We hope to share share the good news of a state title next month. In spring sports, our baseball and softball teams have started their season or and are excited to to begin playing league. Track and field have a huge turnout of athletes this year and are looking and are looking forward to fast times and changes at school records. Golf is teeing up for their for another successful season and tennis is heating up to the court to start their matches. As always, thank you for your continued support of our Granite Hills High School and our students. Since I didn't get to share last month, I'd like to leave you with this story in honor of this past month's recognition of Black History Month. Mick Mloud, I don't know how to say the last name, is a powerful example of black excellence in education. In 1904, she opened a school for black girls in Daytona, Florida, with just five students, a $1.50, and a bold belief that education could change lives.
So it doesn't matter how they come out, they going to get from one to 500 kids, >> right? >> We only get 500 kids. The rest of the kids are going to get a number to be on the waiting list. And based on how they come out on the on on the on the lottery, they get the same position to get called if they get accept if if there's space available for. >> Yes. So 10 kids don't come in then we'll go to that list. Who are the next 10 numbers? >> 10 numbers. >> We take them. >> It's a little confusing. >> Why don't they just go to 500? >> I think I'm getting it a little bit right now. I think I but but this there was somewhere that we said if you got if you apply and you have a lower number you got more chance that's not true correct because if we have a thousand numbers to pull and depending on how that number you explained that very well thank you that number is going to so I I pull and the 900 is the one that was first that's go first on the list correct >> yes >> and then we're going to pull side.
They really help us bring around that alignment and consistency from classroom to classroom and ensure that all of our students have the opportunity to engage in rigorous complex tasks and that their social emotional learning needs are met. As you all know, our focus in Cheshure is high quality instruction. With that comes social emotional learning, complex thinking, opportunities to engage in that deep thinking. And you've heard us mention multiple times that we are really working through building thinking classrooms. So those instructional strategies that really help us deliver this effective instruction that has those positive outcomes. So our coaches partner with teachers. They might work with teachers one-on-one on an individual basis. They might work with teams or groups of folks. They might help us co-f facilitate professional learning. As you heard Steph and Steph share, they're in classrooms modeling, they're co-eing, they're uh working with teachers to debrief and reflect around those instructional strategies.
I know that there are many students who might be as passionate about band as much as your I know that there are many parents who might be as passionate about band as much as their kid is. These parents were probably the ones that connected well with Mr. Bergen during band booster meetings or because they heard good things about the band director from their child. Dear board members, I do hope you take what other students and I said into consideration tonight. Thank you. >> Thank you. THE NEXT SPEAKER is Orange Chase. I'm sorry if I pronounced that wrong. >> Orion Chase. Good evening, members of the board. I'm from Lexington Junior High and I'm one of many students that call Mr. Bergen, our teacher. All of the eighth grade band students, including myself, remember the scare of the Mr. Graves incident. It was an evil darkness.
When the school lacked supplies, she had her students make made desks from wood crates and use scraps of paper to learn. She just never lowered her expectations. She understood that opportunity begins with with access to education and her small school eventually grew into what is now the Bthun Cookman University. Her school her story reminds us that excellence is not defined by the resources we have but by the vision we hold in the commitment we make to every student succeed. Maroon and Greg lead the way. Thank you, Apple Valley High School. Olivia Nutter. Hello and good evening, Superintendent Nelson, President Buchanan, members of the board, and attendees. My name is Olivia Nutter and I'm the junior class president at Apple Valley High School. It is my pleasure to be here sharing updates from our campus and filling in for FE. Our Sunundevils have been busy, accomplished, and proud to show up.
>> No, no, no. It doesn't go like that. No, I'm sorry. >> Square zero. >> No. So, they pulled all the numbers, right? They pulled all the numbers. Then they take the numbers and the lowest number goes on up first. The next number goes second and they put all the number. >> So, can I let me make one more distinction that might make it more clear? So the first number that's close to could become could be 5,000 and that's the first number on the list and then it could be a th00and then it could be 6,000. Right? So they're all different orders but then it's basically like a spreadsheet. The spreadsheet gets sorted >> numerically >> by lowest to highest number and then we take the lowest 500 numbers. Those are the ones who are initially accepted. So the numbers go on the list in the order that they're pulled.
What works really well? What are those opportunities for us? What do we need to engage in? Uh next, all of you will recall traditional teaching methods, right? We were all in school when we were younger and sometimes those were outdated. they might have been ineffective. They might not reach all of our learners. So what we do is when we know better, we do better. So we stay current on that research. We look at those instructional practices. We make sure that our teachers have the tools and the toolbox to engage in those practices to meet the needs of all learners. Our coaches are thought partners in this work. We can't do this without them because they work with teachers side by side. The really is on that teacher's toolbox. They get to collect all of these strategies. They get to practice them. They get to refine them.
