The Gear--August 2019

Click here to download a printable version of The Gear

M A

I

P

N

88 2019

Bosco Tech’s Class of 2023 Welcome, Freshmen!

M

P

Welcome back, Tech family— It’s my honor to welcome you to the start of our 65th academic year. The 2019-2020 year is an important milestone in the ongoing fulfilment of the long-ago dream of Cardinal James McIntyre. Decades ahead of his time, the Cardinal foresaw the needs of today’s professional world and more, society, when, in 1952, he entrusted Fr. Felix Penna and the Salesians of Don Bosco with his vision of Bosco Tech. Together, they created a school that would produce a new type of labor leadership in Los Angeles, an area exploding in growth at the forefront of the aeronautical age.

The goal was to educate engineers and technicians possessing sound ethical standards and management potential to enter industry or enroll in college upon graduation; these young men were to be prepared to lead amidst the rigors of rapidly developing industries.

Today, the Tech is the only all-male Catholic high school in the nation that integrates a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with a comprehensive university-modeled, project-based applied science, engineering and technology program. Our consistent goal remains cultivating students who are prepared and motivated to pursue advanced study and, ultimately, careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). This is a natural evolution of the original mission of the school, appropriately realigned with today’s needs in industry and technology.

Current students, and those in the generations before them, have benefitted immeasurably from the vision that guided Cardinal McIntyre and the Salesians, and the precepts upon which the school’s cornerstone was laid.

We are incredibly proud of our students who are making the most of every opportunity:  100% of the Class of 2019 earned college acceptances, with many attending top universities such as John Hopkins University, UCLA, UC Berkeley, the University of Notre Dame and Loyola Marymount University with generous financial packages.  22 rising seniors completed prestigious summer internships, under the mentorship of engineers, architects, doctors and attorneys, providing them with practical experience in professional and STEM fields.  Our largest freshman class in several years, comprised of 113 ambitious, bright and hardworking young men, successfully completed the freshman summer program and are gearing up for their time at the Tech in the coming weeks.  A recent overview of our faculty shows that the Tech’s dedicated and esteemed faculty has an average of 18 years of teaching experience and an average of 13 years teaching at Bosco Tech. Since 2014, we have seen an increase in the number of teachers with advanced degrees by 33%. More than half of our faculty hold master’s degrees and 5% have their doctoral degrees. Their dedication is a reflection of the Salesian principals of educating the young.  The start of classes in our long-anticipated Biological, Medical & Environmental Technology (BMET) is just days away. Uniquely integrating biology, chemistry, physics and mathematics, BMET students will explore several areas including genetic and pharmaceutical advancements, environmental awareness, agricultural developments, biomedical informatics, bio manufacturing, health care improvements, and social responsibility.

This is a very exciting time in Tech history! As we move in to the Fall semester, it’s my prayer and the prayer of our faculty and staff that the academic year ahead be one of great educational, personal and spiritual growth for your son, and that the lessons learned through the coming year would be positive, impactful and lasting. We are extremely grateful to our forward-thinking predecessors and eagerly anticipate our shared future!

We’re so glad you’re part of the Tech family, Mr. Memo Gutierrez (AU ‘83)

2

M

P

Bosco Tech is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Jeff Krynen as principal of the school. In this capacity, Mr. Krynen, who most recently served as assistant principal of curriculum and instruction, will work closely with the president and board to further the school’s mission of providing premiere college-preparatory STEM education to high school students.

“The Bosco Tech community is very happy to announce Mr. Krynen’s appointment as principal,” said President Memo Gutierrez. “His talented leadership and experience with the Salesian precepts of educating youth have been invaluable through the years. I am fully confident that, as he upholds the traditions of the Tech, while embracing twenty-first century technological opportunities, the school will thrive.”

Mr. Krynen has more than 30 years experience in teaching and administration at Bosco Tech. Prior to serving as assistant principal, the 1981 Tech graduate served as Dean of Technologies and department chair for the school’s science and Architecture, Construction and Engineering (ACE) technology programs. He has overseen several accreditation self-studies and, as a visiting peer reviewer, evaluated and advised other schools in the complex accreditation process. Under his direction, Bosco Tech successfully implemented the school’s popular standardized test preparation initiative.

