Winter Break

HJUHSD schools will be on Winter Break

December 19 through January 6. 

Classes resume January 9.

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HHS Choral presents "Sounds of the Season"

The Hanford High School Choral Music Program will present Sounds of the Season at 7 p.m. December 13 at St. Brigid Church in Hanford.

The evening of holiday music will feature the Women's Chorus, Men's Chorus, Advanced Women's Ensemble, Chamber Singers and soloists. Admission is $5.

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SPHS Book Fair ends Friday!

Come to the Sierra Pacific High School Book Fair
7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. November 14-18 at the SP Library.

You can also shop the SP Book Fair online: http://scholastic.com/bf/Sierrapacifichighschool

Get a head start on your Christmas shopping or add to your family library, while supporting the Sierra Pacific library, which earns books for its owns shelves through Book Fair sales.

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Measure W: Students win!

I would like to thank our parents, students, staff and community members for your support of Measure W - a school bond that will raise $33 million in bonds for construction, modernization and renovation at our local high schools.

With input from parents and other community members, the District is working on plans to repair and upgrade our existing facilities and add much needed new learning facilities.

The academic success of all students is always our bottom line and we are grateful for the trust and support of our community as we work together to reach that goal.

Thank you again for your support!

William Fishbough
Superintendent

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Measure W Facilities Survey Results: Thank you!

In October, we asked parents, staff and community members to rank their highest priorities for school facility improvements.

 I would like to thank everyone who took the time to share your opinions about improving the condition of our high school facilities through Measure W. The results of the survey are below. 

Our highest priority is to ensure the academic success of our students, and community input is essential as we plan for the next phase of school facility improvements.

Thank you again for your input,

William Fishbough
Superintendent

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SP hosts Financial Aid Workshop Nov. 7

FAFSA & Dream Act Workshop

Cash for College Workshop

630 - 830 p.m. November 7

Sierra Pacific Career Center 

For more information, 

please contact the school Career Center.

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Safety update

UPDATE: 3:30 p.m. Oct 20, 2016

The Hanford Police Department announced earlier today that they have made a second arrest in connection with local "creepy clown" social media posts that have implied potential violence at or around local schools. I would like to assure our parents and students that, while we do not believe these posts present a credible threat to student safety, we take them very seriously and we will continue to work with local law enforcement and to be vigilant in our protection of students.

As I stated yesterday, making terrorist threats against any school or student is punishable by expulsion and prosecution, even if those threats are "anonymous" or a social media "prank". As has been demonstrated by these arrests, online posts are not as "anonymous" as some people think and I would like to thank the Hanford Police Department, including our School Resource Officers, for their quick actions in this case.

I would also like to thank all of the students, parents and other community members who have been quick to report to police any threats that could indicate a danger to our schools or community. And a special thanks, as well, to all of our teachers and school staff for their professionalism and dedication to the safety and well being of our students during this time and always.

William Fishbough
Superintendent
Hanford Joint Union High School District

###

UPDATE:  2:45 p.m. Oct. 18, 2016

The Hanford Police Department issued a statement this afternoon that they have arrested a juvenile for the "creepy clown" social media threat against local schools.

Thank you to our students, staff, parents, community members and partners in law enforcement who work every day to ensure students are safe at our schools and in our communities.

William Fishbough
Superintendent
Hanford Joint Union High School District


###

The Hanford Police Department and Hanford schools were made aware of a "creepy clown" threat to local schools posted on social media last night. We do not believe this to be a credible threat to student safety, but we take all threats seriously and we are working with the Hanford Police Department to investigate and address the issue and ensure the safety of all students and staff, including increased law enforcement presence on our campuses this week as a precautionary measure. Classes and activities will continue as normal.

"Clown threats" have popped up all over the country this month as people have been dressing up as clowns in public places in apparent attempts to scare people. Police have found most of these incidents to be "just pranks" but, again, we will continue to take every reasonable precaution to ensure student safety.

While we are hopeful that these local "creepy clown" posts were not created by HJUHSD students, we also want to remind students and families that making social media posts that threaten any school or student is considered a terrorist threat, which is punishable by law and could result in expulsion.

Thank you, as always, for your continued support of our students and schools.

William Fishbough
Superintendent
Hanford Joint Union High School District

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HHS Election Night Turkey Dinner Tickets on sale now

The Hanford High School Band Boosters will host a Drive-Through Turkey Dinner at 4 p.m. November 8 at Douty Street Parking Lot behind the HHS Cafeteria.

Dinners are $12 each and include Raven's Shredded Turkey, Mashed Potatoes, Stuffing, Green Beans with bacon, Cranberry Sauce, and Dinner Roll.

Tickets are available from HH Band Boosters or by contacting HHS Band teacher Janet Levine at jlevine@hjuhsd.org All proceeds go to the HHS Band and Color Guard.

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Hanford Band Showcase Nov. 1

The 5th Annual Hanford Band Showcase will begin at 6 p.m. November 1 at the Jacob L. Neighbor Bowl.

The Hanford High, Hanford West and Sierra Pacific Bands will perform their 2016 field shows and  Senior band members will be recognized.

The National Anthem will be performed by the HESD All-Star Band, Parkview Middle School Band and Kings River-Hardwick Drum Line and there will be a special performance by the Pioneer Middle School Panther Pride Band and Guard.

Donations will accepted at the door. Snacks and drinks will be available for purchase.

