May 19, 2025
Important Dates
Mon, May 19: EY CMAP Senior Celebration, 5:30-7:30pm @ Fogo de Chao
Wed, May 21: Senior Awards Night, 6:30-8pm @ DMHS Gym
Thurs, May 22: IB TOK Celebration, 6:30-8pm @ DMHS Library; Spring Dance Show, 7-9pm @ DMHS PAC
Principal's Message
Dear Del Mar Students and Families,
This past week, we celebrated two powerful milestones that reflect the heart of who we are as a school community: a place where growth, perseverance, and language are honored and uplifted.
Celebrating Our Reclassified Students
At our annual Reclassification Ceremony, we honored 53 students who have met the rigorous criteria for English proficiency and are transitioning out of designated ELD coursework. |
This achievement is so much more than a checkbox. It represents years of hard work, resilience, and adaptation. Many of these students arrived on campus as newcomers, navigating not just a new language, but an entirely new culture and school system. This week, we honored their journey, their voices, and their potential.
Reclassification is a celebration of multilingualism. When we view students’ languages and identities as assets, not obstacles, we expand access to learning and deepen our collective sense of belonging.
We are incredibly proud of our reclassified students, and we thank the many teachers, aides, counselors, and family members who supported them along the way.
Congratulations to the Reclassified Class of 2024–2025!
Celebrating Our New Teachers
Earlier this week, we also celebrated another important milestone: the Induction Colloquium, where several of our educators were recognized for completing their first or second year of California’s teacher induction program.
Teaching is a journey that takes vulnerability, reflection, and an incredible amount of heart. We are fortunate to have new colleagues who are committed not only to students, but to the craft of teaching itself.
Please join me in congratulating:
Chloe Biggs-Dudolski, Viridiana Carachure, Brandt Dixon, Crystal Laza (Huerta), Ivan Lee, Em Sweet, Celina Tiqui, and Alexus Torres.
Thank you to the mentors, instructional coaches, department leads, and colleagues who supported their journey. |
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Get Involved!
Parent University – Summer Session is Here!
Join us this summer for Parent University! Classes begin on June 9 and are held via Zoom from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Choose from a Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday schedule for a convenient learning experience over the course of three weeks .
This summer’s classes include:
Don't miss this opportunity to grow your skills and connect with others!
👉 Learn more or register: Parent University Summer Session
May Webinar: Social Media, Technology, and Cyber-Bullying
This webinar is hosted by DayBreak Health and will help families understand how social media impacts youth, set healthy digital boundaries, and recognize signs of cyberbullying. Families will also have the chance to ask questions during a live Q&A with a licensed clinician.
📅 Class in English:
Wednesday, May 21st | 5:00 PM PST
Register Here: https://www.daybreakhealth.com/family-webinars/social-media-technology-and-cyber-bullying
📅 Clase en Español:
Jueves, 22 de mayo | 5:00 PM PST / 8:00 PM EST
Regístrese Aquí: https://www.daybreakhealth.com/es/family-webinars/social-media-technology-and-cyber-bullying
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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 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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Next week is our Senior Goodbye Week , and we hope all of you will join in the fun as we wrap up an amazing year with spirit days and lunchtime events!
Here's what we have planned:
Monday 5/19:
 Volleyball @ The Gym
 Spirit Day: College Gear Day
Tuesday 5/20:
 Flag Football @ The Bowl
 Spirit Day: Dress Like Your Younger Self
Wednesday 5/21:  Softball @ The Softball Field  Spirit Day: Senior Citizen Day
Thursday 5/22:  Trivia @ The Gym  Spirit Day: Throwback Thursday (Dress 80s-90s)
Friday 5/23:  Dodgeball @ The Gym  Spirit Day: Purple Out
There will be a special rally on Friday during Flex (11:45–12:45) IMPORTANT: SCHEDULE CHANGE
We will be on a modified rally schedule on Friday (5/23).
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Take Flex attendance at 11:45
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Students will leave belongings in the classroom
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Teachers, please walk your class to the gym and help them find their assigned seating
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Supervise your students in the bleachers and encourage them to make space for others
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After the rally, students will return to class and stay until lunch
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Campus Cuteness
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We’re excited to announce that Ariel Dukellis has been selected as Del Mar’s next IB Coordinator!