He has a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences from California Polytechnic University, Pomona, and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Loyola Marymount University.

Godspeed, Mr. Krynen!

(Please stop by the Parents’ Council’s first Coffee with the Principal for the school year on Friday, Aug. 30, at 7:15 a.m., to chat with Mr. Krynen.)

S

I

G

I

S

Congratulations to our students who completed prestigious summer internships at well-known organizations throughout the L.A. area. The ambitious students—20 rising seniors and two recent graduates—worked under the mentorship of engineers, architects, doctors and attorneys to gain practical experience in professional and STEM fields.

Special thanks to the Tech alumni who made many of these internship opportunities possible. If your company provides internship opportunities, please contact Mrs. Anne Sigoloff, Manager of Foundation Relations and Internship Coordinator, at asigoloff@boscotech.edu or (626) 940-2027.

Summer Interns & Their Company Partners American Red Cross Alexis Mendoza (MSET) The Boeing Company Sassan Almasian (MSET) Sergio Jimenez-Ceron Aaron De Castro (CSEE) George Flores (CSEE) Raphael Napinas (CSEE) Lorenzo Pedroz (CSEE) Alejandro Pinas (IDEA) Isaiah Williams (IDEA) City Attorney of Los Angeles Joseph Rivas (MSET)

JMD Engineering Inc. Yifan Zhang (ACE) Jesus Lujan (ACE) Daniel Hosseini (ACE ‘18) Jerry Gomez (ACE ‘18) LA Pediatric Society Even & Gene Black Summer Medical Program Jerardo Beltran (MAT) Oak Crest Institute of Science Peter Song (MSET) Ryan Suarez (MSET)

3

Pasadena Biotech Collaborative Henry He (MSET) Pasadena Heritage Foundation Christian Ramos (CSEE) Royce Weddings & Events Anthony Caballes (MAT) Michael Kelley (MAT) SoZango Solutions Julio Contreras (CSEE) Joseph Rivas (MSET)

Preparing Students for Success C

A

S T

B

P

S

Each fall, Bosco Tech students participate in a campus-wide effort to prepare for standardized testing and the college application process. While all juniors will complete a full Princeton Review preparatory course on campus (see story below), other students are also benefitting from advanced preparation for upcoming tests and future college admissions.

All freshmen and sophomores will be guided through test preparation materials to prepare for the PSAT exam on Wednesday, Oct. 16. The material will address preparation in the areas of reading, mathematics and writing. Additionally, teachers will use the time periods to focus on developing the critical reading and writing skills fundamental to college admissions and, later on, for college success.

“Strong critical reading and effective writing skills are two of the most important predictors of success as students enter their university careers,” said Principal Jeff Krynen. “Bosco Tech is strongly committed to building these skills, beyond the standard college preparatory curriculum, to help ensure our students not only succeed, but excel as they transition into the undergraduate phase of their education, after they graduate from our school.”

Seniors are participating in a series of college admissions sessions that will cover several important topics including financial aid, scholarships, the Cal State and UC applications, and the Common Application process. In addition, representatives from several universities will meet with the senior class. If you have questions regarding the senior sessions, please contact Mr. Ray Chavez, Director of Counseling, at (626)-940-2084 and rchavez@boscotech.edu

A

J

C

P

R

All juniors will once again complete an in-depth SAT exam prep course on campus, administered by The Princeton Review. The course, offered at no additional charge to Tech families, runs over the span of a little more than one month, including three Saturdays and approximately 10 late-dismissal days. On those scheduled dates, dismissal for all students is postponed by about 10 minutes (3:15 p.m.) to accommodate the amount of material covered. The program and the Saturday practice test dates are mandatory for all juniors.

Late dismissal Test Prep dates and Saturday practice exam dates are already posted on the school’s website, in the general calendar. Please contact Mr. Krynen (jkrynen@boscotech.edu) with any questions.

