38 Crest Road West, Rolling Hills, CA 90274

Rancho del Mar High School

38 Crest Road West, Rolling Hills, CA 90274

(310) 377-6691 phone; (310) 544-5526 fax;

Mrs. Rosemary Humphrey, Principal

Dear Parents/Guardians and Students,

Welcome Back! I hope you have had a relaxing and fun summer. We look forward to seeing our students, both returning and new, on August 29th, the first day of school at 8:30am. Students…remember to bring your competed registration papers on August 29th.

Back-To-School Night, for parents only, is Wednesday, September 21st! It is very important that at least one parent for every student attend.We will meet in the MPR at 7:00pm for refreshments and Mrs. Humphrey and Ms. Gill will review the school program, policies and websites. Special guests will present other resources, including counseling and Palos Verdes Library District student support programs such as on-line resources and tutoring.

Each teacher will then welcome parents to his/her classroom to explain student expectations, curricular area, academic course outlines and contracts, and to show textbooks and materials.

In March 2016we received confirmation of Rancho del Mar’s six-year accreditation, through June 30, 2022, by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). In April 2014 Rancho del Mar was again designated a Model Continuation High School, through April 2017. We are currently working on a Model Continuation High School, application to renew our designationThank you to all parents and students who assist the school staff through these rigorous processes! A good attendance at Back-to-School Night greatly supports our applications.

Sincerely,

Rosemary Humphrey

WELCOME BACK TO SCHOOL DANCES

PVPHS Welcome Back To School Dance is Friday, September 2nd at 7:30pm in the PVPHS gym.

PVHS Welcome Back To School Dance is Friday, September 16th at 7:00pm, in the PVHS gym.

Rancho del Mar students in good standing are welcome to purchase a dance ticket and attend. Please visit the PVPHS and/or PVHS websites for more information.

PARENT EDUCATION

Many resources for parents (and students) are eblasted throughout the year. Several wonderful workshops, open to ALL parents in the PVPUSD, are also listed in the Rancho del Mar Student/Parent Handbook.

PTSA SPONSORS BEST SELLING AUTHOR OF

"HOW TO RAISE AN ADULT"

Coming up on Tuesday September 6th, from 7:00-9:00pm, the PVPHS PTSA is delighted to co-sponsor an exciting speaker event in the Main Gym.Author Julie Lythcott-Haims, the former Dean of Freshmen at Stanford University, will be discussing herNew York Timesbest-seller, "How to Raise an Adult".

All are welcome to hear a truly distinguished speaker/author discuss her direct experiences with students, and educate parents on how to encourage the adult to emerge successfully from childhood. The program is free for the entire community, and we recommend all K-12 parents come hear the observations of Ms. Lythcott-Haims; it will be a life-changing event!

Seating is limited and you must register in order to attend. Please visit the PVPHS.COM website and click on the “How To Raise An Adult” link under Panther Picks.

HARBOR COLLEGE COURSES AT PENINSULA HIGH THIS FALL

Peninsula High continues to serve as a satellite campus for Harbor College. All high school students can enroll in free classes and earn college credit. These courses are taught by Peninsula High teachers. Film Appreciation is taught by Dr. Coleman and Sociology is taught by Mr. Wheeler.

Rancho del Mar students should see Ms. Gill if interested in taking one of these courses before getting an application from the Peninsula High Counseling Office.

Students give their completed form to Dr. Coleman (Peninsula High Room H15) or Mr. Wheeler (Peninsula High Room H64). You do not need to go to the Harbor College campus to sign-up.

Film Appreciation is course “Hum17”and meets Mondays & Wednesdays in Room H15 at Peninsula High, from 3:00- 4:35pm. The first day of class is Monday, September 12th.

Sociology is course “Soc1”and meets Tuesdays & Thursdays in Room H64 at Peninsula High, from 3:00- 4:35pm. The first day of class is Tuesday, September 13th.

COLLEGE CAREER CENTER EVENTS

Rancho del Mar students and parents are invited to all College Career Center events held at either Peninsula High or Palos Verdes High. Eblasts are sent to Rancho del Mar families and posted in the Rancho del Mar calendar on our website. Several events are also listed in the Rancho del Mar Handbook. Upcoming include:

Making the Final College List:

Tim Brunold, USC Dean of Admissions, will offer great advice to seniors and their parents. Thursday, August 25th at 6:30pm in the Peninsula High gym.

College Night:

Many guest speakers will be leading breakout sessions covering topics such as college application and admissions process, Community College options, UC/CSU possibilities, College/Career choices in the Arts, and much more. This event is for juniors, seniors, and their parents and will be on Thursday, September 8th starting at 6pm in the Peninsula High College Career Center.

COMMUNICATION

Please visit the Rancho del Mar High School website for the school calendar, handbooks, forms, resources, staff directory with a direct email link, and other information.Each teacher has a page on the website and posts all applicable Academic Course Syllabi (academic contracts) on the page. The Counselor also maintains a Counselor page.

