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AHS Welcome Back Student Letter for 2024-25 School Year



August 2024



Dear AHS Students and Families,


Welcome to Arcata High School for the 2024-2025 school year!  I hope you are enjoying your summer break and are rested and ready for the new school year. We are excited to welcome our students and staff back to campus for our first day of school on Thursday, August 22nd at 8:30 a.m.


My name is Kristin Ferderber, and I am very excited to be principal of AHS. I look forward to meeting and collaborating with you to help your child have a successful high school experience. 


Included is a summary of important items for all Tiger families. Additionally, the district will be mailing a packet of critical information and forms you must complete. Please take a moment to examine the accompanying documents and complete all the necessary forms. This material will be emailed and linked on the AHS website as well. 


More information will be shared with you as we launch the school year. In the meantime, please review the enclosed materials and call or check our website if you have any questions. I am excited about the beginning of the school year and proud to be part of a Tiger Team dedicated to providing excellent opportunities for all students.  


Here's to a fantastic year ahead!


Warm regards,


Kristin Ferderber

Principal  

Arcata High School





Arcata High School Information and Responses to Frequently Asked Questions


The Tiger Team at AHS wants our entire community to be well-informed. To aid in this process we assembled key pieces of information and responses to frequently asked questions that will be helpful for us to launch the 2024-25 school year.


Calendars and Schedules: "Where can I find the academic calendar and bus schedule for the upcoming year?" "How will we learn about our class schedules?"


  • The School Calendar and Bell Schedule: It is our hope that every student will be in class every day they are healthy.  Please plan trips and appointments so they will not conflict with classes. Included in this packet is a current AHS bell schedule. In addition, you can view the bell schedule on the AHS webpage. For special schedules that occur throughout the year please see the AHS Bulletin. 

  • Student Schedules: Counselors have been hard at work putting together the best possible schedules for our students for the upcoming year.  If your student is a 10-12 grade student their schedule will be mailed out during the week of August 5th, 2024. You may also access it through StudentVUE (http://studentvue.nohum.org) starting on August 7th, 2024, if your student is an incoming 9th grader they will receive their schedule during our Freshmen Orientation.

  • Updated Bus Schedules:. The bus schedules are pending and are scheduled to be updated on the website for the upcoming school year by August 11th.  When posted, the bus schedules will be found on the Northern Humboldt website. If you have a particular question about a route please contact the bus garage at (707) 825-2434. Please note that students are expected to follow all school norms and rules while aboard school buses.  Students may face disciplinary action for poor, disrespectful, or abusive behavior.

  • Attendance at AHS:  Students in good health are expected to attend class every period every day.  If a student is ill, parents are expected to notify the school at 707-825-2401 or send a note to clear an absence.   Absences not cleared within three days will be recorded as a cut and may result in disciplinary action. So, it is essential that absences be cleared in a timely manner.

    Research shows, and the Northern Humboldt Union High School District Governing Board believes, that attendance is a key factor in academic success. The Board recognizes its responsibility under the law to ensure that students attend school on a  regular basis. Education code 48200 states that parents/guardians of children between ages six and eighteen are obligated to send their children to school unless otherwise provided by law. Excessive absences may result in a referral to the Student  Attendance Review Board (SARB).

Academic Services and Counseling Supports: "What academic, social-emotional, and career supports are available for my student?"


  • Academic Counseling at AHS: Academic questions connected to your schedule, four-year plan, or college and career goals can be directed to our academic counseling team at AHS. Your student's academic counselor is assigned by the last name. Students with last names starting with:
    • A-G work with Emily Silveria
    • H-O work Anna Frary
    • P-Z work with Deena Faull

  • Student Assistance Counselor: Lauren Petru serves as AHS's student assistance counselor. Students wishing to meet with Ms. Petru can make an appointment in the school office or send Ms. Petru an email. 

  • School Nurse: AHS is home to school Nurse Johnny Kell three days a week. Students with a history of medical challenges which might impact their school day should check in with Nurse Kell and if necessary build a plan for support.

  • Work Experience: Work Experience (WEX) classes in the Northern Humboldt Unified School District are offered as collaboration with the College of the Redwoods! The Work Experience Instructor will help students earn CSU-transferable general elective units while also satisfying their high school WEX obligations through the CR Work Experience Education program. To see the complete explanation of the requirements to take this course as well as the opportunities, please view the letter for 2024-25.

