Upcoming Events
https://goodnews.pylusd.org/?s=esperanza
Boys Soccer
Boys Soccer
Esperanza moves on to the CIF championship game, which will be held on Saturday, February 28 at 10:30 a.m. against Santa Ana Valley High School at Fred Kelly Stadium in Orange.
Aztec Spotlight
Aztec Spotlight
The Aztec Spotlight recognizes outstanding staff members at Esperanza High School who exemplify our school mission and values. This feature highlights those who go above and beyond to support student success, foster a positive campus culture, and demonstrate Aztec PRIDE in their daily work.
"Becky, Thank you for being a support for not just our students, but for us as well! Your compassion & heart are what makes our students seek out the Health Office as a safe place to be!" - Amy Selof
9th-11th 2026-27 Registration Presentation
9th-11th 2026-27 Registration Presentation
Classroom Spotlight:
Classroom Spotlight:
RAINBOW GEL ELECTROPHORESIS
Our students recently explored biotechnology through a hands-on Rainbow Gel Electrophoresis lab! Using colorful dye samples to model DNA fragments, students carefully practiced pipetting and loaded their samples into tiny wells in an agarose gel.
Once an electric current was applied, the colors began to travel through the gel. Students observed that smaller molecules moved faster and farther, while larger molecules traveled more slowly -- creating a bright “rainbow” separation across the gel.
Throughout the lab, students analyzed their results, discussed patterns in molecular movement, and connected their observations to real-world applications such as forensic investigations, genetic testing, and medical research.
This engaging activity combined precision, critical thinking, and collaboration, bringing an essential laboratory technique to life in a fun and memorable way!
20260224_120547.mp4
Another Successful Community College Night in the Books!
Another Successful Community College Night in the Books!
A big thank-you to all of our college representatives who participated in our Aztec U Community College Night! We appreciate Cypress College, Fullerton College, Irvine Valley College, Orange Coast College, and Santiago Canyon College for sharing what makes each campus a great choice for fall 2026. Students and parents were able to learn about the unique opportunities at each school and connect one-on-one with representatives afterward.
We’d also like to extend our gratitude to our PTSA for providing refreshments, thank you, PTSA!
This is a friendly reminder to take the Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District (PYLUSD) parent survey online before Friday, February 27 As parents and guardians, your feedback is extremely important and will help PYLUSD, as well as Esperanza High School, improve. To access this year’s parent survey, you will find it on the front page of the district’s website as well as on our school’s homepage.
Activities
Aztecs on Air
Aztecs on Air
YouTube Channel
YouTube Channel
Please check out the latest news on the NEW Aztecs on Air YouTube channel. Weekly episodes will be uploaded every Monday and Friday. Enjoy!
Unified Sports vs. Valencia
Unified Sports vs. Valencia
Our Unified Kids did an Amazing job Last Wednesday at Valencia. Check out the video here! Unified Video
Senior Graduation Banners $30
Senior Graduation Banners $30
Senior Graduation Banners are now on sale for $30. They can be purchased at the finance office or on the EHS webstore. These banners will be hung around school all of May and then returned to the seniors at cap and gown distribution.
EHS Culinary Dinner and Movie
EHS Culinary Dinner and Movie
EHS Culinary is hosting a dinner and movie
PRINCESS AND THE FROG
March 17th - 6pm
$20
3-course meal
Get in the game with go fan
Get in the game with go fan
The GoFan Link for tickets to all Athletics games is listed below. The QR code also takes you to the link.
Wrestling
Wrestling
Shoutout to Gio Suarez, Max Murillo, Sammy Sanchez, Aaron Meza, Jojo Guardado, Chelly Calavitta, James Ruiz, Mateo Centeno, Dimetry Molina, James Holiday, Jude Holiday, and Gabe Barragan and for girls Jaedis Brady & Sammy Cornejo for earning your spot at State CIF — what an incredible accomplishment!
Your hard work, discipline, and heart have pushed you to this moment, and we couldn’t be more proud of the way you represent your team. Go compete fearless, leave it all on the mat, and show everyone what Aztecs are made of!
