Principal’s Newsletter
October, 2016 Jesuit High School www.jesuitportland.org
WE’VE GOT SPIRIT, YES WE DO! The launch of a new school year always brings a kinetic burst of energy. Students, staff, and parents are excited to reconnect, to share summer adventures, and to see what the new year will bring. I wish I could bottle the energy of Jesuit’s first few weeks, from New Student Orientation to Registration to our first Masses and assemblies and ballgames. I might need a sip come May! 2015-16 was an extraordinary year even by our lofty standards. Still, new JHS President Tom Arndorfer has challenged students and staff to make 2016-17 “the greatest year in the history of Jesuit High School”—and we are off to a fantastic start. Our seniors have set the tone. The Class of 2017, the largest in JHS history, contains many fine leaders who have grown into their senior shoes. At our first few assemblies and home games, the seniors have demonstrated unabashed enthusiasm and uninhibited joy. Students at every grade level have also been energized by the spectacular new design of the Clark Library (see story on next page). When we talk about “school spirit” at Jesuit, we mean both the raucous, earth-shaking energy witnessed in the Knight Gym and in Cronin Field this fall, as well as the Spirit that pours out of our campus ministry and Christian service programs and spills into our hallways in the form of hugs and acts of kindness.
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Anyone who attended the first Friday Mass or the JesuitCentral Catholic football game (both on 9/9) could not have missed the Spirit in action. That Friday night, just before Trey Lowe burned up the gridiron against the Rams, Sader Nation came marching into Cronin Field. From their impassioned singing, we knew it would be an evening to remember. As the Fun Patrol led full-throated chants and the purple-and-black clad throngs sang in support of their football-playing pals (and the Children’s Cancer Association!), we sensed that this may be a special Year of the Spirit indeed.
At halftime of the Central game, we recognized the remarkable achievements of our student body in 201516. Those include our 12th Oregonian Cup for excellence at the 6A level in Academics, Activities, Athletics, and Sportsmanship. Jesuit student-athletes again earned the AllSports Award for overall excellence in 6A OSAA athletics. Perhaps most impressive of all, MaxPreps named Jesuit the #1 school for sports in the entire USA—out of 37,000 high schools! Even as we seek to remain humble about the amazing accomplishments of our student body, we point with unvarnished pride at one particular achievement: Jesuit was honored as an ejection-free school. That means, at every level, from freshman to varsity, no student or coach was ejected or red-carded. At the 6A level, after hundreds of games and matches and meets, that is simply incredible— and it is also our second year in a row that we have managed that rare feat. On September 16, we formally opened the academic year with the traditional Mass of the Holy Spirit. This year, US West Provincial, Reverend Scott Santarosa, S.J., presided over the installation of Mr. Thomas Arndorfer as the 12th President of Jesuit High. Fr. Santarosa spoke to students about the importance of our theme for the year, which comes to us from John Henry Cardinal Newman: “I am a part of God’s great work. I am a link in a chain, a bond of connection between persons.” Fr. Santarosa also reminded students of his days as pastor of Dolores Mission parish in East Los Angeles. Fr. Santarosa’s predecessor at Delores Mission, Fr. Gregory Boyle, S.J., will be coming to see us in October. Fathers Boyle and Santarosa serve as real, live examples of servant-leadership. In most schools, “success” is measured in test scores, in the numbers of National Merit Scholars or AP scholars or ball games won or percentage of students who graduate on time and matriculate to college. Those are all important, and we
Educating Men & Women for Others in the Catholic, Jesuit Tradition Since 1956
Cont’d...
Principal Hogan’s Message will of course pay careful attention. But we will know soon if 2016-17 lives up to Mr. Arndorfer’s challenge. Achieving “the greatest year in Jesuit history” would mean the greatest number of young lives transformed, the greatest amount of love shared, the strongest of bonds forged among us. Success this year will mean, simply, that the Spirit is alive and beating her wings with greater intensity and tenderness than ever at Jesuit High, breathing out her compassion on a
world sorely in need, through the mouths and eyes and hands and hearts of our students. Can I get a two-clap and a “you know!”?
