HUSD News/Events and Fundraisers, Etc.

Ping Pong Polo

We would like to invite you to our next exciting Up and Atom Engineering Competition called "Ping Pong Polo" on January 12th at Rancho Viejo Middle School from 5:30-7:00 in the Multipurpose Room. Students will be building a boat out of given materials in 30 minutes.They have been working really hard this past month to create a perfect boat design. Not only do they have to build the boat, but it has to travel 10 feet then push a ping pong ball another 10 feet down the water channel to pass a marker. The boat that pushes the ping pong ball past the finish line with the fastest time wins. Please join us at this exciting science event!

The following are the coaches that will be representing their team and school:

• Sebastian Diaz, John Grubb, Robert Rogers Acacia
• Harry Post Dartmouth
• Tracey Dieges Diamond Valley
• Brenda DeLuna Western Center Academy
• Alejandro & Patricia Gonzalez Monte Vista
• Lisa Rendon & Jessica Trinh Rancho Viejo
• Lisa Lorch St. Hyacinth
• Lauren Talbot San Jacinto Valley Academy

Hemet High AP Scholars for 2009

The AP College Board has released its list of AP Scholars for 2009. Students are divided into 4 categories based on their performance on AP exams. HHS is very proud of the following students who have achieved AP College Board recognition.

• Four students received the highest recognition of National AP Scholar by earning an average score of 4 ( max score of 5) on all AP exams taken and scores of 4 or higher on eight or more exams.
• Ten students received Scholar with Distinction honors by scoring and average of 3.5 on all exams and scores of 3 or higher on five exams.
• Nine students earned Scholar with Honor designation by scoring an average of 3.25 on all exams and a score of 3 or higher on four or more exams.
• Thirty-two students received AP Scholar recognition for scoring 3 or higher on three or more exams.

These are rigorous exams for our most motivated and academically prepared students who will earn college credit for their efforts. Less then 18% of the 1.7 million students world wide who took AP Exams performed at a sufficiently high level to earn AP Scholar recognition.

West Valley High School enters Web 2.0!

West Valley High School this year unveiled their use of Wiki technologies transforming the way teachers teach and students learn. WVHS implemented the Wiki as a way to illustrate their journey as a Professional Learning Community. On their WVHSPLC Wiki you can find all documents and uploads pertaining to their commitment of Continuous Improvement Design. All information, in order to make the process more transparent for students, parents and community is in full view of the public.

The Wiki is also being used by students to create their own electronic portfolios.  This has shifted the way students typically learn by challenging them to take ownership of their learning and navigation of core curriculum.  Dan Williams, Social Science teacher at West Valley, has even set up his U.S. History courses similar to online components found at the University level (http://www.ushistorywvhs.com/).

West Valley is looking to have an extraordinary year building on last years successes.  2011-2012 will undoubtedly be their best year yet!  Check out their Wiki at http://wvhsplc.wikispaces.com.

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Welcome Back to School

The Hemet Unified School District welcomes students to a new school year. School started on Monday, August 22, 2011 and everyone is very excited about the 2011-12 school year. We hope you are too!

For your convenience, here is a list of common links to things you may want to check out:

• 2011-12 Bell Schedules
• 2011-12 Parent Annual Notification Forms
• 2010-11 School Year Calendar
• 2009-10 Testing Calendar
• After School Programs
• Bus Pass Information
• Bus Stop Locator
• District Dress Code
• HUSD School List
• List of Community Resources - Español
• Message from Superintendent Dr. Steven Lowder
• Registering Your Student
• School Locator – Find Which School Your Student Should Attend
• School Lunch Information
• Special Education

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H1N1 UPDATE FOR HUSD

On May 5, 2009, the Riverside County Department of Public Health notified the School District regarding an unidentified student at Valle Vista Elementary as a “probable” case of Swine Influenza (H1N1 Virus).

Previously the Public Health Department strongly encouraged schools to dismiss students when there is a “probable” or “confirmed” case so that large crowds of students don’t further spread the H1N1 Virus. On May 5, 2009 Centers for Disease Control has determined that the level of severity of the H1N1 flu does not warrant automatic school-wide student dismissal even in instances of a confirmed case of the virus. While local health officials may always determine if it is necessary to close a campus due to a public health threat, this new guidance will allow our schools to continue their normal operations and keep healthy students in class and learning.

It continues to be important for us to exercise preventive health measures. The most important thing we can do to not catch or spread the flu is to wash hands frequently with soap, cover their coughs and sneezes and stay home if they are sick. Because flu is spread easily from person to person, the Department of Public Health recommends the following measures:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after your cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners also are effective.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• If you get sick, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth as germs spread that way.

Please monitor for flu symptoms. Those who exhibit symptoms such as fever of 100 degrees or more, vomiting or diarrhea, nasal congestion or runny nose should see their health care provider. Health officials emphasize that there is no need for individuals who are not experiencing flu symptoms to seek medical attention.

Thus far, individuals in California who have contracted Swine Flu have experienced mild to moderate conditions and all have fully recovered. All medical related questions should be directed to the Riverside County Health Department. Their information number is 1-888-865-0564. Our hotline number is (951)765-5130. Also our District Safety Office/Risk Manager Lucy Rebuck can be reached via her office number of 951-765-5100 extension 2300 at any time.

Thank you for your continued support.

Philip O. Pendley, Ed.D.

Superintendent

En Español

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From Green to Gold

Captain Conservation

Hemet Unified School District Board of Education takes action proclaiming April 22 as Earth Day recognizing excellent work already underway by parents, teachers and students. At Cawston Elementary School, students in first grade took time to fill trash bags and help clean their school. At Harmony Elementary School, kindergarten students planted flowers in front of the school office. At Valle Vista Elementary School, first grade students made a commitment board in which they made a promise to help the environment and sang the song “If You Love Our World, Clap Your Hands.” Finally, at Diamond Valley Middle School, students participated in an essay contest regarding Earth Day.

The district staff is furthering Governing Board Policy 3511 Resource Conservation by implementing the energy saving procedures at all sites, adhering to regulations and in renovating and upgrading our equipment and the district will continue to develop and strengthen a resource management program which includes strategies for implementing effective and sustainable resource practices, exploring renewable and clean energy technologies, reducing energy and water consumption, minimizing utility costs, reducing the amount of waste of consumable materials, encouraging recycling and green procurement practices, and promoting conservation principles and providing education thereof to all stakeholders.

Board to consider Solar Energy Photo-Voltaic Electrical Generation on May 19th. We could generate enough power to provide 25 to 30% of the districts electrical need through solar power.

Hemet Unified School District continues to research the feasibility, the positive effects on our environment, the financial savings, and the educational opportunities that solar power can provide for our district. We are also researching how to provide an effective and simple recycling program at all school sites and district offices. The Maintenance and Operations Department is constantly looking at the best products and procedures to provide a clean and safe learning environment for our students that have the least amount of negative impact on our environment.

- Captain Conservation

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