Baseball
Baseball
3.3 - JV Baseball @ Eleanor Roosevelt HS 3pm
3.4 Varsity Baseball vs. Milken Community HS @ Esperanza. Game time is schedule for 3:00 pm
3.5 Varsity Baseball vs. La Quinta 3pm @ Esperanza , JV @ La Quinta 3:15 (La Quinta of Westminster
Boys Tennis
Boys Tennis
3/3 Boys Tennis v. Orange Lutheran game time 2:45
LaCrosse
LaCrosse
Congratulations to our Boys Head LaCrosse Coach, Eric Naslund earning his first Head Coaching victory over Irvine HS 16-1!!!
3.3 Girls Lacrosse @ Woodbridge HS with a 3:00 pm start time
3.5 Girls Lacrosse vs. St. Margarets @ Esperanza 5:30 pm
3.6 Boys Lacrosse @ Beckman HS 4:00
Boys Volleyball
Boys Volleyball
3.3 Boys Volleyball Host Brea Olinda with 3:30 frosh, 4:30 JV, and 5:30 Varsity
3.5 Volleyball @ Viall Park F/JV 3:30 and Varsity @ 4:30
Softball
Softball
3.3 Softball travels to Aliso Niguel HS for a 3:15 start time!!
Track and Field
Track and Field
3.5 Esperanza vs. Sunny Hills @ Buena Park High School 3:00 pm
Boys Golf
Boys Golf
3.4 JV (Tee time 230) and Varsity (Tee Time 255) vs. El Modena @ Riverview Golf Club
3.5 vs. Valencia Varsity @ Yorba Linda Country Club 3:00 pm, JV @ Alta Vista 3:30 pm
Beach Volleyball
Beach Volleyball
3.4 Girls Beach Volleyball, led by Head Coach Tyler Rex travels to Crean Lutheran for a 3:00 pm start time
3.6 vs El Dorado @ Fullerton College 3:00 pm
3.7 Mater Dei Tournament
Attention seniors heading to Fullerton College!
Our Future Hornet Jump Start field trip is happening on Thursday, April 23, from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. This event is for seniors who plan to attend Fullerton College in Fall 2026.
At the event, students will:
Complete Promise requirements and sign the Promise Agreement (if applicable)
Review next steps for Financial Aid
Meet with a counselor (if needed)
Register for Fall 2026 classes
Explore campus programs and services
If you have not yet met with the Fullerton College representative to complete the online orientation, or if you need help with your Fall 2026 application, please visit the College and Career Center.
Field trip permission slips will be distributed on Monday, March 2. Stop by the CCC to pick up your form. Space is limited!
Meet with a Fullerton College Counselor to develop an educational plan
Meet with a Fullerton College Counselor to develop an educational plan
Seniors who have applied to FC for Fall 2026, please take advantage of the Virtual Counseling Sessions❗❗
During these sessions, students can:
▶Meet 1-on-1 with an FCC counselor to develop their educational plan
▶Receive assistance with Financial Aid
▶Apply for EOPS
▶Complete Promise Program requirements
▶Learn more about programs and services available on campus
Don’t miss this opportunity to get prepared and stay on track for Fall 2026!
Scan the QR Code to schedule an appointment. Don't delay! Space is limited!!
Attention seniors planning to attend Santiago Canyon College!
Our Early Welcome field trip to SCC will take place on Thursday, April 17th. This event is designed for seniors who plan to enroll at Santiago Canyon College in Fall 2026. During the visit, students will tour the campus, explore academic programs and student services, meet with a counselor, and secure priority registration.
To attend the field trip, students must participate in the Mandatory Hawks Prep Workshop (Pre-Orientation) scheduled for:
📅 Thursday, March 12th
⏰ 11:52 AM – 12:46 PM (4th period)
📍 Esperanza Library
If you’re planning to attend SCC in the fall and have not yet connected with the SCC representative, please see Mrs. Botello as soon as possible to ensure your name is added to the field trip list. Space is limited!
Hey Seniors! By completing the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application by the March 2 deadline, students unlock opportunities for funding that can significantly reduce the financial burden of college, including access to the Cal Grant and the Middle Class Scholarship, two of the state's premier financial aid programs.
Click HERE to start the FAFSA
Big Local Scholarship opportunity for Pylusd seniors! the association of Placentia-Linda Educators 2026 aple scholarship.
