The Lantern - May 2015

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May 2015 PRESENTATION HIGH SCHOOL PARENT NEWSLETTER

LANTERN From the Principal Dear Parents and Friends of Presentation, It is impossible to believe this is my last letter to you this school year; I have said repeatedly to you that high school years fly, but this one has gone by at record speed. You may have noticed that many of my letters have contained suggested reading–on parenting, student wellness, and the runaway insanity of college decisions. I have little feedback if you read them or not, but I do hope you pick up this final recommendation.

Thanks to all of you for your support, your generosity and your faith in Presentation. Above all, thank you for sharing your daughters with us. Not a day goes by that I am not reminded of the sacred partnership we have. As I see your daughters become the young women they were meant to be, I am humbled by the opportunity to be a part of their development and very excited about the future. Pres Girls are amazing!

As I sat at a funeral of a young man last month listening to the beautiful tributes–his compassion for people, his acceptance of difference, his quirky humor, his love of family–I could not help but reflect on the book I was reading by David Brooks, The Road to Character. In it he defines two sets of virtues: the resume virtues and the eulogy virtues. The resume virtues are the ones we bring to the marketplace–the laundry list of what we have done with our time. This is the list of external “accomplishments” that make us most competitive and deserving of recognition. The eulogy virtues are the ones talked about at your funeral–the things said about Mike– his kindness, his loyalty, his faithful devotion to things and people he loved.

God Bless you! Have a great summer practicing those eulogy virtues! Stay well and do good.

Since that day, I have been mildly obsessed with the question: what would be said of me at my funeral? She was a high school principal with a masters degree? She gave nice speeches? She worked really hard? I tell you, this has been quite a gut check generated by this book; I invite you to read it and ponder the same question. Share it with your daughters as they need a similar perspective. Brooks writes: “Our culture and our educational systems spend more time teaching skills and strategies you need for career success that the qualities you need to radiate inner light. Many of us are clearer on how to build an external career than on how to build inner character.”

The entire college process that often robs seniors of their final year in high school seems to substantiate this claim.

Perhaps all of us–high school administrators, teachers, parents, students–need to ask less what do I want from life and more of what is life asking of me? These are the things I will ponder this summer–perhaps on a beach somewhere!

Mary Miller ’72 Principal

Inside this issue LETTERS Parent Board letter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Board of Trustees letter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 DEPARTMENT UPDATES Counseling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Summer Reading List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Summer at Presentation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Girls Who Code . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Department Spotlight: Modern Language . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Community Involvement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Campus Ministry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Music . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Dance Team. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Performing Arts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Athletics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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OFFICE OF ADVANCEMENT Fashion Show: Vintage & Vogue Success . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Golf Tournament 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 MAY CALENDAR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

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From the Parent Board

From the Board of Trustees

Dear parents,

Board Committee Spotlight: Technology Committee

As this is the last newsletter of the school year (yes, I know it’s gone by too fast), I would like to take a moment to sincerely thank all the hardworking members of the Parent Board, as well as the many volunteers who have given so much of their time and energy to all the various Parent Board activities this past year.

Among the greatest challenges and opportunities in a school setting is the selection, management and integration of technology.

Without their help, we would have not been able to raise as much money as we have this year. With the funds that were raised, we are able to contribute $50,000 to the Presentation operating budget for next year, $20,000 toward merit scholarships for a deserving young women and $43,000 to fulfill much-needed items on the Presentation Faculty Wish List.

These items include wireless stage mics (eight) and a cyclorama for our theater department, a second robot for our Robotics Department, a stair stepper, training rowers, and training assault air bikes for the weight room, a trophy case for the Speech and Debate team, artwork for the Chapel, three digital pianos, graphing calculators, microscopes, perception goggles, and DECA sponsorships.

Any remaining funds will be given to Presentation to fund scholarships.

Please join me in welcoming your 2015-2016 Parent Board Executive Council: President Lisa Matthews, Vice President Maggie Pecoraro, Recording Secretary Mary Kay Redmond, Treasurer Paul Bernal, Parliamentarian Lisa Allen, Historians Ginny Berner & Kathy Cioth, Family Ties Chair Dave Nichol, and Alum Parent Reps Arlene Fukawa, Lisa Gilday and Phil Micciche.

I would also like to welcome our new members: Stephanie Affourtit, Pam Brotherton-Sedano, Dave Bustamante, Mike Catelani, Dave Cowell, Pauline Duffy, Anne Naragon, Kimberly Pitts-Davis, Eddie Sedano, Matt and Diana Sunseri.

