Sunday, November 26, 2017



Monarch Memo
Nov. 27- Dec. 1, 2017
Holiday Outreach, CIF Finals, Astronomy Night
Minimum Day - December 1st


Welcome Back from Thanksgiving Break. I hope you had the opportunity to rest, spend time with family and friends, and/or get a head start on preparing for the holiday season. And. . . welcome back to Bill Sullivan who is back early from knee surgery.  The man is amazing.  
There is good news to share about happenings during our last week before break and over the break.  More great things taking place this week.  


Before the break our staff contributed to 12 Thanksgiving baskets for Monarch families.  Thank you to those who donated items, put the baskets together, delivered, purchased the turkeys, contacted the students and families, created the cards and moved the items from the office to the classroom.  Combined efforts made it happen to bring some hope to families for the holidays. Thank you Paula and everyone who coordinated and contributed.


The Monarch Marching Brigade hosted a well attended and entertaining District Fall Showcase. Congratulations to the musicians, Katie Leonard and her parent organization for all of their hard work.  


Recent MVHS alumus, Zenas Del Rosario, gives back to Monte Vista with a $1000 donation for Scholarships.  Thank you for making a difference in his life and so many others.


The JV Football team was declared league champs for the 2nd year in a row. The players had worked very hard for this goal and they achieved it!  Please congratulate the boys when you see them.


Congratulations to Anessa Carroll for being nominated for rookie Athletic Director for the year by CSADA (California State Athletic Directors Association).


Congratulations to Kristine Miller for becoming a grandma over the break to Jace Spencer, born on Monday, November 20 at 9:00 p.m., 8lbs., 15 oz.  


Academic League both JV and Varsity are 3-0.  Congrats to our students and coach Mr. Geraci.  He gave the students great motivational pep talk before the last match. Come watch Wednesday at 3:30 p.m.


CTE Cosmetology and Barbering Pathway students had the opportunity to Job Shadow and Showcase their artistry skills for Fest San Diego 2017.  


Thank you to Karen Rodifer and David Zaino who graciously bring over FREE plants for our staff.  Thanks for returning the pots.


Varsity Football wins quarter final and semi-final games to make it to CIF finals
                                        
Over the break, our players and coaches honored us with two exciting and well-played games. Please check out all the social media posts, TV coverage and articles on the team.  We hope all of you can join us after the Holiday Outreach for the CIF final game on Friday, December 1 at 3:30 p.m. at Southwestern College.  The cost is $15.00 for adults, $9.00 for students.  We will keep you posted on any more details throughout the week.  So proud of these young men - GO MONARCHS!


17th Annual Holiday Outreach Festival - Friday, December 1
This week, please attend and contribute to our annual festival. Email Rob Gorney if you are able to volunteer.  Just a reminder that Students from ONE.org will be stopping by period 3 classrooms immediately after Thanksgiving break to issue out a donation cup for the ONE.org Campaign to help out MV families most in need during the Holidays.  Please encourage your class to donate between Nov 28 - Dec 5. The top 2 classes with the most donations will receive a nice party for their generosity. Please fill up those cups and secure them when you leave.


REMINDERS
  • Student Congress meeting Thursday, Period 3, Theater. Please excuse your representatives to attend.
  • Holiday Open House at the Copeland’s
  • The ASVAB has been moved from December 5th to Tuesday, January 9th.  This will affect approximately 50 students.
  • Here is the Tech Team Presentation from Travis.  
Remote Mouse is the program to use your phone to control the mouse
cursor.
It works on PC or Mac. Email Travis to get you set up.


Week at a Glance      See the shared Google Events calendar and Athletics calendar.


Monday, November 27             CPT - PLC meetings
PLUS meeting at 8:00 a.m.
AVID Site team meeting in room 316 at 8:15 a.m.


Tuesday, November 28             Monarch Stars at lunch in Room 311


Wednesday, November 29 WASC Strategic Planning Team pull out 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. in LCR
Academic League vs. MMHS at home, 3:30 p.m. Library


Thursday, November 30             Student Congress Meeting, period 3 in Little Theatre


Friday, December 1 Minimum Day, period 7 out at 12:17 p.m.
Holiday Outreach after school in quad and gym
MVHS vs. SDHS at 3:30 p.m. Southwestern College
Astronomy Night, 4:30 p.m. movie, 6:00 viewing,  Science Building.


DISTRICT PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT: Working With Challenging People (Parts I and II)
Dr. Ernie Mendes uses his vast experience with both brain research and communication to help participants understand the most effective ways to communicate with challenging people.  Participants learn the reasons that some people go quickly into a defensive mode and how to move them into a more receptive mode.  This fun and engaging workshop will provide you with the tools to create effective communication experiences in even the most challenging scenarios.
Workshop Dates:  December 7 (pt I)   and  March 8 (pt II)
Time:  8:00 am - 3:00 pm
Location:  Instructional Resources
Space is limited . . . Advance registration required!  Please register for both Part I and Part II


If you have any questions, please call 644-8040


Here is the message sent home to parents on Sunday, November 26, 2017
We hope you had a wonderful and restful Thanksgiving Break.  We have so much going on this week and great news to share.