Paul Hogan, Principal
Clark Library Remodel Library Transformation
Photos by Erin Fitzpatrick-Bjorn
Newly Remodeled Clark Library Enhances Collaborative Learning Over the past 23 years, Jesuit High School’s Clark Library has become a magnet of activity for students, faculty, and staff during the week and on many weekends. The Clark Library opened in 1993 and occupies 7,133 square feet in the school’s Upper Arrupe building. In the fall of 2015, the Jesuit High School Board of Trustees approved the school’s Long-Range Strategic Plan. The most impactful, immediate element of the five-year plan was a complete renovation of the Clark Library, completed in early September, 2016. The outcome is an innovative learning space more aligned with how students learn today, including more collaborative work areas. “We were determined to maintain the Clark Library’s identity as an academic research hub and haven for serious readers,” says Principal and English teacher Paul Hogan. “But after two years of experience with our 1:1 program, we were ready to redesign the space to create more flexible, informal seating arrangements and increase opportunities for collaborative learning. The result is a dramatic, beautiful new space brimming with natural light and academic energy.”
In order to open up space for collaborative learning, JHS librarians Gregory Lum and Laura Schick spent a year “weeding” the collection, carefully eliminating 30% of the printed materials in the Clark Library, many of which had been made redundant by student use of online databases. The Clark Library’s contemporary space offers a blend of quiet study spaces, including five new glass-enclosed conference rooms, and an open, social research environment. The glass-paned rooms accommodate up to eight students with white board space, conference-style seating, and mounted television monitors to allow students to project their work. These rooms also feature monumental studentcreated murals of iconic Oregon landscapes. The new library offers docking stations for electronic devices, computer lab stations, four projectors and screens that can work in concert, and an enclosed oversize classroom that can accommodate up to 40 students for one lesson. Jesuit’s new and improved Clark Library contains echoes of dynamic modern workplaces, where collaborative spaces encourage innovation. Major funding for the Clark Library remodel came from the Clark Foundation. Additional gifts were generously provided by Mike ’68 and Tracey Clark, Candace Clark Holzgrafe, Larry and Dori Brown, and The M.J. Murdock Trust.
Counseling Update
By Peter Johnson, Director of College Advising The Jesuit Counseling Center strives to provide a welcoming place for students to drop in and say hello, to get advice or a friendly smile, and to feel that a counselor is always happy to have a chat—about anything. The Counseling Department seeks to best utilize the skills and talents of the whole counseling staff, integrating personal and academic counseling with college planning. Each counselor works with students in grades 9-12 and provides personal and academic counseling, as well as preliminary college guidance.
Photos by Erin Fitzpatrick-Bjorn
In September, counselors are busy connecting with students to support their personal, academic and college related needs and concerns. Counselors met with first-year students during the week of September 12 in small groups to explain the role of the counselor, describe the services provided in the Counseling Center, and help students transition to their firstyear of high school. Additionally, during the week of September 12, college advisors spoke to seniors in English classes to review college application priorities and procedures. During the week of September 19, counselors met with sophomores in small groups to conduct a check-in survey, remind students about available Counseling services and inform students about the PSAT exam coming up on Wednesday, October 19. Juniors will also take the PSAT on Wednesday, October 19 and will receive PSAT information in class prior to the exam. Juniors and seniors maintain contact with the Counseling Center throughout the year through individual appointments and through the college advising program. The junior college
advising program kicks off with the College Planning Night scheduled for Thursday, January 26, 2017 at 7:00 pm in the Moyer Theatre. Jesuit students are assigned to a school counselor based upon the first initial of their last names. Students with the last initial A-F are with Mr. Barry. Last initial G – Mc with Mr. Lowery. Last initial Me – S with Ms. Strear. Mr. Potter is working with both students with documented learning differences and with students with last initial T – Z. Please contact the Counseling Center if you have questions.
