The Lantern - November 2018 by Presentation High School

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LANTERN Presentation High School Parent Newsletter | November 2018

Dear Members of the Presentation Community, I have always found the onset of fall and the coming of winter to be wrought with mixed emotion. The joys of these times bring opportunity for family time, celebration of holidays, and often bring the best out of communities. At the same time, we recognize that many in our community are not as fortunate. For the homeless and those in poverty, the coming seasons represents a true struggle keeping families fed, warm, and free of the health problems that come with colder weather. Something about this season has seemed particularly challenging. While I look forward to family and community time of the approaching holidays, I also sense a local and national community with significant division. There is no question that this has been a tough few months for our psyche. Between the Kavanaugh hearings, the hysteria surrounding a pipe bomber driven by partisan motive, and the hate-driven tragedy in Pittsburgh, we are all left searching for answers in an environment too prone to filtered truth. We are continually called by our political leaders to see each other as the opposition, even the enemy. Both sides point fingers at the other to find blame and the source of our woes. While this is not unique to our times, it does feel more normalized in today’s culture. Where do we find hope in these times? How do we harness the joys of the coming season to combat the challenges we are faced with as a community? While I will not pretend to have resolute answers to these questions, I will leave you with some readings that have energized me recently that suggest two primary themes for finding hope—we need to think better and act in solidarity. • One of the largest studies ever conducted on polarization in America by the non-profit group More in Common USA offers some interesting insight into where we find ourselves as a nation. Instead of an image of a polarized America, the study found that a relatively small percentage of people (14%) at the extremes are driving national discourse and the agenda while the vast majority of people—what they deem the “exhausted majority”—are united in their opposition to polarization, feel forgotten in public discourse, are flexible and not ideological in their viewpoints on policy, and believe common ground can be found.

• A book I picked up at Junior Retreat from the Jesuit Retreat Center offers some opportunity for contemplation on how we think. I would definitely recommend Alan Jacob’s “How to Think: A Survival Guide for a World at Odds.” Jacob’s basic premise is that we aren’t very good at thinking and are increasingly surrounded by platforms that misdirect. In the age of social media and “alternative facts” we succumb to willful incomprehension and even worse “toxic suspicion” of each other. As Jacob states, “This is a profoundly unhealthy situation…because it prevents us from recognizing others as our neighbors...we may all too easily forget that political and social and religious differences are not the whole of human experience.” He offers great insight into how thinking better means we can act better towards each other. • Finally, while the challenges of these times may call us to question hope, we are called to serve and be in radical solidarity with all of God’s people. Another book from retreat, Paul Growley’s “The Unmoored God: Believing in a Time of Dislocation” offers hope in reconciling with the challenges of winter and our society. For Growley, we are called to solidarity with the crucified, those who suffer from the kind of poverty that leads to death and those faced with natural and human-made catastrophes. These same realities that make believing and hope so difficult also keep us grounded in the world. These tragedies, according to Growley, are “a call to action and to fundamental transformation of society.” They “compel us to the truth that love ‘ought to express itself in deeds rather than mere words.” As we approach the holiday drives season and we move past another divisive election, perhaps we all can search for the common ground the unifies us, learn to think better, and join in solidarity with those who need us in the spirit of “Not Words, But Deeds.” Have a blessed Thanksgiving and holiday season. Best, Tim Case Vice Principal of Student Activities

Attendance Office Reminders By Lisa Fuqua | Attendance Secretary

Please call your daughter’s absence into the Attendance Office no later than 9 a.m. the morning of her absence. If you know of her absence ahead of time, you can call the Attendance Office and leave a message at (408) 266-1060 or email lfuqua@presentationhs.org. Even if she is coming to school late, you must call the Attendance Office. All absences require a written note from the parent upon your daughter’s return to school stating the date and reason for the absence. Emails or faxes will not be accepted.

