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Notes From The Den Principal's Newsletter - Jan 2023

Dear Cougar Students and Parents,

Happy New Year! I hope each of you found time over the holiday break for connection and rejuvenation. This month our students and teachers are busy wrapping up the semester as we head towards our semester one finals week. Our finals schedule is intended to spread out finals for our students, while also providing them time to study or seek additional support from our teaching staff. Please help us by ensuring your student takes advantage of this time and support.

Believe it or not, we also begin preparing for next school year this month! ‘Forecasting’ is what we call our process of students choosing courses for next year. Over the next couple of months we will be pushing out more information about this process. It is important that you pay attention to this information and discuss with your student which classes they are interested in taking. We build our schedule and teacher assignments based on student requests.

Lastly, I am looking for participation from our parents in two important efforts this month:

  • First, our district is partnering with YouthTruth, a national non-profit, to survey our students, parents and staff this month regarding their school experience. This important feedback will be utilized by administration and teacher leaders to determine areas where we are serving students well, and it will also help us to identify areas for growth and improvement. I know your time is valuable; please help us continue to improve by taking 15 minutes to provide your input here: YouthTruth Parent Survey (click here). Thank you for your response!
  • Second, I am in the beginning stages of forming a parent listening group. I would love to learn more about our overall parent experience and perceptions regarding MVHS. If you are interested in participating or learning more, please Click Here to complete and submit this short survey.

If you want to take an “inside peek” of campus life, you can check out my principal Instagram page here — @mvkicks.with.hicks

Keep reading for more happenings on and off campus this month.

Go Cougars! 🐾

Michael Hicks, Principal

Mr. Hicks getting swept off his feet by MV senior Luis Oceguera at a recent basketball game.

MVHS Is A Place Where You Can Belong

Earlier this fall we conducted a student survey, asking them how well they feel connected to the adults and overall community at MVHS. Through these responses, our administrators made a plan to increase the sense of belonging among all students and staff. One of our first efforts is providing a new MVHS branded t-shirt to everyone on campus.

Pictured above: Mrs. Jennings and her students receiving their new shirts.

In the end, our goal is to make it clear to all students and staff that they are seen, they belong here and that they matter! #MVCares

Thank You Bend PD & SROs

Jan. 9 was Law Enforcement Appreciation Day! Please join us in saying thank you to our dedicated School Resource Officers and School Resource Deputies from Bend Police Department and Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office.

Our current SRO is officer Keely Cashman-Caceres. 3 fun facts about officer CC:

  1. She is a proud MVHS alum
  2. She has a 22 month old that is more mischievous than most criminals
  3. She has 1 speeding ticket on her record (before joining BPD of course)
Join us for our first ever Winter Formal dance! The dance theme is Yule Ball; semi-formal attire, floor length dresses with winter wonderland colors of blues, silver, etc. Tickets will be available to purchase online starting next week. Ticket price is $25/person and will be purchased through the HomeTown Fan App. Click Here for instructions on how to download the app and purchase there or through the MV Events page of our website here. Guest Dance Passes will be required for any non-MVHS student (limit of one guest per MV student). See the Athletic/Activities Office for details. STUDENTS: please remember that you must have at least 85% attendance rate to purchase a ticket for the dance (No refunds or exchanges)! Students who fall under the 85% rate must submit a digital appeal form for review and approval. Information and links to the guest pass and appeal form were shared with students via Canvas last week.

Deschutes County Health Services is offering two free Connect Workshops for parents and guardians. The Connect Workshop is an opportunity to learn factual, unbiased information and skills to start conversations with kids about marijuana and other drugs.

  • Wednesday, January 25th 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM at Mountain View High School: Register here
  • Thursday, January 25th 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM Online/Virtual: Register here

Questions? Contact heather.tang@deschutes.org

Cougar Accomplishments

Congrats to Sophomore, Brody Dent, for his recent win at the Las Vegas Junior World Rodeo Finals. This MV Cougar took home 7th in the world for bareback riding and came home with a pretty impressive buckle.

Parents and community members are invited to learn more about how to protect and support youth in the digital age. Local professionals will share insight on online safety, how to engage youth in conversations, local perspectives and real-world examples of online risk and exploitation.

Jan 24 6:00-7:30pm at High Desert Music Hall in Redmond. Register online here.

All About Seniors - Class of 2023

Next up for seniors:

  • Jan 31 - Senior Ads Due, see the Yearbook page of our website for form & details
  • Feb 9 - Senior Meeting, General Graduation Reminders

Be sure to keep an eye on the Senior Information page of our website for the most up-to-date senior info.

Important Dates & Other Reminders
  • January 16 : NO SCHOOL, Martin Luther King Jr. Day
  • January 18 : College Info Series-COCC Options & Pathways
  • January 18 : Attendance Appeal forms due by 4pm, link in Canvas
  • January 20 : Advisory Bell Schedule
  • January 25 : Guest Dance Pass due by 3pm, see Canvas for link
  • January 28 : Winter Formal Dance, 7pm in the MV Commons
  • January 30, 31, Feb 1 : Finals Schedule
  • January 31 : Senior Ads Due
  • February 2 & 3 : NO SCHOOL, End of Semester 1

Check out our weekly MVHS Announcement webpage for continued school announcements.

Be sure to visit the MVHS website and like/follow us on Facebook to keep up to date on what is happening around campus. Go Cougs!

Credits:

Go Cougs!