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HHS Choral Concert October 18

The Hanford High School Choral Music Department will present a Fall Choral Concert at 7 p.m. October 18 at St. Brigid's Church in Hanford. The performance will feature the Women's Chorus, Men's Chorus, Advanced Women's Ensemble, Chamber Singers and soloists. Admission is $5 and children 5 and under are free.

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HW FAFSA Workshop Tomorrow

FAFSA Workshop

Tuesday, October 11, 2016 

6p - 8p 

Hanford West Career Center

Need Help filling out your FAFSA? 

Not sure what to report? 

College of the Sequoias will be holding a 

cash for college workshop 

in the 

Hanford West Career Center. 

 Bring in your tax forms and your parents 

(and your parents tax forms and SS#’s) 

and have COS help you coplete and submit 

your FAFSA. 

 See Mr. Amavisca in the Career Center for 

more Information or e-mail: 

ramavisca@hjuhsd.k12.ca.us

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Measure W: HJUHSD Facility Survey

The Hanford Joint Union High School District has placed Measure W on the November ballot to raise $33 million for school facility additions and improvements.

 HJUHSD wants to hear from PARENTS and STAFF about what YOUR priorities are for modernization and construction projects at HJUHSD schools. The purpose of modernization is to provide sustainable and safe learning environments and substantially reduce long-term facilities maintenance and operational costs.

 This survey is designed to gather your thoughts about what is most important to YOU when it comes to upgrading high school facilities. Results will be compiled, averaged and published (without identifying contact information).

 Please complete the survey by October 11.

 Safe, quality school facilities are essential to quality teaching and learning. The state of HJUHSD classrooms, labs, cafeterias and school facilities impacts more than our students. Good schools also protect property values and the quality of life we enjoy in our community. Thank you for your input!

Take the Survey Now

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College Night 2016 is September 15

College Night 2016

630p-830p

Sierra Pacific High School Event Center

1259 13th Ave. Hanford, Ca. 93230

Free Admission

75 Colleges and Universities | Military Reps

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Health Update: About the Zika Virus

What is Zika?

The Zika virus is an infectious disease transmitted to people by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes (yellow fever mosquitoes) and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes (Asian tiger mosquitoes).

How do people get Zika? 

• Through the bite of infected mosquitoes: A mosquito can only transmit Zika virus after it bites a person who has the virus. Then the mosquito transmits the virus to another person. Through sexual contact with an infected person. 
• Through pregnancy/birth from a pregnant woman to her fetus/baby. Zika virus infection in pregnant women can cause microcephaly (abnormally small head and brain), other serious brain abnormalities in newborns, and stillbirth. This occurs after a pregnant woman infected with Zika virus passes the virus to her developing fetus. 
• Zika is NOT transmitted directly from one person to another through casual contact such as touching an infected person.

Where does Zika Occur? 

The yellow fever and Asian tiger mosquitoes are not native to California. Zika occurs in many tropical and sub-tropical areas of the world, particularly in Africa, Southeast Asia, and islands in the Pacific Ocean. Recent outbreaks have occurred in the Caribbean, Central and South America, and Mexico. However, in August 2016, local transmission was confirmed in Miami-Dade County, Florida.

What are the symptoms and treatment of Zika?

Most people infected with Zika virus have no symptoms.
If symptoms develop, the most common are fever, rash, joint pain, and/or red eyes.
Symptoms begin a few days to a week after being bitten by an infected mosquito or having unprotected sex with an infected partner.
The illness is usually mild with symptoms lasting for several days to a week.
Currently, there is no specific treatment for Zika. Discuss with your physician about medications to help reduce these symptoms; plenty of rest and fluid intake are also helpful. Most people will feel better in about a week.

What can people do to keep from getting Zika? 

• There is no vaccine to prevent Zika. In areas where Zika is present, everyone, including pregnant women and women of childbearing age, should protect themselves from mosquito bites: 
• Apply EPA-registered mosquito repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or para-menthane-diol to exposed skin and clothing. 
• Using insect repellent is safe and effective. Children, pregnant women and women who are breastfeeding can and should choose an EPA-registered insect repellent and use it according to the product label. 
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants. Wear lightweight, loose fitting clothing during the warmer months.
• Use air conditioning or window/door screens or mosquito net to keep mosquitoes outside. 
• Because of the potential transmission of Zika virus through sex, the risk for sexual transmission of Zika virus can be eliminated by abstinence and reduced by correct and consistent use of condoms. Both asymptomatic and symptomatic men and women who have traveled to an area of active Zika virus transmission and have a pregnant partner should abstain from sexual activity or use condoms consistently and correctly during sex for the duration of the pregnancy. 
• Conduct routine mosquito control
• Treat standing water that will not be used for drinking or swimming with larvicides. 
• Use outdoor and indoor insecticides according to label instructions to kill mosquitoes. Repair screens on windows and doors. 
• Check your yard often for water-filled containers. Clean, empty, or cover those containers that hold water where mosquitoes could lay eggs. 
• If you are sick with fever, rash, red eyes, or joint pain within 2 weeks after returning from a trip where Zika occurs, contact your physician. 
• Contact your local vector control agency or health department if you detect unusual numbers of mosquitoes or you are being bitten during the day. 

