Principal's Newsletter - October 2015

Principal’s Newsletter

October, 2015 Jesuit High School www.jesuitportland.org

CELEBRATING 60 YEARS OF TRADITION, GRATITUDE, AND HOPE! This is a big year for Jesuit High. Not only is President John Gladstone enjoying his swan song after 49 years as an Ignatian educator, but we are also celebrating 60 years of JHS tradition with gratitude and hope (John’s two favorite words!). We kicked off the 60th year with a raucous Welcome Back Assembly on September 4, where Kyle Stanfield of the OSAA presented our 11th Oregonian Cup in the past 15 years for excellence in Academics, Activities, Athletics, and Sportsmanship.

At the same assembly, we were treated to an inspiring 60th anniversary video produced by Andis Solomon ’15 followed by a rousing address by History teacher John Andreas ’96.

All this revelry was followed by Dilly Bars for all students, underscoring the magnitude of the occasion!

That night, Jesuit’s 60th anniversary festivities continued at the Freshman BBQ and a memorable football win over Central Catholic. The 5000 fans at Cronin Field and 1200 more watching on JCTV saw the Crusaders defeat the twotime defending state champs. At halftime, Mr. Gladstone told the crowd about more 60th festivities to come, and we announced a joint service project by students from Jesuit and Central Catholic, in support of the Children’s Cancer Association.

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On October 4, over 100 students from both Jesuit and Central will be walking and celebrating Mass together in support of the CCA, a remarkable Portland-based charity that has served seriously-ill students from both schools— and throughout the metro areas. At the JHS vs. Central Catholic game, fans contributed almost $3000 to CCA to kick off the fundraiser. By the time we walk this Saturday, Jesuit students will have raised over $250,000 over the past 17 years.

The CCA Walk is an example of a new spirit of cooperation among Catholic high schools in the Portland metro area.

Though we compete on the playing fields and to some

degree in the admissions process, Portland’s Catholic schools grow stronger by working together, while offering distinctive programs and charisms within our common mission of providing a Catholic, college-prep experience for all students.

I wrote this article just after attending the “Ignatian Family One Mission Mass” on September 13 at the Loyola Center. This Mass celebrates the common Jesuit mission of programs like JVC, the USA West tertianship program, St. Ignatius parish and school, SEEL, St. Andrew Nativity School, and Jesuit High. After Mass, I was chatting with Bri Hennessey, Nativity’s Graduate Support Coordinator. Bri’s dad Tim Hennessey, JHS ’74 and President of De La Salle North Catholic, looked on lovingly as Bri’s husband Aaron Uchikura held their new baby Ciara. Aaron is Director of Service at Central Catholic. At that moment, I was reminded again that we are all part of the Catholic school family.

Other examples of cooperation among the Catholic high schools in the archdiocese: We are working together to help align our math curricula with those in the Catholic K-8 schools, as math teachers from the Catholic high schools prepare for a workshop with their middle school counterparts. On October 4, Jesuit is hosting a screening of Black Girl in Suburbia, a powerful documentary produced

by Melissa Lowery, for students, staff, and families of all the Catholic schools in Portland. Melissa is married to Jesuit counselor Jason Lowery ’93, a classmate and close friend of JHS Diversity Director David Blue ’93. On October 5, Mr. Blue will become Central Catholic’s Diversity Director, a new position for CC, as well as the school’s new head men’s basketball coach. We wish David the best as he embarks on his new journey at Central Catholic.

Paul Hogan Principal

Educating Men & Women for Others in the Catholic, Jesuit Tradition Since 1956

Pilgrim People

By Paul Hogan, Principal Throughout his autobiography, Ignatius of Loyola refers to himself as “the pilgrim.” Ignatius saw his life, and indeed the life of any spiritual person, as a journey towards God. At Jesuit, we have inherited his quest for knowledge and enlightenment, and his hunger to know the living God. We are a pilgrim people.

Over the past fortnight, we have witnessed two profound pilgrimage experiences, one to Toledo, WA and one to Philadelphia in search of Pope Francis and his shining signpost pointing to Jesus Christ.

On September 19-20, the Senior Pilgrimage transformed the Jesuit High Class of 2016. This year’s amazingly powerful Pilgrimage has already changed our school for the better.

We don’t often speak of our retreats in specific terms, both because we want to save some “surprises” for future participants and because usually mere words will not do them justice.

It is no secret that the Senior Pilgrimage involves a literal journey of 12 long miles, sprinkled with inspirational talks given by the senior leadership team. What occurs over those miles, as well as the events (BBQ, Mass, Bonfire, etc) at journey’s end, have a way of seeping into the souls of all who participate in a way that cannot be erased. Years later, alums will look back on the Senior Pilgrimage as the weekend that their class truly becomes one body, one spirit in Christ.

