Rancho Pico Junior High School

2017 – 2018 Student Information Handbook

School Hours The first day of school will be Thursday, August 10, 2017.  Please check our website, www.ranchopicojuniorhigh.org, for calendar updates.  

Transportation Bus service to Rancho Pico will not be provided by the William S. Hart Union High School District.  The city transit bus system provides bus transportation to Rancho Pico.  Please contact Santa Clarita Transit at (661) 294‐1287 or visit www.santaclaritatransit.com.  You can purchase a monthly TAP card at Rancho Pico. 

For our families who live in Stevenson Ranch, students should not use the hills adjacent to Rancho Pico as a route home.  The hillside is not intended for pedestrian traffic.  While this may be the shortest path, it is not supervised by school personnel and it is not safe.  In addition to general safety concerns, the hills surrounding Rancho Pico are home to rattle snakes, coyotes, deer and bobcats which pose a general hazard to anyone hiking through these areas.   

6th Grade Parent & Student Portal As your child transitions from elementary school to junior high, please visit our website often as it will be regularly updated with important news, dates and information regarding upcoming events.  Our website can be accessed at www.ranchopicojuniorhigh.org.  Once you arrive at our website, you will see a link on the right hand side for our 6th grade portal.   

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SEVENTH & EIGHTH GRADE 

Seventh and eighth grade is the start of a very new and exciting part of education.  Students are scheduled into a "team".  These team teachers work together to teach the core curriculum.  There are many benefits to being a member of a team.  Students assigned to the same team will feel they belong to a special small family.  Classes will be clustered together in a grade level "family."  You will be enrolled in classes with the same 130 – 150 students who share their teachers, and you will get to know them well by the end of the year.  There will be many learning adventures available to you during the next two years!  Listed below are the subjects that all seventh and eighth graders must take: 

1. English2. Mathematics3. Science4. World History/US History5. Physical Education6. Exploratory/Elective

Students are randomly assigned to teams.  We do not change students from one team to another. 

ACADEMIC PROGRAM 

ENGLISH 7 and 8 ‐ The language arts program at Rancho Pico is based on the Common Core State 

Standards for English Language Arts.  Students will read and respond to expository texts as well as great works of literature selected from our district's core reading list.  These novels, short stories, poems, articles, and essays will be studied in depth and will serve as springboards to student writing and speaking, and the acquisition of the conventional and mechanical skills of English.  Major areas of study integrated with the literary‐and expository‐based curriculum include reading, composition, spelling and vocabulary, writing conventions, library research, and public speaking.   

MATHEMATICS – The mathematics curriculum at Rancho Pico is based on the Common Core State 

Standards for mathematics. Our goal at Rancho Pico is to provide students with a rigorous math experience to prepare them for the challenges of higher level mathematics in high school and beyond.  Most seventh grade students will be placed into our Common Core Math 7 course. Students who wish to challenge themselves will have an opportunity to take a placement test this spring for our Accelerated Math 7 class. 

SCIENCE 7 and 8 – Our seventh and eighth grade science courses are based on the belief that anyone 

can learn science, that science is a natural endeavor and that the study of science is its own reward.  The two‐year course of study aims to provide students with the foundation of knowledge, critical thinking skills, and discovery processes necessary for leading successful and productive lives in a technological society. The 7th grade curriculum focuses on Life Science. Quarters 1 and 2 emphasize microbiology. Quarter 3 is the human body and Quarter 4 is earth history. Eighth grade science standards encompass Chemistry and Physics. Quarters 1 and 2 are focused on Chemistry with quarter 3 being Physics and quarter 4 being Astronomy.   

