PRINCIPAL'S UPDATE

January 29, 2017
     
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OPEN HOUSE THANK YOU
WOW...What a night!!!!    

Peninsula High welcomed approximately 3000 members of the community to the annual Open House for incoming families on January 26.  Special thanks to Associate Principal Micah Farrell who chaired this year's successful Peninsula High School Open House and to Season Pollock (Activities Director) who never ceases to amaze me with her ability to ensure that events run smoothly.  Associate Principals Michael Wanmer and Lea Toombs, as well as Athletic Director Wendell Yoshida were all part of the team that created such a successful evening.
A big thank you to our five Leadership Groups, (ASB, PLUS, LINK CREW, PAC, and SERVICE LEARNING) who helped answer questions, led families on tours, and stationed themselves around campus to help our visitors with whatever they needed.
Our custodial staff and security staff are to be commended for their efforts in making sure the campus was ready for our visitors.  We appreciate the teachers, coaches, and students who volunteered their time to share information with prospective students.      
A big thank you to Hutch Hershberger who served as emcee in the gym.  Thank you to all the students who performed during the evening, the Zookeepers, and Link Crew.  Mrs. Dibble did an amazing job leading the entire gym in Link Crew fun.  And finally, thank you to the PTSA and ABC members for all their support throughout the evening.

ARTS GALA A TREMENDOUS SUCCESS
Our Visual Performing Arts (VPA) Department did an outstanding job organizing an amazing evening that showcased the talented Pen High Visual and Performing Arts students. Fred Steiner, Dan Doctor, Anne Leonard, Jamie Nyman, Brendan Karg, James Meade, James Stiles, Heather Horn, Seth Cohen, and Kimi Hendricks all participated in Thursday night's Open House, then followed up the next evening with the Arts Gala. 

VISUAL ARTS & CULINARY ARTS
OUTSIDE KELLY JOHNSON FIELDHOUSE

This year the event was moved to the Kelly Johnson Fieldhouse from the Main Gym, which proved to be a perfect location. It was an inspiring evening that highlighted the incredible talent and the numerous VPA programs offered at Peninsula High and our commitment to the Arts.  

MUSIC & DANCE PERFORMANCES
INSIDE THE KELLY JOHNSON FIELDHOOUSE

LAST CALL FOR WALK FOR LIFE SPONSORS
We still need a few more sponsors to help make our annual cancer fundraiser a success. For a donation of $150 your family name or business logo will be added to this year's WFL t-shirt. Deadline for sponsorships is this Thursday. Please print and complete the WFL Sponsorship Form today!

BLACK HISTORY MONTH
February is Black History Month and Peninsula High School will celebrate the month with activities and acknowledgement of the contributions that Black Americans have made throughout history.  Black History and culture is an important part of the American fabric and our school curriculum. The PVPHS Black Student Union is leading several school-wide celebrations.
   
CHINESE NEW YEAR CELEBRATION
On Friday, Chinese Language classes celebrated the New Year by making homemade dumplings.  The celebration will continue tomorrow with lunchtime activities.  If any parent would like to join us during lunch, please sign-in at the Main Office.  A big thank you to our Chinese American Parent's Association for sponsoring the Chinese New Year celebration.

CHINESE LANGUAGE CLASSES CELEBRATING THE NEW YEAR

IT'S SCHOLAR QUIZ TIME
It's Scholar Quiz time. This year, the game has changed - the faculty teams have been eliminated. Instead, faculty members can play on student teams. That's right, grab the best and brightest staff member to be one of your teammates. Want to play? The Scholar Quiz mandatory meeting is Wednesday, February 8 at lunch in the PAC. All grade levels welcome.

PEN GRADUATE - CONNIE LIM PREFORMS IN WASHINGTON
Connie Lim, Pen of Class of 2004 Associated Student Body President created a flash mob choir at the Women's March in Washington DC.  At Peninsula High, Connie sang with our school choir.  In 2014 she returned to Peninsula High for a benefit concert in our Pen PAC.  She is a very special Panther who is a rising star.  "Quiet," by the Los Angeles-based singer MILCK, went viral after the group of women performed it a cappella during the weekend protest in Washington, D.C. Watch the performance and read the NPR article about it here.


