Buchanan High School Newsetter

Our Mission — Buchanan High School will graduate productive citizens by teaching the California State Standards, teaching appropriate academic and social behavior and providing interventions until all students achieve and maintain proficiency.

For The Parents, Students, Staff and Community of Buchanan High School

‘BEAR TRACKS’July-August 2016

Published Six Times Per YearClovis Unified School District

1450 Herndon AvenueClovis, CA 93611

Issue #1

Office Hours7:15 am – 4:30 pm

www.clovisusd.k12.ca.us/bhs327-3000

JULY/AUGUST 2016 Volume XXII Issue 1

ADMINISTRATION

To download a PDF version of this newsletter, go to http://academypublishing.com/schools/buchanan/buchanan.php

Principal Ricci Ulrich Learning DirectorsJennifer CarterJames GambrellJason JamesDaryl KatochDebi KellyAaron MorganSaul Salinas

Deputy PrincipalRichard SarkisianCounselorsJeff Hodges -Head CounselorTracy BrandonDaniel FelixDenae HansenMax HerShari TolbertTroy Wagner

“Building Unity, Committed To Excellence”

Dear Buchanan Families, Welcome back to school. On behalf of the staff, I welcome the class of 2020 to our Bear family. Since 1991 Buchanan High School has been a school with a strong sense of community and service. Our motto “Building Unity, Committed to Excellence” is our focus. It is our mission to graduate productive citizens by teaching standards based curriculum, teaching appropriate academic and social behavior and providing interventions until all students achieve and maintain proficiency. We also have established the following Critical Learner Outcomes for all BHS graduates: be college and career ready with healthy lifestyle choices and good citizenship. With that said, our theme as we begin this year is “Honoring our Past, Inspiring the Future.” We invite parents onto the campus on Back to School Night, Monday, September 19th. Senior parents will meet with counselors at 5:30 p.m. to gather information to help your senior apply for college and post-high school preparation. While your student is just beginning their senior year and it may seem a bit early, all of the admission deadlines come very quickly. Parents of underclassmen will learn more about BHS and what’s in store for your student this year. I would like to see all of our parents and guardians attend this informational night.

Additionally, here are a few staff changes and new hires:• Mrs. Nancy Majors is now the Secretary in the Deputy Principal’s office.• Ms. Alisa Reynolds is now our Data Processor replacing Mrs. Majors. • Mr. Jason James, Learning Director replaces Mrs. Jennifer Bump who is the new Principal at

Garfield Elementary School. • Mr. Andrew Austin and Mr. Sascha Ludwig formerly taught at Alta Sierra Intermediate move

up to join the high school team after Mr. Ray Hurado retired and Mrs. Lynn White relocated out of state.

• Mr. Daniel Samarin joins the team teaching at both the high school and intermediate levels.• Ms. Karen Hume, formerly teaching special education at ASI joins the high school team as a

resource specialist teacher.• Mr. Mike Vogt, a former Buchanan physical education teacher is returning to us to teach

English and physical education. • Ms. Yolanda Colunga, a former science teacher, will also be returning to Buchanan to teach

again in the Science department. • Mr. Michael Cooper, formerly teaching at Clovis High, will also join us in the science

department to teach Biology.• Mr. Pete Griffin retired from teaching photography. At the time we are headed to print the

replacement teacher has not been finalized.• Ms. MacKenzie Teevans, math teacher, is relocating out of the area. A replacement teacher is

also in the process of being hired for her.

Lastly, I share with you our core values:• All students can learn• Education is a journey of continuous improvement involving the school, the family and the

community• Preparation, work ethic and accountability promote achievement• Public responsibility and citizenship promote unity• Together we succeed…it’s people not programs

Our students deserve no less and will need to compete in the world. Therefore, let the school year begin! I look forward to the start of school and invite parents to think about volunteering time through our career center, activities, or student clubs, teams and organization. If interested contact Nancy Majors at [email protected].

Sincerely, Ricci Ulrich, Mama Bear

Ricci Ulrich

Principal’s Message

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Attendance Information24-Hour Hotline: 327-3037

Attendance is closed for the summer. If you have questions regarding attendance, please call us in August, when we will resume our regular hours.

