April 2016 Lantern by Presentation High School

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LANTERN Presentation High School Parent Newsletter | April 2016

National Champions Maya Varma Congratulations to Maya Varma '16 who won the First Place Medal of Distinction in a science competition so prestigious it's known as the "Junior Nobel Prize." Maya is one of three Intel Science Talent Search winners picked from a pool of 1,750 students nationwide. Her winnings include a $150,000 scholarship. Intel says this year's competition is particularly significant for young women. “In addition to honoring two female top winners, this year’s competition is the first in the Science Talent Search’s 75-year history in which more than half of the finalists are female,” said Rosalind Hudnell, Vice President in Human Resources, Director of Corporate Affairs at Intel Corporation, and President of the Intel Foundation. “This milestone is an inspiring sign of progress toward closing the gender gap in technology and engineering. We hope these finalists’ outstanding work will inspire young people from all backgrounds to develop their interests in these fields.” Maya's winning entry is an inexpensive, portable spirometer -- a device that diagnoses respiratory illnesses such as COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease). Currently, spirometers are too expensive to be used widely in developing countries ($1,000-$4,000 each) and they require the assistance of a health care professional. Maya's spirometer costs just $35 and can be used at home. Patients blow through a spirometer shell created with a 3D printer. The air then goes through the tubes to a pressure sensor on an electronics board. The data is transmitted wirelessly through bluetooth to a tablet where an app created by Maya can assist in detecting a variety of conditions. According to Maya's research, 64 million people in the world are afflicted by COPD. The total deaths from COPD are expected to increase by 30% within the next decade. It is the fourth leading cause of death worldwide. COPD is not curable, but early detection can slow down the progression of the disease. We are incredibly proud of Maya’s achievement and her commitment to helping others. Congratulations, Maya!

Dance Team For the second year in a row, the Presentation Dance team has been named the best in the country. At the Contest of Champions in Orlando, Florida, the team took home national titles in both of its divisions. The team also earned first place honors in its specialized dance categories, including Extra Small Contemporary, Lyrical and Jazz (for up to nine dancers) and Medium Lyrical and Character (for up to 20 dancers) Coach Sara Cuddie-Fugate earned top honors for choreography in the category of character dance. Katherine Wong ‘16 competed in the solo competition, placing sixth. Go Panthers!

What's Inside DEPARTMENTS Attendance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . College Counseling. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Counseling. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Community Involvement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Campus Ministry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Modern Language . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Choir. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Theater. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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ATHLETICS Athletics/Home Games Schedule. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 OFFICE OF ADVANCEMENT Board of Trustees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Parent Board. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Fashion Show. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 APRIL CALENDAR. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Board of Trustees

Parent Board

By Marc Parkinson, President

By Lisa Matthews, President | lmatthews@spsinc.biz

This month I would like to express my gratitude to all the donors who have helped ensure our students’ success. Recently we celebrated the 26th Annual Platinum and Circle Dinner. This year we welcomed 68 new members, making our circle 375 members strong--including 144 Platinum members. Together, this circle of giving provides $3.2 million to Presentation, including $1.7 million in financial aid.

Welcome to a month filled with exciting possibilities. Not only are our girls in plaid getting excited for the end of the year, but there are also several events scheduled to keep parents involved too.

Martin Luther King Jr. once reflected that life’s most persistent and urgent question is “What are you doing for others?” Our Platinum and Circle members are the true embodiment of that sentiment. Their financial assistance has supported 25 percent of the student body currently on financial aid, allowed the Athletic Department to flourish, helped the Performing Arts Department soar to new heights on stage and built a competitive Robotics team. On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I thank these donors who bless our school with their generosity and truly live out the motto, “Not Words, But Deeds.”

Attendance Office By Catherine Furtado

It is hard to believe the school year is winding down! With the last few months of the semester comes the added stress of projects, tests, CRP’s, etc. It is important to ensure your daughter is getting plenty of rest, eating well and taking care of herself. If your daughter is susceptible to allergies or colds, remember she can carry allergy and cold/sinus medication in her backpack. She can also carry throat lozenges, Advil, Tylenol, Midol, etc. Please try to schedule her medical appointments after school hours so that she can be in class to learn without missing lectures, labs or project information. We want your daughters to be successful in school, and class attendance is an important factor in achieving that goal. Remember to call in your daughter’s absence by 9 a.m. Then send her to school with a signed absence note from you when she returns. If you have any questions the direct Attendance Office number is (408) 266-1060 or email at cfurtado@presentationhs.org. We appreciate your help in following these guidelines. It’s going to be a great end of the year! 2

