2425.25 Grizzly Growler 03.02

- Weekly On and Off Campus Events

- Senior Shout- outs

- MHHS Community/Job Fair

- MHHS Alumni Speaker

- Truecare Youth Advocacy Program

- MHHS Cheer Tryouts

- Boost your wellness from MHHS Counseling's Team

- Other MHHS events

- New information for our community

- MHHS Students Spotlight

As always, the bottom of this newsletter includes links to ParentVUE, our Instagram handles, points of contact, tutoring information and our proud community sponsors!

READ ON FOR MORE!

MONDAY MARCH 3

1200PM Varsity Boys Golf v. JMO *Twin Oaks

530/700PM JV/Varsity Girls Lacrosse v. Rancho Bernardo *Stadium

630PM PTO Meeting *Staff Workroom

TUESDAY MARCH 4

300PM Varsity Boys Golf v. Escondido *Twin Oaks

300PM Varsity Baseball v. Rancho Bernardo *Baseball field >Updated

330PM JV Softball v. El Capitan *Hollandia West

330PM Varsity Boys Tennis v. San Pasqual * Tennis Courts

430/600PM Boys Volleyball v. Bonita Vista *Pavilion

500PM SMUSD Choral Festival *Band & Chorus

WEDNESDAY MARCH 5

330PM JV/Varsity Tennis Boys v. Ramona *Tennis Courts

400PM Novice Softball v. Helix * Hollandia East

400PM JV Softball v. Cathedral Catholic *Hollandia West

430PM JV Boys Volleyball v. Bonita Vista *Pavilion

530PM Beach Volleyball Parent Meeting *Room 560

530PM JV Boys Lacrosse v. Chaparral *Stadium

600PM Varsity Boys Volleyball v. Bonita Vista *Pavilion

700PM Varsity Basketball Girls v. Sierra Canyon *Sierra Canyon

715PM Varsity Boys Lacrosse v. Chaparral *Stadium

THURSDAY MARCH 6

345PM JV & Varsity Track & Field v. Fallbrook *Stadium

330PM Varsity Boys Tennis v. Santa Fe Christian *Tennis Courts

400PM Novice Softball v. San Pasqual *Hollandia East

FRIDAY MARCH 7

400PM JV/Varsity Swim & Drive v. Valley Center *Adams Park Pool

400PM JV Softball v. Del Norte *Hollandia West

TBD Varsity Softball

5:30PM JV/Varsity Lacrosse Girls v. Tri-City * Tri-City Christian

SATURDAY MARCH 8

700PM Spring Fling *Aux Gym

MARCH EVENTS

03/03 | PTO Meeting

03/04 | Unified Basketball Game @ SMHS

03/04-03/05 | Senior Shout-outs

03/08 | Spring Fling

03/12 | Project Next Interview Skill Day

03/19 | MHHS Community/Job Fair

Hey underclassmen! We’re excited to present to you our 2025 Spring Fling: Beneath The Willows.

Join us March 8th at Mission Hills High School✨

Step 1: Digital Dance Agreement

>>Guest Pass needed for non Mission Hills students to attend.

Step 2: Tickets on gofan: https://gofan.co/event/3268253?schoolId=CA67720 **ID Number is your access code**

>>Guest Tickets must be purchased in person at the finance office.

Last Day to purchase tickets will be Thursday, March 6th!

Freshman and Sophomores,

Spring Fling spirit week starts this Monday, see flyer for more info!

Looking to build coping skills, grow personally and explore healthier alternatives to substance use? TrueCare’s Youth Advocacy Program is here to support you! Come meet our team and learn more at our Info Hangout on March 10th during lunch at the counseling office – no strings attached! Discover how you can make positive changes in your life, and maybe even win a gift card while you’re at it.

See you there!"

Video production will be hosting Senior Shout Outs Wednesday and Thursday March 5th & 6th with their ELA teachers. If students miss their assigned day they can make an appointment for Monday March 10th during 1st, 5th or 6th. Email Mrs. Kniseley: heidi.kniseley@smusd.org for any questions.

Thank you!

-Mrs. Kniseley

March 5th in Room 401 during lunch, JOIN US!

Wednesday, March 19, 2025!

Discover Community/Job Opportunities, students will be able to visit tables at lunch in the ASB Plaza!

For more information, please contact the Future Center

https://sites.google.com/smusd.org/mhhsfuturecenter/home

Stop by the Future Center during lunch on March 10th, 2025 >>All are welcome!

