Principal’s RAMpage v3.21

Jan 24, 2023

Dear Dixon High School Families,
At DHS, we work hard to build a strong, supportive, equitable culture for all community members through our PBIS team.  Through this work, we always refer back to our three common expectations:  Engage, Seek Support, and Be Present.  Today, I invite you to join us in supporting kids so they will experience success on campus.
Engagement

  • Your students need to come to school every day, on time.  Our classrooms are awesome.  Kids engage and teachers teach up a storm with lessons rich with collaboration, inquiry, writing, reading, and dare I say, FUN!  When your student misses class or comes in late, they do not have the same level of engagement.  Also, it is really difficult for them socially when they feel they have “missed something.”  Help your students engage by supporting them in getting to school and attending every class, every day.  If there is something going on that makes that difficult, please seek support from your students’ assistant principal or counselor so we can help.
  • We still see students that cannot engage fully in learning because they are not prepared for class.  Make sure they bring school supplies, their binder, their planner, and a fully charged chromebook every single day.  If they need help, seek support from our office staff.  They will help.

Be Present

  • If you have a student in 8th-11th grade, join us for the DHS Course Expo tomorrow night from 6:00-7:30.  We want you to experience our culture and programs first hand so your students can engage fully in their course selection for next school year.  You will meet our teachers, see what kids experience in classes, visit the DHS PTO table, and meet our counselors and administrators.  

Course Expo flier  

Course Expo flier spanish

  • On a more serious note, if your student is experiencing difficulty outside of school or due to social situations, please seek support from your child’s assistant principal so they can either support your student directly or reach out to someone who can.   Students sometimes have trouble being present in their academic day when they have other stressors in their lives.

Seeking Support
We ALWAYS want to hear from you so we can help your student.  Did you know that between our three administrators, we have 86 years of experience with teenagers?  Please do not hesitate to reach out for support.  Also, to help your own student, consider the following:

  • 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.  
    • If your student’s last name begins with the letters A-La, you can contact Maria Becerra (mbecerra@dixonusd.org) or Bob Bugalski (bob.bugalski@dixonusd.org).  
    • If your student’s last name begins with the letters Le-Z, you can contact Ricardo Rodriguez (rrodriguez@dixonusd.org) or Brian Welborn (brian.welborn@dixonusd.org).
    • If you are worried about a student’s social emotional well-being or mental health fill out this form and a referral will be sent to the appropriate staff member.   

 Mental Health Referral form

Scheduling for 2023-2024
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.  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 tomorrow 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 Tuesday, January 31.  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.  

Graduating Class of 2023!
One of the bittersweet things about high school is 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 few 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
  • 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.

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

  • 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 25:  Course Expo 6:00-7:30 MPR/Gym
January 31:  All Class Meetings – Course Request Information
February 4:  Winter Ball
February 9: Choir concert 7:00 pm
February 17: No School! (Teacher Work Day)
February 20: No School (Holiday)
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