 References: 

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): http://www.cdc.gov/zika 

Calif. Dept. of Public Health: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/HealthInfo/discond/Pages/Zika.aspx

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Health News: Back to School 2016

Nurse's Note

WELCOME BACK to 2016-17 school year! I hope you all had a relaxing summer and enjoyed spending time with your families and friends.
I’m privileged to serve you and your students. It is my goal to provide health services and to educate your students with health and wellness information. Healthy children can learn better in a safe and nurturing environment. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any concerns regarding your child’s health. Please provide me with information and documentation, so that I can easily relay information and education to their teachers. I am here to assist your students with any health concerns and to provide a proper health care plan for your child’s health condition. Please utilize me as a resource if you have any questions on where or how your child can receive health care services.

 If you have a concern regarding to your child’s hearing or vision, please contact me as I am able to perform a quick hearing or vision screening. I can refer your student to obtain further evaluation. Please know that any information and documentation you provide or any contact I have with your student is confidential. I wish you and your students a healthy school year. Please contact me with any further questions or concerns.

Somjai Cochran, RN/HJUHSD District Nurse
559-583-5902 ext. 4038 Fax: 559-583-5946
Email: scochran@hjuhsd.org

Medication At School

All student medication-prescription and non- prescription will require a doctor’s note. Most medications will be stored in the nursing office. With the parent’s permission and with clear doctor’s instruction, students may be given medication by a school employee:

• A new school medication in school form is required each school year. You can pick up the form at the nurse office. 
• If your child needs to have medication kept at school, please have your child’s physician fill out the Medication in School Form. 
• Please bring the doctor’s written order and properly labeled medication to your child’s school site. 
•  Medication must be delivered to the school in its original container/label. Prescription labels must include the student’s name, doctor’s name, correct medication and dosage, and clear instructions. 
• Please let the Health Office Staff know if your child has any health concerns. We love and care about our students and would like to have a plan of care in place for your child.

Please remember students can only be allowed to self-carry and self-administer emergency medications (inhaler, glucagon, EpiPen), if the school is provided with Medication in School Form. Failure to properly follow directions or endanger self or others will result in a loss of this privilege.

Freshman Immunizations

Required

• Polio: 4 doses (3 doses is ok, if last one was given on or after the 4th birthday) 
• Dtap: 5 doses (4 doses meet requirement, if last one was given on or after the 4th birthday)
• MMR: 2 doses
• Hepatitis B: 3 doses
• Varicella: 1 dose
• Tdap Booster: 1 dose

Recommended

• Meningococcal (MCV 4)
• It is a serious illness caused by bacteria that can infect the blood or areas around the brain and spinal cord. Infection can lead to brain damage, disability, and rapid death.
• It is the most common form of meningococcal disease. Common symptoms of meningitis include stiff neck, headache, and high fever 
• Meningococcal Vaccines can help prevent meningococcal disease
• College freshman in dorms are at higher risk of catching meningococcal disease
• Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)
• Is the most common sexually transmitted infection 
• HPV is so common that nearly all sexually active men and women get it at some point in their lives.
• HPV can be passed even when an infected person has no signs or symptoms You also can develop symptoms years after you are infected 
• HPV can cause cervical and other cancers, such as oropharyngeal cancer, cancer of genital areas, etc. 
• There are vaccines that can stop these health problems from happening

Check with your health care provider about which MCV4 vaccines and HPV vaccines your child needs.

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HJUHSD named one of the Healthiest Company's in America

The Hanford Joint Union High School District is proud to announce that it has been named one of the Healthiest Companies in America by Interactive Health, a national leader known for its personalized wellness solutions.

HJUHSD is one of 154 companies across the country being recognized for helping employees make significant and sometimes life-saving changes to improve their health.

With the help of strategic and flexible wellness initiatives, the Healthiest Companies in America recipients have accomplished tremendous success, achieving participation rates in excess of 70 percent and a low-risk health score for their total population, based on rigorous and clinically sound health evaluations.

Interactive Health’s workplace wellness programs transform companies and their employees by helping people understand how they can improve their health. Beginning with a thorough health evaluation to identify risk, individuals learn more about their health status through: rapid outreach by health coaches, connection to personal physicians and other resources, and a personalized course of action. In addition, members who engage with the Interactive Health member website during their program have a 12-percent higher rate of achievement of personal health goals than those who do not take advantage of the online tools.

“It can be done. The Healthiest Companies in America award recipients prove that employers can both engage their employees and improve their health outcomes,” said Cathy Kenworthy, President and CEO of Interactive Health. “With holistic, engaging and personalized workplace wellness programs that encourage and achieve great participation, employees lead healthier and more productive lives. Interactive Health programs are tailored to address both the emotional and physical needs of each person, which has proven to be the most effective approach in empowering individuals to improve their health. We are so proud to applaud the success of each and every organization receiving this award.”

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HJUHSD Google Apps Training on demand for staff and students

​

HJUHSD is now offering Google Apps Training and Help for all staff and students.

The next time you login to your HJUHSD Google Apps account in your Chrome Browser, you will see the Google Apps Help icon at the top right of your screen.

The Google Apps Training and Help app is like a virtual tutor, providing on-demand help and guiding you through specific tasks and features right inside your HJUHSD Google Apps.

Whenever you are in an HJUHSD Google App (Mail, Calendar, Drive, Sites, Classroom, Hangouts, etc.), you can click the new Google Apps Help icon at the top right of your window and choose from a variety of context-aware, interactive, step-by-step, audio/video tutorials that open and run right inside your Google App.

You can also search for specific on-demand tutorials, set a self-paced lesson plan and even quickly and easily share lessons with other HJUHSD staff or students.

