BRANSON BULLETIN • CAMPUS NEWS • OCTOBER 19, 2017
Join us Saturday for Homecoming football game starting at 1 pm.
NEED TO KNOW
Directory Change

Olivia Rosenlund, '20
New email for Lisa Rosenlund lhrosenlund@gmail.com
Photo Retake Day   
   
Students who weren't able to have their photos taken on the original Photo Day have another chance on November 8 from 8:00 am - 2:00 pm. Only your smile is required. Any questions, please contact Ms. Riley at (415) 454-3612, ext. 200.
Adding Students to Our Text/Call Notification System

Currently only parents, faculty, and staff are part of the text and voicemail system through which we announce school closures, early dismissals, and emergencies. We would like to add students, but to do so, we need to collect their cell phone numbers. Soon we will send out a form to students, asking them to give us their numbers to opt in to receiving messages. Doing so is not required, but it is recommended.
SCHOOL NEWS
Girls Volleyball Featured in Marin IJ

"Branson tops Redwood in possible playoff preview" is the headline of a Marin IJ article published yesterday. Read the story here.
Welcome to Mandarin Teacher Yuxiang Wang

On Monday, we welcomed Yuxiang Wang, who will be taking over Shu-Chen's classes while she is on maternity leave. He is a very accomplished linguist and holds a Ph.D. in linguistics from UC Davis, where he also teaches.
UPCOMING EVENTS
TONIGHT! Parent Education Event at COM
October 19, 2017 from 7 to 8:30 pm at the College of Marin - James Dunn Auditorium 

Just a reminder that we still have space for you to attend today's parent education event How to Have an Imperfect Family and Be Perfectly Satisfied   with renowned author and psychologist Dr. Brad Sachs, Ph.D., at the College of Marin James Dunn Auditorium.

Please note parking restrictions:
Permits will not be required after 6:30 pm. Attendees wishing to come earlier, will need a daily permit for $4, or park in lot 12 (free after 5 pm every day). The only parking lot that is still staff only after 5 pm is lot 5 off of College Ave. (behind Learning Center), so please do not park there. 
Our friends from Book Passage will be on hand to sell Dr. Sachs' books before and after the event, and Dr. Sachs will be available for book signing. So please plan accordingly.
The Play! The Play!
High School Musical Coming to Branson's Stage

Disney Channel’s smash hit musical comes to life on Branson's stage. High School Musical began as a made-for-television movie. It quickly became one of the most watched events in TV history. In 2006, the show swept through the awards season, winning an Emmy, Teen Choice, American Music, TV Critics, and Billboards Music Awards.

Performance Dates:
November 2, 2017 at 4:00 pm
November 3, 2017 at 7:00 pm
November 4, 2017 at 7:00 pm


Synopsis: It’s the first day after winter break at East High. The Jocks, Brainiacs, Thespians and Skater Dudes find their cliques, recount their vacations, and look forward to the new year. When basketball team captain and resident jock Troy and the new girl Gabriella decide to audition for the high school musical, they upset the delicate social balance. Now the students of East High find themselves not only dealing with issues of first love, friends, and family while balancing their classes and extra curricular activities but also how this shift will alter how they struggle to live up to the expectations placed on them by their friends and family while still following their own unique dreams. Together they learn about acceptance, teamwork, and being themselves.
Homecoming Game is Saturday, October 21

This Saturday's football game vs. Stuart Hall at 1 pm is Homecoming for our alumni, some of whom will have been on campus already with their kids at Alumni Family Fun Day. Come join the fun!
Spirit Wear Available at the Homecoming Game

Show your Branson Pride at Saturday’s Homecoming Game. Spirit Wear will be on sale starting at 12:30 pm in front of the gym. We have all of your favorite items back in stock and NEW baseball caps. Charge to your Branson account or checks/cash only. Go Bulls!
CALENDAR
OCTOBER 19 - Parent Education Event with Dr. Brad Sachs
College of Marin - James Dunn Auditorium, 7 - 8:30 pm 

OCTOBER 20 -   Parent Field Trip to Parent Ed Talk
Memorial Auditorium at Stanford University, 7:30 - 9:00 pm