Thank you to all the volunteers who worked on the incoming Frosh BBQ in April. It was wonderful to see so many new faces. As the year comes to an end, the final Parent Board event will be the Senior Dinner on Wednesday, May 20.

The Parent Board wishes all of you a wonderful summer and we extend special congratulations to all the girls of the Class of 2015.

Lisa Allen, Parent Board President lisaallen@pacbell.net

While Presentation is a top educational institution, it also is a non-profit business. Therefore, it has to manage operational information as well as deliver applications that leverage classroom learning opportunities. The choices of platforms, applications, databases and networks are staggering.

Whatever choices are made, they must all work together and be available 24/7. These are just a few of the challenges facing our Technology Committee.

The committee worked hand-in-hand with the Presentation tech staff to select and implement the 1:1 iPad initiative–a daunting task. Today, after more than a year of use, the initiative is creating a revolution of new ideas from teachers, students and tech staff to enhance student learning.

The next step for the committee is to rebuild our network and database infrastructure into a new, integrated system.

This will allow Presentation to use a common platform that is faster and easier to manage. The “virtual server” architecture will be the building block for new applications over the next several years.

This plan will ensure Presentation remains a leader in using technology to advance classroom learning.

Fred Crary, Board of Trustees

It’s a Wrap for Vintage & Vogue!

The Vintage & Vogue Fashion Show gave us an afternoon and evening to remember with a dazzling, unforgettable production. The entire committee extends heartfelt gratitude to all of the designers, hostesses, models, dancers, production team, parents and partners who helped make the show a resounding success. We couldn’t have done it without each and every one of you!

A final shout out to our 11 talented student designers and fabulous store partners: Athleta, Banana Republic, Bella James, Brandy Melville, Cache, Details, Eli Thomas, Francesca’s, Free People, GAP, Ibiss, Johnny Was, Kitsch Couture, The North Face and White House | Black Market.

When you’re shopping, please be sure to thank them for their continued support of Presentation.

If you missed the show, it’s not too late to strike one last pose to enrich the endowment for financial aid; visit www.presentationhs.org/fashionshow.

May 2015

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Counseling

Summer Reading List

By Nancy Taylor, Department Chair

Incoming Frosh

I fondly remember my summer days as a teenager–hanging out with friends, going to the beach, and seeing movies.

But, there was another requirement for my brother and me during the summer. The day school was out, my mother would say to us, “You have one week to find a job!” I don’t know what would have happened if that week came and went and we weren’t gainfully employed, but it was never an issue; I held various jobs throughout my summers in high school and college. I learned a lot from having to fend for myself.

I hope I can follow through on my parents’ example and hold my own daughters to the same standard. But, things are different today. Only 25% of teens ages 16-19 are in the summer work force. That’s compared to a steady 40-50% between 1948-2000. What accounts for this drop? And, what are teens missing out on by not holding summer jobs?

Today, jobs may not be as easy for teens to find; entry level jobs can be scarce and there are fewer federally funded summer jobs available. In addition, many teens are choosing to enhance their college resumes through summer school, community service, athletics, and intensive art programs. All of these activities certainly have a positive impact on students’ growth and development.

However, there may be something that is lost by not engaging in a summer job or other part-time work.

Statistics show college students who worked during high school earn 10-15% more in their starting salaries upon graduation. Students who have to seek and acquire jobs learn responsibility, accountability, flexibility and work ethic, along with the importance of showing up (on time) and doing a job well. There is a pride and self-worth that is gained from receiving a paycheck, having money in the bank, and budgeting. Summer or part-time work can also open a student up to navigating a world beyond their own socio-economic circle.

In addition to real world exposure, one of the strongest benefits of a summer job may be one of the main reasons students are choosing not to work--college resumes. More and more, colleges are heavily valuing jobs. In fact, many colleges see a direct correlation between work experience and anticipated success in college.

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• English: The Secret Life of Bees

by Sue Monk Kidd • Religion: Tattoos on the Heart

by Gregory Boyle • Social Studies: Year of Wonders: A Novel of the Plague by Geraldine Brooks

Incoming Sophomores • English: The Samurai’s Garden by Gail Tsukiyama • Religion: This Flowing Toward Me: A Story of God Arriving in Strangers by Marilyn Lacey • U.S. History: Lost German Slave Girl by John Bailey • AP U.S. History: The Killer Angels by Michael Shaara

Incoming Juniors and Seniors • English: Your choice of one of the following: • Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier • Looking for Alaska by John Green • The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri • Religion: Mercy in the City: How to Feed the Hungry, Give Drink to the Thirsty, Visit the Imprisoned, and Keep Your Day Job by Kerry Weber • Social Studies: I am Malala by Malala Yousafzai

Presentation High School offers a full slate of summer courses for boys and girls of all ages. Presentation is the place to be this summer!

play swim

learn & explore act

So this summer, as you ponder your daughter’s busy schedule, add a good old fashioned summer job to the list of important experiences to consider!

