2425.23 Grizzly Growler 02.16

- Weekly On and Off Campus Events

- MHHS events

- New information for our community

- MHHS Students Spotlight

- MHHS Staff 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 FEBRUARY 17

**NO SCHOOL**

TUESDAY FEBRUARY 18

8AM Blood Drive

6PM Track & Field Parent/Team Meeting

7PM Boys Basketball hosting Mater Dei HS (Winter Playoffs)

WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 19

5PM Boys Soccer hosting Hoover HS (Winter Playoffs)
530PM Middle School Basketball Championship

7PM Varsity Girls Lacrosse v. Great Oak

THURSDAY FEBRUARY 20

330PM Varsity Boys Tennis v. Sage Creek

5PM Girls Soccer hosting Winter Playoffs

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 21

500PM Girls Water Polo Banquet

530PM Movie Night at the Theatre

7PM Girls Basketball hosting Cathedral Catholic HS (Winter Playoffs)

FEBRUARY EVENTS

2/24 | Palomar Pathways Workshop

2/25 | Financial Aid Workshop

All Students and Staff Welcome 16 and Up

• Earn up to 6 community Service Hours
• Free snacks and drinks
• Free Red Cross T-shirt
• Community Service Cord

⚠️IMPORTANT: A parent consent form is needed for everyone so make sure to get it done during sign ups week. Digital copy of our consent form Here

Attention Grizzlies!

Our Mission Hills Drama Department is hosting a movie night featuring the movie Clueless in support of the victims of the LA fires. All proceeds will go to the people affected by the fires. There is no fee to enter but there will be concessions and donations are greatly appreciated.

The event will be February 21st in the Theatre. Doors open at 5:00pm. Movie starts at 5:30pm.

Join us for a financial aid workshop:

• Complete your financial aid application (FAFSA/CADAA)

WHEN: Tuesday, February 25, 2025

TIME: 5:30pm - 7pm

WHERE: MHHS Library

RSVP HERE

You're invited to the annual Grizzly Showcase!!!

All incoming grizzlies and their families are welcome to come check out our academics, sports, clubs, VAPA courses, CTE pathways, PTO, RESPECT project, our Future Center, Dual Enrollment, San Marcos Coalition, the San Marcos Promise, and more!

This event is geared towards incoming grizzlies and their families, and ALL grizzlies looking to get connected to campus life are invited to attend!

Therapy dogs are coming to MHHS on the following Fridays, during lunch, on the plaza:

March 7, 2025

April 11, 2025

May 2, 2025

May 30, 2025

See you there!

New & Current Student Enrollment Dates:

• NEW student enrollment opens on February 1, 2025

• CURRENT student residency verification (re-enrollment) opens on June 2, 2025

For more information, please visit www.smusd.org/enrollment, or click here for details!

Date: Sunday, Feb 16, 2025

Time: All day (10 am - 9 pm)

Location: 751 CENTER DRIVE SAN MARCOS, CA 92069

Nordhal Marketplace (near Walmart & Kohls)

Details: Cardinal Alliance Parent Organization will receive 30% of fundraiser sales* during this fundraiser. Participate on Sunday, Feb 16, 2025, by ordering online using the code DONATE or by visiting this Rubio’s location and showing your flyer either as a printout or on a mobile device.

*Gift card sales, alcoholic beverage sales, delivery fees, and third-party delivery orders are excluded. Orders must be placed on the day of your scheduled event at the given location.

Order online here: https://rubios.force4good.com/event/5853fe07-293b-4f6b-a54b-a393b994917

UC will host a free virtual event on Tuesday, February 25, for students and families who are interested in learning more about UC admission and our nine undergraduate campuses. We welcome California students in grades 9–11 or community college students who are interested in applying to UC for fall 2026 or beyond. Students who have already applied for fall 2025 should instead plan to attend campus events in April and May.

UC is a destination for students who are intellectually curious, seek professional and personal growth and believe that education is an investment in their future. This event will help students discover what kinds of learning and engagement opportunities are available in and out of the classroom. A panel of current students will answer questions about their experiences being a part of UC. Finally, admissions representatives will share information on both the first-year and transfer admission routes, including tips to help students prepare for the process.

Registration is required and space is limited. Please share the UC for Everyone flyer with your students and encourage them to register online.

Hello fellow math enthusiasts!

We are inviting everyone to our Sixth annual HWY 78 math fields day competition, EVERYONE from college algebra/Pre-calculus and above can participate. CSUSM, Palomar and MiraCosta colleges invite you to join us on Saturday March 8th 2025, from 9am-2pm. Below are some key aspects of the event.

• Competition is FREE for all students, please register today at hwy78math2025.eventbrite.com

  HWY 78 Math Fields Day

  HWY 78 Math Fields Day is a North County math competition for students from CSUSM, Palomar College, MiraCosta College, and regional HS

  hwy78math2025.eventbrite.com

• Early registrations get free Lunch

• There will be two tests, one solely on precalculus and below knowledge, and another solely on Calculus 1. Students can register to take both or just one of the tests. There will be Math talks for any students that choose not to take one of the tests.
• Every student participates as individuals
  
• Prizes will be awarded for the top places in each test.
  

• The event will be held physically at Palomar College.

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

Join us for our upcoming webinars to tackle these issues.

Vaping in 2025: What Parents Need to Know (Feb 18)

Vapes are stronger than ever, and companies are finding new ways to target kids. Dr. Aaron Weiner will unpack the latest trends, hidden health risks, and how to talk to your child about the dangers.

Unpacking the Risks of Modern Marijuana (Mar 4)

Today’s high-potency marijuana isn’t what it used to be. Laura Stack, founder of Johnny’s Ambassadors, shares how THC concentrates are linked to addiction, psychosis, schizophrenia, and even suicide—and what parents need to know.

Launch, Don't Crash: Tips to Help them Fly the Nest (Apr 8)

Preparing kids for life after high school starts earlier than you think. Dr. Jill Grimes, The College Doc, will share what kids of all ages should start learning now—like anxiety, developing healthy sleep habits, taking charge of their own well-being, and making smart, safe choices about drugs and alcohol.

Each webinar is completely free, and if you register, you’ll receive a recording to watch on your own time. Plus, if you attend live, you’ll get a certificate of attendance. Feel free to forward this email to other parents, caregivers, coworkers, or educators who might find these sessions helpful - everyone is welcome to join!

Register for a specific webinar here

Register for all webinar here

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.

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!

We had three Mission Hills students who auditioned and were selected to participate in the All-Southern Honor Bands and Orchestras. This is an incredibly competitive and difficult audition. This year there were over 2,400 students who competed for a spot in one of the honor groups.

The San Marcos Education Foundation was created to support the San Marcos Consolidated Independent School District by providing resources for programs and activities that aren’t funded within the SMCISD’s normal operating budget. In that spirit we are pleased to sponsor the Teacher of the Year awards and to award grants each year for creative and innovative teaching programs, techniques and ideas.

Our teachers won a grant to purchase books for their ELD classes. Thank you for all the hard work you do for our students!

Monday February 17

Mission Hills Varsity Field

10-12th Graders 10:30-12:30

All Frosh 1:00-3:00

Tuesday 2/18 and Wednesday 2/19

JV/Varsity-2:30-4:30 @ MH

Frosh- 3:30-5:30 @ Woodland Park

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)

Pre-Participation Physical Form

Student Insurance

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.

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

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

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.

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.

English Flyer

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

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.

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.

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 (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

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

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.

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.