OCTOBER 21 - Alumni Family Fun Day
Quad, 11 am - 1 pm

OCTOBER 21- Football Homecoming Game
Tom Ryan Field, 1 pm

OCTOBER 23 - Winter Sports Orientation 
The Commons, 6:00 - 7:00 pm

NOVEMBER 2 - High School Musical
Jewett Theater, 4:00 pm

NOVEMBER 3 - High School Musical
Jewett Theater, 7:00 pm

NOVEMBER 4 - High School Musical
Jewett Theater, 7:00 pm

The dates listed above represent only the next two weeks.
MESSAGE FROM MEREDITH
Branson Partners with CAIS and Panorama to Launch Exciting New Pilot
by Meredith Herrera, Dean of Student Life & Inclusion and Senior Class Dean

Branson will be a part of a new California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS) pilot program designed measure social emotional learning. Students will take two surveys that assess capacities like mindset, sense of belonging, self-efficacy, and persistence. As we think about ways to support student competencies both in and out of the classroom, this benchmark data will give us valuable feedback in an area where valid assessment instruments are tricky to find.

Branson Graduation Questions Answered
 
The information in the Senior Graduation FAQ addresses many of the questions that come our way, and we hope you will find it to be a useful resource. If you have additional questions that are not addressed here, please feel free to reach out to Meredith or your class reps.
SPOTLIGHT ON CLASSES
Rock and Roll Forever Foundation Rep Visits Jeff Symond's Class

Joshua Zarbo, project manager for the Rock and Roll Forever Foundation, came to campus and spoke to Jeff Symonds ’ class about the collaborative process and his path through the music industry. The Foundation, established by Steven Van Zandt of the E Street Band, has a national middle and high school curriculum initiative, TeachRock , and Jeff’s class is producing a documentary for the organization this year that will eventually be housed on their website. Joshua was also bassist in the band Spoon for ten years, and he and Jeff traded touring stories and their opinions about bands and songs from the 1980s. The students asked a series of thoughtful and sometimes very funny questions.
SPOTLIGHT ON DIVERSITY
POCIS Workshop Held at Branson

On Monday, October 16, Branson hosted a People of Color in Independent Schools (POCIS) workshop called "Building Our Awareness, Building Their Capacity: Culturally Responsive Teaching & The Brain.” The workshop was designed to “support teachers in the practice of engaging, inspiring and retaining students from all walks of life by creating environments that are safe for learning.” Teachers/Deans Jorge Rodriguez and Sabrina Wilson are members of the POCIS Board.
OPPORTUNITIES
Nicaragua - Cultural Immersion and Service Trip

Along with trip leaders  Sergio Ovalles  and  Madison Pulliam , students can participate in a cultural immersion and service trip to Nicaragua led by Viviendas   León   during February break. Branson has had a three-year relationship with Viviendas León, and students will have the opportunity not only to work on their Spanish but also to immerse themselves in Nicaraguan life by living with a family, working on a service project, and continuing an ongoing relationship with Nicaraguan families. Sergio says, "This trip is a transformative experience, and I can't wait to share it with Branson students."

The deadline to sign up for the trip is November 1!
PARENT TO PARENT (PA)
CLASS OF 2018: ORDER SENIOR CONGRATULATIONS ADS NOW
Celebrate your graduating senior with a tribute that will last a lifetime!

Purchasing a senior congratulatory ad lets you include pictures and a message to create your child's own special page in their senior yearbook.  Click here   to view some previously created pages.

Please purchase a half-page or full-page ad (see link below) before  October 16, 2017.
Thank you for supporting the Branson yearbook by creating a page for your graduate!

Earning Easy Money for Branson through eScrip

Did you know that you can help raise money for our school just by registering your debit/credit cards with eScrip? It is that easy! Parents, grandparents, friends and neighbors can register their cards with eScrip anywhere in the United States and our school benefits.  All money raised will go directly to Branson's community engagement program.