On the Senior Pilgrimage, the Holy Spirit is really, truly, authentically present along the journey in a way that no one present can deny. On this day, many old hurts are healed, sore feet are comforted, and full hearts sing in holy joy.

On September 24-28, six Jesuit students and three teachers had the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to journey to Philadelphia to see and celebrate Mass with Pope Francis.

Ashlyn Bronson, Josh DeKlotz, Ruby Gray, Sebastian Gonzalez, Tayz Hernandez, and Anna Wanner were chosen for the trip due to their deep and abiding commitment to their Catholic faith. They were accompanied by Theology Department Chair Kathleen Myers, English teacher Michele Gray, and Campus Minister Don Clarke.

The JHS pilgrims joined with students and staff from 42 other Jesuit schools, sleeping on the floor at St. Joseph’s Jesuit High School in downtown Philly. Our crew learned about current movements in the Church, and got a frontrow experience of Pope Francis as he drove by in his Popemobile in Saturday’s parade.

Our students were fortunate enough to be invited both to Pope Francis’s prayer service at Independence Hall (in Spanish), and to Sunday’s papal Mass. Each of our pilgrims expressed tremendous gratitude for their close encounter with Pope Francis. Hear what else they had to say: Josh DeKlotz: What I took from the papal pilgrimage is the vastness and unity of the Catholic Church, not only in our country, but around the world. I was amazed at the number and variety of people coming together to see our leader and share their faith.

Ruby Gray: The gathering in Philly opened my eyes to the fact that we are part of a much bigger community of Jesuit students who share a common mission to become men and women for others.

Anna Wanner: I discovered a passion to start the ball rolling for social change and justice in the communities I am a part of back in Oregon.

Tayz Hernandez: It was great seeing just how united the Jesuits are, both in the schools and in the Society of Jesus.

I thought we would have so many differences, but I noticed how much we have in common. We are all part of the same church and have been taught in the same tradition.

Sebastian Gonzales: My favorite part of the trip was being able to experience Pope Francis up close. When he drove by, I felt blessed to be able to witness him up close, even if it was just for a couple of seconds. It was worth the many hours of waiting, which were made easier because of the amazing group I was with.

Ashlyn Bronson: I am very grateful for the opportunity to go across the country, stay at another Jesuit high school with 400 new friends, and experience the joy and holiness of the Pope. When Francis was elected Pope, I thought, “The Catholic Church is becoming what Jesus intended it to be.

This Jesuit will leave an indelible mark on the world.”

Counseling Update

By Peter Johnson, Director of College Advising The Jesuit Counseling Department 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 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.

In September, counselors were busy connecting with students to support their personal, academic, and collegerelated needs and concerns. Counselors met with freshmen students during the week of September 8 in small groups to explain the role of the counselor, describe the services provided in the Counseling Center, and help students transition to high school. During that same week, college advisors spoke to seniors in English classes to review college application priorities and procedures.

During the week of September 21, 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 October 16. Juniors will also take the PSAT on October 16 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 College Planning Night on

Thursday, January 28, 2016 at 7 pm in the Moyer Theatre.

Jesuit students are assigned to a school counselors based upon their last name. Students with last names A–F are with Mr. Barry; last names G–Mc with Mr. Lowery; last names Me–S with Ms. Strear. Mr. Potter is working with students with documented learning differences and with students with last names T–Z. New additions this school year to the Counseling Center include college advisor Mrs. Falkner and learning specialist Mrs. O’Mahony. 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 meet with five admission representatives in the fall and must sign up on the Family Connection website at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting.

• Oct. 16: PSAT at school for all sophomores and juniors • Oct. 23: 9 am - noon and Oct. 24: 1-5 pm, National College Fair, Oregon Convention Center • Nov. 13: College Financial Aid Night, 7 pm, Moyer Theatre (mainly for parents of seniors, but others are welcome)

Athletics Information Thank You to Our Volunteers!

Thank You to Our Tireless Volunteers!

Jesuit would like to thank the many volunteers who help make our sporting events run smoothly. Many volunteers, such as our football ticket sellers Diann and Bruce Bruno, have been volunteering for over 20 years. Judy Keene, our scorekeeper for volleyball, started volunteering when her daughter was playing volleyball in 1997, and she keeps on volunteering. At right is pictured our varsity chain gang crew of volunteers. Several of these generous gentlemen have volunteered as our Friday night chain gang for three full decades!

