Hello everybody!
For the sake of clarity and getting our awesome kids off to a great start to the school year, this RAMpage is dedicated to upcoming, pre-start information and dates. As always, let us know if you have any other questions.
Upcoming Orientation Info
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For parents: All parents, but especially parents of new students, are invited to attend parent orientation on Thursday, August 3, at 7:00pm in the Theater. Parents will get a chance to get some good information about how we can work together to support our students, opportunities for parent involvement, and to get your questions answered.
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For students: Orientation is on Tuesday, August 8 per the schedule below. All students will meet very briefly with administration and get their school picture, ID card, and class schedule. Incoming 9th graders, and new students will also have the opportunity to tour the school, meet our student leadership team, and get their Chromebooks and chargers.
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Here is the schedule by grade level:
9th graders 8:00 -10:30
10th graders 10:45 -12:00
11th graders 1:00 – 2:00
12th graders 2:00 – 3:00
First Day of School and Student Schedules
The first day of school is Wednesday, 8/9 and it is a short Wednesday and we can’t wait to meet our students! Here are some things to keep in mind:
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Students should arrive at school 15 minutes before their class starts. Do not wait until the last minute as traffic is an issue every day.
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All students will have the opportunity to eat breakfast and lunch on campus at no cost. Students are also welcome to bring their own lunch. Students may not receive food from any delivery service. Like other schools, we have water bottle refill stations and encourage students to bring their own water bottles.
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All students will enter campus on the West side, near the student parking lot, between the S and C buildings. No other gates will be open. They will also exit here at the end of the day.
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While we make every effort to have accurate schedules for all students, there are occasionally things that need to be fixed. It is very important that students go to every class on their schedule. With over 1,000 students, we need to fix schedules in a prioritized manner. Please remind your student that it may take several days to get their schedule fixed and that all teachers are aware of this. We know it takes a bit to get things settled.
Our Mission and How We Get There
Dixon High School ensures that all students learn at high levels and will graduate ready for college and career. We are an AVID-Schoolwide School which means all students engage in quality, rigorous instruction, with organizational support and opportunities for intervention.
Everything we do is framed in common expectations for all of us (students, staff, families, community), in everything we do (academics, athletics, performances, etc). Here are our 3 common expectations with some brief descriptions:
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Engage – Commit to and focus on being an active participant in whatever you are doing
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Seek Support – Build a network of support and become your own advocate
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Be Present – focus your mental and emotional energy on the task at hand and let “the other stuff” go
Communication
I am committed to open, frequent communication with students and families, and I need you to do the same. High School life goes very, very fast, and our kids need all of us supporting them and cheering them on. With this in mind, here are some things to keep in mind:
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Students’ lives are really complicated, especially our seniors. There will be student information in every RAMpage but it won’t include everything for the entire year. Rather, it will include what they need to know and or do most immediately. You can imagine that trying to deal with senior year, college applications, career decisions, FAFSA, saying goodbye, playing your last high school athletic season, preparing to live away from home, etc can be overwhelming. Please work with me in helping our students be present in the moment.
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In addition to messaging, we use Facebook to communicate through three approved pages: the page titled “Dixon High School,”the page titled “Dixon High School PTO,” and a page titled “Dixon High School Athletics.”
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We always, always, welcome your questions! Please call or email any time so we can answer your questions or help, especially if you are new to our school. I am available via email at smarquez@dixonusd.org or by phone 707-693-6330, ext 7113, and I am happy to help or get you to the right person to help you.
Senior Picture, July 31- August 2
Appointment information was emailed to families by Prestige Portraits. If you have not set your appointment time or have questions, please contact Prestige at www.prestigeportraits.com or by calling 877-825-7922. These senior portraits will be in the yearbook.
School Pictures for All Students
All students will take their school pictures (for their Student ID cards) on orientation day, August 8. Here is a link with information from Lifetouch Lifetouch School Pictures
School Supplies
All DHS students will be provided Chromebooks, binders and planners to be used in all classes, at school. You do not need to purchase these things. Students will only need loose-leaf binder paper, graph paper, pens and pencils, maybe a highlighter or two, and possibly some colored pencils. Of course, we can provide these things as well as needed. In addition, math students may need calculators but we have calculators students can check out. Just so you are aware, I highly recommend you do not purchase any supplies (other than paper and some pens/pencils) until you have heard from your student’s teachers.
Attendance, Bell Schedule, and Drop Off/Pick Up
Attendance in high school is critical to student success. When students miss class, it not only affects their academic progress but it also affects students socio-emotional and mental health. High school moves fast and it is really hard for students when they miss. Please make sure your student attends every class, every day, on time and when your student has to miss class, please communicate with our Attendance Office. I will send more information about how to do this in the next few weeks.
Just a little head up from someone who has worked at 555 College Way for many, many years: This year, most of our community will be starting school at the same time (8:30 am). This means traffic will be challenging! We have supervision on campus and places for kids to go as early as 7:30 am so please get here early, rather than late. If you have students at other sites, would it be possible to drop off your high school student first? Also, teenagers are kind of funny about time. Please take a moment to remind them that the tardy bell rings at 8:30 am. This means they need to get to school BEFORE THEN!! 🙂
Resources
2023-2024 Attendance Calendar
2023-2024 Student and Parent Handbook
2023-2024 Manuel Para Estudiantes y Padres
2023-2024 DHS Bell Schedule
Picture Day Information
Questions or concerns:
Please do not hesitate to reach out to me directly if you have any questions or concerns. I proudly serve this community and can be reached by email or phone any time.
Warmly,
Stephanie Marquez
Proud Principal of Dixon High School
smarquez@dixonusd.org
(707) 693-6330 ext.7113