Parent Board

By Cheryl Engelstad | Parent Board President As we move into the holiday months, we hope this finds you all happy and healthy and making holiday plans. There are many things to do and tasks that take up our time during these months while there are many things to be thankful for. We can take a moment to pause and give notice to these things and it is a natural time to consider our students and teachers as they prepare for hard work in giving through the food and penny drives. In the spirit of giving thanks, the Parent Board recently hosted a teacher appreciation lunch. I would like to thank all the volunteers who worked so hard to show our faculty and staff how deeply they impact our students’ development. It is a busy time of year—consider taking a break for yourself and support Pres by attending the Texas Hold 'Em Poker Tournament. The Parent Board’s very popular poker tournament is back on Friday, Nov. 16. Join us for a fun night of friendly competition and great camaraderie. Players enjoy a gourmet meal, unlimited beverages and exciting card play for great prizes. Cost is $160 per ticket and includes $1,500 worth of chips to get you started. If you lose those, fear not, there are re-buy-in opportunities. The tournament is open to all Pres supporters, men and women, beginners and card sharks alike. For more information, visit www.presentationhs.org/events/poker-tournament. Please don’t forget to order your birthday balloons for your Pres girl from the school as well. Visit www.presentationhs.org/ support-pres/birthday-balloons or call the Office of Advancement at (408) 264-5110 for information. Look for all of the Parent Board sponsored events through Presentation’s bulletins, email blasts, social media announcements and of course, the school website. Lastly, please use the school directory. In addition to finding important information about the Pres families, be sure to support the businesses who have advertised in the directory. Their support has made a difference to the school, so please support them, we are grateful to have such a wide support for the school. Happy Holidays and take care of yourself as you take care of others!

Students missing more than 15 minutes of class are considered absent and would require an absence note. In the rare instance when your daughter needs to leave school for an appointment, send her to the Attendance Office before school with a note from you stating the date, time of dismissal (not the appointment time) and the reason for dismissal. She will then be given an “Early Dismissal” slip to show her teacher. This is her pass to leave school at the stated time. The Attendance Office cannot give out any over-the-counter medication. Students may carry Advil, Tylenol, Midol, Tums, and cough drops in their backpacks for those times that she may have a headache, cramps, or a cold. Please encourage her to have these items in her backpack or locker. If she carries prescription medication, an inhaler, or an Epi-Pen, please inform the Attendance Office.

Counseling

By MaryLynne Rodriguez | Department Chair The Counseling Department would like to welcome you to attend the Miles To Go Drug Prevention Evening, “From Kindergarten to College: Everything in a Nutshell to Keep Your Kids Healthy and Drug Free.” Presentation is excited to welcome back Mr. Jonathan Scott, a professional speaker and educator working to enlighten people on the subject of substance abuse. Miles To Go began 20 years ago as a lecture series for parents, teachers, and students primarily in private schools in California. Each presentation leaves old style lecturing behind and tells a story using science, humor and a multi-sensory approach to teaching, and encourage healthy and informed choices for families. This evening will provide attendees with a drug fact update, and provide a primer on the science and laws about vaping, e-cigarettes, legalization of marijuana, and how each of these issues may impact your family. Specific prevention applications will be shared to help your family stay healthy and drug free. Please join us on Wednesday, Nov. 7 at 7 p.m. for a worthwhile conversation on the issues our students face growing up in today’s world. Contact MaryLynne Rodriguez at mrodriguez@presentationhs.org if you have any questions.

The Lantern | November 2018

Community Involvement

Campus Ministry

Our Holiday Drives kicked off last month with our annual Black and White Charity Ball. Over 600 students attended and we were able to raise $26,000 for Sacred Heart Community Service! Students had an incredible time dancing the night away, watching a movie under the stars, and indulging in our delicious treats. Thank you to the Presentation community for your support in making this dance a great success!

