September 2018

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THE GEAR MONTHLY PARENT NEWSLETTER ISSUE 79 AUG.-SEPT. 2018

BOSCO TECH’S GRADUATING CLASS OF 2022—

WELCOME, FRESHMEN!

WELCOMING FUTURE TECHMEN FRESHMAN SUMMER PROGRAM—CLASS OF 2022 The entire Bosco Tech community welcomes the class of 2022, our incoming ninth graders who have just completed the rigorous Freshman Summer Program (FSP), a five-week course of study designed specifically to introduce students to the five applied science and engineering fields they will be studying during their remaining years at Bosco Tech. (See page 10 for the next steps for these young men.)

Members of the incoming class come to Bosco Tech from more than 60 elementary and middle schools in nearly 30 cities across the Los Angeles area. Please join us in welcoming these fine young men and praying for their academic success and spiritual growth as they become Techmen!

TECH SCHOLARS Over the summer, Bosco Tech hosted 135 Tech Scholars, elementary and middle school students from 55 Catholic, private and public schools in the area, who sampled the Tech’s STEM–based program.

These young men are so enthusiastic about Bosco Tech and its hands-on curriculum that some have already submitted their applications for the 2019-2020 school year!

PARENTS’ COUNCIL’S LEADER NAMED CITIZEN OF THE YEAR Bosco Tech’s own Norma Robles, a long-time member of the school’s Parents’ Council, has been named the Montebello Chamber of Commerce’s 2018 Citizen of the Year. The award, part of the Chamber’s Shining Star program, honors an exceptional Montebello resident who has made a major contribution of time and energy toward improving local quality of life. Norma was recently acknowledged at the Chamber’s annual installation dinner.

Norma, whose sons Giovanni (MSET ‘18) and GianCarlo (ACE ’16) both graduated from the Tech, says doing charitable work is her passion. In addition to her demanding career with a leading airline and work as an interpreter, translator and linguist, she has volunteered with, and held leadership roles at, several philanthropic organizations and has been honored for her exemplary charitable efforts by Catholic Charities and JetBlue Airways.

Congratulations to Norma and thank you for all you do on behalf of Bosco Tech!

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TECH STUDENTS NAMED ADVANCED PLACEMENT SCHOLARS Congratulations to the following students and recent graduates who earned recognition from the College Board for their superior performance on the Advanced Placement exams taken in the spring. A whopping 21 Bosco Tech students were named AP Scholars, six earned the AP Scholar with Honor title, and six were awarded the coveted AP Scholar with Distinction designation. Congratulations to these very hard working young men: AP Scholars Michael Aguilar Alejandro Alaniz Daniel Arteaga Anthony Caballes Will Cosso Anthony Duarte

Michael Garcia Nicolas Gutierrez Daniel Hosseini James Huerta Joshua Maros Yehya Nasser

Qixin Ouyang Armisael Ramirez Anthony Reyes Isaiah Rojas Aaron Sarmiento Chengkai Tang

Suyay Vazquez James Villagrana Yibin Xu

AP Scholars With Honor Christopher Gamboa Sebastian Jurado

Yuzhong Li Richard Meza

Grayson Wade Kwan Hang Ga Yam

AP Scholars With Distinction Shane Beshlian Alex Cepeda

Kenneth Chua Patrick Kakooza

Shuhao Lu Drake Tran

WARMING UP OUR TEAMS— ALUMNI COMPETE IN CAMPUS SPORTS EVENTS Tech alumni ran alongside current cross country team members at the recent two–mile alumni race starting at the school’s iconic flagpole. Meanwhile, across campus, the football team hosted the alumni in the traditional Black & Gold football game.

Both teams are gearing up for competitive seasons and greatly appreciate the support of our alumni!

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SUMMER INTERNS GAIN ON-THE-JOB SKILLS Congratulations to our students who completed prestigious summer internships at well-known organizations throughout the L.A. area. The eager students worked under the mentorship of engineers, architects, managers and scientists to gain practical experience in professional and STEM fields.

Kudos to Henry Rosas (MAT) who was one of seven (out of approx. 50) interns at The Boeing Company awarded Outstanding Intern of the Year for his exemplary work! Not only did he create the internship program’s newsletter, but he put together a highlight slideshow shown at the closing ceremony.