A few important reminders regarding Attendance…

Absences: Promptly call our office when your student is absent as our “Notification Calling System” will automatically call you the day of the absence by 10 A.M. to inform you your student is absent. For your convenience, you may call and leave a message on our 24 hour hot line-327-3037, the day of, or evening before the absence. According to the 2016-2017 Student Parent Handbook, absences must be cleared within five days of the student’s return, or it will remain as “Uncleared.” An un-cleared absence is an unexcused absence under education code section 48205. If a student accumulates three un-cleared, or unexcused absence, or tardy of 30 min. or more, the parent may receive a “Notification of Truancy” letter. Off-Campus: Please notify our Attendance Office as soon as possible if you need to request an Off-Campus Pass for your student. Students who need to leave due to illness must be released through the Nurse’s Office. Important Information about student release: Students who do not drive shall be picked up in the main office by their parent or authorized guardian, or an added “Contact” on the “Student Release Authorization Form”. ”Contacts” may come in and pick up students with or without parent/legal guardian calling the school. Those who are authorized to pick-up the student must show a picture ID. Verbal permission to request a student be released to someone who is NOT listed on the “Release Authorization Form” is NOT accepted. Senior Off-Campus Privilege: CUSD practices a “Closed Campus Policy”, therefore, only seniors with a valid “Senior Off -Campus Card” may leave for lunch.

Untouchable Difference

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THE BUCHANAN FOUNDATION 2016-2017FUNDRAISING DRIVE

Membership Levels______$30–Basic MemberSport Water BottleSenior Scholarship Eligibility

______$150–Red Foundation MemberTwo Adult Activities PassesSenior Scholarship Eligibility

______$250–Red & Blue Foundation MemberTwo Reserved-Seat Football Season TicketsOne Parking PassTwo Adult Activities PassesSenior Scholarship Eligibility

______$500–Diamond Foundation MemberFour Reserved-Seat Football Season TicketsTwo Parking PassesTwo Adult Activities PassesSenior Scholarship Eligibility

*Adult Pass includes entry into BHS home athletic events (excluding playoffs). Questions or for additional

information, call Tammy Jett at 327-3076

GET INVOLVED!The Buchanan Foundation, much like a Parent/Teacher Club, is a partnership to provide financial support for important campus activities which include:• Academic scholarships & teams• Special student events & programs• Teacher and staff supportLast year, your much-needed support funded:• Over $10,000 in scholarships• Teacher grants• Staff appreciation events• Support for History Day, Academic Decathlon, Science Olympiad and Robotics Team• Sober Graduation• Annual Homecoming TailgatePlease consider becoming a member. Your donation will help students, teachers and staff enrich the educational experience for all high school students.Questions or for additional information call Tammy Jett @ 327-3076

Kathleen Spain – PresidentJulie Fagundes- Vice President

Teresa Martinez – Recording SecretarySara Van Dalen – Corresponding Secretary

Tammy Jett – Financial SecretaryDave Newberry – Hospitality

Melissa Howard – ParliamentarianJulie Lundholm – Volunteer Coordinator

Shannon Barsotti – Fundraising CoordinatorKathy Zamora – Member at Large

Ricci Ulrich – PrincipalRichard Sarkisian – Deputy Principal

The Buchanan FoundationExecutive Board Members

4 UPCOMING EVENTSPlease check website as times and locations are subject to change.

7/20/2016 Governing Board Meeting District Office / PDB

7/29/2016 Pep & Cheer Choreography Camp BHS

8/1/2016 Leadership Camp TBA

8/8 - 8/18/2016 Band Camp Band Room

8/8/2016 Pep & Cheer Camp W Gym

8/11/2016 Walk-Thru Registration MPR

8/12/2016 Link Crew / Freshmen Orientation BHS

8/17/2016 Governing Board Meeting District Office / PDB

8/19/2016 Band BBQ BHS

8/19/2016 BHS Late Registration MPR

8/19/2016 Movie Night - Band BHS

8/22/2016 First Day of School All Clovis Unified Schools

8/22/2016 BHS Late Registration TBA

Back to School Dates to Remember

THERE WILL BE NO PACKET PICK UP!

Walk Through Registration: Thursday, August 11th in the MPR

Late Registration: Friday, August 19st in the Wrestling Room

First day of School: Monday, August 22nd.

Additional information will be mailed to your home!

5COUNSELING CENTER

College Testing Requirements:University of California:SAT Exam with Writing and/or ACT Exam with WritingSAT Subject Exams are no longer required for admission to a UC but may be used to strengthen a student’s resume or may be recommended by some majors at the various UC’s. Please see the individual UC websites for more information.*** Please note: Math Level 1 Subject test is not accepted for UC’s

Private Universities: Check individual websites for SAT and /or ACT, as well as SAT Subject Exam requirements and recommendations.

