La Mesa Update

The year is winding down quickly. Please read through this week's La Mesa Update as there are several very important items regarding this year and next.

I want to say thank you to all of our families for the candy bars, gift cards, letters of appreciation, and all the other goodies shared with our staff during staff and teacher appreciation week. It made such a difference and was never more needed to lift the spirits of our hardworking staff. A special thank you to the Bernat family and Silver Service Events for their generous donation of two lunches for the staff. The food was out of this world!

We appreciate all your support this year.

Sincerely,

Michele Krantz

Principal

If you child needs to miss class for any reason, please be sure to call it into the school our email our attendance tech sschmidt@hartdistrict.org

Student textbook return will take place during the week of May 24th. Please make sure to locate all textbooks in the next couple of weeks so students can return books on their designated return day.

• Cohort A - on campus students will return books on the day they have History

• Cohort B - on campus students will return books on the day they have History

• 7th Grade Online Cohort - Online students will return their books during our drive up event Tuesday, May 25. More details about this event will be sent to you via email.

• 8th Grade Online Cohort - Online students will return their books during our drive up event Thursday, May 27. More details about this event will be sent to you via email.

All students should return core textbooks and any novels or library books that are still outstanding. Students can check to see what books they have checked out by logging into the library catalog and clicking the “my info” tab in the back office. Video instructions

Parents, we need your help. We are seeing an extraordinary number of students arriving late to school. Please also note that logging in late to Zoom has the same impact and needs correction.

For in-person learners this week:

Monday - 22% arrived late to school

Tuesday - 24% arrived late to school

Thursday - 25% arrived late to school

Friday - 23% arrived late to school

Please understand that arriving to the drop off at 7:58 means your child will walk in to class late. This has the following impact:

• Learning is already underway. The teacher must stop, welcome the child and fix attendance. This disrupts the learning of everyone in the class.
• Your child misses start of the class instruction
• This creates habits that result in life-long behaviors that can impact their employment and relationships.

We understand that mornings are busy and emergencies arise. Please plan for these things. It is an important life skill to be on time. And being tardy impacts everyone. Please plan to have you child arrive by 7:45. This allows them time to check in, use the restroom, and see friends. We appreciate your immediate attention to this issue.

At this time the goal for next year is to have students back 5 full days. Of course any final decisions will rest with the department of public health, Los Angeles County and the status of the COVID19 Pandemic. That said, families that want to continue with online learning for the 2021-2022 School Year, would withdraw from La Mesa and enroll in the Hart District's Learning Post Academy. Learning Post Academy (LPA) is the online option for the William S. Hart Union High School District. LPA is an independent study school. Please note that students receive instruction in an asynchronous format.

Please join LPA Principal Dr. Fine and her staff at an informational meeting to learn more about this program and how it can meet your child's needs for the next school year. If you have immediate questions, please contact Learning Post Academy at 661-255-8338 or email Dr. Fine at jfine@hartdistrict.org

Register below to receive your zoom link. Please choose the time that works best for your schedule.

Monday, May 24th from 6:00pm-7:00pm

Register in advance for this meeting:
https://hartdistrict-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYlde6urzgvE92ZITZHcWgPavK5WDf0sroJ

Tuesday, May 25th from 8:00am-9:00am

Register in advance for this meeting:
https://hartdistrict-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUvcu2uqj0uH9Itqg4Jq1a2R0S4qNag-p7j

Tuesday, May 25th from 6:00pm-7:00pm

Register in advance for this meeting:
https://hartdistrict-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwvcuuhrDopG9KHbKEMP-1UQABqSvYdBtKX

Grab and Go meals that have been distributed curbside daily will go to once a week beginning Wednesday, May 5th.

At that time, all families will be able to get seven (7) days worth of breakfasts and lunches.

This free service will continue through September 22, 2021. Please see the attached flyers for more information.

Daily meal service for students on campus in Cohorts A & B will remain the same with Grab and Go lunches Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.

Please enjoy today's La Mesa Not-so Live broadcast. https://youtu.be/mLqb5bfSV8Q

There is no school on Monday, May 31st as we honor those that gave their lives to protect our freedoms. We are grateful to all of the family members of our staff and La Mesa Families who have loved ones who have made the ultimate sacrifices for our country.

Several families have asked about 8th grade graduation/promotion ceremony plans. The Hart District has not held junior high promotion ceremonies for about 10 years. We do hold an 8th grade awards ceremony, which will again this year be in the form of a video. If you child is being recognized, you will receive a link to the video to view as a family and share with relative and friends. You will receive this link on June 1st.