  • Indian Education: Works with Native students to connect them with services and cultural opportunities.  The program features:
    • Student advocacy and referral to support services in and out of the school district.  
    • Access to scholarships, summer programs, employment opportunities, college tours, and career fairs. 
    • Student leadership opportunities such as Native American Club and their Success in Both Worlds Native American Youth Conference
    • Field trips to ceremonies or culturally significant events.
    • Learning about and making items of cultural use

Eligibility for Indian Ed includes Tribal members and descendants of Federally recognized Tribal members. To find out more about the Indian Education program see the AHS webpage or visit them in their office in the Tiger Opportunity Center. In the center of campus.

  • TRIO: What is TRIO Educational Talent Search (ETS)? Talent Search is one of the first three TRIO programs, which also include: Upward Bound, and Student Support Services (SSS). HSU Talent Search has been supporting students in Humboldt since 1991 and Del Norte since 2016 to overcome barriers to postsecondary education. TRiO programs are designed to increase the number of underrepresented youth who graduate and pursue college or trade schools. In order to accomplish these goals TRIO offers free:

  • One-on-one Academic and Career Advising/Mentoring
  • One-on-one and group tutoring
  • Field Trips and College Tours*
  • Support and guidance in completing college applications.
  • Skill-Building and Informational Workshops
  • Summer Programming*

To qualify, students must be the first in their family to receive a Bachelor's degree OR meet federal income guidelines (based on household size and income). To apply visit talentsearch.humboldt.edu/qualify-apply or stop by the AHS office and pick up a paper application.  To find out more check out the TRiO Brochure.


  • Cal-SOAP: Cal-SOAP provides high schools with both in-class and after-school Cash For College workshops for seniors and parents. Both types of workshops are supported by financial aid experts from Cal-SOAP, Cal Poly Humboldt, and College of the Redwoods. To see a complete schedule of workshops and to learn more about the financial aid support we offer, visit hcoe.org/cash-for-college.

  • The North Coast College and Career Expo: The 40th annual North Coast College and Career Expo is Thursday, September 24th at College of the Redwoods from 5:30-8:00 PM. The Expo is designed for 9th-12th grade students and parents who want to learn more about preparing for and applying to colleges, universities, trade schools, vocational and career pathways, and how to pay for higher education. This is a fast-paced, jam-packed event. Visit hcoe.org/ccx for a complete list of confirmed reps, workshops and times, and information on how to prepare for the event in order to get the most out of it.

Communication:  "How can I find out what's going on at Arcata High School?"

  • Communication:  Communication is key to the success of the best possible experience at AHS.  I encourage you to keep an eye out for updates through email and on our website.   We will work to keep in constant communication throughout the school year and will do so through email, phone, and our website.  If we do not currently have your email or phone number or you need to update either please call the AHS office at 707-825-2400 or email Maria Coelho [email protected] with that important information. 

  • Staff Email:  Staff email addresses are listed on our website.  Addresses are the first letter of the first name and the last name spelled out in full followed by @nohum.k12.ca.us - for many staff, this is the easiest way to make initial contact.


  • Autodialer All-Calls aka "In-Touch":  This is our auto dialer program which is set up to send out phone calls, emails, and text message reminders.  It complies with all FCC guidelines.  Simply by having your student enrolled, you should be receiving our communications.  If you are not receiving any information from us please contact us to make sure we have all the correct information and please know that you can opt out any time from these communications.

  • ParentVUE & StudentVUE:  This system is linked to our database and students and parents/guardians can access it to monitor student academic progress and attendance.  Teachers update the ParentVUE/StudentVUE (http://studentvue.nohum.org) at least every three weeks.  Login information will be delivered via mail for both new students and parents. This information will remind our returning students/parents and guardians of how to log in and our new and incoming students/parents and guardians will be able to log in for the first time and access their information. If you have any questions regarding ParentVUE or StudentVUE contact Maria Coelho at 707-825-2416.

The Cafeteria and the Lunch Program: "Do all students have access to breakfast and lunch on campus?"


  • The Free and Reduced Lunch Program: It is very important that all families complete the enclosed Free and Reduced Lunch Form even if you believe you will not qualify. Many aspects of school funding are connected to the number of students who qualify. The cafeteria at AHS provides both breakfast and lunch. To read more about "Food Services" in Northern Humboldt, please visit the district website.

AHS does have an open campus during lunch time and students often take advantage of this privilege to purchase food at local stores. Please note that there will be no student store on campus. It is suggested that students bring their own snacks to eat during breaks.  


Technology: "Will my student be issued a computer? What are the acceptable use expectations?"

  • Acceptable Use Policy: All students must have a completed Acceptable Use Policy form completed to take part in the 1:1 Chromebook program and access district networks. Beginning this fall, a signed Acceptable Use Policy will carry over throughout a student's tenure at our district OR there are changes made to the Acceptable Use Policy. Returning Students that have a signed AUP on file will not need to complete another one this year. Students new to AHS must complete the AUP. This form will be emailed to the parent/guardian email on file at the beginning of the school year.

