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October 2014 PRESENTATION HIGH SCHOOL PARENT NEWSLETTER
LANTERN
Adjusting to your Freshman Year in High School By Yvette Frojelin ’86, LMFT, Counselor/Learning Specialist A new school year, particularly your first year in high school, is an exciting and busy time. For many, the first few weeks were likely overwhelming. But now, things may have slowed down as you adjust to your new environment. Here are a few recommendations for students (and parents) that may help as you navigate new experiences, friendships, and a completely new school system: • Organize: Create a routine, minimize distractions, and don’t procrastinate. Try to designate a quiet space where you can focus on your schoolwork without distractions. You will get more accomplished in more efficient time. • Communicate: Get help if you are having difficulties in class. Learn to communicate your needs with teachers and staff before you fall too far behind. • Get involved: Creative outlets, like clubs and extracurricular activities, are the best way to create balance in your life. They will also help you find friends with similar interests. • Be kind to yourself: A new school year is full of adjustments. Do your best on your work, and once it is done – let it go and move on. Learn from your errors so you will do better on the next test or assignment. Here are some great suggestions from a few Freshmen in my mentoring group: • Be yourself! • Look ahead, not back. • Don’t fall into peer pressure • HAVE FUN!
New Construction Update Johanna Lazar ’15, Public Relations Intern Walking through campus these days, you may hear the thundering sound of jackhammers. And, you might notice the beloved panther statue has been tucked away, inside a sturdy box for safekeeping, as temporary scaffolding goes up.
It’s all being brought about by one of the biggest changes of the year: the addition of six new classrooms and three new offices. The complex is under construction on the last usable piece of property on campus - 70,800 square feet of space next to the Miller Athletic Complex. The new classrooms will allow for space in classes, lowering the average classroom size from 29 girls to 27. Right now, the new complex is still under construction, but the project is nearing the finish line. It’s slated to open on Dec. 31.
Inside this issue LETTERS Board of Trustees letter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Parent Board letter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 DEPARTMENT UPDATES Attendance Reminders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Math and Science Colloquium . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . College Counseling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Department Spotlight: Mathematics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Testing Day . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Campus Ministry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Community Involvement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Athletics: Varsity home games. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Performing Arts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Music Department . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dance Team. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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OFFICE OF ADVANCEMENT Poker Tournament: Save the Date . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Auction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 OCTOBER CALENDAR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
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From the Board of Trustees
Attendance Reminders
The Board of Trustees held its annual retreat at the Presentation Center in Los Gatos on Thursday, Sept. 4. During the retreat, we reviewed the ‘State of the School’ from Principal Miller and the vice principals. The leadership team is moving forward on all fronts: academics, student services, and student activities. The school is in great position to implement many new programs and the board committees will be working hard throughout the year to support these plans.
If your daughter is not coming to school, or if she will arrive late, please call the Attendance Office no later than 9 a.m. (408) 266-1060.
We continue to be in a great financial position even after major upgrades to our facilities, technology, and key staff additions. These will remain focus items for the board throughout the year.
In the rare instance when your daughter needs to leave school for an appointment, please send her to the Attendance Office before school begins. She will need to bring a note from you stating the reason she needs to leave campus and the time of her dismissal. She will be given an early dismissal notice from the attendance secretary.
Fred Crary Chairperson, Board of Trustees
From the Parent Board Dear Parents and Friends, Already, it has been a busy and rewarding year for the Parent Board - with two special events: Incoming Parent Night, and our Mother-Daughter Mass and Breakfast. We sincerely appreciate the volunteers who worked so hard to make both events so memorable - including alumni parent, Phil Micciche - who served as our chef for the MotherDaughter Breakfast. During our first board meeting in September, three dedicated students from the Presentation Robotics team proudly displayed their most recent award, 2nd place at a tournament hosted by Bellarmine. Contributions through board fundraising activities have provided more than $13,000 in financial support to the Robotics team over the past couple of years - and it certainly seems to be a sound investment! Don’t forget to sign up for eScrip - and, order your Starbucks cards from Presentation! Many of us love a warm Starbucks drink in the morning - wouldn’t it taste even better knowing a little bit of our money is supporting the school? For information about eScrip and Starbucks cards, go to the Presentation website, and click on: ‘Parents - Forms & Information.’ Our next meeting is Wednesday, Oct. 1 at 7:00 p.m. in the library. All parents are welcome to join us. Lisa Allen Parent Board President lisaallen@pacbell.net
All absences require a written note, signed by a parent, the day your daughter returns to school. Faxes and emails are not accepted. If your daughter misses 15 minutes or more from class, she will be marked absent.