Ariel Sarver Dukellis is thrilled to return to Del Mar High School as the International Baccalaureate Program Coordinator! She is looking forward to leveraging her experience as an IB English, IB CAS, and AVID teacher and educational non-profit leader to continue to make IB curriculum and the full IB Diploma Program as accessible as possible for all Del Mar students.
Although her high school did not have an IB program, in another life she probably would have been a Diploma Candidate - in her free time she's a huge nerd who loves reading, knitting, tabletop gaming, marching band, running, and getting outdoors with her family.
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Mental Health Career Panel
This week, students had the opportunity to hear from professionals in the field during our Mental Health Career Panel. Panelists shared their pathways into psychology, social work, counseling, and community-based support roles, highlighting both the challenges and rewards of working in mental health. Thank you to our guests for offering real insight and inspiration, and to our team for organizing a meaningful conversation around careers that center care and advocacy.
Celebrating Family Engagement: Padres Unidos
This week, we recognized the incredible families who attended 100% of this year’s Padres Unidos events, a true testament to their commitment to partnership and community. Family engagement plays a powerful role in student success, and these families have shown up consistently to learn, connect, and advocate for their children. A huge thank you to Blanca Diaz, our dedicated Community Liaison, for building trust, creating space for dialogue, and fostering a sense of belonging.
Grupo Folklorico’s Debut Performance
Del Mar’s Grupo Folklórico made their debut performance at this year’s Reclassification Celebration, bringing vibrant energy, cultural pride, and incredible talent to the stage. Their performance was a powerful reminder of the richness of our school community and the importance of celebrating our students’ cultural identities. Congratulations to the dancers, and thank you for making the evening even more special!
Filipino Student Union Performance
Del Mar’s Filipino Student Union also brought culture and energy to this year’s Reclassification Celebration with a beautiful performance of a traditional folk song followed by a lively and impressive rendition of Tinikling, a Filipino folk dance. Their talent, pride, and commitment to sharing cultural heritage made the evening even more meaningful. Thank you to FSU for helping us celebrate multilingualism and identity through music and movement!
Junior AVID Field Trip
This week, our AVID 11 students took an overnight college tour, visiting Dominican University of California, UC Davis, Sacramento State, and Saint Mary’s College.
Students were joined by Del Mar alum Arseama Kibrom (‘24), who gave them an unsanctioned tour of UC Davis. They also met up with Suzette Hernandez de Orta (‘24), Meher Singh (‘24), Esme Walker (‘24), and Malaiyah Johnson (‘24). At Sac State, the group will be joined by Leo Estelles (‘24) and Angel Velasquez (‘24),
The trip gave students the chance to explore a variety of campuses, ask meaningful questions, and imagine themselves in new academic spaces. Big thanks to our AVID team for organizing this opportunity and helping our juniors take one step closer to their college goals!
Board Recognition: Teacher and Volunteer of the Year
Last night, the CUHSD Board of Education recognized Del Mar’s Teacher of the Year, Josephine Vieira, and Volunteer of the Year, Noelle Bauman, for their incredible contributions to our school community.
Josephine is known for her thoughtful, student-centered approach to teaching, and her steady commitment to excellence in the classroom. Noelle oversees hospitality for our PTSA and quietly makes a big impact, stocking the staff lounge each week with snacks and helping create a culture of care and appreciation on campus.
We’re so grateful to Josephine and Noelle for all the ways they support and uplift our community. Congratulations!
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Looking Ahead
The month of May is full of milestones, celebrations, and meaningful academic work. As we move into the final stretch of the school year, here are a few important things to keep on your radar:
- IB exams continue this week. Please remind students to check schedules and arrive on time and prepared.
- 11th grade CAASPP testing will begin wrapping up soon. Thank you for continuing to encourage attendance and effort!
- Senior clearance deadlines and final grades are approaching. Graduation is almost here, but we’re not there yet.
- End-of-year performances, awards, and showcases are around the corner. W’re excited to highlight all the growth, talent, and accomplishments of our students.
Each week matters. Let’s keep our momentum going and finish the year strong!
Diana Nguyen
Principal
Del Mar High School |
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