PALMDALE HIGH SCHOOL

Palmdale High

School is commit-

ted to fostering the

development of

productive,

creative, critical

thinkers who have

the ability to adapt

and positively

contribute to

society.

Welcome to the 2016-2017 School Year! On behalf of the administrative team, faculty and staff welcome to the 2016-2017

school year!

Our deepest commitment at Palmdale High School is to prepare graduates in both

heart and mind that are able to compete in college and career in the 21st Century. To

ensure we meet this commitment, our talented faculty and staff develop curriculum

around the areas of critical thinking, communication, and collaboration in an environ-

ment that promotes creativity. At Palmdale, we take pride in the cross-curricular op-

portunities for our students and are continually expanding the special projects that

happen throughout our campus.

Palmdale has a rich tradition of award-winning academic programs, championship

athletics, and diverse student clubs. We encourage you to EXCEL at our school by

becoming active in the numerous co– and extra– curricular opportunities offered. To

learn more, follow us on Instagram and ParentLink. Information to download the

AVHSD App can be found on our website: www.phsfalcons.org

Sincerely,

Mrs. Ramos

August 2016

Contact Us By phone: 661-273-3181 or visit us online at www.phsfalcons.org

Kristina Ramos, Principal

Ext. 101

Eric Stanford, Assistant Principal

Ext. 107

Teresa Howard, Vice Principal

Student Services & 9th Grade

Ext. 158

Carlos Davis, Vice Principal

Activities & 10th Grade

Ext. 160

Torray Johnson, Vice Principal

Athletics & 11th Grade

Ext. 106

Sherri Prosser, Vice Principal

Special Education & 12th Grade

Ext. 158

1st Day of School Information

As a reminder, the first day of school is

Monday, August 8th. This will be a FLEX day, starting at 7:30 a.m. and students will be dis-missed at 1:00 p.m. Freshmen schedules will be available for pick-up in the Phelps Field House (large gym) beginning at 7:15 a.m. There will be LINK and ASB student members available for questions and directions to class. Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors will pick up their schedules in classroom according to their last name- see the posting on the website and throughout campus Monday morning.

Freshman Orientation– August 5th!

Students-

We would like invite you to the Freshman Orientation taking place on Fri-day, August 5th. Students will check-in in the front of the gymnasium beginning at 7:30. Following the check-in, students will attend a Pep Rally and orientation. During the orientation students will receive their ID card, take a tour of the campus, and participate in fun activities. The student store will be open-- ASB cards, PE clothes, and spirit wear will all be available for purchase!

Parents-

We recognize that dropping your student off for that first high school event can be difficult. So instead of driving away on Thursday morning, join us in the cafeteria to learn more about the services and support Palmdale High can offer both you and your student.

An Exciting Time in English... The 2016/2017 school year brings exciting new changes for the Palmdale High School English Department and our

students. We are looking forward to the AVUHSD’s adoption of the new Spring Board curriculum. The new textbook is not only designed to better prepare students for college and careers once they graduate, but also embeds SAT and Advanced Place-ment preparation within. Students will have a consumable text and access to an online textbook, which will allow them to anno-tate digitally and help refine their 21st century skills. Not only will students have a new textbook to work with, but students in our Literacy program will be using Read 180 Universal to help them meet appropriate reading levels for high school. The stu-dents in Literacy Support will have Google Chromebook carts in the classroom to work with and use for the program. In addi-tion, many of the other English classes have access to state-of-the-art Lenovo ThinkPads. Those classes that are not equipped with a computer cart have access to one of several computer labs on campus.

