- High Desert School
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HDS Hawk Happenings Jan. 31, 2022
Posted by Michelle VanOrnum on 1/31/2022 6:00:00 PMHome Connection
Weekly Flight Tips
This week, we encourage our students to continue moving forward with their schoolwork and persevere. To ensure they move forward positively, here are some tips: ask questions while in class, take a break when needed at home, take pride in your work, review your notes often, and be sure to submit your assignments on time. Please support these efforts from home by encouraging students to use these tips to keep moving forward with their schoolwork.
Assignment Calendar
Speaking of using good study habits. The 7th and 8th grade teachers have created an assignment calendar to help students stay caught up on assignments. It is available on the High Desert School Website and in the ASB Google Classroom. Our goal is to have the assignments listed in one place for both parents and students to use as a daily checklist and ensure that all assignments are completed.
HDS Block Schedule Survey for 2022-2023 School Year
As we begin planning for next school year, High Desert is proposing changing to block schedule for the 2022-2023 school year. Use of a block period of time for instruction does the following: promotes cooperative learning, increases quality time with students, helps students focus on specific topics each day, supports implementation of the new CTE lab, and supports time for classroom-based interventions for all students. Please complete our Block Schedule Survey to provide feedback. We also invite you to attend one of the Block Schedule Parent Information Meetings this week.
HDS Soccer
AADUSD Shadow Days Collaborative is inviting all HDS Soccer players to Senior Night at the Vasquez High School Men's Soccer game on Monday, January 31st. Arrival time for HDS Soccer is 2:50pm.
- Boys Practice is Friday 3:15-4:45pm at Meadowlark
- Girls Practice is Tuesday and Wednesday 3:15-4:45pm at Meadowlark
Remember to get COVID tested weekly if you are participating in Soccer or Dance Force and you are unvaccinated and have not tested positive in the last 90 days.
VHS Testing Center
Reminder that all participants must register for testing prior to arriving at VHS.
https://www.aadusd.k12.ca.us/ domain/388
- Monday 1/31 Open 12:00 - 3:30
- Tues 2/1 - Fri 2/4 Open 1:30 - 3:30
At-Home Testing Rapid Tests
Submit your results via e-mail to covidtestresults@aadusd.k12.ca.us Be sure to include the student's name and the results in the subject line of the e-mail.
Week of January 31, 2022
Check out our printed Weekly Newsletter for highlights and photos featuring the PBIS Kickoff Assembly.
January 31, 2022 -
- 100-Mile Club 2:15-2:45pm
- 6th Handbells 2:15-3:00pm
- Shadow Days Collaborative - VHS Soccer 2:50pm
February 1, 2022 -
- 7/8th Handbells Practice 2:15-3:00pm
- Girls Soccer Practice 3:15-4:45pm
February 2, 2022 -
- HDS Booster Club Meeting 8:45am
- 100-mile Club 2:15-2:45pm
- Girls Soccer Practice 3:15-4:45pm
February 3, 2022 -
- DELAC Meeting 8:45am
- 5/6/7/8th Grade Dance Force Practice 2:15-3:45pm
- Block Schedule Parent Information Meeting via Zoom 5:30pm
February 4, 2022 -
- Hawks Pride - Wear Green and Black
- Block Schedule Parent Information Meeting via Zoom 1:00pm
- 100-mile Club 2:15-2:45pm
- Boys Soccer Practice 3:15-4:45pm at Meadowlark
- Winter Dance 5:30-8:00pm
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HDS Hawk Happenings Jan. 24, 2022
Posted by Michelle VanOrnum on 1/24/2022 6:00:00 PMHome Connection
Weekly Flight Tips
This week, we encourage our students to be efficient and effective with their time at school and at home. Students should work with others and double check their work, use tools to help them focus, prioritize what needs to be done first, take notes, and get help at lunch from their teacher. When studying, small brain breaks can help to break up long periods of study. Please support these efforts from home by encouraging students to use these tips to make best use out of their time.