Aeries.net is the parent/student portal for the entire PVPUSD. The portal gives parents, and students, the opportunity to view the student’s attendance record, transcript and graduation progress. Teachers use Gradebook to post each student’s course assignment and test completion progress and grades. If you have problems accessing Aeries.net, please call Mrs. Maltese, the office manager.

The best way to contact your child’s teacher is by email. If you contact your student’s teacher by phone, please be aware that we try not to disturb the teachers when class is in session. If you leave a message with the office, the teacher will return your call.

SCHOOL HOURS, TARDIES & ABSENCES

Attendance is submitted electronically. It is each parent’s responsibility to ensure that his/her child arrives at school each day NO LATER THAN 8:25am.

Students who are not seated in class at 8:30am, final bell, have a Tardy mark placed on their attendance record. Please support your child’s education, and our school image, by getting him/her to school on time. If you have any questions, please contact the school office. Once a student is on campus, the student may not leave before dismissal time without permission from the principal and/or being signed out by a parent/guardian.

We do recognize that at times a student is too ill to attend school. All absences, including illness, are marked on the student’s attendance record and are required to be made up. Some unavoidable medical or court appointment may be excused. Parents must call the school office (310) 377-6691 no later than 8:30am to notify the school office of any absence or tardy.

TUTORIAL CLINIC

From 12:20-1:00pm, teachers schedule appointments with students on Independent Study. Teachers also refer students to their Tutorial Clinic if the student is not making adequate progress. Students whoneed to make up an absence do so during Tutorial Clinic.

COLLEGE TOURS AND EDUCATIONAL ASSEMBLIES

Ms. Gill, the Rancho del Mar Counselor, organizes trips to local 4-year and community colleges and calendars student assemblies.

Information regarding these excellent opportunities for your son/daughter will be blasted to families, posted in classrooms and posted on the Rancho del Mar website. You may also contact Ms. Gill for more information.

PARENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE - PTSA

Several parents have volunteered to be on the Parent Advisory Committee. If you did not sign up and would like to participate, please call the school office at (310) 377-6691. We usually meet 3 – 4 times during the year in the late afternoon. The committee will be formally elected at Back-To-School Night.

Rancho del Mar High School is supported by the Palos Verdes and Palos Verdes Peninsula PTSAs and the Palos Verdes Peninsula Council of PTAs. A PTA membership form is in the registration packet, and we encourage all students and parents to join the PTSA.

ASSOCIATED STUDENT BODY (ASB) ELECTIONS

Rancho del Mar will soon elect an ASB president and school representatives. Those elected will be expected to set a good example for their fellow students, to help organize and implement community service projects (i.e. the Rainbow Services Toy Collection in December and Community Helpline Phonebook delivery in February) and to be a part of the WASC and Model School process.

If your son/daughter is interested, you will be asked to sign a form that you, as the parent, understand that with leadership comes additional responsibilities.

Candidates will be asked to present a speech to the student body. The speech must be approved, in advance, by the Counselor. Candidate applications will be sent home in early October.

END OF THE FIRST QUARTER REPORTS

The first quarter ends on October 28th. Students who are behind in credit and/or course requirements must complete a minimum of 15 credits each quarter, 10 credits of which must be in academic classes.

A copy of each student’s first quarter report, including an updated transcript, will be mailed home the week of November 7th. If you do not receive your mailing, please contact the school office at (310) 377-6691.

We encourage all student to monitor their own progress, and parents to monitor their son/daughter’s progress through their Aeries Student/Parent Portal.

STUDENT/PARENT HANDBOOK

(STUDENT CONDUCT POLICIES)

Please refer to the Student/Parent 2016-2017Handbook (bright green cover – posted on the Rancho del Mar website) for valuable information regarding your son/daughter’s education. Many resources for students (and parents) are listed in the Rancho del Mar Student/Parent Handbook, in addition to school rules and policies.

Listed below are a few reminders of student rules.

Technology

Students have been directed that cell phones may not be usedbetween 8:25am and 12:10pm (1:00pm if assigned to Tutorial Clinic), except during the 9:55-10:10am Nutrition Break. If you need to contact your son/daughter during the school day, please do not text or call your student; call the school office (310) 377-6691.

Students are permitted to listen to music, if permitted by the classroom teacher, and if it helps him/her concentrate on school work, with a device (i.e. phone; iPod; etc.). The student must have a defined playlist and useear buds.The Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) Contract is in the Rancho del Mar Registration Packet, printed in our Student/Parent Handbook and posted on our website.

Portable games and cameras are not permitted at school.

Clothing

Clothing must be appropriate for school. Clothing which is too revealing and clothing with reference to drugs, tobacco, vaping, gang insignias, weaponry and sex are not permitted. Bare feet are not permitted.