His Boeing mentor described Henry as a “godsend.”

Special thanks to the Tech alumni who made many of these internship opportunities possible. This year, 23 students—four new graduates and 19 rising seniors worked at 12 companies. Pictured are Jess Rodriguez and John Acuna (third and fourth from left, respectively.) They spent the summer at the Oak Crest Institute of Science Internship program in Monrovia. They are shown with Oak Crest’s Dr. Paul Webster, senior faculty, Sofia Rivera, microbiologist, and Debbie Sanchez, formulation chemist.

Interning Students & Their Companies The Boeing Company Devyn Espino-Canche (MSET) Aaron Dominguez (MSET) Patrick Jackson (CSEE) Joshua Maros (CSEE) Henry Rosas (MAT) Christopher Valdivia (CSEE) Huntington Hospital Michael Felix (MSET) JMD Engineering Inc. Gabriel Espejel (MAT) Jordy Paredes Geddes (ACE) Daniel Hosseini (ACE) Jerry Gomez (ACE)

JMD (continued) Ian McConnell (ACE) Stanley Quiros (ACE)

Pat-Chem Laboratories Andrew Arenas (IDEA)

KCS West Hersonamoreti Cruz (ACE)

Reyes Construction, Inc. Grayson Wade (ACE)

L.A. District Attorney’s Office Ray Gritton (MAT)

Royce Weddings & Events Michael Garcia (MAT)

Oak Crest Institute of Science John Acuna (MSET) Jess Rodriguez (MSET)

SoZango Solutions Marco Nakano (MAT)

Pasadena Biotech Collaborative Adam Gomez (MSET)

VACCO Industries Will Cosso (MSET)

BOSCO TECH COLLEGE FAIR Don’t miss Bosco Tech’s College Fair on Tuesday, October 2, 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.

For more information about the fair, contact Mr. Raymond Chavez, Director of Counseling, at rchavez@boscotech.edu or (626) 940-2084.

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SCHOOL PICTURE DAY IS AUGUST 22 Be sure to remember that Wednesday, August 22, 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 Mon., Sept. 24.

Reminder to senior parents: graduation portraits should have been taken during the month of August. If you have not made arrangements for your son’s senior portrait, please contact Lifetouch (626-577-7012) to schedule his sitting as soon as possible! Senior portrait information can also be found on the class of ‘19’s Instagram and Twitter accounts.

ELIMINATE STRESS BY CARPOOLING Are you interested in carpooling with other Bosco Tech families? If so, please see Mrs. Espie Rocha at the front desk for carpooling forms, which provide authorization to share your contact information with other school families who are also interested in carpooling, too. Families within the same zip code will be notified, allowing parents to make ride-sharing arrangements among themselves.

TELL FRIENDS & FAMILY— BOSCO TECH HOSTS HIGH SCHOOL NIGHT ON SEPT. 26 Please tell friends and family members—Bosco Tech will again host “Gear Up for High School” for elementary and middle school students and their parents, teachers, and administrators on Wednesday, September 26, from 6 to 8 p.m.

During the free 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.

“Gear Up for High School is a great opportunity for students to learn more about the many quality Catholic secondary schools in our area at one time,” said Bosco Tech Principal Xavier Jimenez.

“We’re gathering local high schools so families in the community can conveniently learn about several different schools all in one place.” .

Call (626) 940-2011 or email Miss Olivia Kelly at 26, 6-8 p.m September okelly@boscotech.edu with questions about participating schools or to register for the event.

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COUNSELING CENTER NEWS New Seniors (Class of 2019) 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.

SAT and ACT test dates Either 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 25, 2018 October 6, 2018 November 3, 2018 December 1, 2018

DEADLINE TO REGISTER July 27, 2018 September 7, 2018 October 5, 2018 November 2, 2018

EXPECTED RESULTS September 15, 2018 October 30, 2018 November 20, 2018 December 20,2018

ACT TEST DATE September 8, 2018 October 27, 2018 December 8, 2018

DEADLINE TO REGISTER August 10, 2018 September 28, 2018 November 2, 2018

EXPECTED RESULTS September 20, 2018 November 15, 2018 December 22, 2018

SUGGESTION: You can 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 28, beginning at 6:15 p.m. in the Counseling Center (school 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.