Learn about

• UCSD
• Pharmacy Program
• College Experience and Tips

The School Social Work Association of America is proud to promote National School Social Work Week, held the first full calendar week of March (Sunday - Saturday). SSWAA collects and shares resources to help you celebrate and promote School Social Work Week. We hope you will make some great plans to celebrate as well as receive much-deserved recognition for the vital role that you provide to students, administrators, teachers, educators, parents, and the community!

Thank you to all school social workers, especially our very own Ms. Gold and Mrs. Santiago!

Join our 6 week nature mindfulness group to engage your senses and learn different mindfulness techniques that will support in grounding yourself.

Helps with: Anxiety, Depression, Stress, Emotional Regulation, and Creativity

Sign up here by Friday March 7th!

Interested in becoming a Grizzly Cheerleader? Tryouts for the 2025-2026 season are right around the corner! Please complete the interest form below to be included in our upcoming pre-tryout parent/athlete meeting. Follow us on social media for all the latest dates and schedules.

Please email Coach Sarah at sarah.malo@smusd.org, with any questions! We look forward to seeing you all soon! GO GRIZZLIES!

Interest Form

Instagram : @mhhscheerleading

Looking for practical tips to improve your mental health, manage stress, and stay motivated? Your counseling team shares their best wellness advice—all in one place!

Check out our Wellness Tips Playlists on YouTube for easy strategies to:
Manage school stress
Build healthy habits
Stay focused and positive

Your well-being matters—let’s take care of it together!

Grizzly Guide to Wellness - Tips from the MHHS Counseling Team 2024-2025

Credits: Mariah Lambert and Calee Leavitt, MHHS Class of 2025

Coping Strategies from MHHS Counseling 2021-2022

Credits: ONE TV 2021-2022

SATURDAY, MARCH 8TH 11AM-1PM

Sign up here for interviews, Lifeguard/EMT applications/ concessions, guest services and park services applications!

Please email wave-waterpark@vista.gov or call 760-940-9283 with any questions

UC for Everyone is designed for California high school students interested in UC and considering applying in a future term.

• An overview of the UC system and the value of a UC degree
• Undergraduate campus presentations
• Live panel with current UC students
• An overview of admission requirements for first-year and transfer applicants
• Admission tips and guidance

Slides, video, and resources to learn more about the UC system can be found here:

https://ucop.swoogo.com/ucforeveryone25/resources

Learn more online at https://www.san-marcos.net/play/recreation-policies/electric-bikes

Golden Hour in Greece

Where: Kona Kai Resort

Date: May 10th, 2025

Time: 6:00-9:30p.m

Make sure to follow @missionhillsasb on Instagram and stay tuned for more information on Prom!

Mission Hills attended the WGI Percussion Regional at Great Oak High School on Saturday, February 22nd. This is a prelims/finals, one day event where percussion ensembles perform their shows in a basketball arena, much like how marching bands do in stadiums during the fall semester. These events are known to be quite competitive.

We advanced into finals and finished in first place. This was the first time in school history that MHHS has been a champion at a WGI Regional.

Congratulations to our Varsity Girls Basketball for winning CIFSDS State Championships!

Hello Grizzly Families!

As we continue to navigate this school year, we want to take a moment to remind both parents/guardians and students about our attendance procedures.

• If your student was marked absent in error, please have your student contact the teacher. The teacher must then email or call the Attendance Office with the correction. Your student is responsible for speaking to the teacher to clear these absences.

• If you are aware that your student will be late to school for any reason, we do ask that a parent/guardian give us a call BEFORE your student arrives to school or the student must provide a Doctor/Dental note at the window upon arrival. Please be sure that your student checks in either with the Attendance Window or with a Campus Supervisor stationed in the student parking lot. By having them check in, we are able to get their time of arrival and excuse the classes they may have missed.

• If your student is leaving early, we do ask that a parent/guardian call the Attendance Office at least 1 HOUR BEFORE the time the student is needed.

If you are calling during normal business hours, and reach the voicemail, it is because we are on another line or helping a parent/student at the window. PLEASE LEAVE A MESSAGE at 760-290-2705 / 760-290-2715 / 760-290-2716 .. Voicemails are retrieved regularly throughout the day. Please be aware that the Attendance Office does not call back unless more information is needed. Please refer to the MHHS website for additional information, regarding Attendance.

Hi Grizzly Families!

We know that sometimes a planned absence happens, and we want to make sure your student stays on track while they’re away from school. That’s where Independent Study Contracts (ISCs) come in!

What is an Independent Study Contract?

