VALLECITO CONTINUATION HIGH SCHOOL

California Healthy Kids Survey: "Dear Parent or Guardian: We want your child to have the best school environment possible. One way of doing that is to anonymously survey our students and get their honest opinion on what it is like to be in their shoes. If your child is in 9 th or 11 th grade, they are being asked to participate in the California Healthy Kids Survey (CHKS), developed and sponsored by the California Department of Education (CDE). This very important anonymous survey will help our district promote better health and well-being and improve your child's school learning environment with programs such as Mental Health Wellness Centers, Friday Night Live programs, Mentoring, and Tobacco Use Prevention Education. Survey Content: The survey gathers information on your child's connectedness to their school and potential barriers to learning. The survey also gathers information related to your child's health such as physical activity, nutritional habits, alcohol, vaping/tobacco and other drug use, risk of depression and suicide, and protected class identifiers: sexual orientation and gender identity. The results from this survey are compiled into district- and county-level CHKS Reports. To view a copy of your district's report, go to https://calschls.org/reports-data/search-lea-reports/ (Outside Source) and type in the district name or Bret Harte Union High School District. It is Voluntary. When you give your student permission to participate, they can skip any question they do not want to answer. The rest of the survey is still valid. They may also stop taking the survey at any time and for any reason. It is Anonymous. The surveys are administered electronically at school and are completely anonymous- no names are recorded or attached to the survey or data. Any questions with less than 10 respondents are discarded. Please remind your child that this is their voice and there is no way to single out their answers.The survey will be administered the week of December 2, 2024. If you have any questions about this survey, call the Calaveras County Office of Education at 209 736-6094. If you do not want your child to participate, please contact: Sara Labuga, Student Support Counselor, slabuga@bhuhsd.net, 209 736-8391." - Bret Harte Counseling + Wellness

INCLEMENT WEATHER NOTICE: "Hello Bret Harte Families, The weather forecast this week indicates that we may have some challenging weather. I wanted to remind you of our decision-making process for school delays and closures related to weather. Our Transportation Director and administration will be monitoring weather conditions and the impact on our transportation routes. Determinations will be made as soon as possible but likely occur in the early mornings, the day of. As a District, we look to avoid canceling school whenever feasible. We know that students need the continuity of learning and scheduling makeup days can be challenging. In general, we do not cancel school unless the event directly impacts the campus in Angels Camp. However, we may cancel bus transportation to select geographic areas and will work with families when this happens. To keep students and staff safe, we will be diligent in our decision-making and send out information via email, the BH App, phone, and social media as soon as a decision is made. Included here, and also on our Webpage is a link to our Inclement Weather Schedules: https://bit.ly/4fyisdL." - Scott Nanik, superintendent

COUNSELING + WELLNESS: Check out the BH Buzz: Family Connections Newsletter for November 2024! It includes tips on how to support your student at home along with blurbs about our newest Spanish teacher, Ms. Kirk., and a guide for understanding e-cigarettes and vaping. Read the entire newsletter at https://5il.co/319hl.

TRANSPORTATION UPDATE: Effective tomorrow Wednesday, November 13, a new bus stop will be added to the Murphys route or Route 7. This one additional stop will not impact scheduled times on the route. To view the updated 2024-25 Transportation Schedule go to https://5il.co/30ypi. Questions, contact Transportation at 209 736-2067 or dtipton@bhuhsd.k12.ca.us.

REMINDER: In observance of Veteran's Day, there will be no school on Monday, November 11th, 2024. Classes will resume on Tuesday, November 12th. There will also be an early release of 1:10 PM on Wednesday, November 13th for Collaborative Planning. Thursday and Friday will be normal bell schedules. Please direct any questions toward Mrs. McCamey at (209) 736-8339.

CANCELED: Governing Board Meeting - Mon, November 04 :: Due to an unplanned power outage, today’s Governing Board meeting, scheduled for November 04 at 5:30 PM, has been canceled. A rescheduled meeting date will be announced at a later time.

