FALL 2014 - DATES TO REMEMBER Oct. 4 Oct. 5 Oct. 8 Oct. 10 Oct. 13 Oct. 15 Oct. 13-23 Oct. 24
Coaching for Character Conference (Jesuit HS, 8:30 am - 3 pm, www.jesuitportland.org/manresa) Open House - 1-4 pm Fall Choir Concert - 7 pm (Moyer Theatre) No Classes - State Inservice Parents in Partnership - 11:30 am Financial Aid Luncheon - 11:30 am - 1 pm Coat and Blanket Drive St. Ignatius Liturgy (Dress-up Day) – 8:35 am
Nov. 6 Nov. 7 Nov. 6 Nov. 10 Nov. 13 Nov. 23 Nov. 26 Nov. 27-30
Parent Conferences (4:30-8 pm) No Classes - Parent Conferences (8-11:30 am) Opening Night for PROPOSALS Veteran’s Day Observed – No Classes College Financial Aid Night – 7 pm Mother/Son Mass & Brunch – 9 am Thanksgiving Liturgy – 8:35 am Thanksgiving Holiday
Here are some important dates for seniors and their families: • Monday, October 6, 2014: Senior Yearbook Photos (all day, Library). Students will receive an appointment time on their school locker. Men should wear: dress shirt, black or dark jacket and tie. Women should wear: black or dark blouse or top, no cleavage. • Wednesday, October 8, 2014: Last day to turn in cap and gown orders for Jostens (senior hallway, both lunches). • Tuesday, December 2, 2014: Senior Yearbook Photo Retakes (all morning, outside Canisius Chapel).
Please Attend Our Annual Financial Aid Luncheon Wednesday, October 15 - 11:30 am - 1:00 pm - JHS Knight Center Guest Speaker: Adrienne Rankin ‘99
Founder of Wind Over Water, Executive Pastor of Beaverton Foursquare Church.
www.jesuitportland.org
September, 2014 Jesuit High School www.jesuitportland.org
DOWNPLAYING A RADICAL UPDATE: THE 1-1 TRANSITION, SO FAR
Countdown to Graduation!
Jesuit High School 9000 S.W. Beaverton-Hillsdale Hwy. Portland, OR 97225-2491
Principal’s Newsletter
NON-PROFIT US POSTAGE PAID BEAVERTON, OR PERMIT NO. 663
Yes, we downplayed it a little. You received emails, letters, and attended parent info sessions about Jesuit’s transition to a 1-1 program. But we deliberately did not issue press releases, hold Oprah-esque “Look under your chair—it’s an iPad!” celebrations, or make too big a deal out of our 1-1 rollout. At every opportunity, I emphasized that Jesuit is not becoming an “iPad school,” but remaining an Ignatian school that has added iPads as an important instrument in our educational toolkit.
• When you ask parents to pay significantly more in tuition to help fund 1-1, that’s a big ask. • When the Board of Trustees agrees to invest hundreds of thousands in infrastructure, that’s requires what the Jesuits call a major discernment process. • When you ask 1285 teenagers to adapt to a whole new way to engage with their texts, their teachers, and the world of information at their fingertips, you know that is going to take time and effort.
We spent the past three years preparing assiduously for this transition, because we knew that rolling out 1285 individually-tailored digital devices to the JHS student body was going to be a monumental challenge, and we did not want our students to be the beta test!
I am happy to report that, despite some technical glitches and gremlins, the rollout at Jesuit High has gone remarkably well. In fact, Steve Nelson, the Apple representative who was here for the first week of school marveled at the quality of our process. Steve told us that Jesuit’s was the smoothest rollout he had witnessed, especially given the number of iPads, apps, and ebooks we distributed.
So we visited a dozen Jesuit schools around the US, some of which had smooth 1-1 rollouts, and some that experienced digital train wrecks. We consulted colleagues at Thomas Edison (85 students) and St. Mary’s Academy (600+) and learned a lot from their smooth launches. We also observed the mayhem that ensued when the LA Unified School District tried to give iPads to over 600,000 (!!) students in the Los Angeles public schools.
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But now, a month into what is indeed a new era, I must acknowledge that yes, going 1-1 is a very big deal. To wit: • When a school is filled with dynamic, experienced teachers who inspire students to reach amazing academic heights, it’s tempting to say, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” • When you ask those same teachers to spend weeks in workshops learning new programs, apps, and ways of managing a class filled with iPad-wielding teenagers, that’s serious business. • When an academic powerhouse like Jesuit moves 90% of its textbooks to an interactive, digital format, that’s a major educational leap. • When students give up 35 lbs of textbooks for a 1 lb. tablet, it’s a big load off.