An ISC allows students who will be absent for 1 to 15 days to complete schoolwork remotely so they don’t fall behind. It’s a great way to stay engaged and maintain academic progress!

How to Request an Independent Study Contract

• Step 1: If you know your student will be absent, request an ISC through the AP office.
• Step 2: Call (760) 290-2700 ext 2721, or email Anabel.Altares@smusd.org, or send your student to the AP office to request a contract.
  
• Step 3: Plan ahead! At least five days are required for teachers to prepare and submit assignments for the contract.

Why is this important?

Keeps students on track academically.
Prevents unnecessary learning gaps.
Ensures a smoother transition back to class.

We appreciate your partnership in supporting student success! If you have any questions, feel free to reach out at 760.290.2700

Monday, March 3rd @ 6:30pm

They will be discussing Teacher Appreciation Week and need "all hands on deck"

On March 12th, Incoming and current grizzlies and their families are invited to explore the halls of Mission Hills and find out what it means to be a Grizzly.

The evening kicks off at 5pm with live music, dance performances and food trucks in the plaza. Then, join us in the Pavilion (gym) for a showcase of clubs, sports and programs. ASB will lead campus tours, and our counselors will present important information for families.

There are no e-bike safety courses scheduled between now and the end of the school year. However, if there is sufficient interest, we will contact the Sheriff's Department to request an additional course be scheduled before the end of the school year.

Please complete this online form if are interested in attending an e-bike safety course before the end of the 2024/25 school year.

https://forms.gle/eQ7LS3vAENkHpWkaA

Don’t miss out on this wonderful opportunity on March 12th at our Future Center!

What is Interview Skills Day (ISD)?

Project Next’s ISD builds student confidence and

skills to excel in real-world interviews—helping you

stand out for jobs, internships, and future careers!

Event sign up is now open Click here !!!

Course Selection Time!
For more information regarding course selection, please visit our Course Selection Webpage

Ready to connect with other parents and enrich your parenting journey? The Virtual Parent Academy, in partnership with North County Family Counseling Specialists, offers a supportive environment for parents to learn, grow, and connect.

Presented by Courtney Kowalchuck, Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Sessions will be offered in English on Zoom, from 5:00 to 7:00 pm.
Zoom meeting ID: 895 2244 0081
https://smusd-org.zoom.us/j/89522440081

Virtual Parent Academy 2025 Schedule:
Wednesday, March 5: Anxiety/Worry in Kids
Wednesday, March 19: Depression in Kids
Wednesday, April 9: Boundaries & Communication
Wednesday, April 16: Divorce and Co-Parenting
Wednesday, April 30: Adolescent and Child Sleep
Wednesday, May 14: Technology and Social Media
Details on each topic will be available closer to the session date.

We are looking forward to this year's topics and hope you can join us!

For more information, please contact SMUSD Parent Liaison, Ani Diaz-Chavez, at 760-290-2597.

The Board of Trustees of the San Marcos Unified District is seeking qualified, engaged community members to serve on the Citizens' Bond Oversight Committee (“CBOC”) for the implementation of the District’s Measure JJ School Facilities Bond program. If interested in applying to be a member of the CBOC, please see the information listed below. Completed applications should be submitted electronically via this online form by 3:00 p.m. on Friday, March 21, 2025.

Prioritizing mental health is important for students to be able to learn effectively; it's also a key component that helps staff teach and support learners every day. The San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE) has compiled resources and information for students, families, and schools that keep mental health supports top of mind.

Don't miss out!! Super STEM Saturday is just weeks away, and the Center for Contemplative Practices is excited for the opportunity to share the physiological impact Mindfulness practices can bring to the body.

You can locate the Center of Contemplative Practices at the Super Mind, Super Power booth where there will be a three-minute , guided meditation.

Visit the website for booth information and schedule of shows and demonstrations to plan your day. Free and open to the public with free parking in Lots E,F & G.

Saturday, March 8th

10am-4pm

Saturday March 15th @ 9am In-Person at UC San Diego Liontree Arena

Sign up here/ regístrate aquí

UC San Diego's FREE annual Comienza con un Sueño 2025 conference brings together 6th-11th grade students, families & educators for a day of culture, community and knowledge. Offering bilingual workshops on college systems, admissions & financial aid, bringing together college & community resources & providing a one of a kind STEM fair!

Comienza con un Sueño 2025 reuine a estudiantes de 6ᐤ a 11ᐤ, familias y educadores en UC San Diego para un evento GRATUITO que celebra cultura, comunidad y conocimiento. ¡Ofrecemos sesiones bilingües sobre los sistemas universitarios, requisitos de admisión y ayuda financiera. La confrerencia reúne recursos universitarios y comunitarios y presenta una feria de STEM exclusiva!

