Who doesn't love yummy crab? Come enjoy some delicious crab and entertainment February 11th at 6pm. For more information visit the totally new athletic booster website by clicking here!

Moody's Mega Math Challenge

Moody's Mega Math challenge is a unique math competition that, since 2006, has provided a pinnacle experience for high school juniors and seniors - demonstrating how the math they learn in the class can be used to solve real problems, make predictions, and provide insight about important topics in today's world. Students must work in a team and under a strict time constraint to interpret the problem and use the math modeling process to answer the questions posed. Check out more information here.

Speech & Debate Girls Invitational

This weekend the speech and debate team (12 girls that were brave enough to try a new adventure!) went to Notre Dame High School, in San Jose! This was a unique debate tournament, as it was an all girls parliamentary debate tournament. 

This tournament was designed to connect women, girls and other marginalized gender individuals in debate, and to create a space where they could share and problem solve issues that affect them at all levels of debate and beyond. It began with a moderated forum and then went to a round robin style competition; the girls were able to learn and get feedback from the judging community; as well as win!

Please congratulate the following girls: Julie Trihn and Mina Yi as they were awarded the highest speaker awards in both Varsity and Novice division!!! YAHOOOO!!!! 

ALL teams made it to the quarter finals, and due to poise and speaker points, were the "guest judges" for final rounds ... what an awesome honor! 

ALL these ladies were amazing ... with (7) rounds of experience ... a 4:00 am leave time and a midnight return time, these beauties balanced life, showed their brilliance by standing up, boldly spoke their mind and constructed cases all the way to victory!! Way to go girls! 

Delta College Open

MHHS current 9th & 10th grade families are being invited to a San Joaquin Delta College open house December 7th from 4pm-5:50pm in room 301 (Administration Office)

You will be able to learn more about the information listed below:

· Spring 2017 Classes

· Programs available at Mountain House Campus

· Registering for classes

· Assessment updates

· Holds preventing you from adding classes

We will have cookies and coffee!

Hope to see you there.

Congrats MHHS Marching Band

What a remarkable 2016 Marching Band Season!  Our children placed 7th in the 1A Division at the WBA Championships competing against the top schools in California.  An amazing feat considering this is their first year in the circuit.  Congratulations MHHS Mustang Brigade Band, Troy Rexelle, Thu Powell and Arturo Espinoza!

They displayed elegance, talent and professionalism throughout the season.  The time and dedication they have invested are astounding - neither the heat on Saturdays nor the cold on Monday nights could stop them from practicing.  We are very proud of our children as they behaved like champions.  During this Thanksgiving Holiday, there are so many people to be thankful for:

The Lammersville Unified School District for ensuring the Marching Band Program is available to our children and for the support they have extended from funding & providing transportation during competitions to ensuring we have coaches leading our children to success.  Our MHHS Principal, Ben Fobert, who is a mentor, a friend and an advocate, and his staff.  Our Band Director, Troy Rexelle, and the coaches, Thu Powell and Arturo Espinoza, for sharing their talents and for teaching our children the values of discipline and hard work.  

My fellow MHHS VAPA Boosters Board Members (Anne Goodrich, Atul Khanna and Emilie Taylor) and Chairpersons (Roel Magpoc, Sergio Sanchez, Portia Yanga, Luz Mapoc, Pallavi Kharche, Danamer Mercado and Michelle Kurylo), the volunteers and donors (you know who you are) for the countless hours, energy and resources you have given wholeheartedly.

Indeed, this was an extraordinary experience to witness and to be a part of as our children fulfilled their dreams and journeyed “Into the Clouds” ...

Science Fair

Science Fair Meeting Thursday 11/17 at 6pm

This year's County Science Fair is in February of 2017, and students are getting started to participate.  At MHHS the Science Fair is an extra-curricular activity that can be beneficial to any student interested in science, or interested in furthering their understanding of the scientific method.  Come to the meeting with Mrs. Whitman to learn more about the process and procedures to be followed to enter the science fair this year.
For those who are unable to make it to the meeting tonight, please review the slide deck below and contact Mrs. Whitman at nwhitman@lammersvilleusd.net if you have any questions.