If you are going out of town or leaving the country, and you place your daughter in the care of someone else, please inform the Attendance Office. We would appreciate a signed written notice from you stating the following: the duration of your trip, the name of the person responsible for your daughter in your absence, an emergency contact, and how to get in touch with you. By law, the school cannot dispense medication. Your daughter may carry Advil, Tylenol, Midol, cough drops, etc. in her backpack to use as needed. If your daughter has severe allergies and requires an EpiPen, Benadryl, etc. please inform Ms. Furtado at (408) 2661060 or email cfurtado@presentationhs.org so we can keep extra for her at school. We thank you for keeping us informed and complying with our policies. We value your daughter’s well-being and safety.
mathematics and science academy Math and Science Colloquium We are excited to announce our second talk in the 2014-2015 Math & Science Colloquium Series on Thursday, Oct. 16 from 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. in the Valenzuela Theater. All students, faculty, staff, and members of the community are invited! Our speaker will be Dr. Nicole Paulk, a post-doctoral fellow in human gene therapy at the Stanford University School of Medicine. Gene therapy is a growing area of study and experimentation in medicine – which, many feel, is a key component to possible new treatments for a number of diseases and medical conditions.
October 2014
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College Counseling
Department Spotlight: Mathematics
From 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 15, the College Counseling Department is hosting ‘Workshop Wednesday’ an opportunity for seniors to work with college counselors as they polish up their applications for the University of California, California State University, and the Common Application. The workshop will also include tips about common mistakes to avoid. Attendance is mandatory for all seniors.
Sharon Goldau, Department Chair
For Juniors, a reminder that Wednesday, Oct. 8 is Testing Information Night from 7 - 8:30 p.m. Our guest speaker will be Bruce Reed from Compass Education group.
Mark your calendar
MONDAY WEDNESDAY
9 8
DNDAY WEDNESDAY
11 16
Wednesday, Oct. 8: Testing Information Night (Juniors) 7 - 8:30 p.m., Valenzuela Theater
Wednesday, Oct. 15: Workshop Wednesday (Seniors) 8 a.m. - 12 p.m., Miller Athletic Complex, Library, Valenzuela Theater
The Math Department is always looking for new ways to integrate real-life problem solving skills into our curriculum, and our 1:1 program has given us the tools to do so on a daily basis! The iPad has taken basic note taking, graphing, and equation solving to the next level, and the girls are all enjoying a plethora of new and fun activities in the classroom this year. Problem solving has been made more exciting in each class this year with apps like MathToons and IXL Math. Each app gives our students problems that you would typically see in a textbook, but is able to provide immediate feedback, rewarding girls with gold stars and other praise when they get a question right. Our calculus courses have students doing regular warm-ups with a quick 7 question MathToons quiz that sets the room abuzz with positive energy - and that's just at the beginning of class! You will still see our girls wandering the halls acting out real-world applications: riding tricycles to determine velocity curves, wandering around blindfolded to analyze balance and coordination, throwing Barbies off the theater building to determine the length of a safe bungee jump – and now we have the tools this year to make those mathematical connections more meaningful. We look forward to having an incredibly engaging year!
Testing Day
TEXAS HOLD ’EM TOURNAMENT
Save the Date! Friday, Nov. 21 PHS Center | 5:30 p.m. For questions, please contact Jane Jeziorski at jjeziorski@presentationhs.org or (408) 264-5110 ext. 2428. Invitation to follow in the fall.
