THE FORECAST News 11.18.24

November 18, 2024

Dear Mayfair Community,

As we enter the homestretch heading into the end of the first semester, I want to take a moment to express my gratitude for all the hard work you have been putting in. We have a lot of tasks ahead of us, but it's also important to remember that we also have some time to rest - use it!

Thanksgiving break as an opportunity to rest and recover. This time will be crucial as we prepare for final exams in December. The semester will come to an end very quickly once Thanksgiving break is over, and I want to ensure that everyone is well-prepared.

Best regards,

Sean Diaz
Proud Principal

Also, please note that this week's newsletter is quite long. You might need to click on the "view entire message" button at the bottom of the email to view the entire newsletter.

Listed below are just a few reminders:

1. Mayfair Middle/High School does not permit any drop-offs or deliveries of food or other items. Please ensure that your student is prepared for the day when coming to school in the morning with their lunch, supplies, money, etc.
2. Dress Code. For the 2024-2025 school year, we are trying to prepare our students for college and career ready with a dress code. Students will not be allowed to wear any inappropriate clothing which includes the following: No sheer, low cut, revealing blouses, bare midriff, or braless outfits, bathing suits, beach attire, tight or revealing, or strapless garments. Please be sure that your student follows the dress code and wears appropriate clothing and accessories. Also, students may not bring blankets to campus. Click here to access Mayfair's Dress Code Policy.
3. No returning back to campus. If a student has an early release (7th or 8th period), once the student leaves campus, they may not return to campus during school hours. Parents - please ensure that your students are going home early if they have the early release.

Senior Families! Reminder UC/CSU Applications due Dec 2nd! Counselors available in Career Center every day at Lunch and 7th/8th period in the College & Career Center if you need assistance but don't wait to the last minute to submit!

Juniors and Seniors! Cerritos College Dual Enrollment opportunity on campus Spring Semester! Sociology 101 will be offered 1st and 2nd period . See your counselor ASAP if you are interested or have questions about the class.

Mayfair Middle and High School has an upcoming holiday breaks. The school will be closed during Thanksgiving break from November 25-29, 2024, to celebrate the holiday season. Enjoy these well-deserved days off!

Students who have PERFECT attendance... meaning no tardies and no absences will be invited to get a FREE Kona Ice and 30 min of extra lunch on Friday November 22. The challenge will run from Monday November 4th through Friday November 15th!! Students have 10 school days to achieve perfect attendance!!! We wanted to host an attendance challenge for the 7th & 8th grade, as well as the 9th and 10th graders on November 22!!! (Don't worry we will be planning something for 11th and 12th as well).

“November is Native American Heritage Month, or as it is commonly referred to, American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month. The month is a time to celebrate rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and histories and to acknowledge the important contributions of Native people,” according to the National Congress of American Indians. To observe National Native American Heritage Month, consider learning about Native Americans, visit museums, or watch documentaries about the rich cultural groups that are part of the Native American identity. Click here to access information and articles regarding Native American Heritage Month from The Library of Congress. You can also click here to visit the Native Hope website to learn more about Native American history, life, and culture.

Racism, prejudice, and discrimination against others is not something that we tolerate here at Mayfair Middle/High School. We strive to make our students understand the issues that revolve around racism and prejudice, and we would love parental support in this matter as well. Parents are the first line of defense when it comes to breaking down issues regarding racism and prejudice, but sometimes parents may not know how to engage in conversations with their children regarding these issues. Click here to access a UNICEF article titled "Talking to your kids about racism," which describes methods that adults can use to engage in conversations with children about racism and discrimination. You can also click here to review an article from Save the Children or click here for an article from PBS, which describes how to talk honestly with children about racism. Click here to access an article from Edutopia that also describes how to teach young child about bias, diversity, and social justice. There are so many great resources that are available on the internet, it simply takes time to find something that may work for you and your family.

Some tips to help parents prepare for difficult conversations and discussions may be:

1) To practice what you want to say before you say it

2) Be aware of your own biases

3) Ask your child how they feel - directly.

