We’re BaCk

What does it look like on campus?

one of the first Bay area schools to safely resume in-person learning

While this is and will remain an “all hands on deck” undertaking, it has strongly shown that our faculty and staff community is indeed ALLHeart. Despite all the adjustments and obstacles still to come, we have seen everyone rise to the occasion in their own ways. Here we highlight our school community as we proudly navigate our new campus life.

What’s changed?

• RED AND BLUE COHORTS were created based on a combination of considerations: household (siblings), transportation needs, curricular needs, and class sizes under county health guidelines • TOUCHLESS sanitizers, soaps, and paper towel dispensers • ADviSORy AND HOmEROOm curriculum programming changes to better meet students in varying stages of their high school experience • WELLNESS WEDNESDAyS allow us to sanitize for the next cohort, and also provide a chance to unplug while participating in community building and co-curricular activities

• Everything that makes us

ALLHEART • mrs. Paniagua ’72 needs a pass or note if you’re going to be late or miss class • The Bassetts still make the best lunches • Senior Lawn

What hasn’t changed?

We’re BAck! What is it like to teach now?

georgine Clarke, religious studies

Religious Studies teacher and Department Chair Ms. Georgine Clarke believes that “absence makes the heart grow fonder” has never meant more than during the pandemic. It is incredibly hard to communicate love or to be relational with students through a Zoom meeting. During 40 years in the classroom, she never envisioned a successful class depending on a pesky cursor maneuvering smoothly between multiple monitors while half of her students focused on the lesson remotely. Ms. Clarke takes to heart a teacher’s role of caring for students as if they are younger brothers and sisters; nurturing their minds, hearts, and souls as they grow into unique human beings in God’s image. When she arrived at Justin-Siena, it was the example of Sally DiGiacomo who best exemplified professionalism, leadership, and how to practice what you preach to the young people entrusted to your care. In the 33 years since arriving here, Ms. Clarke’s passion for teaching remains and she continues to be an example of leadership by sitting on several committees shaping the direction of the school.

Teaching now requires hybrid lesson planning, Zoom skills, keeping track of what day you are on campus, and a selection of cool masks.

felipe nieto, spanish teacher and Boys soccer Coach

“The daily interactions with students has had an effect on my craft that allows me to continue to reflect on my successes and imperfections as an instructor. As a student, I viewed my teachers as mentors and caring people. Now that I have become a teacher, I like to think that a teacher wears different hats every day: a tutor, a friend, the adult in the classroom, the expert in the subject, the parent, the reliable person to talk to when there’s a problem. Teaching during these times can be challenging, but having to navigate and find comfort in the way we deliver instruction has surpassed my expectations. I realized that using technology is not my forte and teaching online can be so unorthodox. Fortunately, I have been able to adapt and be realistic on my teaching expectations and limitations. I felt prepared due to my ability to adjust to adversity. As a parent or professional being able to reshape in order to continue moving forward is what life is all about. I fear the unknown, the unexpected, but I have learned to ‘take life by the horns’ and continue moving forward. There’s so much at stake as a parent, a friend, and professional in the face of the present challenges to drive us where we want to go.“

We’re BAck! How do we keep on singing?

Lauren hesser, dean of students and Choral teacher

Nothing prepared choral teacher Mrs. Lauren Hesser, Dean of Students more for this moment in time than her lifelong love of the arts. She explains that it is in the creative expression where you are challenged and experience rejection, yet pull yourself up to try again. If someone forgets a microphone, you just sing louder. If you didn’t get a part, then you figure out what works so you will know better next time. The arts provide flexibility, and doing things to the best of your ability, and also giving yourself some time and space when you most need them. In the spring at the beginning of the pandemic, her classes mastered uplifting concerts via Zoom. It was a process she could never have imagined and yet the Justin-Siena choir more than rose to the

occasion. This pandemic has brought on other realities. She misses hugs – that simple gesture of connection – and finds a therapeutic outlet in singing full voice or “listening to music so intensely that I cry.” Mrs. Hesser vividly remembers her piano teacher, Ellen Patterson, who was tireless, creative, and joyful. Her commitment and authenticity are traits that she brings to her own teaching. Mrs. Hesser’s no nonsense but loving approach in her other role, that of Dean of Students, highlights her personal motto: speak with honesty; think with sincerity; act with integrity. It is a reflection of her mother, the person she most admires, and a straightforward approach that provides grace and a steady hand for students.

