LA QUINTA HIGH SCHOOL
INFORMATION FOR PARENTS
Visit the LQHS Web page at:
www.laquintahs.org
2015 – 2016
FREQUENTLY CALLED TELEPHONE NUMBERS
ACTIVITIES OFFICE ............................................................................................................. .663-6372
ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL (A – K) .......................................................................................... 663-6374
ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL (L – N) .......................................................................................... 663-6372
ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL (O– Z) ............................................................................................ 663-6373
ATHLETIC OFFICE (12n- 3pm) ............................................................................................. 663-6045
ATTENDANCE OFFICE ............................................................................................... 663-6344
BOOKSTORE ........................................................................................................................... 663-6339
COUNSELORS/GUIDANCE OFFICE ................................................................................. 663-6375
FAX ........................................................................................................................................... 663-6046
INFORMATION/FRONT OFFICE ....................................................................................... 663-6315
LIBRARY ................................................................................................................................... 663-6193
NURSE’S OFFICE.................................................................................................................... 663-6375
PRINCIPAL’S OFFICE ........................................................................................................... 663-6315
SPANISH & VIETNAMESE LIAISONS ............................................................................... 663-6344
FRESHMAN EARLY START PROGRAM & PARENT ORIENTATION MEETING
All Freshman are required to attend the Early Start Program AND Registration on Friday, August 28th,
2015. Parents are STRONGLY encouraged to attend a Parent Orientation meeting the night before on
Thursday, August 27th, 2015 from 6:00pm-7:00pm. Students are to report alphabetically by last name
to the quad in the center of campus at their assigned Early Start program time and stay through
Registration. Students will pick up their school schedules, books, ID cards, and have the opportunity
to purchase PE Locks, PE Clothes, ASB Cards, and Yearbooks (packages are available). Due to
modernization, lockers may not be available the day of Early Start and Registration so plan to bring
a back pack to carry books home. Food will be provided at Early Start. See the Early Start document
for time schedules.
SCHOOL TO PARENT COMMUNICATIONS
School Messenger - School Messenger allows educators the opportunity to connect with parents in
English, Spanish, and Vietnamese. This service relays information to a parent about their child’s
attendance, academics, school activities and emergencies. We use the first phone number listed on
your emergency card for this service. If you have questions or would like to change the contact
number for School Messenger, please contact the Guidance office by calling 714-663-6375. A text
message and email feature also available for those who provide that contact information as well.
AERIES PARENT PORTAL – Parents and students have access through AERIES Parent Portal to
view student grades and attendance online. To set up an account you must have an email address and
go to https://mygrades.ggusd.us . You may call our Guidance office for assistance at 663-6375.
PICK UP/DROP OFF PARKING LOT PROCEDURES
The front of the school is used by district transportation to drop off and pick up students enrolled in the
Severely Handicapped Program. This area must be kept clear for these buses. Therefore,
students/parents are not allowed to use the front parking lot or the faculty parking lot to
drop off or pick up students. The Junior (East) lot is the place to pickup / drop off your
student. Consult the school website (laquintahs.org) for a detailed map. Please note that
if our ongoing construction requires changes to our parking areas, we will notify you via our School
Messenger service. Please be sure that your telephone number is up to date.
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ATTENDANCE
Telephone: 663-6344
Hours: 6:45 am – 4:00 pm
Excellent attendance is one of the strongest indicators of success in school and in life. Please send your
student to school every day. If your student misses school, please call the office or send him/her with a
written excuse the next day. The student must take the note to the Attendance Office before returning to
class. Students will be penalized with a truant absence and will be assigned a Saturday School if their
parent fails to call the office or a written note is not brought to the office within 2 days of the absence.
Students must be on time, attend school regularly, and be in all assigned classes.
TARDY POLICY
Students are tardy if they are not in the classroom when the bell rings. Tardies are cumulative by
semester. The tardy policy is listed below.
 First Tardy: Teacher counsels student.
