2425.32 Grizzly Growler 04.27

- Weekly On and Off Campus Events

- MHHS events

- MHHS State Testing

- College Seminar for Freshman & Families

- Hispanics for College

- Applications Open for Teen Summer Camp Focused on Public Health

- Mission Hills 2025 Prom Tickets are on sale NOW!

- 2025 Graduation Yard Sign on Sale NOW!

- MHHS Student Spotlights

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 APRIL 28

530PM Varsity Girls Lacrosse vs. Mission Vista @ Stadium

715PM Varsity Boys Lacrosse vs. Sage Creek @ Stadium

TUESDAY APRIL 29

400PM Varsity Baseball vs. Del Norte @ Baseball Field

WEDNESDAY APRIL 30

430/600PM JV/Novice/Var vs. Escondido @ Pavilion

600PM Varsity Girls Lacrosse vs. Rancho Buena Vista @ Stadium

THURSDAY MAY 1

400PM Freshman Baseball vs. Del Norte @ Woodland Park

400PM JV Baseball vs. Del Norte @ MH Baseball Field

FRIDAY MAY 2

330PM Novice Softball vs. Rancho Buena Vista @ Hollandia East

330PM JV Softball vs. San Pasqual @ Hollandia West

330PM Varsity Softball vs. San Pasqual @ MH Softball field

SATURDAY MAY 3

1030AM Varsity Baseball vs. Del Norte @ MH Baseball field

APRIL EVENTS

04/29 | CSUSM Next Steps Assembly for Seniors only

4/28 MONDAY: CAASPP and CAST Make-Ups

4/29 TUESDAY: CAASPP and CAST Make-Ups

4/30 WEDNESDAY: CAASPP and CAST Make-Ups

Hello Juniors!

Come and learn all about UC Irvine who will be visiting us. (This presentation is for juniors only)

Sign up HERE

Date: Monday, April 29 Period 5

Location: Room 335

Questions: Contact Mrs. Schuetze in the Future Center karen.schuetze@smusd.org

Hello MHHS Freshmen Families!

The MHHS Counseling Department invites MHHS Freshmen and their families to the Mission Hills High School College Seminar for Freshmen, presented by School Counseling Interns, Ms. Edith and Ms. Alma.

We will be covering topics such as college options, preparing to apply to college, and financial aid.

Event Details:

Title: College Seminar for MHHS Freshmen and their Families
Date: Tuesday Morning, April 29th, 2025
Time: 8:00 am - 9:00 am
Location: Future Center

This will be in English and there will be a separate recording available after the presentation, in Spanish.

Please fill out this form if you are interested in attending!

If you have any questions, please email school counseling interns Edith Vargas at edith.vargas@smusd.org, Alma Barrera at alma.barreragarcia@smusd.org , or MHHS Counselor Susan Martinez Alejandre at susan.martinezalejandre@smusd.org.

MHHS Library April 30th 12:30pm

The National Association of Student Councils recognizes and celebrates high school student councils that meet high standards and demonstrates evidence of student service, leadership, voice and engagement.

Space is limited. Registration is required.

First time parking permit applicants are required to complete a Start Smart course in order to obtain a parking permit. Your parent or guardian is required to attend the Start Smart course with you. Upon verification of attendance and completion of a Start Smart course, you will receive a certificate. If you previously completed a Start Smart course, you do not need to retake the course, but you DO need to reapply for a parking permit at the beginning of each school year. Students do not need to already have their license in order to attend a Start Smart course. See flier(s) below for further details.

Thursday, May 1st 6-8pm in the Library

RSVP Link to Register:
REGISTER HERE
**You MUST be logged into the SMUSD student email to RSVP**

To kick off mental health awareness month, Ms. Charlie will be hosting an Anchor Box Building Workshop on May 1st 3:30-4:30PM in the Zen Den.

Find Your Anchor (findyouranchor.us) is a movement aimed at suicide prevention, awareness, and education. In this workshop, we will guide students to create their own Anchor Box, filled with suicide prevention tools and resources that they can use and share with others. All materials will be provided.

There are only 25 spots available so don't wait to sign up! Sign up HERE

Reach out to Ms Charlie: charlie.grenier@smusd.org with any questions.

On Saturday, May 3rd watch Cardinal, Gold, and Grizzly Jazz Band preform @ Mira Costa College.

Danz d'Arts Presents Garden of Dreams 🌺🌻🌿

Tickets on sale soon

Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week 2025 is fast approaching. PTO would like to express appreciation to all of them.

It sure would be SWEET if you could donate - every dollar helps!

Link to PTO square site>>> Donate HERE

One Safe Place is partnering with Princess Project and Shariah’s Closet to host a no cost event for high school students who plan to attend PROM in 2025 and need a prom dress and accessories at no cost. Come join us for fun dress shopping! Let us help you complete your look with beautiful accessories to help you feel amazing for your school PROM.

