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Feb. 23rd Morning Meeting w/ Melissa & Brian 8:30-9:30 | Feb. 25th HTeX Community Meeting Celebrating Black History Month 8:45am-9:15am
Message from Dr. Melissa
Message from Dr. Melissa
Happy Lunar New Year! We hope the Year of the Horse’s vibrant and fiery energy, symbolizing adventure, vitality, and momentum shows up in your life in beautiful ways (SDCOE Resources).
We would like to share Explorer love and shine to our HTeX PA and family volunteers for making last week's Scholastic Book Fair a joyous event! Every student was gifted a voucher to buy a book from the fair.
This week, classrooms have kicked off the celebration of Black History Month in the classroom. Students have begun learning the WHY and WHO behind how Black History Month was started. They will continue spending time this month (and year-round) learning about the joy, impact, and culture that Black Americans have and continue to bring to our country.
Explorer shine to the fourth grade team for sharing some fantastic resources for celebrating Black History Month at home. All of these resources are FREE and support students in continued learning and reflection outside the classroom. If you have any of your own resources, experiences, or traditions, please reach out to your teacher(s).
Reading: HERE is a list featuring 100 children's books written by amazing Black authors. We recommend selecting a book for your child to read each week, which can be incorporated into their daily 30 minutes of reading at home. From this same list, you can use this search engine HERE to identify which library closest to you has the book.
STEM: HERE is a compilation of hands-on activities you can facilitate at home that teach students about Black inventors and their many contributions that we still use today. These are perfect activities for children who love to build, engineer, and create.
Music: If you use Spotify in the car or at home, try listening to this playlist HERE that features Black musicians. All songs included on the playlist are appropriate for kids of all ages.
Athletics: I know that for many of our students sports and teamwork are major pillars in their life outside of school. HERE is a Youtube video that highlights Black athletes and includes a trivia game to quiz students on what they learned.
Our next community meeting will be taking place Wednesday, February 25th from 8:45-9:15. Black History Month will be celebrated during our assembly with the focus of joy, art, and music. We are very lucky to have Ms. Summer's Rap-A-Tap dance company performing for us and sharing the history of jazz music!
In preparation of this Community Meeting, we asked each grade level to brainstorm and identify one celebration of something their class learned or experienced during the month of February that honors Black history.
We encourage families to continue the conversation at home by reading books, exploring historical figures, and celebrating the rich culture and heritage of the Black community. Thank you for your support in fostering an inclusive and inspiring learning environment!
With appreciation,
Dr. Melissa
Warm Reminder - Please contact Ms. Maggie the day your student is absent and the reason why. Thank you!
Save The Date!
Save The Date!
Linked HTeX 25-26 Calendar
Feb. 17-Mar. 6 Winter MAP Testing for Grades 2-5
Feb. 23rd - Monthly Monday Mornings with Melissa & Brian @ 8:30am-9:30am
Feb. 25th - HTeX Community Meeting Celebrating Black History Month @ 8:45am-9:15am
Feb. 26th -
HTeX PA General Meeting @ 8:30am-9:30am
Family Night @ 4:30pm-5:15pm
Feb. 27th - Semester One Progress Reports Emailed to Families
Dean's Corner
Dean's Corner
Hello Explorer Families,
We are in a time of sickness right now, and we know many households are feeling it. Across San Diego, we are seeing higher rates of flu, colds, and other respiratory illnesses. We want to say this clearly: we deeply care about the health and well being of you and your children.
We appreciate families being thoughtful and cautious when students are truly sick. Following public health guidance helps keep everyone safe. The CDC recommends that students stay home when they have:
• A fever of 100.4°F or higher and until they are fever free for 24 hours without medication
• Vomiting or diarrhea within the last 24 hours
• Symptoms that make it difficult to participate in school, such as needing to rest for long periods of the day, struggling to stay awake, or having frequent coughing that is constant, worsening, or requires repeated removal from class
To be clear, a mild or occasional cough, runny nose, or general tiredness alone does not require staying home if your child can participate in learning, eat, play, and engage with others.
When students are feeling well enough to participate and are not within the stay home guidelines, we encourage them to attend school. Learning at Explorer is hands on and collaborative, and projects, group work, and relationship building are happening every day. These experiences are hard to recreate when students are absent.
Our goal is balance: protecting health while also supporting consistency, connection, and growth. We are grateful for your partnership and communication as we move through this season together.
If you are ever unsure whether your child should attend, please reach out. We are always happy to help you think it through.
In partnership,
Brian
Warm Explorer Welcome!
