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Soap Box: How Did a Wooden Crate Become a Weekly Event in Schools?
Author: Kayla Siemens What is a soap box? Literally speaking, it is exactly what it sounds like. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, shipping companies packed soap and dry goods in sturdy wooden boxes. However, this phrase that is commonly used in school and figurative languages isn't about the boxes themselves, nor is it about what is inside of them. The reason soap boxes are so popular is because speakers, political activists, and street preachers flipped these empty wo
Aug 112 min read


First Day of School Information
By: Noelia Medina Hello Twin Oaks Families, We are so excited to welcome our students and families back for the first day of school on Wednesday, August 12! As we begin a new school year, we want to make sure everyone feels prepared for a smooth and successful first day. Please review all important updates and reminders included in this newsletter including arrival and dismissal procedures, attendance expectations, lunch information, and other helpful first-day details. We
Aug 111 min read


Welcome Back! HS Advisory List + Elective Descriptions
By: Gisselle Santellan Welcome back! We hope you had a wonderful summer and had the opportunity to rest and recharge. We are so happy to have you back on campus and are looking forward to seeing all that you will accomplish this year. Whether you are returning to HTOMS or beginning a new chapter with us, we are so excited to have you as part of our school community. Please read the following important messages before your first day tomorrow: Advisory – First Day (8/12) Attach
Aug 112 min read


Staying Informed: Policy Changes
Author: Noelia Medina As we prepare for the new school year, several school policies have been updated to support student learning, safety, and success. Below are highlights of changes to our Cell Phone Policy, Late Work Policy, and Attendance & Make-Up Work Policy. We encourage all families to review our school policies and the review the Family Handbook on our school website for detailed information about school expectations, procedures, and student responsibilities. Thank
Aug 113 min read


Back to School Crossword
Creator: Kayla Siemens Send a screenshot of the completed puzzle to twintimes@haywardtwinoaks.org for a discount at the student store! https://crosswordlabs.com/view/htoms-back-to-school
Aug 111 min read


Key Dates and Events
Sunday, August 9: Back to School Picnic at Elementary Campus Wednesday, August 12: School Begins August 12-14: Noon Dismissal (no lunch) Wednesday, September 9: Back to School Night (Middle School) 5 - 6PM Wednesday, September 16: Back to School Night (High School) 5 - 6PM
Aug 111 min read


National Dates
Summer may be over, but you can still spice up your day by knowing about these dates! Saturday, August 15: National Relaxation Day Wednesday, August 19: National Potato Day Monday, August 24: National Waffle Day Wednesday, August 26: National Dog Day Sunday, August 30: National Beach Day
Aug 111 min read


Random Fun Facts
Last updated: August 11, 2026 Did you know that the world's oldest continuously running school is Shishi High School in Chengdu, China, founded way back in 149 AD.? Did you know that you can get a discount for our school's student store if you send twintimes@haywardtwimoaks.org a screenshot of their monthly crossword correctly completed? Did you know that Peter Durand invented the tin can in 1810, but nobody made a can opener until 1858? Archive: Did you know that the Eiffel
Aug 112 min read


Dad Jokes
Last updated on August 11, 2026. So frightfully awful... yet wonderfully spiffing. I don't trust stairs. They're always up to something. Did you hear about the kidnapping at school? Don't worry, he woke up. Q: What do you call a sad cup of coffee? A: Depresso. Archive: Some ancient Egyptians claimed there were no crocodiles in their country. I think they were in de Nile. "Dad, why did you buy a boat?" "There was a sail." I work on a submarine, but I think I'm going to quit. I
Aug 111 min read


May 190 min read


California's New Phone law: What Students Need to Know
Authors: Alisson Resendiz & Karyme Perez California's new phone law could change school life for many students. The law limits phone use during school hours to reduce distractions and improve learning. Some students agree with the law while others think phones should still be allowed in certain situations. The state of California introduced a new bill requiring schools to prohibit the use of phones in classes. This law will assist students in paying more attention to their st
May 191 min read


Mother's Day!
Authors: Lucero Manzo Ochoa & Mariana Saldivar What is Mother’s Day? Well, in case you don’t know, let me tell you. Mother’s Day is celebrated every year, usually in May, to honor and appreciate mothers and mother figures. The holiday actually started in the United States and was created by Anna Jarvis in the early 1900s. She wanted a day to recognize the sacrifices mothers make for their children. Over time, it became an official holiday and spread to other countries. Today,
May 192 min read


May the Fourth be with You
Author: Jason Giron Vazquez May 4th, also called Star Wars day, is a wildly popular unofficial holiday amongst fans of the franchise. Learn where ”May the fourth be with you” comes from and why fans love it. May 4th, known as Star Wars day, is a special day when fans celebrate the Star Wars movies and the famous saying “may the fourth be with you” people celebrate by watching the movies, dressing up as characters and sharing their love for the series online and at events. Thi
May 191 min read


11th/12th Spotlight
Authors: Kaylie Miranda, Karibel Bolanos, Zaira Moreno Deleon A spotlight on Hayward Twin Oaks 11th/12th grade teachers. Mrs. Dormishian Farideh Dormishian teaches pre-calculus, calculus, algebra, and robotics, and she really loves her job. Her favorite part is when her students understand the lessons. Her least favorite part is saying goodbye to her students at the end of the year. One of the craziest things that happened was when a student used invisible ink to cheat by wri
May 192 min read


Why Summer Jobs Are Good for Teenagers
Authors: Aron Perez, Esteban Perez, Kevin Perez Did you know summer jobs can help teens prepare for the future? This project explains how having a summer job teaches responsibility, independence, communication, and important life skills while also helping teenagers earn money and gain experience. Summer jobs can be very helpful for teenagers. They teach responsibility and help teens learn how to manage their time. Having a job means showing up on time, following instructions,
May 191 min read


Apr 100 min read


Movie Crossword
*Send a photo of the puzzle completed to twintimes@haywardtwinoaks.org for a student store discount! https://crosswordlabs.com/view/movies-2147
Mar 31 min read


Mar 30 min read


DANGERS of Driving Without a License: One Risky Choice Can Change Everything
Authors: Estaban Perez, Kevin Perez, Aron Perez Driving without a license might seem like no big deal, but it can lead to serious consequences. From legal trouble to dangerous accidents, one decision can affect your future. Is it worth the risk? Driving without a license is dangerous and illegal. A driver’s license proves that a person has passed tests showing they understand traffic laws and know how to drive safely. Without proper training and certification, drivers are mor
Mar 31 min read


Paige Bueckers: Redefining Greatness in Women’s Basketball
Author: Alicia Beloy Paige Bueckers is one of the most talented and influential players in women’s basketball today. From breaking records in college to inspiring young athletes everywhere, she continues to shape the future of the sport. Paige Bueckers is a phenomenal college basketball player mostly known for her skill, confidence, and leadership on the court. Before playing at the collegiate level, she gained world wide attention in high school at Hopkins Minnesota for her
Mar 31 min read
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