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Peninsula High is pleased to welcome 2,445 Panthers!
Monday, August 29, is the first day of school and a minimum day!
IMPORTANT START OF SCHOOL INFORMATION
- Students who missed last week's student registration should report to the Pen High gym on Monday, August 29th at 7am.
- Students must go through registration before they can attend their classes.
- Students requesting scheduling adjustments should fill out a change form and submit it to the Counseling Office. Counselors will make changes when possible and send the change documentation to students in their classes. So please attend the classes on your schedule so your counselor can find you.
- Students on class waiting lists will be contacted by their counselor if a seat is available.
- Changes will not be made based on teacher preference.
- The last day to request a change of schedule is 2:45pm, Thursday, September 1.
- The last day to level down in a class without a penalty is October 7.
LIBRARY INFORMATION
- The deadline to check out textbooks is Friday, September 2.
- There is no deadline for books needed due to schedule changes.
- If a course is dropped, the textbook and workbook must be returned to the library right away or the student will be charged.
- Cover textbooks and write your name inside.
STUDENT DROP OFF 
- When dropping off students, it is imperative that parents follow the drop off rules. Parents who do not follow the rules are putting student's safety in jeopardy. Be extra vigilant around student pedestrians.
- Please download and review our DROP OFF ROUTE MAP
- It is incredibly dangerous to drop students off on the sidewalk in front of Pen High on Hawthorne Blvd. Under NO CIRCUMSTANCES should students be dropped off along Hawthorne Blvd heading up the hill before you reach Silver Spur
- Please do not use driveways #1 and #2 for drop off. These driveways lead to the teacher parking lots.
- For those of you who are new to Pen High, you will soon meet Jim Lillie, one of our security staff members. He will be on Silver Spur directing traffic. He is loud and clear with his directions....follow his directions because he is there to keep everyone safe.
- Parents who are in a hurry and cut the line, and those who decide to have a "long good-bye" at the drop off point, disrupt the process.
- It's all about student safety!
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 
On Monday, August 22, our PTSA pulled off another incredible registration as over 2,300 students were registered in just over seven hours. Kudos to this year's registration co-chairs,
Nancy Shafer, Renee Goldstein, Julie Arico, Lisa Jaksic, and Gina Van Boxtel
for for this perfectly executed student registration.
They were assisted by over 90 PTSA volunteers, led by the PTSA registration co-chairs.
While PTSA volunteers ensured that students made it through registration, other PTSA members were selling Panther gear and working as accountants in our lab.
The Athletic Booster Club was also on hand selling Panther Gear. All in all, it was a huge team effort that resulted in a great experience for our students.
In the library, there were more volunteer parents and members of National Honor Society helping our Library staff with textbook distribution. It is hard to image how many books over 2,300 students needed.
It was an amazing day and we salute all those who come out to help each year. It takes a village and we love our villagers. Listed HERE are our wonderful volunteers.
PLEASE JOIN OUR PVPHS PTSA
We are genuinely grateful for the efforts of our Peninsula High PTSA. While most of us think of them as a fundraising group, don't be fooled. PTSA does so much more for our students, including but not limited to, advocating for our district in Sacramento, providing hospitality services to the staff and community throughout the year, providing vital communication between school and the parents via the monthly "Paw Prints" publication, orchestrating and implementing mock elections for our student body, providing SAT and ACT workshops, teaching our students about healthy lifestyles via Yellow and Red Ribbon Weeks.
The upcoming visit by Dianna MacDonald and "How To Raise An Adult" on September 6, are examples of the programs that our PTSA sponsors. PTSA is a vital partner that makes Peninsula High an amazing high school. I hope every member of your family joins the PTSA this year and supports this wonderful organization so they can continue to support Peninsula High!
If you haven't joined the PTSA yet, it is not too late! Please download and complete this PTSA MEMBERSHIP FORM and return it to the Attendance Office or the Main Office.
THANK YOU TO SOME VERY SPECIAL PEOPLE 
Peninsula High is ready for students to arrive, largely because of the efforts of our staff who worked throughout the summer. Marie Blackwood registered new students, Dawn Fuh worked on the master schedule, Danielle Gallante managed text book collection and distribution, Jeanne Shiosaki supported athletics and registration, Tommye Jones and Bonnie Baggett worked on budget, ordering supplies, and preparations for the start of school, and Carolyn Lore and Marie Crossen worked in the Student Store, closing and then opening our books for the new school year. And a very special thank you to Susan Breitenstein for all that she does to support Peninsula High.
