2425.21 Grizzly Growler 02.02
Students: You're Invited to Petals of Positivity!
Date: Tuesday, February 11
Time: Lunch
Location: Zen Den
RSVP: tinyurl.com/MHHSPetals
MHHS 2025-2026 Course Selection
Course Selection Time!
For more information regarding course selection, please visit our Course Selection Webpage
I AM AP - Course Selection Assistance for Juniors and Seniors
I AM AP will host events to assist students during course selection. Both events are in room 540 at lunch. Email alecia.markgraf@smusd.org with any questions.
Purchase AP Exams Before February 28th!
Students will be able to purchase late AP Exams in January and February of 2025. The College Board charges a $40 late fee for every exam purchased in the second semester. The last day to purchase an AP Exam for the 2024/25 school year is Friday, February 28, 2025. Students must be registered with The College Board before they can purchase an exam at our finance office. If a student is unsure how to register, they can get help from their AP teacher or from Mr. Butler, our Testing Coordinator, in room 460. Mr. Butler is available before school, at lunch, and after school.
Standard exams cost $99 + $40 late fee = $139
Special exams (AP Research and AP Seminar) cost $147 + $40 late fee = $187
Spring Start Smart Classes Begin February 3rd, 2025!
For the 2024-2025 school year, we are once again offering the Start Smart Program for our students in order to receive a parking permit. This informative program will last about 2 hours and is run by the California Highway Patrol.
Completion of the Start Smart Class is mandatory for the issuance of a student parking permit.
Dates:
Monday, February 3, 2025
Tuesday, April 8, 2025
Thursday, May 1, 2025
Discover the Arts Fundraiser!
Thursday, February 13th, 2025
Discover The Arts is a fundraiser for our annual Kaleidoscope Festival of the Arts. Elementary aged students are invited to join MHHS students in two different art activities. There are many options including printmaking, ceramics, photography, metalsmithing, music and dance. There's something for everyone! Parents may stay with their children but are encouraged to drop them off and enjoy a few kid free hours! Email carijean.daniels@smusd.org with any questions.
Sign Up Genius Link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040C49ACAB22A1FF2-54466798-discover#/
School Counselors Celebrate During National School Counseling Week, Feb. 3–7, 2025
National School Counseling Week 2025, “School Counseling: Helping Students Thrive,” sponsored by the American School Counselor Association (ASCA), will be celebrated from Feb. 3–7, 2025, to focus public attention on the unique contribution of school counselors within U.S. school systems and how students are different as a result of what school counselors do. National School Counseling Week highlights the tremendous impact school counselors can have in helping students achieve school success and plan for a career.
Mark Your Calendars for 2025!
February 8th, Senior Gala Class of 2025
February 13th, Staff v. Students Basketball Game Pep Rally
March 8th, Spring Fling Class of 2027 & 2028
March 12th and 13th, Grizzly Showcase & 8th Grade Welcome
April TBD Spring Sports Pep Rally
May 10th, Prom Class of 2025 & 2026
June 4th, Mission Hills Cultural Celebration
Students without limits meetings!
We are thrilled to announce the return of our partnership with Students Without Limits at Mission Hills High School!
Students Without Limits is a remarkable 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in San Diego that provides essential legal, mental health, and continuing education support to minority and immigrant teens.
Starting in February, we will host monthly meetings on campus to offer valuable resources to all our students. Please take a look at the flyer for details. This partnership aligns with our commitment to supporting the well-being, growth, and success of every student in our community.
PALOMAR PATHWAYS
>> Next workshop February 24, 2025 during 3rd or 4th period Sign up here!
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.
>> Click flyer link for more info and registration
Please contact the Future Center if you have any questions.
Questions: Contact Mrs.Schuetze in the Future Center karen.schuetze@smusd.org
Money Matters Chats with ProjectNext
Message from Tatiana Osorio, Interim Career Coach at Mission Hills High School, Project Next
Dear MHHS Project Next Students and Families,
We’re super excited to let you know that our Money Matters Chats are returning this semester! These fun and informative sessions will be held at the Future Center during students lunch (12:45pm- 1:15pm) on 2/27 and 3/27.
Here’s what we’ll be covering:
- Building Credit (2/27)
- Managing Debt (3/27)
Attached is a flyer with all the details, including a QR code to sign up!
If you have any questions or need more info, send Tatiana an email at tatiana@projectnext.org - she's always happy to help!
Grizzlies, we can’t wait to see you there!
Please RSVP by clicking the link bit.ly/MMOct23MH or scanning the QR
code.
2025 Yearbook Interest Form
Please fill this form out if you are interested in being on the yearbook staff for the upcoming school year.