JCTV – Many home athletic contests throughout the year will be broadcast live on JCTV: www.jesuitportland.org/ jctv. Go Crusaders!

Mike Kemp, Jim Brown, Don Hamburg, Tim Hamburg, Greg Strength, Rick Hallett, John Schultz, and Mike Griffin

New 2015-16 Faculty Members

By Chris Smart, Academic Vice Principal

Jesuit High School’s new faculty members for 2015-16: Back Row, L-R: John Guyol, SJ (Theology), Nic Netzel (Assistant Librarian), George Izzett (Band/Fine Arts), Ann Smith-Palenchar (Auction), Lara Shamieh (Science), Tyler Baarts ’10 (Campus Monitor), Colin Griffin ’00 (PE/Athletics Department); Front Row, L-R: Adrienne Calotta (Spanish), Anne Robinson (Development/Gift Officer), Colleen O’Mahony (Learning Specialist), Mollie Falkner (Counselor), Raphiel Lambert ’08 (Campus Monitor)

Welcome to Jesuit’s New Faculty and Staff!

On Monday, August 31, Jesuit High School opened its doors to begin its 60th year of educating young people in the Portland metropolitan area. The theme for the school year, taken from the descriptors of the Profile of the Jesuit High School Graduate at Graduation, is “religious”, and the spiritual quote that is the guide for the year is taken from Sr. Ita Ford, a Maryknoll sister who was martyred for the faith in El Salvador in 1980. Just weeks before her death, Sr. Ita wrote to her young niece, “I hope you can come to find that which gives life a deep meaning for you.”

We welcome a record enrollment of 1,300 students, and 11 new faculty and staff, three of whom are alums. Please join us in welcoming these new members of the Jesuit High School community.

TYLER BAARTS: Campus Monitor and Soccer Coach Education: B.A. in Communications (2014), University of Portland Most recent experience with young people: I coached club soccer for F.C. Portland.

Key goal for this year: To do my job correctly by keeping all of those who are on campus safe and helping those who are in need of it.

ADRIENNE CALOTTA: Spanish Teacher Education: B.A. in Secondary Education and Hispanic Studies (2009), Boston College; M.Ed in Curriculum & Instruction (2010), Boston College Most recent experience with young people: I taught eighth grade Spanish for three years and high school Spanish for two years in Acton, Massachusetts.

Key goal for this year: To integrate myself gracefully into the JHS community and continue to get used to living on the West Coast.

MOLLIE FALKNER: College Advisor Education: B.A. in International Studies (2006), University of Oregon; M.S. in Educational Leadership & Policy (2014), Portland State University.

Most recent experience with young people: I was a regional admissions counselor for the University of Oregon.

Key goal for this year: To learn as much as I can about college advising at Jesuit and try to remember everyone’s name!

COLIN GRIFFIN ’00: Physical Education, Assistant Athletics Director, Varsity Baseball Head Coach, and Assistant Football Coach Education: B.A. (2005), Portland State University; M.A.T (in process), George Fox University Most recent experience with young people: I taught and

coached at Lakeridge High School (2007-2014).

Key goal for this year: I look forward to connecting with the students and staff. I want to learn from my department colleagues and apply my own style in creating a positive learning environment.

JOHN GUYOL, S.J.: Faith Formation Teacher and JV 2 Volleyball Coach Education: B.A. in Theology & Religious Studies, Villanova University Most recent experience with young people: I coached volleyball at DeSmet Jesuit High School in St. Louis.

Key goal for this year: To learn how to be a good teacher for my students.

GEORGE IZZETT: Band and Fine Arts Teacher Education: B.S. Portland State University; M.A.T. Concordia University Most recent experience with young people: I taught middle and high school band for 13 years.

Key goal for this year: To learn (and remember) as many names of students as possible.

RAPHIEL LAMBERT ’08: Campus Monitor and Coach (Football & Track and Field) Education: B.A. in English, Boise State University Most recent experience with young people: Private coaching as well as coaching track and field at Jesuit.

Key goal for this year: To do what is asked of me and more if needed!

comes to supporting inclusive classrooms at Jesuit High School. My goal is to define my new role at Jesuit, and then set concrete goals to keep growing over the next several years.

ANNE ROBINSON: Major Gifts Officer Education: Bellarmine Prep in Tacoma; B.A. in Human Development (1988) Washington State University Most recent experience with young people: I worked at St. Anthony School and Church in Tigard for seven years as the Director of Stewardship and Development.

Key goal for this year: To personally connect benefactors back to the school and to help the development team meet our fundraising goals to ensure that programs for students and faculty are funded for today and tomorrow.

