Principal's Message
Dear Knight High School Parents, Families, and Students,
I am thrilled to welcome you back to a new school year and share how honored I am to enter my second year as your Principal at Knight High School! Reflecting on my first year with this vibrant school community, I am deeply grateful for the strong partnerships we built and the incredible momentum we established together to ensure a successful and enriching experience for all our students.
My commitment to our Hawks remains rooted in a long career within the Antelope Valley Union High School District (AVUHSD), including 11 years as a classroom teacher and over a decade as a district administrator. Having spent the past year listening, learning, and collaborating directly with our students, staff, and families, my understanding of our school's unique strengths and exciting opportunities has only grown stronger.
As we step into this second year together, I look forward to building upon our successes, deepening our community connections, and continuing to support the growth and achievements of every student on campus. Thank you for your continued trust and partnership as we begin another outstanding school year.
Student IDs for Entry and School Activities
To further enhance our safety and security protocols, all students will be required to carry their school IDs at all times to enter the school building and attend any school functions. This policy is crucial for maintaining a secure and identifiable environment for everyone on campus.
New Cell Phone Policy
Our district has updated its cell phone policy, in compliance with California's AB 3216, to create a focused and safe learning environment for all students. The policy requires that all personal electronic devices, including smartphones and smartwatches, be turned off and put away during instructional time, including the entire class period. Students may use their devices before and after school, during nutrition breaks, lunch, and passing periods. Exceptions are made for emergencies, explicit teacher permission for urgent situations, or when a device is medically necessary as determined by a physician or an individualized education program (IEP)/504 plan. The goal is to minimize distractions, encourage healthy device habits, and prepare students for future environments, with corrective actions focused on student re-engagement rather than punitive measures.
New Dress Code Policy
Our new student dress code, effective immediately, focuses on ensuring a safe and respectful learning environment while allowing for personal expression. Students are required to wear bottoms, tops, and footwear that cover undergarments, are not see-through, and do not pose a health or safety hazard.
Prohibited attire includes anything depicting or promoting illegal activities, the use of drugs and alcohol, violence, profanity, pornography, hate speech, or that obscures the face (unless for religious observance or health reasons). This updated policy aims to balance individual style with community standards for appropriate school attire.
Our Commitment to a Positive School Culture
My commitment is to create a supportive and engaging learning environment where every student feels valued, challenged, and empowered to reach their full potential. We believe this new technology, combined with our ID policy, will strengthen our safety measures without compromising the positive school culture we’ve built together.
I believe in open communication and strong partnerships between the school, students, and families. Your insights and collaboration are invaluable as we work together to foster academic excellence, personal growth, and a positive school culture.
I am eager to get to know many of you in the coming weeks and months. Please feel free to introduce yourselves if you see me around campus or at school events. I am here to serve and support our Knight High School community, and I am genuinely excited about the journey ahead.
Thank you for your continued support as we work together to provide a safe and welcoming environment for all students.
Sincerely,
Laura Tweedy
Principal Knight High School
ltweedy-ferguson@avhsd.org