C

P

Drop off your son, park your car—the Tech Parent Council will provide the rest for the first Coffee with the Principal event of the school year on Friday, Aug. 30, from 7:15 to 8 a.m. Share an idea or a quick comment...or just get your cup of joe! All parents are welcome—see you there!

4

F

T

S

P

Now that Bosco Tech’s freshman class has successfully completed the five-week Freshman Summer Program (FSP), they are gearing up for the official academic year.

During the first semester, class members will spend their technology time rotating through three introductory programs of their choosing. These overview courses will inform students of the varied classes, exciting projects, and college and career opportunities associated with that technology major.

Every six weeks, parents and guardians are required to attend a special meeting with teachers, called the Technology Information Session (TIS): TIS #1 Wednesday, Sept. 18, 7 p.m.

TIS #2 Wednesday, Oct. 23, 6 p.m.

TIS #3 Sun., Nov. 17 (Open House), 11:30 a.m.

These important meetings provide parents information about each program so the final decision in selecting a technology major better involves both the parent and student.

On Saturday, December 14, each freshman and at least one parent or guardian must attend Technology Selection Day. Students will be scheduled, in order of their GPA, to be interviewed before determining their final technology choice. This important day results in the student being placed into the technology program that he will study for the next three and a half years at Bosco Tech. Questions regarding the technology programs offered at Bosco Tech should be directed to each technology chair or Assistant Principal Eric Tom at etom@boscotech.edu.

S

P

D

A

21

Please note that Wednesday, August 21, is school picture day. It is a formal dress day for all students.

Flyers with photo package information will be passed out to students on the first day of class (check with your son) and are also available at mylifetouch.com. LifeTouch customer service can be reached at (626) 577-7012.

Picture make-up day is Monday, September 23.

Reminder to senior parents: graduation portraits should be taken during the month of August. If you have not made arrangements for your son’s senior portrait, please contact LifeTouch at (626) 577-7012 to schedule his sitting as soon as possible! Check out the Class of ‘20’s Twitter and Instagram pages for more senior portrait info.

P

,S

A

N

Y

H

!

Some equipment in the Tech’s popular Student Activities Center needs repair work and we are hoping a parent or two can help. The scoreboard and goal boxes on the air hockey table are not working properly and the small refrigerator needs coolant and a thermostat. If you can help, please contact Fr. Steve Way at sway@boscotech.edu. Parent volunteer hours will be given.

5

C

C

N

New Seniors—Class of 2020 The web page portals for seniors to apply to University of California campuses and all colleges/universities who accept the Common Application are now open and accessible. Students can access the appropriate websites as follows:  www.admission.universityofcalifornia.edu  www.commonapp.org Seniors should work on completing the required college essays based on the questions that are asked on each application. Please contact Mr. Ray Chavez in the Counseling Center if you have any questions at rchavez@boscotech.edu.

The SAT or ACT test is required by most four-year universities and colleges as part of the admission process. Please review the list below for upcoming test dates and registration deadlines for either test.

SAT TEST DATE August 24, 2019 October 5, 2019 November 2, 2019 December 7, 2019

DEADLINE TO REGISTER July 26, 2019 September 6, 2019 October 3, 2019 November 8, 2019

EXPECTED RESULTS September 6, 2019 October 19, 2019 November 15, 2019 December 20, 2019

ACT TEST DATE September 14, 2019 October 26, 2019 December 14, 2019

DEADLINE TO REGISTER August 16, 2019 September 20, 2019 November 8, 2019

EXPECTED RESULTS September 24, 2019 November 5, 2019 Dec. 23, 2019

NOTES: Access Khan Academy (www.khanacademy.org) for test preparation resources, including practice tests and questions and test-taking strategies.

Recommenders for college applications and scholarships Students should make contact with faculty, counselors and/or administrators who they plan to utilize as recommenders for their respective college and scholarship applications. Please contact Mr. Chavez if you have any questions regarding this matter.

SENIOR PARENTS The “College Information Night” for senior parents will be conducted Tuesday, August 27, beginning at 6:15 p.m. in the Counseling Center (library building). All senior parents should plan on attending this meeting so they may receive the most current college admissions information pertaining to their student.