 Second and Third Tardy: The teacher assigns student detention and contacts the parent or guardian.
Failure to serve detention after the appropriate options may result in a referral.
 Fourth Tardy: The student will be referred to the counselor. The counselor may assign a detention
and contact the parent or guardian.
 Fifth and Sixth Tardy: The assistant principal may assign a Saturday School and contact the parent or
guardian.
 Beyond Sixth: A Parent/Student/Assistant Principal conference with possible referral to the Truancy
Reduction Center, initiation of SARB process and an Attendance Contract.
OFF-CAMPUS PASSES
La Quinta is a closed campus. Students may not leave the school at any time during the day, including
lunchtime, without an approved pass from the Attendance Office. All appointments should be
scheduled outside of the school day. Students who leave without a pass will be considered truant and
assigned Saturday School. Off campus lunch privileges – for lunch only – will be given only to seniors
who have an approved senior privilege form on file. Students will only be permitted to leave campus
through the Senior parking lot and only after showing their La Quinta I.D. card.
BREAKFAST/LUNCH PROGRAM
All students should complete a new free, reduced, or prepaid breakfast/lunch program, each school
year. Applications have been included in the ON-Line registration and on the district website.
Hardcopies are also available at the school site and should be turned in at registration. All students
are encouraged to submit an application as it may enable students to qualify for college entrance fee
and testing waivers. This also determines the school’s eligibility for additional funding. For additional
information, please contact the Office at 663-6315.
LOCKERS
Lockers on campus and in P.E. are provided for the storage of books and other materials required for
school. Students are required to lock their lockers at all times and should not divulge their
combinations to other students. No money or valuables should be kept in any locker at any time as
the school district assumes no liability for belongings left in lockers (including textbooks, athletic
equipment, and uniforms). It is particularly important to empty lockers during the weekend and before
all extended breaks. Freshmen- must purchase a hall lock for $12 at registration. This lock will be
theirs for all 4 years at La Quinta. Due to construction, lockers will be assigned but may not be
available during Schedule pick up. Please come prepared to take your books home after your pick
up your schedule and materials.
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PHYSICAL EDUCATION
P.E. uniforms are available in the Bookstore. Shorts are $8 and T-shirts are $4.00 each. All students
must wear a different set of clothes and shoes for P.E. other than what they wear to classes. P.E. locks
must be purchased from the P.E. Department for $6.00. P.E. apparel will be sold during registration
week, Freshmen Orientation, and during the first week of school. Checks should be made payable to
La Quinta High School.
HEALTH EDUCATION COURSE/FAMILY LIFE UNIT
The restricted materials used in the Family Life Unit will be displayed in the District Office Annex
Conference Room on September 22 and February 23. The District Office is located at 10331
Stanford Avenue in Garden Grove. Students must have a signed permission slip on file with the school
office to participate in this unit. This form will be sent home with each student for your approval and
signature before the class begins.
*** DELIVERIES ***
Deliveries to students are discouraged. Any items that might disturb the academic
learning environment, such as flowers, gifts and balloons will not be accepted. Class will
not be interrupted for deliveries including deliveries of snacks and lunches.
VISITORS
La Quinta High School is a closed campus. Students are not permitted to have friends or relatives with
them at any time during the school day. All visitors must check in through the front office and if
approved to come on campus during the school day, will be issued a Visitor’s Pass.
RULES AND REGULATIONS
ELECTRONIC DEVICES, including cell phones must remain off and put away during class time unless
permitted by the teacher. Electronic devices that are confiscated will be returned only to a parent or
guardian the following school day. Devices that are confiscated a second time will be kept in the
Attendance Office until the end of the semester. The school assumes no responsibility or liability for
confiscated, lost or stolen electronic devices. The school will not investigate reports of lost or stolen
electronic devices. Students and parents will be encouraged to file a police report. Phones are subject
to search by administrators, with reasonable cause (discipline/safety reasons).
