October 2016

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THE GEAR MONTHLY PARENT NEWSLETTER ISSUE 60 OCTOBER 2016

GO, TIGERS!

SUMMER INTERNS SHARE EXPERIENCES & COMPARE NOTES

Front row, left to right: Daniel Mora (Symantec Corporation), Jacob Lovi (The Boeing Company), Devin Cornair (Boeing), Frank Lora (JPL), Matthew Davis (Boeing); middle row: Rodrigo Plata (Reyes Construction, Inc.,), Mario Mijangos (Boeing), Matthew Lewis (Boeing), Daniel Martinez (Boeing), Lorenzo Zamora (Boeing), Joel Medina (Mid Valley Radio), John-Paul Gomez Reed (Boeing); back row: Shant Loussararian (JPL), Joseph Garcia (Amity Law Group), Diego Vargas, (Bosco Tech Tech Scholars Program), Manuel Alvarez (American Red Cross), Augustine Escalera (Mid Valley Radio) and Ming Zhang (E-Freight Technology)

Current Tech seniors who completed summer internships debriefed and shared their experiences at a recent follow-up lunch meeting. The students spent their summer break gaining invaluable professional experience at companies throughout the Los Angeles area. These organizations praised the maturity, motivation and work habits our young men displayed.

During the debriefing session, they shared what they learned, described the projects assigned to them, and discussed new computer programs and apps they learned as part of their work.

These seniors have volunteered to coach interested juniors as they prepare for their own internships next summer.

The internship application process will begin in January.

If your company has an internship program, please contact Mrs. Anne Sigoloff at asigoloff@boscotech.edu.

OSCAR PEREZ HONORED BY NATIONAL LEADERSHIP ACADEMIES Congratulations to MAT junior Oscar Perez who was recently recognized by the National Leadership Academies, which is aimed at honoring high-achieving students interested in pursuing degrees and careers in medicine and STEM fields. Oscar was honored by the NLA for his participation over the summer in its Congress of Future Medical Leaders in Bosco, Massachusetts.

Along with other selected high schoolers from across the country, Oscar learned more about medicine and the process to becoming a doctor. He met and was mentored by some of the field’s best professionals and witnessed live surgery, participating in a real-time question and answer session with the surgeon.

The theme of the honors-only congress was “Greatness Awaits.” We are proud that Oscar so well represented the Tech community and is pursuing his dream of studying medicine. For more information on the organization and its programs, visit www.FutureDocs.com.

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YOU’RE INVITED—HOMECOMING BONFIRE The Athletic Department of Bosco Tech is hosting the first ever Homecoming Bonfire and you are invited! Show your Tech pride on Thursday, October 6, on the Tech Mini Mall starting at 6:45 p.m. Bring your school spirit, a fold-up chair, and the fixings for fresh s’mores—don’t miss the fun!

Contact Athletic Director Chris Shockley with questions at lshockley@boscotech.edu.

ACADEMIC COUNSELING REMINDERS Please note the following details about Bosco Tech’s upcoming College Fair (see flyer on page 13): - Date Wednesday, Oct. 5 - Location Tech Hall on the Bosco Tech campus - Time 6–8 p.m.

- Special 2 breakout sessions: College Financial Aid (geared toward DBTI seniors and parents) Sessions Standardized Testing i.e., the SAT & ACT (geared toward DBTI juniors and parents) The sessions will occur in the library (5 p.m. and 6 p.m., respectively) - Register Online registration is at https://boscotechcollegefair.eventbrite.com All participants must register for this event, either online or at the event.

COLLEGE INFO SESSIONS FOR SOPHOMORE & JUNIOR PARENTS Parents of sophomores and juniors are reminded of the college information sessions that will take place on Thursday, October 20, in the school’s library. The session for sophomore parents will begin at 6 p.m. while the session for junior parents will begin at 7 p.m. Attendance is strongly encouraged.

BOSCO TECH’S ACADEMIC COUNSELING TEAM International Students

Ms. Catherine Diaz 626-940-2120 cdiaz@boscotech.edu

Freshmen

Sophomores & Juniors

Mr. Merced Contreras 626-940-2029 mcontreras@boscotech.edu

Mr. Paul Ortiz 626-940-2036 portiz@boscotech.edu

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Seniors & College Counseling

Mr. A.J. Pimentel 626-940-2084 apimentel2@boscotech.edu

STUDY SKILLS & TEST PREPARATION UPDATE Bosco Tech students are now half way through the extensive campus-wide study skills and standardized testing program that takes place each fall.