The Lantern | April 2016

First up is Fashion Show 2016, Presentation & Co. This is my fourth year as a fashion show volunteer. I’m proud to be a part of this impressive production. Although it is staged with the same professional skill as a New York runway show, the Presentation Fashion Show has heart. It will make you laugh and cry and it will pull at your heartstrings in ways uniquely Pres. More importantly, the fashion show is a fundraiser for the Endowment for Financial Aid. Close to 25 percent of Pres students depend on financial aid. I encourage you to attend, buy benefit raffle tickets and/or volunteer to help out behind-the-runway the day of the show. There are two shows on Friday, April 22 at the Santa Clara Convention Center. More information and ticket reservations are available at www.presentationhs.org/fashionshow. The party continues on April 30 with a brand-new Parent Board event, Frank Sinatra – 100 Years: Gala Dinner Show. Ol’ Blue Eyes would swoon over the details of this spectacular event which will feature cocktails – the signature drink is Fly Me to the Moon – a gourmet dinner with your choice of prime rib or salmon, tickets to see The Blue Plaid Players’ Frank Sinatra Centennial Revue, and dessert and coffee during intermission. The gala dinner would be a wonderful event to share with grandparents or any “bobby soxers” who relish an evening with Frank and the Rat Pack. Tickets are $75 per person. To make a reservation, go to www.presentationhs.org/boxoffice, scroll down to “Sinatra” and click Buy Tickets Now. For more information, contact Jane Jeziorski at jjeziorski@presentationhs.org. See you at the show!

Fashion Show It’s time for Fashion Show 2016! Presentation & Co., a fashionable tradition for 50 years! Lunch Show begins at 11 a.m. Dinner Show begins at 6 p.m. Don’t miss Presentation & Co. on Friday, Apr. 22 at the Santa Clara Convention Center. This year is the 50th anniversary of fashion show! What started with a single sewing machine and a few models in the Marian Stuckey Center has become a professional production worthy of a New York runway.

A big shout out to our generous store partners – Athleta, Banana Republic, Bella James, Chico’s, Eli Thomas, Francesca’s, Free People, GAP, Ibiss, Johnny Was, Kitsch Couture, The Library, The North Face, and White House/Black Market. When you’re shopping, please be sure to thank them for their continued support of Presentation! For more information and to make reservations or donations visit www.presentationhs.org/fashionshow. See you at the show!

The theme, Presentation & Co., honors the timeless beauty and philanthropic spirit of Audrey Hepburn, a pioneer who believed in giving back more than she was given. Living the school motto, “Not Words, But Deeds,” the show brings together seniors, alumnae, faculty and friends who walk the runway wearing spring fashions from local and national stores with the main purpose of raising much-needed funds for the Endowment for Financial Aid. One of the show’s most popular segments premieres the work of talented student designers who sketch and sew their own creations. And since this is the show’s 50th anniversary, past fashion show chairs will be honored on the runway for their help in building what has become one of Presentation’s main events. Everyone is invited to be a part of the show. Here are some fun ways to get involved:

Attend the Show

There is no school on April 22, so students are encouraged to attend. Students can attend the lunch show with their moms or sit in the Student Gallery during the dinner show. Reservations are required for both shows and can be made online through the Presentation website.

Become a Show Sponsor

Secure preferred runway seating, enjoy fine wine and other exciting benefits when you sponsor a table at the lunch or dinner show. Sponsorships can be made along with your reservations; they are a great tax deduction!

Buy Benefit Drawing Tickets

Fashion Show is a fundraiser! One way it raises funds is through the Benefit Drawing. Tickets cost $40 each, 3 for $100 and 8 for $200! Three fun packages are filled with exhilarating items including a stay in Palm Desert, an Apple iWatch, concert and sporting event tickets, golf packages and more. Winners will be drawn during the dinner show and you need not need be present to win.

Volunteer Behind-the-Runway

Learn more about the fashion show and have fun while helping out as a backstage dresser, props assistant or Grande Finale host. Contact Caroline Martin at cboninmartin@gmail.com to learn more and sign-up. www.presentationhs.org 3

College Counseling

Counseling

By Mary Connolly

By Jean Meyer

In the tempo of the college application process, the submission of applications has been completed and now the next phase for our seniors is upon us: decisions. Admissions decisions from colleges have been arriving throughout the month of March and, by early April, all students should have received their notifications. The colleges have made their decisions—now it is the students’ turn. May 1 is the national response deadline.