But then Mr. Bergen came as a guiding light, turning a band program in panic and distress into a successful and fun learning environment. With band being my favorite class this year and last year, which many can relate to, even if frustrating at times, just like any other class, next year, I'm going into high school, so I'll inevitably have a different band teacher. But the seventh graders and the students after them still deserve Mr. Ban as their band teacher. as I found myself with multiple close friends, a fun and safe community, and an appreciation for music and the passion and effort that goes into it that many don't find until later on in life or ever. All because of Mr. Beran and the work he has done with the Lexington band in just two years as a band director and teacher. I ask that you please extend Mr.
February and March have been full of celebrations, achievements, and unforgettable memories. So, let's jump right into our Sunundevil news. Winter sports ended, and we're excited to dive into spring sports. We're incredibly proud of everything our athletes have accomplished this school year. Shifting to school events, our winter formal enchanted night truly lived up to its name. The night was filled with elegance, energy, and unforgettable memories. And it was so wonderful to see students come together to celebrate such a special event. Mr. Sunundevil is tomorrow night. This year's theme, Devils on Fire. If you don't know, Mr. Sunundevil is our annual tradition where senior boys compete in a pageant style competition featuring three rounds. the escort dance, the swimsuit competition, and of course, the talent act. A huge shout out to Apple Valley Fire Department for allowing us to film our highlight video at their station. Another shout out to our incredibly talented camp program for taking photos, making the highlight video, and having fun with us.
We sort it from low to high and then the lowest 500 get accepted. Does that >> clarify? >> So why do we even do a lottery if we already know that the lowest five not 500 numbers are going to be >> because the number is assigned to them during the lottery. That's what the lottery is for is assigning the numbers. >> You got to thank the state for the state for >> Yes. This is not change after confusing. Amen. >> You have anything you want to add to this conversation? >> No. >> Questions on this? >> I'm glad to fit on this one. Right. >> I think I think they're going to redo it in year two is my guess if you want my >> but to your point. I think it's it is confusing. Um so really the best case scenario if you have a question really the best thing is to direct them to the admissions office.
And they have a colleague that they can bounce ideas off of. It builds their comfort with implementation of curriculum, with execution of these instructional strategies. It builds up their confidence. We do all of that because the impact is on student learning. If we do this well, we guarantee that our students are active participants in their learning. They're taking ownership in their learning. We're meeting their social emotional learning and we're providing these rigorous opportunities for them to develop these deep thinking skills and engage in complex tests. So today, tonight, you'll get to hear from our amazing districtwide coaches and reading and math specialists, and you'll get to hear just exactly what that role looks like on a daily basis. So, I'm going to actually ask Chrisa, principal, to come on up. Thank you. So, I have had the benefit of being able to view coaching from multiple perspectives.
Ban's contract. He's one of the best teachers you have at Lexington because he has the power of music right by his side. Thank you. >> Thank you. THE NEXT SPEAKER IS Tanishka M. Kumar. I apologize if I pronounced that incorrectly. >> Hello parents and students of Lexington Junior High School. Today, I want to share why it's so important for our school community and especially for our future students that Mr. Beran continues to lead our prep band program. I know everyone here knows Mr. Brian, our well-known, funny, and incredibly hardworking band teacher. As a student in Lexington Junior High School's advanced band class, I've witnessed firsthand how Mr. Bergen works tirelessly for all of us, helping us succeed and become the best musicians we musicians we can be. He has taught us the vital skills of teamwork to create beautiful music, discipline during practice and music definitely and most definitely confidence to perform and share our talents.
While I can't give too much away about any of the performances, let's just say the school mascot might be making a very dramatic appearance. Tickets are sold for $5 at the door and we would love to see all of you there. We also held our annual senior meeting last month. Seniors received important updates including the announcement that grad night will be held at Six Flags and the prom location was revealed at the Edward's Mansion in Redlands. The prom theme will be announced soon, although based on the excitement, let's just say it might involve a little sparkle, romance, and possibly some twilight energy. ASB has also launched a brand new Tik Tok series, Campus Catchup, created by our senior ASB members. So far, we've heard from teachers like Miss C and Miss Justice, who are giving students a fun new way to connect with teachers beyond the classroom.
if it's not a you know >> let them know by >> answer somebody in the admissions office can take that time to fully explain it >> I have a question so you all >> set you know is just talk about low numbers so if you have 10 let's say there's only 10 students in and I shouldn't be draw 10 kids are going to be climbing but we're only taking five Right. So, all 10 have a number that we put 10 numbers in. >> So, if I applied first, I'm sure I'm going to >> Doesn't m No, not necessarily. It doesn't matter when you apply, but only 10 people apply, right? >> I know, but >> but we're only going to take five of the 10. So, we pull out numbers, right? We pull out numbers and number 10 is the first number we pull out.