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SOCIAL STUDIES   7th Grade World History and Geography ‐ Our study begins with the Fall of Rome and continues until the Industrial Revolution, from the medieval period to early modern times.  We study the culture, history and geography of great civilizations such as China, Japan, Mesoamerica, South America, Africa and Europe as well as gaining a better understanding of their religions and philosophies.  Time periods covered include the Middle Ages, Renaissance, Reformation, Exploration, and Political Thought, covering the rise of democratic ideas which leads into the 8th grade study of American History.  8th Grade U.S. History ‐ Students study the ideas, issues, and events in American History.  After reviewing the development of America's democratic institutions, particularly the shaping of the Constitution, students trace the development of American politics, society, culture, and economy and relate them to the emergence of major regional differences. They learn about the challenges facing the new nation, with an emphasis on the causes, course, and consequences of the Civil War. They make connections between the rise of industrialization and contemporary social and economic conditions.  

PHYSICAL EDUCATION – All students are required to take physical education each semester.  We will 

focus on the benefits of physical activity that promote the importance of being fit for life.  We will also encourage characteristics that develop personal growth and a positive self image within our students.  Our program will provide opportunities for students to participate in a variety of physical activities so that each student will develop a life long commitment to their own physical well‐being, health, and fitness.  

 

Physical Education – Curriculum At A Glance 

 7th Grade Units/Individual Sport Focus 

 

Throwing/Catching/Striking 

Health 

Personal Fitness 

Manipulative Sports/Games 

Track and Field 

Weight Training 

Pickle Ball 

Badminton 

Multicultural/Line/Creative Dances 

Create‐A‐Game 

   8th Grade Units/Team Sport Focus 

 

Square/Line/Hip Hop/Creative Dances 

Health 

Personal Fitness 

Basketball 

Soccer 

Hockey 

Team Handball 

Rugby 

Flag Football 

Softball 

Volleyball 

Weight Training 

Lacrosse 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 EXPLORATORY COURSES – Students on the exploratory wheel rotate through various exploratory classes on a quarter or semester rotation.  Exploratory classes offered include, but are not limited to, Art, Creative Writing, Drama, Yes I Can, and 8th Grade Seminar.  Students on the exploratory wheel are randomly assigned to these courses.  Courses are subject to change. 

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SPECIALTY ELECTIVE COURSES Yearlong courses in lieu of exploratory classes. 

No experience or auditions are required for the following courses: 

Beginning and Intermediate Band

Beginning Choir

Intermediate Orchestra

Auditions are required for placement in the following courses: 

Advanced Band

Advanced Orchestra

Advanced Choir

SPECIALTY ELECTIVES THAT REQUIRE APPLICATIONS 

The following courses require applications to the program and an interview.  Applications for these 

electives will be available on our website March 10, 2017 at 8:00 a.m. and have a strict deadline of  

Friday, March 24, 2017 at noon. 

ASB (Leadership)*

Journalism (Hoofbeats)

Rancho Pico Television (RPTV)

Yearbook

*Leadership (ASB) – As a part of the leadership class, you will not only be an active member of theAssociated Student Body, but you will also represent and report to your peers, and plan special activitiesand dances.  You will also help build a bridge to the community through fund‐raisers and service projectsfor the school; all of which are designed to build a sense of pride and spirit on Rancho Pico’s campus.

SPECIAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS Special Education is a form of instruction that addresses students with specialized needs.  All placements are in the least restrictive environment as determined by the IEP team, of which the student's parent is an active participant. 

RESOURCE SPECIALIST PROGRAM (RSP) – The students served within the Resource Program are 

enrolled in the general education classroom setting with support from the Resource Specialist and Instructional Assistants, ensuring that skills are not learned in isolation, better enabling the student to generalize skills across the curriculum.  Resource students are seen by the specialist as required for academic success.  Placement in the Resource Program is through the IEP process.  The Resource Specialist continually assesses the needs of the students and works with their teachers to provide the best instructional methods and accommodations necessary for academic achievement.  The program includes a Study Skills class, which is taught by the Resource Specialist.  Special emphasis is put on organizational and time management skills, study habits and test taking.  Also included is review of daily academic work. 

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SPECIAL DAY CLASS PROGRAM  (SDC) – The Special Day Class program is intended to provide 

students who are identified as having exceptional needs with a modified curriculum based on the district core curriculum and standards.  The student's placement in the Special Day Class is through the IEP process.  These students may integrate academically within the regular classroom setting with the support of their special education teacher or be instructed within a self‐contained class by the special education teacher.   

