The Mustang Messenger

This week we celebrated Unity Day, which is a day where we unite for acceptance, kindness, and inclusion. Rancho Pico Mustangs were challenged to do and document acts of kindness by the end of this month in their planners. We want to emphasize the importance of being kind and doing the right thing, both on and off campus. As we begin this new quarter, we wish to remind students to say something if they see something of concern.

We would also like to thank all parents who attended our PAC meeting and forum on social media and internet safety.

Have a great weekend,

Catherine Nicholas, Ed, D.

Last week was Administrative Appreciation Week and we want to extend our heartfelt gratitude for the kindness and support our staff and students have shown to our administrative team. Your gestures, words, and actions made the week truly special.

Our office and wellness staff spoiled us throughout the week with coffees, donuts, sweets, flowers, and a picnic lunch together. Students surprised us with cards of gratitude, gift cards, gifts, handmade notes, and special crafts. We care for our students as if they are our own and will treasure everything they presented to us.

Your thoughtfulness and appreciation meant a great deal to all of us. The dedication and hard work of our administrative staff are the backbone of our school's success, and your recognition reinforces our commitment to excellence. Your kindness has not gone unnoticed.

It is a privilege to lead such an exceptional group of professionals and students and we are grateful for the opportunity to work alongside the Rancho Pico community. Your unwavering support, both during Administrative Appreciation Week and throughout the year, does not go unnoticed.

Your kindness has strengthened our sense of unity and purpose, and I look forward to continuing our work together to make our school an even better place.

With gratitude and appreciation,

Dr. Nicholas, Mrs. Hong and Mr. Hopper

The Counseling and Wellness Team presented to 7th and 8th grade students during elective periods this week. Counselors shared information on positive study habits, junior high promotion requirements, and high school transition information for our 8th graders. Students also utilized our Xello program to discover some exciting career exploration.

While students investigated their own career opportunities, the wellness team met with each and every student to introduce themselves/the team and allow students to provide insight into how they feel the school year is going. The team sincerely enjoyed meeting all students and providing an opportunity for exploration. If students would like to review the presentations - they are located on the Rancho Pico Counseling website: https://sites.google.com/hartdistrict.org/rpjhcounseling/presentations

The new digital PBIS reward system has been a huge success so far this school year!

We need parent volunteers to pack up prizes that the students earn. New dates through December have been added to the Sign Up Genius page.

If interested, please click the link below to sign up.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050A4FA5A72FA2FC1-student

Thank you,

The Rancho Pico PAC

Rancho Pico's ADA (Average Daily Attendance) from the start of the school year is 95.92%. It is our goal to get to our pre-pandemic rate of over 98% ADA. Every student being here every day, counts!

ADA is the total number of days of student attendance divided by the total number of days in the regular school year. A student attending every day would equal one ADA. ADA is not the same as enrollment, which is the number of students enrolled in each school and district. (Enrollment is determined by counting students on a given day in October.) ADA is usually lower than enrollment due to factors such as students moving, dropping out, or staying home due to illness. The state uses a school district’s ADA to determine its funding.

It is important that students are in school everyday. There is a correlation between achievement and attendance.

Hello Rancho Pico 8th Grade Families,

Add a Yearbook tribute for your 8th grade student in this year’s book. This is your chance to put a special message for your child. As space is limited, you may only purchase one tribute per student/group.They are $25.

Click the link here or posted on the school website and select Create a Personal Ad. There are only 96 spots available and are on a first come, first serve basis, so be sure to get yours in by the November 16th deadline! Thank you!

On Wednesday, students wore orange in support of Unity Day. Unity Day is a stand-alone event and celebration in the United States that focuses on spreading kindness and taking a stand against the concept of bullying for the day. Unity Day is a signature event part of National Bullying Prevention Month in the United States and encourages an individual and the community toward inclusion and togetherness.

CJSF is an Honor Society that recognizes students for their academic achievement and service to the community. Spring 2024 membership will be open to both 7th and 8th graders who earn qualifying grades. Applications will not be available until after Winter Break, but students who plan to join are able to start working on their Community Service hours now. Questions should be directed to Leslie Wright

Click here for more information or to print the Community Service Log - students can also pick up a copy from Room 206.

Click here to view the CJSF website - new/upcoming Volunteer Opportunities will be posted regularly.

Student participated in a the Great California ShakeOut.

You can read about the statewide earthquake safety effort here:

https://www.shakeout.org/index.html

Rancho Pico participated in a brief “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” drill on Thursday. Teachers showed videos provided by the State of California on how to stay safe in various scenarios and have discussions with students on what they have done to prepare for an earthquake.

We encourage you to have a discussion with your family at home about what you have done, or should do, as a family to prepare for an earthquake.

October is National Bullying Month and Mrs. Ana Mathers, our Wellness Coordinator, has many activities planned for students to engage in to "Rise against Bullying".

We challenged students to do 10 acts of kindness and record them in their planner.

Los Angeles County Science Fair is hosting an art contest that students can participate in. According to the theme creator, "Unleashing Curiosity” encourages participants to embrace their innate curiosity and explore the transformative power of science. By unleashing curiosity, minds are ignited with new ideas and inspiration, fostering a passion for scientific inquiry. This theme highlights the long-term impact of scientific exploration, transforming individuals' futures by opening doors to educational and career opportunities in science and engineering. It inspires wonder, excitement, and a commitment to learning and growth. Furthermore, the ignition of minds allows for the creation of novel opportunities, not just for the individual, but for the communal world, thus explaining the phrase "transforming futures", as science has the capability to both change the course of history and transform human society for the better.