I started here at Dittle as a teacher. Um, so I taught for 10 years here at Dittle as a first grade teacher, third grade teacher, and a fourth grade teacher. So while I was a teacher here at Dittle, I spent a lot of time with the Dittle coach, especially when I was moving grade levels. When I was moving grade levels, I had questions about curriculum. I had questions about management. You know, it was like my my go-to person when I really needed some support in the classroom when I was a teacher. Then I moved on and I was at at Chapman in Highland as a coach myself. So I was really able to be that person kind of taking all of that new learning that I had when I was a teacher and all the new things that I had learned from my coach to be able to help other people in the district and I was really able to see that direct impact that I was able to have on those teachers in the multiple schools.
Many of us have significantly improved thanks to his teaching. I remember last year under a different teacher, I lacked confidence in playing my instrument and it showed. But Mr. Bergen's consistent encouragement to embrace our instruments with confidence, to believe in our sound, has truly transformed our experience this year. He has worked meticulously with each section, helping every student overcome challenges. All of us in the band know what a phenomenal teacher Mr. Bergen is, and his humor is a big part of that. Mr. Brian's humor isn't just for laughs. It keeps our learning environment approachable, making us all feel comfortable and safe in his class. and ensuring we never had to be scared of asking questions. Even as a dedicated teacher guiding our band, he seamlessly weaves in funny moments. His personality is what we adore. It truly feels like he's one of us. Mr. Beran has been one of my favorite teachers this whole year.
I'd also like to highlight the incredible success of our Skills USA students this year. At regional competitions, Apple Valley High School students earned 39 gold, 39 silver, and 15 bronze medals across a wide range of career technical competitions. Because of those outstanding performances, 155 AVHs students have qualified to advance to the Skills USA state competition, which will take place on April 9th through the 12th in Ontario, California. We are incredibly proud of the dedication and talent these students continue to demonstrate. Our FFA program is also preparing for the California State FFA Leadership Conference happening April 16th through the 19th in Ontario. 30 ABHS students will represent our school competing in events and continuing to develop their leadership skills. In our animal science program, we're excited to share that our greenhouse has recently been remodeled using CTE grant funds. This renovation has created an update updated hands-on learning environment where students can build valuable skills in plant science and agricultural systems that support our SC animal science pathway.
>> But then you said it's going to be rearranged. So, the 10 is going to go back to nine. >> No, it doesn't matter. Number 10 is the first number we pulled out, right? and then number six and then number seven and eight and nine and so on. So we've pul until we've pulled all the numbers, right? But we've pulled uh then we look at it and say, "Oh, what was the first number pulled?" First number pulled was number eight. So number eight's going to get in. The second number that was pulled was number. >> So back to what I understood at the beginning, but you guys took me back out. >> I think the emphasis on the low numbers is what's throwing everyone off. I mean they'll the the how low the number is really has no effect on anything. The first kid that can get in could be number 2500.
Now as building principal I really see the benefits of coaching um Mrs. Roman and I meet with our dittle coach coach many times throughout the day and also with Ann Marie and Jess talking about our school goals and what are the things that we need to be able to do to improve student learning. You know, we right now at Dittle, we're really focusing on improving our reading conferences and building things in classrooms. So, we're brainstorming different ways that we can be supportive for teachers and um our Mary, our Dittle coach, is constantly in the classrooms modeling lessons, providing feedback, giving support, really that that go-to person for everyone. And actually, we spent a large majority of our day today with Ann Marie and Mary modeling um for teachers, our reading conferences, and just being that supportive person for them. So, the coach is really a really important role for us, and we spend a lot of time helping support teachers.
He is always such a kind soul and a genuinely funny person. As we look to the future of Lexington Band's program, having Mr. Barrian at the helm ensures a consistent highquality experience for years to come. He's building something special here and it's crucial we support its continued growth. With Mr. Bergen continuing to guide us, I envision our band reaching new heights, perhaps performing at more community events or achieving even greater recognition for our talent and spirit. Therefore, I urge every student, parent, and faculty to recognize the immense value Mr. Bergen brings to Lexington Junior High and to support his continued presence as our band director. Let's ensure that the rhythm and joy he brings to our school continues for many years to come. Thank you for being here and supporting Mr. Beran. >> Thank you. >> The next speaker is Avar Damian. It's a little hard to read.