WINTER FORMAL IS NEXT WEEKEND!
This year's incredible Winter Formal is this Saturday, February 4th at the Natural History Museum! The theme is "A Land Before Time: Prehistoric Elegance." Ticket prices are now $100 with ASB and $105 without ASB. The absolute last day to buy tickets is this Wednesday, February 1st.  All students must turn in a Contract/Transportation Form at the time the tickets are purchased; this document must be signed by students' parents/guardians, and will state whether the student will be taking the school-chaperoned chartered bus, or whether the parents will be taking responsibility for their son or daughters' transportation. Please download the Contract/Transportation Form from our school website, pvphs.com, under 'Panther Picks'.  
This memorable evening will include dinner, dancing, fun activities, and more!

For parents who are taking responsibility of students' transportation, please see the attached map for where to park.  
It is the lot on the left as you enter Bill Robertson Ln. There is no fee to park. 
 
The Bus and Limo drop off is further down Bill Robertson. Buses and Limos will have to drop off and then move/park in another location as they cannot stay on Bill Robertson Ln.

COURSE SELECTION PRESENTATIONS FOR 2017-2018
On February 13th, students will begin the selection process on Aeries for courses for the 2017-2018 school year. (Scheduling information will be mailed home soon). To assist students in selecting a combination of courses that will challenge, yet not overwhelm, the Counselors and Teachers have developed a schedule of lunchtime presentations starting on February 1st to provide information on course and teacher expectations as well as an indication of the time commitment. Information regarding math and most world language options will be presented to students during their current courses.
 
This year there will be an additional lunch presentation for sophomore and junior students led by Ms. Tzetzos and senior students to address the issue of the stress that comes as a result of an academic and extracurricular schedule that is too demanding. Please encourage your sons and daughters to attend these lunchtime presentations. We thank you in advance for your support in monitoring your student's course selection to ensure academic success and emotional well-being.


If you have any questions, please email Mrs. Fournier at fournier@pvpusd.net

AUTHOR VISIT
 
First time author Jeff Giles will speak with students about his novel The Edge of Everything on Wednesday, Feb. 1 during 1st period in the CCC. Jeff, whose writing credits include Entertainment Weekly, Rolling Stone and Newsweek,  will discuss his book and his writing process. This supernatural romance explores the relationship of X, a bounty hunter from Hell who captures souls, and his relationship with Zoe, a seventeen year old human.  The Edge of Everything has received a 4.1 rating on Goodreads. Autographed copies will be available for purchase for $20. See Ms Gutierrez in the Library for further info.
 

PEN MUN NOVICES WIN OUTSTANDING SCHOOL DELEGATION AWARD
On Saturday and Sunday, January 14th-15th, Peninsula High School's Model United Nations attended Mission Viejo High School's annual winter conference. As the last conference of the first semester, our delegates were able to demonstrate all of their hard work with 30 individual awards and a top school award! It was a highly competitive conference, with over 23 different schools and 1500 delegates competing, but that did not stop our delegates. This conference was headed by the following Secretariat Board Members: Jina Hyun, Ricky Negishi and Ashley Zoeckler.
 
Novice committees covered a wide variety of topics ranging from Child Malnutrition to Nuclear Power in Outer Space and our delegates represented France and North Korea while our Advanced delegates represented Greece, France and Syria. The advanced delegates debated similar topics with the same countries, but were also allowed spots in "The Great African Scramble" committees, where five different committees representing colonial powerhouses after the First World War competed to claim as much land as possible in Africa before the other countries could solidify their holdings. It was a very educational and exciting experience that is unique to Mission Viejo's conference. All delegates made salient and impactful points on every issue and the conference was a successful experience for all students.

