2425.9 Grizzly Growler 10.21

Week 10 // October 21, 2024
IN THIS FALL ISSUE
- Weekly On and Off Campus Events
- Club Highlight "Thrift and Sustainable Fashion Club"
- ASB Events
- Denim Drive
- Red Ribbon Week
- E-bike & Safety Course
- College & Career Fairs
- Palomar Pathways
- Peter and the Starcatcher
- PSAT
- Fright Night
- Supporting Youth Mental Health
- MHHS Robotics Team
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!
LOOKING AHEAD
SAVE THE DATE
OCTOBER EVENTS
10/21 l Red Ribbon Week
10/22 l E-Bike Safety Course
10/23 I College Fair
10/24 l Peter and the Starcatcher
10/25 l Love on a Leash
10/26 l PSATS
ATTENDANCE
MESSAGE FROM THE ATTENDANCE OFFICE
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. 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.
NEW INFORMATION FOR OUR COMMUNITY
MONDAY OCTOBER 21
5:30 Field Hockey, Varsity vs Sage Creek @Sage Creek
7:00 Field Hockey, Junior Varsity vs Sage Creek @Sage Creek
TUESDAY OCTOBER 22
4:00 Flag Football, Varsity vs Torrey Pines @La Costa Canyon*
4:30/6 Volleyball, Girls Nov /JV/ Var vs Mt. Carmel @Mission Hills
4:30 Water Polo, Boys Varsity Valley vs Valley Center @Palomar
6PM E-Bike Safety Event at Double Peak School Gym (see below)
WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 23
College Fair in the ASB Plaza at lunch
THURSDAY OCTOBER 24
5:45 Field Hockey, Varsity vs Chaparral @Mission Hills
7:00 Field Hockey, Junior Varsity vs Del Norte @Mission Hills
6:00 Football, Freshman vs El Camino @El Camino
4:30/6 Volleyball, Girls Nov/JV/ Var vs Rancho Buena Vista @Mission Hills
7PM Peter and the Star Catcher
FRIDAY OCTOBER 25
4:00 Cross Country, Varsity/JV Invitational NCC @Kit Carson Park
7:15 Football, Varsity vs El Camino @Mission Hills
4:00 Football, Junior Varsity vs El Camino @Mission Hills
7:15 Sideline Cheer, Varsity vs El Camino @Mission Hills
4:00 Sideline Cheer, Junior Varsity vs El Camino @Mission Hills
7PM Peter and the Star Catcher
SATURDAY OCTOBER 26
7:45 AM PSAT
TBD Cross Country, Varsity vs Mt. Sac Invite @Mt. Sac College
2PM Peter and the Star Catcher
CLUB HIGHLIGHT - THRIFT AND SUSTAINABLE FASHION CLUB
make sustainable fashion accessible
educate others on thrifting, fast fashion industry and second hand clothing
have fundraisers and clothing drives to provide the less fortunate
promote and provide clothing practices at our school
collide with other clubs for additional services: sewing lessons, volunteering hours, donations, and community outreach
hold events like fashion shows, clothing swap, thrift library
help others understand the importance of buying second hand
Meeting Day & Time: Fridays in Room 655 during lunch
President: Maya Bodiwala, 25mbodiwala15256@smusd.org
Staff Advisor: Franklin Baker, franklin.baker@smusd.org
Interested in joining? Join remind Text @d39ga8k to 81010 & follow @mhhsthrift !
MHHS ASB DENIM DRIVE
Denim drive ends 10/30/24.
Donating one pair of denim will give students one hour of community service.
Turn in denim to the ASB room!
ASB EVENTS!
21st | Red Ribbon Week
23rd |Senior Pizza & Paint @5pm
25th | Home Football Game Growl Crowd Theme: Pink Out
RED RIBBON WEEK ACTIVITES
WEDNESDAY: Wear Red; Red Ribbon Week Fair & DUI Goggle Demo
FRIDAY: Therapy Pets; Red Ribbon Week Fair
Click flyer link for more info
Click link for more information on activities and resources
RED RIBBON WEEK
The Red Ribbon Week is the nation’s largest and longest-running drug-use prevention campaign. This year’s Red Ribbon Week theme is “Life is a Movie, Film Drug-Free”. It inspires individuals to play their part in fostering safe, healthy, and drug-free communities.