Here's How it Works
  • You register (www.escrip.com) any or all of your existing grocery loyalty, debit and credit cards for use in the program. Enter Group Name (Branson). Enter your name, address, phone, and email address.
  • Participating merchants make contributions to Branson based on your purchases. Every time you shop at the 3000+ merchant locations or eat at participating restaurants with your registered debit/credit card, our school receives up to 8% of your purchase amount, at no cost to you! 
  • Your purchases are tracked and available to you online, allowing you to see just how much you are earning on your child's behalf!
  • You can also shop through the eScrip online mall and merchants donate up to 16% of your purchases to our school.

Have more questions? Click here to see a Q & A about eScrip on our webpage.
Tomorrow! Parent Field Trip to Hear Talk on Raising Resilient Children
by Germana Fabbri and Liz Marks

We all recognize that “ raising resilient children and teens who thrive in our rapidly changing and uncertain world is no small task .” As such, the PA invites you  to be our guest  to hear Dr. Madeline Levine, Dr. Kenneth Ginsburg, and Dr. Denise Pope discuss why it matters to foster resilience in our teens.

Please join us on our parent field trip  Friday, October 20, 2017 from 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm  in the Memorial Auditorium at Stanford University.

The PA will pay for your ticket so please RSVP to:  germana@comcast.net  as soon as you know you are able to attend and  by October 13, 2017  at the latest. You do not need to purchase tickets separately. For more information about the event, please  see this link   or  download the flyer.

Carpools are leaving from Branson campus at 5:00 pm, and we will happily arrange carpools for parents who may want to drive from San Francisco or the East Bay. Plan on an evening of learning and fun with fellow Branson parents, as we are all together on the journey of raising our children!
THE BLAZER CONNECTION
The Blazer: Branson's Student Newspaper

In this section, we will provide links to articles published in The Blazer, Branson's student newspaper. Here are the first two.

Sustainable Seas Monitoring Review by Andrew Cunningham


COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Sustainable Seas Monitoring Event This Saturday, October 21

Please join us for the Sustainable Seas fall monitoring event on Saturday, October 21!! The tides have given us a late afternoon time slot, so we will be leaving Branson at 4:30 pm and gathering our data until sunset at Duxbury Reef, returning about 8:00 pm. 

Please be sure to have done the flex block trainings (two more offered this week). Please sign up here for TWO training sessions (part 1 and part 2) that will be held during upcoming flex blocks in TSC 2.

To participate in the October 21 monitoring, sign up by emailing  Kathy Soave  to reserve your spot and look for a response email with the final instructions! All students who love the ocean and are eager to participate as stewards of our beaches are welcome!
Organizing Fire Relief Efforts

The wildfires in Sonoma, Napa, Mendocino, Lake, and Butte counties shocked our school community. Branson families, staff, and alums have reached out to each other and to those affected to provide support and help where they can. The students have been especially eager to support those affected. A group of students gathered on Monday with Liz Siarny and Rebecca Houser to develop a school-wide relief effort. They invite students and families to participate in their efforts to send school supplies to the Rincon Valley Union School District and Bay Marin and monetary donations to the Marin Humane Society.

We will be holding a school-wide backpack and school supply drive from today until October 31. Students are encouraged to bring in a new backpack or a few new school supplies (see list below). Additionally, we will be holding a backpack-supply kit-making table at Alumni Family Fun Day on October 21, from 11 am to 1 pm and invite all who attend to bring new school supply items. 

If you are planning on attending the Branson v. Stuart Hall football game on Saturday, October 21, please bring some new school supplies to donate. 

Hope you can show your support for both our Branson community and those affected by the fires! 

· Erasers
· Pencils and pens (colored and regular)
· Paper - graph and regular
· Composition, spiral and Mead notebooks
· Pencil sharpeners and boxes/bags
· Lunch boxes for little and big kids
· Sharpies & pens (all colors)
· Glue sticks
· One inch binders
· Markers & small scissors

Thank you!
Relief Fund for Rincon Valley Has Personal Ties
by Ellie Evers

Rincon Valley Union School District's Foundation, (where I went to school K-6th grade and my mom, Cynthia Branson '73, is a board member) is doing a major fundraiser for all the families, teachers, and administrators that have been affected by the wildfires.

Unlike Gofundme or other sites, 100% of your donation goes directly to this cause.