• Freshmen and Sophomores: All freshmen are currently completing PSAT 8 and 9 test preparation while sophomores are preparing for the actual PSAT exam. The material focuses primarily on reading, mathematics and writing. In addition, teachers are using the sessions to develop the critical reading and writing skills fundamental to college admissions and college coursework.

• Juniors: Each junior is completing the well-known Princeton Review SAT preparatory course purchased by Bosco Tech for our students. Our teachers value this course as a way to help our students improve their scores on college admissions tests and, ultimately, to increase their opportunity for university acceptances.

• Seniors: During the set-aside time, seniors are participating in a series of college admissions sessions covering several important topics that include financial aid, scholarships, managing the college application, and tips on writing personal essays. In addition, representatives from several universities are meeting with the senior class to answer questions about their respective schools.

These efforts align with the school’s mission to help our students be well prepared for college and provide them as many options as possible in their university selection process.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW PRODUCTS

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2016 FRESHMEN SALESIAN EXPERIENCE —BY ASSISTANT CAMPUS MINISTER BRAD STOLZ Friday, August 26, the first day of high school for our freshmen was like no other first day of school they had ever experienced. They came not only carrying books, but sleeping bags, pillows, towels, and boogie boards. As they entered the school grounds, they were met by 50 upperclassmen Big Brothers and Campus Ministry Core Team members who greeted them and carried their things. The freshmen were then applauded by two rows of Big Brothers and the Bosco faculty as they entered Tech Hall for a formal greeting. Afterwards, the Big Brothers directed them to their abbreviated classes until lunch time, when the school band played as they again entered Tech Hall.

What was going on? It was the start of the traditional Bosco Tech welcoming experience and two-day retreat put on through the help of many parent volunteers and the loving kindness, enduring patience, and sleepless days and nights of the retreat leaders.

The Freshmen Retreat itself began after lunch. The Big Brothers and Campus Ministry Core Team were the facilitators of the retreat. For these upperclassmen, putting on this freshmen retreat was the end result of two months of preparation, culminating in a Thursday overnight retreat for themselves to ask God’s help in leading a successful retreat over the next two days. After a welcome in the chapel by Mr. Herrera (H), and a few icebreakers, the various groups took part in a welcomed water toss competition (that may have turned into a really wet water-fight).

By the time the evening began with an early dinner followed by a scavenger hunt, a real bonding started.

After a short presentation about reconciliation, the retreat moved to the football field where the freshmen could make an individual confession to one of the many priests present. After the traditional Salesian good night, as practiced by St. John Bosco, many actually did get a few hours of sleep.

Saturday began with a 6:30 wake up, a fast breakfast, and a ride to Huntington State Beach to continue bonding with each other and with God in a different environment. Although the water was cold and it was partly cloudy, that didn’t stop our freshmen from enjoying the water. Other popular activities were building sand castles, burying classmates, playing volleyball, tossing Frisbees, and most of all enjoying lunch and dinner cooked by some of our hard-working freshmen parents. The highlight of the day and of the retreat was an afternoon Mass on the beach celebrated by popular Fr. Jose Lucero, who is an inspirational youth speaker.

The tired, burnt, but very happy boys ended their retreat in the gym back at Bosco Tech once again with the traditional Salesian good night, this time in the presence of their grateful parents. These two days were certainly like no others the boys had experienced, and a great start to their four years at Bosco Tech.

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PLAN AHEAD— SEE THE SIGHTS OF EUROPE OR CUBA DURING EASTER BREAK 2017 Is your son interested in visiting Madrid, Paris, and Italy’s beautiful Rome, Pompeii, Sorrento and Capri? Or does an architectural and cultural exploration trip to Cuba sound more his style? Mrs. Antonia Elenes and Mr. Trevor Bikhram are taking student groups to these far-off destinations during Easter break, 2017.

Contact Mrs. Elenes for Europe trip details at aelenes@boscotech.edu or (626) 940-2124. Mr. Bikhram can provide Cuba trip information andcan be reached at tbikhram@boscotech.edu or (626) 940–2059 for Cuba trip details.

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Congratu ations to Bosco Tech AthCOLLEGE ACCEPTANCES, ALREADY! letic DiMajor kudos to senior Robert Luna who has already earned the first colrector lege acceptances of the 2016-2017 school year. Robert was admitted to both (AD) the electrical engineering program at Northern Arizona University (ranked Chris #42 in engineering for masters degree granting institutions) and the electriShock cal engineering program at Grand Canyon University. Please join us in conley gratulating Robert on his accomplishments! (Parents, please be sure that who your sons notify Mr. A.J. Pimentel regarding each acceptance they earn in was the coming months!) name d to the CIFSouth ern Section inaugural MVP AD’s class for the 20152016 schoo l year in lat June, recogniz ng th

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SPORTS UPDATES TIGERS FOOTBALL RUNS TO VICTORY After a grueling offseason comprised of 6:30 a.m. strength and conditioning sessions, lunchtime technique practices, spring and summer practices, and camp week, the 2016 Bosco Tech Tigers football program was ready to take flight against Mary Star of the Sea. The Tigers ran into a senior-laden Stars team and lost their first contest of the season. Not to be discouraged, the Tigers came back strong the following week against the reigning Arrowhead League champion Hamilton Bobcats with a 34-14 victory.

