The Mustang Messenger

I hope you are doing well. Third quarter is half way over. Please check Infinite Campus to see how your student is progressing in their classes and reach out to their teachers or counselor if extra support is needed.

We had a short but busy spirit week with students wearing Tie Dye on Monday, Pink Out on Tuesday (Valentines Day), twinning with a friend on Wednesday, and showing their Rancho Pico spirit on Thursday.

Have a great, four day weekend,

Catherine Nicholas, Ed.D.

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February 17th is a non-student day and February 20th is President's Day holiday, giving students a four-day weekend.

Each year I send out a Needs Assessment Survey to staff, students, and parents to gather input about Rancho Pico. The data is used to make data-driven decisions to improve our school's climate and programs.

I value your input. Please complete Rancho Pico Parent Survey by Friday, February 24th.

PAC parents came to campus at lunch on Valentines Day and passed out cookies and candy kisses to our sweet students! Thank you PAC parents! We appreciate your generosity!!

Congratulations to Rancho Pico's MATHCOUNTS Team! The annual MATHCOUNTS competition for the San Fernando Chapter was held at Cal State Northridge on Saturday, Feb. 11. 16 schools and over 150 students, competed to try and qualify for the state competition.

Our students Jayden Hwang made it in the top 12 and competed in the speed round.

Overall, Rancho Pico place 6th at the completion. We are so proud of our students!

Team Members: Jayden Hwang, Jessica Jin, Ishan Vaish, Yimeng Yuan,

Individuals: Ian Lee, Matthew Pobereschskiy, Justin Choi, Avantika Jangeesh

MATHCOUNTS, is a nationwide middle school mathematics competition held at various sites in the United States. Its current lead sponsors are Raytheon Technologies and the U.S. Department of Defense STEM. Topics covered include geometry, counting, probability, number theory, and algebra.

Congratulations to the following students for being selected to participate in this year's Hart District Honor Band. These students went through a rigorous audition process with over 300 other students. These are the best of the best!

Sophia Davis

Aidin Collins

Alexander Eitel

Gabrielle Eugenio

Finnegan Gallaway

Solomon Graham

Henry Hess

Shreyas Hingarh

Sophia Jang

Teegan Koch

Brian Lee

Ethan Lowe

Paige McGuckin

Connor McIntosh

Morgan Montemayor

David Myung

Cameron Povletich

Ishani Rupasinghe

Sophie Wu

Special commendation to Shreyas Hingarh for also being selected to participate in this year's All State Band. The best in the state!

Mustangs are the BEST!!!

The Rancho Pico Library had two events this week. On Monday, February 13th, the Santa Clarita Public Library stopped by with a craft, some freebies, and books that students could check out. Our creative students painted some masterpieces onto rocks!

All medications, prescriptions and OTC (Over the Counter) must go through our health office. Students are not permitted to carry medication on them (unless authorized by a doctor or our district nurse). We have a process in place to have medications kept at school for students to take as prescribed. Please contact our health office or administration if you have any questions.

CJSF is an Honor Society based on academic achievement and community service, and Spring membership is open to both 7th and 8th graders. Applications were distributed in advisory this week. Anyone who is interested in joining but did not receive an application can get one in Room 206. You can also print an application or get more information from the Rancho Pico CJSF Webpage.

Completed applications are due by March 3 - students are encouraged to return them early, as no late applications will be accepted for any reason. Make sure you read and follow the directions carefully.

When was the last time you flew too high on a swing and lost your stomach, or busted out laughing so hard that you started crying?

If it's been awhile since you've had this kind of fun, you're not alone.

A lot of us are still recovering from antisocial habits formed in the pandemic. And these days, events outside of our control are taking a serious toll on our health. Last fall, 76% of adults surveyed by the American Psychological Association said stress from politics, race relations, violence and inflation has affected their health. They report experiencing headaches, fatigue, depression, nervousness and exhaustion. But the antidote may be hiding in plain sight. Two recent books argue that making room for more fun in your life could counteract both the stress and the tendency to escape it by zoning out online.

I challenge you to do something fun this week. Below are two great reads.

Books

The Fun Habit: How The Disciplined Pursuit of Joy And Wonder Can Change Your Life

The Power of Fun

Rancho Pico Night at the LA Kings!

Saturday, March 18th

Tickets start at $47

Buy tickets here to sit in the RPJH section

8th GRADERS' GRAD NIGHT at UNIVERSAL STUDIOS - Friday, May 19

Information sheets and permission slips were distributed last week..

Please read carefully and return the permission slip with payment to the ASB Office or pay online at the ASB Web Store.

8th GRADERS' GRAD NIGHT at UNIVERSAL STUDIOS - Friday, May 19

Students have brought home an information sheet and permission slip.

Please read both carefully and return the completed permission slip to the ASB Office, where payment can be made, or pay online at the ASB Web Store.

Full payment and permission slips are due Friday, March 17.

The William S. Hart Union High School District prohibits unlawful discrimination against and/or harassment of any student, employee or job applicant on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, ethnicity, national origin, immigration status, ancestry, religion, age, marital status, pregnancy, parental status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, military or veteran status, political affiliation, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, sexual orientation, or any other basis prohibited by state and federal nondiscrimination laws respectively at any District site and/or activity. The William S. Hart Union High School District also provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. All inquiries regarding discrimination, civil rights, 504 complaints, Title II, and/or Title IX should be directed to Mark Crawford, Director of Human Resources, William S. Hart Union High School District, 21380 Centre Pointe Pkwy, Santa Clarita, CA 91350, or by phone (661) 259-0033, or by email: UCP@hartdistrict.org.