We are proud to announce that our Varsity football team defeated both Chula Vista High School in the quarterfinals and University City High School in the semi-finals to make it to the CIF Division 4 final game this coming Friday.  Please join us on December 1st at 3:30 p.m. at Southwestern College for the game vs. the San Diego High School Cavers.  The cost is $15.00 for adults and $9.00 for students with ID.  We will keep you posted with any updates through social media and Remind 101 messages.  

Friday, December 1st is a minimum day and 7th period releases at 12:17 p.m.  After school we will be hosting our 17th Annual Holiday Outreach Festival. This multicultural winter festival will have great food, fun games, educational booths and performances.  All proceeds from the event will go to outstanding charities that our students have selected to save lives throughout the Third World.  We encourage all of our Monarchs to attend.

Late afternoon on December 1, we will be hosting an Astronomy night.  There will be a movie beginning at 4:30 p.m. and then viewing of the night skies at 6:00 p.m.

Friday is a busy day, but we hope you can join us for some or all of the events.  

Just a reminder that Camp LEAD is coming up on December 7 - 9 and there are only a few spots left.  Applications are in the Guidance Office.  
The end of the semester is approaching soon.  Make sure to get in all assignments and start preparing for final exams.  
Have a great week Monarchs.  


Sunday, November 12, 2017


Monarch Memo
Nov. 13 - 17, 2017



There is so much to be thankful for not only this time of year, but each day.   We would love to know what you are all thankful for.  I want to personally thank my Administrative team and front office team for all of their hard work this year. October was a particular challenging month so their constant professionalism and incredible patience is always greatly appreciated.  A big THANK YOU to Paula Delgado who smoothly stepped into the role of AP for Bill Sullivan.  We appreciate her compassionate but firm and effective approach with students. She has gone above and beyond by staying late and attending so many evening events.  Paula is close to the end of her AP role.   Bill says he is bored and hopes to return to the excitement of being an AP by coming back early on November 27th. We will see and we will keep you posted on his return.  


Congratulations to the 43 PIQE parents and 7 students who graduated last Wednesday night.  We appreciate the band for their performance and PTSA for hosting the dessert reception. Thank you to Kristy McRoberts for providing childcare, Olga Giorgi for being the parent liaison, Amanda Engstrand for providing in Title I support, Sam Sandoval for EL parent support, counseling team for meeting with all the parents, George Owitti for presenting, Julie, Sang and Marisela for the classroom use and Jerry, Kristine and her team for all the logistics.  The parents truly appreciate the opportunity to learn how to navigate our educational system and support their students.   


Come see the Marching Band and Color Guard District Fall Showcase here at Monte Vista on Thursday, November 16th at 6:00 p.m  $8.00 ticket donation. Free to 8th grade and younger, military and Veterans.  


The 17th Annual Holiday Outreach Festival is right around the corner.  It is Friday, December 1 immediately after the minimum day in the quad and gym.  The Multicultural Winter Festival  includes great foods, fun games and performances. All proceeds from the event will go to outstanding charities that the students have selected to save lives throughout the Third World. This MVHS tradition is a great way to bring our community together in the spirit of the Holidays while experiencing the power of giving.  Rob Gorney will be sending an email this week to see who is interested in participating.


Students from ONE.org will be stopping by period 3 classrooms immediately after Thanksgiving break to issue out a donation cup for the ONE.org Campaign to help out MV families most in need during the Holidays.  Please encourage your class to donate between Nov 28 - Dec 5. The top 2 classes with the most donations will receive a nice party for their generosity. Please fill up those cups and secure them when you leave.


Football playoff game on Friday night here vs. Chula Vista.  We want to see everyone here. Bring your family and friends.  Nice article on Jahmon McClendon in the SDFNL online magazine.   https://issuu.com/sdfnlmagazine/docs/nov_2017_20issue


Academic League both JV and Varsity are 2-0.  Congrats to our students and coach
Mr. Geraci.  He gave the students great motivational pep talks last week.


Thank you to Tracy Leota for taking a group of our students to the HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and University) Fair up in Los Angeles on Saturday. Here is a photo of the attendees.  When you see them, ask them how they liked it.

Our Commitment to Campus Safety

Thank you for your support in keeping our campus safe. Since our safety meetings last year it is appreciated that staff consistently uses blue slips which makes it easier for campus supervisors to monitor student time to and from locations.  Student know they must have them now.  This year we have continued to keep the north gates closed but not locked so our campus does not appear open to the public from the north end of campus  We have also been holding the students to the red line boundaries (thanks to PE teachers and campus supervision during Advisory). We appreciate teachers keeping students until the bell and not releasing them early to break, Advisory or lunch. Just a reminder that students need to commit to
attending Advisory for the entire time so we don’t have them wandering the halls.