On November 7th the Medical Interventions class traveled to San Joaquin Delta College to meet instructors and view post secondary options.  The trip was sponsored through a grant that the College has received. The first stop was a meeting with Tara Gallegos who is the San Joaquin Delta College Marketing and Outreach Specialist.  She provided the students with an overview of the college.  She provided students with information packets providing areas of study and explained avenues of study available (certificate and associate programs).  An important point she made was about how the first two years of college can be done much less expensively at Delta College and then students can transfer to a four year university to finish their bachelors degree.  From there the students traveled on to see three specific programs.

The first program visited was the Health Science program.  Students met with Professor Allison Pieretti.  She discussed the health science programs including the nursing program.  The students were then able to use the life sized mannequins that are used to develop skills.  The mannequins had pulses which could be felt or heard through the stethoscope.  They also talked and cried and had medical emergencies like seizures.   The technology was very impressive.  Professor Pieretti also discussed how students head into medicine after starting at Delta College.

The next stop was the Engineering Lab.  There students learned about engineering pathways through Delta College including a special program that guarantees admission into the University of Pacific's Engineering program.  Students viewed a demonstration testing the strength of steel which was startling when the steel broke. 

The final stop was at the Electron Microscopy program.  Students viewed the huge microscopes, saw students working with them and viewed the amazing photos taken by the microscopes.  This program is one of only two in the country at the community college level. 

It was a fantastic tour and MHHS will be returning on November 17th with the Human Body Systems students who will see all of the above plus the Speech Pathology Program

Immunization Registry Information

Our District RN recently obtained access to the California Immunization Registry. The Immunization Registry permits the sharing of a computer record of your child’s immunization and TB screening tests no matter where they are given.  At any time you, your doctor, or District RN can see what immunizations/TB Tests your child has received and which immunizations are needed now.  It will be used by the District RN on a case-by-case basis to obtain proof of a child’s immunization status when updated doctor paperwork has not been provided by parents. 

The information contained in the Immunization Registry is confidential and will only be viewed by the District RN.  If you DO NOT give consent for the District RN to search for your child on the Immunization Registry if the need arises, then please contact Amy Isler, District RN at 209-836-7230 x2223 or aisler@sjcoe.net. For more information on the California Immunization Registry please visit http://cairweb.org/.

Parent Homework Survey

In order to continue to improve our instructional programs we are seeking parent feedback regarding homework at MHHS. If you are a parent please take a few minutes and complete our Parent Homework Survey.

Winter Sports Try-Out's

Winter isn't just about fuzzy blankets and pumpkin spice... everything! It's also a time for winter sports at Mountain House High School! For more information please contact the coach of the sport directly. Coaches information can be found on the athletics website. MHHS Athletics

No Clowning Around

Due to the recent "Creepy Clown" incidents, we are asking everyone (staff, students, and parents) to refrain from wearing clown costumes/attire at schools, even on Halloween. Should a student wear any type of clown costume/attire at school, they would be asked to change their clothes prior to participation in any school activities. We are requesting that you support this request and ensure your child does not wear this type of attire at school, regardless of their age. We appreciate your understanding to help safeguard the safety of our students, staff, and community members. We wish you a fun and safe Halloween!

Parent SUCCESS! Night

We are a quarter of the way through the year and report cards were recently mailed home. Any students who earned at least on D or F in any of their classes have been enrolled in our SUCCESS! intervention period so that they can receive additional help in the classes in which they are struggling. The SUCCESS! schedule started this week and students were emailed individualized schedules that listed the classes they should attend.

To further support our student' progress we are holding a Parent SUCCESS! Night on Wednesday, October 26th from 7-8pm in the MPR at Mountain House High School. We will review the following topics:

• The purpose of SUCCESS!
• How to earn good grades
• How to stay informed about your student’s progress
• Tips to support progress home

All parents of students who had a D or F on the first quarter progress report should attend. Parents who should attend this session were emailed an invitation with a link to an RSVP form.

Please plan to attend with your student and have them bring their Chromebook.

We want to support your child and see them be successful in their classes. We look forward to seeing you on Wednesday evening to strengthen our partnership and provide some useful information and tools.

Young Legislators Program

On Thursday, State Assemblymember Susan Eggman will be at MHHS to speak about the Young Legislators Program. The program accepts juniors and seniors who are interested in getting involved in their communities and gaining experience in the law making process. 