Details and registration at www.summeratpres.com

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Girls Who Code Presentation’s newest club on campus is Girls Who Code (GWC) sponsored by girlswhocode.org. Girls Who Code is a movement to inspire, educate, and equip girls with the computing skills to pursue 21st century opportunities.

The goal of this organization is to close the gender gap in technology and to empower girls to change the world through technology.

Department Spotlight: Modern Language

By Mary Jane Perryman, Department Chair Saludos and Bonjour from the Spanish and French classes at Presentation. We have exciting travel news!

In June, student groups will be flying to Spain and France to immerse themselves in culture and language. Eight students will accompany Madame Stampfl and Madame Ferriere to College St. Charles in Pignan, whose students visited Presentation this winter. 21 of Señorita Murray and Señora Poppen’s Spanish students will spend two weeks with Academia Mester in Salamanca to study language and culture, lodging with host families. Both trips are becoming tradition here and we encourage our students who couldn’t go this June to apply again in the coming year. Blessings be upon them and upon their chaperones.

More than 100 Spanish and French students were selected by their teachers to participate in the National Spanish Exam and the French Concours. We are still awaiting results for French, but we already know that several Spanish students scored at the levels of Oro, Plata y Bronce, and they will be recognized in the upcoming edition of the Pres Magazine.

Girls Who Code at Pres is a spin-off from the Women in Computer Science club (WICS). The girls in this new club meet weekly and are instructed by YuanYuan Sun, an electrical engineer who has worked at Cirrus Logic, SGI, Teralogic, Tensilica, and nVidia. YuanYuan is currently teaching the students how to code using Scratch. So far, the girls have created some interesting animations while learning basic programming structure. The girls will also learn JavaScript.

Girls Who Code and Women in Computer Science club members have had the opportunity to hear some great speakers this year. Carol Leong ’00, spoke to the students about her experience as a computer science major at Cal Poly, as well as her work at Apple. In April, speakers came from Intel and Hoopla Software. On March 23, our club members went to a special event at Google called “Made with Code.” The girls had the opportunity to code using a new Google app.

The good news about these two clubs is that our students are becoming more interested in the field of computer science. Consequently, our enrollment has increased in our Intro to Java and AP Computer Science classes.

Felicidades to the astonishing numbers of students signed up to take upper division language courses next year!

We hope they were inspired by our Career Day keynote speaker, Maria Cannon ’76, who advised them to seize the opportunity to learn a second language while they are young. Records are already being broken this May as 35 students take the Spanish Language AP test, 14 students take the French AP test, and 11 will break new ground with the AP Spanish Literature and Culture exam, for which they’ve prepared by reading the unabridged Spanishlanguage versions of 38 distinct literary works!

Señora Perryman

Lastly, the department will be saying adiós to long-time Spanish teacher and Modern Language Department Chair Mary Jane Perryman. Señora Perryman will be very sad to say goodbye to the generations of students and teachers who have been her family since 1994.

May 2015

Community Involvement Spring semester has been busy and fulfilling. Through immersion trips, service opportunities and Mission Drive, students, faculty and staff have been working hard to make a difference globally and locally. As Lent came to a close and Easter Break approached, we finished Mission Drive with a total of $18,213 in donations for the Presentation Sisters in Nicaragua and Guatemala. Our students achieved this record-breaking total by selling baked goods, crafting, eating, and attending fun events!

We are grateful for the support of parents and alumni who helped us in surpassing our goal of $14,000.

During Easter break, our students participated in an immersion trip to Salem, West Virginia, while members of our faculty traveled to New Orleans. In West Virginia, eight students explored and deepened their faith as they re-built homes for low-income families.

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Campus Ministry “In every human situation, marked by

frailty, sin and death, the Good News is no mere matter of words, but a testimony to unconditional and faithful love. It is about leaving ourselves behind and encountering others, being close to those crushed by life’s troubles, sharing with the needy, standing at the side of the sick, elderly and the outcast. Come and see!

Love is more powerful, love gives life, love makes hope blossom in the wilderness.”

- From Pope Francis’ Easter Message Love is powerful and life-giving; it creates hope even in the dark times. In campus ministry we believe hope comes from knowing the unconditional love of God, family and friends.

