2425.17 Grizzly Growler 12.15

- Weekly On and Off Campus Events

- Club Highlight: I Am AP

- Community Events

- Resources and Activities for the community

- Seniors: Grade Nite Tickets on Sale Now

- Scholarship Deadlines

- Finals week schedule Dec. 17-19

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 DECEMBER 16

600-900PM- Frosh/JV Football Banquets *Theater

600PM- JV Girls Basketball v. Lincoln *Mission Hills

TUESDAY DECEMBER 17

600-900PM-Frosh/JV Football Banquets *Theater

330PM Freshman Boys Soccer v. Vista *South Upper Grass

400PM JV Boys Soccer v. Vista *Stadium

600PM Varsity Boys Soccer v. Vista *Stadium

700PM Varsity Boys Basketball v. La Jolla Country Day *La Jolla Country Day

530PM JV Boys Basketball v. La Jolla Country Day *La Jolla Country Day

WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 18

600-900PM Field Hockey Banquet *Theater

THURSDAY DECEMBER 19

330-530PM Freshman Boys Soccer v. El Camino *South Upper Grass

400-600PM JV Boys Soccer v. El Camino *Stadium

530PM JV Girls Basketball v. West Utah *Pavilion

600-800PM Varsity Boys Soccer v. El Camino *Stadium

700PM Varsity Girls Basketball v. West Utah *Pavilion

FRIDAY DECEMBER 20

No Classes

400PM Freshman Boys Basketball v. Carlsbad *Pavilion

530PM JV Boys Basketball v. Carlsbad *Pavilion

700PM Varsity Boys Basketball v. Carlsbad *Pavilion

SATURDAY DECEMBER 21

400PM- JV Girls Basketball v. Rancho Buena Vista *Pavilion

530PM- Varsity Girls Basketball v. Rancho Buena Vista *Pavilion

DECEMBER EVENTS

12/17-12/19| Finals week

12/20-01/10 | Winter Recess

01/13/25 | Back to School

CLUB PURPOSE:

At MHHS, we strive to create an inclusive, inviting, and supportive AP/H program. It is our belief that all students, regardless of experience, should have access to rigorous courses. We also believe that students thrive in a supportive, nurturing, and collaborative environment. We've created a mentorship and tutoring network that promotes academic risk taking and productive collaboration so that all Grizzlies feel successful in these high-level classes.

MEETING INFO:

During lunch Room 540

Follow their Instagram mhhs.iamap and visit their website MHHS AP/H for more information

INTERESTED IN JOINING?

Come visit Mrs.Markgraf in room 540 to get involved

STAFF ADVISOR

michael.butler@smusd.org and alecia.markgraf@smusd.org

Project Next is excited to announce our Annual Winter FYI (Future You Initiative) event. Join us for Twisters: Navigating the Whirlwind of Life on Monday, January 6th for an event that’s all about preparing for the twists and turns of life. Inspired by the summer blockbuster, "Twisters", this one-day event is packed with interactive activities, discussions, and lessons designed to help YOU take charge of your future.

💡 Learn skills that matter:
🌪 Problem-Solving – Make quick, smart decisions.
🤝 Teamwork – Collaborate like a pro.
💪 Courage – Face challenges with confidence.
⭐ Leadership – Lead with impact.

🎉 Meet students from other schools, build connections, and have FUN! Walk away with tools to make better decisions, work well with others, and lead in any situation.

📅 When: January 6th
📍 Where: San Marcos High School
*Open to all high school students*

Register by Dec. 20th to reserve your spot! LINK

This month MHHS PTO is hosting a 🥔Baked Potato Bar🥔 for our SPUDTACULAR TEACHERS & STAFF in appreciation of all of their hard work and dedication! 🌟

You may donate here!

Appreciation Donation

https://www.mhhspto.com/

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.

Food Resources English

Recursos Alimentarios

North Coast Calvary Chapel- Carlsbad

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

Read flyer for more information Application

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

Need Community Service Hours? Donate to NPFH & CSF'S HOLIDAY BOOK DRIVE DEC. 9-19, 2024!

2 Books = 1 hour, max of 3 hours!

Drop off in room 645,660,420, or ASB room!

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

We are excited to announce that Project Next will be hosting a Cash for College event on Saturday, January 25, 2025 from 9am-12pm at Mission Hills High School! This Countywide Financial Aid Blitz is where Students/Parents/Families can get FREE in-person help filling out a FAFSA or CADAA at one of the dozens of locations around SD County on Sat, 1/25. Powered by Cal-SOAP, we're happy to be hosting at one of 25 sites this year.

This will be Cal-SOAP's 2nd collaboration of this magnitude, and we are fortunate to be one of the many school and community partners in San Diego and Imperial Counties to help in this effort.

This event is open to 12th graders/families from all over the County.