Email comienza@ucsd.edu if you have any questions about this event.

What: Dia del Niño Resource Fair
When: Saturday, April 26th, 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Where: San Marcos Elementary
Who: Open to the public

What to Expect:

• Free Event: Enjoy a day of fun and valuable resources at no cost.
• SMUSD Resources: Get support with TK/Kinder enrollment, transportation applications, and information about Extended School Services (ESS) after-school programs.
• Health Services: Access health physicals, dental screenings, and vision screenings.
• Community Partners: Connect with the San Diego County Library (and get a library card!), and discover many more community resources.
• Entertainment: Enjoy performances by San Marcos Elementary and La Mirada Academy Ballet Folklorico and Boys & Girls Club Dance Club.
• Vaccine Pre-registration: Incoming TK/Kinder and 7th graders needing vaccines can pre-register HERE.

If you have any questions, please contact either Ani Diaz-Chavez, District Parent Liaison, at anileydi.diaz-chavez@smusd.org or 760-290-2597 or Adelita Gonzales, Coordinator of Community Schools, at adelita.gonzales@smusd.org or 760-290-2448

BUY NOW $90

Visit MHHS Webstore to pre-order your child's yearbook. The price of the yearbook are now $90. The yearbooks sell out every year so be sure to reserve your book now before they sell out.

Go to Yearbookordercenter.com and use our school code: 8120

We are so sorry but we are currently SOLD OUT of our Senior Ad spaces. If you would like to be put on the wait list to purchase a Senior Ad please fill out the signup form and we will contact you in order of your sign up.

We are currently trying to secure more pages but as of now we DO NOT have space for any more Ads. Use this form to sign up to be on the wait list: Google Form Link

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Mrs. Kniseley at heidi.kniseley@smusd.org.

If you need help with your online order, call (866) 287-3096 toll free.

Families come from all walks of lives and have different needs, which is why we want to make sure you know that you have options when it comes to seeking counseling.

Check out this flyer in Spanish and English to see what's available for you.

Grizzlies! Don't forget to complete MTS's mandatory verification to continue to get discounted or free transit cards.

Please note that this discount applies to youth, seniors, AND others who qualify, like Medi-Cal enrollees.

Check out the step-by-step verification instructions in English and Spanish.

ParentSquare is the primary communication platform for all school communication throughout SMUSD, utilizing email, text, and app notifications. We encourage parents to download the free mobile app and view their Notifications settings on when and how they are notified.

For a quick Parent 101 ParentSquare video overview, please click here.

SMUSD presents StudentSquare! It is new this year and is designed for students to get real time emergency alerts and important notifications directly on their devices.

StudentSquare offers:

• Instant Alerts: Students will get real-time notifications about emergencies like severe weather or lockdowns, so they’re always in the loop.
• Custom Notifications: They can set their preferences to receive alerts in the way that works best for them.
• Easy to Use App: The interface is super user-friendly, making it easy for students to find and read important info quickly.
• Better Communication: Besides emergency alerts, we can also send school updates, event reminders, and other important info to keep everyone connected.

Students will be using their SMUSD google account to "Sign in with Google". You can also sign in using the website: https://www.mystudentsquare.com/signin

Check out the StudentSquare- Getting Started Guide

We take the safety of our students and staff seriously, and a part of this is ensuring everyone who is on a school campus is cleared and approved to be present. As a result, there is a new volunteer clearance process with different requirements for different types of school or classroom volunteer commitments.

We have outlined each of these volunteer levels with their requirements, please click here for more information or see the flyer here.

SMUSD has a new webstore for online purchases. All Mission Hills students and families will need to create an account to purchase items online. If you have any questions about creating your webstore account email our ASB Director, Mrs. O’Neil, at jocelyn.oneil@smsud.org.

>> HOW TO CREATE AN ACCOUNT

>> HOW TO ADD MULTIPLE STUDENTS

Suicide is a difficult topic, but it's too important to ignore. Please take a moment to review the following fact sheets to familiarize yourself with risk factors, warning signs, and things that can help you talk to your teen.

- Warning Signs of Suicide: A Fact Sheet for Family and Community Members

- Talking to Teens: Suicide Prevention

In an emergency, please call 911 or take the child to a hospital for evaluation. Here at Mission Hills, we have many different resources for students and their families to access. Please connect with your child's school counselor, school social worker, or school psychologist to find out more! We're here to partner with you throughout your child's high school career so that they can be well, feel connected, and find success here at Mission Hills and in the San Marcos Community.