Assignment Calendar
Speaking of being efficient with our time. The 7th and 8th grade teachers have created an assignment calendar to help students stay caught up on assignments. It is available on the High Desert School Website and in the ASB Google Classroom. Our goal is to have the assignments listed in one place for both parents and students to use as a daily checklist and ensure that all assignments are completed.
HDS Block Schedule Survey for 2022-2023 School Year
As we begin planning for next school year, High Desert is proposing changing to block schedule for the 2022-2023 school year. Use of a block period of time for instruction does the following: promotes cooperative learning, increases quality time with students, helps students focus on specific topics each day, supports implementation of the new CTE lab, and supports time for classroom-based interventions for all students. Please complete our Block Schedule Survey to provide feedback. We also invite you to attend one of the Block Schedule Parent Information Meetings next week.
HDS Soccer
Congratulations to all of the players who made the HDS Boys and Girls Soccer teams. We are excited to see you in action this year!
- Boys Practice is Monday and Friday 3:15-4:45pm at Meadowlark
- Girls Practice is Monday and Tuesday 3:15-4:45pm at Meadowlark
Remember to get COVID tested weekly if you are participating in Soccer or Dance Force and you are unvaccinated and have not tested positive in the last 90 days.
VHS Testing Center
Reminder that all participants must register for testing prior to arriving at VHS.
https://www.aadusd.k12.ca.us/ domain/388
- Monday 1/24 Open 12:00 - 3:30
- Tues 1/25 - Fri 1/28 Open 1:30 - 3:30
At-Home Testing Rapid Tests
Submit your results via e-mail to covidtestresults@aadusd.k12.ca.us Be sure to include the student's name and the results in the subject line of the e-mail.
Week of January 24, 2022
Check out our printed Weekly Newsletter for highlights and photos featuring MOH Mentor Days.
January 24, 2022 -
- 100-Mile Club 2:15-3:00pm
- 6th Handbells 2:15-3:00pm
- Boys and Girls Soccer Practice 3:15-4:45pm
January 25, 2022 -
- 5th Grade Dance Force Practice 2:15-3:45pm
- 7/8th Handbells Practice 2:15-3:00pm
- Girls Soccer Practice 3:15-4:45pm
January 26, 2022 -
- 100-mile Club 2:15-2:45pm
January 27, 2022 -
- ASB Activity Soccer at Lunch
- 6/7/8th Grade Dance Force Practice 2:15-3:45pm
- 5/6th PBIS Kickoff Activity 1:15-2:05pm
January 28, 2022 -
- Hawks Pride - Wear Green and Black
- 7/8th PBIS Kickoff Activity 1:15-2:05pm
- Boys Soccer Practice 3:15-4:45pm at Meadowlark
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HDS Hawk Happenings Jan. 17, 2022
Posted by Michelle VanOrnum on 1/17/2022 6:00:00 PMHome Connection
Weekly Flight Tips
This week, we encourage our students to study and prepare well for tests. Students should get a good night's sleep, make flashcards, have family members quiz them, study with friends, and study as they go rather than cramming. When studying, be sure to put away distractions, keep their work area clean, and maintain focus so that they can focus on the material and be efficient in their study efforts. Please support these efforts from home by encouraging students to use these tips and to do well on assessments this semester.
COVID Protocols Update
As of January 18, 2022, students will not need to complete Screener-19 or have their temperature checked as we return to our regular school drop off process. We are grateful for all of your cooperation as we implemented extra safety measures the past two weeks.
- Mask wearing indoors will continue to be required. Mask wearing outside is still required in crowded spaces where physical distancing is not feasible except when actively eating and drinking.
- It is recommended but not required that each of us, students and staff, get a COVID test when notified of close contact.
- ALL Athletes and Dance Force participants must test weekly.
New LA County COVID Quarantine Guidelines
This is summary of the letter that went out regarding updated guidelines.
- If your student contracts COVID OUTSIDE of school, they will automatically need to quarantine at home for 5 days minimum.