The Rincon Valley Education Foundation (RVEF) has set up the Rincon Valley Fire Relief Fund for cash donations. If you would like to make a donation, you can access the Relief Fund here.

Thank you.
SHOW ME THE BRANSON!
LOVE - The first of four core values we believe embody the Spirit of Branson.”
Tom Fischer and Cyndi Devereaux, Annual Fund Co-Chairs
Show Your Branson Love by Giving to the Annual Fund

  1. Email your pledge to hayley_burner@branson.org (pledge payments due June 1, 2018)
  2. Make A Gift Online
  3. Write a check payable to Branson and send to: Business Office, PO Box 887, Ross, CA 94957
  4. Text: 24700 Message: Branson2017 

“I love students’ enthusiasm, the fact that they love learning. Everybody here is so genuinely interested in what other people are doing, at seeing everyone succeed, and in helping to be part of it.” - Kathy Soave, Science Chair
BULLhorn NEWS
GIRLS VARSITY GOLF
Girls Golf Waits for Smoke to Clear to Play at MCALs

For the first time in recent history, the Lady Bulls earned their spot to compete at the season-ending MCAL Tournament by having one of the top five records in the league, beating out Drake, Justin-Siena, Marin Catholic and San Marin.  The tournament, originally scheduled for Monday, October 16, was postponed to the following day, Tuesday, October 17 due to unhealthy air quality forecasts at the Indian Valley Golf Course located in Novato.

After a week of suspended play and missed practices due to air quality issues, the girls played 18 holes with poise and consistency. Congratulations to Kirra Peery , who shot the team best 102 and earned her second All-MCAL Second Team honor two years in a row.  Natasha Chandra and Sydney Park both shot 110’s, helping to bring the Branson team total (443) under Novato’s sum (472) for fourth place. First place went to the undefeated Terra Linda Team (396), followed closely by Tam (401), and Redwood (425). 

Great job to all six members of the 2017 varsity golf team:  Kirra Peery, Nadine Lee, Stephanie Wong, Natasha Chandra, Sydney Park and Sydney Pearson.  The MCAL Tournament not only marks the end of the season, but it also marks the end of the Branson golf careers for seniors Kirra, Nadine and Stephanie. Special thanks to these three seniors for their commitment, sportsmanship and irreplaceable camaraderie! And, finally, huge thanks go to Coach Sara Yarmer for her leadership and guidance throughout the entire season.
GIRLS VARSITY TENNIS
Branson Sweeps Terra Linda 9-0

After almost two weeks of smoke-filled air and no tennis, girls varsity returned to regular league play on Wednesday afternoon. Facing the Terra Linda Trojans, the Lady Bulls once again found themselves on their temporary “home” courts at crosstown rival Redwood High--an unusual but convenient arrangement with the COM courts out of commission.

Playing under blue skies and slightly hazy conditions, the Bulls wasted no time in snapping up wins. At #2 singles, senior Abby Ivancevich was quick off the court with a punishing 6-0, 6-1 win driven by a crafty mix of slices and heavy pace. Sophomore Katie Sayers (#6), who was sporting the most colorful socks of the day (blue knee-lengths with spotted red mushrooms), followed shortly thereafter with solid shots and consistent play for a 6-2, 6-2 victory. As for the remainder of the singles ladder, juniors Ella Ratliff (#4), Chelsea Wong (#3), and Alise Pedersen (#1) handily overwhelmed their opponents with strong pace and smart strategy (Chelsea and Alise at 6-0, 6-0 and Ella at 6-2, 6-1). The longest match of the day honors went to junior Grace Herbst (#5). With tough rallies and close scoring, Grace won the first set in a tiebreaker and pushed to a decisive win in the second - final score 7-6, 6-2. 

The doubles teams also dispatched their competitors with relative ease. With strong all-around play, the senior/sophomore combo of Scarlett Bach and Olivia Rosenlund cruised to a 6-0, 6-2 win at #1. Freshmen Alana Talley and Sedona Ward followed suit with good teamwork and a 6-3, 6-0 win at #3. The final match of the day involved the sophomore duo of Kate Lardner and Lillie Lippman (#2). After a rollercoaster first set, Kate and Lillie adjusted their game, driving more hits up the alley and away from their net-loving opponents. The result: a 6-4, 6-2 win.