The Bobcats used their size advantage early and often by running the football and consuming most of the first quarter, which ended at 0-0. They took an early 7-0 lead in the second quarter with a three-yard touchdown run. On the next series for the Tigers, senior offensive player of the game Rey Castellanos broke a 65-yard run that saw him get to the right sideline, break a slew of tackles, cut back across the entire field, and outrun the entire Bobcat defense for a touchdown. In addition, he punched in the two-point conversion to take an 8-7 lead that would never be relinquished. After a three and out led by defensive player of the game, senior Daniel Uballez, the offensive onslaught continued after the scoreless first quarter.

Sophomore quarterback Johany Vazquez connected with senior Kevin La for a season long 42-yard touchdown pass to extend the lead to 14-7 just before the half. The Tigers kicked off the second half and quickly forced a punt. From there, Castellanos scored two additional touchdowns, both of which he was untouched, to bring the score to 26-14.

Desperate to catch up in the fourth quarter, the Bobcats began throwing the ball and junior Gabriel Espejel was there to grab his first interception of the season. The final score came on another touchdown pass, this time to senior Arthur Romero to take the final tally to 34-14.

Statistical standouts on offense for the Hamilton victory: —Castellanos – 18 carries for 191 yards, 2 catches for 42 yards, and 3 touchdowns —Vazquez – 12 of 24 passing for 169 yards and 2 touchdowns —Romero – 5 catches for 58 yards and 1 touchdown —La – 2 catches for 57 yards and 1 touchdown The offensive scoring and yardage output was made possible by the offensive line, spearheaded by seniors Robert Luna, Diego Vargas, and Franklin Gonzalez along with sophomores Gabriel Gonzalez, Carlos Potrero, and Luis Sosa. Defensively, the Tigers unit had 10 tackles for loss, five sacks, and forced two turnovers.

Uballez had 11 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, and three sacks while fellow senior captain Adrian Cisneros had 10 tackles. Two-way starter senior Roman Kirkbride had seven tackles, one and a half of which were for a loss.

CROSS COUNTRY RUNS TO VICTORY On September 9, Bosco Tech’s cross country team shone brightly at the first meet of the season, the Rosemead High School Invitational. After being invigorated by a great Bosco Tech sports rally that morning, 32 of our 41 member team raced well against the 41 other teams. For many of the team members it (continued on next page)

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CROSS COUNTRY (CONTINUED) was their very first race. For those who had raced in previous years, most achieved a new personal record (PR) time.

The races were all grade level races, and we won medals in every level.

Joseph P. Rivas stood out among our freshmen, showing no fear. In his first high school race, he earned a medal and finished as our 10th fastest runner. Running with a poise that belied his years, Aaron Dominguez won the sophomore race, defeating a field of 240 runners. He received a medal and a trophy for his spectacular time of 15:43 for that 3-minute mile, placing him 3 seconds behind his brother and former CIF champion Ruben Dominguez as the 4th fastest sophomore in school history!

Junior Sidney Herrera debuted in style, breaking 17 minutes (16:56) in his first ever cross country race – quite an accomplishment! Finally, two seniors did an especially outstanding job: Ruben Martinez earned a medal with the team’s 4th fastest time, and Zach Lugo moved up over 10 places in the final mile en route to finishing 4th overall in the senior race with our team’s best time of 15:42. Our league and CIF prospects certainly look bright!

WITH DEEPEST SADNESS MR. CHUCK DAY—1/12/47-9/19/16 It is with heavy hearts that the Bosco Tech community mourns the loss of one of its own. On September 19, Mr. Chuck Day, the school’s nurse for many years, passed away. Mr. Day was a vital part of the school community from 1985 to 2012 and always greatly admired the school’s mission and its students.

His funeral services were attended by several Bosco Tech faculty members and administrators, and the school flag has been flown at half-staff in homage to Mr. Day’s life and valuable contributions.

“Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May Mr. Day rest in peace.”

