El Modena High School
Week of October 6
PRINCIPAL'S UPDATE
I want to take a moment to express my immense pride in our students for their participation in Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This week was a shining example of what makes El Modena such a special place.
At Thursday’s football game, our students showed their solidarity and support by wearing a vibrant array of pink shades—each one a testament to their commitment to raising awareness about breast cancer. It was inspiring to look out into the stands and see such an overwhelming display of unity for such an important cause.
Equally as impressive was the turnout at Friday morning’s Walk for the Cure. Our students showed up early, enthusiastic and ready to contribute, not just through their presence, but through their passion. These efforts speak volumes about the character of our school community. I had the chance to ask one student why she was participating, and her response was simple but powerful: “This is just what we do.”
In that moment, I realized how deeply ingrained our values are in the hearts of our students. El Modena’s culture is founded on Equity, Leadership, Motivation, and Ownership—and this week, our students embodied all of these. They showed ownership of an important issue and demonstrated leadership by taking meaningful action.
It’s a significant milestone in a young person’s life when they begin to think beyond themselves, and this week, our students did just that. They exemplified maturity, compassion, and responsibility—key traits of true leaders.
I am incredibly proud of our El Modena family. “This is just what we do,” and what we do makes a difference.
A big thanks to Robin Lingle, Molly Chertock, Lori Rivera, ASB, Linda Manion, and the Football Boosters for organizing these activities.
Go Vanguards!
Bob King
ASSISTANT PRINCIPALS' UPDATES
School Site Council
We invite you to vote for our School Site Council Parent/Community Member(s) that are interested in serving a two-year term on the council. There is one vacant position. Below you will find a link to a Google form that will include the name(s) of the interested candidates. Please choose one candidate for the position of School Site Council Parent/Community representative. You can vote by clicking here:
https://forms.gle/ydasLEpojWD2JEzR8
Polls are open now until October 9th at 4:00 pm (PST)
Supports for Student Success
Please check your progress report grades on Aeries. We understand that academic challenges can be difficult, but with the right steps, your student can improve their performance. Here are some helpful tips to support your student in their journey to success:
Tips for Improvement:
Aeries Portal: Stay informed and engaged with your student's academic progress by regularly checking Aeries Student/Parent Portal. This tool provides real-time access to grades, attendance, and important updates, helping to ensure success throughout the school year.
Speak with Your Teacher: El Modena High School teachers are committed to the success of all students. Students, ask for study tips and ways to improve your grade.If you have questions about how you/your student is performing in a course, please contact the teacher directly. For a staff directory- click here.
Use Your Short Days Wisely: Work/study in the library or at home if you have a short day.
Advocate for Yourself: Don’t hesitate to ask your teacher for help or clarification.
Consult Your Counselor: Get advice on course planning and academic support. If your student has a case carrier, you should also reach out to them.
Orange Public Library Resources: The Orange Public Library offers a wide range of resources to support student learning. Take advantage of these valuable tools to enhance academic success and personal growth.
Math Tutoring Hours:
Tuesday: Room 201, 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday & Friday: Room 227, Lunch
Encourage your student to take advantage of these resources. Together, we can help them succeed!
AP Exam Registration for AP Students
Please see the linked one-pager for important information regarding AP exam registration for this school year. Students will need to register in both Total Registration and College Board and indicate which exams they plan on taking in order to complete the registration process. The one-pager includes key details on timelines and fees.
Attendance Procedures and Behavior Expectations
At El Modena, we value instructional minutes and maintaining a safe learning environment. For your convenience, we have linked our attendance procedures and behavior policies, which are also published on our school website. As a reminder, only El Modena baseball hats can be worn on campus.
ASB STUDENT ACTIVITIES
Senior Portraits Deadline Is Quickly Approaching
South Coast Photography will once again be doing our senior portraits at their studio in Anaheim. The deadline for taking your senior portrait is November 26, 2024. If you haven’t had your senior portrait taken, make your appointment as soon as possible by calling (714) 630-8584. See the attached flyer for more information. Flyer Front Flyer Back
Senior Yearbook Ads
Senior yearbook pages are available for purchase now. The design process is 100% online. Full page ads are $280, half page ads are $140, and quarter page ads are $75. The last day to purchase senior yearbook pages is 2-1-25. All pages are due by 2-7-25. Use this link https://ybstore.friesens.com/769553 to purchase your senior yearbook page.
