Providence High School Blazing Educational Trails
May 2011 www.providencehigh.org
Parting Words from our Interim Head of School
G
reetings to the Providence High School Community, The school year has been a whirlwind for all: students, their teachers, and families. It is evident that we have had a very busy and productive year. We have enjoyed many
achievements, thanks to the dedicated work of our teachers and staff, and especially, because of the talent, spirit, and contributions of our Providence students. Since my days as interim head of school are “numbered”, I offer thanks for the opportunity to have served in this capacity. When sitting at a lakeside early last July, I had no earthly idea that this school year would be spent with Providence kids and teachers, and in Burbank, California, no less. What a tremendous experience it has been! I have been privileged to have an association with a school that represents a foundation of academic, artistic and spiritual development. It has been refreshing to learn of the heritage provided by our founders, the Sisters of Providence, the Providence Core Values, and the school’s commitment to students of many backgrounds. Our future seems brighter each day. Our new leader, Joe Sciuto, begins his official leadership in July. We can be thankful that Joe has spent many days getting the background he will require to seamlessly make his transition to Providence. He will need your energy and good will to help assure his success on behalf of our students. If my own experiences here are a guide, I have no doubt that you, our Providence community, will step up to assist. Yours in Providence,
Michael E. Collins Interim Head of School
A Farewell Message from Mr. LeBreton
D
ear Parents,
It has been an honor to serve and co-parent with you. This has meant being ever mindful of the precious treasure you place in our hands every day. This has meant seeing your children with the eyes of a parent when there was occasion to praise them, correct them, or encourage them. To do so has required that I do it with love. They have made loving them easy, and it is that love which has made correcting them possible for so many years. When you arrived as freshmen parents, I stressed to you the difference between discipline and punishment. Punishment is something you do “to” a student. Discipline is something you do “for” a student. The difference is the love with which the student is corrected. I have often joked about the fact that my job consists of checking for gum, skirts that are too short, pants that hang too low, facial hair, etc. In my heart, however, it has never really been about those rules. They are simply opportunities to help mold good citizenship. The mission has always been about helping students realize how beautiful and valuable they are. I thank God for the path on which He placed me. I thank Him for the fathomless love and joy this ministry has provided me. I hope and pray that I have served you well, and wish you and your family every good blessing. Sincerely, Vic LeBreton
Textbooks for 2011-2012 Providence High School, in seeking to upgrade student textbook resources in the coming years, will be moving into a partnership with Follett for the 2011-12 school year. As is the case in most schools, families will now be responsible for the purchase and resale of their student’s textbooks. Textbook purchasing and publishing information will be available through a link on the PHS public website connecting to the Follett Virtual Bookstore. Purchase options include: New Used Rental
Parents and students can resell textbooks on their own or through Follett. The link to Follett Virtual Bookstore will be up and running by the end of June, 2011 and will include the textbook list for each PHS course being offered along with resources and publishing information.
Note from the Dean of Studies Senior class Elective Final Exams are underway and Core Subject Exams begin May 24th. Underclassmen Exams begin in June, completing by June 10th. This is a reminder that Summer School begins here on campus June 27th. Several camps are also being offered, some of which begin as early as June 11th. Information is available on the PHS website and in the front office. Before the end of May, students will have received a list of the courses in which they are enrolled for 2011-12. This way, all students and parents can review the courses in preparation for ordering textbooks. When official schedules are mailed in mid-July, the online “textbook store” (Follett) link on the PHS website will become activated, and there will be a two-week period for which shipping will be free. Directions for this process will be included in the mid-July mailing of the schedules. All students enrolled in 2011-2012 Honors, AP or advanced courses of Modern Language, Math, or Science will be assigned a “summer work packet” in order to be adequately prepared for those courses in the Fall. Beginning next week, teachers will be holding group orientation sessions during homeroom or lunch to hand out this information to the students who requested these classes and who signed the Course Commitment Contract. Important clarification about Progress Reports and the Grading Process Often when semester grades are sent out, there are questions from parents. The most frequent misunderstanding is the “progressive” nature of the grades. Throughout the semester the grades “progress”, in that they continue to add up as additional assignments are given. What is sent out in the Progress Report is a “snapshot in time” of the grades as they exist at that point. By the completion of the semester, the points are all totaled, along with the semester exam, and the final grade is given. This is not like a “quarter-type” system, in which grades are distinct and separate and are then averaged at the end in order to get the semester grade. If you have questions or would like further clarification about grades, please contact claire.hickey@providencehigh.org.