In October we were honored to host Bishop McGrath, as well as over 30 youth ministers and pastors of San Jose, on our campus for a special liturgy and luncheon. We encourage Catholic families to involve your daughters in local youth ministry parish groups—it’s a great opportunity for faith sharing and spiritual development. On Friday, Oct.12, over 90 students in our Peer Ministry program went on retreat to reflect upon moments of God’s grace in their lives, share their faith experiences with one another, and to bond closer in community with one another. On October 25-26, many of our juniors went on Junior Retreat, which is the first overnight retreat in our Campus Ministry program.

By Lindsay Velez | Director of Community Involvement

As the holidays draw nearer we begin our annual food, penny and toy drives. All of the items donated go directly to Sacred Heart Community Service and are distributed during their holiday program at Thanksgiving and Christmas. The drives start with Food Drive from November 6-20. We will be collecting items deemed most needed by Sacred Heart. As we all gather together to enjoy our families during this holiday season let us not forget those who are struggling. Each year our hard work and determination supplies Sacred Heart with roughly ten percent of their holiday meals. Thank you in advance for your donations and support for Presentation and Sacred Heart! For more information on the Holiday Drives please visit our website: www.presentationhs.org/faith-service/drives.

Food Drive Push Days: Tuesday, Nov. 6 Pop-top cans (Cans with easy to open tops, which can be useful for homeless individuals) Wednesday, Nov. 7 Any canned food Friday, Nov. 9 Gently used coats, blankets and hygiene supplies (Double points go to razors, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and pads) Monday, Nov. 12 Baby formula (Enfamil and Similac are preferred) Wednesday, Nov. 14 Baby diapers (Large sizes, 4-6, preferred) Monday, Nov. 19 Pop-top cans (Cans with easy to open tops, which can be useful for homeless individuals) Tuesday, Nov. 20 Frozen turkeys or frozen chickens (10-15 pound turkeys or chickens are preferred)

By Lisa Brunolli | Director of Campus Ministry

In the Catholic tradition, November is the final month of the Church year. Before a new year begins in December (the season of Advent when we prepare for Jesus’ birth), we pray for those who have entered everlasting life over the past year. This is a time to pray in thanksgiving for the people who have shaped our lives. Families visit grave sites or set up a home altar with special pictures and personal belongings. Campus Ministry invites you to bring photos or symbols of loved ones you’ve grieving for to the chapel and place them on the altar. We also invite you to the chapel for personal prayer. The chapel is regularly open each day from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. On Wednesday, Nov. 1 we will celebrate the Feast of All Saints with a Mass at 11 a.m. in the Miller Athletic Complex. All parents and younger siblings are welcome to attend. This Holy Day of Obligation is an opportunity to reflect on the witness of the holy women and men of the Communion of Saints. This year Campus Ministry is teaming up with Community Involvement to kick-off Presentation’s holiday food, toy and penny drives. The annual charity drives are a way our community responds to our call to become saints and to live a holy and generous lives of service! On Friday, Nov. 16 we will celebrate the Feast of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Temple, which honors the Sisters of the Presentation, their foundress Venerable Nano Nagle, and their charism of ministry to the poor. Many Sisters of the Presentation from the Bay Area will attend and will renew their vows at this beautiful mass. All are welcome to join us at 9 a.m. in the Miller Athletic Complex. This is a favorite Pres tradition and a very special year as we are celebrating the 300th anniversary of Nano Nagle’s birth.

Instagram: @mylifeisplaid Twitter: @presentationhs and @prespanthers Facebook: www.facebook.com/presentationhs

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Religious Studies

Dance

This year marks the celebration of the 300th anniversary of the birth of Nano Nagle. This month, as we prepare to celebrate the Feast of the Presentation of Mary, it seemed fitting to summarize a few things I learned about Nano Nagle and the Presentation Sisters this summer while working on a professional growth grant; our sophomores will also be learning this same content this month in their class, “The Church: Mission and Sacrament.”