Thank you to Keith Bullis (Groundskeeper) and Al Liang (Head Custodian), and their teams, for spending the summer cleaning, fixing and landscaping, and keeping our school beautiful. Finally, thank you to my hard working Associate Principals Micah Farrell, Lea Toombs and Michael Wanmer. I am so lucky to have such dedicated and capable administrators.
COUNSELING STAFF APPRECIATION
The counseling staff is to be congratulated for meeting with over 700 students last week to discuss and adjust schedules. In addition, 30 new families showed up to enroll their students. Great job!
NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION
 On Tuesday, Link Crew held its annual New Student Orientation, welcoming our freshmen and transfer students to the Panther family! Under the direction of Link Crew Coordinator Beckie Dibble, an engaging program was presented to over 600 new students. In addition
to the gigantic ice-breaker taking place at the beginning of the day in the gym, leaders took their 10-12 new student "crews" to classrooms for small-group activities and led them on themed tours of the campus.
This year, orientation was especially "sweet," as I and the rest of the administration team took part in a "Human Sundae." Thanks to Micah Farrell, Michael Wanmer, and Lea Toombs for joining me in this messy but memorable experience! We are already impressed by the Class of 2020's enthusiasm and cooperativeness. Ms. Dibble and her Link Crew Leaders are looking forward to a great year with them.
It is worthy to note, however, that not only does Link Crew put on a wonderful new student orientation before school starts, but they plan a number of freshmen-only and transfer-only events throughout the year that are well-attended, and communicate to our newest Panthers that they are an integral part of our school community. PVPHS's Link Crew program accepts 120 committed, upstanding, and energetic juniors and seniors (from an applicant pool double that) who work together to support freshmen and transfer students every year. Of those 120 leaders, approximately 35 of them earn the honor of being selected for a UC-CSU approved 4
th
period course under the direction of our Link Crew Coordinator Rebecka Dibble. These select students benefit from a rigorous curriculum that enhances their leadership skills, including in-depth studies in communications, entrepreneurship, and marketing.
FRESHMAN LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
(due this Thursday!)
There is a wonderful leadership opportunity for freshmen! Consider running for PVPHS Freshmen Class President or Vice President! In these positions, you will be a part of the PVPHS ASB, and will be in the ASB class during 4th period. You will videotape a speech, which will be shown to the freshmen class, and all freshmen will have an opportunity to vote for whom they would like to represent their class in Student Government.
Applications are due in the Activities Office, P115, THIS Thursday, September 1st by 2:00 pm. Download the application here-
Club Charter Forms are Available Now! We encourage students to start a club that can bring students together who share similar interests and passions.
Club Charter Forms are due in the Activities Office, P115, on Tuesday, September 13th by 2:00 pm.
The Charter Form explains all the steps that are needed to start a club. Download the Club Charter Form to get started.
This Wednesday, August 31st
, we will be on a Mini Assembly Schedule so the Panthers can come together in the gym during lunch for a Back to School Pep Rally.
There will dance performances, free-giveaways, a surprise video, and much more!
The Back to School Dance is this Friday, September 4th in the gym from 7:30 pm until 10:30 pm. Ticket prices are now $18 with ASB and $20 without ASB. Tickets may be purchased in the Student Store. The theme of the dance is Olympics!
This dance sells out every year, so don't wait to buy your tickets!
Dance Rules
Students attending this dance promise not to break the PVPHS Code of Conduct, especially concerning violence and the consumption of alcohol and drugs. Students must have a CURRENT ('16-'17) school ID with them. The doors to the dance will close at 8:30 pm, so students may not enter the dance after that time. Once students leave the dance, they may not return. Students who attend a high school other than Peninsula, Palos Verdes, or Rancho Del Mar, may only attend the dance if they have turned in a completed and approved (signed) Guest Pass to the Student Store PRIOR to the day of the dance. Students who lose their dance ticket will not be issued a replacement.
Dress Code: Undergarments must be covered at all times. Tank tops must fit snugly on the sides and top. No "bandeau" tops or strapless tops may be worn. Midriffs may not show. Skirts/shorts must cover the rear end. No swimsuits may be worn; outfits that resemble swim suits may not be worn. Spandex may only be worn under other garments. See-through or sheer material may not be worn. Gentlemen must wear shirts at all times and must keep pants and shorts at the waistline.