For more info on the history of red ribbon week click here
For Parents/Caregivers: Check out the “Talk. They Hear You.”® campaign resources to help you start—and keep up—the conversation about the dangers of drinking alcohol and using other drugs at a young age.
Resource info Click Here
E BIKE & BIKE SAFETY COURSES
As part of an e-bike safety campaign, Double Peak School, San Elijo Middle School, San Marcos High School and Mission Hills High School will require students who bike or e-bike to school to obtain a permit. Students must attend an in-person safety course with one parent or guardian, led by the Sheriff’s Office. Students MUST bring their e-bike/ bike and helmet with them to the safety course.
Upon completion of the safety course, students will receive their permit stickers to be placed on their bike and helmet. Students will not be allowed to park their bike or e-bike on campus without a permit. Students will have until October 31st to complete this process.
Safety courses coming up:
October 22nd @ 6pm Double Peak School Gym
**Please note that all students must be accompanied by a parent/guardian**
Check out the flyer in Spanish/English for more information.
COLLEGE FAIR AT MHHS
Next Campus Fair located in the ASB Plaza:
RACC Out-of-State College Fair at lunch on Wednesday, October 23rd.
Check the flyer and see the Future Center for more information.
PALOMAR PATHWAYS WORKSHOP
Palomar College is offering a series of workshops designed to help prepare your student for a smooth transition to college. These workshops will cover a range of topics, including financial aid, academic planning/transfer process, apprenticeships, and campus resources. We believe these workshops will be invaluable in ensuring your student's success at Palomar College.
Attached is the flyer for more details. To register for these workshops please click on the link "Register Here," on the attached flyer.
Workshops #1 and #2 are now open!
Click flyer link for more info and registration
Please contact the Future Center if you have any questions.
SAN DIEGO CAL-SOAP COLLEGE AND CAREER FAIR
The College and Career Fair is free and open to the public with representatives from 80+ colleges and institutions available at tables 6pm-8pm. There is also a VIP event from 3:45pm-5:35pm by invitation only - select high schools in San Diego County.
PLEASE CLICK LINK TO REGISTER AND RECIEVE MORE INFO
MHHS GRIZZLY THEATER
Come support and watch the theater production of Peter and the Starcatcher.
The prequel book of Peter Pan.
Location: MHHS Redwood Hall
SHOW DATES!
October 24th – 26th @7pm
October 26th @2pm
LOVE ON A LEASH
10/25/24 @lunch
Love on a Leash® is committed to bringing comfort, happiness, and healing to more people nationwide by increasing public awareness of pet therapy. The volunteer organization provides an accessible certification process that allows qualified therapy teams to provide effective pet therapy in their communities.
VISTA FRIGHT NITE
Trick 0r Treat on Main Street, Haunted House at the AVO Playhouse, Spooky Tractor Rides, LIVE Zombies, Costume Contests for babies, kids, adults, and dogs, to fun FREE crafts. Bring the entire family down for the FUN!
PSAT/ NMSQT!
Grizzlies in 10th and 11th grade, don't forget to register for the PSAT! This year it will be on Saturday, October 26th. Students should arrive no later than 7:45am.
Please note that the registration AND the fee must be submitted prior to taking the test.
Contact Mrs. Kozuchowski if you have any questions- magda.kozuchowski@smusd.org
**Junior students could qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Program and other scholarships**
Join the Google Classroom- code: td35zhc
SUPPORTING YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH
CONGRATS TO THE MHHS ROBOTICS TEAM!
MHHS Robotics team competed at Battle at the Border, an off-season competition.
Out of the 34 teams at the event, the team ranked #7 and made it to the quarterfinals in the tournament. The highlight for the MHHS Robotics team was they ranked #1 in autonomous points.
