December 9, 2024
Important Dates
Tuesday, Dec 10: "It's MURDER!" Fall Theatre and Dance Showcase, 7pm @ PAC
Wednesday, Dec 11: Cash for College, 4:30-7:30pm @ Cafeteria
Thursday, Dec 12: Winter Performing Arts Celebration, 7pm @ PAC
Principal's Message
Dear Students and Families,
At Del Mar, we are guided by a vision of cultivating an educational environment that supports our students’ development into well-rounded and caring individuals, equipped to lead purposeful and impactful lives in a rapidly changing world. These final weeks offer an opportunity for students to demonstrate resilience, growth, and the power of their own potential.
While it’s natural to feel a dip in energy as we near winter break, this is the time to lean into our core values: fostering a culture of compassion, actively collaborating to achieve common goals, and committing to high expectations while providing high support. These principles are what drive us to ensure every student has the tools and encouragement they need to finish the semester strong. |
Tips for Staying Focused and Motivated
For Students:
1) Set Clear Goals: Break down study time and assignments into smaller, achievable tasks. Success is built step by step.
2) Stay Organized: Use planners or tools to manage your time and deadlines effectively.
3) Practice Self-Care: Prioritize sleep, healthy snacks, and short breaks to maintain focus and energy.
4) Seek Support: Reach out to teachers, peers, or our Wellness Center if you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed.
For Families:
1) Provide Structure: Create a dedicated, distraction-free study zone at home.
2) Celebrate Progress: Recognize your student’s effort and milestones, reinforcing a positive growth mindset.
3) Encourage Perseverance: Remind your student that challenges are opportunities to grow and that setbacks are part of the learning process.
4) Stay Engaged: Check Canvas for updates and communicate with teachers if you have questions or concerns.
A-G Eligibility and Future Opportunities
Final exams begin Wednesday, December 18. Semester grades will be recorded on transcripts and play a critical role in meeting A-G requirements for college eligibility.
Our goal of increasing A-G eligibility aligns with our belief in opening doors for all students, regardless of their immediate plans after high school. College readiness is about equipping students with choices—whether that’s attending a four-year university, earning a technical certification, or exploring other career pathways. Research consistently shows that students who meet college readiness benchmarks are more likely to experience career flexibility, financial stability, and greater opportunities over their lifetimes.
Our Core Values in Action
In alignment with our core value of building and nurturing a safe community through relationships, we’ve provided additional resources to support students during this busy time:
1) Teacher Office Hours: Many teachers are offering extra support sessions. Check Canvas for times.
2) Wellness Center: Students feeling stressed or anxious can drop by the Wellness Center or talk to their counselor for guidance.
3) Study Resources: After-school tutoring is available M-Th from about 2-4:00pm in the library.
These supports reflect our commitment to high expectations paired with high support, ensuring every student has the chance to thrive. Please encourage your students to take advantage of these supports so that they can finish strong, knowing that their hard work now lays the foundation for future success. |
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Get Involved!
The Lead Editors of The Dispatch and Ms. Olamit, our Mass Communications teacher, recorded a podcast with SJSU's Dept of Mass Communications recapping their field trip and advertising their future partnership through the internship program. |
Check out the Podcast here!
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| Join us for Del Mar's Cash for College on Wednesday, December 11th. Drop in from 4:30 pm to 7:30 pm in the Cafeteria to receive support with your Financial Aid applications. Get one-on-one support from College Financial Aid Advisors, and get all questions answered. Help will be available in English and Spanish. This is an open event for all students who will be filling out a financial aid application. |
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Join Boys' Tennis!
Boys' Tennis begins at the end of January, and the team is looking for some more players. They currently have about seven players and need at least 10 to play. If you're looking for a sport to do during springtime, tennis is great for working out while also having fun. Ten players is the minimum the team needs, so if you're interested in playing, please let Mr. Casteneda ([email protected]) know.
Five Star Program
We’re excited to announce that you’ll have the chance to earn points through the Five Star program for attending events, workshops, grade level meetings, demonstrating positive behavior, and following DMHS 4 C's. These points can be accumulated over time and redeemed for awesome rewards!
We want your input to make sure the rewards are things you’re excited about. Please take a moment to let us know what prizes you’d like to see.
Your feedback will help us create a rewards system that works for YOU. For completing this survey we have added 5 points to your 5-Star Account.
Click the link below to complete the survey: Please input your school ID to access the survey on FiveStar.
Survey will be open Monday Dec 9th at 9am and will close Wednesday Dec 13th at 11:59pm
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Looking Ahead
The path to success isn’t always easy, but it’s the challenges that help us grow. As a community, let’s work together to support our students as they finish this semester with confidence and determination. I am continually inspired by the resilience, compassion, and collaboration I see in our students and staff, and I know these values will guide us through the coming weeks.
Here’s to finishing the semester strong and continuing to build a school culture where every student feels supported, engaged, and ready to lead a purposeful life.
Thank you for your ongoing partnership, and let’s make this week a great one!
Diana Nguyen
Principal
Del Mar High School |
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