The Gear--September 2019

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2019 Football Season—Go, Tigers!

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Hello Tech family— I’m grateful for the opportunity to see many of you at our recent Back to School Night and wanted to take the opportunity to expand what briefly was touched on that evening.

The 2019-2020 academic year is fully underway, and we’re off to a great start! Your hardworking and enthusiastic sons are settling into classes, getting better acquainted with their teachers, and beginning projects in their technologies and academic classes. As Mr. Gutierrez, the Tech’s President, mentioned in his recent welcome message, we are very proud of our students who are making the most of every opportunity and we are excited for the great things we are certain they will achieve in the coming months.

In preparation for the start of this school year, and in speaking with colleagues, an overarching theme became more and more evident to me-accompaniment. In alignment with the importance St. John Bosco placed on accompanying young people on their educational journey, as a Salesian community, we strongly believe that by being actively present in the life of each student, we can offer mature guidance and an environment for balanced personal development. It is our vocation to walk alongside these young men through the victories and challenges they may face this school year.

We have assembled a dynamic and gifted teaching staff, including a few instructors new to our program and alumni and popular past instructors and coaches who are returning to our beloved campus. I sense a groundswell of enthusiasm and dedication among both faculty and students and know that 2019-2020 is going to be a banner year!

Our new teachers recently completed training in the rich precepts of Salesian education—a pivotal component of our proven instructional model as evidenced in our successful track record. Each instructor was encouraged to integrate into their teaching model and interaction with students the concepts of reason, religion and kindness each day, no matter the subject, activity or sport. By embodying these proven Salesian concepts, we continue the legacy of St. John Bosco, teacher of youth.

In the coming days, we will be joined by Fr. Chinh Nguyen, SDB, our returning Salesian Director. Fr. Chinh will be returning to campus after completing his ministry at St. Dominic Savio parish. We are thrilled that he is back at the Tech and ask that you join me in welcoming him home. The mission of the Salesian Director is to model and facilitate a strong spiritual presence on campus. We are not only an academic school, but a faith community where young people are equipped to grow closer to God, to others, and ultimately, to positively impact society. We believe that your son is with us for a reason and prayerfully approach the coming months of interaction with him.

Personally, I feel very blessed to have been on this campus for over four decades, as a student, alumnus, teacher, administrator and, now, as principal. Having taught on both the academic and technology sides of the campus, I feel I have a unique perspective and understanding of the demands on both students and teachers. I’m very much looking forward to working with you and your sons this year!

We know that education is a multi-faceted, joint endeavor and a hand-in-hand approach with family is vital to student success. It takes the accompaniment of dedicated instructors and supportive family to enable students to reach their potential. As we begin our 65th year, please join with us in supporting these fine young men and in supporting them as they navigate the next phase in their education.

Again, welcome to the new school year. May God richly bless our students as we accompany them and may He bless our community as we seek Him. In the spirit of St. John Bosco, Mr. Jeff Krynen (BT ’81) Principal

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This summer, 2017 Tech graduate Frank Lora (CSEE) completed his fourth paid internship at NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, in the lab’s electromagnetic compatibility group. He also has interned in the lab’s electrical flight systems engineering program.

Frank’s JPL opportunity began after his junior year of high school through the Tech’s internship program, and was made possible by Tech alumnus Alejandro Jimenez (EL ‘91), Alex is the founder and supervisor of JPL’s Electrical Flight Systems Engineering Group in the Flight Systems Engineering, Integration & Test Section. He first hired Frank in 2016.

This summer, Frank had several invaluable opportunities, especially for someone his age, from programming lab equipment to automating testing processes to overseeing the setup of a 3D lab printer.

“I am still a young, developing intern, so it was a big deal when my group allowed me to conduct a magnetics test on hardware that is going to be sent to the International Space Station,” he says. “The test passed and the hardware will be flown on the next SpaceX launch!”

“I love the work environment and the projects we do here. NASA/ JPL is leading the world in space exploration, and I couldn't wish for a better place to work.”

A junior at the University of New Mexico, he is majoring in Computer Engineering and plans to earn his master’s degree as soon has he graduates. His work at the lab is a rare advantage that most college students do not experience. He is thankful for the opportunities and preparation his alma mater has provided.

“Bosco helped me tremendously with the work I do at JPL and at school,” he says. “My biggest takeaway from Bosco was the engineering mindset I developed. The CSEE teachers did an amazing job molding me into a young engineer. Also, the faculty that assisted with the First Robotics Competition really allowed me to combine my creativity with my technical mindset.”