Summer Reading Assignment Information The English Department would like to remind all students, current and new, that there is a summer reading assignment. You can find out what the required reading is for each class by accessing www.providencehigh.org/academics/Summer%20Reading%20List/Summer_Reading_Flyer_2011.pdf. You will also find the study guide questions you will need to complete there as well. Happy Summer Reading!
Providence Online Store Have you visited the Providence High online store? Now you can stock up on all your Providence Spirit gear conveniently at home! Just go to our school website and click on “Providence High Store”
Support Providence students and make a donation to the Annual Providence Fund today!
College Counseling News Senior Parents, Congratulations! As your student’s time at Providence comes to an end, I want to tell you what a joy it has been to be their college counselor. They are remarkable as a class and as individuals. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the transition between high school and college, please do not hesitate to contact me at 818-846-8141 x405. Ms. Gaitan Reminder to Juniors: Now is the perfect time for you to seriously begin investigating and visiting colleges. UC and Cal State applications are due by November 30th and many scholarship applications need to be completed by September and October - so start now! Get a head start on choosing colleges and making your college application process less stressful by: 1. Spending some time this summer researching colleges. Be sure to include a variety of colleges - UC, Cal State, private, and out-of state schools. 2. There is no substitute for visiting a college. Try to build that into your summer vacation if you can. Call the admissions office to make a reservation for a conducted tour or ask about taking a self-guided tour. Have a list of questions and take a notebook to write answers and note your impressions of the college. 3. If you can't visit, at least read about the colleges. Visit links to all the UC and Cal State schools private universities and colleges, and other valuable website links. Some additional helpful websites are: www.ucop.edu (University of California), www.calstate.edu and www.csumentor.edu (California State University) and www.collegeboard.com (General Search) 4. Start thinking about and possibly begin writing your personal statement - this year's choices for the UC schools were: How have you taken advantage of the educational opportunities you have had to prepare for college? Tell us about a talent, experience, contribution or personal quality you will bring to the university. Is there anything you would like us to know about you or your academic record that you have not had the opportunity to describe elsewhere in this application? And by the way… HAVE A GREAT SUMMER!!
Attention Freshmen and Sophomore Parents: At this point your sons or daughters should have received the EXPLORE (freshmen) or PLAN (sophomore) standardized test results. Contact Ms. Collins or Ms. Gaitan for further explanation of the test results or if you have any questions. Summer may provide your family with a great opportunity to visit colleges. It is never too early to start looking and investigating into your child’s future. College Admission offices are open during the summer and provide campus tours if you contact them in advance. We hope you have a safe and relaxing summer. PHS Counseling Department Ms. Michele Collins Personal Counselor Providence High School 511 S. Buena Vista Street Burbank, CA 91505 Office: (818) 846-8141 x108
FAX: (818) 843‐8421
We’re Very Proud of Our Students! The Math department is pleased to announce the results of the AMERICAN MATH COMPETITIONS and the CATHOLIC MATH LEAGUE held during the school year 2010-2011: 2011 AMC 10 Winner - Arthur Martirosyan 2011 AMC 12 Winners: 1st Place - Kristopher Galvez 2nd Place - Eldrin Masangkay 3rd Place - Kevin Mark 4th Place - Natalie Ficocelli
Providence Media Showcase Awards Program Winners – 2011 Project Title
Category
Producers
Miami 2 Ibizia
Music Video
Javier Llerenaas Shawnee Douglass Chester Bosworth Ossie lara
The Poison Tree
Poetry Video Best Directing Best in Show
Matt Logan Miranda DeMarco Christina Bermeo Matt Ramirez Suzie Ejuryan Meredith EricksonZapata
The Showdown
Video Vignette
Nery Maldonado Chris Simidian Eddie Mercado Geraldo Ascencio Jr.