We believe that our retreat programs offer students a chance to reflect on God’s love for them and to renew their faith. Our annual mailing will go out to homes in May. Take a look at the various retreat offerings for your daughter and talk with her about which one she will attend.

In New Orleans, faculty members volunteered at a variety of non-profit organizations; their work included gardening, construction and working in a food pantry. To learn more about these immersion trips and the other trips CI takes, please visit our website, located under the “Faith and Service” tab on the Presentation homepage.

On Friday, May 1, Presentation honors the Blessed Virgin Mary and celebrates her mission of love with a prayer service in the courtyard. This celebration is led by our senior class. During the service, we honor some special woman of faith from the Class of 2015. Kylie Burdsall will share a reflection on her faith and her connection to Mary, Kayla Ricci will adorn of the statue of Mary with a lei and McKenna Roberson will crown Mary with flowers. The entire prayer service will be led by Laura Duffy and Kim Lozano. On Friday, May 29, we will honor the entire Class of 2015 with our Class Day liturgy and assembly.

Finally, we are delighted that 114 young women applied for Peer Ministry for the 2015-2016 school year. These generous students will help organize masses, prayer services, retreats, and morning prayer next year. They begin a year of service and faith sharing on Thursday, May 28, with an afternoon of prayer, leadership training, and bonding!

Like Pres on Facebook! www.facebook.com/presentationhs

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Music: Bella Voce

Performing Arts

The spring vocal music season got off to a strong start on Saturday, March 7, when 20 vocal music students took part in the CMEA Solo and Ensemble Music Festival at San Jose State University. Elizabeth Laus and Amy Tran received a rating of “Superior” on their vocal duet, and Orla Hannon also received “Superior” for her vocal solo. Orla will be participating in the California Music Educators Association State Solo Festival in Sacramento in May. Wish her luck!

THANK YOU TADA! Our theater booster club, TADA!, put its fundraising skills to work and presented an entertaining rock and roll show in the Valenzuela Theater. Under the leadership of Board of Trustee Dan D’ali, the show raised needed funds for our performing arts program.

Congratulations to this great band of performers, and a big thank you from our students for all you do!

On Saturday, March 21, Bella Voce again participated in the CMEA Choral Ensemble Festival and for the third year in a row received a rating of “Unanimous Superior.” Through their hard work, the girls earned well-deserved scores of 96, 96, and 95/100.

Throughout the semester, Bella Voce has participated in several clinics with renowned experts, including Lou De La Rosa, Director of Choral Activities at West Valley College, Dr. Betsy Cook Weber from the University of Houston, Texas, and Dr. Charlene Archibeque, professor emeritus at San Jose State University.

Bella Voce just returned from a trip to Los Angeles, enjoying the sights and sounds of the city. The girls also had the opportunity to perform at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts as part of the invitation-only Festival of Gold.

Eight girls participated in the Honor Choir, allowing them to join the best of all the attending choirs under a master conductor.

Your last chance to hear Bella Voce will be at our spring concert on Friday, May 15, from 7-9 p.m. in the Valenzuela Theater. Buy your tickets through the Panther’s Den on the Presentation homepage.

Emilie Bertram Vocal Music Director

DOUBLE FEATURE: Come see an evening of song, scene and comedy on Friday, May 1 at 6 p.m. in the Valenzuela Theater! The evening begins with Freshman Snip-ITS, a series of short scenes and songs performed by the super-talented Class of 2018. Afterwards, the entertainment continues with a performance by our resident improv comedy team, Spontaneous Combustion. All of this for only five bucks!

PRESREP 2015: The fun begins Monday, June 15 as we gather for another summer in the Valenzuela Theater. Presentation Repertory is open for registration! PresRep is a five-week, full day (9 a.m. - 5 p.m.) summer theater program for boys and girls ages 12-17. Students will take classes, meet new friends and have a lot of fun along the way. Plus, they’ll perform roles in two shows including Bring It On, a new Broadway musical based on the hit movie about competitive cheerleading. Check out www.summeratpres.com for registration information. Sign up your student before this popular program fills up!

Dance Team Tickets are now on sale for the Dance Department’s Spring Dance Concert. This show features our amazing after-school dance classes, Dance II and Dance IV classes, as well as our National Championship-winning Dance Team. Don’t miss seeing these amazing dancers at the Spring Dance Concert May 6, 7, 8 at 7 p.m. in the Valenzuela Theater. To purchase tickets please go to the Panther’s Den on the Presentation homepage.

