| PTSA Newsletter | October 2011 | Volume 10, Issue II |
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Dear Sea Kings: It has been a tremendous start to our school year. Not only have our students asserted themselves as academic superstars, but they have shown what it truly means to be a well rounded individual. At PVHS, we strive to instill life lessons in our students, more important than the content knowledge in the state standards, the lessons of strong morals, work ethic and compassion to others are the real lessons we want our students to take to their next stage of life, no matter what stage that may be. The programs and events of the first few weeks of school have not only made progress towards creating a welcoming and friendly environment on campus, but have also succeeded in getting most students off to a terrific start to school. With programs such as Link Crew and Freshman Retreat, PVHS has started to create a culture that seeks to be inclusive, not exclusive. A culture that pushes every student to reach their full potential and that supports them both academically and emotionally along that path. Two upcoming events, brought to PVHS students with the generous donations of our PTSA and Booster Club seek to assist students in their post high school lives and to learn valuable lessons about getting along with one another and reaching out to help each other. College Day helps PVHS to build a strong college going culture. In the first week of school, I asked each freshman to set their goals and that one of those goals should be to go to college. All of our students are more than capable of attaining this goal and College Day is one of many supports that our students have to assist them in meeting that goal. PVHS students have the resources, teachers and parent support to make a college degree not only a goal, but an expectation. On October 12, the entire PVHS staff and student body will engage in a series of activities that support a college going culture and equip them with the tools necessary to reach their goals. On October 18, 19 and 20, PVHS will host Challenge Day. Challenge Day is a program created to build connection and empathy, and to fulfill our vision that every child lives in a world where they feel safe, loved, and celebrated. Challenge Day is more than a one-day program. It is the spark that ignites a movement of compassion and positive change, known as the “Be the Change Movement.” Challenge Day provides powerful one-day, 6 1/2-hour Challenge Day program designed for 100 students. Our administrative team will work to ensure that the Challenge Day message is not just a onetime assembly, but that it is theme throughout our school and a part of our culture going forward. Ultimately, it is our desire that the lessons learned through Challenge Day will carry forward with students for the rest of their lives. We are incredibly proud of our students and staff at PVHS. Together, we have created a school that is exciting, energetic and fun. At the same time, we have proven that our students are successful in the classroom, on the fields and any other arena in which they pursue their passion. As always, I welcome your feedback and I hope that you take an active role in making PVHS the best school possible. Nick Stephany, Ed.D.
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Reserve Halloween costumes! The Costume Closet is your source of costumes for Halloween, themed parties, special events as well as book reports, historical representations and other school projects. Regular operating hours are: These are the Costume Closet Halloween Hours: October 17- 22 Mon.- Sat. 10:00a.m.-6:00 p.m. Please remember that the Costume Closet accepts CASH and CHECKS ONLY. There is a deposit fee and a rental fee so you may want to bring at least one check for the deposit. Two checks are preferred! We are located at 300 “D” Paseo Del Mar, Palos Verdes Estates. Funds raised through the rental of costumes benefit the Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District via the PTA/PTSA units! The Costume Closet is a project of the PVP Council of PTAs.
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Unleash your artistic talents and send in your entry NOW! There are 6 categories to choose from - Visual Arts, Music, Dance/Choreography, Photography, Literature, and Film/Video. For entry forms and more details, see CAPTA.org Certificates of participation and awards will be given. A Reflections award will enhance your college applications! For more information contact the Reflection Co-chairs:
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College Day is October 12 By Teri Kuwahara, Director of the College & Career Center The 2nd Annual College Day will be held on Wednesday, October 12. All grades will participate and it will be a regular school day. The format will follow the success of College Day initiated in 2010 as a way to support the college-bound culture at Palos Verdes High School. All Freshmen and Sophomores will take preparatory versions of the ACT college admission test EXPLORE and PLAN, respectively. These tests are grade curriculum appropriate and are measurements of college readiness. Both tests also include a career profile assessment. The results of these tests will be returned to students in January with “give-back” sessions held in the College & Career Center, schedule to be announced when test results are returned. Cumulative test All Juniors will take the PSAT/NMSQT test. The PSAT is a practice test for the SAT college admission test. When taken in junior year, the scores for the PSAT/NMSQT are considered for National Merit Scholarship qualification. For more information on the National Merit Scholarship program, look on our school website under Counseling/CCC > College Admission Tests or go to: https://www.nationalmerit.org . The PSAT/NMSAT is administered through high schools and College Board throughout the nation on the third Wednesday or Saturday in October. In general, the PSAT/NMSQT is administered in public schools on a Saturday. Through the All colleges will accept either the ACT or SAT for college admission consideration. By administering the EXPLORE, PLAN and PSAT at Palos Verdes High, students will have preliminary exposure to both tests in an abbreviated practice format. By the time students take their “real” college admission test in the spring of their Junior year, they will be better prepared to choose the test they prefer. All fees for these tests are paid by PVHS PTSA and Booster Club. There is no cost to our students. For more information on EXPLORE, PLAN, PSAT/NMSQT go to our school website: pvhigh.com and look under Counseling/CC > College Admission Testing. While Freshmen, Sophomores and Juniors are taking tests, all Seniors will attend workshops on different topics related to college admission and applications. Kevin McMullin returns as our keynote speaker bringing his motivational message on having a successful senior year and shares his expertise on college essay writing. Other workshops include UC Application Tips, UC Seniors selected their workshop choices during Senior Conferences in September.