School Counselors

A-Ca | Mrs. Baker: cherryl.baker@smusd.org
Ce-Gab | Mrs. Segal: angela.segal@smusd.org
Gal-Ja | Mr. Cruz: eric.cruz@smusd.org

Je-Men | Ms. Jercinovich: carolyn.jercinovich@smusd.org
Mer-Pg | Mrs. Goldstein: kathleen.goldstein@smusd.org

Ph-Sh | Mrs. Martinez Alejandre: susan.martinezalejandre@smusd.org
Si-Z | Mrs. Rios: adriana.rios@smusd.org

School Social Workers

A-Li | Mrs. Santiago: michelle.santiago@smusd.org
Lo-Z | Ms. Gold: bina.gold@smusd.org

School Psychologists

9th + 12 A-Ge | Jaime Lozano: jaime.lozano@smusd.org

10th + 12 Gf-O | David Martinez: david.martinez@smusd.org
11th + 12 P-Z | Troy Savageau: troy.savageau@smusd.org

ERMHS l Franciene Lehman

ERMHS l Charlette Martin: charlette.martin@smusd.org

Click here for the Counseling Department website.

24/7/365 Mental Health Care Coordination Service for San Marcos Unified School District Students, Staff, and their Families: https://www.caresolace.com/site/sanmarcos

NEED TO EMAIL YOUR COUNSELOR?

A-Ca | Mrs. Baker: cherryl.baker@smusd.org

Ce-Gal | Mrs. Segal: angela.segal@smusd.org

Gam-Ja | Mr. Cruz: eric.cruz@smusd.org

Je-Men | Ms. Jercinovich: carolyn.jercinovich@smusd.org

Mer-Pg | Mrs. Goldstein: kathleen.goldstein@smusd.org

Ph-Sh | Mrs. Martinez Alejandre: susan.martinezalejandre@smusd.org

Si-Z | Mrs. Rios: adriana.rios@smusd.org

CTE/ Future Ready Counselor | Mrs. Brizeno stephanie.brizeno@smusd.org

Click here for the Counseling Department website.

PROGRESS REPORT DATES

02/28 | Progress Report 1

04/25 | Progress Report 2

06/11 | Semester 2 Final Report Card

ParentVUE

If you are new to MHHS, need a ParentVUE Activation Code, or have trouble logging into your account, please contact Angela Ochoa at Angela.Ochoa@smusd.org or (760) 290-2720.

@mhhs.grizzlies

@mhhs_counseling

@librarymhhs

@mhhs.silvertip

@mhhspto

@mhhs.ybk

@missionhillsasb

@mhhs_futurecenter

Click here to view all Growlers.

These are posted to the ParentSquare App each week. If you're not receiving them, please check your settings on ParentSquare, and verify that your contact information is accurate in ParentVUE.

If you have anything you'd like to see added, please reach out to Jillian Ryan.

Grizzlies Stepping Up (GSU) is a tutoring program for multilingual students. In GSU you can work on homework, projects, presentations, prepare for quizzes and tests. Reading for pleasure also takes place during GSU to increase Lexile level and reach reclassification. Student tutors are available to help.

Questions: Mrs. Bustos juliana.bustos@smusd.org Room 401

Click flyer link for more info

The calendar link outlines the regular schedule for AP/Honors tutoring. However, students are welcome to meet for other classes not listed. The calendar simply serves to provide reliable, consistent tutoring to students at MHHS.

**SORRY FOR THE INCONVENIENCE ELA TUTORING IS ON PAUSE**

ELA tutoring can help you with essay feedback + revisions, reading comprehension, homework, make up work and MUCH more...

Questions: Email corynn.mcdougall@smusd.org

**SORRY FOR THE INCONVENIENCE MATH TUTORING IS ON PAUSE**

Struggling with math? Don't let it hold you back! Math tutoring can help you build a strong foundation, boost your confidence, and improve your grades. With personalized attention and expert guidance, you'll gain a deeper understanding of complex concepts and develop essential problem-solving skills. Invest in your future and unlock your full potential with math tutoring.

Math tutoring @MHHS

Please click flyer link for more info

Office Hours 2024-25

Monday-Friday 7:30 a.m.- 4 p.m.

760-290-2700

WEBSITE // Please check missionhillshigh.smusd.org for daily updates and information.

At Mission Hills we strive to provide our students and families with clear and effective communication. If you would like to see additional information in our newsletter please reach out and let us know. As always, we are here to help and support our community.