Important Dates from the Counseling Office Many college admission representatives will visit Jesuit during the next three months. Seniors should consult the calendar of visiting schools posted on Family Connection. Seniors are allowed to miss five classes in order to meet admission representatives in the fall. It is essential that students sign up for the meeting on the Family Connection website and provide their teacher at least 24 hours notice of their pending absence from class. • Oct. 19: PSAT at school for all sophomores and juniors • Oct. 23: 1-5 pm and Oct. 24: 9 am - noon National College Fair, Oregon Convention Center • October 24: Performing and Visual Arts College Fair, Portland Art Museum, 7-9 pm • Nov. 17: College Financial Aid Night, 7 pm, Moyer Theatre (mainly for parents of seniors, but others are welcome)
Athletics News
Jesuit Named Best HS Athletics Program in Nation Jesuit tops the list for best overall high school athletics program in the nation according to high school sports news arbiter MaxPreps, which awarded Jesuit the 2015-16 MaxPreps Cup for a first place finish in its annual rankings. Jesuit surpassed back-to-back winner Bentonville High School of Arkansas with an incredible nine state championship wins over the course of the 2015-16 school year. Jesuit women’s swimming, men’s swimming, women’s soccer, men’s tennis, women’s track, volleyball, football, softball and baseball teams all took home OSAA 6A state titles. MaxPreps Cup standings are determined by the number of state titles and second-place finishes, and then weighted for size of playoff division, size of state and type of sport.
“We are honored to receive this recognition,” says Jesuit Athletic Director Mike Hughes. “We pride ourselves on being well rounded, on having depth in all 22 of our sports.” This marks the second year that Jesuit has won the MaxPreps Cup (2010) and third time that the school has been recognized on a national level as the top high school athletic program (Sports Illustrated named Jesuit first in the nation back in 2007).
New Faculty Members
By Chris Smart, Academic Vice Principal
New faculty members: L-R: Liz Kiefer (Campus Receptionist), Johanna Salvan (Campus Receptionist), Michelle Foley ‘06 (Marketing and Communications Specialist), Edward Ngo, S.J. (Physics, Faith Formation), Melissa Lowery (Diversity Director), Tom Arndorfer (President), Erin Fitzpatrick-Bjorn (Librarian), Claire Willis (Spanish), and David Exley (History, Speech & Debate, Mock Trial). Photo bomb by Laura Schick ‘01.
Welcome to Jesuit’s New Faculty and Staff! A big welcome to Jesuit’s new faculty and staff! Please join us in welcoming these new members of the Jesuit High School Community. TOM ARNDORFER: President Education: University of Notre Dame - BBA, Accountancy (1985); Harvard Business School - MBA (1994) Most recent experience with young people: As the parents of three Jesuit students (Katie ’13, John ’17, David ’18), Julie and I are in constant contact with young men and women, in particular from Jesuit. We treasure the opportunity to have their close friends to our home and several have become like members of our family. What a privilege to parent. First impression of Jesuit: I have been a member of the Jesuit community in Portland for almost a decade, but the warm reception that I have received from students, parents, alums, faculty/staff since my arrival here as a companion in this apostolic mission has been heart-warming and inspiring. I am deeply grateful to be here serving with such a remarkable team of Ignatian educators. Favorite book: My favorite book is actually a trilogy by Edmund Morris about the most compelling American life ever lived, Theodore Roosevelt. The first installment won the Pulitzer Prize and the two companion volumes are
remarkable works in their own right (The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt, Theodore Rex, Colonel Roosevelt). Favorite movie: The Godfather, followed closely by The Godfather II. I have to admit that Amadeus is a close third. Favorite band/genre of music: U2 Favorite technology: IPhone 6 S Favorite teacher/professor and why: Father George Carroll, S.J.: “Let all that you do be done extraordinarily well and let it be a prayer to God in thanksgiving for the gifts that you have been blessed with.” Key goal for this year: One word...LISTEN! DAVID EXLEY: History, Speech & Debate, Mock Trial Educational Background: Maury High School (Norfolk, Virginia, 2003); University of Portland - B.A.S. in History with a minor in Education (2007), M.A.T. (2008), and Ed.D. (2016) Most Recent Experience with Young People: For the past four years I taught at Cathedral School in downtown Portland. I taught 6th, 7th and 8th grade Language Arts. First Impression of Jesuit: Jesuit is a place where student learning and cura personalis are evident as I walk the hallways and meet the staff. I also feel as though the staff are urgent and focused on the work that they complete, and are knowledgeable, caring educators. Favorite Book: The Killer Angels by Michael Sharaa