On Wednesday, Oct. 15, testing will taking place on campus for the junior class. Juniors will take the PSAT, which gives students an indication of how they might do on the SAT Reasoning Test. The PSAT consists of three subtests, critical reading, mathematics and writing. To prepare for the PSAT, juniors were asked to complete the PSAT practice test that was distributed in mentoring on October 2nd. The complete practice test is due in mentoring on Tuesday, Oct. 9. Juniors are required to be on campus by 8:25 a.m. and will be dismissed at approximately 11:30 a.m. Students have free dress on this day and should bring two No. 2 pencils, a calculator and their student ID card. If students are absent on testing day there are no make-up exams. On Oct. 15 there will be no food service and the library will be closed. All school buildings will close at 3 p.m. Please make plans accordingly.
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Campus Ministry
Community Involvement
As the leaves change with the season, we are reminded that autumn is a time of renewal and reflection.
“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” –Mahatma Gandhi
Our retreat programs are almost filled, but there are still a few more open spots in the Spring Sophomore and Junior Retreats. The Spring Sophomore Retreat will be held Tuesday, Feb. 24. The Spring Junior Retreat takes place Thursday, April 17. Students can register online at: www.presentationhs.org/retreats. These retreats are free, and they are open to students of all faiths. For freshmen, we are hosting a fun afternoon of reflection on Wednesday, Oct. 15 from 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. Freshmen will be able to meet new people and grow in faith through games, prayer, and group sharing. "¡Celebramos y recordamos, familia y amigos!” Throughout the week of November 5, Campus Ministry will host an altar of remembrance in our chapel for Día de los Muertos. This cultural celebration invites family and friends to pray for loved ones who have died in recent memory. We invite you to bring photos, written memories, or symbols of loved ones you have lost during the past year. Please write your name and phone number on the back of anything you choose to share in the chapel. Finally, we would like to extend a very special thanks to all those who came to the Mother-Daughter Communion Breakfast on September 21 – particularly McKenna and Suzette Roberson, and Therese and Denise Abely, for writing and sharing their beautiful reflections.
As the weather becomes a little more crisp, we are beginning to gear up for our annual holiday food drives.
Food Drive: Monday, Nov. 10 – Tuesday, Nov. 25
Penny Drive: Monday, Dec. 1 – Friday, Dec. 5
Toy Drive: Monday, Dec. 8 – Friday, Dec. 12 We hope you participate in this Presentation tradition by donating your cans, pennies, and new toys. It is truly amazing what we accomplish every year, and we cannot do it without your support. The school year has already kicked off with service in mind. This year, 25 non-profit agencies visited campus for the Community Involvement Service Fair to recruit volunteers for their programs. Agencies included: the Tech Museum, Reading Partners, Catholic Charities, and Wildlife Center. It was an inspiring day, and students walked away with a clearer view of how to put their faith into action.
Open House Prospective students and their families are invited to Presentation High School’s Open House on Sunday, Nov. 2, from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Our guests will hear a talk from our principal, learn about our outstanding school programs, go on a campus tour, and much more! No RSVP is necessary, though online registration is available at www.presentationhs.org/openhouse.
October 2014
From the Athletic Department More than 200 student-athletes are participating in fall sports this year, with 15 teams working hard to make Presentation proud, including: volleyball, water polo, field hockey (including the longawaited return of freshman field hockey), golf, tennis, and cross country. The Athletic Department is welcoming several new faces this year, including: field hockey coaches Cloey LemMon (Presentation ‘10) and Corrine Yeider (‘08), and water polo coaches Jonathan Muir and Julia Peters (‘10). We are also excited to introduce our new Assistant Athletic Director, Kevin Saldivar. Kevin is a Bellarmine alum and is currently finishing his master’s degree in Sports Management. Athletic Director Stacey Mallison welcomed a baby boy in September; she will return from maternity leave next month to kick off the winter sports season. Students who are not competing in a sport this season can always stay in peak condition or just burn off a little stress with our strength & conditioning coach, Shaun Eagen. He is available most weekdays after school and is happy to design workouts for all Presentation students. Please see the Athletic homepage for the daily workout schedule. The Athletic Booster Club’s annual fundraiser will take place Saturday, March 28 in the Miller Athletic Complex. To learn more, please visit the Booster Club page on the Athletics website. Please support our student-athletes by attending a game and cheering them on!
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Home Games | October Water Polo Weds. 10/1 Weds. 10/15
vs. St. Francis High School 6 p.m. vs. St. Ignatius College Prep 6 p.m.