DRESS EXPECTATIONS
Students at La Quinta should dress according to school guidelines. Clothing must not jeopardize the
health or safety of the wearers or others or cause distraction to the educational process of the school.
Clothing must be clean and cover all undergarments. Strapless clothing, bare midriffs and backs are not
appropriate for school. Clothing needs to be modest in terms of length and coverage and not be
distracting to the learning environment. Any clothing that suggests alcohol, drug or tobacco use,
weapons or violence, racial or general intolerance, gang involvement or sexual content is forbidden.
Students will be asked to change their attire or they will be sent home. Footwear must be worn at
all times. Only LA QUINTA headwear will be permitted at school and hoods are not permitted.
Bandanas and wallet chains are prohibited.
Questionable attire will be left to the discretion of the staff.
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OPPORTUNITIES FOR PARENTS TO GET INVOLVED
PARENT POWER SCHOOL
Parent Power School (PPS) meets once a month by language group at **6:00 PM. PPS is designed
to assist parents in supporting their children through each grade level as they matriculate through
high school. The curriculum of PPS addresses the needs and concerns associated with parenting
teen age children relative to success in high school and preparation for college. The curriculum is
being redesigned this year so that there will be opportunity for experienced parents of high school
aged children to share tips and suggestions. We encourage every parent to participate in this
valuable experience.
** Vietnamese also available on Thursday morning at 8:00am in the Cafeteria, on the day after the
Wednesday night PPS**
The dates for the 2015-2016 Parent Power School are listed below.
September 16, 2015
October 7, 2015
November 4, 2015
January 13, 2016
February 10, 2016
March 9, 2016
April 6, 2016
May 11, 2016
June 15, 2016
LA QUINTA PARENT
ASSOCIATION
The LQPA consists of three major
parent groups that meet to provide
resources and support to the school. The
parent groups are:
Padres Unidos - Meetings are
conducted in Spanish,
Hội Phụ Huynh Học Sinh Việt Nam
La Quinta - Meetings are conducted
in Vietnamese,
PTSSO – Meetings are conducted in
English.
All three groups meet in conjunction
with Parent Power School at 7:30pm
These specific dates are listed above
and will also be posted on our school
website. Parents are encouraged to
join the group that best meets their
needs and to be an active participant
in supporting activities and projects
at La Quinta.
ELAC
The purpose of ELAC is to provide parents of English Learners
opportunities to: Learn more about programs offered to their students
 Advise the principal and school staff on the most positive and effective
actions to improve learning of English Learners
 Advise the school principal and staff on the development of the School
Plan and Parent Involvement Policy
 Send information to D.E.L.A.C (District English Learner Advisory
Committee)
 Advise and make recommendations on Economic Impact Aide (EIA)
funding
La Quinta’s ELAC group will meet a four times this year on Tuesday
evenings at 5:30pm in the Lyceum. The dates for this school year are:
October 20th, December 1st, February 23rd and April 19th.
If you are a parent of an English Learner you are eligible to become a
member.
SCHOOL SITE COUNCIL
The School Site Council is a committee composed of parents,
teachers, students, and the principal that oversees special funding that
the school receives. Council members serve a two-year term. The
council meets at school a minimum of four times a year.
If you would like more information about any of these groups, please contact our
LQPA President, John Nguyen @John@finalarts.com or (714)719-3116
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STUDENT RECOGNITION
VALEDICTORIAN AND SALUTATORIAN
The Valedictorian(s) and the Salutatorian(s) at La Quinta High School are selected
by the school staff. The principal and guidance staff reviews the 7th semester transcripts of the highest
academically ranked seniors. The Valedictorian(s) and Salutatorians(s) are selected by school and
department leaders based on the strength of the total academic program to include weighted and nonweighted classes and all grades achieved. Class rank is not the sole determiner for the selection of
Valedictorian and Salutatorian. For example, the Valedictorian may not be the number one ranked
student in the senior class.