"Jostens is coming to Bret Harte! They will host a Preview Day Presentation for Seniors and Juniors on Tuesday, October 29th in the Theater. Seniors are invited to attend the Graduation Supplies presentation from 1:30-2:00pm and Juniors for jacket and rings from 2:00-2:30pm. Informational packets are available for pick up in the front office. Contact Ms. D'Laine for more information at dfitzgerald@bhuhsd.k12.ca.us"

BELL SCHEDULE UPDATE: Next week, October 28th-November 1st, will be a different bell schedule than normal due to our In-Service Day on Friday. The schedule will be as follows: Monday: odd periods (1, 3, 5 & 7); Tuesday: even periods (2, 4, 6 & Pond); Wednesday: odd periods (1, 3, 5 & 7); Thursday: even periods (2, 4, 6 & Pond); and Friday: In-Service Day ( NO SCHOOL ). Any questions regarding these changes can be directed toward Mrs. McCamey at (209) 736-8339. -Bret Harte School Office

ANNUAL PORTAL UPDATE: This is the LAST CALL to complete the Annual Portal Update for the 2024-25 school year on the Campus Parent Portal, which will close after October 31. If you have not already done so, please log in to the Campus Parent Portal to complete. Refer to your email to learn more. - Bret Harte Union High School District

COUNSELING + WELLNESS: "On October 24th and 25th, students are encouraged to participate in Breaking Down the Walls. Last names of A-M are invited to participate on Thursday October 24th; Last names of N-Z are invited to participate on Friday October 25th. Breaking Down the Walls is a powerful program that encourages students to break through social barriers and build stronger, more empathetic relationships. Let's come together to Break Down the Walls and make Bret Harte Union High School a more inclusive and supportive place for everyone!" - Sara Labuga, student support counselor

TRANSPORTATION UPDATE: Students on Route 1, bus 7, Arnold will be arriving 30 minutes late due to mechanical issues. - Bret Harte Union High School District

Important Student Safety Reminder Regarding Highway 4 Bus Stops \\ "We would like to bring an important safety concern to your attention regarding student transportation practices. It has come to our attention that some students are crossing Highway 4 to access earlier bus stops. While we understand that students may be trying to optimize their transportation times, it is our district's established practice that students should not cross Highway 4 to reach a bus stop. Highway 4 is a high-traffic area, and crossing it on foot poses significant safety risks. Student safety is our highest priority, and while we cannot practically enforce this restriction at all times, we strongly urge parents and students to adhere to our guidelines to ensure everyone's well-being. Our district follows guidance outlined in California Code of Regulations Title 13, Section 1238, which mandates that bus stops be placed in safe locations and prohibits students from crossing major highways like Highway 4. This regulation emphasizes the importance of minimizing exposure to hazardous traffic areas and ensuring that bus stops are accessible without the need for dangerous crossings. Compliance with these regulations is critical to reducing risks and safeguarding our students. We ask for your cooperation in discussing this with your child and reinforcing the need to use designated, safe bus stops that do not require crossing such dangerous roadways. Thank you for your attention to this critical matter. If you have any questions or need further information, please do not hesitate to contact me." - Deanna Tipton, transportation director

REMINDER: "Due to staff collaborative planning, Wednesday October 16th is a Minimum Day. Release time is 1:10PM - Bret Harte Union High School \\ Debido a nuestra junta colaborativa, el Miercoles 16 de Octubre es dia minimo. La hora de salida es a la 1:10PM. -Bret Harte Union High School"

"Have you downloaded the Bret Harte App yet?! Do you want a way to quickly get information related to Bret Harte? Needing the school calendar to keep up with the last two weeks of the school year? Hungry and want to know what is on today's lunch menu? Bret Harte Union High School District has a mobile app to assist students, parents/guardians, staff, and community members know what is happening on campus from their phones. As most use their phones as a primary means of communication, the District has an app that is custom-built to our District for smartphones. On the App, you can read the latest announcements, review weekly student bulletins, find forms and documents, locate the staff directory, and subscribe to and quickly add events or athletic contents to your phone calendars. If you have not downloaded the Bret Harte App yet, use an App Store link below. Be sure to keep up with our App updates! >>> Apple App Store: https://apple.co/3iFCL0t >>> Google Play Store: https://bit.ly/3CLGLnc --> BHHS Users: To customize your App, navigate to Menu > Settings / "Gear" Icon > Default Organization and select "Bret Harte Union High School" to ensure you experience. While in Settings, ensure your Notification Preferences include "Bret Harte Union High School." Push notifications on your mobile devices must be allowed and on to fully experience the Bret Harte App. --> Vallecito Users: To customize your App, navigate to Menu > Settings / "Gear" Icon > Default Organization and select "Vallecito Continuation High School" to ensure you experience. While in Settings, ensure your Notification Preferences include "Vallecito High School." Push notifications on your mobile devices must be allowed and on to fully experience the Bret Harte App. Additional details regarding App settings and selecting notifications can be found in an introductory video on the District's YouTube channel, https://www.youtube.com/@bretharteUHSD." -Bret Harte Union High School District

Principal's Message - October 2024 can be viewed at https://www.brethartebullfrogs.org/o/bhhs/page/principals-messages.