Field Hockey Thurs. 10/2 vs. Leigh High School 3:30 p.m. Tues, 10/14
vs. Gilroy High School 3:30 p.m.
Tues. 10/7
vs. St. Ignatius College Prep 3:30 p.m.
Tues 10/21
vs. St. Francis High School 3:30 p.m.
Tennis Tues. 10/7
vs. Sacred Heart Cathedral Wallenberg Park, 3:30 p.m.
Tues. 10/14
vs. Archbishop Mitty Wallenberg Park, 3:30 p.m.
Tues. 10/21
vs. St. Ignatius Prep Wallenberg Park, 3:30 p.m.
Thurs. 10/23 vs. Valley Christian Wallenberg Park, 3:30 p.m. Tues. 10/28
vs. Notre Dame Belmont Wallenberg Park, 3:30 p.m.
Go Panthers!
Game
OF
E N TAT I O N
PR
hrows
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Volleyball Thurs. 10/9
Corn Hole Athletic Fundraiser
Save The Date March 28, 2015
vs. St. Francis High School 6:30 p.m.
Tues. 10/14
vs. Bishop O’Dowd High School, 6:30 p.m.
Weds. 10/15
vs. Valley Christian 6:30 p.m.
Mon. 10/27
vs. Mercy High School, Burlingame, 6:30 p.m
Weds. 10/2
vs. Sacred Heart Cathedral 6:30 p.m.
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Performing Arts
Dance Team Fundraiser
I.T.S. for a Cause Our drama club - the International Thespian Society presented its annual benefit concert on Wednesday, Oct. 1 in the Valenzuela Theater. This year, the theme was ‘A Concert for Community: Helping Families in Need.’ Profits were donated to the San Jose Family Shelter – a group dedicated to protecting at-risk families. The concert is always an eclectic evening of song, dance, and drama – with surprise appearances from certain favorite faculty members! This was the second student-produced event put on by I.T.S. in two months! As usual, this year’s drama club officers are raising the bar for student achievement in performing arts.
Mark your calendars now for Thursday, Oct. 9! Why, you ask? Well, that’s the day you, your family and friends can go out to eat and support the Presentation Dance Team at the same time.
Guys and Dolls Tickets - On Sale Now! Our main stage musical, Guys and Dolls, opens November 1. Shows will run every weekend until November 16. We have an awesome cast that will blow you away with spectacular production numbers, including ‘Bushel and a Peck’ and ‘Luck Be a Lady.’ Seniors Robyn Naragon and Madison House-Tuck are the lead dolls, supported by a cast of amazing Pres talent - and 13 boys from local high schools. Tickets are already on sale for all performances - just click on the ‘box office’ link at the bottom right corner of our homepage. Don’t wait!
Music Department The Presentation High School Music Department is off to a fresh new start to the 2014-2015 school year! Our debut for the season was the I.T.S. Club Concert on Wednesday, Oct. 1. Members of Bella Voce can also be found singing at St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception in Los Gatos for the Catholic Charities Caritas Mass, on Tuesday, Oct. 14 at 6 p.m. The Middle School Choral Workshop will be coming back for its second year! Students in grades 6-8 will once again have the opportunity to sing side-by-side with the ladies of Bella Voce! The winter concerts will be held Friday, Dec. 12 and Saturday, Dec. 13. If you know of any middle school students who may be interested in furthering their choral singing skills, please contact Mrs. Bertram: ebertram@ presentationhs.org.
Bella Voce PHS WOMEN’S CHORALE
This year, the ladies of Bella Voce will be heading to Los Angeles to compete in the Heritage Festival of Gold at Segerstrom Center for the Arts. The choir will be raising money to support this trip through the sale of sponsorships. If you, or someone you know, would be interested in acting as a sponsor for the choir, please contact Mrs. Bertram.