LARA SHAMIEH: Biology Teacher Education: B.S. in Chemistry with Biology Minor (University of Portland); Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (Oregon Health and Science University) Most recent experience with young people: I taught and mentored students at Regis University in Denver.

Key goal for this year: To properly adjust to the pace and demands of teaching at the high school level. I want to learn how to adequately challenge my students to be independent thinker and learners, while providing them with the structure and support they need to make the transition to college.

NIC NETZEL: Assistant Librarian Education: B.A. in History (2001), Carleton College; M.A. in Library and Information Science (2004), University of Washington; iSchool Most recent experience with young people: I taught, coached (field hockey & ice hockey), and “librarianed” in the Upper School of Glenelg Country School in Baltimore, Maryland.

Key goal for this year: To be as helpful and useful to the students, librarians, and faculty of Jesuit for the time I am here.

Coming Soon! Mother-Son Mass & Brunch Sunday, November 22

COLLEEN O’MAHONY: Learning Specialist Education: Bellarmine Prep in Tacoma; Stanford University, University of British Columbia (Fulbright Scholar), Cal Berkeley, and Notre Dame de Namur University Most recent experience with young people: I worked as a private educational evaluator and have worked with many Jesuit and Edison HS families in that capacity.

Key goal for this year: I see limitless potential when it

All mothers (or special guests) are invited to join us on Sunday, November 22, 2015 for our Annual Mother-Son Mass & Bunch beginning at 9:00 am at the Hilton in downtown Portland. Invitations will be sent via email in October.

We hope every son will invite his mother or special guest to share in the joy and spirituality of this timehonored event.

Financial Aid Luncheon

By Diane Salzman, Vice President of Development We invite you to attend our 13th Annual Financial Aid Luncheon: Your Gift. Our Future.

Featured Speaker John Gladstone

John Gladstone, through his unwavering commitment to tuition assistance and affordability, has helped make it possible for thousands of students to attend JHS.

Wednesday, October 14, 2015 Jesuit High School, Knight Center 11:15 am - Check-In and Social Reception 12 noon - Program and Lunch We are committed to ensuring that deserving students are able to receive a Jesuit education regardless of their financial circumstances. This school year, please help us meet our $2.8 million commitment toward tuition assistance for 26% of students and their families. Cultivating a diverse student body benefits our entire school community. Please RSVP by emailing fal@jesuitportland.org or by calling 503-291-5497.

Christian Service Office Update

By Scott Powers, Christian Service Director

service experiences. Students then can analyze these situations more critically as they journey through their education at Jesuit. Our service programs are 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 at www.jesuitportland.org under Academics.

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 traveled on service trips to 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, and with, others.

Reflection is the key Ignatian tool to help students make sense of the new situations they encounter during their

DATES TO REMEMBER: Summer Sophomore Christian Papers due: October 2 Fall Junior/Senior Christian Service Papers due: October 8 Fall Sophomore Service Projects due: December 4 Freshman Service Orientation: November - December 2015 URBAN DAY IMMERSIONS: An eight-hour experience meeting and learning about homeless people in Portland.

Available for sophomore students. Oct. 3, Oct. 17, and Nov. 6.

COAT AND BLANKET DRIVE: Our annual Coat and Blanket drive will be the weeks of October 12–22. 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

By Jeff Hall, Drama Co-Director STUDENT-DIRECTED ONE-ACTS (January 7-10): Seniors Will Grimme, Lizzy Rees, and Emily Strand are preparing an evening of one-act storytelling in the intimate setting of the E.L. Wiegand Studio Theatre. Their selections will be announced in October, and then the fun really begins!

Join us for this annual sold-out event. Seating in the E.L. Wiegand Studio Theatre is general admission.

Drama Season Subscriptions Now on Sale!

Whether taking a stand, chasing a dream, or clinging to life, the 2015-2016 Jesuit High School Drama Season is all about characters who are HOLDING ON. With an exciting slate of productions, featuring two musicals—one an Oregon Premiere—and student-directed work, Jesuit’s nationally recognized Drama Program invites you to become a Season Subscriber, guaranteeing your access to the best seats in the house.

Each Season Subscription is good for four tickets, one ticket to each of this year’s main stage productions. We recommend buying one for each theatre-going member of your family. Two weeks before tickets go on sale to the public, Subscribers are able to claim their seats, selecting their desired performance and seating location online. Avoid the standby line for the inevitable sold out shows! Take a look at what’s in store: HANDS ON A HARDBODY (November 5-8): For 10 hard-luck Texans, a new lease on life is so close they can touch it. Under a scorching sun for days on end, armed with nothing but hope, humor and ambition, they’ll fight to keep at least one hand on a brand-new truck in order to win it.

