Hello Aztec Familia,

Wednesday, January 13th will be instructional day #82 and we are 46% done with the school year! Thank you Aztec classified and certificated TEAM for your hard work and dedication in helping to engage our Aztec Scholars.

TEAM, we are extremely proud of how much you have adjusted to help our Aztec Scholars while at the same time facing challenges and stress at home during this COVID time. There are staff members that have fallen ill or have lost loved ones or have had family struggles over the past month and we continue to send positive thoughts, condolences, and reminders that our Aztec familia is here if you need anything. Here is to a better 2021 for you, your familias, and our Aztec Scholars.

Because of your mentorship, motivation, instruction, guidance, and leadership... Aztec Scholars have been been accepted to: Oregon St, Colorado St, Humboldt St., Univ. of Notre Dame, APU, U of La Verne,Univ. of MHB, Citrus College! More to come... gracias TEAM!

We see how hard this Azusa TEAM is working and we want to remind our classified and certificated staff that we appreciate all that you are doing for our Aztec Scholars! A HEARTFELT thank you for what you do and a reminder that you are valued by all the students and the City of Azusa.

Over Winter Break we urge our staff to unplug from the computer for as much as possible in order to relax-reflect-recharge.

January includes Self Help Group Awareness Month, Walk your Pet Month, Celebration of Creativity Month, National Poverty in America Awareness Month, Human Trafficking Awareness Month. Below are some unique dates to infuse into your instruction in order to engage our Aztec Scholars:
December 31: New Year's Eve;
January 1, 2021: New Year's Day;
January 2: National Motivation Day
January 4: World Braille Day
January 6: Dia de los Reyes Magos (3 Kings);
January 11: Thank You Day
January 12: National Youth Day in India
January 14: Poetry at Work Day
January 16: Religious Freedom Day
January 17: Kid Inventors Day
January 18: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service
January 19: World Religion Day
January 20: Day of Acceptance
January 22: Celebration of Life Day
January 24: Compliment Day
January 26: Spouses Day
January 29: Freethinkers Day
January 31: Inspire your Heart with Art Day

Students learn more and are more enthusiastic when they read and learn about their own culture and how their ancestors shaped this nation and the world. Make sure to use these dates as a starting point to discuss topics that relate with our students that are not discussed in many of our books...this makes a difference.

Along with all the great work we are doing in the classroom, Azusa High is making positive news in the district and the community:

-Azusa High's theme this year is TEAM - together everyone achieves more. To engage our Aztec Scholars to learn more, we must do it together.

-Aztec MOCHA and Aztec Regiment have put together fantAZTEC Google slides to share with our community to celebrate this Holiday Season.
Click here for a Google slideshow containing music videos from some of our students in the choir and orchestra classes!

Click here for a link to the 2020 Holiday Band Concert. We have included a flew virtual performances and the holiday performances from 2019. 

Respecting Tradition...Looking Ahead...Together...AzUSa!
Be safe, be respectful be responsible!
AHS 2020-2021 SMART Goals are below.
SMART Goals are created by each department to better understand how each department plans to raise the rigor in all departments to better support the learning and writing for our Aztec Scholars in all classes. 
Aztec Bright Spots...
Check out how Azusa teachers and students conquer learning through collaboration, communication, critical thinking, and creativity!

-FantAZTEC parents and caretakers completed a virtual 5 week APU Nutrition Course with AHS! These are just some of the parents that dedicated 5 whole weeks of their busy time to learn about healthy eating and healthy habits!

-More and more Aztec Scholars are "Seen on Screen!" in our class. Weekly raffles prizes continue to be given to our fantAZTEC students!

-Congrats to some of our PBIS winners over the past two weeks! We have given away an Iphone, airbuds, a printer, headphones, whiteboards, art sets, board games, and Echo Dots. Encourage your Aztec Scholars to "be seen on screen!" while they are in your class.

-Thank you to the staff that attended the AHS Winter Holiday Celebration!

-Thank you to all the staff and community members that donated gifts, cards, money, and positive thoughts to 7 Aztec Families.