MUN
 
Our Peninsula delegates performed exceptionally well at the Missions Viejo Conference, on both novice and advanced levels. The awards are as follows:
Novice Research Awards:
Simon Shafiee
Adrian Tai
Julia Thomas
Jadyn Lee
 
Novice Commendation Awards:
Mumba Mulenga
David Goldstein
Aimee Schmitz
Adrian Tai
Cici Wei
Jade Eng
Jadyn Lee
Charley Kim
Renee Lee
 
Novice Outstanding Delegate Awards:
Simon Shafiee
Melody Haratian
Julia Thomas
 
Novice Best Delegate/ Gavel Award:
Olin Osborne
 
Novice Delegation:
Outstanding School Award
 
Advanced Research Awards:
Ben Zuercher
Sam Shafiee
Milana Tatarintseva
Irene Zhen
 
Advanced Commendation Awards:
Sydney Bambadecker
Sophia Jensen
Irene Zhen
Nisha Nirmal
Sam Shaffie
Ben Zuercher
Juliana Fager
Ali Jafri
Hope Reveche
Congratulations!
 
HARBOR COLLEGE COURSES AT PENINSULA HIGH THIS SPRING
Peninsula High continues to serve as a satellite campus for Harbor College. Juni ors and seniors 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, H15 and H64.
Turn in forms to Dr. Coleman (H15) or Mr. Wheeler (H64) by January 19.
You do not need to go to Harbor College to sign up.
HUM 17 M,W 3:15 - 4:50 PVPHS H15 Starts February 6
SOC 001 TU,TH 3:15- 4:50 PVPHS H64 Starts February 7
 
Music Notes MUSIC DEPARTMENT NEWS
  • This week the Advance Jazz Band will visit PVIS on Tuesday, Jan. 31st.
  • The Marching Band and Color Guard are looking forward to performing at the Pep Rally Wednesday, Feb. 8th.
  • Mr. Doctor and the Choir will be performing at Pen Cafe, held in the PAC, Thursday & Friday, Feb. 9th & 10th, at 7:30pm.
  • Mr. Steiner and the Concert Band will perform at the Midwinter Concert, Feb. 22nd in the Fieldhouse
  • Mr. Steiner and the Orchestra will perform at the Midwinter Orchestra Concert, Feb. 24th, Rolling Hills United Methodist Church 
  • Music Department will be holding auditions during the end of February.
  • String Auditions, Sunday, Feb. 26th, 8:30am - 4:30pm, in the Band Room.
  • Audition info for choir, jazz band, and orchestras is posted on the Auditions Page of the Music Boosters website. 
FBI SPEAKERS COMING TO PENINSULA HIGH
On Friday, February 3rd, FBI Community Outreach Specialist Dr. Kay Ko and Special Agent Daniel Chang will be coming to Peninsula High to speak to our students about the importance of language acquisition and career opportunities in the public service.  Two presentations will be held in the PAC during Period 4 (11:20 - 12:13) and Period 5 (12:54 - 1:47).  If you have any questions, please contact June Choi at choij@pvpusd.net
 
Special Agent (SA) Daniel Chang graduated from UCLA in 2006 with a B.S. in Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology.  He served on active duty as a U.S. Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Officer from 2006 to 2011.  After graduating from the Naval Diving and Salvage Training Center in July 2007 and the Naval School Explosive Ordnance Disposal in July 2008, he served operational tours with EOD Mobile Unit Three (EODMU 3)in San Diego, CA, including a deployment through Africa. 
 
After joining the FBI in September 2011, SA Chang has served over five years at the FBI Los Angeles Field Office working matters of Public Corruption and Counter-Terrorism.  SA Chang is also a member of the LA Underwater Search and Evidence Response Team and a FBI Certified Diver.  SA Chang has also been selected to become the next Special Agent Bomb Technician for the FBI Los Angeles Field Office.
   