4) Do your research

5) Limit exposure to media and social media when things are overly negative

6) Listen to and encourage your child

7) Correct misinformation

8) Talk about race in age-appropriate ways

9) Be patient

Also, be sure to speak to your child and really teach about things that can be hurtful to other people. For instance, some people may view certain ideas/topics as a joke, but those jokes may not be funny to other people, and in many instances, they may be harmful. As an example, we sometimes have students that draw images of Nazi swastikas, thinking that this is a funny joke. However, the reality is that the Holocaust is not something that should be viewed as a joke; millions of people lost their lives during one of the most horrific time periods in human history, much of it due to racist ideology, and the Nazi swastika itself represents this ideology.

Microaggressions can also be problematic as well. This occurs when there is subtle or unintentional discrimination against members of a marginalized group. Click here to watch a short clip that provides a general description about microaggressions or click here to watch a different short clip that talks about microaggressions and how to respond to them.

To end this section, we ask one thing of our parents: Remember that you are the example your child follows. Showing strong leadership and demonstrating kindness towards others are skills that kids will pick up on, and will hopefully emulate.

In Los Angeles County, overdose deaths among teenagers doubled from 2019 to 2020 (during the covid pandemic), and in 2021, fentanyl was identified in about 77% of adolescent overdose deaths nationally. We are experiencing the worst overdose crisis in Los Angeles County history. Recent local tragedies include three Los Angeles County youth that had overdosed from MDMA that had been contaminated with fentanyl in May 2022. On September 13, 2022, a 15-year-old Bernstein HS student was found dead on campus in Hollywood after ingesting a pill containing fentanyl. There have been at least other 7 reported overdoses of other Los Angeles County youth.

Please check out the following flyer, attached below, which contains information about what to say to youth about fentanyl and overdoses, and how parents can talk to their children about the dangers of fentanyl and drugs.

Please see the following Final Exam Week Schedule. Please know that changes may still be made before then, but we wanted to share this information in advance. Finals week occures during the week of December 16th.

Join us in supporting Mayfair Middle & High School by participating in the "Dine n Donate" event with Cassidy’s Corner Cafe! On Friday, December 6th, bring this flyer to either Lakewood location—5625 Woodruff Ave or 11132 Del Amo Blvd—and enjoy a delicious meal. Cassidy’s Corner will donate 20% of your purchase back to our school, helping us raise funds for important programs. Remember to show this flyer at the time of purchase, and let’s make this event a success for our school community! #SOONS24/7

Join us for the Every Day Counts workshop at Mayfair Middle/High School on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, from 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM in Room 804. This session, designed for parents, will focus on understanding the importance of attendance as a key indicator of learning, identifying chronic absenteeism, its consequences, and ways you can support your student at home to improve attendance. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain insights and resources that can help your student succeed. Register using the QR code on the flier. We look forward to seeing you there!

Join us for the Mental Health 101 Parent Workshop presented by the Department of Mental Health on November 14th from 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM in Room 804 at Mayfair Middle/High School. This workshop will offer valuable insights into teen mental health, addressing topics like managing stress for both parents and teens, understanding mental health stigma, and providing tips on how you can support your student both at home and at school. With approximately one in four teens facing mental health challenges, it’s essential for parents to be informed and equipped. We hope to see you there to learn more about fostering a supportive environment for your child!

It is time for Project Shepherd! Project Shepherd is a can food drive that Mayfair participates in every year. It raises food for our local community and has supported many of our students and their families during tough times. We raise about 40,000 cans a year- which is enough to stock the food bank for a year!!!! The pick-up date for the food will be on TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10th!

Facts about Project Shepherd:

What is Project Shepherd: It is our school wide community service effort that we do with the City of Lakewood, which provides food to local families in need.

Why should you encourage students: It directly impacts OUR students - their families are the recipients of the food!!!!

What Mayfair does: Every year we donate food products and because of the support of the staff and students at Mayfair, the city is able to keep the food bank open and serving families year round!