Warm Explorer Welcome!
Hi! My name is Kayla Manguil and I was born and raised in San Diego. I’m a High Tech High graduate and recently graduated from UC Davis with a Sociology degree. I’m also working to get my teaching credential next year! I’m so excited to be back with High Tech High at Explorer and can’t wait to meet everyone!
Kayla will be in the SpEd AC II position in Kindergarten.
I had the good fortune of being introduced to coaching youth sports when I was 16 years old, which turned out to be the single most important driving force in my life and career. Coaching personally transformed me during some of the most important years of my life.
As an athlete, I experienced the positive impact a good coach can have on a child, and I knew that influence extended well beyond the game, so I made it my mission to become the kind of coach who transformed lives.
Sports, for me, became a way to develop life skills, social-emotional skills, strong values, and build resilient, happy, confident children. To that end, I went back for two separate degrees to develop the skills necessary to be the best possible coach (sport psychology and early childhood education).
This mission also allowed me to work with sports organizations all over the world - speaking, training coaches, working with young athletes, and sharing best practices in coaching behaviors, pedagogy, mental skills, and social-emotional learning.
Though I loved seeing the world and meeting other coaches and teams, I missed the very thing that gave me this amazing career: teaching children. I couldn’t be more pleased to be back teaching and doing what I believe is my purpose. The cherry on top, for me, is getting to teach at a school that feels like home.
Now, with all three of our amazing kids out forging their own paths, my wife and I are adapting to an empty nest while we explore southern California’s beaches, hiking trails, golf courses, coffee shops, and bakeries with our new pup, Van.
Mr. Reed will be in the SpEd AC II position in First Grade and Third Grade.
Volunteer Guidelines
Volunteer Guidelines
Dear HTeX Volunteers,
We are so grateful for the time and energy you pour into our school community! To ensure a safe and focused environment for all our students, please follow these updated volunteer protocols. All volunteers will will need to review the orientation information and sign the HTeX Volunteer Acknowledgement form.
1. Sign-In & Sign-Out
1. Sign-In & Sign-Out
Please coordinate with the staff member when the best time to volunteer is. When you arrive, please check in using the Visitu system at the front office. You are required to wear your printed volunteer badge visibly at all times while on campus. Don’t forget to sign out via Visitu before you leave!
2. Protect Learning Time
2. Protect Learning Time
To minimize distractions and keep our students focused, we ask that you remain in the specific area designated for your volunteer event. Please avoid visiting other classrooms or wandering the hallways during instructional time.
3. Communication with Teachers
3. Communication with Teachers
Our teachers prioritize student interaction during the school day. If you need to discuss a specific matter:
Please send an email rather than approaching them during class or drop-off.
Teachers will respond by 48 hours.
Thank you for your support in keeping our school safe and our students on track. We couldn't do it without you!
4th & 5th Grade Families:
4th & 5th Grade Families:
Middle School Info Session Slide Deck
Dear Explorer Families,
Thank you so much for joining us for our recent information session on the transition to middle school which we called Level Up in Middle School at HTH! It was wonderful to see so many familiar faces as your students prepare to wrap up their 5th-grade year and embark on this next big chapter.
We know that the move from elementary to middle school is a significant milestone. Our goal for the session was to provide a clear look at how High Tech High continues its mission of innovative, rigorous, project-based learning and community connections at the middle school level. We hope you left feeling excited about the opportunities awaiting your child next year!
We Want to Hear From You
We Want to Hear From You
To ensure we are providing the right support and information to our promoting families, we would love to get your feedback on the session. Please take a moment to complete our brief survey:
Middle School Info Session Survey
Quick Recap & Resources
Quick Recap & Resources
In case you were not able to attend this morning, we are attaching the slide deck here so you can review what we went over during the session.
If you have any lingering questions that weren't addressed during the presentation or have preferences regarding placement, please feel free to reach out to me at vgrajeda@hightechhigh.org.
Thank you for being such an integral part of our school community. We look forward to seeing your students thrive in middle school!
Best regards,
Veronica Alvarez Grajeda (she/her)
Director of Admissions and Community Engagement
You are Invited!
You are Invited!
Family Night Feb. 26th 4:30pm-5:15pm
Family Night Feb. 26th 4:30pm-5:15pm
Dear Families,
We invite you to join us for our upcoming Family Night on Thursday, February 26th from 4:30–5:15 PM in the HTeX Gathering Area!
This month, we will be discussing the importance of consistent routines and how predictable daily structures can support children’s emotional regulation, behavior, and overall well-being. We will share practical, easy-to-implement strategies that families can use at home and school to help children feel safe, confident, and ready to learn.
