Dear Blackstock Families,

I hope this letter finds you well and that you enjoyed a wonderful and restful spring break. As we return to school, I would like to extend a warm welcome back to each and every one of you. As we head into the final stretch of the school year, let’s continue to encourage our students to work hard and remain focused on their academic goals. Let us continue to build on the momentum we have gained so far and bring the year to a close with a great sense of accomplishment.

I have a story I came across that I love.

Once there was a man who dreamed of changing the world. He wanted to be on top – the very best among the best. He wanted to be successful in his field of expertise, and so he made that dream happen.

But achieving the dream was not easy. He had to make sacrifices, and face so many difficult challenges. He had to be strong enough to overcome all the obstacles and fears. How did he do this?

It’s simple, actually. He threw away all the negativity and started embracing just positivity. He made it a point to always be happy despite the universe always slapping him on the face, saying that he will never make it.

Do you know who this man is? He was a man named Steve Jobs. He is also called Jack Ma. Sometimes, people call him Barack Obama. There are moments when they call her a girl – Maya Angelou, Mother Teresa, or Oprah Winfrey. He / She hides in every successful name you know.

But hey, did you know that he also hides in you? Indeed, this person who can only embrace positivity in times of distress is in you. You just have to unleash him. (HappierHuman.com)

Felicitas Perez

Principal

COVID Protocol Changes: Please see the document attached regarding COVID protocol changes. In summary:

1. No test is required for positive cases. Students may return on day 6 if symptoms are improving and there is no fever. If students are called out sick and return the next day without concerning symptoms, students can stay at school without a negative test.

2. Testing will continue to be required for students experiencing COVID concerning symptoms Symptoms to test for include: fever (100.4), cough, vomiting/diarrhea, cough severe enough to prevent students from participating in school.

3. Notifications of Exposure: Student notifications of exposure are no longer required. Employee notifications are still needed per CalOSHA

CAASPP Testing: We will be state testing the first two weeks of May, from May 2nd until May 12th. It is extremely important that all students show up to school on time, every day. Please also ensure that your student eats a healthy dinner, that they get a good night’s rest, and that they eat a healthy breakfast.

150th Celebration: On May 31st we will be celebrating our HESD’s 150th year anniversary. The celebration will be taking place at Hueneme Elementary School from 2-4 pm. Each school will have a display table with artifacts that represent the school. We will also see performances from our band and mariachi teams. In order to allow our staff, students, and parents to participate, we will follow the Monday schedule. On Wednesday, May 31st our 6th grade students will be dismissed at 1:45 and 7th / 8th grade students will be dismissed at 1:55. We hope to see you at Hueneme Elementary School on Wednesday, May 31st from 2-4.

The ASES and SHINE programs have merged. Next year we will have only the SHINE program. Enrollment packets are available in the office. What’s new this year:

• There will only be afterschool activities

• All students must complete the SHINE application even if they only attend on certain days for sports or other activities. They are not required to stay until 6:00 pm.

Whether you're new to using a computer or need to build advanced skills, there are now training courses available to Ventura County residents at no charge. The Economic Development Collaborative and its partners, which include the Ventura County Office of Education, are providing this opportunity to help give local people the technology skills they need for the modern workforce. Complete information about the courses and how to sign up is available here.