Save the Date: Senior Gala is on February 8th!
When: February 8th, 2025
Where: California Performing Arts Center, Escondido, ca 92025Time: 7:00PM-10:00PM
Tickets $25 on sale Monday, January 21st through gofan.co
In-person sales at our finance office 1/28, 1/29, 2/4, 2/5, & 2/6
GUEST TICKETS
Guest Passes can be picked up from the ASB Room. Once signed and approved, Guest Tickets can be purchased in person at the finance office starting Tuesday, February 4th. Guest tickets are not allowed to be purchased online. Tickets must be bought in-person at our finance office 1/28, 1/29, 2/4, 2/5,& 2/6!
A dress code will be enforced. Semi-Formal dress is expected for Homecoming and Spring Fling and Formal dress is expected for Senior Gala and Prom. Students must keep dress shirts on. No props, walking canes, costumes, or masks (face masks only covering nose and mouth during the COVID-19 pandemic are okay). Students whose dress is deemed inappropriate by the administration will be denied entrance into the dance. No refund will be issued
Save the Date- GRAD NITE TICKETS ON SALE NOW
Dear MHHS Class of 2025 Seniors and Families of Seniors:
The Mission Hills High School PTO and the MHHS administration are happy to announce for you to Save the Date for Disney Grad Nite scheduled on Friday, June 13th, 2025, which is 2 days after graduation.
The cost of the ticket will be $290 (Ticket, Bus & Processing fee). The ticket you purchase covers the round trip bus ride from MHHS, a park hopper ticket to Disneyland and CA Adventure, and the Grad Nite Party at CA Adventure. (Disney passes are NOT able to be used for this event)
There will be a limited quantity of tickets available and sales will start December 13, 2024- March 7th (or until tickets sell out) . Payments for tickets must be paid in full at time of purchase. You can register and purchase tickets here: https://forms.gle/us1T2z9bysPW1obm8
**Tickets are nontransferable and nonrefundable!!**
Students, when you submit your Disney Grad Nite registration on the google form, there is a place to select a bus, so coordinate with your friend(s). There is a maximum of 40 students per bus, on a first come, first serve basis. We will do our best to accommodate all requests.
*** IF the event is canceled prior to payment due to Disney; then MHHS PTO will refund the cost of the ticket or $281. MHHS PTO will not be able to refund the $9 fees associated with processing the credit card payment.
Please check our MHHS PTO website for updates at https://www.mhhspto.com/about-5 or follow us on social media. Should you have any questions relating to Disney Grad Nite, you may email: mhhsgradnite@gmail.com.
Add a Senior Baby Photo to Our Yearbook!
Students would like to continue the tradition by adding senior baby photos to the yearbook. We would love to feature your senior and therefore ask that you please upload a baby photo of your child before Friday, Feb 14th. To participate, please either
1. Upload to the HJeshare app using school code: HJ8120 or
2. Use the link found in yearbookordercenter.com School code: 8120.
3. Email Mrs. Kniseley @ heidi.kniseley@smusd.org, making sure to use the tagline Senior Baby Photo and include your senior's name.
Please make sure you indicate who the photo is and use the tagline: Senior baby photo. Thank you!
If you haven't yet already, please join the Band App and complete the Google Interest Form.
https://band.us/n/adaeA5MaOffcs
https://forms.gle/V3qZxt12eNraiZow5
Contact Head Coach Stefan Aung with questions: stefan.aung@smusd.org
Girls Beach Volleyball Tryouts
Optional sand workout: Saturday 2/15 at 10:30am
Tryout 1: Wednesday 2/19 at 4:00pm
Tryout 2: Friday 2/21 at 4:00pm
Woodland Park Sand Courts
Contact Coach Drewniak with questions: dayna.drewniak@smusd.org
Spring sports Clearance's are due!
SPRING:
Swimming - Due by January 31
Boys' Tennis - Due by January 31
Track & Field - Due by January 31
Boys' Volleyball - Due by January 31
Baseball - Due by February 7
Boys' Golf - Due by February 7
Boys/Girls Lacrosse - Due by February 7
Softball - Due by February 7
Girls' Beach Volleyball - Due by February 7
Clearances can be turned in at the Finance office Monday through Friday. *The finance office is located at the front office on the west end of campus.*
*Physicals are good for an entire school year. Turn it in EARLY*
Pre-Participation Physical Exam (PPE) Information *All clearance forms must be turned in before any participation in athletics. Athletic Clearance must be completed every school year.* ***PHYSICALS MUST BE DATED ON OR AFTER 6/1/24 FOR THE 2024-25 SCHOOL YEAR***
Before you hand in your physical please make sure you have the following items:
1. Medical History Questionnaire (Filled out to the best of your ability, signed, and dated)
2. Completed ONLINE PORTION: Home Campus- Athletic Clearance
3. Online Confirmation Page (Initialed, signed and dated) *This will be automatically emailed after completing step 2.
4. Pre-Participation Physical Exam (Completed by MD, DO, NP, or PA, with wet signature, date, and stamp)
The McDonald's HACER National Scholarship
The McDonald's HACER National Scholarship Program, with over $33 million awarded to date, supports outstanding Hispanic students nationwide, embodying McDonald’s commitment to diverse communities.