In October we (and many other sites) saw an increase in inappropriate behaviors leading to suspensions. Thank you to the Admin. Team, Deputy McCoy and the campus supervisors for working so hard to address all the situations.  We need and appreciate your support with helping students to be mindful of our rules and expectations.  I have seen students respond to quick and respectful reminders from staff in the halls about hoods, earbuds and language. Thank you for doing this. As it was shared last year with our safety communications, it is important that we work together to address inappropriate behaviors but focus on affirming students for positive behavior as well.  


A few staff members have shared their frustration about an increase in profanity on campus since the start of the school year.  We appreciate your support by addressing students immediately when it is heard or by notifying a campus supervisor if you hear it consistently or need support.  The articles attached share some approaches to managing profanity.   One article is from a college professor.


Keeping students in the “KNOW” - Show the Newscast each week
Please make sure your students consistently see the Newscast each Wednesday.  We want to make sure they know about deadlines for sports, college visits, application deadlines and ASB events.  Thank you for your cooperation.   


Student Congress meeting this week - Please give students reminder flyer
The first Student Congress meeting is Tuesday, November 14 at ADVISORY in the Library Community Room and the second Student Congress meeting is Thursday, November 30th during Period 3.  The meeting Tuesday is a getting to know you and what Student Congress is all about.  Period 3 teachers please provide the students with the reminder flyer that will be placed in your mailbox.  Thank you for submitting your names and for reminding your students to attend.


Class Welcome Signs
In preparation for the WASC visit, we would like to create simple welcome signs for your classroom doors and offices.  This way our WASC team that visits every classroom can easily identify your room, subject area, etc.  In addition to adding your name, subjects taught, room # or office title,  it would be nice to add a logo, or photo of schools and programs you attended that led up to your current career here at Monte Vista.  It would be great to know the university, college, military, vocational school, high school that you attended and display this on your welcome sign.    
Providing this information is completely optional of course.  
It would be great to spotlight our Monte Vista alumni (all high schools are welcome too of course) so please indicate this on the shared Google Doc. below.  Hopefully displaying these welcome signs will spark great conversations with your students/guests and build some common connections (my mom is in the service, my dad attended that school).  Please only include what you would like posted on a welcome sign to your classroom/office.  Here is the shared Google Doc.


REMINDERS
  • Monday the lockdown and secure campus alerts will be tested from 7:00 a.m. and finish around 7:15 a.m. Sorry for any inconvenience.
  • Tuesday, November 14th the new Advisory Cycle begins. Office hours will be the week of Tuesday, December 12th.
  • Benefit Open Enrollment ends Friday, November 17th @ 4 p.m.  
  • Assisting in Suicide Prevention training all staff must take this.  Go to:  http://www.jpalearninglibrary.com/login/89/ which will take you to the “JPA Learning Center” website.
  • ETS is using Thanksgiving Break (20 November through 22 November) as a maintenance window to upgrade computer and network systems and apply security patches. There may be short-term service interruptions that are similar to what you experience when your computer restarts following updates.
  • The district is moving all of the library websites to the Catapult platform, and some things have not yet migrated for our site. If you want your students to use the online database, please use this direct link for the time being: http://library.guhsd.net/Resources/Online-Databases/index.html


Week at a Glance      See the Events and Athletics Google calendars.


Monday, November 13             Staff meeting 8:00 a.m. Theater
PTSA meeting, 6:00 p.m. Library


Tuesday, November 14             New Advisory cycle begins


Wednesday, November 15 Benefits Insurance representative on site 3:15 p.m. Room 101


Thursday, November 16           Marching Band and Colorguard Fall Showcase 6:00 p.m. stadium


Friday, November 17 Home Varsity football playoff game @ 7:00 p.m. vs.
Benefit Open Enrollment ends @ 4 p.m.  


November 20 - 24 Thanksgiving Break
Here is the message sent home to parents on Sunday, November 13, 2017

Join us here at the Monte Vista stadium on Thursday, November 16 at 6:00 p.m. for the Marching Band and Color Guard District Fall Showcase. The show includes marching bands from each comprehensive school site marching individually, followed by a grand finale of a Massed Band Performance on the Field!!  During the show a variety of foods will be available at concession stands.  There is an $8.00 donation for entrance. 8th grade students and younger are free if accompanied by a paid adult.  Military and Veterans are free. Hope to see you here.

Friday night our Varsity Football team plays Chula Vista High School in the playoffs. Students, please note that you can not use your ASB card to get in free to CIF games.  The cost for students and seniors age 60 and older is $6.00.  The cost is $10.00 for all others.  Costs vary depending on the type of playoff game.  We hope to see you here on Friday night to cheer on our team.  

Our next PTSA meeting is tomorrow night, November 13 at 6:00 p.m. in the library. Please join us.  

On behalf of the staff at Monte Vista High School, we want to wish you a Happy Thanksgiving Break. Just a reminder that next week there is no school from Monday, Nov. 20 to Friday, November 24, 2017.  We will see our Monarchs back at school on Monday, November 27th.

Have a great week Monarchs.