SIGN UP FOR THE SKECHERS WALK
October 23, 2016
Pen High launched the annual Skechers walk campaign at Back to School Night. Thank you to Katie Hsu and Jennifer Farrell for manning the table where parents were able to sign up for the Skechers Walk. Thank you to all those who stopped by to sign up. We now have 28 days to meet our goal of 885 Peninsula High walkers. You can walk with me or sleep in as a virtual walker. Follow this link and join the Peninsula High Skechers Walk Team.
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Please make sure you have marked Palos Verdes Peninsula Education Foundation
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Click on "Join Team" in the upper right corner, then fill out the form as a new or a returning participant. (Note that the amount is listed as $50, but feel free to change it to $30, which is the minimum) Make sure that you identify Palos Verdes Peninsula Education Foundation as the
one organization
you support. All those listed on the Peninsula High Team will have an opportunity to win prizes and surprise opportunities that will be announced each week beginning in October. Thank you for your support!
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Please note that I changed the amount I am donating form $50 to $30. It is the # of walkers that counts, not the amount donated.
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PEN HIGH'S JOHN WHEELER NAMED EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR
Please enjoy reading the following nomination letter that Mark Greenberg wrote about John Wheeler:
Dear Educator of the Year - Nominating Committee,
We have many exceptional educators in our district and, from my own experience, this is most certain at Peninsula High School. You could ultimately select any one of dozens of teachers as an Educator of the Year, and we would all nod in approval. They are a constant source of personal inspiration and professional education. Based on the criteria for the award, however, John Wheeler is the most deserving.
John Wheeler is in his fourth decade as an educator. He began teaching in the early 1980s and only continues today, not out of necessity, but simply through joy and passion for his students. I hope you have a moment to speak with him about his journey, as it's one of love and passion for teaching.
Those of us who work closely with John and his students are familiar with the phrases "I LOVE Wheeler!" and "Wheeler is the best!" But don't take my word for it. Just look at the annual CSF banquet. Over 200 students are honored each May at the CSF banquet. The students nominate their most influential teachers to present them their awards. Year after year, as the rest of our reputations ebb and flow, John Wheeler tops that list as the top vote getter every single year. John Wheeler is adored campus wide. It would only be fitting that he be recognized for his selfless commitment to his students.
I have to admit that, at times, I'm envious of his energy. John Wheeler somehow manages to dress up and jump on desks for five class periods every day. Students refuse to go through high school without the John Wheeler experience, despite the fact that AP Psychology clearly isn't a graduation requirement. Add to that a University level Sociology class he teachers four hours a week after school and summer school, John Wheeler is the consummate, dedicated educator.
Due to the popularity of his AP Psychology courses, we've had to add even more sections than John can handle. Well, I actually believe he could handle them, but the law forbids him from teaching ten sections. Instead he's brought two other teachers into the fold, offering his materials, experience and expertise for the benefit of the program. His journey has never been about him. Which, in my opinion, is why one evening should actually be about him.
What I've written should already be the foundation for our high school educator of the year, except John is an active participant in just about every extracurricular school activity. He's at every pep rally, playing basketball, handball or whatever you call that game where you kick a volleyball over the net. He'll put himself out on the amphitheater stage, doing whatever new, goofy dance is popular. John is hilariously talented in our Faculty vs. Student improv comedy matches, known as Comedy
Sportz
(see photo below). He refereed the annual junior vs. senior powderpuff football game. And he attends every single concert, dance performance, musical, play, football game.... You get the idea. I have to admit, I was shocked when his name didn't appear on the list of prior recipients. John Wheeler means everything to our school, our faculty and our students.
Like I've said earlier, many of our teachers and faculty are worthy of this award, but this is John's time. I look forward to celebrating his accomplishments on November 9
th
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Best regards,
Mark Greenberg
AP Physics Teacher, Palos Verdes Peninsula High School
51 PEN HIGH SENIORS NAMED NATIONAL MERIT COMMENDED STUDENTS
I am pleased to announce that 51 Peninsula High School seniors have been named National Merit Commended Students in the 2016 National Merit Scholarship Program. These students are being recognized for their exceptional academic promise demonstrated by their outstanding performance on the qualifying test (PSAT)*** used for program entry.
Over 1.6 million students took the 2015 PSAT last October, 34,000 of these students were recognized for outstanding scores. 16,000 students were named semifinalists and 18,000 students were named commended. Commended students received a Selection Index of 209 or above. Congratulations to our Peninsula High commended students.