​

The first time you use the Google Apps Help and Training App, it may ask for permission to access your HJUHSD Google Apps account information. 

​Just click accept and you will be ready to start learning!

Try it out today! 

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Online Safety Resources

Students of all ages are using the internet at school, at home and on the go every day, opening up a whole new world of resources and benefits. But, just like exploring the "IRL" world, exploring cyberspace can expose kids to dangers, too.

HJUHSD is dedicated to helping all students become educated and productive members of the 21st century and provides students with access to filtered online resources to enhance teaching and learning. We encourage parents and families to explore the Online Child Safety Resources below and to discuss safety, prevention and responsible digital citizenship early and often.

• CommonSenseMedia
• Netsmartz
• National Center for Missing and Exploited Children 
• Cyberbully
• StopBullying.gov
• Wired Safety

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Back to School Photo Challenge

Only 5 more days 'till school starts!

What does your "Back to School" look like?

Posed portraits for Mom? First Day fashion? Silly selfies with your BFF? Artsy Instagrams of your backpack? Snapchats of your lunch? We don't want to miss any "Back to School" posts from our HJUHSD students, families and staff!

Share your Back to School photos on our school Facebook pages or post them to Twitter or Instagram with the hashtag #HanfordBacktoSchool or email your photos to webmaster@hjuhsd.org with the subject "Back To School 2016" and the name of your school to boost the signal on HJUHSD's awesome students, families and staff!

Our teachers and staff members are working hard to get ready for YOUR first day of school!
We hope your first day - and every day of the 2016-2017 school year - is great!

CONNECT WITH HJUHSD!

Sierra Pacific High School

Facebook

Twitter: @sierrapacifichs

Hanford West High School

Facebook

Twitter: @HanfordWestHigh

Hanford High School

Facebook

Twitter: @HanfordHS

Earl F. Johnson High School

Facebook

Twitter: @EFJhighschool

Hanford Adult School

Facebook

Twitter @ HanfordAdultSch

Hanford Joint Union High School District

Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

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2016 Walk-through Registrations begin August 1

HJUHSD students can pick up class schedules, check out textbooks, purchase ASB Cards and PE clothes, pre-order yearbooks and take their school photos at their school's Walk-Through Registration.

All students should receive a registration packet in the mail along with the Student/Parent Handbook. If you have not received your packet by July 30, please call your school office. Parents and students should review the Registration Packet together and fill out all required forms before their Walk-Through. All registration forms must be turned in before students can pick up class schedules. For students/parents who cannot attend Walk-Through, parents/guardians may designate in writing an adult to attend on their behalf. (See registration forms for more information.)

Students who do not pick up their class schedules at Walk-Through will NOT be able to get their schedules until the first day of school.

HANFORD WEST HIGH SCHOOL

Walk-Through Registration 
HW Cafeteria
Grade 12 Walk Through: 12:30 p.m. - 3 p.m. August 1
Grade 11 Walk Through: 12:30 p.m. - 3 p.m. August 2
Grade 10 Walk Through: 8:30 a.m. - 11 a.m. August 2
Grade 9 Walk Through: 8 a.m - 11 a.m. August 1

Grade 9 Orientation: Link Crew
August 3
8 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
HW's annual link crew orientation for freshmen starts with a short rally and ice-breaking activities. Freshman will then be introduced to their Link Crew leaders who will lead each group of 15 to 20 9th graders through a series of team building lessons. The event will be capped off with a BBQ ending at 12:30 p.m., provided by the HW ASB. The goal of this event is give incoming students a sense of belonging and help provide a positive transition to high school. The relationships created by this event will be fostered and maintained with activities planned by Link Crew leaders throughout the school year.

SIERRA PACIFIC HIGH SCHOOL

Walk-Through Registration 
August 3
200 Building North
Grade 12: 12:30p-1:30p
Grade 11: 1:30p-2:30p
Grade 10: 2:30p-3:30p
Break: 3:30p-4p (doors closed, no admission)
Grade 9: 4p-6p

Grade 9 Orientation
August 2
8 a.m - 12:30 p.m.
SPHS Gym
Student-only event: School tour - BBQ lunch - Games - Essential Info for High School

HANFORD HIGH SCHOOL

Walk-Through Registration 

Grade 9 (by last name): August 3
A-G: 8 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
H-N: 9:30 a.m. - 11 a.m.
O-Z: 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Grades 10 - 12 (by last name): August 4
H-L: 8 a.m. - 9 a.m.
A-C: 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.
R-T: 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
U-Z:  11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
M-Q: 1 p.m. - 2 p.m.
D-G: 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.

Grade 9 Orientation (Link Crew)
August 2
8 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Hanford High Main Gym 
HH Link Crew is designed to welcome freshmen and make them feel comfortable throughout the first year of their high school experience. The Link Crew Orientation supports students by assigning them a junior or senior Link Leader during this first year. Link Leaders are hand-selected responsible older students who have met the qualifications to be good role models and positive campus leaders. This is a student only function and we encourage you to let your child attend on his/her own.

Subscribe to the HJUHSD School Calendars 

to keep up with all the events and activities at your school!

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HJUHSD draft LCAP plan available for review

HJUHSD will hold a public hearing about the district's 2016 draft Local Control and Accountability Plan at 6 p.m. June 14 at the HJUHSD District Office Board Room at 823 W. Lacey Blvd. Hanford.