And he appreciates the spirit of camaraderie and brotherhood that he feels as an alumnus: “I’ve had such a positive experience connecting with other Bosco alumni. Despite being different ages and having different majors, we still make time to hang out.”

To his younger Tech brothers, Frank offers sound advice, “Plan ahead for college as much as you can.

Make sure you're eligible for the classes you want to take. If possible, go to summer school and get ahead.

Ultimately, try to graduate in 4 years.”

“It is also important that you are active in your field while being in school,” he continues. “For the most part, employers care about work experience and what you have to offer in the field. “Sometimes, internships are unpaid, but the work experience, in and of itself, is quite valuable, even in a monetary sense. I am grateful to have started at JPL at the age that I did. It has been and still is an extraordinary experience that I am appreciative to have.”

Bosco Tech is proud of our many alumni and will continue featuring our graduates in issues of The Gear.

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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. An impressive 12 Bosco Tech students were named AP Scholars, 11 earned the AP Scholar with Honor title, 6 were awarded the coveted AP Scholar with Distinction designation, and 2 Tech students were named National AP Scholars. Some students earned more than one honor. Congratulations to these very hard working young men on their exemplary achievement! Here is a definition of the categories: National AP Scholar—U.S. student who receives an average score of at least 4 on all AP exams taken, and scores 4 or higher on eight or more of the exams.

Shuhao Lu (graduate) Joshua Maros (graduate) AP Scholar with Distinction—student who receives an average score of at least 3.5 on all AP exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on five or more of the exams Michael J. Garcia (graduate) Shuhao Lu (graduate) Ian McConnell (graduate) Nicolas A. Gutierrez (graduate) Joshua Maros (graduate) Yifan Zhang (senior) AP Scholar with Honor—student who receives an average score of at least 3.25 on all AP exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on four or more of these exams Alex Cepeda (graduate) Julian Lopez (graduate) Estanislado Quiroz (graduate) George M. Flores (senior) Dennis Marciuska (graduate) Peter Ronney (graduate) Haonan He (senior) Adrian Medrano (graduate) Henry Rosas (graduate) Nicholas Hernandez (graduate) Lorenzo Pedroza (senior) AP Scholar—student who receives scores of 3 or higher on three or more AP exams Oscar Cendejas (senior) Patrick Jackson (graduate) Anthony Sosa (graduate) Aaron Dominguez (graduate) Carlos Portrero (graduate) Christopher Valdivia (graduate) Devyn Espino-Canche (graduate) Alejandro Rosales (graduate) Yibin Xu (graduate) Adam Gomez (graduate) Hanyu Song (senior) Chenfai Yan (senior)

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Parents, please mark your calendars for these important upcoming events: Event: 10th Grade College Information Night (for parents of 10th grade students) Date: Tuesday, September 10, 2019 Place: Bosco Tech Library building Time: 6:00 p.m.

Event: 11th Grade College Information Night (for parents of 11th grade students) Date: Thursday, September 12, 2019 Place: Bosco Tech Library building Time: 6:00 p.m.

Event: 9th Grade College Information Night (for parents of 9th grade students) Date: Wednesday, September 18th, 2019 Place: Bosco Tech Library building Time: 6:00 p.m.

Senior parents are reminded that Director of Counseling Ray Chavez is hosting Senior College Workshop on Wednesdays from 4 to 6 p.m. through the college application season. Please contact Mr. Ray Chavez at rchavez@boscotech.edu or (626) 940-2084 with questions.

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—Bਙ Aਓਓਉਓਔਁ਎ਔ C਒ਏਓਓ Cਏਕ਎ਔ਒ਙ Cਏਁਃਈ B਒ਁ਄ Sਔਏ਌ਚ

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The Bosco Tech cross country team’s major phase of preparation for the 2019 season started during summer school at 6 a.m. each day with a 20-minute warmup, followed by a run. The team members were grouped for the runs according to their ability and experience, starting with two miles for the inexperienced, up to six miles for the top runners. As they acquired better fitness, they progressed in ability. Those taking summer classes finished by 7:30, while the practice for the others continued until 9.

