2425.28 Grizzly Growler 03.23
IN THIS ISSUE
Week 28 // March 23, 2025
- Weekly On and Off Campus Events
- MHHS events
- Spring Break March 31st- April 4th
- MMHS Alumni Visits
- UCSD EDGE- Girl's Day Out Event
- UC Irvine presentation for Juniors ONLY
- Palomar College Field Trip Opportunity
- Last week to order Graduation Regalia
- Information Worth Repeating
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 MARCH 24
330PM Novice Softball v. Mission Vista * Hollandia East
400PM JV Baseball v. RBV * Baseball field
400PM Freshman Baseball v. RBV *Woodland Park
700PM Varsity Girls Lacrosse v. El Camino *Stadium
TUESDAY MARCH 25
330PM JV/Varsity Beach Volleyball v. Oceanside *Woodland Park
330PM Varsity Boys Tennis v. Classical Academy *Tennis Courts
430PM JV/Novice Boys Volleyball v. Rancho Bernardo *Pavilion
600PM Varsity Boys Volleyball v. Rancho Bernardo *Pavilion
WEDNESDAY MARCH 26
330PM JV Boys Tennis v. Mt. Carmel *Tennis Courts
400PM Varsity Baseball v. Classical Academy *Baseball field
400PM Varsity Softball v. Imperial *Softball Field
530PM JV Boys Lacrosse v. El Capitan *Stadium
715PM Varsity Boys Lacrosse v. El Capitan
THURSDAY MARCH 27
310PM JV Boys Golf *Twin Oaks
330PM JV/Varsity Beach Volleyball v. Sage Creek *Woodland Park
330PM JV Boys Tennis v. RBV *Tennis Courts
430PM Novice/ JV V. Mission Vista *Pavilion
600PM Varsity Boys Volleyball v. Mission Vista *Pavilion
FRIDAY MARCH 28
700PM Varsity Girls Lacrosse v. Westview *Westview
WEEK AT A GLANCE
SAVE THE DATE
MARCH EVENTS
03/27 | Project Next Money Matters Part 2
03/31-04/04 | Spring Break
MHHS UPCOMING EVENTS
MHHS Alumni Speaker - Jamie Jackson
Join us March 24th during lunch in the Future Center
- Alliant University
- Sports and exercise science major
- Education and Teaching Credential
- Physical Education Teacher
- College Experience and Tips
No sign-up necessary.
MHHS Alumni Speaker - Kayde Virabouth
Join us March 28th during lunch in the Future Center
- Concorde Career College
- Medical Assisting Program
- Entrepreneurship- Baking
No sign-up necessary.
Money Matters Part 2
Managing Debt
Curious about adulting and managing money? Join Project Next in our Future Center during lunch (Food will be provided) to learn tips and tricks on handling credit card, car loans, and student loan debt. Discover strategies to tackle your debts and pave the way to financial independence.
Parent Teacher Organization Meeting April 8th
Parents, want to get involved??? Please join our PTO meeting April 9th at 6:30pm in the staff workroom.
NEW INFORMATION FOR OUR COMMUNITY
UCSD EDGE- Girl's Day Out Event
UCSD EDGE is a mentorship program led by the Society of Women Engineers and Women in Computing at UC San Diego.
They will be hosting an event called Girl's Day Out, on Saturday, April 26th, from 9am - 3:15pm. Girl's Day Out is a free, all-day conference-style event on UCSD campus in which high school female and non-binary high school students from the San Diego area will have the opportunity to take part in hands-on engineering and computing workshops to build their own projects!
These projects are focused on providing students with the ability to explore computing, engineering, and other STEM concepts through various workshops that will be led by UCSD’s very own professors and student-run engineering organizations. We are asking students to arrive at 9am so that we can start the event at 9:30am. Lunch will be provided!
Registration form: https://forms.gle/X2rEP9eJttaTsKji7
* All female and non-binary high school students from the San Diego area are eligible to register!
What is EDGE?
Empowerment & Development for Girls in Engineering (EDGE) is a year-long program catered to 9-12th graders interested in pursuing an engineering degree. Our mission is to encourage more high school girls to consider STEM-related careers in order to bridge the gender gap in engineering fields. This program will provide opportunities to network with women in engineering and computer science fields at UCSD, as well as provide various workshops and events to foster interest in a wide variety of STEM fields. Our application for the 2024-2025 school year is closed, however we have a 2025-2026 program interest form for interested students.
Palomar Pathways
UC Irvine (This presentation is for juniors only)
Come and learn all about UC Irvine who will be visiting us. (This presentation is for juniors only)
Date: Monday, April 29 Period 5
Location: Here at MHHS, TBD
Questions: Contact Mrs. Schuetze in the Future Center karen.schuetze@smusd.org
Reminder: Student Parking Permit Requirement
- 1st Violation: Warning
- 2nd Violation: May result in a $20 citation fee
- 3rd Violation: May result in towing
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.
MHHS SENIOR INFO
Palomar Pathways Field Trip Opportunity
Permission slips must be completed and turned in by Friday, March 28th unless all spots are filled beforehand.
Event: Palomar College Field Trip
Date: Tuesday, April 8
Time: 9:40am-12:45pm
Location: Palomar College
Questions: Contact Mrs. Schuetze in the Future Center karen.schuetze@smusd.org
Class of 2025 - Submit your Financial Aid Application!
The priority deadline to submit your Financial Aid Application (FAFSA or CADAA) is coming up soon. Submit your application by April 2, 2025 in order to receive as much financial aid as possible!