  • 1:1 Initiative (Take Home Chromebooks): Chromebooks will continue to be made available to all students that need one, however, there will be some accountability changes moving forward.
    •  In order to check out a Chromebook parental acceptance of responsibility will be required. 
    •  A signed Chromebook packet will be required to be on file prior to a student being able to check out a device to take home. 
    • For those students that have kept their Chromebooks from last year, a month grace period will be given to get the signed form in.  If a signed form has not been received at that time, the Chromebook will be disabled and will not be usable.
    •   Families will be held accountable for damages and lost accessories (such as the charger)
      • Chromebook Screen Replacement: $35
      • Charger Replacement: $30
      • Chromebook Replacement (total loss): $250
    •  Students have the option of retaining their Chromebook throughout their tenure at NHUHSD
    •  Students must return their Chromebook upon graduation or leaving the district or will be held responsible for the cost of the Chromebook

Please remember Chromebooks are part of the set of learning tools used by classes every day. If your student has a laptop/Chromebook at home we are asking that they bring that device with them to school each day. If your student does not have a laptop/Chromebook they may check one out through our school library during their English class on either Thursday or Friday of the first week of school. 


Parent and Student Involvement Beyond the Classroom: "How do students get involved in sports and clubs?" "How can I support the AHS learning community?"


  • Athletics: Participating in athletics is a great way to meet new people and stay involved in healthy activities. Fall sports began on August 12th and will continue through the end of October. Fall sports include Cross Country, Girl's Golf, Football Cheer, Boy's and Girl's Soccer, Volleyball, and Girls Tennis.  If you are interested in finding out more, please contact Athletic Director Matt Dusel at [email protected].

  • Clubs and Leadership: There are numerous club opportunities at Arcata High School. This is an excellent way to connect and engage in the larger learning community.  A list of clubs is located on the AHS website. (Note: this will be updated for 2024-25 once the school year starts). In addition, there is a vibrant student leadership program. Watch the bulletin for how to get involved in student government. 

  • Getting involved at AHS: Together we can accomplish more. There are many ways to get involved.  If you are interested in participating on our School Site Council, our Athletic Advisory Committee, in our LCAP meetings, or as part of our Booster Club, Tiger's Inc,  please contact me at 825-2403 or at [email protected].  Included in this packet is information for Tigers Inc. the parent-led organization that supports activities at AHS. For individuals interested in volunteering at AHS please visit the district website for more information.

Important Dates to remember: "What are some of the important dates to mark on our calendars for the fall?"

  • Tuesday, August 20, 2024: New Student Orientation Day 
  • Thursday, August 22, 2024: First Day of School
  • Thursday, August 29, 2024: Picture Day
  • Monday, September 2, 2024: Labor Day (No School)
  • Thursday, September 12, 2024: Back to School Night
  • Thursday, September 24, 2024: College and Career Expo
  • Week of October 14-18, 2024: Homecoming Week

Please see the school calendar on the AHS page for news and announcements and upcoming events including athletic contests. Please watch for future emails or look to the daily bulletin on the website for more details. 


Welcoming new students: "Is there a new student orientation?"


  • New Student Orientation: Freshman will receive their class schedules during the Orientation on Tuesday, August 20th at 4:00 pm.  New Student Orientation is designed to assist students in making the transition to high school.  Junior and Senior student leaders have volunteered to not only participate in this day but to also mentor freshmen throughout the school year.  If you are a new student to AHS as a Sophomore, Junior, or Senior and would like to be part of the orientation day please contact the AHS office at 707-825-2400. More information will arrive from student leadership regarding orientation activities soon. 

Student Expectations:  "What are the behavior expectations for Arcata High School"


Below you will find our mission statement along with our schoolwide norms.  Students are expected to adhere to our school-wide norms in order to guide and direct appropriate behavior. Students who are caught exhibiting respectful, inclusive, safe, and engaging behavior are eligible to earn Tiger Tickets and be included in a weekly drawing for prizes. 


For more specific information regarding expected schoolwide behavior please see our AHS Behavior Matrix. Our goal is to be proactive, instructive, restorative, and consistent when teaching desired behaviors. If students do not follow our schoolwide norms, they can expect a restorative conversation with their teacher and or administration, a phone call home, and possibly a consequence, depending on the level of offense.   For more information please contact Assistant Principal Tahnia Campbell at [email protected]


"Our mission at Arcata High School is to provide meaningful educational experiences in a safe, supportive environment through innovative programs aimed at empowering students to reach their full potential to be prepared for future college and career opportunities."