-Mr. Schuster (aka 'girl dad') celebrated Xmas with his familia!

-Ms. Andrea Carlos celebrated Xmas with her familia at home!

-Happy Holidays from Zoey and Zenia (Maria Aguayo's grandkids)!

-Merry Christmas! Wishing everyone happiness & good health in the New Year! Love, the Quinones Tribe

-Mr. Velasco took his familia to the beach on Xmas Day!

-Aztec math teachers and AVID aides are providing online math support for our Aztec Scholars!

-Meals for our students continue at AHS on Monday and Wednesday from 7-8am and 2-4pm.

-If families need support, please have them call "211" to speak to someone that can help with many different issues!

-Think Together is accepting student applications now for virtual tutoring, clubs, and support once the school year begins!

Please email [email protected] pictures of Winter Family pictures!
Aztec Hard Truths...
-This is a difficult and stressful time for our staff and our families. There are some staff members that have lost loved ones, friends, or have been impacted by sickness or COVID. PLEASE check in with some of your peers and see if we need any support during this time. Before we can support others we must take care of ourselves first. Self care is necessary. If you or your family would like to call somebody for mental support please reach out to: 
CARE Solace: https://caresolace.com/site/azusaparents/ or 888-515-0595
Staff EASE support: https://www.lacoe.edu/Home/EASE or 1-800-882-1341
LA County Dept. of Mental Health (DMH) at 1-800-854-7771
Yes, we are all in the same pandemic "storm", however, we are not in the same boat and do not have the same support structures.

-If you feel that you need to call the Child Protective Services Hotline after you speak to a student, CPS can be reached at 1-800-540-4000 if any student shares information that must be reported.
Aztec Updates
a. life circumstances have changed,
b. student's stress and trauma increased,
c. content isn't accessible,
d. more support and structure needed,
e. many teacher expectations haven't changed.


-Ideas for Distance Learning Purchases?: we would like to know what are ideas for teaching materials or computer programs that we can potentially purchase to support virtual teaching and learning or our at-risk students. Are there any items that your AHS peers or other teachers are using to engage students that you feel would help your virtual instruction? If yes, please click on this link to add some of your ideas of potential purchases and add under your department.


-Visit AHS Campus Over Winter Break: AHS Campus will be open 1/6 Wednesday thru 1/8 Friday for staff to visit their office or class between 9am to 1pm. Please email plant manager Carlos Cueva [email protected] if you plan to be on campus and ensure to practice social distance protocols.


-Fun Winter Break Videos of Admin and Secretaries:



-PEAR Deck Training for Teachers: Azusa USD will be offering a one-hour VOLUNTARY Pear Deck training on Thursday, January 14 from 3 pm to 4 pm. If you are interested in learning more about Pear Deck, The deadline to sign up will be Monday, January 11. Sign up by clicking HERE.


-Friendly tech-tip from TOSA Kim Dahm: "All the tech people I follow advocate for starting a new Google Classroom each grading period. There are differing opinions on whether that should be each triad, but I definitely recommend setting up new Google Classrooms for second semester." 


-“Be Seen on Screen! Be Engaged! Pass your Classes!”  Students that are actively engaged in class and have their cameras on can receive PBIS tickets for some great prizes. Please let our students know about this incentive and fill out this link when they are on screen in your class: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdNZFfJ6i1jfRjyJ6g_nRFnDf4I8dyDgwm8_0NKkH8iWIJaZQ/viewform
OR email a list of names (in First Last order) and grade level of student to Andrea Carlos, [email protected]
 

-Teachers: AUSD is ready to roll out our certification of instructional minutes in alignment with SB98 requirements. AUSD Office staff set up the calendars in Aeries this week and it is time to share the process with teachers so they can begin to weekly save and certify instructional minutes and synchronous/asynchronous instruction. Teachers will have to certify instructional minutes from the beginning of school, August 20th. Click on the blue link below that shows you how to certify attendance.
 
If you have time to complete this attendance certification process now please do so, otherwise, teachers will be given time on January 12, 2021 to complete the Attendance Certification Process from the beginning of the year.