Scholarship Details
- Three tiers of funds: Tier 1 up to $100,000, Tier 2 either $20,000 or $10,000, and Tier 3 $5,000.
- 30 scholarships awarded annually to exceptional Hispanic students.
Eligibility Criteria
- You’re a high school senior
- Must be a legal U.S. Resident, U.S. Citizen or a DREAMER/DACA recipient
- You’re under 21 years old
- You carry a minimum 2.8 GPA
- You’re eligible to attend a two- or four-year college, university or vocational/technical school with a full-time course of study
- You’ll disclose other scholarship programs that you’ve applied for
- You’ll enroll and attend an accredited institution in the academic year after your selection (verification needed, as scholarship funds are paid directly to the schools)
- You have at least one parent of Hispanic/Latino heritage
The HACER National Scholarship advances educational opportunities, bridging gaps for Hispanic college-bound students, and winners are selected by June each year.
Serie de talleres sobre preparacion para emergencias
Ubicación: San Marcos Elementary-
Sala Multiusos (MPR)
Fechas:
Session 1- jueves, 6 de febrero de 2025
Session 2- jueves, 13 de febrero de 2025
Session 3- jueves, 20 de febrero de 2025
Horario:
6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Para más información:
llamar a la Coordinadora de la Escuela Comunitaria, Adelita Gonzales al
760-290-2448
January E-bike & Bicycle Course
Next Class: February 5th at 5:00pm at San Marcos High School, in the Theatre
Permit process: Students looking to ride must attend an in-person safety course with one parent or
guardian, led by the Sheriff’s Office. Safety course dates are listed to the right. 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 and parents do not need to sign-up or pre-register. Just show up to the next course location with your bike and helmet for inspection**
UCLA Early Academic Outreach Program (EAOP) Virtual Events
Register Here: https://eaop.ucla.edu/events
CONOZCA SUS DERECHOS
Fecha: 29 de enero Hora: 6 a 7:30 pm Las capacitaciones son virtuales y en inglés y español. Regístrese: bit.ly/KYR-trainings
¡Únase a la ACLUF-SDIC para nuestra capacitación sobre los derechos de los inmigrantes – la primera de cinco partes de nuestra serie de capacitaciones de “Conozca sus derechos”! Las amenazas de deportación en masa e incrementos en la retórica en contra del inmigrante han elevado el sentido de incomodidad y miedo en las comunidades de migrantes. Esta capacitación ayuda a preparar a nuestras comunidades brindándoles una descripción general de sus derechos, independientemente de su estatus migratorio, y cómo proteger sus derechos durante encuentros con las autoridades federales de inmigración.
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Date: Wednesday, January 29 Time: 6-7:30pm Trainings are virtual and in English and Spanish. Register: bit.ly/KYR-trainings
Join the ACLUF-SDIC for our immigrant rights’ training – the first of our 5-part Know Your Rights training series! Threats of mass deportation and the use of hateful anti-immigrant rhetoric have heightened feelings of unease and fear in our communities. This training helps prepare our communities by providing an overview of your rights, regardless of immigration status, and how to protect them during encounters with federal immigration authorities.
Know-Your-Rights webinar, presented by Reimagine Richmond
Aspire Public Schools is organizing a free Know-Your-Rights webinar, presented by Reimagine Richmond, in both English and in Spanish on 2/12/25. Please read the info below and see the attached bilingual fliers.
Our commitment to supporting all students and families, regardless of status, remains firm. To further this effort, we invite you to join our Immigration Know Your Rights Webinar!
This virtual event is an opportunity to gain insights on legal protections, available resources, and actionable ways to support the communities we serve.
This webinar is open to everyone in our Aspire network and beyond. Together, we can create a stronger, more informed community.
Two sessions will be streamed on Wednesday, February 12th: bilingual flyers attached
English session: 5:00pm
Spanish session: 6:00pm
Location: youtube.com/live/DKXBNZRr5C8
Marijuana Awareness Conference in Encinitas
Focused on the dangers of edibles containing THC.
The goal of this conference is to educate families about the risks associated with THC edibles, including their connection to drug misuse and mental health challenges.