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BOSCO TECH MUSIC NEWS —BY BAND BOOSTER MR. JUN REYES

Freshman Salesian Experience Retreat—Bosco Tech’s Royal Techmen Marching Band helped welcome incoming freshmen to the Bosco family by performing at the annual Freshmen Salesian Experience Retreat on August 26. Led by Drum Major Devin Cornair, the band performed the DBTI Fight Song, “Tribute to Troy” and Taylor Swift’s “Shake It Off” to the delight of the crowd.

Back to School Night—The band then performed at our “Back to School Night” on September 1, 2016, welcoming students, parents and faculty to the new school year!

First Football Home Game vs. Santa Clara High School—The next performance was at the first varsity football home game against Santa Clara High School. This year, all home games will be held at Salesian High School in Los Angeles. The band helped cheer the varsity to its first win of the season! Congratulations Bosco Tech!

St. Peter’s Church Performance—The marching band was invited to perform at the St. Peter’s Italian Church on Sunday, September 18. The band is frequently invited to perform for special masses throughout the year.

Section Spotlight—Percussion—The percussion section is a critical component of the marching band, providing the timing and cadences that the other musicians follow. This year's Bosco Tech percussion section is comprised of Drum Major Devin Cornair, Section Leader Anthony Reyes, and band members Bumjoon Kim, Yungjoon Kim, Jess Rodriguez, Daniel Rojas, Andres Varella, Rai Torrez, and Joshua Wall. The percussion coach for this year is Kevin Figueroa. (See photo of percussion section on next page.)

Cheesecake Fundraiser for the Holidays—The Cheesecake Fundraiser is back! The Music Boosters will have its Cheesecake Fundraiser in time for Thanksgiving and Christmas! They make great gifts! Band members will begin distributing flyers soon! We appreciate your continuing support. (continued on next page)

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BOSCO TECH MUSIC NEWS (continued from previous page)

See the Band Online—Don’t forget to check out the Music Program’s Facebook page at https:// www.facebook.com/dbtimusic. For more information about the band program, contact music director Daniel Almanza at dalmanza@boscotech.edu or dbtimusic@gmail.com .

“You know what music is? God’s little reminder that there’s something else besides us in this universe; harmonic connection between all living things, everywhere, even the stars.”

—Robin Williams

CSEE STUDENTS USING NEW COMPUTERS & MONITORS Students in CSEE are enjoying using state-of-the-art desktop setups that let them work with two monitors at once. The new CSEE ASUS-based computers sport a full HD 1080p 21.5" dual monitor setup which allow students to easily change the orientation for maximum coding in C++ and Java on one monitor in portrait mode while viewing their output on the other monitor in landscape mode.

During lectures, the teacher can commandeer one of the monitors to broadcast what is on his computer to the students while they follow along on their other monitor. The high-performance machines (running on Intel Core i5 Processors with 8GB of system memory) also allow for App programming in Android Studio. SATA 3 solid state drives allow for super fast access to programs and data. Add to that new mechanical keyboards (the choice of professional coders) versus the traditional membrane-based ones, to enhance the experience of learning Computer Science.

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AMBASSADORS COMPLETE ETIQUETTE WORKSHOP —POLISHING THEIR SOCIAL SKILLS Bosco Tech’s Ambassadors spent a recent day off school attending an informative and valuable professional and social etiquette course. The Ambassadors enthusiastically participated in the class, designed to help both students and employees learn techniques on how to conduct themselves in a variety of settings.

The Ambassadors learned about networking and connecting with people, creating a professional image, designing a great ‘elevator pitch,’ understanding cultural differences, dining etiquette and more.

The session was a great opportunity for the Ambassadors to learn skills and to feel more confident in any social or professional setting,” said Director of Admission Valeria De Luna. “The skills lesson will help Etiquette expert Jules Hirst and Bosco Tech ambassador Diego them to handle any situation in a highly competitive, Espinoza demonstrate handshaking techniques for the group who completed the valuable workshop. global marketplace. The instructor, Jules Hirst, is an accomplished etiquette consultant who has been featured on ABC and NBC for her expertise.”

NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETIES INDUCT TECH STUDENTS On November 3, Bosco Tech will proudly induct the newest members of the prestigious National Honor Society and National Hispanic Honor Society. Students are invited to join these esteemed groups because of demonstrated excellence in scholarship, leadership, service and character. Both prestigious societies emphasize providing service to Bosco Tech, as well as the larger community.

“We’re so proud of our students who are currently members and those who are being inducted into the NHS and the NHHS,” said Mr. Xavier Jimenez, president of Bosco Tech. “These young men epitomize the best that Bosco Tech has to offer and an invitation to join these groups is quote an honor.”

Congratulations to the 2016-2017 Bosco Tech inductees!