In order to make implementation of all these new programs seamless, all of our English teachers met over summer break to plan high-interest units for students at every grade level. Also, during our summer collaboration, teachers created spe-cial SAT preparation materials to make sure PHS students have the best instruction possible. Furthermore, all English teach-ers received training on how to best use the new textbook and all R180 teachers received specialized training for the new pro-gram to make students’ learning experiences top notch. Parents often ask what they should expect their sons and daughters to

have for homework. The answer varies from teacher to teacher; howev-

er, all students should be reading independently at home for approxi-

mately 30 minutes every night. All students will take a Reading Invento-

ry test during the first three weeks of school, which will determine their

reading level. Each student’s reading level will help them to decide

which books he or she should choose. Please check the PHS

website for links to your child’s teachers’ websites and/ or e-mail

addresses to obtain more specific information. The PHS English

department looks forward to working with parents and administra-

tors to make this year highly productive and educational.

Math Department… Putting the Super in Super Saturdays!

The Palmdale High School Math Department is committed to offer-ing courses of study that will ensure that all of our students will be able to contribute to today's society in a positive and productive manner. We are committed to helping our students obtain the abili-ties to critically assess numerical and graphical information; learn to formulate strategies for solving problems; and acknowledge the importance of being intellectually curious throughout their adult lives. This year the PHS math department will continue to host “Super Saturday Tutoring Sessions” in order to provide our stu-dents with the help needed to be successful in their math courses and all other courses. Last school year we had over 800 students participate in our Super Saturday Tutoring session and this year we will be offering more sessions in order to increase our student’s success rate. The department is excited to offer a new course to its list of advanced courses this year with the addition of AP Computer Science. This year we will be working together with other depart-ments on campus to create rigorous and challenging real world pro-jects that will help students to become well-rounded and ready to take on the challenges they will face once they leave the high school setting. We would also like to welcome two new teachers to our PHS Math Department staff this year. We have experienced a lot of success over the last few years and we look forward to con-tinuing this trend and to providing a safe and enjoyable learning experience for your students.

FALCONS for life begin in HEALTH!

Hello Falcons! Your Health teachers and Health Careers Academy teachers would like to welcome you to

Palmdale High and look forward to meeting you very soon! They are: Ms. Carol Ann Wood (AVID Health), Mr.

Alex Santoyo, Ms. Patricia O’Keefe, Ms. Deb DiMeglio (Coach D) (Medical Health), Mrs. Angela Hefter (Health Ca-

reers Academy – Level 1), Mr. Steve Wilson (Health Careers Academy – Level 1 & Sports Medicine), Mr. Tim Klein

(Health Careers Academy – EMT) and Mrs. Christine Graves (Health Careers Academy – Level 2).

In addition to developing relationships with your future teachers, during the first quarter you will also be immersed

in team building activities that help you adjust to your new high school and familiarize yourself with your class-

mates. You will also take part in Salute to Youth: Career Connection field trip to the AV Fairgrounds. While on

campus in your classes you will also have the opportunity to work with technology and understand the proper use

within your classes as well as using Power School to assist you in keeping current with your academic progress.

If you are part of the Health Careers Academy and will have a Health Careers class, you will learn a variety of body systems and their functions. You will also learn hands on skills like CPR and First Aid where you earn your certifi-cation through the American Heart Association. You will also receive and introduction to HOSA (Health Occupa-tions Students of America) where you can compete in the State Leadership Conference in the spring held this year in our state capital city of Sacramento! So whichever road you choose in your preparation for success as a Palmdale Falcon, we look forward to the new school year with you! Falcons for Life!

Growing Great Minds in

Agriculture

Palmdale Agriculture is very excited for the

2016-2017 school year. We are looking

forward to students in Horticulture receiv-

ing Plant Science Certification sponsored

by Bayer Crop Science, and also propa-

gating plants for the Senior Expo.

In Agriculture Mechanics our students will

have the ability to learn to Arc weld and

gas welding, obtain carpentry skills, and

learn how to drive a tractor drive.

The FFA is also planning numerous trips to

the green hand conference, Public Speak-

ing events, and a variety of leadership

workshops and activities.

Our partnership with Lockheed Martin will continue into the school year as our stu-dents will meet industry professionals via Web conferences.