- If your student is exposed to COVID IN SCHOOL (in the classroom, etc), are asymptomatic, and agree to test; they do not need to stay home from school. They will be required to a) Test on Day One of Notified Exposure; b) Test again on Day Five of Exposure; and c) Be required to wear a mask BOTH indoors and outdoors for 10 days from the initial exposure; and remain at home and avoid ALL OTHER activities outside of school (going to store, movie theater, fast food, etc). According to LACDPH, students who abide by these protocols at school, may continue to attend school…this is considered MODIFIED QUARANTINE.
Families will continue to receive e-mails from HDS informing them that their child(ren) may have been exposed to COVID at school; however, this DOES NOT necessarily require full quarantine. Rather, it is intended to inform families of exposure.
VHS Testing Center
Reminder that all participants must register for testing prior to arriving at VHS.
https://www.aadusd.k12.ca.us/ domain/388
- Monday 1/17 CLOSED
- Tuesday 1/18 Open 12:00 - 3:30
- Wed 1/19 - Fri 1/21 Open 1:30 - 3:30
At-Home Testing Rapid Tests
Submit your results via e-mail to covidtestresults@aadusd.k12.ca.us Be sure to include the student's name and the results in the subject line of the e-mail.
Week of January 17, 2022
Check out our printed Weekly Newsletter for highlights and photos featuring ASMO Music.
January 17, 2022 -
- NO SCHOOL
January 18, 2022 -
- 5th Grade Dance Force Practice 2:15-3:45pm
- 7/8th Handbells Practice 2:15-3:00pm
- Tuesday Talk with Superintendent Sahakian 4-4:45pm
January 19, 2022 -
- 100-mile Club 2:15-2:45pm
January 20, 2022 -
- MOH Virtual Webinar - Clint Romesha at 10:00am
- ASB Activity Kickball at Lunch
- 6/7/8th Grade Dance Force Practice 2:15-3:45pm
- Girls Soccer Tryouts 3:15-4:15pm at Meadowlark
January 21, 2022 -
- Anything But a Backpack Day
- Hawks Pride - Wear Green and Black
- Girls Soccer Tryouts 3:15-4:15pm at Meadowlark
- Boys Soccer Tryouts 3:15-5:00pm at Meadowlark
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HDS Hawk Happenings Jan. 10, 2022
Posted by Michelle VanOrnum on 1/10/2022 6:00:00 PMGood evening High Desert Hawks and Families,
We have a great week ahead and hope that all of our families are doing well! Thank you for your patience as we implement our Screener-19 system and adjust to the updates to our health guidelines.
Here are some updates:
- For Academics: The Awards Assembly scheduled for this Thursday and Friday has been postponed to Feb. 10th and 11th.
- For Athletics: Soccer tryouts will proceed this week as stated on our calendar and will also continue next week for any students who cannot make it this week. We are adding additional try out dates due to the delay in testing results or being subject to quarantine. All students will be evaluated based on their performance on the day(s) they try out and all students are invited to next week's tryouts as well. Please contact Mrs. Van Ornum at mvanornum@aadusd.k12.ca.us with any eligibility questions.
Be sure to check out our newsletter attached for all of the important dates for this week and next.
Week of Jan. 10, 2022 - English
Week of Jan. 10, 2022 - Spanish
Have a great week and Go Hawks!
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HDS Hawk Happenings Jan. 3, 2022
Posted by Michelle VanOrnum on 1/3/2022 6:00:00 PMHome Connection
Weekly Flight Tips
As we begin second semester, we encourage our students to be efficient in their studies and get second semester off to a great start. Students should get a good night's sleep, eat a healthy breakfast, arrive to school on time, and pay attention in class. They can keep their spirits up by having a positive attitude. When working on schoolwork, be sure to put away distractions, keep their work area clean, and maintain focus so that they can complete their school work efficiently and effectively. In addition, we have included the global 1000 hours outside challenge. We encourage all HDS Hawks to take on this fun challenge in finding time to play outside. Please support these efforts from home by encouraging students to use these tips and get off to a great start for second semester.
