Thank you to all of the families who came out to support Rancho Pico at Toppers on Wednesday night. It was great to see so many Mustangs there. We appreciate all of the families who participate in all of our fundraising efforts. It allows for us to run extra-curricular programs for our students that helps them connect to our amazing school. We appreciate everything you do to contribute.

We reminded students of the importance of being to class on time (at the start of the day and throughout the day). That means in their seats, ready to learn when the bell rings. We also reminded students of the importance of being responsible Mustangs on their way to and from school. We have heard from the center at the bottom of Valencia that students from Rancho Pico and West Ranch, do not always behave in a respectful manner. We know this is not all students. If your student goes to the center after school, please discuss appropriate behavior and remind them that school consequences apply on the way to and from school. We appreciate this opportunity to partner with you.

First quarter officially ends today and grades will be posted on Tuesday in Infinite Campus (students in Honors Algebra have grades that will culminate at the semester in that class only).

Have a great weekend,

Catherine Nicholas, Ed, D.

Rancho Pico celebrated its 19th Birthday on Thursday! 19 Years ago Rancho Pico held its dedication ceremony. Students who participated in ASB's scavenger hunt with questions related to Rancho Pico's history received a cupcake. HAPPY BIRTHDAY RANCHO PICO!!

September 29-October 16

Rallying for Rancho ASB FUNdraiser

Awesome prizes for collecting donations to support ASB games and activities at lunch, after-school events, clubs, enrichment programs, team activities, assemblies, rewards, giveaways, Marty Madness, transportation, field trips, and MORE

It's going to be an incredible school year! We are honored to be members of the Rancho Pico PAC Board. We are here to serve as "Key Communicators & Ambassadors" to the students, staff, and parents -- the Rancho Pico Community as a whole. We promote and support the students, staff, and any Rancho Pico PAC activities. We serve as an advisory group to the Principal and give financial support to Rancho Pico for any educational needs, improvements, and/or school priorities.

We Celebrate the Success of Our Students and Staff: On-Campus Events!

• Gratitude Month - November

• Holiday Cheer - December

• Valentine'sTreats - February

• School Recognitions/Awards - Throughout the Year

• CAASPP - April/May

• Track Meet - May

• Staff Appreciation Week - May

• End of Year Fun - May

Ways to Give - There are two ways to give to the Rancho Pico PAC:

1. By volunteering your time at the on-campus PAC events OR
2. Donating funds for these on-campus activities and any educational needs, improvements, and/or priorities the Rancho Pico Community is in need of during the 2023-2024 school year.

***Please note all funds donated to the Rancho Pico PAC go directly to the Rancho Pico Community. Every dollar is appreciated!

(PLEASE ADD THE DONATE BUTTON - that links to the PAC donation page.)

We hope to see you at the next Rancho Pico PAC Meeting on 10/18/23 at 6:00 PM via ZOOM. Our presentation will highlight: Students, Social Media & the World Wide Web. You won't want to miss this meeting and presentation! (More information about PAC is available on our website.)

With sincere gratitude,

The Rancho Pico PAC Board

Rancho Pico has many items in Lost and Found. All items will be donated in two weeks. Please have your students claim any item that they have lost.

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!

The district is continuing to send out updated information about the transportation disruption that will affect our students who rely on city bus transportation.

Families of students who ride buses are encouraged to find other ways to get to school. The Rancho Pico routes are scheduled to run with alternative company buses. Please read below for more information.

Please check the district's website (linked on the button below) each day for updated information.

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.

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".

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 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.

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 23rd. 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.