Big Local Scholarship opportunity for Pylusd seniors! the association of Placentia-Linda Educators 2026 aple scholarship.
Visit the Scholarship Newflash page under the Counseling tab on the EHS website for details and link to the application
Visit the Scholarship Newflash page under the Counseling tab on the EHS website for details and link to the application
What is UC for Everyone?
What is UC for Everyone?
This virtual event (geared for grades 9th-11th) is your opportunity to learn more about the UC experience. Hear from current students to discover the academic, social and experiential learning opportunities that await you at the University of California. The event content will include:
An overview of the UC system and value of a UC degree
Undergraduate campus presentations
Live panel with current UC students
An overview of admission requirements for first-year and transfer applicants
Admission tips and guidance
Admission representatives from all nine undergraduate campuses will also be available during the event to answer your questions. Learn more about this event.
Scholarship Alert: Placentia Yorba Linda Unified Council of PTA/PTSAs Graduating HS Senior Scholarship.
Deadline: March 30 , 2026/Counseling Office
Access qualifications and application via the EHS website, Counseling tab, Scholarship Newsflash
Attention Seniors: The Nixon Library Docent Guild is seeking applications from graduating seniors from the PYLUSD school district for a $1,000 scholarship. Please stop by the College and Career Center for a copy of the application. The listing is also posted on the EHS website, under the Counseling tab/Scholarship Newsflash. Turn in completed applications to your counselor or Mrs. Botello.
Deadline March 13, 2026
Repeat Announcements
Distinguished Scholars Program
Esperanza High School is proud to offer the Distinguished Scholars Program, an academically rigorous program recognizing students who complete the most challenging courses available on campus. Students who meet the program requirements are encouraged to apply (click on the links below).
Distinguished Scholar Checklist and Application -- Application closes on March 11th, 2026, and students will be notified at the end of March.
Participation in the Distinguished Scholars Program positions students for competitive admission to highly selective colleges and universities. Scholars receive annual recognition, including a student luncheon and an evening awards ceremony for families. Upon graduation, Distinguished Scholars are honored with front-row seating, a distinctive cap and gown, and a special diploma recognizing this achievement.
AP Exams: To purchase an AP exam in a subject, you must be currently enrolled in the course at EHS. We do not administer exams to students not currently enrolled in a corresponding EHS course.
September 29, 2025 – AP Exam sales open (in-person and online)
October 31, 2025 – Last day to purchase AP Exams without late fees.
Late orders: +$40/exam
Cancellations after this date: $40 cancellation fee
February 6, 2026 – Exam sales open for 2nd-semester-only AP courses (AP Gov, AP Macro, AP Micro)
Students - If you have an account with The College Board from last year, DO NOT make a new one. If you forgot your password, call the College Board at 888-225-5427.
Questions? E-mail Dr. Nguyen at stenguyen@pylusd.org.
Need extra help?
Check out the flyer for details about tutoring every Tuesday at lunch in Room 258, hosted by Esperanza’s National Honor Society students. Tutoring is available for all subjects, so don’t miss this great opportunity to get support!
Seal of Civic Engagement
Seal of Civic Engagement
PYLUSD developed local SSSCE criteria in accordance with parameters set forth by the CA State Board of Education. The PYLUSD Board of Education then approved the district’s criteria on November 15, 2022.
Students will show Civic Proficiency through scholarship, earning a C- or better in World and US History, citizenship, by earning citizenship marks of O/S, and exemplary character, shown by teacher recommendation.
Students will show Civic Engagement through participation in active research stemming from in classroom learning, personal interest, or programs, a project calling changemakers to action, and reflection on the impact of the project.
Submit Application Here (due 2/28)
Food Resources
As a resource for families facing food instability, OC Second Harvest Food Bank provides support across Orange County.
Here is a full list of locations by city: Second Harvest Food Bank, as of 10/13/2025. There is no limit to the number of food distribution locations families can visit.
Also, the PYLUSD Family Resource Center (FRC) currently has a limited amount of grocery store gift cards and non-perishable food items for all families. Please submit a FRC referral form: FRC Referral Form.
Senior Corner
Senior Corner
Class of 2026 Yard Signs
Starting at $20
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