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IMPORTANT CAMPUS POLICY REMINDERS As we move into the new school year, please review these important guidelines. For a full description, please see the 2018-2019 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 and present it to the school nurse. 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.

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Preparing Students for Success ALL JUNIORS TO COMPLETE PRINCETON REVIEW 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 our families, runs over the span of a little more than one month, including two Saturdays and approximately 10 late-dismissal days. On those scheduled dates, dismissal for all students is postponed by about 15 minutes 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.

ALL STUDENTS TO BUILD COLLEGE TEST PREPARATION SKILLS Each fall, Bosco Tech students participate in a campus-wide effort to prepare for standardized testing and the college application process. While all juniors are currently completing a full Princeton Review preparatory course on campus, 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 test. 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 Mr. Jeff Krynen, Assistant Principal of Curriculum and Instruction. “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 the Mr. Ray Chavez, Director of Counseling, at (626-940-2084 and rchavez@boscotech.edu)

PHOTOS, PLEASE 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 possible use on social media and in newsletters. We love your photos and want to share all that’s going on at the Tech!

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2018 FRESHMAN SALESIAN EXPERIENCE —BY ASSISTANT CAMPUS MINISTER BRAD STOLZ

Friday the 13th, the halfway mark of summer school, began as a somewhat scary day for 86 freshmen. As they approached the gate to enter the school grounds before classes, they could see 65 older students standing in two rows, applauding and cheering. They seemed to be color coded in red, gray, and white t-shirts. There was no way the freshmen could enter the grounds without passing through the middle of their lines. To make matters worse, the freshmen were not just carrying books, but an assortment of sleeping bags, pillows, towels, and boogie boards, so they couldn’t walk fast. To the freshmen’s surprise (and relief), the upperclassmen (their new Big Brothers) were applauding and cheering for them! They were even helping them carry things! This was the start of their Freshmen Salesian Experience—a traditional Bosco Tech two day retreat, a bonding and welcoming experience at the start of their four-year stay at the Tech.

The Experience was led by the Youth Ministry Core Team, who were in turn led by seniors Brian Valdivia and Marcos Chavez under the experienced and calm direction of the Coordinator of Youth Ministry Mr. Rudy Herrera (Mr. H.), supported by all the Big Brothers and the many parent volunteers and chaperones (some of whom volunteered to stay awake all night). Preparations started months earlier, and finished with a Big Brother overnight retreat the day before the freshmen arrived. The purpose of the retreat was to seek God’s help in making the event a success for the freshmen.

The Salesian Experience started with the freshmen meeting their big brothers and teachers over lunch.

Then the retreat moved to the chapel where Mr. H welcomed them and introduced the school’s Christian Service program. The freshmen bonding process (with themselves and their big brothers) began with series of fun ice breakers, including a 2000 water balloon fight.

In the evening, the boys were absorbed in a scavenger hunt, followed by a student-led presentation on the Sacrament of Reconciliation. With three Salesian priests present, the boys were given the opportunity to reestablish their bonds of friendship with God through individual confession. The evening ended with the traditional Salesian Good Night prayer as practiced by St. John Bosco. Some actually did get some sleep!

Saturday began with an early wake-up call, a morning prayer, a fast breakfast, and a bus ride to Huntington State Beach where they would continued to bond with each other and God. Upon arrival, they were given an informative safety talk by one of the lifeguards. The water was warm, and the waves were good, so most of their beach time was spent body surfing. When it came time for lunch, they were very ready to eat. The highlight of (continued on next page)

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2018 FRESHMAN SALESIAN EXPERIENCE (CONTINUED) the entire retreat was Mass on the beach. The main celebrant was Fr. Ray Smith CMF, a Claretian priest from San Gabriel Mission, the order’s vocation director who was quite used to saying Mass for youth groups, so he was well received (and who obviously enjoyed the freshmen’s enthusiasm). He was accompanied by our own Fr. Steven Way. The beach trip ended with dinner.

