La Mesa Update
February 20, 2022
IMPORTANT Dress Code Update
As you are likely aware, Canyon Country has experienced some recent violence connected with gangs. While La Mesa has not been directly involved in these issues, we always want to be proactive and vigilant is ensuring the safest environment for our students.
Certain fashion trends are associated with gang affiliation. While we certainly don't want to "judge a book by its cover," we also want to make sure students are not inadvertently advertising an interest in a lifestyle that can put them in danger. Unfortunately, certain major league baseball teams are being claimed to represent gangs here on the east side of the city.
As such, the following MLB team hats, jerseys, and other apparel may not be worn at school:
- Chicago White Sox
- Boston Red Soxs
- Brooklyn Dodgers (LA Dodgers are fine)
- San Diego Padres
Also, students may no longer wear bandanas of any color or display them from their pockets.
We are working closely with the SCV Sheriff's Department and will update the above list as appropriate, but please know that at this time these actions are a precaution to ensure that miscommunication and fashion choices do not put our students, particularly as they go to and from school, in harm's way.
We appreciate your support and partnership as we continue to keep La Mesa a safe school where learning is a priority.
CrisisGo Screening Discontinued
In case you did not see the email from Superintendent Kuhlman, we wanted to let you know that beginning Tuesday Feb. 22, 2022, the Hart District will no longer send the daily COVID-19 symptom/exposure email for staff and students.
While this was a requirement by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health when these daily emails started, it is no longer a requirement.
Please continue to monitor your child's health and keep them home if they are sick or experiencing any symptoms. Similarly, if you discover you have been a close contact of someone with COVID-19, you should follow the County guidance on quarantining.
Students are expected to continue to present their school ID card when they enter campus each day and wear their ID on a lanyard while on campus.
Summer School
It may be hard to believe but Summer School registration is active. For those looking to take an enrichment course or to make up credits, please follow the link to our District's Summer School website to check out all of the information and class offerings. Summer School will run July 1st - July 29th this year. If you have any questions about summer school, please reach out to your child's counselor.
Class Starts at 8:45 am
There are far too many students arriving to school in the morning late. Class starts at 8:45. Students are expected to be in their classroom, in their seats by the 8:45 am bell. We need your help, parents! It is disruptive and a loss of valuable instruction time when students walk into school late. Some suggestions and information that may help:
- Prepare items for the school day the night before
- Set alarms earlier
- Leave the house earlier
- Supervision is available starting at 8:00 am
- Plan to arrive no later than 8:30am
We will be setting up meetings for parents of students who are chronically late with our administration, counselors, and school social worker to ensure that every family is complying with the California Compulsory Education Law.
Students who are late often feel stressed when they arrive, which can impact the entire day of learning. Please make being on tome to school each day a priority.
Parent Presenters Needed
Parents and Guardians! Would you like to share your passion for your profession with our students? We are seeking volunteers who can share about their career, a "day in the life" on the job, and answer student questions during our Tutorial sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays. For more information, contact Marie Mancini (counselor) at mmancini@hartdistrict.org.
Counselor Corner
HOWLing for La Mesa Staff