After summer school finished, conditioning continued, interrupted by two major events. The first, on August 3, was our annual Alumni Race, Barbeque and Car Wash. The two-mile race started at the flagpole and circled the Bosco campus. The race consisted of 19 alumni versus 18 of our current team members. The outstanding winner was alumnus Michael Herrera (MT’07) in 11:37 minutes (a Boston Marathon qualifier), followed by an exciting photo finish between two current team members Marcus Chavez (MSET ’22) nosing out his older brother Aidan Chavez (MSET ’21) in 12:03 & 12:04. Another close finish was between Assistant Coach Ruben Martinez (CSEE ’17) edging out Head Coach Blayze Fimbres (CS ’10).The oldest alumnus was Michael Rivas (MT ’75). Other notable alumni were Bosco Tech President Memo Gutierrez (AU ’83) and (GC ’92). Race time for these three alumni is classified information! The cheerleaders were present to cheer everyone on. The morning continued with a tasty barbeque put on by the Tech parents, and ended with a great job done by the hard working boys at the car wash.

The highlight of summer practice and conditioning was the annual high altitude training camp at Big Bear from August 4-9, attended by 19 athletes, 3 coaches, and 8 parents. Our purpose was to gain fitness, mental toughness, and team chemistry which would enable us to reach our goal of dominating our league, going to CIF, and finally the state championships in Fresno. Each morning began with a 6:30 a.m. run, and then a late afternoon run. These runs were often on steep mountain trails, and quite difficult. It was not all work, however, as they had the middle of each day to relax by bonding over bowling, card games, and going into town.

Each evening finished with a bonfire during which they discussed such topics as goals, mistakes, leadership, etc. The trip culminated in a 12.5 mile run with 1,300 feet of elevation, which 8 boys ran in its entirety. This is the most to accomplish this since 2012 when the team finished 3rd in the state.

By the end of the camp, all experienced an increase of their running abilities.

Their common struggles and fun made them a more united team with much higher levels of skills, endurance, confidence, and leadership.

Come support our team by attending our meets. We are once again sponsoring an invitational: The Don Bosco Tech Invitational Cross Country Meet at Santa Fe Dam in Irwindale on September 7 starting at 8 am and ending at about 11.

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WELCOME The Don Bosco Technical Institute Music Program would like to welcome you to the 2019-2020 School Year. It’s been a busy summer for leaders of the DBTI band, having attended several leadership camps, including the CLA Band leadership camp in July which will help them lead the way for another successful, music-filled school year. The 2019 DBTI Royal Techmen Marching Band leaders are Drum Major Rai Torres; Assistant Drum Major Diego Alvarez, Brass Section Leader Anthony Razo and Taylor Engquist; Woodwinds Section Leader Jacob Armas and Elias Loya; Percussion Section Leader Anthony Montes; Trombones Section Leader Joshua Morejon.

MARCHING BAND REGISTRATION AND CAMP The Band’s registration took place Saturday August 10, 2019. There, students were exposed to the DBTI music program and summer “Band Camp” that took place the week of August 10 -14, 2019. During this time, band members learned the basics of marching and prepared themselves for the upcoming marching band season. The camp ended with a family BBQ and concert on August 14, 2019 which highlighted the 2019-2020 band’s first performance of the year. (see picture) PERFORMANCES The DBTI Royal Techmen Marching Band performed at its first home football game on Friday, August 23, 2019 against Bolsa Grande High School.

SAVE THE DATE – Get your CHRISTMAS SHOPPING EARLY at the 14th Annual Shopping Extravaganza at Citadel Outlets!

Please join us on Saturday, Sept. 21 starting at 9 a.m. for a fun day of shopping, wine tasting and exclusive shopping deals on top of Citadel Outlets’ daily savings of 30-70% off. Tickets are available now at www.citadeloutlets.com - please remember to select Don Bosco Tech Music Program when purchasing so that we receive funds from the ticket sale!

Tickets are $35 per person and include: Exclusive discounts at over 80 luxury fashion brands; Private catered lunch; Live entertainment; Complimentary wine tasting by San Antonio Winery for guests 21+; An opportunity to win up to $90,000 in prizes including gift cards to COACH, Michael Kors, Tommy Hilfiger, Kate Spade, GUESS, Hugo BOSS and more! (continued on next page)

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Bਁ਎਄ Nਅਗਓ (ਃਏ਎ਔਉ਎ਕਅ਄ ਆ਒ਏ਍ ਐ਒ਅਖਉਏਕਓ ਐਁਇਅ) The Bosco Tech music program is more than just the marching band; many band member transition to the Concert and Jazz Bands. Students who join one of the school's band programs learn valuable lessons about leadership and working together as a group. And an extracurricular activity such as music will look great on any college application. Parents are invited to check out the band's YouTube channel, DBTI Music at www.youtube.com/dbtimusic For more information about the band program, contact music director Daniel Almanza at dalmanza@boscotech.edu or dbtimusic@gmail.com.

