Canyon Hills Junior High Newsletter

From the Principal's Desk:

World’s Greatest Junior High Families,

As we approach the final stretch of the school year, we want to take a moment to highlight important updates, celebrations, and expectations to ensure a strong and successful finish for all students.

We are proud to recognize our school as a California Distinguished School! Be sure to check out the commemorative photo and join us in celebrating this outstanding achievement.

State testing has completed. We appreciate the hard work and focus our students showed. Let’s continue to give our best effort through the final days of school.

Teacher Appreciation Week began May 4! We encouraged students to take a moment to show gratitude—whether through a note, kind words, or a small gesture—to thank our teachers for their dedication and support. We would also like to extend a sincere thank you to all the parents and PTSA for the thoughtful gifts, treats, and support shown throughout the week. Your generosity and appreciation meant so much to our staff.

All students are expected to return books, Chromebooks, and clear any outstanding fines before the end of the school year.

It is important that all students continue to follow school-wide expectations. Staying focused, respectful, and responsible helps ensure a positive environment for everyone as we close out the year.

Our upcoming end-of-year activities are a privilege that students earn through positive behavior and meeting school expectations. We encourage all students to stay on track so they can participate and celebrate their accomplishments.

Promotion is a special event. Please review the following dress code expectations carefully:

• Shoes or sandals must be worn by all students and must have a back strap. Since we will be on the Ayala track and football field, the only types of shoes permitted are flats or wedges. Absolutely no high heels will be permitted at promotion.

• Promotion is a semi-formal event; we ask that students do not dress in formal wear (i.e. tuxedo, prom/wedding dresses, etc.)

• If dresses are sleeveless or have spaghetti straps, a sweater/cardigan must be worn over the dress and must be a solid fabric (shawls are not permitted).

• Skirts or dresses must follow the school's dress code policy with regards to length (see student handbook)

• When wearing shirts, it is recommended that a collar button down shirt is selected.

• Pants must fit properly and be worn at the waist.

Please be sure to regularly check the school website for updates on events and activities.

If your student will not be attending a CVUSD school next year, please notify the school office as soon as possible. This helps us plan accurately for staffing and materials.

Let’s work together to finish the year strong and celebrate all the growth and achievements of our students!

We encourage parents/guardians to talk with their child about what these expectations mean and how they put them into practice. Your continued support in reinforcing these expectations at home to help ensure a successful rest of the school year for all students is greatly appreciated.

State testing will begin on April 15 and continue through May 8.

• All students will test in Math and English Language Arts
• 8th grade students will also complete the Science assessment

State testing is an important opportunity for students to demonstrate their growth and progress. We ask for your partnership in helping students do their very best:

• Please ensure your student arrives on time each day
• Avoid scheduling doctor, dentist, or other appointments during the school day whenever possible
• Make sure students get a good night’s sleep and eat a healthy breakfast

Consistent attendance during testing is critical, as make-up testing can be limited and may impact students’ schedules.

Student safety remains our top priority. We kindly ask all families to follow our parking lot procedures during drop-off and pick-up times to help keep traffic flowing smoothly and ensure everyone’s safety.

Please:

• Use designated drop-off and pick-up zones only
• Do not park and leave your vehicle unattended on Madrugada Dr
• Follow all staff directions
• Drive slowly and remain alert

For full parking lot expectations and detailed procedures, please visit our school website.

If parents need to reach their student, please call the main office. Contacting students directly by text or phone during the school day may lead to them using their device when it’s not permitted, which could result in disciplinary action. Calling the office ensures messages are delivered without disrupting learning.

5/6 - College Night @ 6pm

5/8 - History Rock's Assembly

5/11 - 2027 NY/DC Trip Parent Meeting

5/12 - Avid Banquet @ 6pm

5/13 - Spring Concert @ 7pm

5/14 - 7th Grade Book Return

5/14 - AVID 7/8th Grade Field Trip (Skate Express)

5/14 - Spring Concert @7pm

5/15 - 8th Grade Book Return

5/18 - 8th Grade Chromebook & Charger Return

5/19 - Book & Chromebook Return Make up Day

5/19 - 7th Grade Field Day & Medals

5/19 - 8th Grade Knott's Field Trip

5/20 - Minimum Day Dismissal @ 1:48pm

5/20 - 8th Grade Promotion Practice & Medals

5/21 - Last Day of School: MINIMUM DAY Dismissal @ 1:48pm

5/21- 8th Grade Promotion at Ayala HS, 10:30am

As we wrap up another incredible school year at Canyon Hills, we want to take a moment to say thank you. Your support, encouragement, and partnership have made such a difference in helping our students grow—not just academically, but as kind, resilient, and thoughtful individuals.

Summer is a Time for Rest, Adventure… and Continued Growth! Learning doesn’t stop over the summer—it just looks a little different. Below are some simple and meaningful ways to keep curiosity alive while creating lasting family memories.

Summer Learning Ideas

· Read for fun: Let your child choose books, graphic novels, or magazines they enjoy. Consider family reading time or a summer reading goal.

· Explore & discover: Visit museums, parks, historical sites, or even local landmarks. Ask questions and learn together.

· Write it out: Encourage journaling, storytelling, or even

starting a blog. Writing helps process thoughts and build creativity.

· Get hands-on: Cook together, build something, garden, or try DIY projects.

· Stay curious: Watch documentaries, listen to podcasts, or explore new interests together.