-Parent Center Update in PO 1 and Calendar!
Boletin Familiar en espanol:


-Aztec Staff Store - Purchase polos:  Check out our online store for Aztec Gear! https://stores.inksoft.com/ahs_staff/shop/home


-Update from the Wellbeing Center in PO 3: Coming soon!


-Update from Think Together in room 235: Think Together is providing our students virtual tutoring, virtual support, virtual clubs, etc. Encourage students to sign up ASAP! Email Betsy Lopez from Think Together at [email protected]


-The Azusa Upward Bound Program: is designed to help students navigate the process of preparing for and graduating from college. 
Upward Bound email: [email protected]
Upward Bound office number: (626) 815-2107
Instagram: @azusaupwardbound
Youtube:TRiO Upward Bound
Aztec Shout Outs!
-Please email me a brief positive or inspiring message or information of an Azusa staff member doing good work that you would like to recognize with a "Shout Out!" ([email protected])
-"Hello, I just wanted to thank you and everyone else who made this Christmas for my family and I better. Azusa truly is the best and so are the people who constantly work hard and support others. In that note I wanted to say thank you for everyone who took the time from their day to make this happen. Thank you for your support and good intentions. We appreciate everything you have done for us. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. 
Thank you. 'Aztec Student' and Family"

-"To whom it may concern,
I would like to say thank you for thinking of me and my family during this holiday season. What you have done for us is incredibly thoughtful and we greatly appreciate everything. I lack the proper words to express my gratitude and if online class taught me anything it's that it's more difficult through email but please know that we thank you greatly and wish that you and your loved ones have an excellent holiday season. May your kindness continue to be appreciated. 
With much love and sincerity,
Aztec Student & Family" 

-"Shout out to our Aztec TEAM, Rotary Club, and parents for pitching in to provide over $2,000 of Holiday Gifts to 7 struggling Aztec Scholars and their families! We all made their Winter Break a whole lot better!" - Martiza Martinez

-"Shout out to Mrs. Turner and the orchestra/string students for the beautiful birthday song." - Mr. Velasco

-"Shout out to Opal and Maritza!!" - Ms. Hoke

-"Shout out to Opal from 211! We are going to miss you!" Ms. Martiza Martinez

-"Shout out to Naomi for helping us out in Guidance and being super positive in the office. " - Ms. Andrea Carlos

-"Shout out to Naomi for being outstanding!" - Ms. Laura Navarro

-"Shout out to Special Ed team for emailing IEP and other stuff to file." - Ms. Laura Navarro

-"Shout out to Andrea Carlos for putting together the PBIS gifts and raffles for us to pass out to EXCITED students!" - Mr. Gomez

-"Shout out to Karina and all counselors for supporting our Aztecs through CSU/UC applications! Shout out to Naomi for Guidance office support to our families!" - Ms. Pegorari

-"Shout out to the Chromebook calling team. We had many happy Aztecs!" - Mr. Velasco

-"Shout out to Elvira Silva for testing students on campus during this time." - Mr. Gomez

-"Shout out to Laura, Hilda, Lica, Apu Nutrition parents, Opal and 211, Betty, Letty, Admin Team. Thank you so much for the hard work and collaboration we have done in the past 2 weeks. And every Aztec team member that has provided support or encouraging words for our Acts of Kindness event." - Ms. Maritza Martinez

-"Shout out to Julie, Betsy, and the Think Together staff for supporting our Aztec scholars on campus." - Mr. Gomez

-"Shout out to Kevin Maddox for being on campus and all his support!" - Ms. Navarro

-"Shout out to some of the FanAztec parents and caretakers who completed the virtual 5 week APU Nutrition Course with AHS! These are just some of the parents that dedicated 5 whole weeks of their busy time to learn about healthy eating and healthy habits! We wish to congratulate all the 19 parents that participated as best they could during this course! Way to go Aztecs! Thank you to Dr. Crawford and Ms. Chinenye for this opportunity and for the gift cards that went to our 11 consecutive participating parents!" - Ms. Maritza Martinez

-"Shout out to Rob Velasco for putting on a fun Winter Party for our staff and all the weekly student announcement videos!" - Mr. Gomez


STUDENT SHOUT OUTs TO STAFF! YOU ARE APPRECIATED!