The Young Legislators Program consists of

1. Three Saturday Seminars on government and community issues with elected officials, community figures and other leaders from the 13th Assembly District
2. A “Living Policy” project so each participant can dive deeply into an issue facing their community today
3. A day trip to the State Capitol in Sacramento, where students learn how ideas become bills and laws, observe a full session of the State Assembly, sit in on committee hearings, meet with legislators and make presentations to policymakers from across our state

This would be a great opportunity to get involved and participate in something that could add to resumes and college applications. The program is very eager to recruit students from MHHS and applications will be available during the assembly. 

The deadline to apply is November 15th. 

More info can be found here: http://asmdc.org/members/a13/district/upcoming-events/assemblymember-susan-eggman-talamantes-young-legislators-program

Juniors or seniors who are interested should report to the small gym promptly at the beginning of SUCCESS! on Thursday to get more information directly from the Assemblymember. 

Parent-Teacher-Student Conferences

Monday October 17th is the date for this year’s Parent-Teacher-Student conferences.  This will be an opportunity for parents and students to come to the school and sit down for brief conferences with your child’s teachers.  We recommend that if your student is struggling with their grade in any of their classes that you plan on attending this conference.  

We would like to take this opportunity to provide information to you regarding the format of our Parent-Teacher-Student conferences.  The format for these conferences is different than what parents may be familiar with at the elementary school level.  Conferences begin at 1:00pm on Monday the 17th in the Large Gym.  We require that parents sign up for a time-slot to come to conferences.  We encourage you to bring your student with you so that when you conference with the teacher, all individuals involved in the success of the student are present.

When you arrive to conferences at your predetermined time, conferences will be on a first-come, first-served basis.  Teachers will will be sitting at individual tables around the Large Gym.  Parents and students will line up behind the teachers they want to conference with.  Conferences in this format are brief 3-5 minute conversations with your child’s teacher in regards to their progress in the class.  Your child’s report card will have been mailed home previous to parent-teacher conferences, so you may want to focus on the courses where your child struggles the most.  Some things you may want to address in these brief conferences include the following:

Assignments/Missing assignments

Assessments/Tests

Student in-class participation/behavior

Strengths

Areas for improvement

If your brief conference is not enough time to address all of the concerns you may have with your child’s teacher, you may need to schedule a longer conference with your child’s teacher in order to discuss strategies and solutions for your students.  Our aim is to answer as many questions about your child’s progress as possible during the parent-teacher-student conference.  

Administrators and Counselors will also be available during Parent-Teacher-Student conferences to discuss your child’s progress and answer any questions you may have about your student’s education here at Mountain House High School.  To sign up for your conference time please visit our sign-up link at http://tinyurl.com/MHHSConference.

Preparing for the PSAT/NMSQT

The PSAT/NMSQT test is scheduled for Saturday, October 15th @ MHHS. Students in 10th and 11th grade who have already signed up to take the test should plan to arrive in the front lobby by 7:45am on that day. The test will last until 11:30-12:00.

Please review the following information to help prepare for the test.

What to Bring on Test Day

• No.2 pencils with erasers
• An approved calculator (see pg. 24 of the Student Guide for a list or approved calculators)
• Social Security Number
• Student ID Number

Leave These Devices at Home

• Anything that can connect to the Internet
• Anything that makes noise or “talks”
• Calculators that use electrical outlets
• Calculators with QWERTY keypads
• Tablets or cellphones
• Laptops or handheld computers
• Paper-tape calculators
• Calculators with a pen-input device or stylus

Calculator Smarts

• Bring your own calculator. You can’t share one.
• Don’t bring a brand-new calculator. Bring one you know.
• Practice for the test using the same calculator you’ll use on test day.
• Decide how to solve a problem, then decide if you need your calculator. This might surprise you, but calculators don’t always save time. In fact, the Math Test includes some questions where it’s faster not to use a calculator, even though you’re allowed to.

Resources to Prepare for the Test

• PSAT/NMSQT Student Guide (hard copies are available at the front desk)
• PSAT Practice Questions
• Khan Academy SAT Practice

Youth in Government Day 2016

The San Joaquin Board of Supervisors in partnership with San Joaquin County Office of Education, are providing an opportunity for youth to experience what it is like to work for San Joaquin County on October 27, 2016.   Job-shadowing opportunities in law enforcement, agriculture, community development, and many more are available.

There are only 80 possible job-shadowing slots, so space is limited.  Students will be assigned on a “first come, first served” basis.  The last date to sign up is Wednesday, October 9, 2016.

High School students of all ages are eligible and are to be chosen based on interest, maturity, and ability to secure transportation to and from the San Joaquin Administration Building in downtown Stockton.