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Take note Pen Juniors: you cannot qualify for National Merit Scholarships without taking the October PSAT.
PSAT & PSAT 8/9 SIGNUPS
This is the final week of signups - while supplies last! Bring $30 cash or check payable to PVPHS PSAT to the Student Store. The tests will be given on Wednesday, October 19 starting at 7am.
ASB PLANS HOMECOMING
This past weekend, the 36 members of ASB went up to the mountains for a retreat to plan Homecoming! They are very excited for the school to enjoy all of the Homecoming activities and fun in October!
HOMECOMING VOTING AND COURT
A special Homecoming tradition is our Homecoming Court. This year all Homecoming Court voting will be online! Students can nominate other students in their grade to be on Homecoming Court. To vote online, students will need to enter their last name and their student ID number, which can be found on their student ID card. If you have any problems voting, please see our Activities Director, Mrs. Pollock, in the Activities Office, P115.
The links to nominate can be found here:
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On Monday, September 19, all Pen High Leadership programs participated in a Leadership Summit
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CLUB RUSH 
This Thursday and Friday, all Panthers will have the opportunity to sign up for clubs that interest them. Panthers will have over 125 clubs to choose from! Club Rush will be during lunch. Each club will have a table in the amphitheater and student leaders will answer questions.
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BIONIC TEAM NEWS
Service Learning Leadership's BIONIC (Believe It Or Not I Care) Team is up and running! The team of students who are working to make a difference by helping fellow Panthers who are overcoming obstacles that keep them from being in school such as serious illness or injury. The BIONIC Team creates handmade care packages with lots of heart in order to keep you updated on campus life and connected to your Panther family. The goal is to provide comfort for fellow panthers who have been absent for a long period. Through thick or thin, Panthers are always there for you! If you are out for an extended period of time, a school counselor will be in touch to see how the BIONIC team can help. If you have questions, please contact Ms. Baranick ([email protected]) or Ms. Myrick ([email protected])
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Zero Period Disaster Drill - September 19, 2016
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BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT
We had a great turn out at Back to School Night. I enjoyed speaking with many parents, and the faculty has shared that they appreciated the number of parents who tackled parking to visit their child's classes. Big thanks to Associate Principal Michael Wanmer for organizing the evening with the help of Link Crew, the PTSA, the Athletic Booster Club, CCC office staffs, and of course, our wonderful teachers, counselors and staff. As always, special thanks to our custodial staff and grounds keepers for all their efforts in maintaining our campus. On Back to School Night they have only 2 hours, instead of 8 hours to clean up after the school day.
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Thank you to our Wonderful Evening Crew
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BACK TO SCHOOL BBQ
This past Friday, Link Crew hosted its 3rd annual Back to Zoo BBQ for all freshmen and transfer students! Our newest Panthers enjoyed good food, music, and exciting games and activities, with PVPHS's dedicated Link Crew Leaders facilitating all of the fun.
Ms. Dibble would like to express her sincere appreciation to the JV Song team and Peter the Panther for performing at the event and to Don Frazier and Earl Kwak for manning the grill. In addition, Link Crew Leaders Bob Apoian, Sam Enders, Kevin Jones, Claire Kim-Narita, Max LaForest, Meghan Mahoney, Matt Meskin, Eugene Pak, Bella Palacios, Niki Shekaran, and Lindsey Yoshiyama all deserve special recognition for going above and beyond on the day of the event to make sure everything ran smoothly.
PVPHS Link Crew will have many more festive events planned throughout the rest of the year...stay tuned, freshmen and transfers!
HADLEY VISITS PENINSULA HIGH
On September 21st during lunch, Assemblyman Hadley of the 66th District came to PVPHS to talk about youth civic engagement in politics and his political experiences. Over seventy students attended and engaged with the Assemblyman. Assemblyman Hadley also awarded four California State Certificates of Appreciation. The recipients were Mr. Massey, our very own history teacher/advisor, Robert Magee and Tomoki Fukazawa, Co-Founders of Strategoi, and Strategoi Inc., a local nonprofit dedicated to student engagement in civic activity. Both the school and the Historic Debate Club and its affiliates thank Assemblyman Hadley for speaking and appreciate his encouraging words to the student body.