Favorite Movie: Hook Favorite Band/Genre of Music: Classic Rock Favorite technology: iPad Favorite teacher/professor and why: My favorite teacher was my 8th grade social studies teacher because he introduced me to the power of the narrative in history and he also provided me with the opportunity to serve the community in which I lived. Key Goal for the Year: To develop strong relationships with the staff I work with, the students I serve, and the overall Jesuit community. I also strive to have my students leave my class with a passion for history/speech and debate and be competent in the material I teach. ERIN FITZPATRICK-BJORN: Librarian Educational Background: Marquette University - BS; Lewis and Clark College - Master of Arts in Teaching; Portland State - School Librarian certificate program Most recent experience with young people before coming to Jesuit: Librarian in Portland Public Schools First impression of Jesuit: Everyone is happy to be here. Favorite book: Kristin Lavransdatter trilogy by Sigrid Undset Favorite movie: Notting Hill Favorite band/genre of music: 80s pop Favorite technology: Digital camera Favorite teacher/professor and why: MaryAnn Alegretto, LaSalle HS. She held us to high standards that really shaped me as a lifelong learner. Key goal for the year: Learning staff and student names MICHELLE FOLEY ’06: Marketing and Communications Specialist Educational Background: Jesuit High School, 2006; University of Oregon, Clark Honors College (Journalism) B.A Most recent experience with young people before coming to Jesuit: I worked for the Spanish Ministry of Education and taught English in a secondary school in the small pueblo of Toro, Spain. First impression of Jesuit: I first came to Jesuit as a student back in 2002. As an adult, I feel very lucky to be back on such a beautiful campus. Favorite book: It’s a tie between Wild Swans, an incredible family biography detailing life during China’s turbulent 20th century, and The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind, the true story of a young boy in Malawi who overcomes remarkable odds to pursue his education. Favorite movie: Good Will Hunting Favorite band/genre of music: Talk radio! NPR is music to my ears. Favorite technology: Canon DSLR Favorite teacher/professor and why: My 4th grade
teacher Mrs. Irvine. She had us memorize and recite poetry, which is something I still love to do today. Key goal for the year: Get to know as many students, faculty and staff as possible. EDWARD NGO, S.J.: Physics, Faith Formation Educational Background: Coppell High School (Coppell, Texas); University of Dallas – B.S. in biochemistry with concentration in secondary education; Medical school at University of Texas, Houston; Jesuit University of Guadalajara – Philosophy and Spanish Most recent experience with young people before coming to Jesuit: Throwing a fair para los niños de la colonia del campanario en la capilla de San Ignacio. First impression of Jesuit: Wow. Favorite book: The Life of the Beloved by Henri Nouwen Favorite movie: The Shawshank Redemption Favorite band/genre of music: Acoustic singersongwritery stuff Favorite technology: My 2008 MacBook Favorite teacher/professor and why: Dr. June Welch (history prof in university). He made me do a family history and then told someone else who told me, “This kid is going to be someone someday!” Key goal for the year: Figure out what Age Quod Agis means! CLAIRE WILLIS: Spanish Educational Background: I completed both my BA and my MAT at Willamette University. Most recent experience with young people before coming to Jesuit: Most recently, I taught 11th and 12th grade IB Spanish and worked with dual language students at Hillsboro High School. First impression of Jesuit: The Jesuit community is very special and I feel honored to be a part of it. Favorite book: 100 Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez Favorite movie: McFarland USA Favorite band/genre of music: I have an eclectic music taste, but Shakira is my favorite Latin artist. Favorite technology: My iPad because it allows for review games and activities such as Cahoot. Favorite teacher/professor and why: My favorite teacher ever was my IB History of the Americas teacher, Mr. Lindblad. He referred to his 11th grade students as “scholars,” and he pushed me beyond what I believed myself capable of. Key goal for the year: My goal for the year is to crack the Da Vinci code that is the schedule here at JHS.