Fish/Water Conservation
PSA
Matt Ramirez Chanel Samson
Sammi & Eric
Animation
Cassie George Yessinia Pinkley
Penguin’s 1st Flight
Best Animation Editing
Ian Dizon Estelle Glorioso
CATHOLIC MATH LEAGUE Advanced Math: 1st Place - Rita Khatchadourian 2nd Place - Denny Dimalanta 3rd Place - Bronwyn Stewart Algebra Two: 1st Place - Kevin Mark 2nd Place - Eldrin Masangkay 3rd Place - Michael Ritter
Geometry: 1st Place - Ian Dizon 2nd Place - Giuliano Scarfo 3rd Place - Samantha Granados 4th Place - Benjamin Jury Algebra One: 1st Place - Allen Alvarado 2nd Place - Mason Inumerable 3rd Place - Vivian Dang In addition to the above: Algebra 2 Division 1: 1st Place - Kevin Mark Algebra 2 National: 2nd Place - Kevin Mark Students will be receiving their certificate of merit at the awards ceremony. In addition Kevin Mark will be awarded a handsome trophy for his second place. Ranking for Providence High School: Algebra One - 4th Place Geometry - 5th Place Algebra Two - 3rd Place Advanced Math - 9th Place We congratulate all of the students and thank the teachers who work with them. David Rufus Math Dept Chair
Banana Pancakes Short Film CC Boyce People’s Choice Francis Dizon Best Editing Carlee Renteria Mario Adriano Kelly Voosen Mark Quintos Pinned
Documentary
Caitie Guttry Chanel Samson Darryn Albert
April 2011 Dear Parents, We are pleased to announce that Providence High School has partnered with Follett Virtual Bookstores, the leading supplier of virtual bookstore services! Follett Virtual Bookstores will fulfill your student’s book needs for the upcoming 2011-2012 school year. We are excited to offer you this innovative service and the convenience of shopping for textbooks online. Some of the many advantages you will receive with the Providence Virtual Bookstore: Convenience – The Providence Virtual Bookstore is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week and allows you to place an order anytime – day or night. Our bookstore will launch during the summer (stay tuned for the exact date). Additional information on how to place your orders will accompany your student’s course list. Easy Ordering – The Virtual Bookstore website directs you step-by-step through placing an order. If you wish to order via phone, you may do so by calling Follett Virtual Bookstores, toll-free, at 877-827-2665 and one of our experienced and friendly Customer Service Representatives will assist you. Safe & Secure Purchases – Credit card transactions are protected by state-of-the-art encryption technology allowing for safe and secure ordering. Checkout is quick, simple and secure. Fast Delivery – All orders placed by noon CST are packed and shipped the same business day. In addition, Follett Virtual Bookstores offers a variety of FedEx services to ensure that your books arrive when you need them. Used Books – Follett Virtual Bookstores has dedicated itself to providing the largest selection of used titles available. Through their relationships with key used textbook vendors and by serving hundreds of private schools with their textbook Buyback Program, they will be able to provide our students with a wide selection of high quality used books at greatly reduced prices. Approved Editions – Follett Virtual Bookstores has worked directly with our faculty and the publishers to ensure the approved book is available for purchase at efollett.com. No-hassle Returns – All books can be returned within 30 days from purchase or the first day of classes –whichever is later for a full refund minus shipping, provided the books are in the same condition in which they were purchased. Additional Return On Your Investment – Follett Virtual Bookstores’ upcoming Textbook BuyBack Program will provide you with an opportunity to turn your textbooks from the previous year into cash. Follett Virtual Bookstores understands how important it is for you to get the books you need when you need them and at affordable prices. We look forward to servicing your student’s book needs. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact the school or Follett Virtual Bookstores directly. Sincerely, Follett Virtual Bookstores Ph: 877-827-2665 2211 West Street • River Grove, IL 60171 ph: 877-827-2665 • www.efollett.com 0902C
Attention All Parents - Important Information! A new school immunization law requires all students entering 7th through 12th grades in the 2011-2012 school year in California to be immunized with a pertussis (whooping cough) vaccine booster called Tdap. Your student will not be allowed to begin school in the fall without proof of vaccination. Be sure to send in the information right away, so you won’t encounter any difficulty on the first day of school. Please see the following websites for more information: www.shotsforschool.org http://www.shotsforschool.org/tdaplaw.html
Parent Service Hour Opportunities
Current Service Hour opportunities can be viewed on the following: ○ Portal under the Parents tab - “Announcements for Parents” http://portal.phscampus.org/parents/Pages/default.aspx ○ Public Website under the Parents tab - “Parent Service Opportunities” http://www.providencehigh.org/apps/news/index.jsp?id=5 Please call Mrs. Bordey at (818) 846-8141 x100 if you have any questions. Thank you for your support!