In the hilarious, hard-fought contest that is HANDS ON A HARDBODY, only one winner can drive away with the American Dream. This is the Oregon Premiere of this unique musical, direct from Broadway’s 2013 season!

Congrats to Newest JHS Hall of Fame Inductees Congratulations to our 2015 Hall of Fame Inductees (left to right in photo): Elizabeth Bishop ’03 (volleyball); Rich Ulring (“Voice of Jesuit” for 35 years); Courtney Carter ’00 (soccer); Michael Calkins ’00 (tennis); and Chris Brown ’95 (soccer). These inductees were honored for their extraordinary careers and contributions at JHS and for embodying the motto, Age Quod Agis.

LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL (February 25 March 6): The fabulously fun international award-winning musical based on the adored movie, LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL follows the transformation of Elle Woods as she tackles stereotypes, snobbery, and scandal in pursuit of her dreams. This action-packed musical explodes on the stage with memorable songs and dynamic dances. Equal parts hilarious and heart-warming, this musical is so much fun it should be illegal!

WIT (April 21-24): Vivian Bearing, Ph.D., a renowned professor of English, has been diagnosed with terminal cancer. During the course of her illness she comes to reassess her life and her work with a profundity and humor that are transformative both for her and the audience.

In addition, Subscribers get early access to special events such as our annual alumni holiday gathering, CELEBRATE ME HOME, and our Freshman Performance Ensemble’s December presentation of WILLY WONKA. We also work with our theatrical partners throughout the Portland area to secure special Subscriber-only discounts. Already this year, our Subscribers have been able to save more than the cost of their subscriptions with Third Rail Repertory Theatre, and the Broadway touring companies of WICKED and PIPPIN. To get in on the act, visit www.jesuitportland.org/drama!

Once you Subscribe, you will be able to claim your seats for HANDS ON A HARDBODY right away. Tickets go on sale to the public October 1.

FALL 2015 - DATES TO REMEMBER Oct. 7 Oct. 9 Oct. 11 Oct. 12-22 Oct. 13 Oct. 14

Oct. 23

Parents in Partnership Discussion - 8 am No Classes - State Inservice Open House - 1-4 pm Coat and Blanket Drive Fall Choir & Band Concert - 7 pm (Moyer Theatre) Frosh Day Retreat - 7:45 am PSAT for Sophomores/Juniors - 7:45 am Financial Aid Luncheon - 11:15 am - 1 pm St. Ignatius Liturgy (Dress-up Day) – 8:35 am

Nov. 5 Opening Night for HANDS ON A HARDBODY Nov. 5 Noon Dismissal Parent Conferences (4:30-8 pm) Nov. 6 No Classes - Parent Conferences (8-11:30 am) Nov. 11 Veteran’s Day Observed – No Classes Nov. 19 College Financial Aid Night – 7 pm Nov. 22 Mother/Son Mass & Brunch – 9 am Nov. 25 Thanksgiving Liturgy – 8:35 am Nov. 26-29 Thanksgiving Holiday (school resumes 11/30)

Countdown to Graduation!

Here are some important dates for seniors and their families: • Monday, October 12: Senior Yearbook Photos (all day, Library). Students will receive an appointment time on their school locker.

Men should wear: dress shirt, black or dark blue jacket and tie. Women should wear: black or dark blue blouse or top, no cleavage.

• Tuesday, December 8: Senior Yearbook Photo Retakes (7:30 am - 12:30 pm, outside Canisius Chapel) • Monday, February 1: Senior Parent Night including Grad Night Information (7 pm, Moyer Theatre)

JESUIT HIGH SCHOOL’S

OPEN HOUSE ALL FAMILIES INTERESTED IN JHS ARE INVITED! Please Attend Our 13th Annual Financial Aid Luncheon Wednesday, October 14 11:15 am - 1:00 pm Knight Center Featured Speaker: John Gladstone, JHS President www.jesuitportland.org/fal

SUN•OCT 11•1-4 PM 9 0 0 0 S W B e av e r t o n - H ills d a le H w y , Po r t la n d • 5 0 3 - 29 1 - 54 2 3 w w w .je s u it p o r t la n d .o rg / a d mis s io n s a d mis s io n s @ je s u it p o r t la n d .o rg 11-time winner of the Oregonian Cup for outstanding academics, co-curriculars, activities, athletics, and sportsmanship (OSAA 6A).

Jesuit High School 9000 S.W. Beaverton-Hillsdale Hwy. Portland, OR 97225-2491 www.jesuitportland.org