LCAP 2016 DRAFT

The LCAP is a critical part of California's Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF). Each school district engages parents, educators, employees and the community to establish these plans. The plans describe the school district’s overall vision for students, annual goals and specific actions the district will take to achieve the vision and goals. The LCAPs must focus on eight areas identified as state priorities. The plans also demonstrate how the district’s budget will help achieve the goals, and assess each year how well the strategies in the plan were able to improve outcomes.

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Health News: June 2016

Somjai Cochran, RN, BSN, PHN
HJUHSD School Nurse
559.583.5902, ext. 4038

 

Summer is Approaching

That means flip-flops, bathing suits and sun exposure. Your skin is exposed to the sun when you spend time outside such as walking to the school, swimming, or outdoor camping. The sun has ultraviolet (UV) rays that can harm your skin. Sun exposure during your teen years can lead to greater risk for serious complications as an adult, such as eye problems, skin damage, skin cancer, etc. Please remember to pay attention to your personal hygiene. You sweat more during the summer and may have more body odors. Good personal hygiene is one of the most important aspects of maintaining good health.

Avoid Sun Exposure

• Wear a broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF of 15 or higher every day. 
• Use water resistant sunscreen when exposed to water (water reduces sunscreen protection)
• Limit sun exposure during certain times of the day (The most UV rays is b/w 10 am - 2 pm)
• Wear protective coverings such as hat, long sleeve cotton shirt, sunglasses, etc.
• Seek shade 

Take Care of Your Skin

• Do not apply sunscreen on babies 6 months old or younger. Keeping babies covered and in shade is best
• Check your skin head-to-toe each month, paying careful attention to any suspicious growths. 
• Seek medical evaluation if you have abnormal skin appearance.
• Consider the risks of using a tanning bed. The light in a tanning bed can be more intense and harmful than the sun. Some states have laws that do not allow children under the age of 18 to use a tanning bed.

Hygiene for Teens

• Brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day
• Wash your body daily - carefully dry five body zones (feet, face, hands, armpits and bottom) and use deodorant
• Wash your face at least twice a day and wash your hair regularly – oily face and hair can clog up your facial pores and cause pimples
• Remember to scrub under your fingernails.
• Wash the area between your legs
• Wear clean clothes, socks, and underpants.
• Put on shoes that have aired out overnight (or longer).
• If you are thinking about removing body hair, make that choice carefully. Before shaving, waxing or plucking, discuss with your parents.
• Don’t share personal items (toothbrush, hairbrush, washcloth, towel, cup and razor) with other people.

Teen Hygiene Tips for Parents

• Set an example: Leading by a good example is often the best teacher. Your child watches how you treat your own skin, hair, nails, lips and teeth. 
• Make good hygiene a responsibility: Start teaching them a routine and responsibility of body care at an early age will carry into the teen years and adulthood. 
• Get some professional backup: If you're having trouble getting through to your teen about a particular hygiene issue, make the pediatrician an ally. 
• Supply nice-smelling soap, shampoo, etc. to encourage cleanliness and make bath time something to look forward to.

Medication at school

• Be sure to pick up all remaining medication in the nurse’s office on the last day of school. Leftover medication cannot be maintained over the summer and will be disposed.
• If your child needs to have medication kept at school, please have your child’s physician fill out the Medication in School Form. A new school medication form is required each school year. You can pick up the form at the nurse office or download it from the district’s website. Before school starts in August, please bring the updated medication order and properly labeled medication to your child’s school site or to walk- thru registration.
• Please let the Health Office Staff know if your child has any health concerns. We love and care about our students and would like to have a plan of care in place for your child. 

Please remember students can only be allowed to self-carry and self-administer emergency medications (such as inhaler, glucagon, EpiPen, solu-cortef), if the school is provided with Medication in School Form. Failure to properly follow directions or endanger self or others will result in a loss of this privilege.

Immunizations

Required Freshman Immunizations

• Polio: 4 doses (3 doses is ok, if last one was given on or after the 4 th birthday)
• Dtap: 5 doses (4 doses meet requirement, if last one was given on or after the 4 th birthday)
• MMR: 2 doses
• Hepatitis B: 3 doses
• Varicella: 1 dose
• Tdap Booster: 1 dose

Recommended Immunizations for Teens

Meningococcal (MCV 4)

• It is a serious illness caused by bacteria that can infect the blood or areas around the brain and spinal cord. Infection can lead to brain damage, disability, and rapid death
• It is the most common form of meningococcal disease. Common symptoms of meningitis include stiff neck, headache, and high fever
• Meningococcal Vaccines can help prevent meningococcal disease
• College freshman in dorms are at higher risk of catching meningococcal disease

Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)

• HPV the most common sexually transmitted infection. HPV is so common that nearly all sexually active men and women get it at some point in their lives
• HPV can be passed even when an infected person has no signs or symptoms. You also can develop symptoms years after you are infected
• HPV can cause cervical and other cancers, such as oropharyngeal cancer, cancer of genital areas, etc.
• There are vaccines that can stop these health problems from happening 

Check with your health care provider about which MCV4 vaccines and HPV vaccines your child needs

College Immunization Checklist

Some of these are recommended and others are required for enrollment. Check with your child’s college:

• MMR - 2 doses
• Tdap - 1 dose
• Varicella – 2 doses
• Hepatitis B - 3 doses
• HPV (recommended) – 3 doses
• MCV4 (recommended) – check with your child’s doctor

HAVE A FUN AND SAFE SUMMER!