It’s that time of year again for the annual Dance Cabaret. This is the show where the audience has the opportunity to preview the routines the Presentations Award winning Varsity Dance Team will be competing this season. Performances from Dance Company, Dance I, Dance II and the debut of Presentations JV Competition Dance Team. Special guests Cantabile, and Bella Voce will also be bringing their talents to the evening. Tickets for the show go on sale Monday, Nov. 12 at www.presentationhs.org/boxoffice. Make sure you buy your tickets early, this show will be a sold out event. Dance Cabaret is at 7 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 7 in the Miller Athletic Complex. Come see the outstanding talent and hard work that Presentation students have to offer!

By Melissa Ursin | Religious Studies Teacher

Nano Nagle defied the unjust laws of Ireland which prevented Catholic education and religious orders; she did so quietly, often keeping her work a secret from even her own family. In her own words, she writes, “I kept my design a profound secret, as I know, if it were spoken of, I should meet opposition on every side, particularly from my immediate family as in all appearance they would suffer from it. I sent my maid to get a good mistress and to take in thirty poor girls. When this little school was settled I used to steal there in the morning - my brother thought I was in the chapel. This passed on very well until one day a poor man came to him, begging of him to speak to me to take his child into my school. On which he came in to his wife and me, laughing at the conceit of a man who was mad and thought I was in the situation of a school mistress. Then I owned [that] I had set up a school.” Another example of her quiet determination occurred after she founded the Order of the Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, itself a violation of Irish Law. The sisters secretly moved into their convent in the middle of the night, so they would not be noticed. Nano writes, “I waited until times seemed quite peaceful, yet notwithstanding we stole like thieves. I got up before three in the morning, and had all our beds taken down and sent to the house, before anyone was up in the street...We removed on the 15 [July], so were there on the festival of our Blessed Lady, under whose protection we are. I hope she will preserve us from our visible and invisible enemies and make this house prosper.” One can only imagine the faith required to take the type of bold action that was required by Nano. She worked tirelessly to share the Gospel with her students, personally providing their lessons in religious studies at all seven of her schools. Rev. Coppinger writes of her in his biography, "How often have we seen her, after a well spent day, returning through the darkness of the night, dripping with rain, mingled in the bustling crowd, moving thoughtfully along by the faint glimmering of a wretched lantern, withholding from herself in this manner the necessaries of life to administer to the comforts of others?" The sisters of her order also followed her in bold faith. When they answered the call of Archbishop Alemany to come to San Francisco, they endured a long, arduous journey by sea. They traveled from Ireland to New York City and the Gulf of Mexico, crossing to Panama on burros through tropical swamp and the river Chagras, and by sea again to San Francisco, where they arrived on November 13, 1854. Fifty years later, when earthquake and fire destroyed the schools and convents they had established, they rebuilt. This spirit of boldness and bravery is part of our story and tradition as Presentation High School, and it is with pride that we share this story with our students, the young women we encourage to go forth and work bravely for justice.

The Lantern | November 2018

By Sara Fugate | Dance Team

College Counseling

Office of Advancement

November marks a turning point in the college process for many seniors. Early applications have been submitted to colleges for review. 125 college representatives have met with our students. Seniors are working hard to juggle athletics and extracurriculars while also dedicating time to perfect and edit their colleges essays. For some students however, November marks the beginning of their college application process. Wherever your daughter is in the process, continued support will help her get through this important time.

Our online auction is open for bidding Tuesday, Nov. 13 through Sunday, Nov. 25! You can view some of the items that are up for bidding in the Advancement Office.