Ms. Kay Ko grew up in Los Angeles, California, and attended the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA), where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree,  a Master of Arts degree in Art History, and the Doctoral Degree in Comparative Education from UCLA .  After teaching the Korean language at UCLA and Claremont McKenna Colleges,  Ms. Ko joined the FBI in December 1993 as a Language Specialist.  From 1995 to 2008,  she worked as an Intelligence Analyst  and also earned a Juris Doctoral Degree from Loyola Law School in 2002.  From June 2009 through July 2012,  Ms. Ko served as a Supervisory Intelligence Analyst.
 
As a FBI Community Outreach Specialist, Ms. Ko coordinated meetings and events where FBI employees participated as guest speakers and presenters, attended various community events to educate the public about FBI priorities, as well as visiting schools to educate students about good education and being model citizens as part of the FBI's Youth Program.  Ms. Ko also served as the Regional Lead for the White House Initiative on Asian American and Pacific Islanders in the southwest region covering California, Nevada and Arizona from 2014 to 2016.

LITERARY MAGAZINE SUBMISSION DEADLINE APPROACHING


CALIFORNIA SCHOLARSHIP FEDERATION INFO - (FRESHMAN SHOULD READ)
WHAT IS CSF?
California Scholarship Federation (CSF) is a statewide organization which honors outstanding high school students for their academic excellence. Following each semester's grading period, students can apply for membership. Students are not automatically inducted into CSF; they must apply for membership each semester. The application process is rather simple as it consists of three lists that weigh academic required classes, academic electives, as well as other qualifying classes and activities (such as AVID and Orchestra). Each grade earns you points; for every "A" you get three (3) points and for every "B" you get one point. You may earn bonus points (one per course) for two honors courses. Ten points must be earned (on each semester's application) to be eligible; applicants are disqualified if they earn a D, F or U in any class during one semester. The current membership/application fee is $20 each semester. Participation in school and community activities is encouraged, but is not required. Applications must be submitted by the designated deadline, retroactive membership is NOT allowed. 

Why Join CSF? 
CSF is recognized by colleges and universities throughout California and the United States. Many foreign colleges recognize it as well. Seniors who have been members for at least four semesters during their sophomore, junior, and one semester of their senior year, qualify for Sealbearer distinction. These seniors wear gold cords at graduation, receive a gold seal on their diploma, and receive Sealbearer distinction on their final transcript. Sealbearers are eligible for chapter scholarships which are awarded at the annual Sealbearer Banquet held each year in April. Seniors with five semesters of membership also receive a Highest Honor certificate. A CSF pin is also given to each student. In some instances, Sealbearers may earn the right to wear a gold stole at graduation should they have a minimum of 50 hours of verifiable community service.

Freshmen may join CSF after they have completed one semester of high school. They are considered junior or associate members under the constitution of the State CSF Board. Therefore, their first year in high school does not contribute to Sealbearer status; once again, only their sophomore, junior and senior years count. However, freshmen are encouraged to join and be recognized for their academic achievement. Also, when they do earn Sealbearer status, there are additional, scholarships opportunities. CSF membership is published each semester in the PTSA PawPrints and on the CSF web site.
 
Seniors ...remember, you must have one semester during your senior year in order to qualify as a Sealbearer!

Dates to Remember 
Membership Drive: February 6th - 16th  
Membership applications are available February 6th (on campus only in H65 and the Hawthorne Office) and the deadline for submission will be February 16th by 12:45pm. (This is a strictly enforced deadline)  The grades earned during the fall semester, which ended January 20, 2017, must be used. Community college credits taken concurrently with the fall semester high school courses may be used on the application. There will be lists posted outside of the Hawthorne Office as well as H65 that indicate whether or not you are eligible. Please check the lists before you apply. If your name is not on the list but you believe you should qualify, please see Mrs. Okamoto (bring her your report card) and she will check your status. DO NOT DISTURB TEACHER DURING CLASS TIME! Passing periods & Panther Time are OK! All instructions and requirements for eligibility are on the application. Announcements will be made in the Daily Bulletin, at PVPHS.COM, and in PawPrints. It is the student's responsibility to adhere to these deadlines. No Late Applications Will Be Accepted! Only official PVPHS CSF applications (from campus) will be accepted. 