HJUHSD HOME

Class of 2016 Graduations

HJUHSD Graduation Ceremonies will be the first week of June:

SIERRA PACIFIC HIGH SCHOOL
Wednesday, June 1
8 p.m.
Jacob L. Neighbor Bowl
Gates open at 6:30 p.m.
Senior Newsletter

HANFORD WEST HIGH SCHOOL
Thursday, June 2
8 p.m.
Gates open at 6:15 p.m.
Jacob L. Neighbor Bowl
Senior Newsletter

HANFORD HIGH SCHOOL
Friday, June 3, 2016
8 p.m.
Jacob L. Neighbor Bowl
Senior Newsletter

HANFORD ADULT SCHOOL
Wednesday, June 1
6 p.m.
Stratton L. Tarvin Presentation Center

EARL F. JOHNSON HIGH SCHOOL
Thursday, June 2
6 p.m.
Stratton L. Tarvin Presentation Center

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Minimum Day Friday

All HJUHSD Schools will be on a minimum day schedule Friday, May 20, to allow HJUHSD staff members to attend Memorial Services for a long-time District employee who passed away unexpectedly this week.

Classes will be dismissed at 12:15 p.m. on Friday. Transportation schedules will be the same as Final Exam Week, with buses loading immediately after class dismissal. After school activities will continue as scheduled.

If you have any questions, please contact your school office.

We apologize for any inconvenience and thank you for your understanding.

William L. Fishbough
Superintendent

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Bobby Peters named ACSA Admin of the Year

Congratulations to HJUHSD Coordinator of Curriculum Instruction & Assessment Bobby Peters, who was named Administrator of the Year for Curriculum and Instruction by the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) Region XI at the association's annual End-of-Year Awards Luncheon this week in Bakersfield this week. 

(Left to Right: ACSA Executive Director Dave Tonini, Bobby Peters,
ACSA Region XI President Val Brown, ACSA State President Ralph Porras)

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Current Job Openings

Please visit www.hjuhsd.org (Human Resources) for the latest job openings in the Hanford Joint Union High School District.

HHS presents "Pitch Perfect 2 & More"

The Hanford High Choral & American Sign Language programs present: Pitch Perfect 2 & More at 7 p.m. May 12 and May 13 at the Stratton L. Tarvin Presentation Center.

The concerts will feature all HHS Choirs, ASL students, and soloists performing selections from the hit movie and more! Tickets are $8. Additional information is available by contacting jmcgill@hjuhsd.org.

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HJUHSD bond refinance saves taxpayers millions

Hanford Joint Union High School District has refinanced a portion of its outstanding general obligation bonds, which will save the District’s property owners more than $3.5 million in taxes.

The 2016 Refunding Bonds were approved by the Board of Trustees March 8 to refinance two prior bonds. The bonds were originally authorized by District voters in 2004 to construct, acquire and equip school facilities as well as construct Sierra Pacific High School.

“By refinancing these bonds, we were able to lower tax rates for our District residents," Superintendent William Fishbough said. "This is in addition to the taxpayer savings from our 2014 bond refunding.”

The interest rates on 2004 bonds ranged between 4 and 5 percent. The interest rates for the $23.495 million of refunding bonds, which sold on March 23, are between 0.40 and 3.24 percent. The difference in rates will save property owners $3,569,767.

“Interest rates are near all-time lows; we could not pass up the opportunity to lower bond payments even further," HJUHSD Board President John Webster said.

Instrumental to this savings was a strong A+ credit rating by Standard & Poor’s Rating Services (“S&P”). S&P cited as credit strengths, increasing property values in the District and very strong general fund balances. S&P also mentioned in their report that the District has established good management practices, with sound financial policies and well-grounded revenue and expenditure assumptions.

“District staff, faculty and the Board all work together to make sure our District is well-run. The strong credit rating helps us further lower our borrowing costs for this and future financings,” HJUHSD Assistant Superintendent Cheryl Silva said.

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Volunteer Leaders needed for 2016 ethics workshops!

The Hanford Joint Union High School District is seeking local business leaders and other community volunteers to serve as Table Leaders for the annual HJUHSD Senior Ethics Workshops. More than 60 volunteers are needed for each day to help guide small groups of students through discussions of real-world values, ethics and decision-making.

April 19, 2016 - Hanford West

April 20, 2016 - Sierra Pacific and Earl F Johnson 

April 21, 2016 - Hanford High 

8 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. (Lunch Provided) 

Koinonia Hall 12536 Hanford-Armona Road Hanford, CA 93230

Optional Table Leader Orientation Sessions

 7:30am or 5:30pm 

Wednesday, April 13, 2016 

 Come in and get a feel of what the day will entail.

To volunteer or if you have any questions, please contact: 

 Ruben Amavisca - Hanford West 

 Cindi Homburg - Hanford High 

 Brittney Watters - Sierra Pacific 

 Irma Montano - Earl F. Johnson

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Limited space still available for Linked Learning Pathways at HHS, HWHS and SPHS

There are still limited spots available in all three HJUHSD Linked Learning Pathways! 

Pathways are open to all incoming 9th graders and eligible 10th graders. If you are interested in participating in an HJUHSD Linked Learning Pathway, act quickly: Once each Pathway is at capacity, enrollment will be closed. Apply today! For more information, please contact Bobby Peters at bpeters@hjuhsd.org.

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COS Placement Testing

Seniors! College of the Sequoias will offer High School Placement Testing from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. March 28 and from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. April 5 at the COS Hanford Center. Contact COS at 559.583.2500 or  hanford@cos.edu for details.

