Dear Dixon High School Families,
We have a lot going on at Dixon High School so please read through the following information. If you have any questions, please let me know.
AP Students Purchase AP Exams March 8-14
AP students are encouraged to register and take the AP Exams they have been studying for all year. Students purchase exams during lunch tomorrow, March 8, Friday, March 10, Monday, March 13, and Tuesday, March 14. Dixon Unified School District is committed to equitable access to advanced coursework by helping with fees. Rather than paying the full $97/per test, students at Dixon High School pay $50 per exam and eligible students pay only $5 per exam. We use students’ Income Verification Surveys to determine eligibility.
CAASPP and CAST Testing for 11th Graders
Did you know that our 11th graders will represent their community by sitting for the CAST and CAASPP exams this spring? We are very excited to let these kids shine! The CAST science test will be administered in science classrooms later this month (some seniors will need to take this also). This test is mandatory. Juniors will also be sitting for the CAASPP exam the week of April 17. We will have a special schedule so all 11th graders can be fully supported in engaging fully in the exam. The schedule will also affect the daily schedule for other grades. We will have a late start for grades 9, 10, and 12. There is nothing families need to do now but please make sure to read any emails/messages we send the next couple of months. Also, please encourage your students to do their very best. These exams are designed for students to show their level of growth and we know they are amazing!
Virtual Reality Lab – Coming Soon
We are super excited to get our VR Lab up and running at DHS! Stay tuned for some pictures of this great opportunity for our students (and teachers, too).
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
Tuesday Talks: March 14 from 7:00-8:30.
Join us for an in person evening with DHS Administration and parents. It is really nice to be able to hear parents, seek their input, and clarify why we do things the way we do on campus. All DHS parents are welcome.
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. 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 or they want to change their plans, 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
Graduating Class of 2023!
Senior Signs
We had so much fun delivering signs this weekend. We are continuing to work with our students who have PO boxes or live in the country but we are determined to get a congratulatory sign for every senior. Additionally, if you have a blended family and need an additional sign for a senior’s other home, please email me directly at smarquez@dixonusd.org.
Scholarships for Seniors
There are many scholarships available for all kinds of graduates. The 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 have the opportunity to apply for local Community Scholarships beginning this week. 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. We look forward to this every year and can’t wait to honor your students!
- Our athletic teams celebrate senior athletes at their last 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.
- Class 2023 Graduation ceremony is 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 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
- Remember daylight savings time springs forward this weekend. Please try to help us out by making sure your teen gets to bed (and wakes up on time) Monday morning. This next week will be tough.
- 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: Tuesday Talks with DHS Admin, 7:00 pm
March 15: Spring Band Concert, 7:00 pm
March 20: Dixon Migrant Parent Advisory Meeting
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