Aztec of the Year
Aztecs of the year, presented annually by the La Quinta faculty to a graduating senior boy and girl, is
one who has excelled in academics (minimum 3.0 GPA), citizenship, and school involvement. The
recipients are announced at Senior Awards Night and are featured in the yearbook.
Aztec of the Month
Aztecs of the Month are nominated by the La Quinta Faculty and chosen by administration. The Aztec
of the Month can be in any grade level and can be recognized for academics, citizenship, or school
involvement.
Academic Awards
An Academic Awards luncheon is held in the fall and spring to recognize students who have earned an
academic weighted GPA of 3.5 or higher for 3 or more consecutive semesters.
Senior Awards Night
Senior Awards Night is held annually to recognize outstanding academics, leadership, service, and
extra-curricular involvement of the graduating seniors.
ACTIVITIES FOR STUDENTS
ATHLETICS
The Aztec Athletic program is a strength on our campus. Over 900 student athletes participated in
athletic events while representing their high school during the 14-15 school year. The number of
students involved is growing and the participation of our teacher/coaches allows us to have a
recognized program in the Garden Grove League. Take the opportunity to become part of a proud and
growing program by joining one of the athletic programs available to our students throughout the year.
Fight on Aztecs!
Football
Volleyball
Baseball
Water Polo
Basketball
Soccer
Swim
Tennis
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Track & Field/ Cross Country
Softball
EXTRACURRICULAR ELIGIBILITY
Every student is urged to participate in the extracurricular activities of his/her choice. La Quinta High
School and the Garden Grove Unified School District have set the following Standards of citizenship
and academics:
• Students shall maintain the minimum grade point average (GPA) required by the specific program
or activity.
• Students who behave inappropriately may be denied the privilege of participating in these activities.
• Some activities are part of a district-adopted course to which credits are assigned (example; drama,
music, and yearbook). There is no minimum GPA requirement to enroll in these district-adopted
courses. Only the student’s participation outside the instructional day is affected by the eligibility
requirement.
Clubs and Organizations
Students are encouraged to attend the Club Rush held during the first month of school to
learn more about the clubs listed below. Club participation is an excellent way to become
involved in school and develop your interests. Please contact the club advisor and/or
president for specific information on a club.
LA QUINTA HIGH SCHOOL CLUBS
Academic Decathlon
Alzheimer’s Association
American Red Cross
Anime
Art Club
Arts and Technology
ASB
Associated Technology
AVID Club
AHA-Aztecs Helping
Aztecs
Band/Orchestra/Drums
Boys League
Business Club
Cheer
Chemistry
Choral Club
Color/Winter Guard
Computer Graphics
CSF-Calif. Scholarship
Federation
Debate
DJ
Drama
Ecology
Engineering Club
French Club
Future Medical Leaders
Gay Straight Alliance
Girls League
Hunger Games
Key Club
Kiwins
Korean Connection
Latinos Unidos
LARP
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Movement Club
National Honor Society
Photography Club
Pink Ribbon
P.A.W.S.
Recycling
Red Cross
Special Hands
Uprising
Vietnamese Student
Assn.
Yearbook
COMPREHENSIVE GUIDANCE PROGRAM
The counselors at La Quinta High School are committed to providing a comprehensive guidance
program. Each student and parent can expect guaranteed services as a result of the program design.
The three major areas are:
 College advisement in grades 9 through 12
 Responsive services providing assistance with personal situations requiring individualized help
 Individual and small group career and educational planning
Counselors will see students at any time they are available and by appointment. Counseling
appointments may be made by signing the counselor’s appointment sheet in the Guidance Office.
Counselors are assigned according to student’s last name:
Ms. Sherri Grelle
A – Hoa
Mrs. Adriana Esquivel
Hob – Nguyen D.