Create Meaningful Family Memories

· Plan a day trip or explore somewhere new nearby

· Have a weekly family game or movie night

· Volunteer together in your community

· Start a simple summer tradition (special breakfast, evening walks, etc.)

· Unplug and enjoy screen-free time together

A Few Gentle Reminders

· Balance is key—rest and downtime matter, too

· Encourage effort, not perfection

· Celebrate your child for who they are, not just what they achieve

Thank you for being such an important part of our school community. We hope your summer is filled with sunshine, laughter, and meaningful moments together. We look forward to welcoming our students back next year refreshed and ready for new adventures!

Have a safe, happy, and joy-filled summer!

Warmly,

Mrs. Uhr

Academic Counselor Julie_uhr@chino.k12.ca.us

School Year 2025-2026

Canyon Hills Office Staff

David Ries, Principal

Kristina Gentry, Assistant Principal 7th Grade

Tom Rummell, Assistant Principal 8th Grade

Carolyn Gandara, School Secretary

Michelle Gomez, Counseling Assistant

Attendance Clerk

Leslie Arellano, Typist Clerk I

Alissa Sissung, Typist Clerk II

Szu-En Tang, Bilingual Clerk

Lesa Iasparro, Health Tech

Carol Fann, School Nurse

Office Hours

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

Phone: (909)464-9938 | Fax: (909)548-6058

Address: 2500 Madrugada Drive

Chino Hills, CA 91709

The office is closed weekends, during school holidays, and breaks.

https://canyonhills.chino.k12.ca.us/attendance

Students who arrive more than 30 minutes late to school must be signed in by a parent or guardian at the front office. The only exception is if the student has a doctor's note verifying the reason for the late arrival. Thank you for helping us keep accurate attendance records and ensure student safety!

If a student returns to school with a doctor’s note that excuses them from attending school on the date they arrive, the student cannot remain at school that day.

Example:
If a student comes to school at 10:00 a.m. on 12/4 with a doctor’s note excusing them from school from 12/3–12/4, the student will not be allowed to stay on campus on 12/4 and a parent/guardian will need to pick the student up.

If you would like your child to return to school earlier than the date listed on the doctor’s note, an updated note from the doctor is required.

Thank you for your understanding and support.

As we continue working to ensure a safe and orderly environment for all students, we kindly ask for your support with the following important reminders regarding morning arrival:

🚫 No Skateboards or Scooters
For the safety of all students, riding skateboards or scooters on campus or in front of the school is not permitted before school. Students who arrive using these modes of transportation must dismount before reaching school grounds and walk their devices to a designated area.

🚪 Campus Supervision Begins at 8:30 AM
Please note that once students are dropped off, they may not leave campus for any reason. Additionally, there is no supervision before 8:30 AM, and the side gates will remain closed until that time. Students are expected to remain in the front of the school where staff can monitor them once supervision begins.

We appreciate your cooperation in helping us maintain a safe and structured environment for all students. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact the school office.

Safety is our top priority at Canyon Hills. With nearly 1,100 students on campus, it is important that every student arrives and leaves school safely. Our schoolwide expectations—Be Safe, Be Respectful, and Be Responsible—apply not only to students during the school day, but also to families and students during drop-off and pick-up. Together, we can ensure a safe and respectful environment for everyone. Please review the following reminders:

Bikes and Scooters

• Helmets are required for all students riding a bike or scooter.
• Walk your bike or scooter while on school property.
• Students are responsible for securely locking their bike, scooter, and helmet in the designated bike area. The school is not responsible for loss or damage.

Front of the School (Madrugada)

• Cars SHOULD NOT block the flow of traffic on Madrugada.
• There should only be ONE lane of traffic each way on Madrugada.
• There are NOT TWO LANES of traffic on Madrugada.
• Students should not cross Madrugada to enter a vehicle. Always use crosswalks and sidewalks for safety.
• Students and parents should use sidewalks and parking lot crosswalks rather than walking through the parking lot.
• Parents may drop off and pick up students using any of the three lanes in the parking lot (see picture below). Parents should be flexible with lane choice as it may vary depending on traffic flow. We encourage cars to use the shortest lane at the time entering the parking lot.
• Vehicles must not be left unattended in the parking lot lanes.

Back of the School (Calle San Marcos)

• Use the designated drive-through area for student pick-up and drop-off.
• Cars SHOULD NOT block the flow of traffic on Calle San Marcos.
• There should only be ONE lane of traffic each way on Calle San Marcos.
• There are NOT TWO LANES of traffic on Calle San Marcos
• Please be patient and mindful of pedestrians and vehicles.
• Students must use the sidewalk and crosswalks when leaving campus.

Additional Reminders

• We do not recommend students remain at the park after school, as there is no adult supervision.
• On Tuesdays, Rolling Ridge Elementary dismisses around the same time as Canyon Hills. Expect heavier traffic and additional students in the area.
• Please be considerate of our neighbors by avoiding parking in or blocking driveways. Residents must be able to access their homes.

Traffic & Pick-Up Reminder

For the safety of our students and the efficiency of traffic flow, please follow these guidelines:

• No U-turns on Madrugada.
• Do not block traffic on Madrugada or block driveways.
• Only cars waiting in line will be permitted to enter the parking lot.
• Our parking lot has three lanes for pick-up. If directed to a specific lane, please be mindful of others and proceed as instructed.
• Students may not enter cars in the middle of the street.

Thank you for helping us keep our school community safe and traffic moving smoothly.