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David Hadley Visits Peninsula High
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Strategoi, is the largest youth-run nonpartisan political nonprofit conglomerate in the United States in eight schools with 500 active volunteers consistently trying to achieve the mission:
"To make the youth of America informed and inspired voters and to encourage civic awareness and activity."
AL MURATSUCHI TO VISIT PENINSULA HIGH ON SEPTEMBER 30
The Peninsula High Historic Debate Club is pleased to announce that Al Muratsuchi will visit Peninsula High at lunchtime in the school library, this Friday. All are welcome to attend.
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School Site Council Meeting - September 20, 2016
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PENINSULA HIGH LITERARY MAGAZINE HONORED
Congratulations are in order for Beard Full of Butterflies, the PVPHS literary magazine, for achieving first place in the American Scholastic Press for last year's literary magazine. The students worked very hard to create an amazing showcase featuring a variety of writing, photography and drawing. Here is what ASPA shared about our magazine:
"Beard Full of Butterflies is an excellent publication which deserves a FIRST PLACE award in the American Scholastic Press Association's annual magazine competition. Creating a magazine teaches students the fundamentals of creative writing, publishing, good writing skills, proofreading, editing skills, concepts of design and composition, and promotes and supports a community of young writers and gives them esteem. Your magazine shows the superior efforts of talented and creative editors, writers, artists, photographers, layout/graphic designers, staff members and adviser. ASPA congratulates you on your First Place Award!"
Also, congratulations are in order for Miss Erika Rohrberg as she was named the Best Artist for her piece Harmony in Difference! Kudos to the 2015-2016 editors Erin Bates, Ellen He, Rachel Sweetnam, and Cristina Taylor!
If you are interested in purchasing a copy, please contact adviser, Betsy Okamoto at
[email protected]
. There will be a meeting on Wednesday (September 28) for any students who are interested in joining this phenomenal group of artists. Simply attend the meeting in H65 at lunch on September 28. Literary Magazine is a UC approved elective!
SENIOR SUNRISE
On Friday, September 23, the Peninsula High Class of 2017 gathered on campus in the early morning hours to watch the sun rise over the football field. This annual event is symbolic of the beginning of the senior year. Seniors will celebrate a sunset evening at the end of the school year to symbolize the end of their time at Peninsula High. Thank you to ASB for sponsoring this special event.
ATHLETIC BOOSTER CLUB NEWS
Upcoming events you won't want to miss!
Wednesday, October 5, 7:00pm
- ABC Meeting. Community Room, S22. A great place to find out what's happening in the world of Panther sports!
Saturday, October 8, 5:00pm -
26th Annual All Sports Kick-Off Party! Calling all Panther parents, coaches, and fans! Free to attend! The ABC board members sponsor the taco bar, appetizers and delicious desserts! No-host bar. The Peninsula High marching band and Pep Squad will perform to celebrate another great year of Panther Pride! This is a parent-only event.
IT'S NOT TOO LATE TO JOIN
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A big thank you to those families that joined the ABC!
Memberships continue to come in everyday and it is so exciting to see the great support from our Panther parents!
ABC Membership online registration is quick and easy. Register today by visiting
www.pvphsabc.com
MARCHING BAND NEWS
Yesterday, the Marching Band and Color Guard performed at the Cirque De Soleado Carnival, Soleado Elementary School.
PVPUSD Intermediate School musicians will be joining our Marching Band in the stands at the home game on September 30th, against Centennial. Mr. Steiner has coordinated the music for that night with all three Music Teachers at the different schools. The younger students always enjoy the afternoon, playing with the Marching Band and watching a high school football game.
On Oct. 7th, the Marching Band and Color Guard will perform their Field Show for the last time. This is the perfect opportunity for the parents to get a final look at the show and all the hard work their students have put into it since August.
Oct. 8th, the Marching Band and Color Guard will perform at the ABC Kick Off Party at the Easton's home.
SPIRIT CLINIC PERFORMANCE
After completing next week's Spirit Clinic sponsored by Panther Pep Squad, the young students will be performing at Friday's game against Centennial High at Peninsula High. Kickoff is 3pm.
FOOTBALL UPDATE
Congratulations to Peninsula High's Varsity and Freshman Football teams for more decisive wins. Nice job Panthers. Freshman will play this Thursday against Culver City at Peninsula High with kickoff at 3pm. Don't miss Friday's varsity game against Centennial High at Peninsula High with kickoff at 3pm.
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