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Health Update, Spring 2016

HJUHSD Health Insider
Spring, 2016

Tips for a Healthy Lifestyle

Take time for physical activity most days of the week 

• Find exercise that you enjoy. Walking for 10 minutes 3 times a day is just as effective as exercising for 30 minutes.
• Start a walking group on campus during lunch break. Invest in a pedometer. Studies show we need 12, 000 steps to help shift that “middle jiggle”. 

Eat nutritious foods 

• Take the time to eat fresh cooked meals instead of ready made meals. 
• Eating 5 portions of fruits and vegetables per day can add 14 years to your life. Eating just one extra portion a day could reduce your risk of dying early from any cause by 20 percent!
• Limit the “white” (white sugar, flour, bread) food in your diet to lose weight. 
• Stay hydrated. Women should drink about 2 liters and men about 3 liters of fluids per day.

Preventive Health Care

• See your doctor for routine physicals. People over 50 years old should have a colonoscopy. Women over 40 should talk to their doctor about mammograms for the early detection of breast cancer. After menopause, women should talk to their doctor about bone density scans for the prevention of osteoporosis. 
• Get your annual flu shot. People over 50 should get the vaccine to prevent shingles and people over 65 should get the pneumonia vaccine.
• Wear sunscreen and a hat when out in the sun, even on overcast days. Get your Vitamin D in a supplement if necessary.

Mental Health

Love, laughter, and hugs help reduce stress and lower blood pressure. Try to GET and GIVE these every day to keep you emotionally healthy!

So how do I get that? 
Keep in mind that each one of us needs love and respect in order to have a healthy relationship. We need to show love and respect to others and vise versa we need others to love and respect us. The Bottom Line is -- 

EVERYONE NEEDS LOVE and RESPECT. NOBODY NEEDS ABUSE!


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Somjai Cochran, RN
District Nurse
559-583-5902 ext. 4038

All children should be in school, healthy, ready, and able to learn. School Nurses make it happen!

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Pathway applications due March 13

The deadline to apply for HJUHSD Linked Learning Pathways is March 13. 

Don't forget to fill out the Pathways Application this week; if you are interested in being part of the Linked Learning Pathways at Hanford Joint Union High School District.

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Volunteers still needed for Ethics Workshops

The Hanford Joint Union High School District is seeking local business leaders and other community volunteers to serve as Table Leaders for the annual HJUHSD Senior Ethics Workshops. More than 60 volunteers are needed for each day to help guide small groups of students through discussions of real-world values, ethics and decision-making.

April 19, 2016 - Hanford West

April 20, 2016 - Sierra Pacific and Earl F Johnson 

April 21, 2016 - Hanford High 

8 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. (Lunch Provided) 

Koinonia Hall 12536 Hanford-Armona Road Hanford, CA 93230

Optional Table Leader Orientation Sessions

 7:30am or 5:30pm 

Wednesday, April 13, 2016 

 Come in and get a feel of what the day will entail.

To register as a Table Leader for one, two or all three of the workshops
or for more information, please contact:

 Ruben Amavisca - Hanford West 

 Cindi Homburg - Hanford High 

 Brittney Watters - Sierra Pacific 

 Irma Montano - Earl F. Johnson

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HJUHSD Choral Concert Thursday

The HJUHSD Choral Music programs will perform a Pre-Festival Choral Concert March 3 at the Stratton L. Tarvin Presentation Center. The choirs from Hanford West, Sierra Pacific, and Hanford high schools will perform their CMEA Festival literature. The Beginning Choirs (Women and Men) will be at 5 p.m. and the Advanced Choirs (Chamber, Concert, and Women) at 7 p.m. The concerts are free and open to the public.

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Board approves 2016 through 2018 school calendars

The HJUHSD Board of Trustees this week approved the annual school calendars for the 2016-2017 school year and the 2017-2018 school year. You can view or print the Annual Calendars from the hjuhsd.org Calendars page, where you can also view and subscribe to invidivual HJUHSD School Calendars.

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Parent Notice of Potential Release of Student Information

The California Department of Education (CDE) is currently engaged in litigation with non-profit associations composed of parents and guardians of children with disabilities. The plaintiffs in that litigation have requested numerous documents and student data collected and stored by CDE, which may include personally identifiable student information.

HJUHSD is NOT involved in this lawsuit and we have NOT been ordered to submit any student information to the courts.

However, local students and graduates may still be affected by this order.

The CDE has been ordered by the courts to release the “protected personal information of children, including children with disabilities, children who requested an assessment or who were assessed for special education eligibility, and children who are attending, or who have attended a California school at any time since January 1, 2008.”

Examples of the information in the CDE’s records include names, social security numbers, addresses, demographic data, course information, assessment results, and behavior and discipline records.

To comply with Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) laws, the CDE is required to inform parents and students of the pending disclosure and has asked California school districts to assist in spreading the word.

Parents and students can object to the disclosure of students’ protected personal information and records by printing out, completing, and mailing to the court the "Objection to Disclosure of Student Information and Records Case No. 2:11-CV-03471" form at the CDE's website by April 1, 2016.

For more information, please contact the CDE directly at (916) 319-0800.

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Schools Closed Monday, Feb 15

Don't forget: HJUHSD schools are closed Monday, February 15.

