Raider Reporter Staff Edition

Amazing Raider Families,

“Caring is the key that unlocks doors and opens eyes to the needs and struggles of others.” ~Senator Corey Booker~

15 days left of Semester 1.

December is considered the loneliest month of the year. For many people, December is a source of joy, but for many others, December represents feelings of loneliness and sadness, often associated with the winter months, but also with holiday season when many spend the holidays alone. Consequently, many organizations have turned this month into a time of the year to intentionally demonstrate care, not just for others but for yourself. When you care for others, it takes aways the focus on yourself and focus on the needs and struggles of others. Below is a "Caring Countdown Calendar." This special countdown, all the way to Christmas Day, outlines different selfless and kind gestures towards other people. I am going to do these caring acts, and I wanted to share it with all of you so that you can join me. Let's actively demonstrate our care for others who need cheer during this holiday season.

1. Give someone a hug or compliment.
2. Let someone in front of you in line.
3. Buy a friend or colleague coffee.
4. Hold the door open for someone.
5. Bake cookies for your local fire department or police department.
6. Give a friend or loved one your full attention.
7. Donate a Christmas present to a charity.
8. Write a holiday card to soldiers.
9. Do something kind for yourself.
10. Hide a happy note for someone to find.
11. Donate unwanted books to charity.
12. Tape someone money on a vending machine.
13. Smile at a stranger, or 2, or 15.
14. Get in touch with an old friend or relative.
15. Let a car in front of you in traffic.
16. Write or send a thank you note to someone.
17. Smile and thank someone who serves you.
18. Tell someone you love them.
19. Pay for a stranger's coffee.
20. Offer to help someone.
21. Donate unwanted clothes to charity. Do something unexpected for someone.
22. Give a treat to your postal carrier.
23. Do something kind for yourself.
24. Tell a joke to make someone smile.
25. Reflect and record how much joy this season brought you.

Gratitude Notes to Teachers/Staff

As we near Thanksgiving, it is time to put our gratitude for one another in action. I have done this activity in all three schools of which I have had the privilege to lead. Take time to write a note of gratitude to a teacher and/or staff this holiday season. Click below to nominate someone you are grateful for. If you are are nominating more than one teacher, you will need to complete this form by the number of staff members you want to give a note to. My goal is that we have each note printed on a nice paper to give as holiday gifts to them. Raiders, let's make our staff feel loved.

• Click HERE to write a gratitude note in English.
• Click HERE to write a gratitude note in Spanish.

District Decision on Ending the Eight-Period Day

Raider families, the district reached a decision to end the eight-period day starting in the 2025-2026 school year. Click HERE to read the letter I sent out to our SOH community on November 22. The schedule that a school adopts is under the governance of the teachers' contract. There is a committee of teachers who have assembled to explore the potential of a new innovative schedule for 2025-2026. The goal of the potential new innovative schedule is to provide the same or similar opportunities that were afforded by having an eight-period day. Once they follow the procedures provided by the teachers' contract, they can discuss as a staff and it will go to a vote amongst teachers and counselors. Site administrators or classified staff do not get to vote on this. If a new innovative schedule is not approved with a 60% majority, the default schedule will be Periods 1-6 daily. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me or make an appointment to come and speak to me in person.

ASB Spirit Week "Winter Wonderland" is the week of December 9, 2024

Students, let's finish Semester 1 by participating in the next spirit week called Winter Wonderland. Here is the list of spirit gear for each day:

• Monday: Wear Holiday Hats
• Tuesday: Wear Holiday Sweaters
• Wednesday: Wear All White
• Thursday: Wear Character Color (Santa - Red; Rudolph - Brown; Snowman - White; Elf - Green)
• Friday: Wear Pajamas

Toys for Joy Event is December 14, 2024

Families, we are hosting the Rock Church Toys for Joy Event on December 14. If your family would like to participate in this event, click HERE to register to attend and receive services as well as toys for your children. If you or your students would like to volunteer for the event, click HERE to sign up. Community service will be given to students who volunteer.

Community Schools Survey Continues

We are currently at 43% completion rate on the Family Community Schools Needs Assessments Survey. Parents, if you have not completed the survey yet, please complete before the end of the semester. We have created a personalized SOH video as to why we are already doing the work as a community school. Please watch by scrolling down to the Community Schools section.

• Click HERE to complete the Family/Community Survey.
• Click HERE to complete the Student Survey

Finals Week Schedule

Families, below is the finals week schedule. Students get out early. Please mark your calendars.

Morning Tutoring Continues

Students, if you need a space to catch up on work, please take advantage of our morning tutoring services. So far, no one has taken advantage of the Math and Social Science tutoring. Don't wait to the last minute to ensure that you have good grades.

NEW!! Lunchtime Tutoring is now Available

Raiders, if you need space to make up work, finish homework or complete missing assignments, please take advantage of our Lunchtime Tutoring in the library. You can get tutoring in Math, English, Science and Social Science. Don't wait to the last minute to make up your grades.

Library November Newsletter

Parents and Students, please read the Library Section below with its newsletter. See what our amazing libary team has to offer you! Click HERE to read the newsletter.

Let's have a wonderful week!

Sincerely,

Mrs. Finley

What is Toys for Joy?

During the holiday season, it can be difficult for families to provide toys and food without sufficient funds and resources. This is true now more than ever with the impact of COVID-19 throughout the last three years.

In the past 26 years, over 234,615 San Diego children and their families have experienced the hope of the Christmas season in a unique way at the annual Toys for Joy event where they receive free toys, groceries, and more. Just in the last year, 5,103 people were served by 3,048 volunteers where 35,834 lbs of groceries and over 6,601 toys were distributed. Rock Church, together with schools, businesses, local churches, and community organizations partner to host the event each year

To register your families to attend, click HERE.

To register to volunteer, click HERE.

Families, to complete the survey, click HERE.

Students, to complete the survey, click HERE.