We are sad that the current pandemic has interfered with our other typical end of the year celebrations for our 8th graders.

Our support staff of administrators and counselors are available to you during this time. Please see the contact information below. We do ask that in order to efficiently help you, please use the following order to solve your problem:

1. Classroom Teacher

2. Counselor

3. Assistant Principal

4. Principal

Teacher and staff emails can be found HERE

Tech Support at La Mesa - 661-250-0022 dial "0"

COUNSELORS (Click HERE for LMJHS Counselor Distance Learning Website)

Matadors and Wolverines

Mr. Atkins katkins@hartdistrict.org

661-270-6878 Text or Voice

Griffins and Wildcats

Mrs. Mancini mmancini@hartdistrict.org

661- 299-7917 Text or Voice

Tritons and Falcons

Mrs. Malkowsi amalkowski@hartdistrict.org

661- 237-5787 Text or Voice

Cougars and Panthers

Mr. Paterson spaterson@hartdistrict.org

661-270-6435 Text or Voice

ASSISTANT PRINCIPALS

Mr. Pena

jpena@hartdistrict.org

School extension 112

661-347-8005 Text or Voice

Mrs. Courtney Iacenda

ciacenda@hartdistrict.org

School extension 113

661-367-1045 Text or Voice

PRINCIPAL

Mrs. Krantz

mkrantz@hartdistrict.org

School extension 111

661-567-0477 Text or Voice

As a parent, you know that keeping your children from spending all day (and night) on their devices can be a challenge, and you’re not alone. But finding a quick and easy way to manage screen time and filter the web doesn't have to be mission impossible, or cost an arm and a leg. The Hart District currently uses Bark for Schools to monitor student use of District provided Google accounts and services. Bark also offers similar products to assist parents in managing screen time and web filtering on their children’s personal devices

That’s why we are happy to announce our partnership with the award-winning online safety company, Bark, to offer our Hart District families FREE Bark Jr subscriptions (a $60/year value) for life! This service would allow you as a parent to monitor your child’s personal accounts.

About Bark

Bark was created by a father of two who was looking for a solution for his own kids. Today, more than 5 million kids are protected by Bark all over the United States. When you sign up for your free Bark Jr account, you’re not just getting a new app, you’re joining an incredible community of parents who trust Bark to help keep their kids safe and set healthy boundaries around tech use as they grow into young adults. https://www.bark.us/

Bark Jr. - Screen Time Features You Won’t Find Anywhere Else

Bark’s approach to screen time centers on the idea that different times of day call for different screen time rules. For example, when your kids are in school, you can block access to everything but educational sites. And at bedtime, you can allow apps to help them wind down for the evening. And because all kids deserve to blow off a little steam, you can designate free time hours just for play.

Bark Jr. - Web Filtering at Your Control

Bark Jr is also more than just screen time. A world-class web filter lets you select which websites your child can access on their personal devices. You can allow or block specific sites, or even whole categories like streaming services, online gaming, sexual content, and more.

Bark Jr. - FREE Subscription

If you are interested in taking advantage of this free offer for Hart District families, simply click the following link to get started. https://www.bark.us/bark-jr/signup?ref=WGSS76S

Thank you,

William S. Hart Union High School District

Please use this opportunity to recognize La Mesa staff members that have made a difference for you or your child by clicking HERE to fill out a message.

Are you interested in taking on a leadership position within our Parent Advisory Council Leadership Team? Please contact Principal Krantz at mkrantz@hartdistrict.org.

Monday, May 31st - Memorial Day No School

Thursday, June 3rd - End quarter 4/Semester 2 Last Day of School

William S. Hart District Calendar 2020-21

Email: mkrantz@hartdistrict.org
Website: www.lamesajuniorhigh.org
Location: 26623 May Way, Santa Clarita, CA, USA
Phone: (661)250-0022
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LaMesaJHS/?ref=bookmarks
Twitter: @lamesajhs

Non-Discrimination Policy

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. All inquiries regarding discrimination, civil rights, and/or Title IX should be directed to the Director of Human Resources and Equity Services, William S. Hart Union High School District, 21380 Centre Pointe Pkwy, Santa Clarita, CA 91350, or by phone (661) 259-0033, ext. 316, or by email: UCP@hartdistrict.org