"Shout out to Mr. Moore because he's a pretty cool teacher and he cares about the world." - Monserrat Anaya

"Shout to Mr. Moore because he saves the environment :)" - Frankie Mendoza

"Shout out to Mrs. Pegorari for giving me immediate assistance." -Natalie De La Cruz

"Shout out to Ms. Vogel!" - Karina Ramirez Gonzalez

"Shout out to Ms. Harper for helping me out with College information." - Aaron Jimenez

"Shout out to Ms. Harper for being an understanding teacher during this pandemic." - Michelle Villagomez

"Shout out to Ms. Vogel for being supportive!!!!" - Jorge Anton

"Shout out to Ms. Vogel because she gives help to everyone who needs it and allows more time!" - Karina Ramirez Gonzalez

"Shout out to Mrs. O' Neil from the Upward Bound Program because of helping me on my College Applications and keeping me motivated!" - Nayzeth Galindo

"Shout out to Mrs. Licon for being supportive and helpful!" - Angela Gaona

"Shout out to Mr. Joyce because he is really chill and Ms. Harper because she helped me finish my applications!" - Juliana Hernandez

"Shout out to Ms. Betty: always advocating for AHS students and building a better community at school!" - Kimberly Rochin Quiroa

"Shout out to Mr. Thiel because he has after school hours to help students if they don't understand a lesson." - Ruperto Venegas

"Shout out to Mr. Korzep for letting me turn in late work and especially Mrs. Vogel for understanding situations and offering extra help!" - Adriana Martinez

"Shout out to Ms. Harper because she helps me a lot!" - Jose Jimenez

"Shout out to Mrs. Hernandez (ceramics) for always being relatable, supportive, and just being the coolest... love her" - Ayana Call

"Shout out to Ms Alvarado for being so kind and helpful when we pick up books!" - Lisa Ing

"Shout out to Mr. Joyce for being nice and helpful." - Karina Velasquez

"Shout out to everyone in campus security because I miss saying hi whenever I pass by." - Lisa Ing

"Shout out to Mrs. Carrillo for being the best English teacher!"-
Kateline Grajeda
Upcoming Events
1/6 Wed thru 1/8 Fri - AHS Campus open to staff to visit their office or class from 9am to 1pm.

1/11 Mon - First Teacher Return Day - Teacher Grading-Planning-Prep Day; NO students;

1/12 Tues - PLC Day; NO students;

1/13 Wed - Students First day of Instruction; College Wednesday;

1/14 Thurs -

1/15 Fri - Aztec Shirt Friday;

1/16 Sat -

1/18 Mon - MLK Day of Service; NO School;

1/19 Tues -

1/20 Wed - College Shirt Wednesday;
Aztec Staff will ensure that our Aztec Scholars will be better prepared for their future by creating daily lesson plans that:

-keep students engaged with bell to bell lessons;
-keep students focused with culturally relevant topics while infusing technology;
-infuse planned essential questions that promote collaboration-creativity-critical thinking-communication;
-implement regular check for understanding;
-and promote student use of academic language and ACES writing.

Further, in order to continue to improve based on the WASC recommendations, teachers and staff members will work professionally with their peers to improve the learning, instruction, and lesson plans based on common assessment data and be collaborative with all Azusa stakeholders.

Sincerely,

Martin O. Gomez, PhD
Principal and "Lead Learner" at Azusa High School
Check out our website:
https://www.azusa.org/Domain/21

Respecting Tradition...Looking Ahead...Together...AzUSa!
Follow us @azusaaztecshs
#weareazusa #aztecscholars

Have a Fant-AZTEC Day!
"Once an Aztec, Always an Aztec!"
Azusa High School
240 North Cerritos Avenue, Azusa, CA 91702
Phone: 626-815-3401