Screener-19 and Temperature Checks
Beginning on Tuesday, January 4th, we will be implementing the use of Screener-19 at home self-screening as well as in-person temperature checks. A couple of things:
- Students or parents will go to https://www.screener19.com/, login in using their school e-mail, and complete the screening questions. Once you see a green checkmark, please proceed to school. Students should bring their ID if they have it. If they don't have an ID card, we will ask for the student's first and last name at the gate. For FASTEST ENTRY to the school, please complete the form prior to coming to campus. If you don't have a cell phone and you have lousy internet, see the office, and we will happily provide you a stack of paper screener forms you may complete prior to coming on campus for each day. Note: As of now, we are only screening staff and students in this extensive manner for two weeks.
- Temperature checks will be done by school staff at the gate prior to entering the school.
- The paper screener that was sent via e-mail is outdated and there are not currently any travel restrictions in the state of California. Students will only need to complete the Screener-19 and have their temperature checked.
- Mask wearing indoors will continue to be required. Mask wearing outside will now be required in crowded spaces where physical distancing is not feasible except when actively eating and drinking.
- It is recommended but not required that each of us, students and staff, get a COVID test prior to returning. If you are unable to do so, feel free to get it completed with Nurse Cari tomorrow, 1/4 at VHS. Take-home tests will also be available in the High Desert Office for pick up.
7th and 8th Grade Elective Schedules
Prior to break, our 7th and 8th grade students selected new electives. Students can view their elective class on Aeries and a schedule will be handed out in History classes. Students are expected to attend the classes on their schedule as listed. If there are any questions about schedules or elective classes, please e-mail Mrs. Van Ornum at mvanornum@aadusd.k12.ca.us.
Week of January 3, 2022
Check out our printed Weekly Newsletter for highlights and photos as we remember Medal of Honor recipient Sgt. Gary Beikirch!
January 3, 2022 -
- NO SCHOOL
January 4, 2022 -
- HDS Booster Club Mtg. 8:45am
- 5th Grade Dance Force Practice 2:15-3:45pm
- 7/8th Handbells Practice 2:15-3:00pm
January 5, 2022 -
- 100-mile Club 2:15-2:45
January 6, 2022 -
- 6/7/8th Grade Dance Force Practice 2:15-3:45pm
January 7, 2022 -
- ASB Meeting 1:20-2:00pm
- Hawks Pride - Wear Green and Black
Soccer Tryouts -
- Girls - January 10 and 11 from 2:45-4:00pm at Meadowlark
- Boys - January 13 and 14 from 2:45-4:00pm at Meadowlark
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HDS Hawk Happenings Dec. 13, 2021
Posted by Michelle VanOrnum on 12/13/2021 6:00:00 PMHome Connection
Integrity
As we finish out the first semester with this last week, we encourage our students to show integrity in their behavior and finish out the semester strong. Make good choices while on campus, encourage your friends to engage in positive behavior, and show respect for all adults on campus. Although it is the end of the semester, students should continue to have good study habits so that they can begin second semester strong. Please support these efforts from home by encouraging students to have good moral behavior and demonstrate integrity in their actions.
Season of Giving
This week, we will end our three weeks of the Season of Giving. As we know, it is better to give than to receive. We have included a focus for each day on ways that our students can feel the joy of giving freely of their time and talents to those around them. We hope that everyone can join us in giving back this week!
Week of December 13, 2021
Check out our printed Weekly Newsletter for highlights and photos from our Hawks as their Creativity Soars!
December 13, 2021 -
- 6th Grade Handbells 2:15-3:00pm
- 100 Mile Club 2:15-3:00pm
December 14, 2021 -
- 5th Grade Dance Force Practice 2:15-3:45pm
- 7/8th Handbells Practice 2:15-3:00pm
- 5/6th ASMO Concert at 6pm at Meadowlark (Goodstein, Trusel, Pelham/Rodriguez)
December 15, 2021 -
- 100-mile Club 2:15-2:45
December 16, 2021 -
- 6/7/8th Grade Dance Force Practice 2:15-3:45pm
December 17, 2021 -
- End of Fall Semester - Minimum Day - Dismissal at 11:55am
- Hot Cocoa and PJ Day
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HDS Hawk Happenings Dec. 6, 2021
Posted by Michelle VanOrnum on 12/6/2021 6:00:00 PMHome Connection
Citizenship
As we finish out the first semester with these last two weeks, we encourage our students to show citizenship in their behavior and finish out the semester strong. Make good choices while on campus, encourage your friends to engage in positive behavior, and show respect for all adults on campus. Please support these efforts from home by encouraging students to have good moral behavior and demonstrate integrity in their actions.