We will also have time for discussion, connection, and idea-sharing with our HTeX community.
All families are welcome, we hope to see you there!
Location: HTeX Gathering Area or Virtual
Date & Time: Thursday, February 26 | 4:30–5:15 PM
Virtual Link: https://meet.google.com/tyj-skap-fyf
Join us for a fun and informative evening! Please use this link to RSVP and let us know if you plan to attend.
On behalf of our HTeX Family Night Team!
Student Support Team & Resources
Student Support Team & Resources
Parent-Friendly Mental & Behavioral Health Community-Based Resources:
Support Apps: We recommend using tools like "Know Your Rights 4 Immigrants" and California Rapid Response Networks (a crowdsourced platform for reporting enforcement activity).
HTH Safe Zone Website: Resources are available on each school’s website under the HTH Safe Zone page, which can be accessed here.
Virtual Wellness Center – SDCOE (interactive)
Mental Health Resources - SDCOE (informational)
SDCOE, Rady Children's Hospital Partner on Webinar Series for Parents Around Student Mental Health (pre-recorded webinar series)
NAMI Basics (virtual workshop)
Family-to-Family (support group/classes)
Father2Child (support group/classes)
CalHope (CA initiatives/resources)
Protocols for COVID & Other Respiratory Illnesses
Protocols for COVID & Other Respiratory Illnesses
Establish a Strong Home-School Connection
Attend school events like Exhibition and Student-Led Conferences (SLCs): These events provide crucial information about your child's learning and school community.
Communicate Regularly with Teachers: Maintain open communication with your child's teacher. Share any concerns or questions promptly.
Foster Positive Behaviors at Home
Establish a Consistent Bedtime Routine: Ensure your child gets enough sleep for optimal focus and learning.
Encourage Healthy Habits: Promote a balanced diet, regular exercise, and sufficient water intake for overall well-being.
Build Your Child's Confidence and Skills
Read Together Regularly: Share the joy of reading and build literacy skills.Plan a trip to your local library!
Teach Organizational Skills: Help your child develop time management and planning abilities. Teach your child about strategies that have been supportive for you.
Encourage Problem-Solving: Foster critical thinking and independence. You can help develop these skills by providing time for your child attempt to solve problems independently before completing a task for them.
Get Involved in the School Community
Volunteer at School: Contribute your time and skills to support school activities.
Stay Informed: Look out for communication via emails from your child’s teachers, family newsletters, and Konstella.
By following these tips, you can create a supportive environment that helps your child thrive in school.
To learn more about supporting your student’s learning and development, please visit these additional resources:
https://www.naeyc.org/our-work/families/browse-by-topic
Housekeeping Items
Housekeeping Items
HTH Admissions: Spread The Word!
High Tech Eats - February Menus
High Tech Eats - February Menus
A Message from the Parent Association
A Message from the Parent Association
Ways to Get Involved
Learn about High Tech High’s current and future college and career technical education (CCTE) pathways and how you can get involved by scanning the QR code.
HTeX Community Food Bank
With the unpredictable nature of today’s climate - we wanted to hopefully provide some resources to help families in need. If you are able, please consider donating. If you are in need, please reach out to Dr. Melissa, Mr. Brian, or April or Jenny listed on the flyer and we’ll work to see about getting the support needed.
Calling All HTeX Volunteers!
Calling All HTeX Volunteers!
Chaperoning Field Trips - Please...
We deeply appreciate your generosity in volunteering as a chaperone on our field experiences! Please follow the following guidelines:
Make sure you are cleared to drive on PowerSchool
Abide by High Tech Chaperone guidelines. This is an academic trip, but also have fun!
Please make sure student medication and/or epipens are brought while on the trip and are kept with the student's parent or staff member in their group
No siblings or additional adults allowed without prior approval
Chaperones are not to buy students extra items (souvenirs etc.)
We ask this because if some groups get one experience but not all groups, it’s not equitable
DO NOT TAKE AND POST PHOTOS OF STUDENTS ON SOCIAL MEDIA
You may send your student’s teacher or other classroom teacher photos
DO NOT LEAVE FIELD TRIP PROPERTY WITHOUT CHECKING IN WITH HTEX STAFF
Quiet Recess Volunteers
Calling All High Tech Families!!
I hope this message finds you well. As we strive to create a fun and engaging school environment for our students, we are excited to extend an invitation for our students adults to volunteer during recess.