Good job Bulls! Next stop San Rafael on Thursday for the final regular match of the season. 
GIRLS VARSITY VOLLEYBALL
Bulls Defeat Giants in Three Sets

Due to the poor air quality caused by the North Bay fires, the Bulls had last week’s practices and matches canceled. Last night, with only one practice under their belts in a week, the Lady Bulls traveled to Redwood to continue their perennial rivalry with the Giants and hopefully close out the truncated regular season with one more win.

After the last meeting, in which Branson needed all five sets to come out on top, the Bulls knew they were in for a hard-fought contest. The teams were immediately locked in a see-saw battle, and with the score 18-16, the Bulls got a scare when sophomore hitter Sophie Swett had to be helped off the court after tweaking her ankle. The Bulls rallied after this setback, with sophomore Kelsey Polhemus (11 kills) rattling off consecutive kills, senior setter Amy Wentzel (46 assists and five blocks) putting up a solid block, and junior Lauren Winters serving up an ace to take the first set 25-22.

The Bulls, buoyed by the return of Sophie to the court, kept the momentum going in the second set, starting off with an overpass kill by sophomore Mallory Harrington-Fei . Sophomore Maya Roberts-Burbank , assuming Sophie’s hitting duties, scored a brace of kills. Senior Eva Davis , with her best offensive showing this season, also notched up kills of her own, and the team cruised to a 25-17 second set win.

The third set began promisingly, with Branson’s top hitter, junior Amelia Browne (14 kills 20 digs), pounding an impressive kill. The Bulls faltered a bit midway through the set and fell behind 10-15, but came charging back. Starting off with consecutive double blocks by Amy and Kelsey, Amelia’s continued strong offense, and the defensive prowess of sophomores Abby Stover (16 digs) and Avery Arcuri , they were able to catch the Giants to tie at 18-18. Eva, Amelia, and Mallory added additional kills, and Amelia served up an ace for a 23-23 tie. With the Giants losing their serve, Kelsey provided the crowning touch with a match-ending kill for a 25-23 win.

The Bulls finished the regular season 10-1, and now go in to the league playoffs next week.
Learn More about Mountain Biking Team

For any and all students who may be interested in Joining the Mountain Biking Team:
Come to Winter Sports Orientation night (Monday, 10/23/2017 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm (The Commons)

You will be able to:
  • Meet with some of the riders and the Coach
  • Have all your questions answered
  • Receive your sign-up packet immediately
      
Please note:
  • Mountain Biking is a Spring sport.
  • We practice through the Winter and Spring.
  • We make exceptions for those who play another Winter sport, allowing them to join us, when able.

TWO OPTIONS:

1. CLUB RIDES
There is a Mountain Bike Club ride planned for most weeks, either on Friday or a weekend day. This is s student-led non-structured ride with no adult supervision. Please contact Nik Koehne for more information about these club rides. Niklas_Koehn e, Joshua Selig, or Camille Pon . (No sign-ups necessary)

2. TEAM
For riders who want to commit to riding, (structured training) with the team regularly, 3-4 days a week, Dec- May, and possibly racing in the Spring.

  • We want to grow our team because the more, the merrier!
  • We have tons of fun while doing the following:
  • Making a breeze by pedaling our bikes
  • Viewing the bay area from fire trails high above campus
  • Developing camaraderie with each other
  • Spotting nature, such as hawks, salamanders and turtles
  • Getting strong by doing hard workouts
  • Laughing and smiling while rolling along

No try-outs necessary; Everyone welcome. We teach the necessary skills. Can help with loaner bikes if you don't have one.

Our riders report that they gain so much pride and self respect completing our (gradually more) tough rides and develop character by overcoming doubt and difficulty, learning more about themselves as the season progresses. It's super fun, too! Give it a try.

Coach Adam and the MTB Team
P.S. If you are interested, but cannot make the date, please call me to have all your questions answered.
Adam 415-246-7836