Jaguar News

Dec. 9th-13th Spirit Week

Dec. 9 Foundation Meeting 5:30 pm

Dec. 10 Early Release @1:13 pm

Dec. 12. School Site Council 3:30 pm

Dec. 12 ELAC/DELAC Meeting 5:30 pm

Dec. 13 Christmas in Valley Band and Choir Perform @ Bates 6pm

Dec. 14 Saturday School

Dec.16 Christmas Choir Concert 6pm

Dec. 18th - 20th Finals/Minimum Days Release Time 12:22 pm

Dec. 20th- Last Day of the Fall Semester

Dec. 19th School Board Meeting 6 pm

Dec. 23 - Jan. 3 District Recess

Jan. 6 Day Between Semesters- NO HS Students

Jan. 7 Welcome back/2nd Semester Begins

Jan. 10 Report Cards Available

What an incredible way to kick off the post-break season! This week was full of reconnecting and celebrating our vibrant school community. On Tuesday, Mrs. McGinnis’ class continued their annual visit to the Primary School as part of the Bee a Buddy program, where our Seniors partnered with 1st graders to read personalized stories featuring the younger students as the main characters. This heartwarming tradition is just one of the many ways VCHS stands apart from schools across the county. On Friday evening, Jags United brought us all together with exciting games, delicious food, and a remarkable display of school spirit as we cheered on our girls' soccer and varsity basketball teams. Adding to the excitement, the cast of Seussical wowed audiences with an outstanding production that showcased their talent and hard work. It’s great to see the season start with such energy and enthusiasm!

To keep the action going, next week is Spirit Week at VCHS! See the dates below for more info:

Spirit Week Themes:

• Monday: Christmas Morning — Wear your comfiest pajamas, fluffy slippers, and robes!

• Tuesday: Santa and His Helpers — Think Santa hats, elf ears, or reindeer antlers.

• Wednesday: Ugly Sweater Day — Dust off your sequined, light-up beauties.

• Thursday: Snow Day — Bundle up in scarves, mittens, and snow boots (even if it’s 70°!).

• Friday: Family Photo Day — Twin or group outfits for a picture-perfect finale.

Lunchtime Activities:

• Monday: Tree Decorating — Trim the tree with provided supplies

• Tuesday: Christmas Caroling (Karaoke Edition) — Belt out holiday hits.

• Wednesday: Cookie Decorating — Unleash your inner pastry artist

• Thursday: Snowball Fight — Dodgeball with a frosty twist—join in or cheer in the quad!

• Friday: Family Photo Day Pictures — ASB will be providing a backdrop and Yearbook partnered up to take the photos! So strike a pose for you family photos.

If your child will be absent while school is in session, consider requesting an Independent Study Contract. This program allows students to complete assigned work while away, ensuring they stay on track and receive credit for attendance. Contracts are available for absences of 1 to 15 days and require completion of all work upon return. For details, email Attendance Clerk Mary Ann Godfrey at godfrey.ma@vcpusd.org.

Our new Social Media Entrepreneurship class offers students a hands-on opportunity to build and promote their own businesses while gaining valuable skills in graphic design, marketing, and entrepreneurship. As part of the CTE Entrepreneurial Design and Marketing course, students work with industry-standard software to develop their portfolios, create business cards, and navigate the steps of designing and marketing their own products. The class emphasizes real-world work environments where students simulate client-based projects, learn project management, and master digital marketing techniques such as social media promotion and web design. By the end of the year, students are prepared for college-level courses and ready to grow their new business to the next level. Take a look at some of our students' budding businesses below.

This week, Mrs. McGinnis’ Expository Reading and Writing and AP Literature students continued the beloved Bee a Buddy tradition with their annual visit to Valley Center Primary School. As part of this heartwarming program, our Seniors partnered with 1st graders to share personalized stories they had written and illustrated, featuring the younger students as the main characters. Throughout the year, these students also connect with their 1st-grade buddies as Pen Pals, fostering ongoing mentorship and meaningful relationships. The visit was filled with smiles and special moments, exemplifying the close-knit community and unique opportunities that set VCHS apart from other schools in the county. This cherished event highlights the values of literacy, mentorship, and creativity while leaving lasting memories for both our Seniors and the 1st graders. Thank you Mrs. McGinnis and our partners at Valley Center Primary School!

Last Saturday, Valley Center High School Jaguar Football was honored at the CIF Division 1 finals at Southwestern College with the 2024 Sportsmanship Award from the San Diego County Football Officials Association (SDCFOA) and CIF. This prestigious award recognizes teams that embody the principles of sportsmanship through the conduct of their players, coaches, and fans. During the halftime ceremony, our football program was presented with a trophy, a gym banner, and a $1,000 check. This award is a testament to the hard work, commitment, and character of our team both on and off the field. Congratulations to Coach Dunckel, our student-athletes, and our amazing fans for showcasing what it means to achieve Victory with Honor!

Join us in applauding the VCHS students acknowledged by the Valley Center Art Association, at their annual exhibition taking place at the public library. Their guest judge, Professor Bo Kim from the Palomar College Department of Art was very impressed by the student's work, stating "The artists demonstrated variety and maturity in handling various mediums and subject matter uncommon for students their age"

General Art:

First Place: Samantha Johnson

Second Place: Zayla Garcia

Third Place: Lucero Pacheco

Honorable Mention: Cesar Vera

Honorable Mention: Shayla Dandy

Digital and Photography:

First Place: Anthony Diaz

Second Place: Stephanie Cardona Loera

Third Place: Sara Gonzalez Ramirez

Honorable Mention: Emilia Ortiz

Honorable Mention: Ellerie Gonzales-Ramirez

Congratulations, Jaguars!

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) invites K-12 students to participate in an art contest to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act. This contest is intended to highlight the accomplishments, challenges, and legacy of the Civil Rights movement through the minds of our children, showcasing young voices dedicated to change. Winning art will be displayed at the EEOC headquarters in Washington, D.C., their website, and/or social media. Visit the contest webpage for details. The application deadline is Jan. 20.

The EngineerGirl website, presented by the National Academy of Engineering, challenges students in grades 3 to 12 to write an essay about "Innovating Smarter" -- how they would design a smart household object, taking into consideration the risks and implications. Prizes range from $100 to $1,000 within each of three grade categories. Visit the contest page for full details. Submissions are due Feb. 1.

This week, our VCHS counselors visited senior classes to guide students through the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) process. FAFSA is a critical step for seniors planning to attend college, as it determines their eligibility for federal financial aid, including grants, work-study programs, and loans. By completing the FAFSA, students unlock opportunities to make higher education more accessible and affordable. Our counselors provided hands-on support, ensuring students understand the application process and are well-prepared to meet upcoming deadlines.

Are you interested in supporting the Grad Night committee? Do you have ideas about fundraising? Please reach out to vchs.seniors2025@gmail.com to see how you can help! The Grad Night Committee is looking forward to a great event in the spring!

Our wonderful Foundation has partnered with Horizon Fuel Center on the corner of Valley Center Rd. and N Lake Wohlford R.! Just visit inside the station to pay for your gas and you can round up to support Valley Center High School programs through the VCHS Foundation!

760-751-5500

31322 Cole Grade Rd.

Valley Center, CA 92082
VCHS Website