Reward: We do not reward community service because it is our duty as citizens to help others But we will have an assembly for the classes that bring the most cans- this is an amazing assembly where our vocal groups perform wonderful holiday numbers! It is a treat! The assembly will be on Friday, December 13th.

We really need the support of the entire campus- WE REALLY DO MAKE A DIFFERENCE!!!!

Mayfair GirlUp is hosting our annual feminine hygiene drive to support Alexandria House, a housing center for women and children facing homelessness and trauma in Los Angeles. This important drive runs one week, as we will deliver all donations over Thanksgiving break. You can contribute items like diapers (sizes 4+ and pull-ups), baby wipes, shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, toothbrushes, body wash, soap, lotion, deodorant, and feminine products (pads preferred but tampons are also welcome). Donation boxes are located in the attendance office and in Room 208. Please ensure all donations are dropped off by lunchtime on 11/22. Thank you for making a difference this holiday season!

The School Cents program awards 30 local schools $500 to $10,000 annually based on points accumulated. Mayfair is currently in 5th place with 354,000 points.

The results of our September/October Student & Staff contest are:

Student winners: Andrew N., Joshua H., Juliana R., Katherine G., Leilani M., Lily C., Mason M., Nayeli G., Olivia B., Tyler B.
Staff winners: Mrs. Brown, Ms. De la Torre, Ms. Henderson, Mr. Sanders

Students were awarded a $10 gift card to Starbucks, and staff was provided a Lunch from Luna Grill.

The next contest is now underway. Support our Monsoons and help us win up to $10,000 by submitting your receipts from Los Cerritos, Lakewood, and Stonewood Centers, donating blood, a toy, or taking a photo with Santa. Please see the contest flyer for more details.

The United Soons Fall Festival at Mayfair High School’s STEAM Building on November 8th was a heartwarming event, bringing together students, families, and friends for an evening of autumn-themed fun. Guests enjoyed free nachos, seasonal activities, and lively entertainment, with a food truck offering additional treats. Students had a fantastic time, and it was wonderful to see families celebrating together. Many thanks to the dedicated teachers and student volunteers who helped make this event a success, creating a memorable evening for everyone involved. A special thank you to 562Photobooth for generously donating their photo booth to support our cause. For more information, they can be reached at (714) 249-5744 or 562photobooth@gmail.com.

On Friday, November 15th, the United Soons Flag Football Team from Mayfair High School competed at Paramount High School against teams from Warren High School, Locke High, and Paramount High. Students from both the general education and special education programs participated, showcasing their skills and teamwork on the field. The players had a great time, enjoying the energy and support from spectators in the stands. The next event for the United Soons will be a Unified Basketball Tournament, set to take place at Mayfair High School on December 6th.

Students in grades 6-12 are invited to participate in the "It’s My Write" 2024-2025 contest, a poetry and essay competition that celebrates creative expression. Participants may submit original poems or essays on the theme “It Takes a Village,” reflecting on the supportive people in their lives and the impact of those relationships. Essays should be no more than 800 words for grades 6-8 or 1200 words for grades 9-12, while poems can be up to two pages. All entries must be typed, double-spaced, and submitted by email to RLA@lacoe.edu by December 20, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. Don’t miss the chance to share your story and compete for recognition at the Literacy Lifts Conference!

The Winter Coat Drive at Mayfair Middle/High School was a great success, with students donating coats, sweatshirts, gloves, and beanies to help keep fellow Monsoons warm this winter. A big thank you to the PTSA for generously providing pizza for the top three classes with the most donations. As a special surprise, PTSA also brought pizza for a class that narrowly missed a tie for third place. All students in the top four classes received an extra reward of 50 MINGA points. Thank you to everyone who participated, and a huge thanks to PTSA for making the event even more memorable with the pizza – the students loved it! A total of 811 items were donated!!

From November 11 through November 15, we celebrate and honor our two wonderful school psychologists, Ms. Gagliardino and Ms. Garibay! Thank you both for all that you do for our students!

Hey Monsoons! See the following flyers regarding Dual Enrollmet. Any questions? Go to the College & Career Center. There is still time to get help with Dual Enrollment.