The ceremony begins at 6 p.m. in Tech Hall. Students interested in getting involved in this prestigious organization should contact moderator Mrs. Antonia Elenes at aelenes@boscotech.edu

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BOSCO TECH’S INTERNATIONAL CLUB —BY INTERNATION CLUB PRESIDENT LESLIE GIOVANNY AND SECRETARY JOE LI

For many members in Bosco Tech’s International Club, this is their second, third or even the fourth year at the school. We went from being strangers to brothers who help each other, share, and give presents to one another. We had fun at mixers, and helped in the school’s toy drive. Most importantly, we care about each other. Whenever one of our members has questions or concerns about his studies, classes, or the rules of the school, the rest of the club will always try their very best to International Club help him out. These are the times when officers: (top photo, left to right) Leslie God gives us power to open our hearts Giovanny, Hirofumi and show love and care to people who ‘Triet’ Nakayama, Ming Zhang, Xiao need us.

Lin ‘Forest’ Yang, The primary goal of our club is to Yuxuan ‘Jason’ Zhang and (bottom make sure that every international photo left to right) student completes his work, gets good Shuhao Lu and Yu grades and that each and everyone of Zhong ‘Joe’ Li. us finds a loving home, thousands of miles away from our own. That is why we have the International Club Big Brother Program, where an upperclassmen volunteers to serve as a big brother to help a lower classmen. Big Brothers serve as role models so little brothers know what they should do to make society better. This program ensures that every member will do their very best. It also helps the members who may be struggling with English understand and learn more. As a result, slowly but surely, the little brothers start to understand the classes, and earn even better grades.

Now, in 2016, the number of members in our club has doubled, and the newcomers are going to go through what we as older members went through. So the number one goal for this year is to carry on the love and care and let the newcomers feel confident about classes, tests, speaking English, and ensure that they feel comfortable and welcome, in this unfamiliar location. The goal is to pass it forward.

Aside from work, we will also have activities as a club. Our second goal is to have mixers, creating the opportunity for Bosco boys to develop friends of the opposite sex. We also want to show the other international students out there, that they can do it. After all, if we Bosco boys can do it, everyone else can too. There shall be no limits. Our third goal is also to have the boys participating in the community, helping out those in need, like the toy drive that we participate in every Christmas.

We thank God for the opportunity to bring us together, for giving us an opportunity to introduce the 20162017 international club for all who will be reading the Gear. Good luck and have fun!

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OCTOBER 2016 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.

Saturday

10/1

Tuesday

10/4

Wednesday

10/5

Thursday

10/6

Friday

10/7

Saturday Monday Tuesday Wednesday

10/8 10/10 10/11 10/12

Thursday Friday

10/13 10/14

Saturday Mon.-Fri. Tuesday Wednesday

10/15 10/17-10/21 10/18 10/19

Thursday

10/20

Friday Saturday Sunday Mon.-Tues.

Wednesday Thurs.-Fri. Monday Tuesday

10/21 10/22 10/23 10/24-10/25 10/26 10/27-10/28 10/31 11/1

Wednesday Thursday Saturday

11/2 11/3 11/5

SAT (off campus) Test #2 Prep (all juniors) Class of ‘76 40-year reunion Test prep #7 Fall Blood Drive (open to all) Parent council meeting at 6 p.m.

College Fair from 6 to 8 p.m. (breakout sessions begin at 5 p.m.)

Late start at 8:50 a.m.

Tech rotation #1 ends Homecoming rally at 2:15 p.m.

Homecoming bonfire at 6:45 p.m. on mini mall WASC in-service (no school for students) Homecoming football game vs St. Bernard at 7 p.m.

Homecoming dance at 7 p.m.

Columbus/Indigenous People’s Day (no school) Test prep #8 Test prep #9 Campus club fair Alumni Association meeting at 6 p.m.

Test prep #10 Music program cheesecake fundraiser preorder begins All Nations Day assembly Test #3 prep (all juniors) Respect Life Week Test prep #11 School-wide testing (early dismissal) Senior class retreat Test prep #12 College information meetings (sophomore parents-6 p.m., junior parents-7 p.m.)

Celebrate Life liturgy (formal dress) ACT (on campus) Freshman mothers luncheon from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

First quarter exams for periods 1 & 3 (regular schedule) Faculty faith formation day (no school for students) First quarter exams for periods 2 & 4 (regular schedule) Halloween All Saints Day liturgy (formal dress) Parent Council meeting at 6 p.m.

TIS #2 in technologies at 6 p.m.

NHS/NHHS induction ceremony at 6 p.m.

SAT (off campus)