One Safe Place

1050 Los Vallecitos Blvd., San Marcos, CA 92069

Tuesday, May 6th 9am-5pm

by appointment only, scan QR code to register or Click this Link

Join us for this four-part virtual workshop series that will equip parents to have meaningful career pathway conversations at home as their teens start thinking about life after high school. What we'll cover:

• Session 1- Defining Post-Graduation Success Together
• Session 2- Connecting Interests to Majors & Careers
• Session 3- Fostering Academic & Career Readiness Skills
• Session 4- Supporting Post-High School and Career Planning

Time: 6:00 to 7:30 PM
Dates:

• English Sessions- Tuesdays, April 8, April 15, April 22, April 29

These sessions will be offered through Zoom

• To register for the ENGLISH sessions click HERE

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

• Identify how sleep is your child’s foundation for health and learning
• Educate yourself on how sleep impacts your child’s brain and development
• Learn ways to improve sleep for your child and get answers for how to handle sleep issues
• Gain an understanding of how to set your child up with solid sleep hygiene

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!

Do you speak Spanish and have a child aged between 6 and 12?

Interested in learning more about college opportunities? This event is tailor-made for you! Join us on May 1st, from 5:30 to 7:30 pm at San Marcos High School.

Simply scan the QR code or Click this link to secure your spot. We can't wait to see you there!

FREE "let's live" TrueCare's Peer2Peer Mental Health Conference at Palomar College on May 2nd! Our Peer2Peer program invites youth leaders to become Ambassadors, focusing on reducing stigma and spreading mental health awareness on campus to prevent suicide and self-harm.

Workshops include Rising Scholars Nora Kenney-Whitley, Ph.D., TrueCare's Youth Advocacy Program, NAMI San Diego, Palomar College Behavioral Health Services covering self-care, mental health first aid, caregiver support, family health, and suicide prevention.

RSVP Here

We are looking forward to bringing keynote speaker Kevin Hines. https://kevinhinesstory.com/

A popular summer camp for local high school students who want to learn more about public health is accepting applications. Public Health Advocate Camp gives students access to public health professionals and practical experience at no cost.

Apply by May 2, 2025

To be eligible for the program, students must...

1. Be rising 11th & 12th graders (must be a sophomore or junior during the 2024-2025 school-year).
2. Be 18 years or younger.
3. Complete and submit the student registration form (see link below) by Friday, May 2.
4. Ask a teacher to submit the Teacher Recommendation Form (see link below) by Friday, May 2.
5. Have a parent/guardian sign the Digital Consent Form (provided upon acceptance).
6. Obtain their own transportation to and from the SDCOE Linda Vista Innovation Center.
7. Provide their own laptop.
8. Bring their own lunch. Light snacks will be provided

For more information, visit: www.sdcoe.net/cte-nnovation/home/health-biotech

Camp College, a FREE, 7-session virtual college bootcamp for students. All sessions are facilitated and moderated by WACAC members. Sessions 1-5 will be on Wednesdays from 4-5 p.m. The final two sessions will take place on Tuesdays from 4-5 p.m.

Topics include: Building a College List, How College Application Decisions Are Made, Getting Started on your Application; Essays & Activities, Avoiding Missed Opportunities on the Common App & UC App, Personal Writing for the Common App & UC App, Ask the Experts Q & A, & Financial Aid.

By joining live, students will be able to ask questions in real time and get answers from experts. All sessions will be recorded and shared with registrants. Register by scanning the QR code or sign up at http://bit.ly/CampCollege2025

As prom approaches, we encourage all students and families to prioritize safety and well-being. A flyer with important tips for celebrating prom night safely and soberly is attached. Please take a moment to review and discuss these reminders together. Your choices matter—and we care about every one of you.

A national observance created to increase understanding of the dangers of illicit fentanyl and to promote prevention and education efforts across the country. Help us informing yourself and others by sharing a commitment of preventing overdose and creating a safer San Diego County.

What parents need to know

Golden Hour in Greece at Kona Kai Resort in Shelter Island

6:00pm - 9:30pm

Free Valet Parking for students on site!

Tickets sold online at GoFan.Co

Guest Tickets and Underclassman Tickets must be purchased in person in the finance office with Signed Guest pass or Dance Agreement. We only accept cash or check, no debit/credit cards.

Please turn in Dance Agreements and/or Guest Passes to the AP office.

Link to purchase tickets, Guest Pass for non MHHS students, and Dance agreement can be found at: https://linktr.ee/missionhillsasb

2025 Graduation Yard Sign Order Form

MHHSPTO is excited to partner with Signarama this year to celebrate our Grizzly class of 2025 with SENIOR YARD SIGNS! A portion of the proceeds will help support programs such as Sponsor a Grizzly, scholarships, PTO-sponsored events for staff and students and more!

Orders will be open through April 30, 2025. Signs will be available for pick-up at MHHS mid- May. A confirmation email with details will be sent when your order is placed.

All sales are final, so confirm all information is accurate (name spelled correctly etc...). If you would like to order more than one option please submit separate forms, thank you!

