A PLACE OF EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION

Testing Season Continues

Thank you for working together to ensure the integrity of our CAASPP Testing. A special thank you to our English 3 and US History teachers who created the most ideal testing location for our students. As of today, our completion rates are as follows: 99% in math, 97% in ELA, and 95% in science.


Thank you to Assistant Principal, Mr. Cazares, and Guidance Techs, Mrs. Alfonso, and Ms. Miller for all of your hard work in ensuring that no student was left behind in the testing process.


Thank you to Mrs. Appenrodt who has worked/is working diligently to make sure our students have the best testing locations for AP/IB Testing. 


This year, almost 500 Sonora students are taking AP and IB Exams. 


Please note that some students still owe a partial balance on their exams, and this balance needs to be paid before the exam administration. 


As your students prepare for their upcoming AP and IB Exams, remind them that regardless of their score, taking an AP or IB course and exam shows colleges they're willing to challenge themselves by completing college-level coursework. There are many resources to help them prepare for exams, including AP Classroom. Many teachers are also conducting review sessions, both in and out of class, and students are working diligently to master advanced content. 


All of the Sonora community plays an active role in ensuring that students are prepared for the content, and testing in an environment that will allow them to perform well on the exams. We would like to wish our students the best of luck in this testing season!


2023 AP/IB Testing Schedule for SOHS
AP Practice Sessions
California Testing Overview
International Baccalaureate Website
Understanding IB Assessments
Useful IB Resources

Table of Contents

Any new information for our newsletter will be in Sonora Gold.

Rotary Student of the Month

Youth in Government

Raider Ranch News

ESports Update

Raiderettes

Medical Careers News

Meet Adam Johnson

Class of 2023 News

Food Services

Attendance

Raider Activities

Counselors' Corner

Academic Supports

Athletics

Parent Involvement

PTSA Information

Connect with Us

FJUHSD News

School Calendar

Mental Health Supports

Community News

Employment Opportunities

Important Dates

Quote of the Week

Rotary Student of the Month

Each month our La Habra Rotary chooses a Student of the Month from each of the three high schools within the city. We honor these students at a monthly luncheon, with a certificate, and a $100 gift card from Rotary to the students. It is my pleasure to introduce everyone to Nicolas or Nick Carrillo as the Sonora High School's High Achieving Student of the Month for the La Habra Rotary'.  It was my pleasure to sit down to get to know Nicolas a little more.  Nicolas is a part of our Computer Science Club, MeCHA Club, and Key Club he is also an IB Diploma Candidate.  He was also a key student voice to our WASC accreditation team.  He will attend Chapman University in the fall for physics.  Although he does not have a career path yet, we do know that wherever his path takes him, he will have physics to the core.  


In speaking with Nicolas about his passion and drive, he stated that it comes from his mom, his greatest inspiration.  His mom came from Mexico when she was 21.  Only a few years later of being in their new country, Nicolas’s dad tragically passed away.  Mom then went into the workforce to provide as much as she could for her family, Nicholas’s two older siblings and one younger sister.  The fortitude he exhibits with a dose of charity is at Nicolas’s core.  His mom always taught him to give to others by checking on them and being thoughtful and considerate of them.


It is with these core values that it is easy to see in Nicolas when he plays the piano for his worship team.  When a person does not read music, but plays it is called playing it “by ear” because they can translate what they hear to what they can play.  I would say that Nicolas plays “by ear” and “by heart”.  He loves older more upbeat worship songs.  In fact, playing and listening to music is something that he loves.


When you ask many teens about the type of music they listen to, many say hip-hop/pop/country music, but not Nicolas.  Nicolas said that he likes to listen to Japanese and Korean music.  He is so fascinated by these two Asian cultures that he hopes to live in Japan one day.  We went a little deeper in conversation and Nicolas was able to articulate that he likes the three types of Japanese language of hiragana, katakana, and kanji.  He pronounced them and was able to explain them to me well.  


Although this is his last year with our Sonora Raider Family, the legacy that he would like to leave behind is for everyone to take every opportunity available to them and search for even new ones.  This was key in his growth as a Raider because he was able to take what he learned to help others.  Nicolas will miss his teachers Mrs. Appenrodt, Mr. Risse, and Mr. K. Rodriguez.  He is so grateful for all that they have taught them. 


