A Note From the Principal
Good Morning River Hawk Families,
We were honored to have some of our students put on an incredible culture day in the library this past Tuesday. Students shared information about their country of origin and provided some tasty treats. We thank Mrs. Kapp, her staff, and her students for a wonderful event!
Please be sure to support PTSA by attending their Red Robin Fundraiser this Wednesday, October 9th (flyer below). 8th grade students have the opportunity to buy a special 8th grade hoodie this week only. If your student is interested, be sure to see details in the article below. Also, take a moment to read about our district's Culture of Safety and Wellness Event this month and to peruse the October issue of From the Hart.
Finally, we hope all of our River Hawks enjoy a fantastic Monday off for our fall break day. In our district, we only take the one day, Monday, October 7th.
In this issue learn more about:
- 8th Grade Hoodies Sale
- A Culture of Safety and Wellness
- From the Hart newsletter - October issue
- Hart District Attendance Challenge
Repeated in this issue:
- Project Linus Make a Blanket Day (AOC & COC)
- Tik Tok/Social Media Challenge
- Wish Foundation Ascend Conference
- Science Olympiad Team Still Looking for a Business Sponsor
- PTSA Red Robin Fundraiser THIS Wednesday
Sincerely,
Mrs. Bennett
Important Dates
October 7th:
- Fall Break - No School (only one day off in our district)
October 9th:
- PTSA Red Robin Fundraiser
October 15th:
- Hart District Annual Culture of Safety and Wellness Community Event 6:30-8 p.m. at the La Mesa Junior High School MPR
October 18th:
- End of Quarter 1 (Q1)
October 22nd:
- Q1 Grades Post to IC after 3 p.m.
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.
8th Grade Hoodies Now On Sale
8th grade hoodies are now for sale on the web store or at the ASB window. They are $30 and come in sizes small-XXXL. All 8th graders' names will be printed on the back in the shape of the number 25. They are only on sale until October 11th so we can order them and get them for the cooler weather.
Hart District Culture of Safety and Wellness Meeting
The Hart District has committed to seeking the input of the community on an annual basis. We invite Hart District students, staff, and parents to join us for our annual discussion: A Culture of Safety and Wellness in the Hart District on October 15, from 6:30pm-8:00pm, at the La Mesa Junior High School Multipurpose Room, 26623 May Way, Santa Clarita.
At this meeting, District staff will share information on the many components that contribute to safety and wellness, access and equity, and communication and collaboration on our campuses as outlined in our Strategic Plan. Participants will be invited to provide feedback and suggestions in four key areas:
- Physical Safety and Communication
- Culture and Climate
- Mental Health and Wellness Supports
- Student Perspective
The feedback from this discussion will inform our efforts to enhance and improve our planning and help us determine how to allocate resources.
Hart District Attendance Challenge
Attendance Matters.
Regular attendance is key to student success. When students are in class, they can actively engage in learning, participate in class discussions, and build important social skills.
Attendance Challenges:
To encourage and celebrate consistent attendance, we're introducing attendance challenges. These challenges offer exciting prizes, sponsored by local businesses, and encourage good habits.
First Challenge: October 8-31
Students with perfect attendance (no tardies) can enter a drawing to win AirPods.
*Learning Post Academy will explore alternative attendance recognition options for independent study students. More details coming soon.
Let's Work Together:
We believe this challenge will not only motivate students to come to school every day but also foster a sense of community and teamwork among our students. Thank you for your continued support. Together, we'll create a positive learning environment for all students.
Project Linus 2024
Project Linus is an annual AOC (Academy of the Canyons) tradition that offers students throughout the Hart District an opportunity to earn community service hours for helping make blankets for those in need. For more information watch the short video below and then sign-up on the form below that.
Tik Tok/Social Media Challenges
While social media has some fun, wonderful and beneficial challenges there have also been many harmful challenges over the years. Challenges that are hurtful to others and even at times destructive. We are purposely going to our parents rather than putting this on RioTV as we do not want to encourage participation with the current challenges showing up. Our hope is you can take a moment to have a conversation with your student about your expectations with challenges like these:
- Students are challenged to collect backpack tags off of the zippers of students backpacks.
- Students are challenged to open someone's backpack pocket where things can fall out and further challenges are now suggesting they take something random with the intent of giving it back, the problem though is it doesn't always come back.
- Students are challenged to hit each other very hard in the lower side-hip area to essentially create a numb leg.
Please ensure your student understands that the top two of these are theft and even the small backpack tags are, understandably, upsetting many of our students when they go missing. The last one can be downright dangerous and harmful. Students caught participating in challenges like these will likely receive consequences, especially with theft of items and harm to others.
The overwhelming majority of the theft challenges on our campus are occurring when students leave their backpacks unattended or leave it with a friend/friend group to "watch" and then they walk away before the owner returns. Staff have told students multiple times this year to always keep their belongings with them, but so many do not. Please make sure your student understands the importance of keeping their belongings with them at all times.
As a parent you have to determine what is right for your child, but we strongly encourage you to use the resources through Digital for Good and know what social media sites your child is accessing and what they're watching. Many parents we talk with are often surprised at what their child is actually seeing. We appreciate your partnership!
Our Science Olympiad Team is up and running, meeting regularly after school and already beginning their preparations for competition later in the year. Students are welcome to be part of the club and to become a member of the competition team if interested. Science Olympiad meets in room B-3 on Mondays and Tuesdays from 2:45 to 4 p.m.
We are looking for a business sponsor willing to help fund competition fees and costs of materials and activities. If you or someone you know is connected to a business that might be willing and able, please reach out to our advisor, Mr. St. Peter, at jstpeter@hartdistrict.org
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