April 21, 2025
Important Dates
Mon, Apr 21: LCAP Meeting #3, 6:00-7:30pm @ District Office
Tues, Apr 22: PTSA General Meeting, 7-8pm @ DMHS Rm 1 or Zoom
Wed, Apr 23: Cap & Gown Distribution, English classes
Fri, Apr 25: Cultural Community Night, 5:00-8:00pm @ DM Quad
Principal's Message
Dear Del Mar Students and Families,
This week is the beginning of a major milestone in our spring semester: CAASPP testing begins for all 11th graders on Monday, April 21, starting with the ELA/Literacy assessment.
These exams are more than just state requirements; they’re an important opportunity for students to demonstrate the critical skills they’ve been building for years. |
At Del Mar, we know that literacy isn’t just about English class. The ELA/Literacy assessment reflects students’ ability to read complex texts, analyze arguments, and communicate clearly across all subjects, from evaluating sources in history to interpreting data in science. It’s a reflection of their readiness for life beyond high school.
Why This Test Matters
Scoring “Standard Met” or “Standard Exceeded” on the CAASPP helps students meet college and career readiness benchmarks, including:
- Placing directly into credit-bearing college courses
- Meeting California’s College and Career Indicator (CCI)
- Strengthening job and scholarship applications
Please help us by encouraging your 11th grader to:
- Get a good night’s rest before test days
- Charge their Chromebook and bring it each day
- Take the test seriously—for their future, not just a score
We’re grateful to our testing coordinators, teachers, and support staff who are working behind the scenes to ensure a smooth experience. And to our students: we believe in you. Show us what you know. You’ve been preparing for this all along!
Grading Period Has Ended: 6 Weeks to Go!
As a reminder, the most recent grading period ended last Friday. That means we are now entering the final six weeks of the school year. These next few weeks are critical for students to:
- Improve or maintain their grades
- Meet graduation and a-g eligibility requirements
- Stay engaged through testing, performances, and final projects
Whether your student is a freshman building strong habits or a senior preparing for their next step, this is the time to stay focused and finish strong. If your student needs support—academically, emotionally, or otherwise—please encourage them to reach out to a teacher, counselor, or visit the Wellness Center. We are here to help. |
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Get Involved!
CUHSD LCAP ThoughtExchange 2025
Each year, our District reviews our Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) to ensure that we are meeting the needs of all students. By law, the LCAP focuses on students who may need additional support, including low-income students, emerging multilingual/English learner students, foster youth, and homeless youth. Click here to take the survey by May 1. If you are a student, click here.
This survey asks for your thoughts about the District’s current priorities for the LCAP. These priorities are based on input from District committees composed of staff, family members, and students. They include:
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Rigorous and culturally relevant curriculum and instruction, with a focus on teacher-created, district-wide course maps and common assessments in core subject areas.
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Emerging multilingual learner success, including multilingual classroom aides, and professional development for teachers of English Language Development courses.
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Initiatives to improve school culture, including a multilingual staff stipend, recruiting staff from institutions with diverse populations, and incorporating diverse student voices in our committees.
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Socioemotional resources, including staff training on effective discipline practices, wellness centers, mental health counselors at every site, and increasing the number of social workers.
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College and career readiness support such as increasing the number of school counselors, providing training on a national model for school counseling, and ensuring every student has a plan beyond high school.
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Family and community engagement support, including community liaisons at every school site, communication tools, and translation services.
Please be specific when answering this survey. If your comment is specific only to your school, please include the school's name in your response.
You can enter thoughts at your own pace, and you can come back to review and rate the thoughts of others.
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West Valley Dual Enrollment Summer and Fall 2025 Courses
Applications are now open for FREE West Valley college courses in Summer and Fall 2025.
The West Valley Dual Enrollment Program is a great opportunity for students in all grade levels to explore college courses, make up credits needed for graduation, and earn a head start on college.
Students earn both high school and college credit and courses change each semester.
Deadline for Summer Courses: May 12th
Summer 2025 offerings include Medical Terminology, American Sign Language, and Precalculus/Trigonometry.
Deadline for Fall Courses: August 18th
Fall 2025 offerings include Psychology on Del Mar’s campus, Intro to Business, Public Speaking, Sports Medicine, Film Studies and more!
Students should apply early as classes fill up quickly. Visit the dual enrollment page on our website for the full class list and steps to apply: https://delmar.cuhsd.org/apps/pages/westvalleydualenrollmen |
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Check Out the Community Hub: Now Open to All Students!
Need a place to hang out, study, or grab supplies? The Community Hub in Room 82 is officially open—and it’s built just for you!
Whether you’re looking for a quiet place to focus or just want to relax with friends, the Hub has you covered:
✨ Use a computer or printer
🖊️ Grab free school supplies
🎲 Play board games and unwind
📚 Find a cozy spot to study
👋 Drop in to connect and recharge
📍 Location: Room 82
🕓 Hours: Open during brunch, lunch, and after school until 5:00 PM
Stop by and see what it’s all about! The Hub is your space to connect, create, and take care of what you need—no appointment, no pressure, just community.
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Celebrate Our Multilingual Learners – Join Us April 24!
April is National Bilingual/Multilingual Learner Advocacy Month, a time to recognize the cultural richness, resilience, and global perspectives that our multilingual learners bring to our schools and communities.
We invite you to join us for the National Bilingual/Multilingual Learner Advocacy Showcase on:
 Thursday, April 24
 5:00–6:30 PM
 Santa Clara County Office of Education
1290 Ridder Park Drive, San José, CA 95131
 Register here
This year’s theme is “Launching Global Leaders: Celebrating Multilingualism,” and we’re proud to share that Del Mar High School will be recognized for our commitment to advancing biliteracy and creating pathways to the Seal of Biliteracy Recognition.
The evening will include certificates of appreciation for participating schools, student voices, and community celebration. We encourage all families, students, and staff to attend and help us honor the incredible achievements of our multilingual learners!
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Campus Cuteness
Del Mar Softball Easter Egg Hunt
The Del Mar softball Easter egg hunt brought out the competitive spirit in our athletes, who eagerly raced to find the golden egg!
Robotics Fundraiser in the Quad
The Robotics Team hosted a super cute fundraiser in the quad this week. The students designed and 3D printed a maze, and then allowed students to race the robots through the maze. Super cool!
Latine X CAN!
Students and parents joined us on Thursday for Lantine X CAN! Everyone was able to learn more about financial aid, A-G eligibility, how College makes a difference in income and more!
Student Recognition by the Board
Last Thursday evening, four of our students were recognized by the Board for excellence in their respective SVCTE courses and their participation in the SkillsUSA State competition! Please join me in congratulating Amanda Illges (fire science), Juliana Muller Ruiz (web design), Imani Wilson (web design), and Monserrat Valladares Sanchez (art welding).
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Looking Ahead
🧪 CAASPP Math and Science testing will begin in May
🌍 IB exams start in May for Diploma Programme students
💬 ELPAC testing continues for our Emergent Multilingual students
Let’s continue to support and celebrate all the hard work happening across campus as we wrap up the year.
Diana Nguyen
Principal
Del Mar High School |
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