August 26, 2024
Important Dates
Wednesday, Aug 28: Back to School Night
Friday, Aug 30: Football vs. Harbor High @ Harbor
Monday, Sept 02: Labor Day (NO SCHOOL)
Principal's Message
Dear Students and Families,
I hope this message finds you well as we settle into the third week of the 2024-2025 school year. It’s hard to believe we’re already a few weeks in, but it’s been a positive start, and I’m thrilled to share some updates with you in this first newsletter of the year.
Our school year kicked off smoothly, and it’s been wonderful to see our hallways buzzing with energy and enthusiasm. I’d like to extend a warm welcome to our incoming freshmen, the Class of 2028, and to all new students and families joining us this year. To our returning students, welcome back! It’s great to see familiar faces and watch our school community grow stronger each year.
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Embracing Our Vision and Core Values
At Del Mar High School, we are guided by our shared vision: The Del Mar Community cultivates an educational environment that supports students’ development into well-rounded and caring individuals who are equipped to lead purposeful and impactful lives in a rapidly changing world. This vision is at the heart of everything we do, and it has been inspiring to see our students and staff embracing it from day one.
We are also committed to living out our core values, which shape the way we approach education and community at Del Mar High School:
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Building and nurturing a safe community through relationships – We believe that strong, trusting relationships are the foundation of a safe and supportive school environment. In these first few weeks, our staff and students have been working together to build connections that foster a sense of belonging for everyone.
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Fostering a culture of compassion – Compassion is key to creating a school culture where everyone feels valued. Our students have already shown kindness and empathy in their interactions, both in and out of the classroom, which reflects our commitment to caring for one another.
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Actively collaborating to achieve common goals – Collaboration is at the core of our approach to education. Whether it’s through group projects, team sports, or school-wide initiatives, our students and staff are working together to achieve shared goals that benefit the entire community.
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Committing to high expectations and providing high support – We believe that every student can meet high expectations when given the right support. Our teachers are dedicated to challenging our students academically while also providing the resources and encouragement they need to succeed.
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New Cell Phone Policy
As part of our ongoing efforts to create an optimal learning environment, the Campbell Union High School District has implemented new procedures regarding the use of cell phones and electronic devices in classrooms. These procedures, finalized on August 6 by district principals and assistant principals, are in place starting this school year.
While Board Policy 5131 has long required that cell phones be turned off during class unless used for instructional purposes, challenges with their use have persisted. Research highlights the significant impact of cell phones on teens, underscoring the importance of this policy in maintaining a focused and distraction-free learning environment.
As we begin the school year, I encourage you to review and discuss the attached policies and procedures with your student(s) to ensure they understand the expectations. You can access the detailed policy here: Link to policy (English & Spanish) . Additionally, please read Dr. Bravo’s message on ParentSquare for further insights: Dr. Bravo’s ParentSquare Message . |
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High Expectations, High Support
As we move forward, I want to emphasize our commitment to academic excellence within the framework of our vision and core values. Our faculty has been hard at work preparing engaging and challenging lessons that not only foster intellectual growth but also encourage students to think critically about their role in society. We are also tapping into our collective educator agency by implementing common instructional strategies and practices across all classrooms, in alignment with our goal of preparing students to lead meaningful, impactful lives. Please encourage your students to take advantage of the resources available to them, whether it’s teacher office hours, the open flex period, or our library’s homework center.
Parent and Family Engagement: Keep Showin' Up!
Your involvement is crucial to our students' success. Whether it’s through attending school events, volunteering, or simply staying informed about your child’s progress, your partnership with us makes a significant difference. We’ve already received positive feedback from our first few parent-teacher interactions, and we’re excited to build on this collaboration throughout the year. |
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Looking Ahead
As we continue through the year, I am confident that together we will achieve great things. Our students are off to a strong start, and I’m excited to see how they will grow and excel in the coming months. With our shared vision and core values as our guide, I have no doubt that our students will rise to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world, equipped with the skills and values they need to lead purposeful and impactful lives.
Thank you for your ongoing support and commitment to our school. Let’s make this a fantastic year for everyone at Del Mar High School!
See you at Back to School Night!
Diana Nguyen
Principal
Del Mar High School |
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