Kickin’ around the idea of a career in the armed services? If not, why not take the ASVAB anyways?! The ASVAB will be administered on Thursday, October 17 at 8:00 AM in RM 27. Sign up using this form, and don't forget to press submit! https://forms.gle/Ag1bBJJqtqBzYDMC8. Questions, contact Ms Godfrey. “What is the ASVAB? The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is a multiple-aptitude battery that measures developed abilities and helps predict future academic and occupational success in the military. It is administered annually to more than one million military applicants, high school, and post-secondary students.” - https://www.officialasvab.com/

ANNUAL PORTAL UPDATE: During the month of October, all parent/guardians are encouraged to complete the Annual Portal Update on the Campus Parent Portal. Completion will greatly assist faculty and staff stay in communication with your student and their contacts. The process takes no more than 10 minutes to complete. You will be asked to confirm addresses, phone number, notification preferences, emergency contacts, and more. First, log into your Campus Parent Portal account on a desktop browser or on the mobile app. Second, navigate to Menu > More > Annual Update and Registration. Third, select the 2024-25 Annual Portal Update and follow the prompts. Instructions are attached. You can find the Campus Portal link on the District’s webpage, www.brethartebullfrogs.org. Learn more about the mobile app at https://www.brethartebullfrogs.org/page/technology. If you need assistance with Portal access, please contact Technology at igrycel@bhuhsd.k12.ca.us. Include the student and parent/guardian name in correspondence. – Bret Harte Union High School District

COUNSELING + WELLNESS: Check out the BH Buzz: Family Connections Newsletter for October 2024! It includes tips on how to support your student at home along with blurbs about our new math teacher, Mr. Hatfield and our Student Support Counselor, Mrs. Labuga. Read the entire newsletter at https://5il.co/2xpwl.

"Dear Bret Harte Families and the Community, Bret Harte Union High School District leaders continue working through a strategic plan to reduce behavioral incidents on our campus. Over the past two years, we have experienced a 72 percent decrease in events. We will continue the hard work to improve student safety. Considering the recent incidents and as we work toward strengthening school safety, we want to provide updates on the work being done. \\ Social Media Threats: Our school communities are not immune to social media threats. However, we have seen an uptick in the number of such threats nationwide, growing concern for our district leaders, staff, teachers and families. We want to emphasize this behavior is illegal and has serious consequences. Please explain to your student that these actions are harmful to themselves and their families. At the beginning of each year, Bret Harte teachers talk to students about social media behaviors, including cyberbullying, and sexual harassment. Then the students are tested on that material. \\ Restroom Incidents: We have implemented changes to address recent restroom incidents on our campus. Staff will now be stationed outside of restroom doors as a means of preventing group gatherings and violence. We are researching the installation of new sensor systems that will detect vaping, smoking, or other activities that are illegal on a school campus. These sensors would be tied to cameras located outside of the restroom doors. \\ Electronic Hall Passes: We are evaluating the implementation of electronic hall passes that will limit the number of students out between classes and prevent known affiliations from being out at the same time. \\ Staffing: Over the past 2-years we have added two staff to our Wellness Team, bringing the total to five. We have continued to contract with Angels Camp Police Department for an SRO, and we have added an additional administrator. The changes have been successful and is shown through the drop in incidents mentioned above. \\ Reporting Suspicious Activity and Bullying: If you or your child sees or hears anything suspicious or concerning, please report it to a teacher or administrator immediately. Or use the StopIt system on the website https://www.brethartebullfrogs.org/page/student-safety. // Thank you for your cooperation and support. We all have a responsibility to keep our schools safe and secure." - Bret Harte Administration

"The Calaveras County Sheriff's Office has been made aware of a school threat that has been circulating on social media nationwide. It recently began circulating in our area, and after being investigated, it was found to be non-credible. We will continue to communicate with our school districts, increase our campus presence, and monitor social media." - Calaveras County Sheriff 9/20/24 12:15 PM