We are now soliciting student artwork that communicates this theme. The selected artwork will be used on the event program, award medals, certificates, and placards. Artwork should be limited to three colors and in high resolution, Students are not required to participate in the fair to submit artwork for consideration.

Submissions should be emailed to President@lascifair.org with the student's name, grade, and school. The deadline for submissions is October 27, 2023

Students interested in doing a science fair project, can contact Dr. Nicholas directly. Rancho Pico is a registered school and therefore students are able to do participate as individuals or groups of two or three.

Halloween is approaching. Here are our school guidelines for costumes:

This year we will celebrate Halloween by allowing students to dress up for the holiday on October 31. We still need to find that important balance between having fun and maintaining a focus on learning for the day. We are excited to celebrate in this way and appreciate your partnership in making it a positive experience for all. Below are our guidelines to support you and your family in making costume choices with your child for the school day.

1. Please leave costume accessories at home (i.e. swords, wands, light sabers, etc.).

2. Costumes should not demean or make fun of any individual, group, or culture. Please be sensitive to our beautiful diversity here at RP.

3. Please, no inflatable costumes that would not allow your student to sit comfortably at their desk and participate in learning activities.

4. For their safety, students may not wear a mask that covers their faces in its entirety.

5. Please save costumes that promote violence and excessive blood and gore for after school.

6. Halloween shirts, necklaces, socks, headbands, etc. are great alternatives.

7. Character costumes should be G-rated.

School administration will make final determinations on the appropriateness of costumes as needed.

Does your student think taking a math test is fun and challenging? Then they should sign up for the American Mathematics Competition on the link below:

https://forms.gle/9ZUPo14KyXGZ5x1d7

"The AMC 8 (America Mathematics Competition, level 8) is a 25-question, 40-minute, multiple choice examination in middle school mathematics designed to promote the development of problem-solving skills. The AMC 8 provides an opportunity for middle school students to develop positive attitudes towards analytical thinking and mathematics that can assist in future careers. Students apply classroom learned skills to unique problem-solving challenges in a low-stress and friendly environment. “ - AMC 8 web site

The test will take place on Jan. 20th at 10:15 in Rancho Pico's MPR. Students must sign up by TODAY October 20th.

Does your student need extra help with academics? We have advanced math students from West Ranch who come over on Wednesdays and offer free math tutoring from 3:00 to 4:00 in Mrs. McHorney's room, 604. Students from any math level are welcome to come and get support!

We also have tutoring for all subjects, available on Mondays in room 605 in Mrs. Spector's room and Thursdays in room 207 in Mr. Smith's room.

DEADLINE APPROACHING!!

Attention all 8th grade parents- the SCVBG (Santa Clarita Valley Business Group) is holding their Speech Competition at Rancho Pico this year. Please encourage your students to write a speech with the potential to represent Rancho Pico at the final competition.

Students need to sign up to participate with Mrs. Goldberg in room 205 or Mrs. Calvo in the office by October 27th (the date has been extended). Round one, in which we will choose the speakers who will move on to the formal event on November 9th, will take place after school at 4:00pm on October 30th.

Please see the attached flyer with the speech prompt: What character trait do you possess that can also be associated with every successful business? Explain and support your answer.

Rancho Pico offers Speech and Debate Beyond the Bell Opportunity in room 205 on Mondays from 3:00 to 4:00 where West Ranch students support Rancho Pico students interested in improving their speech and debate skills. It is a great place to come to get help for the speech competition.

Rancho Pico will hold a speech competition in October. The Rancho Pico winners will attend the district competition in November. Students interested in competing can get more information from Mrs. Goldberg in room 205 or from their 8th grade English teacher.

Rancho Pico students are opportunity Ready!

Students are encouraged to wear a college shirt or a shirt that represents a future career goal on Thursdays. It is great to see all of the college and industry shirts out on campus.

Fridays are Spirit Days and students are encouraged to wear Rancho Pico Spirit wear.

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, Title II, and/or Title IX should be directed to Mark Crawford, Director of Human Resources. Complaints regarding 504 plans should be directed to Erum Velek, Director of Student Services and Equity. Both can be reached at the 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.

El Distrito de Escuelas Secundarias William S. Hart Union prohíbe la discriminación ilegal y/o el acoso de cualquier estudiante, empleado o solicitante de empleo basado en raza actual o percibido, el color, el origen étnico, el origen nacional, el estado migratorio, la ascendencia, la religión, la edad, estado civil, embarazo, estado parental, discapacidad física o mental, condición médica, estado militar o de veterano, afiliación política, sexo, género, identidad de género, expresión de género, información genética, orientación sexual o cualquier otra base, prohibida por leyes estatales y federales. Leyes de no discriminación, respectivamente, en cualquier sitio y/o actividad del Distrito. El Distrito de Escuelas Secundarias William S. Hart Union también proporciona igualdad de acceso a los Boy Scouts y otros grupos juveniles designados. Todas las consultas sobre discriminación, derechos civiles, Título II y/o Título IX deben dirigirse a Mark Crawford, Director de Recursos Humanos. Las quejas relacionadas con los planes 504 deben dirigirse a Erum Velek, Director de Equidad y Servicios Estudiantiles. Se puede comunicar con ambos en William S. Hart Union High School District, 21380 Center Pointe Pkwy, Santa Clarita, CA 91350, o por teléfono (661) 259-0033, o por correo electrónico: UCP@hartdistrict.org.