Just recently, during our Faculty Professional Growth Day, Presentation staff focused on the Catholic social teachings of belief in human dignity, and how, in solidarity with the human family, we are responsible for one another. Mini lessons were masterfully provided by the Religious Studies Department on teachings rooted in the Bible, promoting the common good in school practices, protecting the earth, insuring worker’s rights, and the importance of honoring fair labor practices in what we buy.

For each student and her family, making the decision as to where to attend will most likely include several factors, including cost. With the acceptance notifications or shortly thereafter, colleges will send the information pertaining to financial aid and scholarships. Because colleges and universities can distribute their financial aid awards in any format they choose, it is extremely important to make sure each award is considered carefully. It is crucial to note and understand the difference between gift aid (grants and scholarships) and selfhelp aid (student and parent loans, work study). If a student or her family has questions, the financial aid office at the specific college or university is the first place to turn for assistance. Our college counselors can also provide assistance in understanding the various award letters or communications that students receive. The reality is that not all colleges and universities have the institutional resources to meet all admitted students’ full need, and a gap may remain between the amount of financial aid and the total price to attend the particular institution. Colleges and universities do have the ability to employ what is called “professional judgment.” This can occur if a family has extenuating circumstances that are not accounted for in the FAFSA or if family finances have changed since the submission of the FAFSA. Again, contacting the specific financial aid office for direction in submitting additional information is the best course of action. Financial aid offices are not in the “Let’s Make a Deal” business but they will, to the extent they are able, consider special circumstances that a family may present. Here are three websites that are valuable for understanding the financial aid process and for comparing financial aid awards: • U.S. Dept. of Ed, Federal Student Aid: www.studentaid.ed.gov • California Student Aid Commission: www.ccsac.ca.gov • College Board, Pay for College: bigfuture.collegeboard.org/pay-for-college/financial-aid-awards.

College Counseling upcoming events: April 13, 7:00 p.m., Financial Aid Night for Junior Parents in the Valenzuela Theater April 21, 6:30 p.m., College Admissions Case Studies Program for Juniors: (Advance registration necessary.) Co-hosted by Presentation, Notre Dame San Jose, Bellarmine, St. Francis and Archbishop Mitty, at Archbishop Mitty High School.

The Lantern | April 2016

Lessons learned can be applied to college counseling. Juniors are researching colleges and making college lists and visits. If a campus of faith and/or social justice is a priority, we suggest colleges fundamentally devoted to those precepts. For example, the Association of Jesuit Colleges (including Santa Clara University, Creighton and Georgetown) welcome students of all faiths and pledge missions to educate students of conscience and compassion and cultivating knowledge and faith to build a more humane, just, and sustainable world. Additionally, many more secular campuses also welcome students of all faiths and orientations, and are notable leaders in promoting the common good. All students are encouraged to examine college mission statements, campus organizations and majors for alignment with personal beliefs. Seniors making college choices (they have until May 1) are advised to reflect on how Catholic social teachings might be evident in the curriculum, policies, clubs, volunteer opportunities and fair trade cafeterias of their prospective campuses. As college counselors, we work to enable resilient, global student citizens and help them to continue to develop the conscience it takes to be successful, mindful college students promoting the common good-- ideas inherent in Catholic social teachings.

Modern Language

Campus Ministry

By Sharon Iorgulescu

By Claire Foley

“Learning another language is not only learning different words for the same things, but learning another way to think about things.” Flora Lewis (20th century journalist)

In his Easter message last year, Pope Francis declared, “The message which Christians bring to the world is this: Jesus, Love incarnate, died on the cross for our sins, but God the Father raised him and made him the Lord of life and death. In Jesus, love has triumphed over hatred, mercy over sinfulness, goodness over evil, truth over falsehood, life over death.” In this celebratory season of Easter, Christians are called to reflect on how we participate in this message and how we choose “love over hatred, mercy over sinfulness, goodness over evil, truth over falsehood, life over death” in our daily interactions and decisions. This is a lifelong area of growth for us--one that we hope we have fostered in our students.

It all starts with memorizing new vocabulary, followed by learning grammar structures, leading to actually thinking in the target language and all along the way developing a greater understanding of cultures different from our own. The Modern Language Department faculty members have been busy helping students develop their own language skills with a variety of activities in the hopes of truly embracing a new way of thinking about things. Here are some highlights:

Our 82 candidates for confirmation have been reflecting on the role that faith plays in their lives all year. We are excited to welcome the Most Reverend Bishop Patrick J McGrath to campus to confer the Sacrament of Confirmation on Tuesday, April 12. At this mass, Bishop McGrath will also receive seniors Alexa Westlake and Taylor Farley into full communion with the Catholic Church. Please pray with us for our candidates for confirmation. Veni Sancte Spiritus!