Student Activities
The Homecoming Before Christmas
Join El Modena students and alumni at the Homecoming Football Game at Fred Kelly Stadium on Thursday, October 17 at 7pm. This year’s Homecoming theme is based on Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas.
The Homecoming Dance Before Christmas is Saturday, October 19th from 7pm - 10pm in the El Modena quad. Students must have a signed dance contract to purchase tickets. Students with 4 or less detentions can pick up their dance contracts in room 307. Guest passes are available in 307 for students who wish to bring a student from another school. Guests must be 20 or under and El Modena students must have 0 detentions.
Dance Ticket prices are $50 per ticket with ASB and $55 without ASB. These prices are good October 1st - October 11th. Prices go up to $65 per ticket with ASB, and $70 without October 14th through October 17th. Thursday, October 17th is the last day to purchase tickets. No ticket sales at the door.
EL Modena Band Rehearse-a-thon
Band and Guard launched their biggest fundraiser of the year, the Rehearse-A-Thon.
The Rehearse-A-Thon is Saturday, October 12th. The band and guard members will be rehearsing (playing, marching, etc.) from 9am-5pm that day. Each member has a personal goal of raising $200 with a full Band and Guard goal of $10,000. Even though the event occurs on October 12th, the fundraiser will be open until October 20th.
Please consider donating to this hard working group. The donation link and additional information can be found at https://app.99pledges.com/fund/2024elmoband
Frontline Business Sponsorships
Our Journalism Program, which is made up of our Frontline newspaper, our Unwritten magazine, our Frontline website, and our Frontline Thrift Shop to name a few, is looking for business sponsorships to support our growing program. Please click below and consider allowing us to advertise your business.
EMHSFrontlineBusinessSponsorship
We also have a Friends and Family Sponsorship if you would like to donate as a Friend of Journalism, or as we like to say, our Frontline Family! EMHSFrontlineFriends+Family
COUNSELING CORNER
Counseling Information
The following is a list of the alphabet breakdown for each counselor:
Follow us @ elmo.counseling
Greetings from the Elmo PTSA El Modena!
Exciting news! The PTSA's annual FREE Reflections Art Program begins TODAY and all students are invited to participate!
This is an extra project that they complete at home on their own time. We just need YOU to let your students know about this opportunity.
WHAT IS REFLECTIONS?
Reflections is a national PTA program celebrating the arts. El Modena students are invited to participate in this FREE program by creating an original work of art in any of the following 6 categories: dance, film, literature, music, photography or visual arts- that is inspired by the theme: "Accepting Imperfection."
There are specific rules for each category (ie. size, file format, etc). Students should visit BEFORE starting their projects.https://capta.org/resource/participant-forms/
Most important rules: art must be inspired by the theme; art must be done by one artist only - no groups; students can create as many artworks as they wish-in any category; and each project must be accompanied by a completed Student Entry Form (must have artist statement and parent signature). Aattached are the English and Spanish forms or they can visit: https://capta.org/resource/participant-forms/
Artworks get judged by outside art professionals. They look for creativity, technique and interpretation of the theme! The first place artwork in each category will advance to the next level of Reflections and compete against those created by other PTA high schools in the district, county, state and nation. There are prizes at each stage. Reflections participation also looks good on college applications.
DUE DATE: Tuesday, October 15, 2024
Students turn their artwork & Student Entry Form into the Office by 3 PM (there will be a collection bin).
ART GALLERY/AWARDS RECEPTION: Tuesday, October 22, 2024
All participants and their families are invited to attend an evening art gallery reception on campus to view the art. Light refreshments will be served. Awards will be announced.
Thank you for sharing this information and opportunity with your students!
Please encourage your students to participate in this FREE program brought to you by your PTSA!
Best wishes,
Michelle Deziel Hernandez & Cristina Rodriguez
Reflections Chair, El Modena PTSA
Please consider becoming a member of the El Modena PTSA and supporting your student and school activities! JOIN ELMO PTSA here! For more information about PTSA and future meetings please visit the El Modena PTSA webpage. We welcome you to join us and learn about opportunities for how you can be involved!
Get your new Spirit wear!! Sweatshirts, t-shirts, car decals and stickers will be available to purchase at the home football games!
Go Vanguards!
Stephanie Mitchell
EL Modena PTSA President