A PLACE OF EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION

Thank You, Veterans

This is an exert of the speech that I gave in honor of our Veterans:


I stand here today and I remove my title as principal – today, I am simply a grateful American. And I stand on behalf of other grateful Americans who don’t have the honor of speaking to their heroes on Veterans Day. I represent grateful Americans who wish they could reach out and thank each of you personally.


Thank you. Two words. Eight letters. We say it all the time – sometimes we don’t even think about it when we say it: I like your shoes. “Thank you.” How are you? “Doing well, thank you.” Can I get that door for you? “Thank you.” Within seconds we have moved away from that moment and have forgotten what we said and to whom we said it.


So where is the power, the emotion in “thank you?” When do two words – eight letters – earn their stripes as words of gratitude? Words of appreciation? Words of thankfulness?


It happens when we put action behind the words. It happens when we look into someone’s eyes and speak from our hearts. It happens when we remember what we said and to whom we said it. It happens when we say it because we mean it and not because it’s an auto-response. It happens when we don’t plan for it and we aren’t prepared for it but we are stirred to say it. It happens when we let our hearts speak.


I remember my dad and his service to our great nation. I remember the times that he left for weeks on end to serve his country at his duty station all along the east coast. As a 45-year-old man, I can say, I still remember the feeling of loss, but also as a 45-year-old man, I can say how proud I am for him to serve our country. Every step that I take, every breath that I take, I am so thankful for people like my dad who have sacrificed so much for the freedoms that we enjoy today. Especially this week after we were able able to express our right to vote.


And so, the emotion is met with action. Gratitude collides with thankfulness and we move into a place of thanksgiving.


Since World War I, the United States of America’s Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard have fought in ten battles.


We open our arms and our hearts and welcome all who have fought in conflicts overseas home. Some did not come home alive, some did not all come home whole, and some are not home yet and for this we are thankful. The enormity of their sacrifice is beyond comparison. So how do we dare to believe two words, eight letters is enough? I must quote John 15:13, “There’s no greater love than a person who would lay down their life for one’s friends.”


John F. Kennedy said, “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.”


So, it isn’t enough to say it – we need to be it. Grateful. Thankful. Appreciative. The greatest prayer you can say is “Thank You.” Two words. Eight letters. But weighted with love, gratitude, humility, and understanding.


With each day that passes we move further away from these wars. The heroes pass, time pushes in new headlines, life gets in the way of the past, and we move through our own days and months, and years.


Ceremonies are important but our gratitude has to be more than once a year. We honor these men and women most by living well. Thank you, Veterans, for your service to our great nation. #sonorastrong

Raider Ranch

This past Tuesday our President Hannah Mendoza, Secretary Ryann Noble, and FFA member Raine Dutchen, along with our AG Advisor, Mrs. Varallo, had the amazing opportunity of attending the 2022 Annual OC Farm Bureau Steakfry at Tanaka Farms. We also had the honor of meeting and sitting beside the California Farm Bureau President Jaime Johansson who spoke about his hope and bright future for the Agriculture community. It was a great night for all! #beholdblueandgold

JROTC

Thursday, November 10th: Four of our cadets (including our S1 and S3!) performed a Color Guard at Heights Christian Elementary/Jr. High School. Our S1 led the presentation of colors and flag folding in honor of the veterans who served and who are currently serving our country. #sonorastrong

Conference of the Birds

Our Theater program presented the production of The Conference of the Birds. It is always amazing to see how gifted and talented our students are in so many ways. Thank you to all who came to watch and support our students and the arts…Bravo!