College Day Schedule 8:00 All Freshmen, Sophomores and Juniors report to their assigned testing room. All students testing should bring a calculator and two #2 pencils with erasers. It is also suggested they bring a bottle of water and a snack. Cell phones are not permitted during testing and should be left in the "off" mode in backpacks. The success of College Day is also dependent on volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering all morning, specifically between 9:00 and 11:30 a.m., please contact the College & Career Center (310) 378-8471 x 618 or 347. |
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COLLEGE ADMISSION TEST PREPARATION Teri Kuwahara, Director of the College & Career Center It is the policy of PVHS and the College & Career Center not to endorse any test preparation course or company. However, test preparation companies who work with Palos Verdes students have the opportunity to have a link to their websites on our school website. A page with links to test preparation companies and courses is found at: https://pvhigh.com/C_CCC/CCC_test_prep.html (under Counseling/CCC > college admission tests > test preparation) There are many test preparation companies who use the PVHS facility to conduct their classes. Prep courses vary from group to private and different fees. If a student/family chooses to look at test preparation for SAT, at PVHS, we recommend all families “shop around” and find the course that best suits their schedule and budget. At Palos Verdes High School we offer free test preparation in Naviance for SAT and ACT. The Method Test Prep 2.0 is an easy-to-use self preparation with practice tests, quizzes and full length tests. It includes a vocabulary builder with electronic flashcards and math tutorials, complete with videos explaining how to solve a missed question. Last July, I attended the Naviance Summer Institute near Austin, Texas, with Trista Ramirez. There, I attended a workshop on Method Test prep and discovered some of the features they added to their new upgraded version.
Seniors should check with the colleges they intend to apply for their testing deadlines as they may vary. Most colleges will accept November and/or December test scores. If you have any questions about Method Test Prep or Naviance, please contact me in the CCC. |
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AVID STUDENTS TRAVEL TO COLORADO
The always popular destination University of Colorado at Boulder did not disappoint the students. The campus, variety of programs, BIG 12 Conference football/athletics and an enthusiastic student tour guide convinced our students (myself included) that Colorado University was a great place to be. By the end of the day, many students were already sporting “Buffs” sweatshirts and knew the name of their buffalo mascot “Ralphie”. Former PVHS students came to greet their friends and share their experiences and love for the campus. More information may be found on Naviance and the CU website. About one hour away from Boulder, away from Denver, is Colorado State University at Fort Collins. Adjacent to the Rocky Mountain National Park, the campus has a more rural feel with expansive green areas set against picturesque mountains. Students were delighted to point out a red fox roaming on a nearby field as students walked along a nearby path. CSU Fort Collins was an original land grant college established by President Abraham Lincoln. One of their premier programs is their Veterinary Medicine. Not knowing much about the University of Denver other than two of their more famous contemporary alumna are former Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice and Olympic ice skater Michelle Kwan, I was very impressed with its “collegiate” appearance with historic buildings, golden spires and domes, that gives the college a traditional feel to it. Our group arrived by light-rail train, a short 10 minute ride from downtown Denver that gives students easy access to sporting events (Broncos, Rockies), museums, concerts, internships, shopping and dining. The University of Denver is also proud of their championship Lacrosse team, Olympic size swimming pool and ice rink. The one feature that all schools noted were proximity to the mountains for hiking, biking, skiing, snowboarding and climbing AND 300 days of sunshine each year. We caught just so happened to visit on two of the other 65 days. I have to thank Jim Whalen and the AVID program for letting me accompany the group to Colorado. I can see the appeal and lure of Colorado colleges. Denver is an easy plane ride. As you can see by our statistics, they are very academically competitive universities, offering and excellent educational experience. All three of these colleges will visit PVHS this fall. If you would like to meet our Southern California Admission Representative, please sign up and attend their information session on campus. |
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Library News
HELP NEEDED IN THE LIBRARY $$$$$: Thank You, parents, for your Gifting to the PVHS Library during Registration; however, we are short on funds! The library is hoping to raise $3,000 more in donations to maintain funding for the library program. No budget for library resources is provided by the district or state, so resources for our PVHS library are purchased only with PTSA and Booster Club donations. In order to continue providing our PVHS students with electronic databases for research and school assignments, as well as acquiring print materials (books, magazines) and purchasing materials for library-related programming, we’re asking our parents for more help! Please consider a donation $$$ in any amount to help us reach our goal. You can send your donation directly to the school library or to the PTSA but designate that it is Library Gifting and the money will go directly to the library budget. Thanks for your support! Aileen Willoughby |