Special Education Goes Digital

We are excited to begin another year at Palmdale High School. This year, our students will continue to work various items: academic and person-al goals, digital transition portfolios, and technology use among others. As the year takes off, we will begin scheduling IEPs, which you know are essential to our stu-dents’ success. Please look for IEP invita-tions and phone calls/emails from your child’s case carrier. Should you have any questions regarding IEP meetings, please call our SPED department at 661-273-3181 x163 or your child’s case carrier di-rectly. You may also email any of your child’s teachers by accessing their email link via PowerSchools at: https://powerschool.avhsd.org/public. You may also check grades and progress through PowerSchools. Our counselor and staff can assist you in getting usernames and passwords.

In order to prepare our students for life after high school, our special education students will continue to create/update their digital transition portfolios, beginning in the 9th grade. Students will complete transition activities related to self-awareness (e.g. learning about their strengths and areas of need); college awareness (e.g. researching universities/colleges/vocational and technical schools); career awareness (e.g. complet-ing a job resume and mock interview); and independent living (e.g. exploring trans-portation and budgeting options). Please ask your son/daughter to show you what they have added to their individual portfoli-os throughout the school year. These portfolios can be accessed online through https://google.com, using your son/daughter’s school account. Please contact your son/daughter’s case carrier if you would like more information about the digi-tal transition portfolios.

Think Creatively for a Bright Future! The Palmdale High School Visual and Performing Arts Department believes

that the future belongs to those who think creatively. The PHS Art Depart-

ment strives to create a curriculum that develops innovative thinking in all

areas of the arts, be it choir, music, digital imaging, ceramics, painting, or

drawing. At Palmdale High, we encourage exploration and immersion into

the arts of your preference and push students to see how the arts are embed-

ded into all areas and courses of study on campus. Palmdale High School

offers strong, successful, and internationally recognized programs that offer

a challenging and real world experience in the arts. The art department of-

fers opportunities for Advanced Placement coursework AP Art History and

AP Music Theory and this year we are pleased to add AP Studio 2D Design

to our course list with more courses planned in the coming years. We will

also be working with various departments on projects designed to further

challenge our student’s creativity and to allow them the opportunities to see

how art is all around us. The Art Department looks forward to continuing to

challenge students while working on various projects such as the LAGI Pro-

ject (land art generator initiative) and while working with MOAH (museum

of art and history) to host this school year’s AVUHSD Art Show.

We are also pleased to announce that in the works is the Palmdale High School Art and Design Academy, which will be a new academy designed for students who are interested in pursuing the Arts (both visual and perfor-mance) with an emphasis on creative design. The focus of the Palmdale Arts and Design Academy program is to create a self-directed course of study that emphasizes both conceptual and technical skill building while allowing students to work in and explore various mediums and styles. Students will practice and study ways to create and build works of art for both personal and public use. Students will spend time focusing on artistic, building, and profession skills as well as focusing on their academics. At Palmdale High School we believe this type of focus within our academy will help students to become more well-rounded and desirable students as they progress to a college or career. The academy works to provide a more personal and in-depth learning environment, while maintaining a rigorous course work in order to help our Art and design students be more successful by ensure per-sonalized, in-depth learning.

Learn From the Past; Plan for the

Future World History

Students relate the moral and ethical principles in ancient Greek and Roman philoso-

phy, in Judaism, and in Christianity to the development of Western political thought. In

addition, essential geography skills and knowledge are addresses

AP World History

Students are introduced to Habits of Mind and historical thinking skills. Students will learn about Big Geography which draws attention to the global nature of world history. Plus. Students will learn about the Paleo and Neolithic revolutions and early agricultural and urban societies. Societies United States History

Students analyze the significant events surrounding the founding of the nation and its

attempts to realize the philosophy of government described in the Declaration of Inde-

pendence. Students analyze the relationship among the rise of industrialization, large-

scale rural to urban migration, and massive immigration from Southern and Eastern

Europe.