His teachers say this about Nicolas, “He enjoys the process of creating and it shows in his work. I enjoy the moments that Nicholas uses to ask me questions regarding how he can improve his art. Whether those questions involve composition, color theory, or value, Nicholas displays a never-ending desire to learn, experiment, and practice that I find valuable in an art student.”  Another teacher says, “Perhaps Nicolas cultivated his gentle and patient demeanor by always sharing his space with so many people. Regardless of how this transpired, Nicolas has emerged as a serious scholar and a thoughtful and generous young man. I can count on his maturity and poise, as well as his ability to connect with all members of the community, empowering them to join this rigorous program and commit to their education.” Lastly, a teacher said that “He works great in teams and is well-respected by both his peers and teachers.  Nick is an IB diploma candidate and handles all of the work that entails. Nick is dedicated and a strong student. Away from class, Nick volunteers much of his time.  He hasn’t missed any Key Club events for the last two years.  He even decorated the rose float for Kiwanis.  He cut flowers and arranged them on the float.  He also volunteers with a group called We Love La Habra dedicated to improving the local community.  With them, he deep cleaned the Gary Center, a medical building that serves the lower-income residents of La Habra.  Nick volunteered at La Habra Races, a 5 K charity run.  He helped set up and kept time for the fastest runners. At La Habra’s Tamale Festival, Nick did a double shift running a game booth for the children.  I’m proud of him."

 

Ladies and gentlemen without further ado, I give you Nicolas Carrillo as the Sonora High School’s student of the month.  


#raiderpride #raiderfamily #beholdblueandgold

Youth in Government

City leaders in La Habra welcomed students from La Habra and Sonora High Schools, Whitter Christian High School, and feeder junior high school to participate in their 24th annual Youth in Government Day.  Students listened as speakers discussed the role f local government.  Students also shadowed city employees such as the City Manager, Finance Director, and Director of Public Works.  Students then received a private tour of City Hall before heading to the City Council Chamber to participate in a mock City Council meeting to debate an issue currently under discussion in the city–whether to keep a security guard on premises at the skatepark.

Raider Ranch News

Congratulations to our Chapter President Hannah Mendoza for receiving her State Degree! In order to get a State Degree, an FFA member must spend $2000 and 500 hours within their SAE project!


Once again, we are immensely proud of Hannah for receiving her State Degree!!

New lamb alert!!


After a little assistance from our advisor and Khylia, Magnolia was able to give birth to her beautiful lamb!

ESports

Super Smash Bro Playoff Game - Our Player is playing Bowser in Blue
Super Smash Bro Playoff Game - Our player is in Blue
Overwatch 2 Playoff Game - From Our Tanks Perspective

Raiderettes

If you love to dance and perform, then come be a part of our Frill Team Family!! Come to our Information Meeting this Monday at 7:30 pm in the Lower Commons. Tryout Registration will open on April 22nd, the link will be on our Instagram page; sohs.raiderettes


#beholdblueandgold #raiderfamily

Medical Careers News

On Wednesday, May 19th seniors from our Academy of Nursing & Medical Careers had the opportunity to visit St. Jude Hospital in Fullerton, CA. The students were given the opportunity to listen to different speakers from various departments including Human Resources, Illness Prevention & the Simulation Lab. They were also granted access to the Sim lab, where they were able to interact with professionals from the department. Students were given a chance to practice their CPR skills and learned valuable information about Illness Prevention in a hands-on environment. The experience was exceptional and we look forward to taking future classes on the same field trip in the future.

#raiderpride #beholdblueandgold

Meet Adam Johnson

Adam is a Raider graduate who has been working with our wrestling program. Recently he interviewed and has been selected to serve as an Instructional Aide for our District. Welcome back, Adam. Once a Raider Always a Raider!!


#beholdourblueandgold #raiderfamily #raiderpride

Class of 2023 News

Please click the picture if you would like to review any information. Thank you to Mr. Lee and Ms. Virden for leading us through this celebratory time of year.


LET'S GO CLASS OF 2023!!

Food Services

Attendance

Raider Activities

Join us for our last assembly for the school year and our next spirit week. Please see the flyer below so you do not miss the fun and excitement.

We are 6 Days away from our Spring Show “Home Sweet Home”, and 10 Days away from our 23-24 Tryouts.


Make sure you get your tickets now as it is very likely the show will sell out!

If you have not registered for our upcoming tryouts, what are you waiting for?


email: jgalvan@fjuhsd.org for more information

Counselors' Corner

Senior Hold List

Each year, teachers are required to provide the names of Senior students at risk of not passing (failing) a course. This Senior “Hold List" is used to closely monitor and communicate with students and families about progress and remaining graduation requirements. Sonora uses the Quarter 3 grades to create the Senior “Hold List”. Students are placed “on hold” for a course if the student received a grade of D, F, *or* the teacher commented, "in danger of failing". This means that a student who currently is passing a class with a grade of A, B, or C may be added to the Senior Hold List by their teacher by using the comment “in danger of failing” if the student still has a possibility of not passing the class. This does not mean the student will fail the course, nor does it mean that the student will not graduate. It means that there is a *possibility* that the student could still fail one or more required courses, and there is a possibility that the student cannot graduate or walk in the graduation ceremony on June 1, 2023. 

 

Counselors will begin to compile the list and begin communicating with parents and students over the next few weeks and will continue to track and communicate concerns until graduation. 


  1. ONLY Teachers can remove a student from the Hold List. Therefore, any questions regarding grades must be directed to the teacher directly. 
  2. Questions regarding graduation requirements should be directed to the assigned counselor.  