Hats and sunglasses may not be worn indoors. Students must turn hats into the office at the beginning of the school day, or keep hats intheir backpack. Sunglasses must be kept in the student’s backpack during class time.

STUDENT DRIVERS

Driving to school is a privilege.

Via the Driving Information Form, included in the Rancho del Mar Registration Packet and posted on the school website, all student drivers must file, with the office, the make, color and license plate of the car(s) they drive along with a copy of their driver’s license. If the information changes, please update the Form in the office.

Drivers must adhere to all speed and safety rules, and cars must be appropriately parked in the Rancho del Mar parking lot.

Students may not leave campus once they arrive, unless they have permission from the office. Students with provisional license are not permitted to drive other minors.

FOOD SERVICES - LUNCHES - FOOD ON CAMPUS

Rancho del Mar High School has several vending machines on campus and also offers a sack lunch program.

Your son/daughter is welcome to bring a prepared snack or lunch from home, however no homemade food may be shared on campus. If a student wants to bring food to share with others, it must be store bought, enough for all students and approved, in advance, by the principal. Students may not order food deliveries to classrooms. If you need to drop off a lunch for your student please bring it to the school office.

Sack lunches are $4.00. Your son/daughter must pre-order a sack lunch, with the office manager, the day before.

A pre-paid lunch ticket for 20 lunches is an option to daily cash and may be purchased for $80.00 using your VISA or MasterCard, personal check or cash. Please make checks payable to PVPUSD Cafeteria Account and record your child's first and last name on the check. Checks and cash may be accepted by the school office or you may call the PVPUSD Food Services at 310-732-0900, Ext. 780 to place your credit card order. The sack lunch will be delivered to Rancho del Mar before noon and the office will deduct 1 ticket for each lunch purchased.

The vending machines on campus offer snacks and beverages. The vending machines accept coins, except pennies, and $1 and $5 bills. Change is not available in the school office.

THANK YOU PENINSULA EDUCATION FOUNDATION

I encourage parents to support the Peninsula Education Foundation. PEF has pledged to donate $3.5 million to PVPUSD again this year. This level of funding not only helps the entire District achieve academic excellence, but also significantly supports Rancho del Mar High School. PEF Funds allocated to Rancho del Mar support student incentives, assemblies, college tours and much more!

PEF provides supports the activities of the College Career Centers at all three high schools. College Career counselors guide students through the college application process, including test prep, finding the right college, career assessments, as well as arrange college information nights and college visits to campus.

PEF provides a $1500 graduating senior scholarship award program PEF also administers the Jack Bagdasar $250 scholarship.

Please take a moment to donate to PEF. You can pledge now and pay later. Visit the PEF website at , email or call (310)378-2278.

PEF SKECHERS “PIER-TO-PIER” WALK – October 23, 2016

PEF is a wonderful supporter of Rancho del Mar. Please join the “RDM Team” and help raise funds for PEF!!! Mark your calendars now, to participate on Sunday, October 23rd at 9:00am in the Skechers Walk “Pier To Pier” Manhattan Beach/Hermosa Beach.

Proceeds benefit the local education foundations. Last year, PEF received $240,000 from this event. Can’t attend??????….donations are welcome.

Go to the following link:

• Click on “Search For A Team”
• Type in “Rancho del Mar” and click “Search”. You should see “Rancho del Mar High School” listed as the School Team and “Humphrey, Rosemary” listed as the Team Captain.
• Click on either “Rancho del Mar” or “Humphrey, Rosemary”
• You should now be on the Rancho del Mar High School Team Page and you can be a supporter. Families and pets are welcome to walk with you.

Not a walker? Too busy?No one actually takes attendance at the “Walk” so you can still register, and or donate, and not be obligated to physically walk.)

LOCAL CONTROL ACCOUNABILITY PLAN (LCAP)

PVPUSD is seeking participants for the 2016-17 Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP) Committee. The Committee seeks representation of all stakeholder groups with an interest in providingcritical feedback that will assist in guiding the direction of our School District.

Applications are located online at the PVPUSD website. Select "Educational Services" under "Departments". Select "LCAP" from the pop-up menu. The LCAP Committee application can befound under the "Documents" section. The application deadline is Friday, September 16, 2016.

The dates of commitment are on Wednesday mornings from 9:00am to 10:30am and will be held at the Malaga Cove Community Room on;

* October 5

* November 2

* December 7

* January 4

* February 1

* March 1

* May 3

What is the Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP)?

The Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP) is the Local Control Funding Formula's (LCFF) vehicle for transparency and engagement. The LCAP is the primary means through whichPVPUSD can share performance data, needs, actions, and anticipated outcomes that will guide the use of available LCFF funding.

Beginning in 2014-15, each school district isresponsible to create a three-year LCAP. PVPUSD utilizes the LCAP to describe the annual goals for all students including students in the following categories; limited-income, Englishlearners, and foster youth. The LCAP committee provides the mechanism for staff, parents, and community members to provide input into the overall development of the LCAPdocument.

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