COUNSELING 

COMPREHENSIVE GUIDANCE PROGRAM – The Rancho Pico counselors have as their aim the 

recognition of the dignity and worth of each individual and a respect for the differences that exist among individuals.  The success of this program relies upon the development of relationships within the school community; hence, effective counseling depends upon a team approach – student, parent, teacher, and counselor. 

Counselors work closely with students to ensure their academic and educational development as well as providing the skills for career, social, and personal development.  The guidance curriculum is taught through classroom presentations, structured groups, individual and small group counseling.  Students will develop a variety of skills needed to become self‐sufficient, socially responsible citizens. 

CREDITS– A student must accumulate a minimum of 107.5 credits in grades seven and eight.  In addition, 

the student shall have demonstrated acceptable citizenship, behavior and attendance.  Failure to meet the citizenship, behavior and attendance standards may result in the denial of the privilege of participation in 8th grade activities. 

CLASS SCHEDULES – Rancho Pico is on a rotating block schedule.   Students attend three classes each day.   

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Rancho Pico Junior High School - A California Distinguished School -

26250 West Valencia Boulevard – Stevenson Ranch, California 91381 661.284.3260 – FAX 661.255.7261

March 2017

Dear Future Rancho Pico Families,

Please join us at our 6th Grade Family Night and Open House on Tuesday, March 21st! The purpose of this eveningis for our incoming Rancho Pico students and their families to visit our campus and learn about Rancho Pico. Theevening will begin at 4:00 pm with our Parent Advisory Council (PAC) BBQ and Silent Auction fundraisers. Food willbe available for purchase from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm and our Silent Auction will be presented in our MPR with “BuyNow” and bidding options. Proceeds from the Silent Auction and BBQ will go to support Rancho Pico students,programs, and educational opportunities provided by Rancho Pico staff.

Campus tours will be conducted by ASB students and staff members from 4:30 pm to 5:45 pm. The last tours willdepart at 5:30 pm. Additionally, all 6th grade families are invited to the gymnasium at 6:30 pm for the Principal’sPresentation. Over the course of an hour, you will learn what you need to know to make the transition fromelementary school to junior high easy!

The complete schedule for the evening is as follows:

4:00 pm 8:00 pm BBQ (Quad) food served entire time period, Silent Auction (MPR)4:30 pm 5:45 pm Campus Tours (6th Grade Families)5:30 pm 8:00 pm Scholastic Book Fair (Library), Public Librarian (Outside Library)5:45 pm 6:20 pm Performing Arts (Outside Stage)6:20 pm 6:25 pm Principal’s Welcome (Outside Stage)6:30 pm 7:30 pm Principal’s Presentation to 6th Grade Families (Gymnasium)

Additional parking will be available at West Ranch High School across the street. If parking at West Ranch, pleasepark in the staff lot or park in the spaces closest to our campus as the high school also has an event that evening.

Our 6th Grade Family Night and Open House is an exciting event and the entire family is welcome. If you havequestions about Rancho Pico, please visit our website at www.ranchopicojuniorhigh.org and click on the “6th

Grade Portal” link under the “Quick Links” section located on the right side of the home page.

My staff and I are truly looking forward to seeing you and your family on March 21st. Until then, be well and GOMUSTANGS!

Warmly yours,

Ms. Jones, PrincipalRancho Pico Junior High

Important Dates to Remember:

Rancho Pico Open House & Parent Information Night

Tuesday, March 21, 2017 

Please join us for the following activities: 

• 4:00 – 8:00 pm:  Silent Auction / PAC sponsored BBQ dinner for purchase

• 4:30 – 5:45 pm: Campus Tours

• 5:30 – 8:00 pm:  Book Fair in the Library

• 5:45 – 6:15 pm:  Performances

• 6:30 – 7:30 pm:  Principal’s presentation to 6th grade students and parents in the gymnasium

Summer Check-In will be held in August. We will be taking school pictures, collecting Emergency Cards (which will be mailed out in a summer packet),

and distributing Textbooks.