I am not going to claim, as LA Unified Superintendent John Deasy did, that a 1-1 program centered on the iPad will “phenomenally . . . change the landscape of education.” In the spirit of St. Ignatius, who insisted that Jesuit schools use the best practices of the day, we firmly believe that our 1-1 program will allow our students to pursue excellence and better fulfill their God-given potential. 466 years ago, Jesuit schools followed the Socratic method and the Ratio Studiorum. Today, we still use the Socratic method, but also the Socrative quiz app! Going 1-1 meant that the changes came fast and furious at the start of the year, as we worked to get 1285 students set up on their iPads. The students downloaded more than six terabytes of apps and books to their iPads over the span of a week, and transitioned to a completely new medium for textbooks. Teachers and students alike rode a steep learning curve. Some of the lessons were new, like how to organize and save notes in “the cloud” or turn in assignments online. Other lessons are timeless,
Educating Men & Women for Others in the Catholic, Jesuit Tradition Since 1956
Drama Season News
Continued (p. 1)...
By Jeff Hall, Drama Co-Director Wide Web (or Angry Birds) at their fingertips. As a community, we will have to keep teaching young people to make good choices with technology, both in class and online. And we will. As Peter-Hans Kolvenbach, then-Father General of the Society of Jesus, reminded us a generation ago, “The courage to be innovative implies that we can neither remain fixed in praising the achievements of the past nor endorse change for the sake of change. Every change must be the result of careful research, accepting the risk which change always implies.”
like being persistent and patient during times of transition. I am proud of our IT team, of our students and teachers: it was a team effort, and it paid off. Particular thanks must go to IT Director Craig Huseby and VP for Professional Development and Instructional Technology Carol Wyatt, who masterminded the rollout. In the first few weeks of school, students used their iPads to work together on complex equations in AP Physics, to collaborate in Googledocs and create a real-time Keynote presentation in Speech and Debate, and research the most up-to-date government statistics on the GDP in Macroeconomics. Early in week 2, Drama teacher Jeff Hall gave his students an interactive quiz on the same screen on which they watched a video of the uses of ritual in cinema. English teachers are using the Membeans app to bolster students’ knowledge of vocabulary, challenging more verbally adept students to advance to more complex words while their classmates work at their own pace. Vice principals Carol Wyatt, Chris Smart, and I have observed over forty classes so far this year, and we can attest that students are energized by the transition to 1-1. Says senior Annaliese Cushing, “Webpages come up super quickly on the iPad, and I can toggle between my text and the internet to cross-check sources. I also like that I can highlight the digital texts as I go. My Biology and History texts are interactive, have great images, and cool embedded videos. I like them better than the old paper textbooks, and my backpack is less heavy.” Junior Abby Vranizan agrees: “I really like that with my iPad, I now can keep all of my assignments, books, and notes in one place so I don’t misplace any papers or books when I go to class.” Of course, the iPad is not an educational panacea. Students still have to do their homework, whether they are submitting it electronically or not. Teachers will need to work even harder to engage and inspire students who have the World
Having done our research, we determined that moving to 1-1 would engage our students, energize our faculty, and help us prepare men and women of competence and compassion for 2020, 2030, and beyond. So far, we seem to be on the right track, with no train wrecks and quite a few stunning new educational vistas. Stay tuned—1-1 is gonna be quite an exhilarating adventure!
Paul J. Hogan Principal
each theatre-going member of your family. You’ll be able to claim your seats for our first production – Neil Simon’s PROPOSALS – right away. Then, two weeks before tickets go on sale to the public, you’ll be able to go online and claim your seats for the performance of your choice for GUESTDIRECTED ONE-ACTS (in January), IN THE HEIGHTS (in February/March), and HAMLET (in April).