SENIOR PARENT COLLEGE WORKSHOPS (NEW) This year, parents of senior students will have an opportunity to make appointments, or just stop by, to meet with college counselor Mr. Chavez on Wednesday evenings from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Parents can inquire about any part of the college application process, FAFSA, and scholarship information. These workshop hours will be specifically for senior parents to assist them with their questions regarding college applications relating to their student(s). The workshop hours will begin on Wednesday, Sept. 4, and continue through Wednesday, November 20. Please contact Mr. Chavez at rchavez@boscotech.edu to set an appointment.

6

I

C

P

R

As we move into the new school year, please review these important guidelines. For a full description, see the 2019-2020 Parent-Student Handbook.

Attendance In the event of an absence, please call the Attendance Office at (626) 940-2002 and leave a message on the answering service by 9 a.m. The parent/guardian calling must state the following: a) student's name, year, and ID # b) reason for the student's absence c) phone number where the parent/guardian may be reached during the day.

Upon returning to campus, the student must present a signed note to the attendance office stating the dates and reason for the absence. If the student was treated by a physician, he must bring a note from the doctor.

The note must state: a) the date the student is permitted to return to school and b) any restrictions regarding participation in school activities such as PE, sports or technology.

Tardies A student is tardy to school if he is not in his assigned place when the first period bell rings. If tardy, he must obtain a late slip from the Attendance Office. A note from a parent/guardian should always be presented explaining the reason for tardiness, although this does not assure the student an excused tardy.

Disciplinary action will be taken if the reason for the tardy is not recognized as valid.

Students are given four verbal warnings before detentions are issued. They will begin to serve after-school detention once they have accumulated their fifth tardy and serve Saturday detentions after their eighth tardy. After the eighth tardy, parents will be contacted and a parent conference will be required to develop a plan that will assist the student in being punctual to class. Fifteen tardies per semester are the maximum allowed before credit for the course becomes null.

Student drop offs Parents are asked not to drop off or pick up students in the front administration parking lot because of the inherent danger this causes students on foot; instead, parents are asked to use the south parking lot to drop off/pick up students before/after school. Please observe the ‘no parking’ areas in front of the school, including the bus stop and designated emergency vehicle zones. Parents’ vehicles are never allowed on campus unless by specific permission.

Closed campus For the safety of our school community, Bosco Tech is a closed campus between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 3:05 p.m. Visitors must sign in in the front lobby and be escorted to their requested location on campus. Upon completing business on campus, visitors must check out as they leave.

Lunch drop offs Dropping off lunch or lunch money after 8 a.m. is strongly discouraged, as this requires a dean to deliver such items to a specific student. If you have pre-arranged with your son to drop off lunch/money, the student should pick it up in the front lobby during his lunch hour.

Delivery of drop offs cannot be guaranteed. All lunches left unclaimed after 3:05 p.m. will be disposed of.

7

10-D

T —N

I

S 2019

Students will:  Tour the Vatican, including the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica  See the Trevi Fountain and Pantheon  Tour the Colosseum  Visit the Roman Forum  Walk across the Ponte Vecchio  Tour the Royal Palace  Walk down Las Ramblas  Visit La Sagrada Familia  Take pictures at Park Guell  And more!

What’s included:  Flights  Hotels  24-hour tour guide  Global Travel Protection (insurance)  Breakfast and dinner daily  High school elective credit  Entrance to all activities  Travel backpack Exact dates will be confirmed once flights are booked (some time between Nov. 19 and Dec. 2.) For more information, contact Mr. Tony Arguelles for at targuelles@boscotech.edu or (626) 940– 2137. Enroll at www.eftours.com/2210447WU or call (800) 665-5364.

P

,P

Calling all parents with smart phones and cameras—that’s you! If you take photos of your son’s events and activities, please forward one or two to Communications Officer Karen Krynen (kkrynen@boscotech.edu) for use on social media and in newsletters. We love your photos and want to share all that’s going on at the Tech!