Summer Check-In Dates: 8th Grade

Wednesday, August 02, 2017 8:00 am – 12:00 pm

7th Grade Thursday, August 03, 2017 8:00 am – 12:00 pm

Tuesday, August 8, 2017, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm Make-Up Check-In More details will be mailed out over the summer. Please be sure to let us

know if you move. (661) 284-3260, Ext. 1106

26250 West Valencia Boulevard Stevenson Ranch, California 91381 661.284.3260 FAX 661.255.7261

Rancho Pico Junior High School Rancho Pico Junior High, 26250 Valencia Blvd., Stevenson Ranch, CA 91381 

 

   

ADVANCED CHOIR AUDITIONS (Room 425) Choir students do NOT need to prepare a song in advance.

No appointment required. You will audition in the order you arrive and sign-in.  

Wednesday, May 3, 3:15-4:30 PM OR

Thursday, May 11, 3:15-4:30 PM     

ADVANCED BAND & STRING ORCHESTRA (Library)

Most entering 7th graders with previous experience will be in the Intermediate Band or Orchestra, however a few may be ready for the Advanced Level. These are the requirements for the Advanced Level auditions. No appointment required. You will audition in the order you arrive and sign-in. This is just for placement, not for seating. Don’t worry, just try your best!

Wednesday, May 3, 3:30-5:00 PM OR

Thursday, May 11, 3:30-5:00 PM  

Advanced Band Audition Requirements Brass and Woodwind students should be prepared to play:

1. 16-24 measures from one of your concert songs, the check-off songs from your book, or a solo you have practiced

2. Scales: concert Bb, Eb, F, C, G 3. Chromatic scale one octave 4. Produce a characteristic tone and be able to tongue and slur properly. Clarinets and

trumpets should be able to play comfortably up to a high “G” on top of the staff.  Percussion (a bell kit and snare drum will be provided) should be prepared to play:

1. ON BELLS – 8-12 measures from one of your concert songs, the check-off songs from your book, or a solo you have practiced

2. ON SNARE DRUM - play a measure of 8 eighth notes followed by a measure of 16 sixteenth notes, keeping a steady beat. Advanced band students will usually be able to do this at more than one speed, and be able to play a smooth roll.

 

Advanced String Orchestra Audition Requirements String students should be prepared to play:

1. 16-24 measures from one of your concert songs, the check-off songs from your book, or a solo you have practiced

2. Scales (2 octaves) – D, C, G, and A 3. Be able to tune your own instrument 4. Be able to shift in and out of 3rd position

 

Rancho Pico Junior High 

2017‐18 

Music Registration Form  

Dear Parent/Guardian: Your child is invited to participate in Rancho Pico’s award winning music program. If your child is interested in enrolling in band, orchestra or choir at Rancho Pico Junior High, you may either register online at www.ranchopicojuniorhigh.org or complete this form:

 Student’s Name

 

Telephone  

Email Elementary School

 

Parent Signature  

Anyone who is interested in band, orchestra, or choir will have an opportunity to participate.  

Please indicate in which ensemble you’d like to enroll:  

STRING ORCHESTRA Instrument: _______________

 

Intermediate Strings (must have previous experience, no audition necessary)

 Advanced Strings* (audition required)

BAND Instrument: _________________

 

Beginning Band (no audition or previous experience necessary.You do to need to know what instrument you want to play)  Intermediate Band (must have previous experience, no audition necessary)  Advanced Band* (audition required)

CHOIR

 

Advanced Choir (no audition or previous experience necessary)

 Chamber Choir* (audition required)

*Please note audition requirements on the back of this form for advanced level classes. It is your responsibility to fulfill any audition requirements.

 

 

If you have any questions regarding the music program, please contact: Choir: Molly Peters at mpeters@hartdistrict.org Band or Orchestra: Peggi Stoffel at pstoffel@hartdistrict.org  

PLEASE RETURN THIS FORM BY MAIL, FAX (661) 255-7261, OR ONLINE AT www.ranchopicojuniorhigh.com

NO LATER THAN MAY 26, 2017.