“Music can name the unnamable and communicate the unknowable.” —Leonard Bernstein

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Bosco Tech’s Life Science Department is looking to build an outdoor sanctuary for the classroom pets, the Ninja Turtles, currently living in the Biology Room/Laboratory. The reptiles were originally named the Ninja Turtles since there were four (unfortunately, only three remain.) According to Science Instructor Christina Gonzales, since no one is sure which Ninja passed, the three are now called by their collective name.

She says the department is currently looking to build a safe and comfortable outdoor home and needs student participation in design and construction. It might make a suitable Eagle Scout project. Ms. Gonzales is now accepting creative ideas for the sanctuary in the form of sketch, computer design and/or other! Send any inquiry or example you like for the turtles’ new abode to cgonzales@boscotech.edu. The design and construction team will also be seeking donations and support in the future to create the sanctuary.

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Do you have a friend or family member who could benefit from a Bosco Tech education? It’s not too late for them to enroll for the 2019-2020 school year, but space is limited. Please ask them to contact Admissions Director John Garcia at jgarcia@boscotech.edu or (626) 940-2009 for information or to schedule a shadow visit.

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Follow the Class of 2020 on Instagram and Twitter for important senior information.

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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 10

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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 Tuesday Wednesday Wed.-Fri. Friday

9/2 9/3 9/4 9/4-9/6 9/6

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

Senior College Workshop with Mr. Chavez 4-6 p.m.

Triduum celebration (character assembly/reconciliations/liturgy) Triduum Liturgy (formal dress for all students) Club Fair Tuesday 9/10 Sophomore parent college info night at 6 p.m.

Wednesday 9/11 Senior College Workshop with Mr. Chavez 4-6 p.m.

Alumni Association meeting at 6 p.m.

Thursday 9/12 Test Prep #1 (3:15 p.m. dismissal) Junior parent college info night at 6 p.m.

Saturday 9/14 SAT Practice Test #2 (all juniors) Tuesday 9/17 Test Prep #2 (3:15 p.m. dismissal) Wednesday 9/18 Test Prep #3 (3:15 p.m. dismissal) Senior College Workshop with Mr. Chavez 4-6 p.m.

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

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

Thursday 9/19 Test Prep #4 (3:15 p.m. dismissal) Sunday 9/22 Freshman Mother’s Luncheon 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Monday 9/23 School picture make-up day (formal dress for those taking pictures) Tuesday 9/24 Test Prep #5 (3:15 p.m. dismissal) End of Tech Rotation 1 Wednesday 9/25 Test Prep #6 (3:15 p.m. dismissal) Start of Tech Rotation 2 Senior College Workshop with Mr. Chavez 4-6 p.m.

Summer Scholars Reunion 5:30-6:30 p.m.

High School Night 6:30-8 p.m.

Thursday 9/27 Test Prep #7 (3:15 p.m. dismissal) Friday 9/27 Faculty/staff in-service (minimum day schedule—12:15 p.m. dismissal) Saturday 9/28 SAT Practice Test #3 Monday 9/30 Faculty/staff in-service (minimum day schedule—12:15 p.m. dismissal) Tuesday 10/1 Test Prep #8 (3:15 p.m. dismissal) Wednesday 10/2 Test Prep #9 (3:15 p.m. dismissal) Senior College Workshop with Mr. Chavez 4-6 p.m.

Thursday 10/3 Test Prep #10 (3:15 p.m. dismissal) Friday 10/4 Character Assembly Saturday 10/5 SAT (off campus) Mon.-Thurs. 10/7-10/10 First Quarter exams Wednesday 10/9 Senior College Workshop with Mr. Chavez 4-6 p.m.

Alumni Association meeting at 6 p.m.

Thursday 10/10 Bosco Tech College Fair 6-8 p.m.

Friday 10/11 Late Start at 8:50 a.m.

Saturday 10/12 Class of ‘69 50-year reunion Mon.-Fri. 10/14-10/18 Respect Life Week Monday 10/14 Columbus/Indigenous People Day (no school)