The process is as follows:

1.      Students choose and prioritize three occupations that are of interest from the job description list (attached).

2.      Students complete an on-line application.  

3.      Information will be e-mailed to students from the Clerk of the San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors after October 19, 2016.

4.      On October 27, 2016, students will report to the San Joaquin Administration Building at 44 N. San Joaquin St, Stockton (corner of San Joaquin & Weber) at 7:15 A.M. A breakfast and welcome will begin the students’ day.

5.      On October 27, 2016, students must turn in the Release of Liability form signed by a parent or guardian to participate in the day’s activities (attached).

6.      Students will return to the San Joaquin Administration Building by the person they are shadowing and are to be picked up at 2:30 P.M.

Any questions can be directed to Jill Hatanaka at jhatanaka@sjcoe.net , or Denise Irvin at dirvin@sjcoe.net

Important Documents:

1. Student Tip Sheet: Directions for the students to request and complete the job shadowing process.
2. Job Shadowing Opportunities List:  Specific occupation, departments, and positions available for job-shadowing.
3. Release of Liability form to be signed by a parent or guardian.

Last year 11 students from MHHS were selected to participate in Youth in Government Day. We would love to send even more this year to take advantage of this unique opportunity.

MHHS Senior Yearbook Portraits

Are you a senior still needing to take your formal yearbook picture? On Saturday, October 8th, in the high school main lobby, we will have a photographer on site between 9am-11am. Formal yearbook pictures are complimentary, however packages are available for an expanded in studio session. Please click the link to book your complimentary session or contact the studio to schedule an expanded studio session.

Basic Packages Include:

Standard Formal Yearbook Image. Pictures will be taken in formal wear.

Yearbook Plus Package:

This package includes the basic package and also gives you the option to also get an additional image with your cap and gown. The Yearbook Plus Package cost is $30.

Mini Package:

This package includes the basic, yearbook and an additional outfit. You can bring your letterman’s jacket or another outfit as well as props. You can also get photographed with a different background. The Mini Package cost is $60.

To schedule your complimentary formal yearbook picture please click on the link below.

MHHS Formal Yearbook Picture Registration

If you would like to schedule one of the expanded packages for yearbook plus or mini please contact the photography studio directly at 209-830-8830 and you can visit their website at www.thephotographicartstudio.com.

Upcoming Parent Volunteer Opportunities

PSAT Proctors

We are looking for several parents who would like to serve as proctors for the PSAT exam being offered on Saturday, October 15th. No prior knowledge of testing is required as training will be provided. The test itself will be on the 15th from 7:30am-12:00. The training session will be on Tuesday, October 11th from 3:40-4:10. Proctors may not be a member of the household or immediate family of a student taking the test on the same date.

LUSD District Grant Writing Committee

The next meeting will be Monday, September 26th at 6:30pm in the District Office Board Room. We are seeking a lot more parents to attend this meeting in order for us to start researching and writing grants.

MHHS School Site Council

The next meeting of the MHHS School Site Council will take place on Wednesday, October 12th in room A201 from 4-5pm. The site council is a group of teachers, parents, classified employees, community members and students that works with the principal to review and develop school programs. These are public meetings, and anyone who is interested is welcome to attend. This is a great opportunity to learn more about what we are doing and to provide input into our various programs.

If you are interested in any of the above opportunities please email Brian Schum bschum@lammersvilleusd.net to RSVP or request more information.

MHHS Cap & Gown's

It's all happening so fast! It seems like yesterday our seniors were just babies and now here they are ready to start the next chapter of their lives. Next Thursday, September 29th, Josten's will be onsite selling cap & gown's as well as offering day of discounts. Student's who spend more than $250 in senior swag will get their cap & gown FREE! Can't wait until Thursday? Feel free to check out the awesome MHHS Josten's Keepsakes.

Independent Citizens' Oversight Committee Application - Measure L

The Lammersville Joint Unified School District is recruiting applicants  to serve as representatives on the Citizens' Bond Oversight Committee (CBOC) for the Measure L Bonds approved by voters in the District on June 7, 2016. The CBOC is tasked with the responsibility of overseeing the spending of general obligation bonds. Oversight includes the review of construction and financial reports for proper expenditure of taxpayer money. The CBOC is responsible for the yearly review of a financial audit and is required to present this information to the public each year. The CBOC is required to have at least 7 members and 3 must represent specific organizations/associations, including a business association, senior citizen’s organization, bona fide taxpayer association, and one member has to be a parent or guardian of a child enrolled in the district. Members serve two-year terms and are allowed to serve 3 consecutive terms. Interested applicants should complete and submit the application found on our website  www.lammersvilleschooldistrict.net/measurel.