Financial Aid Luncheon
Monday, October 17 @ Oregon Convention Center We invite you to attend our 14th Annual Financial Aid Luncheon **New Date and Location** Monday, October 17, 2016 Oregon Convention Center 11:15 am - Doors Open and Check-In 12 noon - 1 pm - Program and Lunch Keynote Speaker: Fr. Gregory Boyle, S.J. Fr. Boyle, S.J. is the founder and executive director of Homeboy Industries in Los Angeles, which trains and employs former gang members in a range of enterprises and provides critical services to 15,000 men and women each year. Homeboy Industries is the largest gang intervention, rehabilitation, and re-entry program in the world.
Plan to attend the Financial Aid Luncheon and be inspired by Fr. Boyle’s lifelong commitment to God and to serving his fellow men and women. His work embraces the Ignatian vision and the mission of Jesuit High School. Any new or increased gift to the Financial Aid Luncheon will be matched up to $50,000 thanks to the generosity of The Marty & Anne Myers Family and the Wilma V. Burnett Charitable Fund with support from Pat & Tricia Heffernan. There is no ticket charge or table captain cost for the Financial Aid Luncheon. Please join us for an hour of superb student entertainment and engaging speakers in support of the 331 Jesuit students awarded $2.9 million dollars in need-based financial aid this school year. Our goal is to ensure that Jesuit remains accessible, affordable and diverse. Please RSVP by emailing fal@jesuitportland.org or by calling 503-291-5415.
Christian Service Office Update By Scott Powers, Christian Service Director
these situations more critically as they journey through their education at Jesuit. Our Christian Service program is just one way that Jesuit teaches the “whole person.” If parents or students have questions or need suggestions about service placements, please call the Christian Service office at (503) 291-5463.You can also visit the Christian Service webpage on the school’s site at www.jesuitportland. org (Academics tab).
Over the summer, Jesuit students were serving elderly people, youth at risk, families fleeing domestic violence, kids and adults with disabilities, homeless folks, recent immigrants and people in the hospital. They were traveling on service trips to Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Dominican Republic, and India. They were in their own communities, and other people’s communities. They were hearing stories – listening to people who are not often heard. They were working with their hands and with their hearts. They were laying a foundation for learning about social justice. And they were being men and women for others. Reflection is the key tool to help students make sense of the new situations they encounter. Students then can analyze
DATES TO REMEMBER: Summer Sophomore Christian Papers due: October 3 Fall Junior/Senior Christian Service Papers due: October 7 Fall Sophomore Service Projects due: December 5 Freshman Service Orientation: November - December 2016 URBAN DAY IMMERSIONS: An eight-hour experience meeting and learning about homeless people in Portland. Available for sophomore students. Oct. 8, Oct. 22 and Oct. 29. COAT AND BLANKET DRIVE: Our annual Coat and Blanket drive will be the weeks of October 10–21. Items collected will be distributed to migrant workers and people living on the streets of Portland. Don’t forget—we need sleeping bags, too! Please bring all items to the collection box in Jesuit’s Gedrose Student Center.
Drama Season News Leaps of Faith
Portland area! 2016-2017 JHS Drama Season Subscriptions are available through November 6 only! PETER AND THE STARCATCHER (November 3-6): In this 5 time Tony Award winning play, a small band of actors play more than 100 unforgettable characters using clever stagecraft and the limitless possibilities of imagination. This swashbuckling grownup prequel to Peter Pan will have you hooked from the moment you let your imagination take flight.