Mission Hills PTO is excited to offer two $500 scholarships to two MHHS Seniors graduating in June 2025.

How to apply:

1. Complete all required information as outlined in this form.

2. Print and return all required documents to the Future Center.

Due: Monday, May 5, 2025, 3:30 p.m.

We wish you all the best!

2025 SENIOR SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION

Congratulations! You have been accepted to college(s)! Now what?? Our Future Center is coordinating for special guests to come in and share what the next steps are and how to be prepared for this transition. The date is still pending, but this presentation will be held in our Future Center on a Tuesday morning at 8:15am.

Click on this link to be updated when we have a date for this presentation >> Interest Form

3rd Place out of the State (cash award):

Zahid Perez-Cruz, Zyan Perkins, Ethan Lee

‘To Whom it May Concern”

Films Recognized at the state level (no cash award):

Honorable Mention

Jenny (Binh) Tran

“.-.. ..-. ….-”

Animated Film

Eric Garcia

“See the Signs”

Animated Film

Alex Chau & Angel Molena Garcia

“Burden.”

Anabelle Prado & Hayden Foster

“Call Me”

Bryanna Licona, Michelle Gallegos, Eden Moreno and Nayla Rosas

“Breaking Point”

An additional awesome video that did not win:

Delilah Reynso & Kirra Galan

“Im-Perfect”

The San Marcos Chamber Rising Stars Program continues to shine a spotlight on San Marcos Unified student excellence each month. We're bursting with pride for these incredible students!

Bringing the community together to honor San Marcos high school seniors for demonstrating character, integrity, love of learning, involvement in school and community activities and/or the ability to overcome challenging life circumstances without compromising their education. These students make a difference in their home, school & community with sincerity and passion, making our city shine like a star.

Congratulations, Dhruv Ajit 🥳

Huge congratulations for Novice’s hard work at the Del Lago Feeder Frenzy! They take the win the Silver Division! They’ve done a phenomenal job all season & their hard work paid off.

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.

This is a reminder that all students who park in the school’s student parking lot must have a valid parking permit. We conduct regular parking sweeps, and students who do not have a permit or are in violation of the parking policy will receive the following consequences:

• 1st Violation: Warning
• 2nd Violation: May result in a $20 citation fee
• 3rd Violation: May result in towing

For more details on our Parking Policy and violations, please refer to the following link (available in both English and Spanish). Permit applications are available at the Finance window.
Additionally, first-time permit applicants are required to complete a Start Smart course with a parent/guardian. Information about Start Smart courses can also be found at the link above.

We appreciate your cooperation in ensuring our parking policies are followed.

Thinking about your future? Take one of three courses below next year at MHHS and earn dual credit at CSUSM! That’s 3-6 units of FREE college credit while still in high school! Don’t miss this chance to get ahead — sign up now with your counselor! Even if you've completed course selection, you can email your counselor to request to be added to one or more of these classes.

Ethnic Studies (11-12 grade)

Cybersecurity (9-12 Grade)

English 9 in the Context of Mental health (9 Grade)

On Campus * During the School Day * 3-6 CSUSM Credits * Free!

San Marcos Unified School District (SMUSD) LCAP Survey!

SMUSD would like you to share your thoughts on the district's performance. SMUSD will use the feedback received to ensure that district offerings meet the needs of students, parents, and staff, consistent with the district’s LCAP.

This study is for research purposes only; all information you provide will be maintained on a confidential basis by Hanover Research and will only be reported to SMUSD in an anonymized form (i.e., your name and identifying information such as race and gender will not be shared with the district or tied to your responses), so please be candid in your responses.

Please note that you should not use your name or other identifying items in your open-ended responses.

Thank you for your participation!

Click here to complete survey

We are in the midst of Course Selection Season and students and families have been asking about whether or not summer school would be an option for students this year. Unfortunately, there will be no summer school for credit recovery this year. Instead, students who need to remediate any necessary credits should work directly with their counselor to explore options through Credit Recovery or our FLEX Academy. If you have any questions, please contact your administrator or the counseling office for more information.

Thank you!

2025 dress giveaway flyer in English and Spanish

Please note the following additional information:

• Each teen will be able to select one free prom dress and one accessory
• Teens must reserve their appointment online to come get a dress. Our appointment booking system has changed; registration is a two-step process; teens will complete their waiver first and then be sent to our reservation booking page.
• In addition to our Central Giveaway Location at Mission Valley Mall, we also offer "Pop-Up" Prom Shops at local partner libraries in San Diego County! When registering, teens should double check that they choose the correct giveaway location where they want to come get a dress with us!
• Teens must bring a valid ID and proof of enrollment in High School.
• Please Note: Our Main Princess Project Dress Giveaway Location at Mission Valley Mall is located next to DXL, and across from Lenscrafters, Phenix Salon and the US Postal Office. Park in underground parking level "D" and head up the ramp; our store will be on your left!

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.

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

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

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

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.