P

C

M

/B

S

N

A

. 22

The new school year promises to be a productive and successful one. Please plan to attend Back-to-School Night on Thursday, Aug. 22. The evening begins with dinner at 5:00 p.m.; a variety of foods and prices will be available, hosted by the Bosco Tech Parent Council. Back-to-school informational activities begin at 6 p.m. All teachers, counselors, and school administrators will be on hand to meet parents. We look forward to seeing you there!

8

2019 F

S

E

—Bਙ Aਓਓਉਓਔਁ਎ਔ Cਁ਍ਐਕਓ Mਉ਎ਉਓਔਅ਒ B਒ਁ਄ Sਔਏ਌ਚ

Halfway through summer school, on July 12, 110 new freshmen started their school day as always by approaching the school gate carrying not only their usual backpacks of books, but shouldering an assortment of objects not normally brought to school—sleeping bags, pillows, towels, boogie boards, and overnight bags.

What greeted them was also unusual: 50 older students were applauding and cheering them! These upperclassmen (their new Big Brothers) were even helping their new Little Brothers carry things!

This was the start of the Tech’s traditional two day retreat, called the Freshmen Salesian Experience, a welcoming, bonding, and fun spiritual retreat at the start of their four-year stay at the Tech. The experience was led by four members of our Summer Youth Ministry Team: Mario Chavez, Rafael Napinas, Jericho Santiago, and Ethan Stevenson. Other members of the Youth Ministry Core Team also lent their support: Alexis Mendoza, Jesse Lopez, Nathanael DeBerry, and Aidan Chavez. They were all under the experienced direction of Coordinator of Youth Ministry Rudy Herrera (Mr. H), who was, in turn, supported by 50 Big Brothers, many parent volunteers, cooks and chaperones (some of whom volunteered to stay awake all night).

Preparations for this major event started months earlier, and finished with the Big Brothers’ own overnight retreat the day before the freshmen arrived. The Big Brothers used their retreat time to seek God’s help in making the freshmen event a success. After morning classes, the freshmen met their Big Brothers and teachers at a special freshmen luncheon. After introductions in the chapel, the bonding process started with a series of ice breakers. After a delicious dinner prepared by the cafeteria staff, the boys were given a presentation on the Sacrament of Reconciliation by Mr. Carlos Plantillas, our school’s dean. Then, everyone went to the football field where Fr. Steven Way, SDB, began adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. During the adoration, there were five priests available who gave the boys the opportunity to reestablish their bond of friendship with God through individual confession.

Since the Blessed Sacrament was exposed on an altar on the field, they had the privilege of kneeling before the Lord and thanking Him for the pardoning of their sins. The evening ended with the ever-popular scavenger hunt, and the traditional Salesian Good Night prayer as practiced by St. John Bosco. Some actually did get a few hours sleep that night! Early Saturday morning, the retreat continued with a trip to Huntington State Beach, where the group continued to bond with each other and God. At the beach, they were given an informative safety talk by a lifeguard, and then into the water most of them went. Since the water was warm and the waves good, they spent most of their beach time body surfing. Others entertained themselves by building sand castles, playing volleyball and soccer, and burying classmates. Their lunch and dinner, prepared by hard-working parent volunteers, were extremely popular. One of the highlights of their retreat was their attendance at the outdoor Mass conducted on the beach by our own Fr. Steve.

The tired and slightly sunburnt freshmen ended their retreat back at the Tech with the Salesian Good Night, this time for their parents. They delighted parents with hearty renditions of Take Me Home, Country Roads, the Don Bosco Song, and our alma mater. At the end, although it was Saturday the 13th, our freshmen felt lucky for the new friends they had made, the school they had chosen, and having made a great start to their four years at Bosco Tech. After the Class of 2023 went home, the retreat team stayed and cleaned the school to get it ready for Monday’s classes. Once finished, a final prayer was said thanking God for His help and grace!

