Wednesday, December 19, 2012

HW is collecting for Toys for Tots

The U.S. Marines will be at Hanford West High School Dec. 20 to collect for Toys for Tots. Students, staff and community members can bring new, unwrapped toys to the HW Career Center at any time before then to make a donation. Help spread that holiday Cheer to those that can not afford to.

Monday, December 17, 2012

School Safety

A Message from the Superintendent:

We are all deeply saddened by the tragic events at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut. As a parent and as an educator, my heart is heavy as I think of the innocent lives stolen and the valiant efforts of school staff and public safety professionals to protect the students entrusted to their care. Please join me in keeping the students and families of the Sandy Hook community in your thoughts as they begin their healing process.

Even as we all mourn for the victims in Connecticut, we know that you will also be thinking about the safety and security of our own students and schools.

I want to reassure you that student safety remains our highest priority. Our prevention and preparation procedures, regular training and drills, and our strong partnership with local law enforcement and with you, our families and community, are designed to help us identify and respond to any potential safety risks.
  • Hanford Police Officers serve as School Resource Officers at our schools, maintaining a presence at our campuses, investigating school related incidents, and being available to students and staff as needed. 
  • Administrative staff are vigilant about supervising students during the school day and all staff and students are trained and drill regularly about how to respond to all kinds of emergency situations, including situations involving an active shooter. 
  • HJUHSD has a strict expectation that all visitors on campus check in at the front office. Visitor badges are one way to identify who should, and shouldn’t, be on campus.
  • A Campus Safety Tip Line has been set up for each school. Students, parents, staff and community members are encouraged to report any safety concerns to school officials or law enforcement. Please note that these are not intended to be an emergency contact number, but rather a tip-reporting resource:
    • HWHS: 559.584.4347 / Text: 559.549.4947
    • HHS: 559.583.7877  / Text: 559.492.8477
    • SPHS: 559.583.5915 / Text: 559.460.7747
    • EFJ: 559.582.1515 / Text: 585-1515
As we learn more about exactly what happened in Connecticut, we will be discussing how we might improve our own safety procedures. Awareness will continue to be one of our best preventative tools. The simple observations and actions of alert individuals can and have prevented tragedies in many communities. If you are aware of any suspicious activity or potential threats, please report them to your school staff or to law enforcement immediately. 

There is no easy way to come to terms with a tragedy like this. Our teachers, counselors and school professionals are available to support the emotional needs of our students and families this week. The American Psychological Association and the National Association of School Psychologists recommend that parents encourage children to talk about their thoughts and feelings and to reassure them of their own safety. It is also recommended to limit children's exposure to media coverage of such tragedies. You can visit the sites above for more help and resources.

Sadly, there are no absolute safe havens in our world. But our dedicated and caring teachers and staff members strive every day to provide a safe environment where all students can learn and grow. We will continue to protect and nurture our students as we all move forward from this horrific tragedy.

Thank you for being a part of our school community and for your support of our students, staff and each other. 

William L. Fishbough
Superintendent


Our flags will fly at half-staff today and tomorrow in memory of the victims at Sandy Hook.
Our thoughts are with these families.

 Source: New York Times


Thursday, December 13, 2012

FINALS WEEK is Dec. 18-21

HJUHSD Semester Exams will be December 18 through 21.

Hanford High School, Hanford West High School, Sierra Pacific High School and Earl F. Johnson High School will all have modified bell schedules for the week, with early release on Dec 19, 20 and 21.

Schools will have normal start and end times on Monday and Tuesday. On Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, school will start at 7:45 a.m. and students will be released early - at 11:25 a.m. for Earl F. Johnson and at 12:15 p.m. for all other schools.

Please make sure students are well-rested, have a good breakfast, and are at school on time every day, especially during this last week of classes and assessments.

First Semester Final Exams Schedules:

HHS, HWHS, SPHS

EFJ




Tuesday, December 11, 2012

HHS Choral Concert is Dec 18

The Hanford High School Choral Music program will present it's Winter Concert on at 7 p.m. December 18 at the Stratton L. Tarvin Presentation Center. The holiday music concert will feature the Men's Choir, Women's Choir, Advanced Women's Ensemble, Chamber Singers and soloists. Admission is $5 at the door.


Friday, December 7, 2012

HHS, SPHS drama present "A Christmas Carol"

Hanford High School and Sierra Pacific High School drama students will present, A Christmas Carol at 7 p.m. Dec. 19, 20 and 21 at the Stratton L. Tarvin Presentation Center

This family friendly show is a delightfully refreshing version of Charles Dickens’ classic tale, from a new perspective: Combining a traditional retelling of A Christmas Carol as a play-within-a-play.

Revelations brought by visiting his past, present and future with three ghosts persuade Scrooge to turn his life around. In this beautifully written adaptation, you’ll find all of the classic Charles Dickens characters, including Scrooge, Jacob Marley, Scrooge’s sister Fan and even his long-lost Belle. The play ends uniquely with a heartwarming surprise.

Tickets are $5. Additional information is available by contacting Mrs. Payoyo at mpayoyo@hjuhsd.k12.ca.us

Thursday, December 6, 2012

Don't miss the HW Choir Winter Concert Friday

The Hanford West Choir will present a Winter Concert at 7 p.m. Dec. 7 at the Stratton L. Tarvin Presentation Center.

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

HHS presents "Sounds of the Season" Thursday

The Hanford High Jazz and Concert Band will present it's holiday concert, "Sounds of the Season 2012" at 7 p.m. Dec. 6 at the Stratton L. Tarvin Presentation Center. Admission is free, but donations are always welcome.

Monday, December 3, 2012

First Semester Final Exam Schedule

HJUHSD Semester Exams will be December 18 through 21. Hanford High School, Hanford West High School and Sierra Pacific High School will all have modified bell schedules for the week, with early release on Dec 19, 20 and 21.

Click here to download the full First Semester Final Exams Schedule 

Click here for Earl F. Johnson High School's Bell Schedule.



HW Jazz Concert TONIGHT!

The Hanford West High School Winter Jazz Showcase is TONIGHT at the Stratton L. Tarvin Presentation Center. The concert begins at 7 p.m. Admission is free, but donations are greatly appreciated. Hope to see you there!