Join the Mayfair Middle School and Mayfair High School Counselors each month for a relaxed and informal Coffee Hour, where you can connect, share thoughts, ask questions, and gain valuable insights into your student’s educational journey. Each meeting will feature a presentation on a key topic relevant to your student’s experience, followed by time for discussion. The meetings will be held on November 22, January 31, February 28, March 28, and May 2, in Room 120 from 9:00 – 10:00 am for High School, and from 10:30-11:30am for Middle School. We look forward to connecting with you! #SOONS247

"Parents and Guardians! Come join us for our November Coffee with the Counselors gathering Friday 11/22 at 9:00 a.m. Come learn about Financial Aid information and other Aid available to your students. We kindly ask that you RSVP on Parent Square to let us know you will be attending"

Our recurring fun and rewarding event, Backpack, Backpack is coming up soon!

Join us during middle school lunch on the 3rd Wednesday of every month (with upcoming dates on November 20 and December 11) between the 200 Wing and the MPB. Students who come to clean out their backpacks will earn 5 Minga Points and a sticker! This is a great way to encourage organization and decluttering, setting them up for success as we head into the final stretch of the semester.
We encourage you to talk to your child about participating in these events. Your support can make a significant difference in their motivation and success!

Join us! November 19 & 20, Room 120 will be open for walk-ins and for students recommended by their teacher during 7th and 8th period. Middle School students will be able to catch up on their work, tackle homework, and prepare for finals. Please encourage your student to attend, and please use this form to "recommend" your student: https://tinyurl.com/facvw59x

We are thrilled to invite you to our upcoming "Coffee with the Counselors" event on November 22 at 9:00 AM in Room 120! This is a fantastic opportunity to connect with our dedicated Mayfair Middle School Counselors, discuss Middle School Promotion Requirements, and discover engaging ways to help your student thrive.
Enjoy a warm cup of coffee and light snacks while sharing your thoughts and questions in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Your insights are valuable, and we can’t wait to hear from you!
Please RSVP on Parent Square to let us know if you’ll be joining us. More details can be found on the attached flyer.
Thank you for being an essential part of our school community, and we look forward to seeing you there!

The Youth Filmmaker Series is an exciting film contest for local youth, launched to engage the community with the new Metro light rail extension, the Southeast Gateway Line project. This opportunity could be a fantastic experience for Mayfair High students!

For more details, visit selastories.com.

Contest Overview

• Film Length: 1-3 minutes on a community theme
• Scholarships: $5,000 available
• Submission Deadline: December 1, 2024
• Film Festival & Awards: Early December 2024

Showcase and Recognition

Selected films will be featured on Instagram and TikTok and showcased at a red-carpet debut at Cerritos College on December 9, 2024.

Free Student Workshops

Two virtual workshops will provide hands-on guidance to help you create a winning film:

1. 60-Second Story Workshop

   • Date: Tuesday, November 19, 5:30 PM
   • Register: Workshop Registration
   • Topics: Creative storytelling, lighting, composition, smartphone video tips, free editing resources

2. Edit Like a Pro Workshop

   • Date: Wednesday, November 20, 6:00 PM
   • Register: Workshop Registration
   • Topics: Basics of video editing, cutting, transitions, simple effects

Film Categories

Choose from these categories, each aimed at telling a unique story about Southeast LA:

• Short Documentary: Capture real stories or local landmarks (e.g., "The Last Drive-In").
• Narrative Short: Tell a fictional story set in your neighborhood (e.g., "The Skate Crew").
• Visual Essay: Express a viewpoint on a local issue through visuals and voice-over (e.g., "Concrete to Green").
• Vertical Video: Create a 60-second story for mobile viewing (e.g., "60 Seconds of Spice").
• Community Portrait: Profile a person, place, or group making a local impact (e.g., "The Beat Maker").