9

Bosco Tech’s 30th Annual Golf Classic, hosted by the school’s Alumni Association, was a tremendous success! Many thanks to the alumni, golfers, sponsors and volunteers who contributed to the day. Special thanks to our Golf Classic Gear Sponsors:

2019 Bosco Tech Golf Class Gear Sponsors Bishop David O’Connell

Episcopal Vicar of the San Gabriel Pastoral Region DBTI Trustee

Reyes Construction Joe Reyes, BT ‘79 Mazak Corp Rudy Canchola, MT ‘86, Hector Munoz MT ‘94 & Steve Holguin MT ‘96

10

11

Explore Beautiful Costa Rica

Student Natural History/Adventure Tour SPRING BREAK, MARCH 13-22, 2020 Arenal & Proas Volcanoes Kayak Lake Arenal La Fortuna Waterfall Jungle Canopy Tour & Zip Lining Monteverde Cloud Forest Aerial Tram Above Tree Canopies

Crocodile Boat Safari Butterfly Sanctuary White Sand Beaches Sarchi Craft Village Arenal Hot Springs White Water Rafting

All air, hotels, meals, excursions, insurance, guides and EF tour director included at $2,890

Contact Mr. Brad Stolz in Youth Ministry at bstolz@boscotech.edu or (626) 222-7167 12

A

-S

2019

Please note that dates and events are subject to change. Check the school’s full calendar at www.boscotech.edu (see the Upcoming Events box on the lower right side of the homepage) for the latest updates and for events scheduled for later dates.

Tuesday Thursday

8/6 8/15

Friday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Tuesday Friday Monday Tuesday Wed.-Fri. Friday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Wednesday

8/16 8/21 8/22 8/23 8/24 8/27 8/30 9/2 9/3 9/4-9/6 9/6 9/10 9/11 9/12 9/18

Friday Monday Tuesday Wednesday

9/20 9/23 9/24 9/25

Friday Monday

9/27 9/30

B

Parent Council meeting at 6 p.m.

2019-2020 school year begins Feast of the Assumption (formal dress for all students) Orientation for grades 9-12 (in library by technology period) School picture day (formal dress for all students) Back-to-school night 6-9 p.m. (food available at 5 p.m.)

Late start at 8:50 a.m.

Annual Alumni General Meeting & Planning at 8:30 a.m.

Senior parent college info night 6:00-7:30 p.m.

Coffee with the Principal at 7:15 a.m.

Labor Day (no school) Parent Council meeting at 6 p.m.

Triduum celebration (character assembly/reconciliations/liturgy) Triduum Liturgy (formal dress for all students) Sophomore parent college info night at 6 p.m.

Alumni Association meeting at 6 p.m.

Junior parent college info night at 6 p.m.

Freshman parent college info night at 5:45 p.m.

Technology Information Session #1 for freshman parents at 7 p.m.

Club Fair School picture make-up day (formal dress for those taking pictures) End of Tech Rotation 1 Start of Tech Rotation 2 High School Night 6-8 p.m.

Faculty/staff in-service (minimum day schedule—12:15 p.m. dismissal) Faculty/staff in-service (minimum day schedule—12:15 p.m. dismissal)

T

Tਅ਌਌ F਒ਉਅ਎਄ਓ & Fਁ਍ਉ਌ਙ— H

H

S

N

S

. 25

Please share the news with friends and family that Bosco Tech will again host “Gear Up for High School” for elementary and middle school students and their parents, teachers, and administrators on Wednesday, Sept. 25, 6-8 p.m.

During the event, representatives from local Catholic private and archdiocesan high schools will provide information and answer questions about each school’s admissions process, curriculum, and academic and extracurricular programs. It is a convenient opportunity to learn about several schools in one setting. Contact Director of Admissions John Garcia at jgarcia@boscotech.edu or (626) 940-2009 with questions or to register for the event.

B

T

C

F

O

10

Don’t miss Bosco Tech’s College Fair on Thursday, October 10, when representatives from colleges and universities from across the country will gather on campus to provide information and answer questions about their respective schools.

This annual event, which runs from 6 to 8 p.m., is mandatory for all Bosco Tech students. Families and students from other schools are welcome to attend. This is a great opportunity to compare schools and have your questions answered in one convenient setting. For more information about the fair, contact Director of Counseling Raymond Chavez at rchavez@boscotech.edu or (626) 940-2084.