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California Scholarship Federation (CSF)
WHAT IS CSF? The California Scholarship Federation (CSF) is a statewide honor organization that recognizes the academic achievements of high school students. Membership is determined by grades on the previous semester’s report card. Points are assigned to “A” and “B” letter grades. For further information, visit the school Website at www.pvhigh.com, and click on the Academics link. Students are strongly encouraged to apply for membership if they are eligible. SPRING SEALBEARER BANQUET: For the PVHS Senior Sealbearers (to be announced in February 2012), the Senior Sealbearer Banquet has been scheduled for Monday evening, April 16, 2012, at the Torrance Marriott Hotel. This is by invitation only for the family and friends of our Class of 2012 Spring CSF Sealbearers. Aileen Willoughby |
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Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District Measure M On July 28, 2011, the Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District Board of Education voted to place Measure M on the November 8, 2011 Election Ballot. The ballot statement reads as follows: Without increasing existing taxes and to protect the quality of education and promote student achievement shall Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District extend the existing school parcel taxes to fund advanced programs in math, science and technology, keep classroom technology up-to-date, attract and retain highly qualified teachers, and maintain manageable class sizes, with an exemption for seniors, a cost of living adjustment for inflation, with all money staying in our community to benefit local schools? What You Need to Know About Measure M: Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District schools have experienced sharp declines in state funding which may get worse with the current budget crisis. As the state has reduced support over the past few years for public schools, Palos Verdes Peninsula voters have approved previous parcel tax measures in the past to address these concerns. This stable source of funding along with the generous support of the Peninsula Education Foundation, PTAs, and Booster Clubs has helped achieve excellence in our neighborhood schools despite unpredictable and inadequate state funding. Due solely to state cutbacks in education funding, the District has lost $25 million in funding over a four-year period and is today still facing over $8 million in additional cuts. Passage of Measure M will address these funding problems. Measure M will preserve:
Funds can only be used for programs approved by the voters. An independent Citizens’ Oversight Committee will oversee the expenditures and ensure funds are spent as promised. Measure M funds must be spent locally to benefit Palos Verdes Peninsula children. No funds from the parcel tax can be used for administrative salaries. All money raised by Measure M stays in our community. Good schools are the foundation of a quality community. Good schools protect property values and contribute to our high quality of life. Maintenance of our exemplary school programs is an investment in our community. Ballots arrive the week of October 10, 2011. Election Day is November 8, 2011. The last day to register to vote in this election is October 24, 2011. If you have questions and/or feedback about the district budget and/or programs, please contact Walker Williams, Superintendent, Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District at:supt@pvpusd.k12.ca.us. Frequently Asked Questions What is Measure M? Measure M is a local school measure placed on the November 8, 2011 Ballot by the Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District Board of Education on July 28, 2011. It will combine and extend two existing parcel tax measures protecting over $7 million a year in critical, local education funding. What programs will Measure M funds support? Measure M will continue to provide ongoing, local funding to preserve:
Why is Measure M needed? Due to continued uncertainty and previous reductions in state funding, the district has been forced to reduce the number of instructional days and teacher positions. Over a four-year period, our schools have lost $25 million in state support. Class sizes at all levels have increased, support staff has been eliminated, maintenance staff has been reduced and the use of technology curtailed. Measure M will protect the stable local funding needed to help maintain a quality education in our neighborhood schools. What will happen if Measure M does not pass? Measure M won’t solve all the problems created by the State budget crisis, but it will help limit the most devastating cuts to classrooms and instruction. Without Measure M, the equivalent of over 90 teachers, counselors, nurses, school site leaders and support staff will be cut; class sizes at all levels and in all subject areas will increase; extracurricular activities and athletic opportunity will be reduced or eliminated; and textbooks and instructional