By Anya Ishida | Director of College Counseling

November also marks the beginning of the college planning process for the Class of 2020. The college counselors have begun meeting with junior students and are enjoying getting to know a brand new class. The purpose of the fall meeting is to make connections, discover the essence of our students, and to create a testing plan for the year. We stay committed to recommending that formal testing begin in the spring of the junior year. A student will have five opportunities to test for the SAT if she begins in March, while an ACT will offer six dates if testing begins in February. We are dedicated to providing our families with a wide breadth of college knowledge and hope to see you at our many events planned for next semester. Programming for parents will include Junior Parent College Night (Tuesday, Jan. 15), Junior College Workshop ( Wednesday, March 13), College Admissions Case Studies Program on Thursday, April 4 at Bellarmine College Prep, and Junior Parent Coffee Talks in April. We are also excited for our Sophomore Parent College Night on Wednesday, Nov. 28 at 7 p.m. in Valenzuela Theater. The college counselors will be outlining the college process and feature a special guest from the organization, Colleges That Change Lives. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fall, the leaves are changing and our students are transforming and growing. We are thankful for your partnership and the amazing students we get to work with each day.

By Mattie Spillane | Special Events Coordinator

Viewing times: Tuesday, Nov. 13 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 14 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 15 7:30 a.m. - 8 p.m. (refreshments served 5-8 p.m.) Friday, Nov. 16 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 18 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. (refreshments served) Anyone that stops by to view the items in person will be entered into a raffle drawing to win a Pres swag bag!

www.presentationhs.org

Presentation High School

Athletics

The Lantern | November 2018

Athletics

By Stacey Mallison | Athletic Director Cross Country: Cross Country is having a great season! Gianna Mendoza ’20 won both WCAL meets and set a school record on the Golden Gate Park course in the WCAL meet #2. The Varsity team placed second in both of the league meets. The JV Cross Country team won both of the league meets, led by Hannah Luscher ’21 who placed first in the WCAL meet #2. The Varsity Cross Country team also won the Chieftain/Spirit Classic Invitational. Field Hockey: The Varsity Field Hockey team is having a great season in the SCVAL. They have earned a 11-7-1 overall record and have recorded big wins over Saratoga, Homestead and Los Altos High Schools. The field hockey program led a fundraiser for the One Love Foundation, which is an organization that supports victims of domestic violence. Golf: The Varsity Golf team showed a lot of improvement and growth this season. They earned exciting wins over Sacred Heart Cathedral and Mitty this season. Congratulations to Mariana Antaya ’19 who was selected as Presentation’s September Athlete of the Month for her stellar play and strong leadership skills this season. The golf team played some great golf this season and had a lot of close matches with the very talented WCAL league-mates. The golf program held a cancer fundraiser in a match against Notre Dame San Jose to raise money for breast cancer research. Tennis: The Varsity Tennis team is having an excellent season with their 9-5 overall record. They have earned wins over Mitty and Sacred Heart Prep this season. They also beat Notre Dame Belmont and Mercy Burlingame at the College of San Mateo Tournament. A huge congratulations to Jacqueline Gill ’19 for being named Presentation’s September Athletic of the Month for her excellent play, positive attitude and great work in her academics as well. The tennis team is working very hard this season and have developed their tennis skills a great deal during the course of the season. Volleyball: The Varsity Volleyball team took fourth place at Presentation's Jim Reilly Panther Challenge; they recorded wins over St. Francis and Sacred Heart Prep. The Varsity Volleyball team also made it to the semi-finals of the WCAL tournament. The volleyball program hosted their annual Kill for a Cure event to raise money for the Side Out Foundation's quest to knock out cancer! Water Polo: Varsity Water Polo is having an excellent season with their 14-6 overall record. They won the Aptos Tournament with an exciting 4-3 win over Palo Alto and they also won the Milpitas Invitational. The Varsity Water Polo team earned great wins over Homestead, Harker and Woodside. The water polo program held their first annual Splash Out Cancer event to raise money for breast cancer research.

Varsity Home Games

Field Hockey Saturday, Nov. 3 CCS Playoffs | Site and Time TBD

Tennis Thursday, Nov. 1 WCAL Tournament at Cuesta Park | Time TBD Monday, Nov. 5 CCS Playoffs | Site TBD | 2 p.m.