Students in violation of the dress code will not be allowed to enter the dance and students found in violation of the dress code FOLLOWING entrance to the dance will be removed from the dance. Students not permitted to enter the dance or who are asked to leave due to inappropriate attire will not be given refunds.
Lewd and lascivious dancing will not be tolerated. Students dancing inappropriately will be asked to leave the dance and will not be given refunds.
SPIRIT PACKS
Forgot to pick up your Spirit Pack on Registration Day? Spirit Packs may still be picked up in the new Activities Office, which is P115.
SPOTLIGHT COMES TO PENINSULA HIGH
Jeri Gaile, from the Music Center Spotlight Program will be on campus during lunchtime on Friday, September 2. Interested students and parents are encouraged to attend this information session in our College Career Center. We ask that parents please check in at the Main Office before going to the College Career Center.
The Spotlight Academy registration form is now officially open with the class schedule. Please click here
to be taken directly to the form to view the class offerings. Parents and teachers are welcome to come as well! Everything is located on The Music Center campus so that parents or teachers can take one class, and students can take another. Jeri Gaile will answer all your questions at the September 2 information session in our College Career Center.
SPEECH AND DEBATE NEWS
Click here to read the Peninsula News article about our national debate champions Raam Tambe and Jerry Wang!
CALIFORNIA SCHOLARSHIP FEDERATION
California Scholarship Federation (CSF) begins their fall collection on September 6
, accepting applications (available in the Hawthorne Office and H65) during lunch in H65.
The collection period ends
on September 16
at 12:47 p.m
.
 Freshmen may not apply for membership as membership is based upon last semester's grades. Students may check the eligibility lists posted outside of the Hawthorne Office and H65 to see if they qualify for this prestigious organization. You may also bring your report card to the adviser if you are not on the eligibility but think you should be.
Membership is $20 per semester PLEASE NOTE THE FEE CHANGE as it is LESS than last year! Seniors, remember that in order to achieve Sealbearer status, you must have at least one semester of membership during your senior year. Any questions, please contact Mrs. Okamoto (adviser) at
okamotob@pvpusd.net
NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY
 Attention all juniors and seniors. It's that time of the year again...National Honor Society is looking for some great new members. So, if you have a cumulative GPA of 3.65 or higher (check eligibility list outside of H65) and are interested in applying (submitting a Candidate Information Packet) you must attend a MANDATORY information meeting in the Gym on Wednesday, August 31st at 6:00 p.m. We will go over the guidelines for NHS and how to fill out your packet. This meeting will also provide you with information in regards to what is considered acceptable community service. Please make sure you attend because this is the only way you will be allowed to submit a Candidate Information Packet for review for membership. Any questions, please see adviser, Mrs. Okamoto in H65. You may also email her at okamotob@pvpusd.net.
ATHLETIC BOOSTER CLUB NEWS
Make a Difference!
Join the 2016-2017 Athletic Booster Club!
The only goal of this dynamic group of parents is to raise money through ABC
memberships, donations, and sponsorships to help fund:
- New High Performance Running Track
- State of the Art Weight Room
- Tennis Court Maintenance
- Playing Field Maintenance
- Athletic Coaches and Trainers
- Plus More!
ABC Upcoming Events: Please Join Us!
September 7: Athletic Booster Club Meeting, 7:00pm, Community Room, S21
October 8: 26th Annual All Sports Kick-Off Party, 5:00pm.
Calling all Panther Parents, Coaches and Fans! The ABC invites you to attend this annual event!
CALLING ALL PANTHERS - FIRST FOOTBALL GAME THIS FRIDAY
3pm at home against John Glenn High School this Friday, September 2!
Don't miss the Marching Band halftime salute to Motown!
LISTEN UP PANTHER ZOO MEMBERS
FOOTBALL AND ZOO RULES
The first football game will be at home against John Glenn High, this Friday 9/2 at 3pm. We look forward to a huge crowd! Before we unleash the zoo, it is important that everyone understands the CIF rules for cheering blocks. The reason the Zoo has been so successful is because everyone understands the rules and respects the spirit of sportsmanship. Six years ago, I reinstated the Zoo after three previous suspensions. I am so proud that we are going into our seventh year of the "reinstated" Zoo with exemplary behavior. Remember to mind your zookeepers,
Zoo Rules
The Zoo has a strong tradition at Peninsula High and has a reputation for being classy. As part of being "classy" the Zoo will:
· cheer FOR Peninsula and will not cheer against our opponents,
· support the officials,
· maintain a positive attitude.