Academic Supports

The year is winding down. Do you have the grade that you want? If not, please take advantage of our tutoring opportunities. If you would like to check your academic standing, then please click the picture below to access your Aeries account.  #beholdblueandgold

Please click the picture below for the sign-in sheet if you would like to keep track of your attendance.

Raider Athletics

Boys Volleyball

Raider Boys Volleyball celebrated Senior Night on Monday against La Habra by defeating the Highlanders 3-0. The Raiders thrilled the crowd with their stellar passing and put their growth as a team on display as they were able to finish with excellent outside hitting and middle play.



Track and Field

Boys and Girls Track and Field competed in league prelims on Wednesday and are looking forward to league finals on Wednesday 4/26 @ 3 pm at Fullerton High School. Hope you are out there to cheer them on to league championships. 


Boys Tennis

Boys Tennis dominated the La Habra Highlanders on Monday and won a huge victory. The Raiders finished their team season 4th place in league and will close out their individual season on Tuesday, April 25th with singles and doubles teams competing for league championships. Go Raiders!


Baseball

Raider baseball played their best game of the season on Wednesday in a 5-1 victory over rival La Habra. Izaak Fernandez hit a two-out double to open the scoring for the Raiders. The crushing blow was delivered by Josh Gutierrez with a two-run triple in the 4th inning. Raiders take on La Habra again on Friday, 4/21 with 2nd place in the Freeway League on the line. 


Softball

Raider Softball went 2-0 this week with victories over Fullerton and Troy. The win over Fullerton moved the Raiders into 2nd place and they trail Sunny Hills by only one game. Next week, the Raiders take on La Habra and Sunny Hills in their chase to win a Freeway League title. Let's win it ladies! We honored our four Seniors, Layla Albarran, Nikole Douglass, Julia Kearney, and Eliana Peralta.


Swim and Dive

Your Raider swim and dive team will compete in League Finals starting on Monday, April 24th at noon. 

Please click any of the buttons below to have an update on the latest scores and standings as reported by MaxPreps.

Baseball
Tennis
Softball
Boys Volleyball

ATHLETIC CLEARANCE PROCESS


ALL Sports Including Cheer, Dance, JROTC & Band Must Register

1) Go to homecampus.com

  • Please use the following Handout to help guide you through the Athletic Clearance process
  • Create an account and complete all sections: Watch the VIDEO for detailed instructions
  • **Very Important** Choose “Sonora” (CIF-SS)” on the list and the School Year "2022/2023"

2) Print out the Confirmation Page from homecampus.com

  • Print & Fill Out (Both parent & student signature is required)
  • Please be advised that each sport/activity will require a separate confirmation page

3) You must complete all 4 pages of the Physical Evaluation Forms 


Downloadable Physical Form


  1. Print & Fill Out all 4 pages (Both Parent & Student signature is required)
  2. Pages 1-2 are filled out by the Parent(s) and Student 
  3. Page 3-4 MUST be COMPLETED, SIGNED, and DATED by a PHYSICIAN 
  • Only the Signature from an MD, DO or PA will be accepted. Signatures from Chiropractors and Nurse Practitioners are NOT accepted
  • NO PHOTOCOPIES will be accepted
  • Student's Physical & Physical Form Must be Completed After May 15th  

 

Athletic Clearance paperwork must be returned to Mr. Steve Cazares. Please submit your completed Athletic Clearance Forms, all 4 pages, plus the AthleticClearance.com Confirmation Page(s) for each sport you intend to participate in for the 2022/23 academic school year. 

 

If you have questions, please contact Mr. Cazares, Assistant Principal, at scazares@fjuhsd.org.

Click for the Calendar of Athletic Events

Parent Involvement

We like to pride ourselves on being a community school. One of the key components is our parents. We have our booster programs, ELAC, and PTSA. Please see the flyers below if you would like to get involved with any of our groups. 


Please plug into our community because we need you to ensure we stay a place of excellence in education. #beholdblueandgold

Connect with Us

Prospective Students to Sonora
Sonora Instagram
Sonora High School Website

Fullerton Joint Union High School News

Click for FJUHSD April Newsletter
Mental Health
FJUHSD Mental Health Resources
Care Solace
FJUHSD Virtual Calming Room
OC Links
Community News
This section is dedicated to general Orange County/La Habra information that may apply to our students and families.

Please click the picture below to for the Vendor Application.

Please click the picture below to register!

Click for La Habra Chamber of Commerce
Community Resources

Employment Opportunities

Please click the picture below for additional information on employment opportunities with FJUHSD.

Please click the picture below for additional information on how to obtain a work permit.

Important Dates

Please click here for FJUHSD Important Dates:

FJUHSD Important Dates


April 26, 2023: Late Start


May 3, 2023: Late Start


May 17, 2023: Late Start


May 29, 2023: No School


June 1, 2023: Graduation/Last Day of School


June 5, 2023: First Day of Summer School


August 14, 2023: First Day of School



Office Hours

Monday through Friday 7:00 am until 4:30 pm

Quotes of the Week