Where? Willow Street Pizza and Main Street Burgers in Los Gatos and Willow Glen! Make sure to pick up a flier from your friendly neighborhood dance team representative or just cut out the flier below! Too busy to make it but still want to help? Or, do you know a business that would want to sponsor our dance team on their road to The Contest of Champions in Florida? Contact Sara Cuddie: scuddie@presentationhs.org
October 2014
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Saturday, Oct. 25 · Villa Ragusa
Check out some of these great auction items available: CABO GETAWAY A luxurious weeklong vacation in a private beachfront condo. ALOHA! A five-night stay in paradise, at a four-star resort on Oahu and Maui. Convertible rental car included - so you can leave care to the wind! DISNEYLAND DISCOVERY Go behind-the-scenes and in front of the lines with a special family four-pack to the park! CRUISE ON THE BAY Set sail and sip signature cocktails onboard a private yacht as you tour the best scenic spots on the San Francisco Bay - including: McCovey Cove, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the city skyline. DUST OFF THOSE COWBOY BOOTS Enjoy the VIP treatment at a country concert during the KRTY Country Concert Series at Shoreline Amphitheatre including a trip backstage to meet your favorite country star. PROM FIT FOR A STARLET Glamour treatment for the big night - including: dress, hair, makeup, prom bid, limousine, and flowers. ROCK THE RUNWAY Secure your spot as a model in the Presentation ‘Vintage & Vogue’ Fashion Show! COOKIN’ UP A STORM! Sit back, relax and enjoy a fourcourse dinner from our very own administration team of Mary Miller, Julie Edson, Susan Mikacich and Katherine Cobarrubia. They’ll come to your home to prepare a gourmet dinner and each course will be paired with wine.
Also in store for this year’s auction: • NEW MOBILE BIDDING TOOL: bid right from your seat! • THEMED SILENT AUCTION TABLES: California Living, Cape Cod, Home for the Holidays, Premium Wine, Super Silent and many more! • PRES AUCTION FAVORITE: bid on a round of drinks for your whole table, delivered by Mary Miller and her entourage! • SPECIAL PRIZE: for one lucky guest, just for attending the event! Tickets are still available, but hurry because they aren’t going to last! Make your reservation now at www.presentationhs.org/auction.
Willow Glen Diamond Company is donating a 1/2 Co carat ca diamond and you’ll have a chance to win during our specialty raffle du on the night of the event!
Exclusive item available vailable vailable for auction guests! ts! ts! Custom sterling silver Presentation charm created by Willow Glen Diamond Company. mpany.
Great gift for any Pres girl!
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October 2014 MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
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H TION IGH S TA CH N SE
L O O
PR E
SUNDAY
For complete calendar visit www.presentationhs.org/calendar Parish Day Liturgy, 11:05 a.m., gym
THURSDAY
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TA B
9 LIS H E D I N 1
Parent Board 7 p.m., Library
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12
6
Mandatory Frosh & Transfer Student Parent Counseling Meeting, 7 p.m., Miller Athletic Complex
6 p.m., Library
TADA 6:30 p.m., Reception Room
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13 School Holiday
19
7 Auction Meeting
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9
8 Testing Information Night for Juniors 7 p.m., Valenzuela Theater
REMEMBER
6 a.m., pool Booster Board 7 p.m., Library
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15
1st Quarter Grades due
Testing Day for Grades 9-11
Fashion Show General Meeting, 7 p.m., Library
Workshop Wednesday for Grade 12
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10 TO
22
Voices Invitational Debate Tournament, 3 p.m., Miller Athletic Complex
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Math and Science Colloquium, 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m., Valenzuela Theater
23
SATURDAY
4 Speech & Debate Welcome Event 4 p.m., Courtyard
ITS Concert, 7 p.m., Valenzuela Theater ES
FRIDAY
Charity Ball
Black & White Charity Ball, 7:30 p.m., Miller Athletic Complex
11
JV Volleyball Tournament, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m., Miller Athletic Complex
18 Quarter Grades Available
24
Junior Retreat
BLACK & WHITE
Indian Celebration of Dandia, 6 p.m., Miller Athletic Complex
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Junior Retreat Auction, 5:30 p.m., Villa Ragusa
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27 Big/Little Sister Lunch Event, 12:30 p.m., courtyard
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31 2 p.m. dismissal Happy Halloween!
October 2014 Campbell, CA Permit No. 332
PA I D
U.S. POSTAGE Non-Profit Organization