• French students participated in an authentic travel simulation from check-in at the airport, going through security, flying to another country and passing through customs successfully. Others are communicating with “e-pals” (similar to pen pals) in France, sharing videos and letters throughout the year.

Our final retreat of the year will take place April 7-8 at the beautiful Presentation Center in Los Gatos. This overnight retreat for juniors is led by a team of faculty and senior Peer Ministers and is focused on growing in faith, prayer, integrity, and commitment.

• Spanish students created their own open-air market, bargaining for items, buying food and attracting customers to their stands. Additionally, students have designed homes using terms from the target language and alternative housing possibilities for those facing poverty in Latin America. Authentic Colombian arepas were prepared in class to the delight of Spanish II students. Others are learning to navigate the nuances of the short story in Latin American literature.

Coming up on April 29 we will celebrate May Day (a little early!) and honor St. Mary with a prayer service focused on celebrating her “Yes!” to God.

• AP French and AP Spanish Language and Culture students continue to prepare for their upcoming exams, drawing many cultural connections through reading, writing and authentic oral production both in and out of class. • Many students have put their language skills to good use touching hearts in various service opportunities in and around our community in places like Casa de Clara, Sunday Friends and Sacred Heart Community Center. • A number of students are now preparing for exciting travels this summer with Presentation in Spain and France; some are even getting ready to hike to Macchu Pichu in the sacred Incan valley of Peru! • Technology is playing a big part in student learning in Spanish and French classes this year. Students are organizing information with Notability and understanding is gauged with apps like Kahoot and Socrative. Teachers are using video to deepen learning through Shadow Puppets and EdPuzzle and having fun with Infographics and Thinglink for our visual learners.

Community Involvement By Lindsay Swoboda

When a young woman at Presentation discovers a cause or issue she feels passionate about, she is encouraged to complete a Platinum Project. During her project, a student designs and implements a service that does not already exist in our community. This semester, two of our seniors are taking on a Platinum Project. Lauren Winchester and Kate Scott have decided to focus on the issue of homelessness and wage disparity in Silicon Valley. They will be hosting an event called “Operation: Helping the Homeless” on April 16 from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m in the Miller Athletic Complex. During the event, participants will engage in an interactive and educational life-sized board game to create survival kits for the homeless. These kits will then be passed out in the community through a local non-profit organization. All are welcome to attend this event. Tickets are $4 each and can be purchased online: www.hearts-against-homelessness.ticketleap.com/ operation-homeless.

www.presentationhs.org 5

Bella Voce By Ankitha Neelavar '17

The Presentation Music Department kicked off its busy spring season with several exciting events. On March 4, Bella Voce performed at the SJSU Choral Invitational and received feedback from Dr. Charlene Archibeque. Our singers also performed alongside several great high school and collegiate choirs from the Bay Area. Several of our Bella Voce and Cantabile students sang at the CMEA Solo Festival on March 19. Each prepared a solo or performed as a small group to be critiqued by a judge. We congratulate all the PHS students who showcased their talents. Bella Voce also recently performed the American Folk song, Sylvie, at 7th grade day, which proved to be a hit for our potential members of the Class of 2021. On April 19, both Bella Voce and Cantabile will participate in the CMEA Large Group Festival. Bella Voce will also be performing as the featured group at the Diocesan Choral Festival in Saratoga, also on April 19. Lastly, mark your calendars for Friday, May 13 at 7 p.m. in the Valenzuela Theater for the 2016 Spring Concert. We hope to see all of you at an upcoming performance this spring!

Theater By Jim Houle

The Blue Plaid Players Salute Frank Sinatra A hard-working group of volunteers has been at work rehearsing a musical tribute to Frank Sinatra and tickets are now on sale! Come to the Valenzuela Theater April 22 - May 1 to see Sinatra: 100 Years, written by Dan D’ali, directed by Kathy Gutto and featuring our talented staff, alumnae and friends of Pres. This show is an entertaining revue of songs made famous by Ol’ Blue Eyes. There are six performances only and all proceeds will go to support our thriving performing arts program. Support this valiant company of performers and enjoy some nostalgic entertainment. Tickets are available via the Presentation Box Office, accessible on the Presentation homepage. See you at the theater! Summer Fun Do you know a student between the ages of 12 and 17, boy or girl, who would benefit from some self-esteem, self-presentation or teamwork skills? PresRep is just the place. Our summer theater camp, in its fourteenth successful year, is now open for registration. This five-week camp runs 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday-Friday from June 13 - July 17, 2016. This year’s main-stage production is the Disney classic The Little Mermaid! In addition to a role in this musical--and also a role in a second non-musical play in which our younger performers play the leads--classes will be offered in comedy improv, acting technique, dance and tech theater. Our campus is a creative, safe place for your student to spend his or her summer days. Lots of famous friendships are made and maintained as a result of the bonds made at PresRep. Why not consider our summer theater camp for your student? Simply visit www.presrep.com for all the details and register your student today. 6

The Lantern | April 2016

Athletics Greetings, Panther supporters! I am excited to report on the spectacular winter season that recently concluded .