The tired and sunburned, but happy freshmen ended their retreat back in the school gym with the Salesian Good Night, but this time joined by their parents. All in all, this Friday the 13th retreat was not unlucky for them, but a great start to their four years at Bosco Tech, and certainly unlike any other retreat they had ever spent.

(Please note: the Youth Ministry Center is serving as a lost and found location for items left behind. See Mr. H when school starts if you misplaced something during the retreat.)

FRESHMAN TECHNOLOGY SELECTION PROCESS 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. 19, 7 p.m.  TIS #2 Wednesday, Oct. 24, 6 p.m.  TIS #3 Sunday, 11/18 (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 15, each freshman and at least one parent or guardian must attend Technology Selection Day during which students are 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 Mr. Eric Tom, Dean of STEM Studies (etom@boscotech.edu).

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c raphi g & info w e n Need

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c raphi g & info w e n Need

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c raphi g & info w e n Need

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AUGUST-SEPTMEMBER 2018 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.

Monday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

8/20 8/22 8/23 8/24 8/25

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

8/28 8/29-31 8/31 9/3 9/4 9/6 9/8 9/11 9/12

Thursday Saturday Monday Tuesday Wednesday

9/13 9/15 9/17 9/18 9/19

Thursday Saturday

9/20 9/22

Monday Tuesday Wednesday

9/24 9/25 9/26

Thursday

9/27

Friday

9/28

Sunday Monday Tuesday

9/30 10/1 10/2

Wednesday

10/3

2018-2019 school year begins—Orientation for all students School picture day (formal dress) Back-to-School Night from 6 to 9 p.m. (join the Parents’ Council for a $5dinner at 5:30 ) Late start at 8:50 a.m.

SAT (off campus) SAT Practice Test #1 (all juniors) College information night for seniors and parents at 6 p.m.

Triduum celebration (reconciliations on Wed. and Thurs.)

Triduum liturgy (formal dress) Labor Day (school closed) Parents’ Council meeting at 6 p.m.

Test Prep #1 Don’t Miss It— ACT (on campus) August 23 Test Prep #2 Test Prep #3 Alumni Association meeting at 6 p.m. (all alumni are welcome) Test Prep #4 Class of ‘68 50-year reunion at 5 p.m. at JT Schmid’s Restaurant & Brewery, Anaheim Campus visit from the Salesian Rector Major, Fr. Angel Fernandez, SDB Test Prep #5 Test Prep #6 College information night for freshman at 5:45 p.m. in library Freshman Technology Information Session (TIS) #1 at 7 p.m. in technologies Test Prep #7 SAT Practice Test #2 (all juniors) Music Program Shopping Extravaganza at the Citadel School picture make-up day Test Prep #8 Test Prep #9 High School Night at 6 p.m.

Tech Scholar Reunion at 5:30 p.m.

September 15 Test Prep #10 End of technology rotation #1 for freshman Start of technology rotation #2 for freshman Fall Dance at 7:30 p.m.

Freshman Mothers’ Luncheon from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Music Program cheesecake fundraiser begins Bosco Tech College Fair at 6 p.m.

Parents’ Council meeting at 6 p.m.

8:50 a.m. late start Blood drive

Cheer On Our Teams Visit the school’s general calendar, through www.boscotech.edu, for a full listing of Fall sports events and times.

8/16 8/17 8/23 8/24 8/30 8/31 9/6 9/7

Football (JV) v. Mendez 3:30 p.m.

Football (V) v. Mendez 7 p.m.

Football (JV) v. Bolsa Grande 3:30 p.m.

Football (V) v. Bolsa Grande 7 p.m.

Football (JV) v. John Glenn 3:30 p.m.

Football (V) v. John Glenn 7 p.m.

Football (JV) v. Bassett 3:30 p.m.

Football (V) v. Bassett 7 p.m.

9/8 9/14

9/19 9/20 9/21 9/22

Cross Country @ Rosemead Invit. 5:30 p.m.

Cross Country @ Woodbridge Invit. (Silverlake Sports Park) 5:30 p.m.

Football LA Jordan HS 7 p.m.

Cross Country League Meet 1 TBD Football (JV) v. Riverside Prep 3:30 p.m.

Football (V) v. Riverside Prep 7 p.m.

Cross Country @ Dana Hills HS Invit. 12 p.m.