CSU testing requirements: SAT Exam and/or ACT Exam*** it is recommended that seniors applying to a four-year university test by Nov. 2016

PLEASE READ: The College Board has changed the SAT to a new format as of March of 2016. Sign up for the SAT Exam or the SAT Subject Exams at www.collegeboard.orgFall Test Dates Registration Deadline October 1, 2016 September 2, 2016** November 5, 2016 October 7, 2016**December 3, 2016 November 4, 2016****check the website for definitive test dates and for registration deadline information

Sign up for the ACT at www.actstudent.orgFall Test Dates Registration DeadlineSeptember 10, 2016 August 6, 2016October 22, 2016 September 16, 2016December 10, 2016 November 4, 2016

**Check the website for definitive test dates and for registration deadline informationLook for practice questions and testing tips on both the College Board and ACT websites.

Join “Remind” with the Buchanan Counseling Center The Buchanan High School Counselors would like to welcome our newest Bears, the “Class of 2020!” Throughout the next four years of your high school experience, the Counseling Center will be sending out important reminders, information, and deadlines that pertains to students and parents. We ask that both students and parents sign-up for “Remind” to receive important notices.

Please join us on Remind using the following information

For the Freshmen Class of 2020: Text to 81010 Message should read @bhscc2020

For the Sophomore Class of 2019: Text to 81010Message should read @bhscc2019

For the Junior Class of 2018: Text to 81010Message should read @bhscc2018

For the Senior Class of 2017: Text to 81010Message should read @bhscc17

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Girls Volleyball Tryouts Buchanan Girls Volleyball tryouts will begin Monday, August 1, 9-11am & 4-6pm in the REC (East Gym). Sport physical required to tryout. Please see website Buchanangirlsvolleyball.com for more details.

ATHLETICS

2016-2017 Bear Nation Student Athletic/Activities PassThe Bear Nation Student Athletic/Activities Pass gets you:

1. Free Admission to: All 2016-2017 Buchanan Athletic Home Games (excluding CIF Playoff games and tournaments)

2. 10% off Formal, Prom & Sadies

3. ONLY those who purchase their Bear Nation Athletic/Activities Pass during walk-through regular registration (August 11th), will receive a 2016-2017 Spirit Shirt.

Over a $300 Value for only $60.00

Athletic CalendarPlease check website as times and locations are subject to change.

8/8 – 8/12/16 Cross Country Run the Race Camp @ BHS Morro Bay8/11/16 Football Red/Blue Scrimmage BHS8/16/16 Girls Tennis vs Sanger BHS8/17/16 Girls Volleyball Scrimmage V-BHS, JV@CN, Fr @ CW REC 8/19/16 Football vs Mt Whitney BHS8/20/16 Cross Country Time Trials @ Woodward Park Woodward Park8/20/16 Girls Volleyball @ Dos Pueblos Tournament @ Santa Barbara Santa Barbara8/23/16 Girls Water Polo vs Sanger BHS8/25/16 Girls Tennis @ TRAC/SWYL Challenge Clovis High8/26/16 Football vs Hanford BHS8/27/16 Girls Volleyball Fr/JV Tournament REC & W Gym8/30/16 Girls Volleyball @ Madera Madera8/30/16 Girls Tennis vs Bullard BHS

A few spots are left!

We need you!Nancy Majors • [email protected]

Buchanan High School

Advertise in the Bear Tracks! This is a wonderful way for your company to get community recognition and exposure, and at

the same time help support your local schools!

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Destination Imagination The BHS Destination Imagination “Out of the orDInary” team traveled to Knoxville, TN in May to compete in the Global Finals for Destination Imagination after tying for 3rd place in the state competition. The Global Finals Competition consisted of over 1,400 teams from across the world and has more than 17,000 attendees. The BHS team competed against approximately 60 other teams in their challenge from across the globe including countries such as China, Turkey and Poland. They had a chance to participate in a wide variety of activities throughout the week and completed a stellar performance. The team placed 14th in the world for their challenge. Clovis Unified is very proud of their accomplishment and representation of the district. Congratulations to team members CJ Banuelos, Tara Davis, Maddy Mason, Ryan Toto, and Emily Laing on a successful year!