I am happy to announce the Athletic Department’s Volunteer of the Year recipients--Mike and Patti Simone . They have been incredibly supportive and helpful to the Athletic Department for the last few years and are always willing and able to offer a helping hand . Thank you to all our families who have helped out!

Our basketball team had a fantastic season and finished with a record of 17-11 . Our basketball team earned the #1 seed in the CCS Tournament beating Lincoln and Mountain View to earn a spot in the championship game versus St . Ignatius . Our Panthers played a solid game and were especially great on the defensive side of the ball, but we ended up finishing in second place in CCS . The following girls earned WCAL All-League honors: • • • •

Ava Williams (Second Team) Megan Jaeb (Honorable Mention) Mary Claire Simone (Honorable Mention) Ashley MacDonald (Honorable Mention)

Our soccer team finished with an impressive 17-4-2 overall record . I’m happy to report our Panthers were undefeated on the Presentation field this season, earning wins over Mitty, Valley Christian, St . Ignatius and many others . We scored an impressive 63 goals! The soccer team earned the #3 seed in the CCS tournament and had wins over Christopher and San Benito before falling to Branham 2-1 in the semi-final match. Congratulations to the following soccer players who earned a spot on the WCAL All-League team: • • • • •

Emma Chivers (First Team) Jayne Cowell (First Team) Devin Ferguson (Second Team) Alyssa Gonzales (Second Team) Daniela Lownsbery (Honorable Mention)

Lastly, some exciting news from the pool deck: Presentation’s swimming & diving coach Marisa Watts ‘94 Cozort has won the Positive Coaching Alliance's Double-Goal Coach National Award! She is one of 50 coaches from across the country to earn this honor (out of 2,400 nominations) . The award is much-deserved as Marisa runs a top-notch program while teaching life lessons that her student-athletes will carry with them beyond their time at Presentation . Marisa will receive her award at the PCA banquet in April . Congratulations, Coach Marisa! Go Panthers! Stacey Mallison | Athletic Director

Varsity Home Games Softball

Diving

Monday, April 18 | 4 p.m. vs . Los Gatos High School

Saturday, April 16 | 12 p.m. vs . Brian Tanner Mem . Dive Invtl .

Friday, April 29 | 4 p.m. vs . Wilcox High School

Saturday, April 30 | 10 a.m. vs . WCAL Diving Championship

Swimming & Diving Thursday, April 21 | 3 p.m. vs . Sacred Heart Cathedral Thursday, April 28 | 3 p.m. vs . Notre Dame Belmont/Mercy www .presentationhs .org 7

April 2016 SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

For complete calendar visit www.presentationhs.org/calendar

LAMP, Jenvey Conference Room, 7-8 p.m.

Dunk 4 Nuns, Miller Athletic Complex, 2:30 p.m. TADA!, Reception Room, 6:30 p.m. Fash. Show Committee Mtg., Library 7-9 p.m.

Confirmation, Miller Athletic Complex, 11:05 a.m. - 1 p.m.

7 Parent Board Meeting, Library 7-9 p.m.

13 Financial Aid

Night for Junior Parents, Valenzuela Theater, 7-8:30 p.m.

Spain Trip Participant/ Parent Meeting, Golf Tournament Mtg., Library, 6-7:30 p.m. Library, 7-9 p.m.

27 Incoming FROSH BBQ, 5:30-9 p.m.

Booster Board Meeting, Library 7-9 p.m.

14 LAMP Event, Marian Stuckey Student Center, 5-9 p.m.

College Admissions Case Studies for Juniors, Mitty, 6:30-9 p.m.

Student Development Day

School Holiday Fashion Show: Santa Clara Convention Center

Math and Science Colloquium, Valenzuela Theater, 7-8:30 p.m.

23 Speech & Debate Awards Night, Valenzuela Theater, 5-8 p.m.

May Day Prayer Service, Courtyard, 9:30-10:15 a.m.

APRIL 2016 The Lantern | January 2016

Presentation High School The Lantern 2281 Plummer Avenue San Jose, CA 95125