Mr. Huy Tran
Nguyen E. – Q
Ms. Lucy FitzRandolph
R–Z
PSAT EXAM
(Preliminary SAT)
The PSAT test will be given on
Wednesday, October 14th to all tenth
grade students free of charge. Eleventh
graders may also take the PSAT by
purchasing a ticket in the bookstore for
$15.00.
FREE STUDENT PLANNER
Students are provided with a free planner at the
beginning of each school year and are required
to carry it daily. The day planner contains a
comprehensive list of information about La
Quinta rules, expectations, activities, and
opportunities. Please read and discuss this
information with your student.
We also encourage parents to reinforce the use of
the planner to record assignments, deadlines, and
events. Time management is an important skill
that young people need to learn.
If a planner is lost, students may purchase
a replacement planner in the bookstore for
$10, subject to availability.
Library/Computer Labs
The La Quinta High School Library Media program is
fully integrated into the school's curriculum and is
central to the learning process of all students. Current
up-to-date information in the form of print materials
and online resources are available to students and
staff. Seventy computers and two printers are
available in the library for student use. There is also a
copier for students to make copies for a nominal fee.
Peer tutoring is available through CSF in the library
after school. Check the school website for specific
dates and times.
Library Hours: Including lunch time
Mondays & Wednesdays - 7:30am -3:30pm
Tuesdays & Thursdays - 7:30am – 4:00 pm
Fridays - 7:30am – 3:00 pm.
* Schedule is subject to change based on daily
activities
La Quinta High School also has two computer labs
and mobile laptop and Chromebook labs on campus to
support teachers with instruction during the school
day.
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SENIOR INFORMATION
SENIOR CALENDAR 2015-16
Senior Registration
August 26
Classes Begin
September 8
GGUSD College Fair at Bolsa October 12
Homecoming Assembly
October 15
Homecoming Game
October 15
Homecoming Dance
October 16
Senior Assembly
October 19
Financial Aid (FAFSA) meeting TBD
Graduation Announcement &
Cap and Gown Orders October 27 & 28
GGUSD Life after High School February 25
GGUSD Career Fair at Bolsa April 28
Advanced Placement Exams May TBD
Senior Awards Night
May 25
Senior Final Exams
June 16 &17
Cap and Gown Distribution June 16
Senior Lunch and
Graduation Rehearsal
June 20
Graduation
June 21
Grad Night
TBD
SENIOR PICTURES
Our senior portrait partner is Lifetouch Prestige
Portraits. It is recommended that you schedule
your senior portrait photo session for the summer
when there are many options for appointment
times. The minimum sitting fee is $40. The
senior portrait session includes multiple pose
options, proofs to be mailed home, and the
opportunity to select a pose for the yearbook.
Your portrait session will be photographed at the
Lifetouch Prestige Portrait seasonal studio
located in Garden Grove. To schedule your
appointment, call 714-823-4855 or go online at
go.lifetouch.com
PAYING FOR EDUCATION AFTER HIGH SCHOOL
Financial aid programs provide help in meeting college costs – both direct educational costs and personal
living expenses. Whether your senior is planning to attend a community college or four-year university,
we encourage you to apply for financial aid, regardless of your grade point average or family income. It is
important that students complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Students Aid) which is the
single application that determines their eligibility for most government funding. Please visit
www.fsfsa.ed.gov for the online application. A very important informational meeting will be held in
January. The counselors will provide information on completing the FAFSA form. Please plan to attend
with your student. The deadline to submit the FAFSA is March 2nd.
SCHOLARSHIPS
Each year, graduates of La Quinta earn nearly $1,000,000.00 in scholarships and aid to continue
their education. Their success is due to their diligence in applying for the multitude of available
scholarships and financial aid. Ms. Grelle is responsible for all scholarship applications. She will, upon
request, provide assistance to all students to locate information about appropriate scholarships and other
sources of financial assistance. She also distributes a monthly senior newsletter to all seniors that lists
available scholarships. Parents can view the newsletter on the LQHS web page at www.laquintahs.org.
The link is located on the guidance page.
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