8TH GRADE INFORMATION SESSIONS
There are three upcoming forums for prospective parents to learn more about Peninsula High.  All sessions will be held in the College Career Center on the following dates:
Monday - February 6 3PM-4:30PM (Campus Tour Included)
Tuesday - February 7 6PM-7:30PM (Focus on Special Education)
Thursday - February 9 6PM- 7:30PM
Wednesday - February 15 6PM-7:30PM

OPEN HOUSE VISITORS

STELLARXPLORERS EXCEL

Congratulations!  Teams STLX03-0002, STLX03-0003,STLX03-0075 &STLX03-0076 have qualified for the Semi-Finals Round of the StellarXplorers III Challenge.  Their scores placed them in the Top 30 teams of all teams participating in Qualification Rounds 1 & 2.
 
Now is the time to start preparing for the Semi-Finals Round.  This round is about "Launch Vehicle Systems and Operations." Based on their past performance, we are confident that they can master these tasks.
 
Practice Round 3 (PR3) scheduled for February 10-12 will give the team an opportunity to practice their skills and STK will not be required for this practice round.  PR3 will allow the team to evaluate its performance against the other Semi-Finals teams.  With the Semi-Finals scheduled for February 24-26, the team will have time to improve their skills on Launch Vehicle systems.  There will be no Academic Quiz during PR3.
 
Good luck to our teams in the Semi-Finals - only  10 teams will move on to nationals. 

StellarXPlorers

CYBERPATRIOT NEWS
Congratulations to all Pen High Teams on the completion of the State Round!  We appreciate the time and effort that you, the Mentors, and Team Assistants put forth to teach and encourage our teams. Great job team 09-0217 who advances to the Regional Competition taking place February 3-5, 2017. Though it was not possible for all teams to advance to the next round, each team contributed to a successful competition. New team registration will be open on April 1st.  For more information, please contact Mr.Twiet Room T106 or send him an email at twieth@pvpusd.net
PEN CYBERPATRIOTS


ATHLETIC BOOSTER CLUB NEWS!
 

 
YOUR INVITATION TO A BLACK & GOLD IS COMING SOON!
Please be on the lookout for your email invitation to the Athletic Booster Club's most important fundraiser! This year's event will be held Saturday, March 18. A Black & Gold Affaire supports all of Peninsula's athletic programs and facilities, and builds community support benefiting every student. You will not want to miss getting involved in some way!
 
We ask that families of athletes in particular to show support by either:
 
Donating An Auction Item! We need sporting event tickets, vacation homes, wine, cooking classes, spa and beauty treatments, tutoring services, and more! 
Donation forms can be found at www.pvphsabc.com , or contact Robin Brown  aremyrootsshowin@gmail.com or Sandy Nemeth at tundylord@yahoo.com
 
For only $50 you can show support of your athlete with a full page program ad! Example pages can be found at www.pvphsabc.com
 
We Need Your Action Photos!
For the all sports media show to be shown at A Black & Gold Affaire. Visit www.pvphsabc.com , click on "Black and Gold" to upload your photos!
 
Become an Event Sponsor today for as little as $100! Sponsorship forms can be found by visiting www.pvphsabc.com   or emailing Julia Parton Rosas at jkparton@msn.com  Thank you in advance for your support!
 