Did you already submit your FAFSA or CADAA?
- Now, make sure to create a WebGrants 4 Students account so you can track your Cal Grant status and other financial aid updates
Do you have questions or need help with your application?
- Visit the Future Center (open from 7:30am-4pm every school day)
- Reach out to your school counselor
Regalia for Purchase
Student Union Stoles $40 online only
How To Order
Graduation Regalia is ready for purchase!
The order deadline is Friday March 28th. Graduation Regalia will be distributed on Senior Awards Day on Monday June 9th.
Mission Hills Approved Regalia Price List Link: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1ZmoRj5VcVypIK5Z8tu3JpG2Tz31TAYXqP2AlzP_BolE/edit?usp=sharing
Mission Hills Webstore Link: https://smusd.graystep.com/(S(5vosekauhm3xtqub5xddrz0l))/Index.aspx#/12/39
ATTENDANCE INFORMATION
MESSAGE FROM THE ATTENDANCE OFFICE
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.
INFORMATION WORTH REPEATING
Earn College Credit at MHHS from CSUSM!
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!
Interested in joining the MHHS Dance Team?
Please fill out this form>>Interest Form if you are interested in trying out for the, Mission Hills Dance Team. Be on the lookout for more information regarding tryouts and the 2025-2026 season. We look forward to hearing from you!
Interested in joining MHHS Associated Student Body?
Adding your name to this interest list will keep you informed on deadlines and the application process. Being a part of ASB is a rewarding experience, that requires time, effort, and responsibility. As a member of ASB you will have a unique opportunity to be involved in various aspects of student life and develop your leadership skills.
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!
No summer school for credit recovery this year
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!
8th Grade Course Selection
Hello 8th Graders and Parents/Caregivers!
As you prepare for the exciting transition to Mission Hills High School, we know that choosing the right courses is an important step. Your MHHS Counselors are here to guide you through the process and make it as smooth as possible.
Here’s how it works:
Part 1: MHHS Counselors' Presentation to 8th Graders
To get you started, MHHS Counselors will visit Woodland Park on March 13th, and we will visit Double Peak and San Marcos Middle on March 24th.
For La Mirada and San Elijo Middle School, we will meet with you at MHHS when you visit us on March 13th.
We'll walk through the different types of courses available, explain graduation requirements, and answer any general questions. This is a great opportunity to learn about the many exciting options you’ll have in high school!
Part 2: One-on-One Meetings with Students
After the presentation, MHHS Counselors will return to your school* to meet with each 8th grader individually. During these meetings, we’ll review your course options, help you pick the classes that best fit your interests and academic goals, and answer any specific questions you have. This is your time to get personalized advice and ensure you’re on the right path for a successful high school experience.
(*for LMA and SEMS, Part 2 will be a google form the students complete)
We’re excited to help you make choices that will set you up for a successful and enjoyable transition to Mission Hills High School.
Go Grizzlies!
Peer Counseling Applications NOW OPEN!
Peer Counseling 1 applications are open for the 2025-2026 school year! We are looking to build a team of students that will become 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.
If students are interested in applying, the application is due Friday, March 21st. 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).
Grandparents Symposium
When: Saturday, March 29, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Where: North Inland Live Well Center 649 W Mission Ave, Escondido, CA 92025
Fill Out Interest Form by March 14, 2025
Looking for a Counselor?
We know all families have different circumstances. There is an option for everyone see below to find something that may fit your family's needs.
The Princess Project San Diego
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!
Dia del Niño Resource Fair
What: Dia del Niño Resource Fair
When: Saturday, April 26th, 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Where: San Marcos Elementary
Who: Open to the public
What to Expect:
- Free Event: Enjoy a day of fun and valuable resources at no cost.
- SMUSD Resources: Get support with TK/Kinder enrollment, transportation applications, and information about Extended School Services (ESS) after-school programs.
- Health Services: Access health physicals, dental screenings, and vision screenings.
- Community Partners: Connect with the San Diego County Library (and get a library card!), and discover many more community resources.
- Entertainment: Enjoy performances by San Marcos Elementary and La Mirada Academy Ballet Folklorico and Boys & Girls Club Dance Club.
- Vaccine Pre-registration: Incoming TK/Kinder and 7th graders needing vaccines can pre-register HERE.
If you have any questions, please contact either Ani Diaz-Chavez, District Parent Liaison, at anileydi.diaz-chavez@smusd.org or 760-290-2597 or Adelita Gonzales, Coordinator of Community Schools, at adelita.gonzales@smusd.org or 760-290-2448
YEARBOOKS ON SALE NOW
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.
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.
SUICIDE PREVENTION RESOURCES FOR FAMILIES
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
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
NEWSLETTERS AND WEBSITES
MHHS LIBRARY
Hours: 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (M-F)
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
ParentVUE // StudentVUE
PROGRESS REPORT DATES
02/28 | Progress Report 1
04/25 | Progress Report 2
06/11 | Semester 2 Final Report Card
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.
LET'S GET SOCIAL
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.
TUTORING AND SUPPORTS
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
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.
ELA TUTORING- GRIZZLY WRITING DEN **ON PAUSE**
**SORRY FOR THE INCONVENIENCE ELA TUTORING IS ON PAUSE**
ELA tutoring can help you with essay feedback + revisions, reading comprehension, homework, make up work and MUCH more...
Questions: Email corynn.mcdougall@smusd.org
MATH TUTORING **ON PAUSE**
**SORRY FOR THE INCONVENIENCE MATH TUTORING IS ON PAUSE**
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
GENERAL INFORMATION
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.