Hello SOAR,

During morning drop off in Lancaster, I was able to spend some time chatting with one of our parents. We discussed the special experience SOAR provides to our students to be college students, but with support. They get four years to develop the skills, dispositions, ways of being to become successful university students.

Later in the week, I overheard Mr. Sedlacek in the office and he said something that I absolutely loved. I told him I would be quoting him in the newsletter and he gave me the okay. I may get this wrong but he said something like, "If you want respect, go get it!" Let's let this sit for a moment --

The quote got me thinking about our STARS and the unique journey they are navigating as both high school and college students.

Respect. We all want our voices heard, our ideas considered, our efforts recognized, and our contributions valued. While everyone inherently deserves dignity and respect, the reputation we build is shaped by the choices we make every day.

At SOAR, our students are often among the youngest learners in the room. They engage with college professors, navigate rigorous academic expectations, collaborate with peers, and learn to advocate for themselves. They may not always be the most experienced people in the room, but they have every right to be there.

And they have an opportunity to demonstrate who they are through their actions:

Show up prepared, even when no one is checking.
Speak up when they have something to contribute, even when their voices shake.
Ask questions when they do not understand.
Follow through on commitments.
Take ownership when they make a mistake.
Extend the same respect to others that they hope to receive.

These are not simply habits of successful students. They are habits of people who understand the importance of character. As the adults in their lives, we can reinforce these habits by encouraging self-advocacy rather than immediately stepping in, celebrating help-seeking, and holding students accountable while extending grace and support for growth.

Let's remind our STARS that respect is not about being the loudest person in the room, having the highest GPA, or always having the right answer. Sometimes it is demonstrated through the quiet courage of saying, "I don't know," the integrity of admitting when you've fallen short, or the confidence to advocate for yourself.

Our students do not have to wait until they graduate, earn their degrees, or receive someone else's approval to begin showing the world who they are. They are already building their reputations. Every day. In every space they enter. Their accomplishments may open doors, but their character helps define what they do once they enter the room.

P.S. A Gentle Reminder: I ask that our SOAR parents and caregivers extend respect and grace to our faculty and staff, even when frustrations arise, whether it be over instructional methodologies that your student may not have experienced, a grade your student has earned or an important concern on your heart and mind. We welcome questions, dialogue, and opportunities to better understand one another, but how we engage matters. Our students are watching, and we have the privilege and responsibility of modeling the very respect, character, and integrity we hope to instill in them.

**I realized there is a translate button to translate the newsletter. If you would like me to go back to translating into Spanish, please let me know. | Me di cuenta de que el boletín cuenta con un botón para traducirlo. Si prefieren que vuelva a proporcionar la traducción al español, por favor, háganmelo saber.

Dream High. SOAR Higher. #WatchOurStarsSOAR

With care,

Dr. Krishna D. Spates
Proud Principal

CSU College Nights

Students from both campuses visited CSU College Nights to learn about their university options. Thank you Mrs. Jefferson and Ms. Dawes for chaperoning this important field trip. Thank you Mrs, Klassen, Mrs. Fields, Ms. Mendoza and Mrs. Forbes for making the magic happen behind the scenes to ensure our students were able to participate in this experience.

Biology with Ms. Campos

You haven't experienced Science, until you've experienced Science at SOAR! Students are Scientists. Students were decoding life. Each group had a unique lab focus and had to defend their thinking on a white board and in an oral presentation. They represented their thinking with a drawing, math computation, comparison to a previous lab and a clear conclusion.

English 10 with Mrs. Bilderback

Students explored how heroes influence their identity. Students designed a visual representation that uplifts an unknown Artist they recognize as a role model/hero. Students researched an Artist (either a woman or from a marginalized community). Students provided incredibly thoughtful and insightful feedback to their peers after each presentation.

SOAR High School Updates

Help Us Find SOAR Alumni

As the Principal, community and connection is something I know to be valuable. We are preparing to launch a campaign to find our SOAR Alumni! We need your help. We are going to post a graphic and link on social media for our alumni to complete. Please consider sharing the link in the ways you think best. Our Alumni can help our STARS thrive through their wisdom, encouragement and experiences. Let's work together to connect our community.

Thank you to Mr. Steven Fragoso for his hard work on this project.

Alumni Survey Link here | Shareable Social Media Post here

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All School PSAT/SAT Testing - October 9th

All of our students get to take the PSAT and SAT for FREE on October 9th while they are at school! The PSAT and SAT help students:

Discover Academic Strengths: Identify areas of strength and opportunities for growth in reading, writing, and mathematics.
Unlock Scholarship Opportunities: The PSAT/NMSQT can qualify eligible students for National Merit recognition and scholarship opportunities.
Explore College Options: SAT scores may be considered by colleges and universities outside the UC and CSU systems.
Prepare with Purpose: Gain experience with the digital testing format and use results to develop an individualized preparation plan.
Keep Doors Open: As students explore colleges and universities, having an SAT score available provides flexibility when applying to institutions that accept or require scores.

For our STARS, these assessments are another opportunity to practice the skills we emphasize through AVID: goal-setting, reflection, preparation, and ownership of learning.