A Black & Gold Sponsors as of January 25, 2017!
THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS!
All-Star $2500-$4999
The Syal Family
 
Varsity $1000-$2499
Boys Soccer
Wendell & Lori Hamamoto
Steve & MaryBeth Kane
Bo & Jennifer Kelly
Frank & Marta Merola
Marc & Jolene Meskin
The Milch Family
Kuni & Candi Takeda
Richard & Liz Umbrell
Steve & Ceci Watts
 
Junior Varsity $600-$999
Robert & Martha Zane
 
Frosh/Soph $300-$599
George Cashman
EDCO   
Ferdows Family
William & Elaine Jow
Steve & Romy Martz
Meyerhoff Family
ZAP Swimming

Panther Patron $100-$299
Louie & Marcella Bozanich
Chris & Christine Collins
The Cress Family
Ciro & Elisa Fidaleo
Chris & Nicole Graves
Ken & Tomoko Hatae
Dora Hsu
JJ & Michelle Jongkind
Eric & Janet Louie
Prakash & Kathy Mansukhani
Jill Masuda
Yogi & Tiffany Matharu
PV Peninsula Test Prep & Tutoring
John & Tina Quinn
Linda Shu
Mark & Debbie Simpkins
The Suppelsa Family
Judy Law Torok
Bin Cao & S. Wang Family
Michael & Meagan Webb
 
Friends
John & Jean Baskovich
Elite Educational Services
Liz Gibson
Eugene Lee
Lucas Family

PARENTS OF ATHLETES!
Join us this week at the Athletic Booster Club Meeting! Wednesday, February 1, 7:00-8:30 pm. Hear about our teams, our athletes, and learn about the upcoming A Black & Gold Affaire! Community Room S22. Coffee and refreshments provided!
 
MAKE A DIFFERENCE - JOIN THE ABC TODAY!
It's easy to join, visit www.pvphsabc.com

 If you missed this week's Sports Update 
you can read it here


SUPERSHOT
Thank you to the Watts Family for continuing to sponsor Supershot.  At the PV Pen Game on Tuesday, Mr. Farrell and Mr. Wanmer showed their shooting skills and earned $1,800 for Pen High sports!


Contact Associate Principal Farrell  farrellm@pvpusd.net

It's Almost Scheduling Time!
Students will be submitting their course requests for 2017-2018 starting on February 13 using their student Aeries Portal.  Information about the course selection process will be mailed home during the week of February 6.   Students must have their own Aeries account to select classes; they cannot use the parent account . Parent accounts can only view the course requests.

Students can access the Aeries portal through the school website, pvphs.com by clicking on AERIES at the top of the homepage.  

If you do not have a student Aeries account please send an email to Deirdre Heimer, Registrar at  heimerd@pvpusd.net. Your e mail must contain the student's full name, birth date, grade, and email address. Please note that the student is requesting an Aeries account.  Once the Registrar links your email to Aeries, you will receive an email from help@pvpusd.net with the temporary password to access your account. Be sure to check your spam or junk folder if you do not receive the email.

Questions on what classes you should take next year?  
Counselors will begin meeting with individual students as follows:
  • Juniors: February 27 - March 10 during English classes
  • Sophomores: February and March during individual Sophomore counseling appointments
  • Freshman: March 13-24 during English class
Attention Juniors:
Are you interested in Interning with Boeing this summer?  If so, the Boeing Rep will be on campus Wednesday, February 22nd at 5pm in the PAC to go over the Boeing Summer Internship Program.  If you are interested in majoring in or a career in Engineering, Technology, Science, Math and/or Computer Programming the Boeing Summer Internship is a wonderful opportunity. 
Please join us February 22nd to hear all about this amazing program. Parents are also welcome to attend.
                  
Contact Mrs. Lewallen  lewallent@pvpusd.net
Visit the CCC Website

COLLEGE ADMISSIONS TESTING INFORMATION NIGHT Sophomore Families  - please mark your calendars and plan to attend this informative presentation on Tuesday, Feb. 7th at 6:30pm in the PAC.  Questions? Contact Terri Lewallen: lewallent@pvpusd.net
 
The annual Remember the Titans 
golf tournament is coming up on March 6


 Follow Pen High on the following official sites

                 @CressPenhi

                 @pvphsasb

                 @pvphszoo

                 @pvphs_panthers

                 @pvphs_athletics

           
Have a great week!tracks 
 
 
Mitzi Cress
Principal