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February 9, 2016 Foggy Day

February 9, 2016 HJUHSD schools are on a foggy day schedule. Buses are delayed 3 hours, school starts at 8:55 a.m. For updates please check channel 18 or the foggy day hotline number 559-583-5909.

School Holidays: February 8 and 15

Monday, February 8 and Monday, February 15 are School Holidays: All HJUHSD schools will be closed.

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HJUHSD Current Job Openings - February 3, 2016

Please visit the HJUHSD Human Resources website at http://www.hjuhsd.k12.ca.us/human-resources or EdJoin at https://goo.gl/T7wtDq to see the current HJUHSD employment vacancies. 

Ethics Workshop Volunteers Needed!

The Hanford Joint Union High School District is seeking local business leaders and other community volunteers to serve as Table Leaders for the annual HJUHSD Senior Ethics Workshops. More than 60 volunteers are needed for each day to help guide small groups of students through discussions of real-world values, ethics and decision-making. To register as a Table Leader for one, two or all three of the workshops, please fill out the

 2016 HJUHSD Ethics Workshop Table Leader Registration Form 

April 19, 2016 - Hanford West

April 20, 2016 - Sierra Pacific and Earl F Johnson 

April 21, 2016 - Hanford High 

8 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. (Lunch Provided) 

Koinonia Hall 12536 Hanford-Armona Road Hanford, CA 93230

Optional Table Leader Orientation Sessions

 7:30am or 5:30pm 

Wednesday, April 13, 2016 

 Come in and get a feel of what the day will entail.

If you have any questions, please contact: 

 Ruben Amavisca - Hanford West 

 Cindi Homburg - Hanford High 

 Brittney Watters - Sierra Pacific 

 Irma Montano - Earl F. Johnson

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Notification of Administration of California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress

The California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress, or “CAASPP” (which has replaced the Standardized Testing and Reporting, or “STAR Program”), is the new state academic testing program.

CAASPP is a system intended to provide information that can be used to monitor student progress and ensure that all students leave high school ready for college and career. CAASPP includes computer adaptive tests in English–language arts and mathematics as well as paper-based tests for science.

This year, HJUHSD students will take the test in grade 11 in the spring.

To learn about the types of questions on the computer-based test, you and your child can view the practice test online at the California Department of Education (“CDE”) Smarter Balanced Practice Test Web page at http://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/tg/sa/practicetest.asp. To learn about the types of questions on the science-based portion of the assessment, you can review information provided by the CDE at http://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/tg/ca/caasppscience.asp.

Following the spring testing, students will receive individual score reports. Student score reports will be sent home to parents and will include an overall score, a description of the student’s achievement level for English–language arts and mathematics, and other information. It is important to note that these scores cannot be compared to scores that your child previously received on the STAR Program tests because this test is based on the new Common Core State Standards, involves different types of test questions, and will not be reported using the STAR Program reporting categories. It should be noted that the University of California and the California State Colleges use the 11th grade CAASPP results to determine if students are ‘ready’ to be placed in credit bearing coursework. Students who do not take this test will have to take placement tests to determine eligibility.

Pursuant to Education Code section 60615, any written request to excuse your student from participating in any or all parts of the CAASPP assessment will be granted. Pursuant to Title 5, section 852(c) of the California Code of Regulations, you may annually submit a written request to excuse your child from participating in any or all parts of any test provided pursuant to Education Code section 60640 for the school year.

For additional information about the CAASPP assessment system, please visit http://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/tg/sa/index.asp or feel free to contact one of your school administrators.

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January 28, 2016 Foggy Day

January 28, 2016 HJUHSD schools are on a foggy day schedule. Buses are delayed 3 hours, school starts at 8:55 a.m. For updates please check channel 18 or the foggy day hotline number 559-583-5909.

Parent Survey 2016

HJUHSD wants to hear from you!

Hanford Joint Union High School Parents: A few minutes of your time will help our schools and students greatly.

Please take a few minutes to complete the HJUHSD 2016 Online Parent Survey for parents/guardians of current students regarding your experience with Hanford High School, Hanford West High High School, Sierra Pacific High School, Earl F. Johnson High School and/or Hanford Night Continuation High School.

We appreciate your honest feedback: Our successful partnership in your student’s education depends on clear communication. The survey is anonymous. Names and IP addresses will not be collected, and your responses cannot and will not affect your student.

Take the 2016 Online HJUHSD Parent Survey now

The annual Parent Survey is a tool to help our schools can hear directly from families on a host of issues. This survey is also part of the Western Association of School and Colleges (WASC) accreditation process as well as assisting HJUHSD in developing the Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP).

Thank you for your assistance with this. Questions: Please contact Bobby Peters, Director of Educational Services, at bpeters@hjuhsd.org or 5559-583-5901, extension 3105.

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Encuesta para Padres y Tutores

Por favor tómese unos minutos para completar la HJUHSD 2016 Encuesta de Padres en línea para padres / tutores de los estudiantes actuales.

 Esta encuesta es una oportunidad para que usted ayude a nuestras escuelas al compartir sus opiniones acerca de ellos. Sus opiniones son importantes y la escuela está interesado en escucharlos . Estamos particularmente interesados ​​en sus pensamientos sobre los esfuerzos de esta escuela para promover el éxito académico y el bienestar para todos los estudiantes, aparte de su raza, origen étnico, discapacidad, u otras características. Apreciamos sus opiniones honestas. Sus respuestas serán completamente privado.

Tome la Encuestra para Padres y Tutores ahora.

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