Suggested Themes

Explore the heart of Southeast LA with one of these themes:

• Our Neighborhood’s Story: Local history and traditions
• Faces of Southeast LA: Personal stories and unsung heroes
• Sustainability in Action: Local green initiatives
• Cultural Mosaic: Arts, music, and culinary diversity
• Visions of Tomorrow: Community aspirations and innovations
• Hidden Gems: Unique local spots or businesses

Submission Requirements

• Age: 13-19 years
• Resolution: Minimum 1080p
• Format: MP4 or MOV (max 2GB)
• Languages: English or Spanish (include subtitles in the other language)

For questions, contact Joel Arevalos at joela@gatewaycog.org or 562-663-6850.

Mayfair will promote a video game and console donation event where participants can donate old video games and consoles (excluding sports games) to room 728 between October 7 and December 5. Acceptable items include systems from Atari, Nintendo (both US and Japan versions), Sega, Xbox, and PlayStation, along with controllers and adapters. Lightly scratched and broken items are also welcome. For each donated item, participants receive a raffle ticket for a chance to win a special edition FaZe Clan gaming chair. The raffle will take place during the morning announcements on Friday, December 6, 2024. For any questions, please see Mr. Palacios ("The Wiz") in 728.

Click below to download a PDF version of the Mayfair 2024-2025 Calendar and Bell Schedules.

Mayfair Middle/High School students will utilize the app called Minga as a digital ID card. The app enables staff to create hall passes, reward students for doing well and helping others, and the digital ID card will help students have an easier time entering or leaving campus. The digital ID has a "live" interface, with a running digital clock and a moving background, thus preventing students from using a screenshot [Screenshots of ID are not permitted]. Students will utilize their school email (via Google) to log in. The app is safe to use, uses very little data, and doesn't require access to any of the information stored on your phone. If your child does not have a smartphone, don't worry - they will receive a printed ID card as well. Click here to access a quick document that shows you how to log into your school's Minga account.

Are you looking for help with your writing? The Writing Center is here for you! Whether you need assistance with rewriting, getting started on a piece, or simply want to improve your writing skills, our academic tutors are ready to assist. Come to Room 804 during 2nd and 7th periods and let us help you reach your writing goals. Don't hesitate—come get help today!

The Think Together Program is available at Mayfair is available to students of grades 7 and 8.

Use the blue button below to access information about Aeries Parent Portal, Paper Tutoring, and Meal & Nutrition Information

Parent Teacher Association:

• Promotes strong school to community collaboration and engagement

• Recognizes community and student achievements and service

• Serves to advocate for all children and families

• Dedicated to educational success, health and wellbeing

Parents! We want you to get involved! Our PTA (Parent Teacher Association) has done an outstanding job on helping our students and staff in the past, and we want that positive relationship to grow! Thank you in advance for joining our Mayfair Middle/High School PTA! Click here to visit the Mayfair PTA Facebook Page.

This program helps our PTA raise funds for the school by logging shopping and dining receipts from participating malls. We can win up to $10,000 for our school!

https://shopandlog.wufoo.com/forms/schoolcents

Did you know that free online tutoring is being provided by the BUSD district? Students can log in to Paper using their school district's Clever accounts (which uses the student's school email/password), or they can download the Paper app!

PAPER Online Tutoring is available for all students in 4th-12th grade through their Clever account. Students may ask tutors questions through the chat feature using the PAPER APP to get help with homework, feedback on their writing, support with studying for assessments, and even help with college/scholarship essays! The APP can be found in the Google Play and Apple APP store.

Click here to register for a free parent webinar (provided in English and Spanish). If your child needs more information about how to use PAPER, they can watch the following videos for more information:

Click here to watch the video titled "How Do Students Access 24/7 Live Help on PAPER?"

Click here to watch the video titled "How Do Students Use PAPER's Essay Review?"

We build futures for our students by providing a pathway for all students to become responsible, informed, productive citizens who can compete in a diverse world.

The Bellflower unified School District produces graduates who are globally competitive learners. Through equitable access to high quality academic, social, and applied learning, students are ready to excel in college, careers, and life.

Instagram/Twitter(x)/Facebook: @Mayfair_BUSD

Website: https://mayfairmonsoons.org

Location: 6000 Lakewood Ave., Lakewood, CA 90713

Phone: 562-925-9981