This year, the JHS Drama Season is celebrating characters who take leaps of faith in discovering who they are and where they belong. As the centerpiece to this year’s season, we have been asked to produce a pilot production of Disney Theatrical Group’s newest musical, THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME. Join us as we present the west coast’s first high school production of this new musical version of Victor Hugo’s epic story, with a stunning score by Alan Menken and Stephen Schwartz. As a Subscriber, you pay the lowest price available for allages admission, and—more importantly—get early access to tickets, so you can get the seats you want at the performances you want! Don’t be left in the standby line! Each Season Subscription is good for one ticket to each of the FOUR main stage productions during the 2016-2017 JHS Drama Season. We suggest that you buy one for each theatre-going member of your family. Our Subscribers also receive early access to our Freshman Ensemble Performance, Alumni Holiday Show, and Playwriting Festival, as well as special offers with our theatrical partners throughout the
STUDENT-DIRECTED ONE-ACTS (January 5-8): Join us in the intimate setting of the E.L. Wiegand Studio Theatre for a collection of one-acts selected and directed by a handpicked group of Jesuit students. THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME (February 23 - March 5) Music by Alan Menken; Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz; Book by Peter Parnell; Based on the novel by Victor Hugo with songs from the Disney film: Jesuit High School presents a pilot production of this all-new musical, featuring songs from the award-winning animated feature and a return to Victor Hugo’s dark and powerful storytelling. This epic story of love and acceptance explores the fine line between man and monster, restoring the uneasy -- though hopeful -- resolution of Hugo’s original 1831 novel. ALMOST, MAINE - A Play by John Cariani (April 20-23): On a cold, clear Friday night in the middle of winter, while the northern lights hover in the sky above, the residents of Almost, Maine find themselves falling in and out of love in the strangest ways. Knees are bruised. Hearts are broken. Love is lost, found, and confounded. And life for the people of Almost, Maine will never be the same. This is a story about love. But not quite.
Pub Theology Dates & JVEncorps Program Pub Theology - 2016-17 Dates/Speakers: 10/10 - Fr. Pat Conroy, S.J. (Chaplain to House of Reps) 11/8 - Tom Arndorfer (JHS President) 1/23 - Bill Zuelke, Spiritual Director 2/6 - Melissa Lowery (Diversity Director) 3/6 - Melissa Lowery/Khalid Maxie 4/24 - Abbot Jeremy Driscoll (Abbot of Mt. Angel Benedictine Abbey)
JVEncorps –Weaving Service & Community into one’s life in mid-life and beyond Jesuit High School is excited to offer Jesuit parents, alumni and alumni parents ages 45+ a way to grow in service and spirituality through our JV EnCorps program. Join a community of people who shared your love for Jesuit High and now wish to continue the tradition of service in ways that uplift our entire community.
All of the above Pub Theology sessions (except for the 10/10 session - location TBD) are held at Old Market Pub located at 6959 SW Multnomah Blvd, Portland, OR 97223
For more information about any of these programs, please contact Greg Allen @ 503-737-5406.
FALL DATES TO REMEMBER Oct. 10-21 Oct. 11 Oct. 14 Oct. 16 Oct. 17 Oct. 19 Oct. 21
Coat and Blanket Drive Fall Choir & Band Concert - 7 pm (Moyer Theatre) No Classes - State Inservice Open House - 1-4 pm Financial Aid Luncheon - 11:15 am - 1 pm Frosh Day Retreat - 7:45 am PSAT for Sophomores/Juniors - 7:45 am St. Ignatius Liturgy (Dress-up Day) – 8:35 am
Nov. 3 Opening Night: PETER AND THE STARCATCHER Nov. 10 No Classes - Parent Conferences (Conf: 8-11:30 am and 4:30-8 pm) Nov. 11 No Classes - Veterans Day Observed Nov. 17 College Financial Aid Night – 7 pm Nov. 20 Mother/Son Mass & Brunch – 9 am Nov. 23 Thanksgiving Liturgy – 8:35 am Nov. 24-27 Thanksgiving Holiday (school resumes 11/28)
Please Attend Our Financial Aid Luncheon Monday, October 17 11:15 am - 1:00 pm - Oregon Convention Center Guest Speaker: Fr. Gregory Boyle, S.J.
Jesuit High School 9000 S.W. Beaverton-Hillsdale Hwy. Portland, OR 97225-2491 www.jesuitportland.org
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