Dear Dixon High School Families,
We have a lot going on at Dixon High School so please read through the following information. As always, if you have any questions, please let me know.
Important Survey
Please complete this important survey regarding Secondary Independent Learning Interest for 2023-2024. We really want to hear from everybody.
Just go to this link Independent Learning Survey – Secondary
Parent Evenings
Even though we met on extremely short notice, we had a great parent meeting this past Monday evening. We discussed everything from four-year plans to student bathroom issues to AVID Elective v. AVID Schoolwide to how freshman students integrate into our campus. It was really nice to be able to just hear parents, seek their input, and clarify why we do things the way we do on campus.
Our next meeting will be on Tuesday, March 14 from 7:00-8:30.
Youth Conservation Corps Opportunity for Summer 2024
Today, I shared information about this program with teachers. It provides local youth, ages 15-18, an opportunity to gain work experience and skills, learn about their local environment and explore careers in environmental science, conservation, parks, and recreation. Youth Conservation Corp members will assist with a variety of work projects to help restore and protect the natural and cultural heritage at John Muir NHS and several other NPS sites in the greater San Francisco Bay Area. This experience also includes several educational field trips. If your student is interested, please take a look! Youth Conservation Corp – John Muir NHS.
Prom is Just Around the Corner
We are very excited about prom this year, especially after a wonderful evening at Winter Ball. Prom is our biggest and fanciest dance of the year and is coming up this spring. In an earlier version of the RAMpage, I announced that it was on May 6 but I was wrong! Oops! Prom is actually on May 5 this year. The dance will be held at the Rancho Solano Clubhouse, one of our favorite and largest venues. We will continue to keep you updated as the students plan the dance. In the meantime, if anyone needs or wants support with prom, there is an organization with a great opportunity! The Princess Project (PrincessProjectSonoma.org) is a non-profit organization that provides free prom dresses to teens in financial need. Their dress giveaways will be held on select days between February 25 and March 23 at their pop-up shop in Petaluma. Instructions for making an appointment are on the website.
DHS also has a Prom Dress Closet available for students to shop. Interested students should check in with Audrey Madden or Yolanda Gonzalez in the office.
FAFSA
It is true! Every senior needs to complete a FAFSA this year to earn a diploma – even if they are not planning on attending a four-year college. Also, to be eligible for all types of aid, students need to complete the FAFSA by March 2! Please take a look at this article for some more information FAFSA – State Policy Article. Our staff is available to help if you need it.
Scheduling for Next School Year
Students should have completed their course requests for next year. If your student has not completed their course requests, please have them stop by the counseling office ASAP. They will need to complete a hard copy at this point. Here are some of the documents your student (and families) should be familiar with. We have hard copies of all of these in the office.
- Important general information: 2023-2024 Course Catalog
- Important points discussed in student presentations last week:
- Summary list of Electives: DHS Elective Choices 2023-2024
- Information and contract for AP/Honors Courses: AP/Honors Contract
Grades Should have Arrived
If your student is having academic trouble, we have a lot of support, including our Learning Center – a fabulous place – open every morning and afternoon for any students looking for a safe place to do work with optional tutoring support. Please encourage your student to stop by. Also, if you have questions about a particular grade, please reach out to teachers directly.
Aeries Parent Portal
Keep up on your student’s grades, assignments, and check contact information using Aeries Parent Portal. Be sure you are using the Dixon Unified Parent Portal link found on the district website. If you need help signing up, call the school at 707-693-6330 or email your question.
Fee Letters
Our office sent home fee letters recently with a current accounting of materials that students have not returned. Items should be returned to the office, library or paid for by the end of the year. We send these letters mid-year so families have time to track down materials and/or get questions answered. Please stop by our office, or give us a call, if you have any questions.
Graduating Class of 2023!
Senior Signs are Coming! DUSD and DHS have the Senior Yard Signs in hand and our staff and PTO will be delivering these to homes on Saturday, March 4 as we kickoff our senior activities. You just can’t hide, that RAM PRIDE!
Scholarships for Seniors
There are many scholarships available for all kinds of graduates. Our counselors and I have been sending outside scholarship opportunity information to seniors as they trickle in. Please encourage your senior to check their school email daily as we progress through the year so they do not miss important information and opportunities. Also, students will have the opportunity to apply for local Community Scholarships beginning on March 6th. These local, generous gifts, will be celebrated at our Senior Awards Night on May 15th.
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!
- Senior Yard Signs will be delivered to homes on Saturday, March 4
- In late February/Early March, students will have the opportunity to apply for Community Scholarships.
- Our athletic teams 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 ceremony for the Class of 2023 is on Saturday, June 3, at 9:00 am in the stadium.
- Don’t forget to complete your senior’s FAFSA – a significantly “unfun” but very important task. Beginning this year, every senior in California must complete their FAFSA to earn a diploma so we really recommend you get this done soon. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to our counselors for support if needed. To start, go to https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa.
Other Stuff…
ELPAC Test
We have begun administering ELPAC exams this month. This is a rigorous state required test for students identified as English Learners that covers four domains. We will start with the speaking part and then the rest of the test will be taken in a group setting. If you have any questions you can contact our amazing Parent Liaison, Mrs. Gonzalez, yolanda.gonzalez@dixonusd.org
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
- Please remember, we have a closed campus. Students are not allowed to leave campus and return during their day unless they are signed out by a parent or guardian. This includes stepping outside of campus to pick up food or other items. If you need to drop off something for your student, please do so at the front office.
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! 🙂
March 12: Daylight Savings – SPRING Forward
March 14: Parent Night (PTO), 7:00 pm
March 15: Spring Band Concert, 7:00 pm
April 3-7: Spring Break
Site Information
Here are links to important documents you need:
- School calendar: https://tinyurl.com/yj9akacy
- Single/double week schedule: https://tinyurl.com/9du3sjw6
- Bell schedule: https://tinyurl.com/2p8b3xbb
- Who’s who (english): https://tinyurl.com/tc79h7ze
- Campus map: https://tinyurl.com/bdzftd72
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