MHHS Debate Team

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This weekend the Speech & Debate team, otherwise known as Forensics, competed at their very first tournament; needless to say, they talked their way into trophies!
Their competition was held at Lodi High school, against 15 other schools, and at the Home of the Flames, the only thing on fire was the Mountain House team! Literally burning down the house, the following debaters had a perfect record with (3) wins and (0) losses:

*Vishwas Shukla & Sawera Haq
*Zaid Umar & Passa Pungchai
*Jacqueline Azah & Seema Shaik

These debate students were required to debate on both sides of the topic:

Resolved: In United States public K-12 schools, the probable cause standard ought to apply to searches of students.

However it ought to be known, out of the 13 debate teams that went, every single one of them won at least one debate round, if not two ... perfect record or not, that was an awesome showing!

Also, making history the following students took unbelievable placings as well ...

Justin Frances - 2nd place Impromptu ...
Vishnu Pratik Vennelakanti - 4th place Impromptu ...
Vishwas Shukla - tie for 4th place Impromptu ...
For those of you who don't know, this is where the student is given three topics, they have 10 seconds to choose one and then two minutes to prepare a five minutes speech; and it has to make sense!

Aditi Sen & Misa Sanjan  - 1st place DUO...
Adya Mishra & Chinmayi Mutyala - 2nd place DUO ...
For those of you who don't know, DUO is a two person interpretive event; the students are to tell a story, 10 minutes in length, with NO costumes, NO props and they may NOT touch each other; they do this all while playing multiple characters, various voices and a ton of sound effects.

Tanaya Kollipara ... 2nd place DI
For those of you who don't know, Dramatic Interpretation is an interpretive event where the students need to find a script, play, book or short story and recounts the story from memory, 10 minutes in length, specializing in dramatic events. There are NO props, NO costumes and it can be one, or multiple, characters.

Anya Nayyar - 3rd place OI
Seema Shaik - 4th place OI
For those of you who don't know, (OI) otherwise known as Oratorical Interpretation, is reciting a speech that has been given publicly before, like a Ted Talk, closing arguments of a court case or a commencement address; the idea is to believe in the message of the speech so much that it needs to be said again. While it is not the students work, nor an acting piece, it combines the message they would want to write, with the presentation that is uniquely theirs.

These students did an unbelievable job this weekend, and despite first time jitters they know how to say what they gotta say ... and they say it well!

Well done Mustangs ...

Teens and Social Media: Avoiding Conflict and Reinforcing Responsible Use at Home

Over the past 5 weeks MHHS students have been working through an orientation course offered during our SUCCESS! Period. The content in the course is designed to give students a foundation in everything from working in our digital environment, to getting organized, what to do in the event of emergencies, and understanding our grading system. The final lesson today focused on conflict resolution and how to solve problems in a healthy and productive way.

At MHHS, the number one cause of conflict that we see among students are things that are posted on social media. Smartphones open up an amazing number of ways in which teens can communicate with each other and many are using them at all times of day and night. While we restrict the use of phones during class time, the ubiquitous and addicting nature of the connections that are possible with peers means that the urge to use them is great. Many teens use those tools in very positive ways but there is also a tendency to spread rumors, post negative comments, or share private and potentially embarrassing information about others. When teens decide to confront each other over things that are often not even posted during school hours, conflicts on campus arise.

The solution to this problem is not simple given that fact that social media use is integrated into the daily lives of most of us. At MHHS we focus on digital literacy and the responsible use of technology as a common theme in our weekly advisory classes. We also want to make sure that you are aware as parents and ask that you reinforce the responsible use of social media at home.

The following articles from Common Sense Media (a site that we get a lot of our digital literacy curriculum from) give information about many of the popular apps that teens are currently using. Many of the apps such as Twitter, SnapChat, and Instagram are well known but there are a variety of others that are used in ways that you may find surprising. As one of the articles states, “The more you know about each, the better you'll be able to communicate with your teen about safe choices.”

• 16 Apps and Websites Kids are Heading to After Facebook
• 9 Social Media Red Flags Parents Should Know About