Season of Giving
This week, we will begin our three weeks of the Season of Giving. As we know, it is better to give than to receive. We have included a focus for each day on ways that our students can feel the joy of giving freely of their time and talents to those around them. We hope that everyone can join us in giving back this week!
HDS Season of Giving Ideas and Activities
Week of December 6, 2021
Check out our printed Weekly Newsletter for highlights and photos from Parade of Tables!
December 6, 2021 -
- 6th Grade Handbells 2:15-3:00pm
- 100 Mile Club 2:15-3:00pm
- PBIS Meeting 2:30-3:30pm
December 7, 2021 -
- 5th Grade Dance Force Practice 2:15-3:45pm
- 7/8th Handbells Practice 2:15-3:00pm
- SSC Meeting 2:30-3:30pm
December 8, 2021 -
- ELAC Meeting 8:45-9:45am
- 100-mile Club 2:15-2:45
- AADUSD Vaccine Clinic 3:30-7pm
December 9, 2021 -
- Holiday Sweater Day
- 6/7/8th Grade Dance Force Practice 2:15-3:45pm
December 10, 2021 -
- 100-Mile Club 2:15-3:00pm
- Hawks Spirit - Wear Green
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HDS Hawk Happenings Nov. 29, 2021
Posted by Michelle VanOrnum on 11/29/2021 6:00:00 PMGood evening High Desert Hawks and Families,
Home Connection
Commitment
As we finish out first semester with the last three weeks, we encourage our students to show commitment to their schoolwork and finish out the semester strong. Complete missing assignments, do your best on all upcoming assignments, and finish with effort and grades they can be proud of. Please support these efforts from home by encouraging students to have an Aeries account and check it weekly as well as staying up to date on assignments in class by using their planner.
Season of Giving
This week, we will begin our three weeks of the Season of Giving. As we know, it is better to give than to receive. We have included a focus for each day on ways that our students can feel of the joy of giving freely of their time and talents to those around them. We hope that everyone can join us in giving back this week!
Here are the events happening this week:
Week of November 29, 2021
Check out our printed Weekly Newsletter for highlights and photos from Gratitude Week!
November 29, 2021 -
- 6th Grade Handbells 2:15-3:00pm
- 100 Mile Club 2:15-3:00pm
November 30, 2021 -
- 5th Grade Dance Force Practice 2:15-3:45pm
- 7/8th Handbells Practice 2:15-3:00pm
- Tuesday Talk w/Superintendent 4-4:45pm
December 1, 2021 -
- HDS Booster Club Meeting 8:30-9:30am
- 100-mile Club 2:15-2:45
- Outdoor Science School Pymt Due
December 2, 2021 -
- 6/7/8th Grade Dance Force Practice 2:15-3:45pm
December 3, 2021 -
- ASB Meeting @ 1:20pm
- 100-Mile Club 2:15-3:00pm
- Hawks Spirit - Wear Green
Mark Your Calendar for Upcoming Events
December 8, 2021 -
- HDS ELAC Meeting 8:45am
December 14, 2021 -
- 5/6th ASMO Concert 6:00pm @ Meadowlark
December 17, 2021 -
- End of Semester - Minimum Day - PJ Day
Have a great week and GO HAWKS!
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HDS Hawk Happenings Nov. 15, 2021
Posted by Michelle VanOrnum on 11/15/2021 6:00:00 AMGood evening High Desert Hawks and Families,
Some updates for this week and upcoming events to mark down in your calendar.
As we reconnect on campus, we are working with students on socialization through respectful conversations and students keeping their hands and feet to themselves. Please support these efforts from home by encouraging effective means of communication and emphasizing the importance of all students keeping their hands and feet to themselves.