Buchanan Robotics Team The 2015-2016 school year has been quite the year for the Buchanan High School Robotics Team, the Buchanan Bird Brains. Coming off of winning the 2014-2015 FIRST® World Championship in St. Louis, Missouri, the Bird Brains entered competition season strong and ready to win. They competed in two California Regionals, the Central Valley Regional and the UC Davis Regional. In the latter, the Bird Brains won the Creativity Award for their unique features such as their intelligent LED lights which alerted the drivers to the robot’s position when on the field. At Davis, they also managed to beat out dozens of other California teams and win the Finalist Award. The Central Valley Regional was much more successful as the Bird Brains won the Engineering and Inspiration Award. The Engineering and Inspiration Award, or the EI Award, celebrates outstanding success in advancing respect and appreciation for engineering within a team’s school and community. This award granted the Bird Brains $5,000 dollars sponsored by NASA which paid for their application fee for the 2015-2016 FIRST World Championship. Speaking of the World Championship, the Bird Brains competed miraculously as they made it to the Quarterfinals in the Archimedes Subdivision. It may not be as impressive as winning the Championship, but competing in such an awarding program is an honor in of itself. Being able to be a part of an event that houses 600 teams around the world was an incredibly immersive experience that the Bird Brains will never forget. Even though the Bird Brains didn’t take the crown this season, they are extremely proud of the accomplishments and milestones they reached this year. On their technical side, they were the closest they have ever been to winning a Regional. On their business side, they won the EI Award which they haven’t received since 2013. The FIRST Robotics is an invaluable program that teaches young adults real-life skills in the fields of science, technology, engineering, art, mathematics, and public relations. If you want to pledge your support to Clovis Unified Robotics Teams come to Project C.U.R.I.E.’s (Clovis Unified Robotics Initiative for Engineering) 1st Annual Open House on July 13th from 3-9 pm at the Clovis Veterans Memorial District’s Liberty Ballroom. They hope to see you there!

History Day Team at Nationals The Buchanan High School History Day team of Matthew Clark, Austin Cozzi, Kelsey Ewing, Sydney Fox, and Allison Hodge placed 2nd in the nation! Their Senior Group Performance on the “Okie” migration to the San Joaquin Valley in the 1930s was described by the judges as “superior historical storytelling”. Please join me in congratulating these amazing sophomores!

Clovis Unified School DistrictBuchanan High School

1560 N. Minnewawa AvenueClovis, CA 93619

Non-Profit OrganizationUS Postage Paid

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Health Notes from Nurse Wendee August is an important time of the year because children and teens return back to school and sleep schedules may need to be adjusted. Sleep is crucial to a student’s learning and understanding. Even minimal sleep loss can take a toll on a teen’s mood, energy, effectiveness, and ability to handle stress. If they want to feel their best, stay healthy, and perform up to their potential, sleep is a necessity, not a luxury.

Skipping sleep• 1st night of no sleep – can make a person cranky and clumsy. Two nights of no sleep - children and teens may

have problems thinking and performing tasks;• After five nights without sleep children and teens may even hallucinate. Eventually, it becomes impossible for

the brain to give its directions to the rest of the body without sleep.• Teens need about 8 to 9.5 hours of sleep per night, but most don’t get it.• Teens actually need more sleep as they progress through puberty. • Lack of sleep adds up over time, so an hour less per night is like a full night without sleep by the end of

the week. Among other things, sleep deficiency can lead to: decreased attentiveness, decreased short-term memory, inconsistent performance, delayed response time.

• Teenagers have crazy sleep patterns. They want to stay up late and wake up later, which often leads to them trying to catch up on sleep during the weekend. This sleep schedule irregularity can actually worsen the problems and make getting to sleep at a reasonable hour during the week even harder.

• A good habit that teens should try to implement is to go to bed at the same time every night and wake up at the same time every morning, allowing for at least 8 to 9 hours of sleep.

Your Brain Needs Sleep, so you can: • Remember what you have learned• Pay attention, focus and concentrate on important information• Solve problems and think of new ideas

Your Body Needs Sleep, so your: • Muscles, bones, and skin can grow• Muscles, skin and other parts can fix injuries• Body can stay healthy and fight sicknessSources: National Sleep Foundation (www.sleepfoundation.org); www.helpguide.org; www.kidshealth.org; www.sleepforkids.org

Yearbook SalesYearbook ordering begins on August 22, 2016. Yearbooks are $80.00 and can be purchased: • By phone at 866-287-3096, Monday –

Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CST. Use school code 14494.

• Online at www.yearbookordercenter.com, using school code 14494, or

• In room 161 starting August 22, 2016 with CASH or CHECK made payable to CUSD.

The deadline to purchase a 2017 yearbook is January 31, 2017.

Memory Page Sales:Yearbook memory pages go on sale August 22, 2016. Prices: • Business card = $50.00• Quarter page = $75.00• Half page = $150.00• Full page = $300.00

All photos must be in dress code. The deadline to buy a memory page is February 20, 2017. Any questions? Contact us at [email protected].