When: Friday, February 28th 2025
Time: 5:30-7:30pm
Where: Encinitas Senior and Community Center
Sign up here: https://mamf.org/es/peligros-de-la-marihuana-comestible/
Comienza con un Sueño 2025
Saturday March 15th @ 9am In-Person at UC San Diego Liontree Arena
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.
Teens for Healthy Relationships Conference 2025 San Diego
For who: Teens
When: February 12th 5PM-7PM
Where: One Safe Place in San Marco, CA
Click here to register: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfMs5nrzZkGy3UZWrg45GlVtsAs_4E9RLPFIu-ahfh7UFH_Aw/viewform?pli=1
NCTD OFFERS FREE RIDES TO COMMEMORATE ROSA PARKS' BIRTHDAY
Oceanside, CA – In 1955, Rosa Parks was riding home on public transit when she refused to give up her seat in the front of the bus. The actions of the 42-year-old activist invigorated the movement for equality and played an important role in desegregating public transit.
To commemorate Rosa Parks’ birthday, and all she stood for, North County Transit District (NCTD, The District) is joining other public transportation agencies around the country in recognizing February 4, 2025, as “Transit Equity Day” by offering free rides.
"Rosa Parks’ courage to challenge the status quo became a pivotal turning point for Civil Rights in our country,” said NCTD CEO Shawn M. Donaghy. “We honor her legacy by working to ensure that all members of our community continue to have any and all opportunities to improve their quality of life through robust public transit policies and services.”
MHHS 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
Check out these flyers in English and Spanish for information about preventing youth suicide.
Counselor/Social Worker District Substitute/ Attendance Recognition/Senior Scholarships at Twin Oaks High School
>> 760 443-3626
San Diego County multilingual access and crisis line at
>> 888-724-7240, experienced counselors 24/7 who can provide support and
crisis intervention
Elizabeth Hospice offers individual and grief counseling
>> 760-737-2054
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
>> 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or text 838255, available 24/7 for confidential support for individuals in
distress
Crisis Text Line
>> Text HELLO to 741741, crisis counselors available 24/7
211 San Diego
>> dial 2-1-1 for trained staff 24/7 to connect to resources
NAMI San Diego Helpline
>> 800-523-5933, friendly trained volunteers staffed M-F 10am-3pm
National Parent Helpline emotional support from trained advocates
>> 855-4A-PARENT (855-427-2736), M-F 10am-7pm
California Warmline: Non-emergency resource 24/7 for emotional support
>> 855-845-7415
Free Mental Health Webinar Series for Parents and Caregivers
Next meeting: February 19, 2025
All webinars
5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Followed by an optional, 15-minute
question and answer session
with the presenter
IT'S OKAY TO ASK FOR HELP
Care Solace connects students, staff, and their families to care. At no cost to you, Care Solace will quickly and confidentially find available mental health and substance use providers matched to your needs.
Get Connected to Care Today 888.515.0595 or
https://www.caresolace.com/site/sanmarcos
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, or visit www.studentinsuranceusa.com.
Yearbooks $90
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.
Peer-To-Peer Program Recruitment
A new Mental Health and Wellness Program is being established at Mission Hills, and we are looking to build a team of students that will become our new Peer Counselors. Peer-To-Peer is a student-led peer counseling program aimed to train peer counselors to provide support to their fellow students in the Wellness Center. We are looking for students who display empathy and strong communication skills, are passionate about mental health and wellness and/or hoping to pursue a career in the mental/behavioral health or related fields, demonstrate leadership qualities, and have a willingness to commit to a schedule change in the Spring 2025 semester and be enrolled in the internship course Fall 2025 and beyond.
If students are interested in applying, the application is due Thursday, December 12th.
If you have any questions or would like to refer a student, please reach out to Charlie Grenier (charlie.grenier@smusd.org) or Lisa Filice (lisa.filice@smusd.org).
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.
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.
PARENTSQUARE
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.
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.
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. If you have any questions about creating your webstore account email our ASB Director, Mrs. O’Neil, at jocelyn.oneil@smsud.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
MHHS LIBRARY
Hours: 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (M-F)
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.
ELA TUTORING- GRIZZLY WRITING DEN
ELA tutoring can help you with essay feedback + revisions, reading comprehension, homework, make up work and MUCH more...
We offer ELA Tutoring at 3:30p.m-4:30p.m
Tuesdays in Room 345 and Thursdays in Room 320
Questions: Email corynn.mcdougall@smusd.org
GRIZZLIES STEPPING UP
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
MATH TUTORING
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 Mon - Wed.
Please click flyer link for more info
AP/HONORS
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.