GET CONNECTED WITH THE 2014-15 JHS DRAMA SEASON The theme for the 2014-2015 Jesuit High School Drama Season is SEEKING CONNECTION. Become a Season Subscriber, and we’ll connect you to the best seats in the house, and bonus theatrical opportunities throughout the Portland area! This season features a comedy by Neil Simon, a classic by Shakespeare that’s over 400 years old, and a recent Tony Award Winning Broadway Musical. As a Subscriber, you get early access to the best seats in the house for these three main stage events, as well as our Guest-Directed One Acts in January. Each subscription is good for one ticket to each of these four fabulous events. In addition, you’ll get early access to two special events: The annual JHS Playwriting Festival in May and our first-ever Freshman Ensemble Touring Musical. For complete information on our season’s shows, please visit www.jesuitportland.org/drama. Season Subscriptions are just $36 for All Ages, and $28 for Jesuit HS Students. We suggest getting one subscription for
JHS Named a Green Ribbon School by US. Deapartment of Education! In April 2014, Jesuit High School was honored by the U.S. Department of Education for its commitment to sustainability by being named a Green Ribbon School. Jesuit was one of only 48 schools nationally to receive this prestigious award. “Jesuit is honored by this recognition,” said Jennie Cournia Kuenz, Physics and AP Environmental Science Teacher at Jesuit and former chair of the school’s Sustainability Committee. “We have worked very hard over the last few years to document what we are already doing well and have initiated ongoing conversations
You’ll receive special early notification when tickets become available to the student-directed A YEAR WITH FROG AND TOAD (in November), which will be traveling to area elementary schools this year, as well as the always-sold-out JHS PLAYWRITING FESTIVAL (in May). If that’s not enough value for you, we also arrange for discount tickets to some of Portland’s finest theatre events throughout the year, this year including the Broadway Touring Productions of KINKY BOOTS, GUYS AND DOLLS, PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, and WICKED. Taking advantage of just one of these discounts can pay for the cost of your subscription! Visit www.jesuitportland.org/drama now and become a Subscriber! The ticket connection you seek is just a few clicks away!
Main Stage Season Lineup: • PROPOSALS by Neil Simon, November 6-9 • GUEST-DIRECTED ONE-ACTS, January 8-11 • IN THE HEIGHTS by Lin-Manuel Miranda and Quiara Alegria Hudes, February 26-March 8 • HAMLET by William Shakespeare, April 23-26
across many different campus groups. Auditing the school’s energy use, custodial and maintenance practices, as well as student/staff behavior has increased our awareness of areas on campus that need work and improvement. We look forward to continuing this process. This award serves as a milestone for us in our journey toward better stewardship of God’s creation.” Photo: Shannon Shelburne and Jennie Cournia Kuenz receive the U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon School Award at a special ceremony in July 2014 in Washington, D.C. for sustainable school practices. Photo © U.S. Department of Education.
Financial Aid Luncheon
By Diane Salzman, Director of Development We invite you to attend our 12th Annual Financial Aid Luncheon: Your Gift. Our Future.
Guest Speaker Adrienne Rankin ’99
Executive Pastor at Beaverton Foursquare Founder of Wind over Water, which helps impoverished women create sustainable income.
Wednesday, October 15, 2014. Jesuit High School, Knight Center 11:15 am - Check-In and Social Reception 12 noon - Program and Lunch
The Jesuit Counseling Office provides a welcoming place for students to drop in and say hello, to get advice or a friendly pat on the back, and where a counselor is always happy to have a chat—about anything.
Jesuit students are assigned to a counselor based upon their last name. Students with last names beginning A-F are with Mr. Barry. Last names beginning G – Mc with Mr. Lowery. Last names beginning Me – S with Ms. Strear. Mr. Potter works with students with documented learning differences and with students with last names beginning T – Z. Please contact the Counseling Center if you have questions.
Christian Service Office Update By Scott Powers, Christian Service Director
situations more critically as they journey through their education at Jesuit. Our service programs are just one way that Jesuit teaches to the whole person. If parents or students have questions or need suggestions about service placements, please call the Christian Service office at 503-291-5463. You can also visit the Christian Service webpage at www.jesuitportland.org under Academics.
Reflection is the key Ignatian tool to help students make sense of the new situations they encounter during their service experiences. Students then can analyze these
By Peter Johnson, Director of College Advising
The Counseling staff offers students an array of services, integrating personal and academic counseling with college planning. Each counselor works with students in grades 9-12.
We are committed to ensuring that deserving students are able to receive a Jesuit education regardless of their financial circumstances. This school year, please help us meet our $2.6 million commitment toward tuition assistance for 26% of students and their families. Cultivating a diverse student body benefits our entire school community. Please RSVP by emailing fal@jesuitportland.org or by calling 503-291-5497.
This summer, Jesuit students were serving elderly people, youth at risk, families fleeing domestic violence, kids and adults with disabilities, homeless folks, recent immigrants and people in the hospital. They were traveling on service trips to Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, and India. They were in their own communities, and other people’s communities. They were hearing stories—listening to people who are not often heard. They were working with their hands and with their hearts. They were laying a foundation for learning about social justice. And they were being men and women for others.