VOLUNTEERS WANTED! The Advancement Office is looking for parents who would like to work on the Annual Gala committee. It’s a great way to get your service hours! For more information contact Vickie Bagwell or extension 403 or email her at Vickie.Bagwell@providencehigh.org
SOPHOMORE PARENTS: Would you like to get a head start on next’s year hours? Well we are in need of your help! It is a long-standing tradition for the Sophomore Class to supply food and refreshments at the Senior Award Night, which is Tuesday , May 31,2011. Service hours will be offered to anyone who brings food or drinks for that event. We are looking for fancy cookies and desserts (Porto’s, Paradise Bakery, etc) fruit platters and cases of water. Homemade food is welcomed as well. For every $10 you spend on food you will receive one service hour (must provide receipt for credit) There is no maximum, so please help as much you can. Services hours are also available for any parents who set-up and serve at the event that night, from 6pm to 10 pm. For more information or to volunteer please contact Mrs. Saitta at extension 308 or by email at Stella.Saitta@providencehigh.org
This law applies to students at Providence High School.
Two new ways to pay your PHS Tuition!
PAY ONLINE Use your VISA, MasterCard, or Discover Card to pay Online. Go to www.providenhigh.org and choose “Parents” and “Pay Your Tuition Here” or go the Portal and choose: ONLINE TUITION PAYMENT
PAY BY AUTOMATIC WITHDRAW FROM YOUR CHECKING ACCOUNT All you need to provide is a VOIDED check and singed authorization. Contact the Finance Office for a form to signup for automatic withdraw.
Questions? For further information contact the finance office at: 818.846.8141
DATES TO REMEMBER DATE:
EVENT:
May 19
May 31, June 1 & 3 Elective Course Exams Senior Elective grades 9, 10 & 11 Course Exams June 1 Spring Sports 12:21 pm dismissal Banquet grades 10, 11 & 12 6:00 pm AUD, MPR, SAC 2:00 pm dismissal 9th & Quad Prom Bids refund June 2 Senior Graduation Practice deadline 8:00 am ‐ 12:30 pm Senior Final Exams Hall of Liberty Parent Support mtg Noon dismissal 7:00 pm AUD & MPR grades 9, 10 & 11 Shakespeare June 3 Baccalaureate Mass Festival 7 :00 pm at St. Finbar 5:00 ‐ 8:00 pm June 4 Graduation Spirit Holiday 4:00 pm No School Hall of Liberty Senior Prom June 7 Board of Regents 7:00 ‐ midnight 7:30 am SAC Memorial Day Parent Board Dinner School Office closed 6:30 pm Senior Class June 8, 9 & 10 Final Exams Awards Night & grades 9, 10 & 11 Reception June 10 Last day of school 7:00 pm SAC
May 16, 17 & 23 May 20
May 23 May 23 - 26 May 24 May 26
May 27
May 30 May 31
Grad Night
DATE:
EVENT: