.

We look forward to the exciting projects and discoveries that will emerge from this lab, and we are confident that it will be a tremendous asset to our school's STEM program.

Take a virtual look at what our composites lab will look like... it's almost done!

Every Tuesday, our ASB produces its "EagleVision" broadcast. This is a great place to find out what is happening across our campus. These videos will be featured on our weekly update after being shown to our students each Tuesday.

Join our Social Media to follow Athletics and Activities!

Instagram - @lancaster.hs

Facebook - @lancasterhs

To schedule a virtual appointment with a counselor please visit designated link below.

(Counselors are designated by last name. Please see alpha next to names to find your counselor)

Robert Parks (A-Ak & M&E Academy) https://rdparks.youcanbook.me/

Monica Lomeli (Al-Ce) http://mlomeli.youcanbook.me

Kenneth Dakwa (Ch-Ga) https://kdakwa.youcanbook.me

Raelene Lewis (Ge-Ke) https://rrlewis.youcanbook.me

LaTanya Jones (Ki-Mo) https://lajones.youcanbook.me/

Debbie Penny (Mu-Ri) https://debbiepenny.youcanbook.me

Christina Candelaria (Ro-Ti) https://ccandelaria.youcanbook.me/

Melissa Vattioni (To-Z) https://mvattioni.youcanbook.me

*Please note that there is always a Counselor of the Day who is able to meet in person with a student and/or parent if their assigned counselor is not available.

As always, safety and security is a top priority across the Antelope Valley Union High School District. It is with this in mind that we will not be able to allow students and/or parents/guardians to place food orders for delivery to our schools during the school day.

This practice not only causes a disruption to the school environment but also poses a potential security threat. As such, beginning immediately school staff will not accept any food deliveries, nor will delivery personnel be allowed onto our campuses. If your student does not bring a meal or snack, there are no-cost healthy options available in the cafeteria every day.

Thank you in advance for your understanding and your cooperation in keeping our school safe and secure. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Mr. Santoyo at asantoyo@avhsd.org

We need your help and support in regard to dress code. In short, the dress code is that students need to dress appropriately for a school setting.

Specifically, I want to bring up the two most common dress code violations: tube tops and shirts with drug/alcohol references ("Cookies" is the most common violation). These are strictly not allowed per our district dress code. There is more to our dress code, but we are noticing these items are being worn more than usual.

A point of reflection when deciding if something is or is not against dress code is this, if your student is wearing something and is wondering if it is in or out of dress code, don't wear it. Please use common sense and be prepared (have another shirt in your bag for example) if you are unsure.

Trust me, NOBODY likes to stop students for dress code. Our goal is to be the preparatory institution that prepares your student for both college and career. A part of career preparation is wearing proper attire. Please help us by monitoring your own student's dress. Thank you for listening to my thoughts and have a wonderful evening.

Here are the daily bell schedules for this week. Flex Days this year are EVERY Tuesday.