Nick Papageorge

It is with a heavy heart that I share that we have lost a long-time Raider student, teacher, choir teacher, band director, and softball coach, Nick Papageorge. While at Occidental College, Nick began his life-long hobby of barbershop quartet singing. He sang lead and his quartet (all members of the Occidental Glee Clubs) joined the Barbershop Society in 1973 with the South Bay Chapter and began competing in District and International Contests. THE OCCIDENTALS won the district quartet contest in 1977 with Russ Walker, tenor; Nick, lead; Peter Beers, baritone and Kevin Smith, bass. They achieved an International Finalist ranking and traveled throughout the United States in their 10 years together. Nick directed Fullerton, South Bay (two tours) Whittier (two tours), and Brea. Nick received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Choral Conducting from Occidental College and continued his choral conducting education at California State University, Fullerton. He was fortunate to have studied with world-renowned choral conductor Dr. Howard Swan at both Occidental and Cal State Fullerton. Nick also received a Master of Science Degree in Online Teaching and Learning from Cal State Hayward. He taught Vocal Music and Theater Arts at Sonora High School, his alma mater, in La Habra from 1975 until 2010. At Sonora, he conducted a Madrigal Choir, Jazz Choir, and Concert Choir. He taught all of the Theater Arts classes and produced and directed all of the school’s plays and musicals. In 2000 he was Teacher of the Year and he has brought barbershop harmony into his students’ lives. In 2006 Nick was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Music Educators National Conference. To round out his workday, he also coached Varsity Football and Varsity Girl’s Softball.


A true Raider who will be missed by all who knew him. Thank you for the gift of education that you gave freely through your years of service.

Sonora's AVID

Our AVID 2 class field trip! Our students went to CSUF and the University of La Verne! #sonoragoestocollege #beholdblueandgold #avid

Three Premier Programs

Sonora is home to three premier performance groups. We have cheer, Dance/Drill, and Dance Performance. All three of these programs are award-winning and allow our students to show off their performance talents in any of the three areas. We are so privileged to have one of our Raider alumni, Jen Galvan to coach all three programs. We are in the process of adding a fourth stellar group by popular demand...Hip-Hop anyone? Stay tuned for more information. #beholdblueandgold

Prospective Students

It is the time of year that we open our doors to our prospective students.  Please share this information with any students who would like to make Sonora High School their new academic home. #beholdblueandgold

Click Here for Our Prospective Raider Website

Thank-You Sonora Raiders

Thank you family for your support of the Sonora Raider Football program this season. Thank you to everyone; band, cheer, drill, JROTC, announcer, scorekeeper, mayor, security, and last, but certainly not least our parents for making this season remarkable. We came together to make this a meaningful football season. My heart is full of gratitude. #ourway #sonorastrong #beholdblueandgold


Raider Activities

Academic Supports

Sonora High School offers a plethora of academic support for our students. Students, please take advantage of some of the supports below. Please click the picture below for the sign-in sheet if you would like to keep track of your attendance. Please click the Aeries picture below to log into Aeries to check your latest grades/attendance. #beholdblueandgold

Raider Athletics

 Congratulations to Julia Kearney on her signing with Division 1 Norfolk (Naw-faulk) State for softball. She is a phenomenal student, softball, and basketball player. We are so proud of you, Julia!! #beholdblueandgold

Thank you, Presley and Emiliano for wrestling this week at the All-Star Match at Yorba Linda High School. Presley pinned her opponent in three rounds. Great job!! #sonorastrong

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 November Newsletter

Counseling Corner

Attention Seniors! 

College can be expensive. Whether you are thinking of applying to a 4-year college, attending a community college, or a Trade school, all Seniors are encouraged to apply for Financial Aid.  The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the California Dream Act Application (CADAA), is now open. 


Not sure which application is for you? 

What is the difference between the FAFSA and the CADAA? Students should only complete one of the applications (not both), according to the citizenship requirements below: 


CADAA Eligibility FAQs: (Click below)

Dream Act Frequently Asked Questions



FAFSA Eligibility FAQs 

FAFSA Frequently Asked Questions




Financial Aid Fridays

In an effort to assist our community with completing their FAFSA or CADAA, Counselors and Guidance Technicians will be available to offer one-on-one support.  Students and parents are invited to join us in our College and Career Center each Friday from 3:30 PM - 4:00 PM, until March 3, 2023.  


Please see the flyer below:

Attendance

The Assistant Principal of Student Services, Jina Jackson, is available for consultation regarding attendance concerns and issues.

Attendance Clear an Absence Form
Google Attendance Form
2022-2023 School Year
Mental Health
FJUHSD Mental Health Resources
Care Solace
Calm
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.
Click for La Habra Chamber of Commerce
Community Resources

Work Permit

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



November 16, 2022: Late Start


November 21-25, 2022: No School

(Thanksgiving Break)


December 7, 2022: Late Start


December 14, 2022: Late Start


December 23, 2022: No School (Records Day)



December 21, 2022-January 6, 2023: No School (Winter Holiday Break)




Office Hours

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

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