We’re BAck! Who keeps us zooming along?

team Behind the scenes Justin hayes, director of technology

“Initially, our goal was to focus on tech support. We knew that our department would be in high demand, and that assisting those in need would be challenging when done remotely vs. hands-on. We realized that school was going to remain digital longer than expected, and that a totally hybrid model would be where we landed. The fact that we already had an iPad in the hands of every student and teacher, and the management platform to administer those devices from anywhere, made the transition fairly smooth. Faculty, staff, and the students really did an amazing job adapting, and I feel proud to have been a part of it.”

our it guys rock John davis, it Lead support

“It’s an amazing feeling when you know you are doing something that truly matters. Watching our students, along with our own daughters who are enrolled here, live the transformative experience that a Justin-Siena education provides has been equally transformative for us. Knowing that we can use our tech expertise to help with this mission, along with some dad skills (and dad jokes), has been an incredibly rewarding experience.”

How do we keep students on track?

Jill sinclair ’99, school Counselor

Mrs. Jill Sinclair jokingly says she was destined to remain forever a Justin-Siena Brave. One of our three guidance counselors, she is happily married to a fellow alum and fondly recalls the educators during her high school years. She took to heart the words of the incomparable English teacher, Robert Morrish, who taught that having passion for your vocation is an essential part of happiness as an adult. The compassion of long-time principal Greg Schmitz, made every student feel seen, known, and loved. Jill tries to emulate the sincere connections he made with students and families. As the school returned to campus in a hybrid learning model, she was proud of the counseling department’s ability to meet the moment, adjusting to ensure that students were still receiving the same level of support and care. There has never been a typical day in counseling, and with hybrid it is especially important to plan ahead, yet remain flexible. At a minimum, unplanned student issues occur a couple times a day. Some days may need to be devoted to just one student or situation. Still, it is because no two days are alike that she loves best about the job; To be there for students in some of the most difficult and drama-filled years, but also to witness some of their happiest moments – first dances, new friendships, finding their voices, and everything in between. She can’t imagine having any other job at any other place; to be a part of her students’ journeys is an honor.

sonia ryan, director of College Counseling

“One thing that hasn’t changed is kids want to go to college, colleges want to admit them, and we are here to connect those dots. During COVID we have seen how everything in this process can be adaptable, perhaps even allowing us to collectively take a step back and reassess our motives. College counseling is often perceived to be helping students develop an application to get into the “best” school. However, in my view, there is no “best” school. Rankings are designed from a series of data points which may or may not align with what is important to a particular individual. I LOVE the journey of getting to know a young person and his or her parents. I help, I counsel, I encourage, and occasionally I scold in my efforts to discover a student’s interests and assist them in the search for their personal best ‘fit’ school. I highlight the word ‘fit’ intentionally. Selecting a college is all about ‘fit.’ There are so many remarkable schools out there. If you are going to Poughkeepsie to see Vassar, know there is an incredible school, Marist College, only a couple miles away. If you are visiting Chicago to see University of Chicago, perhaps you should consider DePaul, a wonderful Catholic university in the Windy City. My job is to help students find the schools where they will excel in extraordinary ways. It is not the school you get into, that matters but what you do once you are into a school where you fit, that matters most.”

How do we keep it safe?

Brian Cassayre ’98, manny martinez, maintenance

“Our top priority when considering a return to in-person learning was to create an environment that is as safe as possible. This was definitely uncharted territory that required us to plan ahead for both the knowns and unknowns. I think it has been a learning experience for all of us. It was a tedious task simply to reconfigure classrooms and to ensure students are socially distanced while they learn. We also implemented a wide variety of other measures such as installing ionizers and increased filtration in existing HVAC units, new air conditioning units in the 200/300/500 wings, touch-free dispensers for paper towels, soap, and sanitizer to name a few. Surprisingly, one of our biggest hurdles was firming up a supply chain for all the resources we would need – sanitizers, disinfectants, and the like. With so much current demand, supplies became rather scarce.”

We’re BAck! What is it like to be here?

“to say the least, being back on the Justin-siena campus has shown me and my peers what it truly means to be a community. everyone is playing their part to the fullest to bring back the warm feeling of being at school around one another, and getting to see our teachers has been genuinely uplifting and super helpful academically as well. “

raha razavi ’22