Counseling Update
DATES TO REMEMBER: Summer Sophomore Christian Papers due: October 3 Fall Junior/Senior Christian Service Papers due: October 9 Fall Sophomore Service Projects due: December 5 Freshman Service Orientation: November - December 2014 URBAN DAY IMMERSIONS: An eight-hour experience meeting and learning about homeless people in Portland. Primarily for sophomore students, but open to juniors and seniors. Oct. 18, Oct. 25, and Nov. 1. COAT AND BLANKET DRIVE: Our annual Coat and Blanket drive will be the weeks of October 13–24. Items collected will be distributed to migrant workers and people living on the streets of Portland. Don’t forget—we need sleeping bags, too! Please bring all items to the collection box in Jesuit’s Gedrose Student Center.
In September, counselors were busy connecting with students to support their personal, academic, and college related needs and concerns. Counselors met with freshmen in small groups during the week of September 8th to explain their role at JHS, describe the services provided in the Counseling Center, and help students transition to their first year of high school. During the same week, college advisors Peter Johnson and Carol Maier spoke to seniors in English classes to review college application priorities and procedures.
strategies with students about the PSAT exam coming up on October 15. Juniors will also take the PSAT on October 15. Juniors and seniors maintain contact with the Counseling Center during the year through individual appointments and the college advising program. The 11th grade college advising program kicks off with College Planning Night on Thursday, January 29, at 7 pm in the Moyer Theatre.
Important Dates from the Counseling Office Many college admission representatives will visit Jesuit during the next three months. Seniors should consult the calendar of visiting schools posted on Family Connection. Seniors are allowed to meet with five admission representatives in the fall and must sign up on the Family Connection website at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting. • Oct. 15: PSAT at school for sophomores and juniors • Oct. 27: Performing and Visual Arts College Fair, Portland Art Museum, 6-8 pm • Nov. 2: 1-5 pm and November 3: 9 am - noon, National College Fair, Oregon Convention Center • Nov. 13: College Financial Aid Night, 7 pm, Student Center (mainly for parents of seniors, but others are welcome)
During the week of September 15, counselors met with sophomores in small groups to conduct a check-in survey, remind students about counseling services, and share
Athletics Information Technology Tips and Hints
Welcome to Jesuit e-Athletics! No, we are not playing athletic contests via iPads, but parents can access most athletic information electronically. Here are a few technology tips and hints: www.jesuitportland.org – Jesuit’s athletic pages are the best place to find athletic scores and schedules.
“Alerts” button. If you click that button and register, you will receive an email from Jesuit each time there is a schedule change and/or every time there is a score update. This service is especially helpful for spring sports that often get rained out and rescheduled.
www.OSAA.org – The state athletic website has varsity scores, state power rankings, and playoff information.
JCTV – Many home athletic contests throughout the year will be broadcast live on JCTV. Grandma in Florida or Uncle Charlie in Germany can still be a part of the action by watching live at: www.jesuitportland.org/jctv.
Alerts – On each Jesuit athletic schedule page there is a blue
Go, Crusaders!
www.metroleague.org – Our league website is a great place to find league standings and All-League honors.
New 2014-15 Faculty Members By Chris Smart, Academic Vice Principal
Director at St. Joseph Catholic School; mentor program with at-risk students through Portland Police Bureau. Key goal for this year: To create a security program that other high schools in the state will want to emulate. KAITLYN LeCLAIRE: Theology Teacher Education: MA, University of Portland; Master of Divinity, Seattle University Most recent experience with young people: I worked in Campus Ministry at Seattle University. Key goal for this year: To be courageous as a first-year teacher.
Jesuit High School’s new faculty members for 2014-15: Malia Bernards (History), Maureen Milton (English), Roxann Asp (Activities, Health), Cathe Kent (Chief Security Officer), Matt Schulte (Theology), Kyle Packan ’08 (Security), Billy Biegler, S.J. (English, Spanish), Lucas Rothenberger ’08 (Security), Nick Davies ’09 (Power Training, Spanish), Monica Shih-Emmi (Chinese), Kaitlyn LeClaire (Theology).
Welcome to Jesuit’s New Faculty and Staff! Please join us in welcoming these new members of the Jesuit High School community. ROXANN ASP: Activities Director and Health Teacher Education: M.Ed., George Fox University Most recent experience with young people: I worked for three years at an alternative school in NE Portland that serves at-risk youth. Key goal for this year: Survival; it’s all about survival! MALIA BERNARDS: History Teacher Education: Valley Catholic ’97; BA in Social Studies and Education, Hamline University; MST in Sociology and Education, Portland State University Most recent experience with young people: I taught AP US History and Economics at Bellarmine Preparatory, the Jesuit high school in Tacoma. Key goal for this year: Learn, love, and teach. BILLY BIEGLER, S.J.: English and Spanish Teacher Education: BA in Philosophy, University of San Francisco; MA in Theatre and Performance Studies, Washington University, St. Louis Most recent experience with young people: I ministered at Washington University’s Catholic Student Center and worked as an Instructional Assistant for Washington University’s Theatre Culture Studies courses. Key goal for this year: To continue to grow in God’s love.
ALAINA BULLER: Marketing & Communications Coordinator Education: Drake University, Gonzaga University, University of Alaska Most recent experience with young people: I directed the fashion team for a bridal retailer—a group of teen girls who helped with prom fashion shows and sales events. Key goal for this year: To learn everything I can about Jesuit, so I can delve into a variety of projects. NICK DAVIES ’09: PE and Spanish Teacher Education: BS in Math, Oregon State; MAT, Lewis & Clark College Most recent experience with young people: I taught math last year at Valley Catholic High School. Key goal for this year: To become a better educator. LAURIE HOWINGTON: Campus Monitor Education: Hudson’s Bay High School, Vancouver Most recent experience with young people: I raised two children and enjoy spending quality time with my five grandchildren. Key goal for this year: To learn (and remember) as many first names of students as possible. CATHE KENT: Chief Security Officer Education: High school in Detroit, MI; Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice from PCC and PSU Most recent experience with young people: Athletic
MAUREEN MILTON: English Teacher Education: BA in English, Boston College; MAT, Lewis and Clark Most recent experience with young people: I was the K-8 librarian at Arbor School of Arts and Sciences. Key goal for this year: Surviving and thriving for myself, my family, and my students. KYLE PACKAN ’08: Campus Monitor Education: BS in Psychology, Oregon State University Most recent experience with young people: I coached youth lacrosse. Key goal for this year: To learn. I hope to get my MAT and become a high school math/science teacher. LUCAS ROTHENBERGER ’08: Campus Monitor Education: BA in History, Gonzaga University Most recent experience with young people: I coached cross country and track and field at Jesuit. Key goal for this year: To meet and learn from all of the wonderful people I work with every day, and contribute to the Jesuit community in as many aspects as I can.
MATT SCHULTE: Theology Teacher Education: BA, University of Notre Dame; MAT, University of Portland Most recent experience with young people: I was a Theology teacher at Central Catholic and St. John Fisher. Key goal for this year: To learn and experience what it means to be an educator in the Ignatian tradition. MONICA SHIH-EMMI: Chinese Teacher Education: MA, University of Washington; MAT, Marylhurst University Most recent experience with young people: I taught at West Sylvan Middle School and Tualatin High School. Key goal for this year: To learn, catch up, be involved, and get enough sleep! ANN SMITH-PALENCHAR: Donor Relations and Stewardship Coordinator Education: BA in Communication Studies, University of North Carolina at Greensboro Most recent experience with young people: I taught interior design classes at Randolph Community College in Asheboro, North Carolina. Key goal for this year: To enjoy and participate in my son’s senior year at Jesuit. MIKE WALLACE ’99: Network Administrator Education: BS in Computer Science, University of Portland; MBA, Oregon State University Most recent experience with young people: I worked as a Jesuit Volunteer at Verbum Dei High School in Los Angeles, CA. Key goal for this year: To support the students, faculty, and staff in navigating the first year of our 1-1 initiative.
SKID Program Leaves Lasting Impression on Students • On Wednesday, September 24, 2014, the Jesuit High student community participated in a very serious drug and alcohol awareness program. Eight of our students had major roles in the SKID (Stopping Kids’ Impaired Driving) assembly, where with the help of Tualatin Valley Fire Department and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, they participated in a dramatic depiction of students who had been at a party and involved in a fatal car accident. The SKID Program began in Washington County, Oregon in 1998. SKID is a graphic and realistic dramatization portraying wrecked vehicles and “injured” victims. The presentation was so dramatic that many students and staff were caught up in the emotions of the moment; some were even moved to tears, imagining the potential consequences
By Elaine Forde, Dean of Students and Activities
of such an accident. The SKID Program left a lasting impression on the hearts and minds of students, who will at some point face their own very real life and death choices about underage drinking and driving or impaired driving. Jesuit High School is thankful to the students and parents willing to take a risk to help educate our students about the dangers of impaired driving. We are also appreciative of the professionals at Tualatin Valley Fire Department and the Washington County Sheriff’s Department, who made the assembly possible. Since the start of the program in 1998, Washington County has experienced a dramatic decrease in alcohol or drug-related crashes. Let us pray that trend continues.