Dear China Lake Junior High Parents and Guardians,
As we approach our upcoming CAASPP (California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress) testing window, we want to partner with you to ensure all students are well-prepared and confident.
Testing will take place from Tuesday, April 28th through Wednesday, May 6th, and will include both English Language Arts (ELA) and Math assessments:
Testing Dates: ELA CAT: April 28
ELA Performance Task (PT): April 30 and May 1
Math CAT: May 5
Math Performance Task (PT): May 6
(Additional make-up testing will occur on April 29, May 1, May 4, May 7, May 14, and May 15 as needed.)
Daily Testing Schedule:
Period 1: 7:20 – 8:00 AM
Advisory/Testing Block: 8:04 – 9:44 AM
Period 2: 9:48 – 10:29 AM
Period 3: 10:33 – 11:14 AM
Period 5/5L: Late morning schedule varies slightly by class
Afternoon periods continue as regularly scheduled
Additionally, Grade 8 Science testing will take place on Tuesday, May 12th. 7th grade does not take a science test.
How You Can Help at Home:
Your support plays an important role in student success. We encourage you to:
Ensure your student gets a good night’s sleep
Provide a healthy breakfast each morning
Encourage punctual attendance—arriving on time is especially important during testing
Remind students to bring their fully charged Chromebooks with chargers daily
Offer encouragement and reassurance to help reduce any testing anxiety
Our staff is working hard to prepare students academically and mentally for success, and we are confident they will do their best.
Thank you for your continued support of our students and school community. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
GO PHOENIX!
This past week, students in our CTE Aerospace Pre‑Apprenticeship Program participated in mock interviews—an exciting and important step in preparing for future careers.
As part of the program’s work readiness training, students practiced professional interview skills, shared their experiences, and received valuable feedback to help them build confidence and real‑world readiness. These mock interviews are a key component of preparing students for success beyond the classroom.
This grant‑funded program is made possible through a strong partnership with the Kern County Superintendent of Schools and the South Bay Workforce Investment Board, working together to create meaningful career pathways for our students.
We are proud of our students for stepping up, dressing professionally, and putting their skills into action—and grateful to our partners for supporting opportunities that connect learning to the world of work.
📸 Photos showcase students during their mock interviews.
We are so proud of our talented Burroughs High School musicians and their recent achievements at CMEA (California Music Educators Association) Ratings Festivals!
On March 19, our BHS Madrigals traveled to Bakersfield High School to perform for an audience and a panel of four regional choral experts. Their dedication and artistry earned them a Unanimous Superior* rating for both performance and sight reading!
The following week, the Burroughs Symphonic Orchestra traveled to Tulare Union High School for the CMEA High School Orchestra Ratings Festival. They also received a Unanimous Superior* rating — with one judge awarding the ensemble a perfect score of 100! 🎉
Both ensembles are excited to share their award‑winning music with the Ridgecrest community at their Spring Concerts:
📅 May 13 & May 14
📍 BHS PPAC
⏰ 6:30 p.m.
We hope to see you there to celebrate these incredible students!
* Unanimous Superior is the highest rating awarded.
📸 Photos include warm‑ups, stage performances, sight reading, and moments outside the festival venues.
✨ Did you know? The California State Board of Education is considering creating a statewide Portrait of a Graduate!
Here in Sierra Sands USD, we’re proud to be ahead of the curve. Our Portrait of a Graduate—developed with input from our community—already guides our work, decision-making, and vision for student success.
📸 Check out our updated image!
Now, the state wants to hear from you. Should California’s version reflect the priorities our community has already identified?
🗣️ Make your voice heard! Take this short survey and share your perspective: https://ccee-ca.org/californias-portrait-of-a-graduate-learner/
Together, we can ensure our students remain future-ready and our community’s voice helps shape the state’s direction. 💡
#SSUSD #PortraitOfAGraduate #CommunityVoice
At SSUSD, we recognize that many families face challenges on a regular basis.
Recently, we’ve become aware of increasing difficulties impacting families employed through the U.S. federal government and those who typically receive SNAP benefits. To help, we’d like to share a few specific (though not exhaustive) community resources that offer support with food, laundry, showers, and transportation.
For additional support and information, please reach out to our SSUSD Family Resource Center at 1305 N. Norma Street or 760-499-1780 and Community Schools Program Coordinator at sdastrup@ssusd.org.
We’re also excited to announce that later this week we’ll be releasing a flyer with details on how you can conveniently donate non-perishable food items at all SSUSD school sites in preparation for Thanksgiving. These donations will be distributed to several of the local organizations mentioned above.
As a part of a larger community, we are unified in our support! 💙
🎶 Today marked a special milestone at China Lake Junior High — the debut performance of our Beginning Orchestra! While this annual tradition has long celebrated the musical journey of our youngest performers, this was the very first time it took place at the newly established China Lake Junior High. A truly historic moment! 🎻✨
Under the direction of Ms. Laura Olinger, the orchestra delivered a memorable performance. Ms. Olinger shared her excitement about the size of the ensemble. She credited the strong support of the music program throughout Sierra Sands Unified School District for making it all possible.
Here’s to new beginnings, proud traditions, and the power of music in our schools! 👏🎼
#CLJHOrchestra #SierraSandsProud #MusicMatters #NewBeginnings #ArtsInEducation #StudentSuccess
Schools are OPEN today! 🌧️💪
We’re ready to welcome students with warmth and care. Due to Hwy 395 closures, buses will not run to Randsburg, Red Mountain, or Johannesburg. All other routes expected to operate.
If you can’t make it in, short-term independent study is available—call your school office after 9 a.m. for support.
#StormUpdate #WeAreReady #StudentSuccess
#ClassOf2025 #GoBurros