All students are encouraged to actively participate in the Zoo, but if the following rules are violated the Zoo can be suspended indefinitely.
In order to keep the Zoo there are certain rules that must be followed:
- No booing
- No profanity or obscene gestures
- No masks covering the face
- No noise makers (including, but not limited to: voo voo zallaz, cow-bells, clappers, thunder sticks and horns)
- No full face or body paint
- Zookeepers are the governing body and the administration has given them the authority to approve all chants/cheers. They have been given the authority to monitor behavior. After one zookeeper warning, administration will be notified; if there is a second infraction, there will be consequences!
In the event that an individual violates any of the rules listed above they will be escorted out of the Zoo and the disciplinary consequences will be decided by the administration.
NEW FACES AT PENINSULA HIGH
JULIE ARICO (CCC-Scholarships and Financial Aid)
 Julie Arico has been an active member of the Palos Verdes community for many years through her service with the PTA, Palos Verdes Assembly and Scouting. She has served on unit PTA boards as well as President, EVP and Financial Secretary of PVP Council of PTAs. Prior to her volunteer work, Julie worked at Nestle USA, managing advertising of many Nestle products.
Julie graduated from Loyola Marymount University and is the proud parent of two Peninsula HS Alumni who attend University of Utah and Northern Arizona University. Her youngest is a current Peninsula HS student. She is very excited to be a part of the College Career Center team.
MARY ANN CHACON- (Health Clerk)
 Mary Ann is our new Health Clerk. Mary Ann grew up in Rancho Palos Verdes and enjoys being an active member of the community. She attended Bishop Montgomery High School in Torrance and graduated from Cal State Long Beach with a BS in Management.
Mary Ann has been working for PVPUSD for a total of 13 years, first as a kindergarten teacher's aide and for twelve years as the health clerk at Montemalaga Elementary School. She has one child, Mikaela who graduated from Peninsula High in 2014 and is now a junior at the University of San Diego. She is very excited and looking forward to being part of the Peninsula family.
CAROLYN EDWARDS (Spanish)
Carolyn is a graduate of Texas A&M University. She has a BA and MA in Spanish and a minor in English. She was raised in Southern California, and after graduation from A&M, began her teaching career in 1999 with the Houston and Corpus Christi School Districts. She had the wonderful opportunity to live in Monterrey, Mexico, with her grandfather, where she studied at ITESM University. In Mexico, Carolyn volunteered teaching English at a local elementary school, and it was this experience that led to teaching foreign language.
Carolyn loves musical instruments, song, dance and cultures of all types, and has been in Ballet Folkloric and Flamenco dance groups while studying abroad in Mexico and Valencia, Spain. She has sponsored Latin Dance, Anime and Raise Your Voice clubs to name a few, and thoroughly enjoys sharing experiences with her students to enhance awareness and appreciation of all cultures.
KATHY FITZGERALD (Technology)
 Peninsula High is so pleased to welcome Kathy to our Panther Family. She brings a wealth of knowledge in the area of technology. Kathy
has worked for PVPUSD for over 33 years. She started her career at Mira Catalina Elementary where she worked for 12 years and then spent 21 years at the district office coordinating technology resources for all 18 sites.
Kathy lives locally and has two grown sons, a husband who is involved in the space industry, and two grandchildren. In her spare time she enjoys craft projects and gardening.
JEFFREY FRANKWICK (Math)
 Jeffrey is from Oconomowoc, Wisconsin. He earned a Bachelor of Science in International Business as an undergraduate at Bradley University and completed a dual Master's degree in Real Estate Finance and Information Systems from the University of Wisconsin at Madison. Mr. Frankwick spent twenty years working in private equity focused on affordable housing.
In 2008, Mr. Frankwick began coaching soccer, at which point he recognized the value of teaching kids and began a change of career. Jeffrey, his wife Christine (Rolling Hills High class of '88) and three children moved from Chicago to Palos Verdes in 2007 for the educational system and strong community focus. He is excited to join the Peninsula High School Faculty and looks forward to contributing to the Palos Verdes Peninsula community and its students.
SETH JOHNSON (Technology)
 Seth has worked for PVPUSD for several years, most recently in the area of technology support for Palos Verdes High School. He is excited to see what experiences and challenges Peninsula High has to offer.