MHHS SENIOR INFO
CLASS OF 2025 SENIOR PORTRAITS
Dear Class of 2025,
Congratulations! You are now entering your senior year! We wanted to let you know that it is time to book your appointment for senior portraits. Please book your session early to ensure you have enough time to choose the photo you want included in the yearbook. Check out the KEANE Senior Session Guide or their website for more information and to book your appointment! There are limited spots available, so make sure to book your appointment as soon as possible.
The complimentary yearbook portraits will be on campus on December 10th and December 11th! Students will NOT have the ability to choose their yearbook portrait for the complimentary session. Make sure to book your appointment online!
To login: Use your STUDENT ID as the username and your LAST NAME as the password.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Mrs. Kniseley at heidi.kniseley@smusd.org.
YEARBOOK SENIOR ADS
Attention seniors parents!
Celebrate your student and express your love with a lovely senior ad.
The current pricing is:
Full page- $380
Half Page- $180
Quarter Page- $ 110
Eighth Page- $60
Go to Yearbookordercenter.com and use our school code: 8120
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.
MISSION HILLS PTO INFO
PTO MEMBER RECRUITMENT
The 2024/2025 school year is around the corner and Mission Hills PTO is creating an Interest List for people interested in being the part of our Grizzly PTO Team. Responding is not a commitment, but the start of a conversation. We hope to hear from you if you're interested in learning more about what it means to be a part of the team!
Fill out the interest list here.
For more information about Mission Hills PTO, click here.
INFORMATION WORTH REPEATING
ACCESS MENTAL HEALTH RESCOURCES
If you or a loved one is experiencing a mental health crisis or need
immediate support, please call 911 for emergency response or the
Access and Crisis Line at 1-888-724-7240 to talk to a crisis
counselor, and they are available 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.
Please click flyer link for free mental health resources.
TEENTOBER ART CONTEST
Calling all teens in grades 6 to 12: Participate in the TeenTober Art Contest by submitting a drawing, painting or digital design of your favorite book cover or a banned book. Your artwork should be an original reimagining of the cover and must be no larger than 8.5" x 11" (smaller sizes are fine).
All teen participants will earn a small reward and a free book. Your art will be displayed at all three library locations. Top winners form each location will be announced in early November.
email libraryteens@carlsbadca.gov if you have any questions.
GOOGLE CLASSROOMS
️ Stay connected with our Google Classrooms tailored for each grade level. Get important updates, resources, and guidance from your Counseling Team and Future Center all in one place! Join your classroom today and set yourself up for success!
A Commitment to Mental Health
At Mission Hills High School, we believe that every student’s life is invaluable and strive to remind students that they are not alone. At Mission Hills High School, our goal is to foster a culture where mental health is prioritized, and everyone feels empowered to seek help.
Resources and Support
MHHS Counseling Linktree of Resources
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
See below in our growler for more resources for families.
Check out these flyers in English and Spanish for information about preventing youth suicide.
LOOKING FOR A COUNSELOR?
Check out this flyer in Spanish and English to see what's available for you.
PRONTO REDUCED FARE
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.
STUDENTSQUARE
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
NEW VOLUNTEER CLEARANCE PROCESS
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.
UPDATE ON SCHOOL ATTIRE
As we eagerly prepare for the new school year, we want to share some updates about our school attire guidelines. We ask that you be mindful of these when preparing for back-to-school shopping. These guidelines are designed to create a safe, positive, and inclusive environment for all our students across K-8, middle, and high schools.
What's New?
To promote a focused and supportive atmosphere, we have updated our list of prohibited attire items. After thoughtful collaboration with the San Marcos Sheriff's Department, here are the items that will no longer be allowed for students to wear to school:
Professional sports teams' jerseys and logos on clothing, hats, and accessories
Gang-related writing, symbols, graffiti, or tagging on any property
Monogrammed or lettered belt buckles (e.g., S, N, M, R, B, X, 13, 14)
Bandanas
Hair nets
These changes reflect our commitment to ensuring that every student feels safe and supported at school.