technology would not be kept current. Can the District make cuts to administration or teachers? The District has already made significant cuts to programs, teachers, and administration and is operating on a lean budget. The District has issued layoff notices each of the past four years. Salaries for top administrative positions have been reduced and the School Board has agreed to not accept a monthly stipend (as allowed by state law) and freeze their health benefits. I don’t have children in the schools. How will Measure M benefit me? Families move here for the quality schools. This demand for our homes has helped prevent the type of decrease in property values seen in other neighborhoods. Good schools protect property values! How can I be sure Measure M funds will be spent properly? An independent Citizens’ Oversight Committee will oversee the Measure M expenditures and ensure they are spent as voters intended. By law, Measure M funds can only be spent as described in the measure. Funds cannot be spent on administrator salaries or be taken away by the State. Is there an exemption available for seniors? Yes. To ensure the cost of Measure M is not a burden to those living on a fixed income, seniors age 65 and older can apply to be exempt from the cost of Measure M. How much will Measure M cost? Measure M will not increase the tax rate and will continue to cost $374 per parcel per year. It will provide for an annual adjustment for inflation capped at the CPI. Don’t we already have a parcel tax? Since 2003, over two-thirds of local voters have supported Measure P (2003 and renewed in 2007) and Measure V (2009) - school parcel taxes that provide stable local funding for PVPUSD. Measure M will combine these two taxes in to one simple, uniform tax. Will Eastview or other out-of-district families pay for Measure M? What about Measures R & S? In 2005, over two-thirds of local voters approved Measures R & S, local school bond measures to support facility upgrades at schools within our district. Measures R & S funds can only support facility projects as specified in the measure. By law, Measures R & S funds cannot be spent on teachers or programs. Who will vote on Measure M? All registered voters who live within the Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District are eligible to vote on Measure M. To pass, Measure M must receive at least 66.7% support from those who vote on Measure M on or before November 8, 2011. What important dates do I need to remember?
Who do I contact about District budget issues? If you have questions and/or feedback about the district budget and/or programs, please contact Walker Williams, Superintendent, Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District at: supt@pvpusd.k12.ca.us. How can I be sure Measure M funds will be spent properly? An independent Citizens’ Oversight Committee will oversee the Measure M expenditures and ensure they are spent as voters intended. By law, Measure M funds can only be spent as described in the measure. Funds cannot be spent on administrator salaries or be taken away by the State. Is there an exemption available for seniors? Yes. To ensure the cost of Measure M is not a burden to those living on a fixed income, seniors age 65 and older can apply to be exempt from the cost of Measure M. How much will Measure M cost? Measure M will not increase the tax rate and will continue to cost $374 per parcel per year. It will provide for an annual adjustment for inflation capped at the CPI. Don’t we already have a parcel tax? Since 2003, over two-thirds of local voters have supported Measure P (2003 and renewed in 2007) and Measure V (2009) - school parcel taxes that provide stable local funding for PVPUSD. Measure M will combine these two taxes in to one simple, uniform tax. Will Eastview or other out-of-district families pay for Measure M? What about Measures R & S? In 2005, over two-thirds of local voters approved Measures R & S, local school bond measures to support facility upgrades at schools within our district. Measures R & S funds can only support facility projects as specified in the measure. By law, Measures R & S funds cannot be spent on teachers or programs. Who will vote on Measure M? All registered voters who live within the Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District are eligible to vote on Measure M. To pass, Measure M must receive at least 66.7% support from those who vote on Measure M on or before November 8, 2011. What important dates do I need to remember?
Who do I contact about District budget issues? If you have questions and/or feedback about the district budget and/or programs, please contact Walker Williams, Superintendent, Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District at: supt@pvpusd.k12.ca.us. |
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The fall semester began with a trip to visit Colorado colleges with our AVID students. Teachers Jim Whalen, Alex Morales, Michaele Scheerle, Alex Broughton and I were chaperones to 28 students visiting the University of Colorado at Boulder, Colorado State University at Fort Collins and The University of Denver.
If there is an emergency at our homes, schools, work places, or places of worship, we know that we will be well-taken care of by our excellent emergency responders. But what if there is a disaster, such as an earthquake when the emergency responders are overwhelmed and are not able to respond? We know that California will have another major earthquake, but we just don’t know when.