Registration links:

Students/Parents Registration Link: https://forms.gle/B3SkjWc6KdGU3qEi7

Volunteer Registration Link: https://forms.gle/rjSai3mMzzPgQVDJ7

We'll be garnering support from the community. If you would like to volunteer to help students and families at that event, please use the Volunteer link.

San Diego Black College Expo January 30th, 2025

Pick up a permission slip in the Future Center! Limited spots available.

BUY NOW $80

Visit MHHS Webstore to pre-order your child's yearbook. The price of the yearbook is currently $80. Yearbook -B with nameplate are $85. Yearbook-C with nameplate and Class of 2025 (senior only) $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

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.

2,627 High School Seniors are Awarded Full Scholarships to Top Colleges through QuestBridge. One of our Grizzlies and AVID Seniors, Adriel Bibiano, has received a FULL RIDE TO STANFORD!! He has committed to attending there in the fall.

QuestBridge Press Release

About QuestBridge: QuestBridge connects high-achieving students from low-income backgrounds with a thriving community and transformative educational, career, and life opportunities that help propel them to lives of fulfillment, meaning, and purpose.

The Match Scholarship is made up of a generous financial aid package provided by the college partner that covers the full cost of attendance, including tuition, housing and food, books and supplies, and travel expenses.

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

Thank you for your understanding,

Mrs. Kniseley

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.

Hello Grizzly Families!

As we continue to navigate this school year, we want to take a moment to remind both parents/guardians and students about our attendance procedures.

• If your student was marked absent in error, please have your student contact the teacher. The teacher must then email or call the Attendance Office with the correction. Your student is responsible for speaking to the teacher to clear these absences.

• If you are aware that your student will be late to school for any reason, we do ask that a parent/guardian give us a call BEFORE your student arrives to school or the student must provide a Doctor/Dental note at the window upon arrival. Please be sure that your student checks in either with the Attendance Window or with a Campus Supervisor stationed in the student parking lot. By having them check in, we are able to get their time of arrival and excuse the classes they may have missed.

• If your student is leaving early, we do ask that a parent/guardian call the Attendance Office at least 1 HOUR BEFORE the time the student is needed.

If you are calling during normal business hours, and reach the voicemail, it is because we are on another line or helping a parent/student at the window. PLEASE LEAVE A MESSAGE. Voicemails are retrieved regularly throughout the day. Please be aware that the Attendance Office does not call back unless more information is needed. Please refer to the MHHS website for additional information, regarding Attendance.

FINALS WEEK:

WE DO NOT DELIVER OFFICE CAMPUS PASSES TO CLASS DURING FINALS.

In an effort to not interrupt any final exams, please try to refrain from pulling your student out of school during finals. We know that there may be a situation in which you must pick up your child early. If so, please call our office early enough so that your student can pick up their pass prior to class beginning, or during the nutrition break which begins at 10:35 a.m.

Deadline: December 30th, 2024

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).

Mental Health Matters

All webinars

5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Followed by an optional, 15-minute

question and answer session

with the presenter

ProjectNext Newsletter (Spanish)

We’re on a mission to sprinkle clarity, confidence, and connections like

confetti! Project Next teams up with school districts, nonprofits, businesses,

and colleges to fill the gaps in college and career readiness faster than you

can say "future superstar!" Born from the brains of former high school

counselors, we bring the real-world prep straight to students, right on their

turf. Our Future Centers are like career treasure chests, offering college and

career programs, skills workshops, job training, and the wisdom of our

amazing Career Coaches. By planting these services in schools, we kick down

barriers, forge trusted bonds, and make sure students have guidance on

speed dial. Best part? Project Next is open to EVERYONE!

Don't miss out on the memories! Yearbook sales are now open.

Order yours today!

Orders can be placed online or at the finance office.

Spring 2025 Dual Enrollment is now open! Dual Enrollment classes are a great way to earn college and high school credit. Please click the flyer link for the list of courses that will be offered for Spring 2025.

Click link to register If you are currently enrolled in a Dual Enrollment class, you do not need to reapply.

Deadline to enroll is 12/13/2024

Please click the the flyer links for more information and a GUIDE to Mental Health and Wellness.

in English and Spanish

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.

At Mission Hills High School, we believe that every student’s life is invaluable and strive to remind students that they are not alone. At Mission Hills High School, our goal is to foster a culture where mental health is prioritized, and everyone feels empowered to seek help.

Resources and Support

MHHS Counseling Linktree of Resources

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

See below in our growler for more resources for families.

Check out these flyers in English and Spanish for information about preventing youth suicide.

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.

FALL PROGRESS REPORT DATES

09/27 | Progress Report 1

11/08 | Progress Report 2

12/19 | Semester 1 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 2023-24

Monday-Friday 7:30 a.m.- 4 p.m.

760-290-2700

WEBSITE // Please check missionhillshigh.smusd.org for daily updates and information.

At Mission Hills we strive to provide our students and families with clear and effective communication. If you would like to see additional information in our newsletter please reach out and let us know. As always, we are here to help and support our community.