STAFF TRAINING

Last Monday, August 20, the entire district, both classified and certificated personnel, participated in an emergency preparedness training session. The professional development included a simulated threat on campus drill involving representatives from Lomita Sheriff and the surrounding area. The activity allowed for PVPUSD employees to practice the Run-Hide-Fight protocol while also experience what it may feel like in a real emergency. The drill was followed by a workshop put on by Los Angeles County Fire on how to treat wounds in in an emergency situation. As much as we all wish we did not have to prepare for these types of incidents, I do feel that it is important to embrace the opportunity to practice and be informed if something were to happen. 

 
On Tuesday, August 21, we spent time as a faculty discussing school culture and how to improve an already great school. Phil Boyte, creator of Link Crew and Breaking Down the Walls, led a workshop focused on the importance of building relationships and the benefit of connecting with one another. Thank you to our PTSA for providing us with a delicious lunch. It was a great kick-off for the faculty to what will be an amazing year.

NEW FACES AT PENINSULA

Francisco Aguirre - Math Teacher

Francisco Aguirre received his BS in Math at CSUDH, and most recently earned his Single Subject Credential at CSULB. During his time at Dominguez Hills, he served as a math tutor for the LSAMP and FUSE Programs. While Mr. Aguirre is relatively new to education, he has over 20 years experience working with children/students across several professions, including Camp Counselor/Director and High School/Club Volleyball Coach. When not working hard as an educator, he spends time with his son, Connor, and twin daughters, Olivia and Isabella.

Linda Bell - Science Teacher

As a graduate of Palos Verdes Peninsula High (Class of 1999), Linda Bell is returning to teach Science. She brings a wealth of educational experience, teaching expertise, and passion to develop the future of students. At Duke University (Class of 2003), she double majored in Biology and Women's Studies, and minored in Chemistry. She also holds a Master of Education from Harvard University (Class of 2006). She is an active alumna, admissions interviewer, and ambassador for both Duke and Harvard Universities. For the past 15 years, Linda has been serving the communities in the South Bay as an Education Consultant and College Counselor. She enjoys scuba diving, traveling, real estate, business development, gardening, culinary and fine arts.  Linda lives in Palos Verdes with her husband and 6 year old daughter, a 1st grader at Lunada Bay Elementary. 

Stephen Biggerstaff - Campus Supervisor

After spending almost two decades away from Pen High, Stephen Biggerstaff often found himself drifting back to happy memories at Peninsula High School. He left his position at Pen in 2002 to pursue a career in the LA County Probation Department, followed by marrying his beautiful wife Christina and starting a family. Over the years he dreamed of one day returning to such a great positive environment. He loved the staff then, and many of those same faces are still here to greet him as if it were yesterday. He is excited for the opportunity to be back home and can't wait to meet and befriend all of the staff and students.

John Buda - Math Teacher

John Buda has been a part of the Panther family since he was a freshman here in 2009. After graduating with the Pen High Class of 2013, he went to on to earn his Bachelor of Arts in mathematics with a minor in secondary education at Loyola Marymount University (Go Lions!). He is thrilled to return to Peninsula after serving as a long-term substitute teacher last semester, and he hopes to impart to his students the same mathematical knowledge and love of learning he has.

Goldie Chan - Counselor

Goldie Chan was born and raised in the San Gabriel Valley. She studied Psychology and Sociology at UC Irvine and attended University of San Diego for graduate studies in Counseling. Since then she has worked at Alhambra and Palo Alto Unified School Districts as a school counselor. She is excited to be back in Southern California to be closer to friends and family, and excited to join the Panther family!

Mariana Donahoe - Spanish Teacher

Mariana Donahoe is from Argentina and moved to the U.S. when she was 16. She studied Behavioral Science at Cal Poly Pomona, and went to USC for graduate school. She has been teaching at Soleado Elementary for the last ten years. She is excited to work with the students at Peninsula and looks forward to a fun year.

Alexandra Sokoloff - Student Support Specialist

Alexandra (Ally) Sokoloff is an Associate Clinical Social Worker. Her educational background includes a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Social Work from Southeastern University in Lakeland, Florida. She graduated in May 2018 and relocated to California from Florida. She is excited to be a part of the Peninsula High School community and looks forward to helping students with the challenges they may face. 

ATTENDANCE PRECEDURES

Parents / guardians should notify the Attendance Office as soon as possible when a student is absent. The office message machine can be reached by calling 310-377-4888 and choosing option 1 from the menu OR you may contact our attendance clerks directly by phone or email:

Students with last names A - L

Denise Ball: 310-377-4888 x682    [email protected]

Students with last names M - Z

Bonnie Keilbach: 310-377-4888 x681    [email protected]

If a student needs to leave school during the day for an appointment, a parent should notify the Attendance Office in advance by phone, email or handwritten note. The student must then stop by the Attendance Office to pick up an off campus slip before leaving the campus.

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.

BACK TO SCHOOL DANCE

The "Back to School" dance will be in the PVPHS Gym on Friday, September 7th from 7pm until 10pm. Tickets can be purchased in the Student Store for $18 with ASB, $20 without. 

START A CLUB

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 Friday, September 14th 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.

CALIFORNIA SCHOLARSHIP FEDERATION

California Scholarship Federation (CSF) begins their fall collection tomorrow, August 27th, accepting applications (available in the Hawthorne Office and H65) during lunch only in H65. The collection period ends on September 6th at 12:47 p.m. Freshmen may not apply for membership as membership is based upon last semester's high school 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 list but think you should be. Cost of membership is $20.00 per semester. 

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 [email protected] or by stopping by H65.

NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY

Juniors and seniors who have a cumulative GPA of 3.65 or higher (check eligibility list outside of S10) and are interested in applying for membership in the National Honor Society must attend a MANDATORY information meeting in the Gym this Wednesday evening, August 29th at 6:00 p.m.  Any questions, please see adviser, Mrs. Borstel in S10. You may also email her at [email protected].

All PVPHS families are encouraged to become members of the PVPHS Athletic Booster Club (ABC). ABC is a major source of funds for Peninsula High's athletic programs. This membership supports all athletic teams by helping to fund athletic facilities, field upgrade, and salaries for our athletic trainers! It's easy to join! Visit www.pvphsabc.com today and click on the Join Now Online! link.

Please RSVP at www.pvphsabc.com

VARSITY SPORTS COMPETITIONS ON CAMPUS THIS  WEEK

Girls' Volleyball

Tuesday @ 4:30pm vs Torrance