Volleyball Thursday, Nov. 1 CCS Playoffs | Site and Time TBD

Water Polo Saturday, Nov. 3 CCS Playoffs | Site and Time TBD

Cross Country Saturday, Nov. 10 CCS Finals | Crystal Springs, Belmont | 10:35 a.m.

Basketball Wednesday, Nov. 21 Alumnae Game | 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 24 Mission San Jose (Scrimmage) | 12:30 p.m.

Soccer Thursday, Nov. 29 vs. Carlmont | 3:30 p.m.

Fall Student-Athlete Prayer Service: The Athletic department also paired up with Campus Ministry and held our first fall student-athlete prayer service for the fall varsity student-athletes. Each team had a member from their team participate in the prayer service by doing a reading, singing or sharing a reflection. The prayer service came together beautifully—it was a blessing to have our varsity student-athletes, many of whom are leaders on Presentation’s campus—come together in sport and spirituality. A big thank you to Lisa Brunolli for putting the Prayer Service together and to Eric Buell for providing beautiful music.

www.presentationhs.org

November 2018 Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

All-Saints Day Liturgy, 11:05 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Gym

For complete calendar visit www.presentationhs.org/calendar 4

Lamp Meeting 6:30-9 p.m., Center

Food Drive Begins Music Man, 2-5 p.m., Theater

Once on This Island, 3-5 p.m., Theater Field Hockey Awards Night, 7-9 p.m., Center

12 Speech & Debate Tournament, 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Winter Sports Parent Meeting, 7-9 p.m., Center

19 Music Man, 2-5 p.m., Theater

Volleyball Awards Night, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Center

Fashion Show Mtg., 7-9 p.m., Library

Mid-Quarter Progress

Music Man, 2-5 p.m., Theater

TADA!, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Reception Room

Cross Country Awards Night, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Center

Math & Science Independent Research, 1:15-3 p.m., Room 7 Once on This Island Parent Meeting, 6:30-8 p.m., Theater

Golf Awards Night, 7-9 p.m., Center Diwali Celebration, 12:45-2 p.m., Center Tennis Awards Night, 6-8 p.m., Center

Drug Prevention Evening, 7 p.m., Theater Parent Board Meeting, 7-9 p.m., Library

Math & Science Colloquium, 7-8:30 p.m., Center

15 Alumnae Council, 6-9 p.m.

Music Man, 7-10 p.m., Theater

Young Alum Board Mtg., 6-8 p.m.

Water Polo Awards Night, 7-9 p.m., Center

Alumnae Basketball Game, 6-9 p.m., Gym

28 College Information Night: Sophmores, 7-8:30 p.m., Theater

Young Alum Paint Night, 5-9:30 p.m., Center

29Booster Board Mtg., 7-9 p.m., Library

Semester End Recitals, 7-9 p.m., Theater

Music Man Opening Night and Gala, 7-11 p.m., Theater

10 Speech & Debate Tournament, 4-10 p.m.

Speech & Debate Tournament, 8 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Music Man, 7-10 p.m., Theater

Feast of the Presentation Liturgy & Follies, 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Gym

17 Music Man, 7-10 p.m., Theater

Music Man, 7-10 p.m., Theater Poker Tournament, 5:30-10 p.m., Center

School Holiday: Thanksgiving Break

Saturday

Scholarship Luncheon, 12:30-2 p.m., Center

School Holiday: Thanksgiving Break

Astronomy Club Viewing Night, 8:30-9:30 p.m., Mani Hernandez Field

Fall Signing Day, 12:30-1 p.m., Gym Foyer

Friday

School Holiday: Thanksgiving Break

30 Frosh Snip-ITS and Improv Show, 7-9 p.m., Theater

November 2018 Presentation High School The Lantern 2281 Plummer Avenue San Jose, CA 95125