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FREE Tutoring Resources

FREE Tutoring with a LIVE Tutor - Tutor.com
Tutoring Schedule - Lancaster Campus
Tutoring Schedule - Palmdale Campus

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Apply for a No-Cost Trip to the HACU Conference

Antelope Valley College students are invited to apply for an opportunity to attend the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) 40th Annual Conference in Chula Vista, California.

Hosted by the AVC Equity Department, the no-cost trip will take place Friday, October 30, through Tuesday, November 3. A select group of AVC students will attend workshops, luncheons and town halls focused on career, internship, research and educational opportunities. Students will also have opportunities to network with career professionals and graduate school representatives.

Attend an Information Session

Students interested in the trip can learn more at one of three information sessions:

Wednesday, September 23, 3-4 p.m., CH 130
Monday, September 28, 9-10 a.m., CH 130
Tuesday, September 29, 12:30-1:30 p.m., CH 130

Students selected for the trip must also attend a pre-trip orientation from
9 a.m.-1 p.m. Friday, October 23.

Applications are due Wednesday, September 30, 2026. Link here

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Cultura y Color Art Contest:

Compete for $500

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month through art in AVC’s Cultura y Color Art Contest: Amor Sin Fronteras (Love Without Borders).

The contest invites currently enrolled Antelope Valley College students to bring people together across cultures, languages, generations, and communities. Artwork may express what Amor Sin Fronteras means through family, friendship, community, cultural traditions, unity, or connection.

The contest is open to students of all cultures. Participants are encouraged to share a unique perspective and celebrate the experiences that remind people that love knows no boundaries.

Prizes

1st place: $500

2nd place: $300

3rd place: $100

4th place: $50

5th place: $25

Submission deadline

Friday, October 16 | 11 a.m.

No late submissions will be accepted.

Winners will be announced at Sabor Latine: A Taste of Heritage on Thursday, Oct. 22, from 1–4 p.m. on the Library Lawn.

For questions, contact equity@avc.edu. Review submission and contest rule here

Sponsored by the Associated Students of Antelope Valley College (ASO).

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Constitution Day Essay Contest:

Compete for $500

The Constitution Day Essay Contest is open to all AVC students enrolled in the Fall 2026 semester. This year’s essay topic is Voting.

In current politics, some argue that voting is so important that formidable barriers should be put in place to prevent fraud and cheating so the value of true votes is not diminished. Others claim that the right to vote is so important that there is a duty to make voting easy and open, allowing all who are eligible to cast their ballots if they choose.

Prompt: Which approach, whether in isolation or in combination, is best for our constitutional democracy?

Essays should include relevant references to specific and recent voting studies, court cases, primary documents, and other applicable research materials.

Essay Requirements

No more than 1,800 words
Times New Roman, 12-point font
Double-spaced
Minimum of three citations from recent sources (five years old or less)
MLA format for all citations, including any use of artificial intelligence (AI)
Works Cited page, including entries for any use of AI
Essay title that reflects the response to the topic question

Prizes

1st place: $500

2nd place: $300

3rd place: $100

4th place: $50

5th place: $25

Submission deadline

Friday, October 23, 2026 | 10 a.m. Student winners will be recognized at the AVC Board of Trustees meeting on Friday, Dec. 11, 2026. Submit your essay here

Sponsored by the Associated Students of Antelope Valley College (ASO).

Senior Ads: Celebrate your graduating senior with a special yearbook tribute! Families can reserve a page in the yearbook to honor their senior’s achievements, memories, and journey through high school. Click on the QR code and a yearbook staff member will be in contact. A full page ad is $150 and a half page ad is $135. Please contact Mrs. Jefferson at sjefferson@avhsd.org for more information or https://bit.ly/soar2027seniorads

Yearbooks are currently on sale! This year is SOAR’s 20th anniversary so grab a copy before they sell out! You can purchase online at https://www.jostens.com/apps/store/customer/1642294/SOAR-High-School/ or reserve a copy for just $5 to lock in current pricing. Pay off the balance in May when books arrive. Remember, no cancellations or refunds. All sales are final.

Year-Round Pricing

Sept: $60
Oct/Nov: $65
Dec: $70
Jan/Feb: $75

Palmale Campus Updates

Senior Ads

Pricing: $125 (Full Page) | $100 (Half Page)
How to Reserve: Fill out the https://forms.gle/abFcTgpGgwKwybS17
Payment: Online, or in person (exact cash/check) at the Accounting Office on Tuesdays/Wednesdays during school hours.

2. Order Your Yearbook ($60)

Option 1: Online

Visit: https://yearbookordercenter.com/jobSearch/displayHome.
Enter School Code: 26741 and verify our school name.
Click "Order a Yearbook" and follow the prompts.

Option 2: In Person

Visit the Accounting Office on Tuesdays or Wednesdays (7:30 AM – 4:00 PM).
Bring exact payment of $60 in cash or check (no payment plans available).

By Ms. Mercado, SOAR's Educational Social Worker

September Family Wellness: Recognize and Respond – PART 2

Last week, we focused on creating space for conversations about mental health. This week, we’re continuing that conversation by helping families recognize when a student may need additional support and what to do when concerns arise.