Seth is a Panther, having graduated 10 years ago, so he feels at home on campus. Seth is eager to help with any technology problems and projects alongside Jason and Kathy. Peninsula High has an incredible technology team in place for the 2016-2017 year.
PIA-MARIE KAWAGOE (Spanish)
Pia-Marie Kawagoe was born in Long Beach, but moved to Mexico D.F. when she was 6 years old because of her father's job. She returned to California four years later and continued studying Spanish education.
Pia-Marie attended Lunada Bay Elementary, Ridgecrest Intermediate, and graduated from Peninsula High School in 2010. Then she graduated from California State University Long Beach in 2015 with a B.A. in Spanish and then completed her credential.
Pia-Marie is excited for the new school year and she is thankful to be given this opportunity to teach at her alma mater.
BONNIE KEILBACH (Hawthorne Office)
 Bonnie has joined Peninsula High School as an Intermediate Typist Clerk in the Attendance office. Bonnie brings to the position a well-established background in office administration. Most recently Bonnie was the Front Desk manager at LA Harbor Health Group, a chiropractic office in San Pedro, California overseeing the office and responsible for processing patients and insurance claims. She was also responsible for the company Facebook page and updating the company website.
For twenty years, Bonnie worked for a private corporation, The Elmore Group, holding a variety of positions. A highlight of her tenure was overseeing the VIP hospitality desk on-site for several Olympic travel programs ensuring that clients received components purchased and upholding stringent customer service standards.
Bonnie grew up in Rye, New York and earned her Bachelors Degree from Elmira College. She obtained her Paralegal Certification from El Camino College. She resides in San Pedro, California with her dachshund, Roxie.
When not working Bonnie enjoys photography classes, walks, traveling and quilting.
MARTHA MIDDLETON (Main Office)
 After several years of subbing for PVPUSD, Martha was hired by Vista Grande Elementary as a part-time clerk typist last year, and we are pleased that Martha has join us at Peninsula High working full time in the front office.
Martha is an actor, a mother, a grandmother and a cancer survivor. She has three daughters, two of whom are identical twins. Although her family is in Baltimore and Colorado Springs, she stays in touch by phone, Skype, texts and visits. Thank goodness for technology and Southwest Airlines! In her spare time, she enjoys doing counted cross stitch. Current projects include Christmas stockings for her grandchildren and wedding samplers for her twins. Life is sweet!
HARBOR COLLEGE COURSES AT PENINSULA HIGH THIS FALL 
Peninsula High continues to serve as a satellite campus for Harbor College. Students can enroll in free classes and earn college credit. These courses are taught by Peninsula High teachers. Film Appreciation is taught by Dr. Coleman and Sociology is taught by Mr. Wheeler. Application forms are available in the Counseling Office. Once completed, the forms can be given to Dr. Coleman (H15) or Mr. Wheeler (H64). You do not need to go to the Harbor College campus to sign-up.
Hum 17 M,W Time: 3- 4:35pm Start 9-12
Room: PVPHS H15 Dr. Coleman
Soc 1 T,Th Time: 3- 4:35pm Start 9-13
Room: PVPHS H64 Mr. Wheeler
PV NET VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
First I would like to personally thank PV Net for the recent aerial shots that they took of the Peninsula High campus. HERE you will find their current volunteer opportunities.
PENINSULA HIGH LOSES MONEY WHEN STUDENTS ARE ABSENT
Student absences, whether for illness, religious reasons, vacation, or personal days reduce our revenue. ADA (Average Daily Attendance revenue at $49.32 per day) is only paid by the State if a student is present for at least 1 period per day or on an approved Independent Study. We do receive ADA if you know you will be gone for at least five days and you fill out an Independent Study Form and get signatures from all your teachers. (See Mrs. Ball in the Attendance Office for an Independent Study Form).
If you would like to make a $49.00 ADA reimbursement donation for each day your child is absent, please turn it in to the Main Office
. This donation will help ensure that PVPHS can continue to deliver the quality education that students and parents rightly deserve and expect. Your donation is used for instructional needs and classroom supplies at PVPHS. Thank you for your generosity.
PENINSULA HIGH ROCKS THE CAASPP ASSESSMENTS
Congratulations Panthers, you rocked the CAASPP! The results are in, and I could not be prouder of our students and staff for their efforts in the second year of CAASPP assessments. This data is important in guiding instruction. Scores will be analyzed and instruction/curriculum will be adjusted as needed.
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