Home Connection: This week, we will be celebrating Gratitude Week. As we enter the holiday season, it is important to take time to express gratitude for all that we have in our lives. We have included some great ideas on practicing gratitude at home as well as some fun activities. Be sure to check out the activity ideas like: coloring thank you cards, building a gratitude turkey, completing a thankful crossword, competing in a gratitude scavenger hunt, and hosting a thank"phone"ness challenge at the dinner table. We hope that everyone can join us in the celebration of gratitude this week!
HDS Gratitude Week Family Ideas and Activities
Here are the events happening this week:
November 15, 2021 -
- 7th Grade Penny Wars Pizza Party at Lunch
- Virtual Coffee and Conversation with the Superintendent 10-10:45am
- 6th Grade Handbells 2:15-3:00pm
- 100 Mile Club 2:15-3:00pm
November 16, 2021 -
- 5th Grade Dance Force Practice will not be held on Tuesday this week
- Handbells 7/8th Practice 2:15-3:00pm
- PBIS Committee Meeting 2:30-3:30pm
November 17, 2021 -
- 100-mile Club 2:15-2:45
November 18, 2021 -
- 6/7/8th Grade Dance Force Practice 2:15-3:45pm
November 19, 2021 -
- Minimum Day - Dismissal at 11:55am
Mark Your Calendar for Upcoming Events
November 22-26, 2021 -
- Thanksgiving Break
December 1, 2021 -
- HDS Booster Club Meeting @ 8:30am - Special Guest: Dr. Eric Sahakian, Superintendent
December 8, 2021 -
- HDS ELAC Meeting @ 8:45am
Lastly, we want to share with you our brand new CTE Lab, which is open to 7th and 8th graders during their elective classes. Please enjoy this short video about the grand opening of the HDS CTE Lab.
HDS CTE Lab Grand Opening Video
Have a great, gratitude-filled week and GO HAWKS!
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HDS Hawk Happenings Nov. 8, 2021
Posted by Michelle VanOrnum on 11/8/2021 6:00:00 AMGood evening High Desert Hawks and Families,
Some updates for this week and upcoming events to mark down in your calendar.
As we reconnect on campus, we are working with students on socialization through respectful conversations and students keeping their hands and feet to themselves. Please support these efforts from home by encouraging effective means of communication and emphasizing the importance of all students keeping their hands and feet to themselves.
Home Connection: This week, we will be honoring the Veterans who serve our country. Veterans' Day, observed annually on November 11, is a tribute to military veterans who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. Veterans Day honors all military veterans, including those still with us. The U.S. Congress declared in 1926, "Whereas it is fitting that the recurring anniversary of this date should be commemorated with thanksgiving and prayer and exercises designed to perpetuate peace through goodwill and mutual understanding between nations." We encourage our students this week to promote peace around them and take time to thank those who serve our nation, both past and present, to ensure that we can live in this free country. This week, we focus attention on the important purpose of Veterans Day: A celebration to honor America's veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.
November 8, 2021 -
- 6th Grade Handbells Begins 2:15-3:00pm
Mr. Rowland invites all 6th graders who are interested to join the Handbell program. No prior music experience is needed. There is no cost for participation. The only requirement is a positive attitude, willingness to work as a team, and desire to learn music.
November 9, 2021 -
- 5th Dance Force Practice 2:15-3:45pm
- Handbells 7/8th Practice 2:15-3:00pm
November 10, 2021 -
- 2nd Quarter Progress Period Ends
- 100-mile Club 2:15-2:45
November 11, 2021 -
- NO SCHOOL in honor of Veterans Day
November 12, 2021 -
- NO SCHOOL
Mark Your Calendar for Upcoming Events
November 15, 2021 -
- Virtual Coffee and Conversation with the Superintendent 10-10:45am
- 7th Grade Penny Wars Pizza Party at lunch
November 16, 2021 -
- PBIS Committee Meeting 2:30pm
November 19, 2021 -
- Minimum Day
November 22-26, 2021 -
- NO SCHOOL - Thanksgiving Break
Have a great week and GO HAWKS!
- 6th Grade Handbells Begins 2:15-3:00pm