Know Your Student & Notice Changes

Teenagers naturally experience changes in mood and behavior. What can be especially important is noticing significant, persistent, or concerning changes from what’s typical for your student, such as:

Withdrawing from friends, family, or activities they enjoy
Significant changes in sleep, eating, mood, or school functioning
Increased sadness, anxiety, irritability, anger, or hopelessness
Talking about feeling trapped, hopeless, or like a burden
Talking about self-harm, death, wanting to die, or suicide

One sign alone doesn’t necessarily mean a student is experiencing a crisis, but changes are an opportunity to check in.

If You’re Student Tells You They’re Struggling

Stay calm and listen. Thank them for trusting you and take what they share seriously
Ask about safety. If you’re concerned about suicide, it is okay to ask them directly: “Are you thinking about suicide?” Asking directly does not put the idea into someone’s head.
Connect them with support. Reach out to an appropriate school mental health professional, healthcare provider, or mental health professional. Continue checking in even after your student begins receiving support.

If There Are Thoughts of Self-Harm or Suicide

Don’t dismiss or minimize what they are experiencing. Stay with them, seek professional support, and reduce access to potentially dangerous items. If you’re student is thinking about suicide, has a plan or access to a way to harm themselves, cannot stay safe or you are unsure about the level of danger, call or text 988 for immediate crisis support. For a life-threatening emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department. The Behavioral Health Urgent Care Clinic (BHUCC) in Lancaster is also an additional resource families have if their student is experiencing suicidal thoughts. They can also help link families up with additional mental health support such as therapy.

Family Reminder

Students need to know that struggling does not make them a burden and asking for help does not make them weak. Our response when they reach out can help make it easier for them to reach out again. A response such as: “Thank you for telling me. I’m here with you, and we’re going to find the support you need” can go a long way.

Support is Available

988 Suicide & Crisis Hotline: Call or text 988 for free, confidential, 24/7 support for anyone experiencing emotional distress or a mental health/suicide crisis.
California Youth Crisis Line: Call or Text 1-800-843-5200 for 24/7 crisis support and resource referrals for California youth and young adults age 13-24 and their families
The Trevor Project: Call 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678678 for 24/7 crisis support for LGBTQ+ young people ages 13-24.
Crisis Text Line: text HOME or HOLA to 741741 to receive 24/7 text-based support with a trained crisis counselor

Additional Resources

Soluna App: A free and confidential mental health app that can be downloaded onto your phone for California youth and young adults ages 13-25. Students can access 1:1 coaching 24/7 with a trained counselor, self-guided wellness tools, moderate peer support, and get help connecting to additional mental health resources. *SOLUNA IS NOT A CRISIS SERVICE*
TimelyCare: A virtual health and well-being platform available 24/7 for AVC students. Students get additional support for common health issues such as the cold, flu, and allergies, 24/7, on demand emotional support to talk about anything including anxiety, depression, relationships, and school-related stressors, scheduled counseling, basic needs support like housing assistance, food assistance, transit support, access to self-care content, and connect with a peer community.
Kaiser Permanente’s Mental Health Line: 661-951-0070 to be connected to therapy

By Ms. Graves, Head Counselor

📚 Counseling Visits to AVID for the Month of September

Throughout the school year, the SOAR Counseling Department will visit AVID classes to provide students with grade-level counseling lessons, college and career planning, academic information, and other resources.

Our September visits include:

12th Grade – September: Counselors will review the AVC Graduation Application and discuss what students should expect during senior year. This visit will also include college application resources and deadlines, testing requirements, the senior brag sheet, the local scholarship application, and guidance on creating or expanding a college application list.
9th–11th Grade – September: Students will participate in the Stress Lab Series, with grade-level lessons focused on self-awareness, stress and anxiety, coping tools, and strategies for managing stress effectively.

💻 Parent Virtual Workshop Series

The Counseling Department will also offer virtual workshops throughout the year to help families better understand important topics and support their students. Our upcoming Fall 2026 Parent Virtual Workshops are:

October 6 – Senior Parent Information Night & FAFSA
Designed for parents/caregivers of seniors, this workshop will provide information about senior year, applying to colleges, and the financial aid/FAFSA process.

We will share information on how to join our workshops on the SOAR Counseling Department Website.

Purchase the Palmdale SOAR Yearbook: https://yearbookordercenter.com | Código: 26741
SOAR High School Website
SOAR High School on Facebook
Bell Schedules
The Counseling Department
SOARing Through the Stars | Palmdale Campus Student Updates & News
TheSOARce | Lancaster Campus Student Updates & News

Seniors: College Application Links

Four of the most commonly used college application platforms for our students are:

UC Application – Used to apply to University of California (UC) campuses.
Cal State Apply – Used to apply to California State University (CSU) campuses.
Common App – Used by more than 1,100 participating colleges and universities across the country and internationally.
Common Black College Application – CBCA allows students to apply to multiple participating Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) through one application.

⭐ Fee Waiver: Common Black College Application
AVUHSD has received an application fee waiver code for students using the Common Black College Application. Students can enter the following code when completing their application:

Fee Waiver Code: AVUH27