Recess is a crucial time for our students to unwind, socialize, and engage in playful activities. Your presence during this time can make a significant difference in enhancing their overall school experience. Some of our student population has messaged to us that being outside for recess can be overstimulating. We would like to offer our parent volunteers a chance to come in and support those students. Our goal is to keep all students engaged in an activity that meets their individual needs.
If you're interested in volunteering, please sign up for a specific date and time using this form. We appreciate any time you can contribute.. Our kids love consistency, and we would appreciate a recurring schedule. However, if you have a limited schedule and want to help, we can discuss those opportunities on a case-by-case basis.
Thank you for considering this opportunity to be involved in your child's school life. Your support is instrumental in creating a positive and enjoyable school environment.
Thanks kindly,
Mr. Brian
Aftercare: High Tech Neighborhoods
Aftercare: High Tech Neighborhoods
Summer Collective – Full-Day Summer Camp
The Summer Collective is a full-day summer camp designed to give students a fun, engaging, and meaningful experience from morning to afternoon. Campers enjoy a balance of learning, creativity, movement, and connection in a supportive, energetic environment.
Throughout the day, campers explore their interests, build confidence, and participate in hands-on activities that spark curiosity, independence, and discovery—all while making new friends and having fun.
To get the most out of camp, we encourage campers to attend both the morning and afternoon sessions, as activities are thoughtfully connected to create a full and well-rounded day.
Daily Schedule
Morning Learning & Exploration (8:00 AM – 12:00 PM)
Campers take part in interactive academic experiences where reading, math, and critical thinking are blended with outdoor exploration and hands-on projects. This approach keeps learning light, engaging, and fun while maintaining important skills over the summer.
Afternoon Camp Enrichment (12:00 PM – 5:00 PM)
Afternoons are all about classic summer camp fun! Campers enjoy creative projects, group games, outdoor play, and enrichment activities that encourage teamwork, self-expression, and confidence.
Weekly Themes & Activities
Week 1: Explore & Experiment – ArtLAB
Start the adventure!
Mixed media art (painting, collage, texture work)
Color theory & creative exploration
Sketchbook journaling
Outdoor inspiration art
Team art challenges
Perfect for first-time campers – fun, accessible, and hands-on!
Week 2: Build & Design
Challenge creativity!
Sculpture & 3D art (clay, cardboard, recycled materials)
Design thinking & functional art projects
Collaborative group builds
Creative problem-solving games
Kids develop new skills, collaborate on exciting projects, and build confidence and pride!
Week 3: Water, Wonder & Exploration
Make a splash!
Water Art Experiments with watercolor & natural pigments
Floating & sink creations: boats, rafts, sculptures
Outdoor sensory water play
Nature journaling & observation
Collaborative water-based murals and installations
Engaging, playful, and refreshing – kids love interactive water activities!
Week 4: Talent & Showcase Week
Celebrate creativity!
Camp Talent Show: music, dance, storytelling, and more
Complete final personal and collaborative art projects
Creative presentations and gallery walk for families
Celebration & reflection: awards, certificates, and recognition
The perfect way to end camp – students shine and families see all the amazing work!
Why Sign Up for Multiple Weeks?
Variety & Growth: Each week has a new theme and activities that build on previous skills
Confidence & Creativity: Kids explore, experiment, and succeed in a supportive environment
Memorable Experiences: From hands-on art to playful water exploration and culminating showcases, every week offers something special
Dates & Daily Schedule
Camp Dates (Monday – Friday):
June 22–26
June 29–July 3
July 6–10
July 13–17
Daily Schedule:
8:00 – 8:15 AM: Drop-off
8:15 – 8:30 AM: Morning Activities / Circle Up
8:30 – 9:00 AM: Morning Meeting
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Academic Block
12:00 – 12:30 PM: Lunch / Community Playground
1:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Project X Block / Enrichment
Tuition & Enrollment Options
Weekly Rate:
$250 per student
$225 per sibling
2-Week Rate:
$475 per student
$425 per sibling
4-Week Rate:
$950 per student
$850 per sibling
Financial Assistance, Payment & Enrollment
Students who qualify for free or reduced lunch attend at no cost
All other families will be billed via Square for the full 2-week session one week prior to the camp start date
Breakfast and lunch are available by request only
Enrollment deadline: May 15, 2026 at 12:00 PM
Please note: We do not have a waitlist
Thank you,
The Explorer Team
Copyright © High Tech Elementary Explorer. All rights reserved.
Our mailing address is:
2230 Truxton Rd San Diego CA 92106
Questions?
Email us at htexpacommunications@gmail.com
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