Dance Concert

The Dance Team will be holding auditions the week of May 11-15. Monday, May 11 there will be a parent meeting at 6 p.m. in the library to review all the information about the audition process. From May 12-14, there will be audition clinic from 4:30-6:30 p.m. to learn the technique that will be asked of those auditioning. The audition itself will be held on May 15 beginning at 4:30 p.m.

For more information, contact Sara Fugate: sfugate@presentationhs.org.

May 2015

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Athletic Department The softball team participated in the very competitive Livermore Stampede Tournament during Easter Break and played some amazing softball! The competition was tough and the team played terrifically, earning a great win over San Ramon Valley with a final score of 4-3. The softball team also had great wins over league-mates St. Francis and St. Ignatius! They played remarkably well both offensively and defensively, holding both opponents scoreless.

The swim and dive team is continuing to excel this season.

The team won 20 of its 24 events against Valley Christian with a final score of 110-69; during the meet, the swim team won all 6 of its relays! Congratulations to these individual event winners: • Abby Harris: 200 IM and 100 Breast • Chloe Isleta: 200 Free and 100 Free • Audrey Berner: 100 Fly • Isabel Mohammadi-Hall: 100 Back

Friday, May 15 Cinnabar Hills Golf Club www.presentationhs.org/golf

At the Serra Top Seven Meet, the track and field team earned a 3rd place finish fueled by great individual performances. Congratulations to the following athletes: Sydney Jaques: 2nd place, Pole Vault Caitlyn Opulencia: 4th place, 100 Hurdles Brielle Douglas: 6th place, Discus Serena Patel: 6th place, 100 Hurdles.

The Athletic fundraiser, Game of Throws, was a complete success! Thank you to all who supported the event by attending and by volunteering to run it. With your help, we raised $25,000 for our Presentation student-athletes!

Congratulations to the Game of Throws Champions, “Four Guys and Their Bags.”

Save the date for next school year’s Athletic Fundraiser which will be held on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2015!

Go Panthers!

Stacey Mallison, Athletic Director

May Home Games Diving Friday, May 1, 3 p.m.

WCAL Diving Finals

Track & Field Wednesday, May 6, 3 p.m. vs. Sacred Heart Cathedral @ Bellarmine College Prep

There are still spaces available for the upcoming Presentation Golf Tournament on Friday, May 15. But hurry–reservations are filling quickly!

This year’s tournament will be held at Cinnabar Hills Golf Club. All golfers are welcome–singles, doubles, foursomes, beginners and pros too! This is a prime opportunity to spend a day in the sun while enjoying great company and supporting Pres at the same time! You won’t want to miss this fun-filled tournament!

To register, visit www.presentationhs.org/golf.

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May 2015

For complete calendar visit www.presentationhs.org/calendar

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

ES

TA B

LIS H E D I N 1

FRIDAY

1

Senior Luncheon, Marian Stuckey Center, 12:30 p.m.

H TION IGH S TA CH N SE

L O O

PR E

SUNDAY

SATURDAY

2

Freshmen Snip-ITS/ Improv Show, Valenzuela Theater, 7 p.m.

2 96

3

5

4 Sports Physical Night, Miller Athletic Complex, 5 p.m.

10

17

6 Dance Concert &

TADA!, Reception Room, 6:30 p.m.

Art Show, Valenzuela Theater, 7 p.m.

7 Dance Concert & Art Show, Valenzuela Theater, 7 p.m.

Parent Board Meeting, Golf Tournament Library, 7 p.m.

Meeting, Library, 7 p.m.

11

12

Dance Team Parent Meeting, Library, 6 p.m.

Piano/Voice Semester II Recital, Valenzuela Theater, 7 p.m.

18

Assembly, 20 19 Awards Miller Athletic

13

14

8

9

15

16

Golf Tournament, Cinnabar Hills Golf Club Spring Choir Concert, Valenzuela Theater, 7 p.m.

21

Prom

Dance Concert & Art Show, Santa Clara Valenzuela Theater, Convention Center, 7 p.m.

6:30 p.m.

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Senior Dinner, Miller Athletic Spring Sports Awards Night, Miller Athletic Complex, 6:30 p.m.

Complex, 10:40 a.m.

Senior Lock-In, Miller Athletic Complex, 8 p.m. - 8 a.m.

23 Final Exams periods 1,2

Complex, 7 p.m.

26

25

24

27 Final Exams periods 3, 4

31

Memorial Day holiday

28 Final Exams periods 5,6

29 Final Exam period 7

Class Day Liturgy, Miller Athletic Complex, 9 a.m.

30

Graduation Miller Athletic Complex, 10 a.m.

May 2015