Principal’s RAMpage v3.20

Jan 17, 2023

Dear Dixon High School Families,

As the weather improves, we are ramping up our preparations for spring.   Here are some things to keep in mind (and in your calendar) as we prepare for the rest of this year…and next!

Important (and fun) Events Coming Up

  • Come see our Drama Club performance of CLUE this weekend, January 20 and January 21 at 6:00 pm in the theater.  Tickets cost $5. 
  • Families with current 9th-11th graders are encouraged to attend the DHS Course Expo next Wednesday night, January 25, from 6:00-7:30 in the gym.  This is an important kickoff for 2023-2024 course selection.
  • Winter Ball is coming up!  The 2023 Winter Ball is scheduled for Saturday, February 4, from 8:00-11:00 pm at the Woodland Hotel.  Our senior class and their advisors have been working very hard to plan a fun event!  Student ticket sales will begin the week of January 23 and seniors will have the first sale day, followed by open sales.  Tickets are $60/per student and we will sell until we reach venue capacity (300 beautiful people).  

Students Will Complete Course Requests for Next School Year 
All of our current 9th-11th graders (and current JKMS 8th graders) will engage in a scaffolded process of course selection for next school year.  It’s very important that families read the RAMpage each week so you can stay on top of this process.  Here are some things to keep in mind:

  • Students need to make informed decisions about their educational programs that will prepare them for their post-secondary goals.  We will be providing information for students AND parents very soon.
  • Students and families need to check emails frequently.  This is how we communicate information.
  • Plan on attending the Course Expo Evening on Wednesday, January 25, from 6:00-7:30 pm. Students and families learn about DHS programs and get to know staff.  It is a really great evening!
  • Our admin and counseling teams will be meeting with students frequently, beginning on Monday, January 30.  Ultimately, students will be entering their own course requests in Aeries so we really want to make sure they are prepared to do this accurately.  

It is Time to Start Celebrating the Graduating Class of 2023!
One of the bittersweet things about high school is celebrating our seniors.  We simultaneously celebrate and say goodbye to this awesome class of young people.  If you’re a parent of a senior, prepare to bounce between these extremes over the next months.  It is a wonderful, bumpy ride!
Here are some traditional senior celebrations and activities to be aware of.  Remember, we look forward to this every year and can’t wait to honor your students!

  • In accordance with California Legislative Policy, all seniors must complete a FAFSA to earn a diploma this year.  You can start this at home but we will have more opportunities for support soon.  
  • In late February/Early March, students will have the opportunity to apply for Community Scholarships
  • Our staff will be delivering a special surprise for your graduate’s home…as soon as it stops raining.  🙂
  • Our athletic teams will continue to celebrate senior athletes at home contests.
  • Award Ceremonies and Senior Nights (beyond athletics) begin in May.
  • Paint the Town Green and other events will take place in May as well.
  • Graduation for the Class of 2023 is on Saturday, June 3, at 9:00 am in the stadium.

Grades and Student Supports
Fall semester report cards and transcripts were mailed home.  If you have any questions about your student’s progress, please reach out to their teachers and/or counselor.  We are here to help.  Students earn credits toward a diploma.  If they do not pass classes, they do not earn credits.  

  • Encourage your student to attend teacher office hours and/or teacher resources.  These can be found in student planners.
  • Encourage your student to visit the Learning Center, every morning and afternoon, in the DHS library for free tutoring.

Learning Center hours

  • Encourage your student to study collaboratively with peers.  
  • Honor your student’s study time at home.  
  • We want to help your students succeed at school!  Please reach out to our admin team or counseling team for support.  

Other Stuff…
Purchase the 2023 Dixon High Yearbook
Yearbooks can be purchased online throughout the school year.  Purchase the 2023 Dixon High Yearbook online throughout the school year!  Order one by credit card or eCheck at www.yearbookordercenter.com  (Order# 7317) or by mail-in-check by calling 1-866-287-3096. 

Notes From Our Office

  • Requests for Short Term Independent Study (STIS) contracts.  Here is what you should know…
    • STIS is only an option for students missing 3-14 school days.
    • STIS must be pre-approved by an assistant principal at least 10 working days prior to the absence.  Student’s/families’ unofficial agreements with teachers or staff will not be recognized for attendance purposes. 
    • STIS is not an option for students with less than a 2.0 GPA or a student who has an incomplete STIS in the past.
    • STIS work must be turned in the day they are scheduled to return.  It will not be accepted late for any reason.
  • It is very important that students attend school every period, every day!   That said, we know your student may need to miss.  When they are out, please remember to communicate with us and bring in those doctor and dentist notes.   We are happy to work with you but if we don’t hear from you, we can’t excuse your student’s absence.  We know our phones are often busy so please feel free to leave a message or email Jennifer Parks directly at jennifer.parks@dixonusd.org. Voicemails are delivered to staff emails.
  • Reminder: DoorDash and other food delivery services will not be received at school for students.  

College Advising on Wednesdays for All Students
Our counseling office is hosting College Wednesdays at lunch in the College and Career Center.  All students are welcome to stop in and get their college and career questions answered.  This is a great opportunity for our seniors to get help with finalizing applications, completing the FAFSA, making career decisions, etc.  It is also a fantastic opportunity for our younger students who are exploring post-secondary opportunities.  

We Have Answers
Do you have questions about school policies and procedures such as dress code, attendance, etc?  Please take time to read through the DHS Student & Parent Handbook!  Many answers can be found here!

Upcoming Calendar Events – Get out those calendars!  🙂
January 19: ASVAB Testing
January 20 & 21: Drama Club presentation of CLUE, 6:00 PM in Theater
January 25:  Course Expo
January 30:  Admin All Class Meetings – Course Request Information
February 4:  Winter Ball

Site Information
Here are links to important documents you need:

As always, please let us know how we can help.  

Warmly,
Stephanie Marquez
Proud Principal of Dixon High School
smarquez@dixonusd.org, (707) 693-6330 ext.7113