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school news Del Norte High School P ri nc ipa l’s Coffee : W edn esday, Jan uary 1 2, 8:30 am - S taff Loun ge
From the Principal, Greg Mizel During the month of November, you should have received a solicitation letter from the Del Norte Foundation. Simply stated, without your support, we are limited in the ways we can respond to student and staff needs. If every family committed to making a $25/month contribution from now to the end of this school year (or if every family made a one-time $175 annual contribution), we could successfully achieve each of the funding goals outlined in the letter you received. You know the old adage… many hands make light work. If everyone can sacrifice just a little, we can accomplish great things collectively. Also, while I’m on the topic, if you haven’t joined our PTSA yet, please consider doing so. Great partnerships make great schools!
Del Norte Cross Country Rocks! For the first time in school history both DNHS Boys and Girls Teams had a chance to compete for the Valley League Title. Like most sports at Del Norte, this year also marked their first varsity season. On both sides, they had tremendous individual performances and close team finishes. The men finished the season tied with Canyon Crest for 3rd Place in the league behind the strong finishes of Mark Quiroz (12th) and Spencer Hoffman (13th). By finishing in the top 20, these gentlemen earned 2nd Team All Valley League Honors. Mark was also the top freshman finisher in the league. The girls’ race went down to the wire with the girls just missing out on DNHS’s first League title, losing to Canyon Crest by 6 points (33 to 39). The girls put on dominating individual performances placing four girls in the top 10 to earn 1st Team All League Honors; Ashley Mitchell (4th), Jodi
Simeroth (5th), Katelyn Kalley (7th), and Monica Doyle (10th) and 5 girls in the top 13 with Sierra Kindig taking home 2nd Team All League Honors with her 13th place finish. The boys also competed in Division IV at the San Diego CIF Championship meet where they finished 2nd and earned a trip to the state meet. Mark Quiroz (7th) and Spencer Hoffman (9th) earned 1st Team All CIF honors and Aaron Reichner (11th), Andrew Muhn (16th), and Jared Brungard (18th) all earned 2nd Team All CIF Honors. At the California State Meet the boys placed 17th in Division IV. Mark Quiroz finished as the fastest freshman in that division, and the 9th fastest freshman overall in the state. Our Varsity Boys Squad included: Mark Quiroz, Spencer Hoffman, Andrew Muhn, Aaron Reichner, Jared Brungard, Eric Inumerable, and Jared Leitner. The girls competed in Division IV for the San Diego CIF Section and won the Championship title. Again Ashley Mitchell (2nd), Jodi Simeroth (3rd), Katelyn Kalley (10th) finished in the top 10 to earn 1st Team All CIF Honors. The girls earned a bid to the CIF State Cross Country Championships in Fresno CA on Nov 27th. They finished 8th in the state. Our Varsity squad included: Ashley Mitchell, Jodi Simeroth, Katelyn Kalley, Monica Doyle, Sina Faizy, Sierra Kindig, and Monica Shifflet.
Oak Valley Middle School 6th Grade Campers Enjoyed the Great Outdoors Sixth Grade Camp made its way around again and, just like every year, the kids had a blast! This year there were so many eager sixth graders that the students were divided into two groups going during two separate weeks! Here’s a snapshot of day-to-day actives from one of the OVMS teachers, Mr. Vitti: “This morning it was a crisp 31 degrees when I arrived to breakfast. We had scrambled eggs, French toast (delicious), pears, homemade biscuits, milk, and water. A great start to a fun day. Students met with me in the lodge and we went through a few activities together about “ICARE.” Ask your child what “ICARE” means when they return home - I believe you’ll be impressed. It warmed up this afternoon and all students participated in an activity rotation of rock climbing, a treasure hunt using GPS navigation and written clues, and a fun activity called “toxic river” (Of course it’s not toxic. Actually, there is no water involved at all). Students use strategies, team work, coop-
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eration, and respect to figure out how to move from one “island” of the toxic river to the other. I was shocked to watch students strategize on how to move from one “island” to another using communication skills, cooperation and teamwork, and respect for 45 minutes. It was very impressive to watch, and a joy to see children engaged, happy, and respectful to one another. We made our way to the dining hall for chicken salad (grilled cheese alternative), salad, bread for sandwiches, tortilla chips, bananas, milk, and juice. Boy, were those children hungry after their 2 1/2 hours of activities and tonight - homemade PIZZA!” Here’s what a few of the sixth graders felt: Griffin Moody had a really great time and if he could go again next year he would in a second! Right after his mom picked him up they went out to lunch, and Griffin spoke non-stop about the hilarious counselors and recited the funny stories they shared with the kids. Garrett Lavin loved the counselors as well - especially the instructions you got when it was time to shower, “Don’t forget to wash your tar pits, your grand canyon and your twigs and berries.” Kendall Still took lots of fun pictures and she felt the trip to the desert and exploring the caves was the “funnest day”! Kendall also enjoyed getting to know new friends.
Adopt-a-Family Thank You! Thank you to all the Oak Valley families who donated items, gift cards and cash to the Adopt-a-Family program. These items brightened the holiday season for many local families in need.
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