If a student is found wearing a prohibited item, they will be asked to change into appropriate clothing, and the item will be held securely at the front office. Parents/guardians are welcome to pick it up after school
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. Together, we can make this school year our best one yet!
VOLUNTARY STUDENT ACCIDENT INSURANCE
Did you know the average cost of an ambulance ride in CA is $549? This is why SMUSD has partnered with a third-party to provide optional student accident insurance, for as little as $14 for the year. Voluntary student accident insurance is highly-beneficial if an accident was to occur while attending or participating in school-sponsored activities.
For details and more information, see the flyer here or visit www.studentinsuranceusa.com.
START SMART FALL DATES
Attention grizzlies! To park in the student parking lot, students are required to have a valid parking permit. To obtain a parking permit students are required to complete a Start Smart course and submit all required paperwork, including proof of driver license, valid registration and car insurance to the Finance Office.
The Start Smart dates for this 2024 Fall semester are:
Wednesday, November 6th @6pm-8pm in the library
Check out our website to register for a Start Smart course.
HOW TO CREATE A WEBSTORE ACCOUNT
SMUSD has a new webstore for online purchases. All Mission Hills students and families will need to create an account to purchase items online. Students are able to create their own account with their SMUSD email. If families have multiple students at different schools within SMUSD or even multiple Grizzlies, you can now create one account for all the students in your family! Refer to the how to guides below to create your accounts.
If you have any questions about creating your webstore account email our ASB Director, Mrs. O’Neil, at jocelyn.oneil@smsud.org.
CASH FOR COLLEGE | Workshops for Seniors
12th graders and families can attend FREE Cash for College in-person or virtual events for individual help completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act (CADAA) and/or Chafee Grant for Foster Youth applications. Details here: https://www.calsoapsandiego.org/workshops
FAMILY GUIDE TO SUPPORTING YOUNG PEOPLE'S MENTAL HEALTH AND WELL-BEING
Project Cal-Well, a cross-agency mental health initiative led by the California Department of Education, produced this easy-to-use guide with input from families, educators, mental health professionals, and youth. The guide helps parents and other adult family members and caregivers navigate supporting the overall well-being and mental health of school-aged children, including tips for what can be difficult conversations. It offers information about the social and emotional development of young people and explains warning signs that may signal mental health challenges. It equips caregivers with targeted strategies, tools, and resources that help them advocate for their family, address each child’s specific needs, and access professional help.
Key topics and tips include:
- example conversation starters to help open lines of communication with children and teens;
- enjoyable ways to connect, develop wellness routines, and create well-being practices as a family;
- information addressing mental health myths, including the specific needs and increased challenges facing young people who identify as LGBTQ+;
- information on how to recognize signs that a child is bullying or being bullied;
- tools to create a family media plan that sets boundaries around technology and gives children the skills to be online safely using age-appropriate platforms; and
- tips for partnering with schools to access mental health and family wellness resources and supports.
SUICIDE PREVENTION RESOURCES FOR FAMILIES
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 https://sprc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Warning-Signs-of-Suicide-a-Fact-Sheet-for-Family-and-Community-Members.pdf
- Talking to Teens: Suicide Prevention https://www.apa.org/topics/suicide/talking-teens.pdf
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
CARE SOLACE
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
NEWSLETTERS AND WEBSITES
COUNSELING
>> View MHHS Counseling Linktree of Resources
>> View Counseling website
MHHS LIBRARY
Library Hours: 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (M-F)
>> View The Check-in! Library Newsletter for Students
>> Visit Library Page
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
ParentVUE // StudentVUE
FALL PROGRESS REPORT DATES
09/27 | Progress Report 1
11/08 | Progress Report 2
12/19 | Semester 1 Final Report Card
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.
LET'S GET SOCIAL
VIEW ALL 24-25 GROWLERS
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.
TUTORING AND SUPPORTS
TUTORING RESOURCES
In addition to asking your teacher for help, attached is some information about AP/Honors Tutoring and Math Tutoring. Also, all California students have access to BrainFuse free through the public library website linked. They offer online tutoring, writing assistance, and more.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Office Hours 2023-24
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.