AP US History

Students analyze, that on a North American continent controlled by American Indians,

contact among the peoples of Europe, the Americas, and West Africa created a new

world. Europeans and American Indians maneuvered and fought for dominance, con-

trol, and security in North America, and distinctive colonial and native societies

emerged. British imperial attempts to reassert control over its colonies and the colonial

reaction to these attempts produced a new American republic, along with struggles over

the new nation’s social, political, and economic identity.

Government

Students explain the fundamental principles and moral values of American democracy as expressed in the U.S. Constitution and other essential documents of American de-mocracy. Also, various Supreme Court Cases that have impacted the country. Students evaluate and take and defend positions on the scope and limits of rights and obligations as democratic citizens, the relationships among them, and how they are secured. AP Government

To preview the major questions asked throughout the course and introduce students to

some key terms of American politics. To introduce students to the historical context

which the U.S. Constitution was written. To introduce students to the many complexi-

ties of government in the U.S. arising from the adoption of the federal system and how

the nature and effects of federalism have changed throughout history and continue to

change today • To introduce students to the inherited beliefs, attitudes and opinions that

Americans have about how their government ought to operate

Economics

Students understand common economic terms and concepts and economic reasoning.

Students analyze the elements of America’s market economy in a global setting. Stu-

dents analyze the influence of the federal government on the American economy.

Psychology

Students will be introduced to psychological concepts and basics, examine the brain and

behavior, explore the basis of cognition and investigate human sensation.

AP Psychology

1ST QUARTER

DATES

August 8–

School Begins,

FLEX Day

September 5–

Labor Day,

No School

September 2–

Progress Reporting

Period Ends

September 8–

Back to School Night,

Minimum Day

October 7–

HOMECOMING

October 7–

First Quarter Ends

Discovering Our World The Science Department at Palmdale High School is extremely proud of the

wide range of science courses we offer. We currently offer two AP classes: AP

Chemistry and AP Biology. These two AP courses help provide students with

the readiness, confidence, and skills they will need in their future college clas-

ses and life professions. Furthermore, all of our current lab classes teach stu-

dents a wide range of science content in the form of hands-on lab work and col-

laborative group projects. The Science Department teaches our students courses

in both life and physical sciences. With the projects and lessons our teachers

provide in these classes, we aim to help students explore the various fields with-

in science so that students may find their calling and receive preparation for

college.

This year the Science Department will continue to host the school’s annual

STEM Expo. This exposition holds seven different competition categories in

which students submit various creative, innovative, and complex science projects. These projects reflect what our stu-

dents have learned in the classroom and allows students to demonstrate their critical thinking and real-life application

skills. Each year from this competition, students have gone on to compete at the district level and receive awards. We

will continue to expand the STEM Expo to include more projects related to real-life applications and look forward to

viewing our students’ hard work and achievements.

The Science Department’s faculty also hosts Saturday tutoring sessions. These sessions are held by our own science

teachers and additional peer tutors. We hold these sessions so that students may improve in their coursework and to

help students work on the more complex areas of our lessons. Our past tutoring sessions have been a success in creat-

ing a productive, efficient, and collaborative environment that assists in increasing students’ learning and exam prepa-

ration.

Over the years, Palmdale High School’s Science Department has benefited from team collaborations that have en-

riched our teaching ideas and provided new innovative lessons. These collaborations provide additional skills and in-

formation we utilize to further prepare our students for future college science courses. We look forward to participat-

ing in more of these collaborations and overall grow as a team with our staff and with our students in this upcoming

school year.

In this edition:

Principal’s Welcome

First Day of School Information

Freshman Orientation

Department News

Important Dates

Visit us at

www.phsfalcons.org

for information.

Palmdale High School

2137 E. Avenue R

Palmdale, California 93550

PLACE STAMP HERE

Photo Credit: D.M. Class of 2016