January Lantern 2017

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LANTERN Presentation High School Parent Newsletter | January 2017

Parent Board

By Joel Dibble | Parent Board President | jcdibble17@gmail.com Welcome back to a new semester!

We hope the holidays were happy and healthy, and that you are ready for an exciting new year. The Presentation Parent Board gets busy right away with two big events in January. First, all current and prospective families are invited to the principal’s State of the School Address on Thursday, Jan. 31, at 7 p.m. in the Valenzuela Theater., Mary Miller ’72 will discuss academics, co-curricular activities and future educational trends. There is no charge to attend and reservations are not required.

Vintage ’62 ensures nobody is left behind, and no-one is left out.

Then it’s time to party during Presentation’s annual Crab & Pasta Feed on Saturday, Feb. 11. Music, a Mardi Gras theme, and an all-you-can-eat pasta and crab feast make this a can't-miss event!

Be sure to register early; it WILL sell out. Preferred seating is $75 per person. General seating is $65 per person. To reserve your spot, visit www.presentationhs.org/crabfeed. If you’d like to help us behind-the-scenes, volunteers are needed to help with Crab Feed decorations, food prep and set-up/clean-up. Please contact the Office of Advancement at (408) 264-5110 for information on volunteering.

This year, 194 students receive tuition funds through financial assistance. But, through the generosity of Vintage ’62, they also receive class rings, funding for immersion trips, AP test fees, athletic fees, bus passes, lunch money, textbooks, prom bids and much more. Over the past three years, the group has raised more than $52,000 for the non-tuition endowment fund.

Is your daughter celebrating her birthday or another special occasion soon? Celebrate by ordering a balloon bouquet for her locker. You find the order form on the Parent Board page of the Presentation website.

We look forward to seeing you at one of our events. Thank you for your continued support.

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The Lantern | January 2017

Vintage ’62 is a men’s group dedicated to raising funds to cover non-tuition needs for Presentation students who receive financial assistance. Spearheaded by Brad Baron, Mike Craig, Bud Davis, Scott Higgins and Marc Parkinson, the group believes finances should not be an obstacle for any young woman hoping to have a well-rounded high school experience.

We invite all fathers, brothers, grandfathers, uncles and male friends of Presentation to attend the annual Vintage ’62 Dinner at the private St. Claire Club in downtown San Jose. The evening will include a steak dinner, open bar, appetizers, dessert, cordials, cigars and good fellowship. To reserve your spot at the table, visit www.presentationhs.org/vintage62 or contact Advancement Director Alice Ursano at (408) 264-5110.

Panther Pride The students at Pres continue to shine! Check out the accomplishments of our programs this past month.

Speech and Debate The Speech and Debate team continues to dominate this season, driven recently by the Public Forum team of Talla Khelgati ’17 and Manush Mobarhan ’17 at a pair of national invitational tournaments. Ranked as the fourth seed, they advanced to the double-octo final round at the Glenbrooks Tournament in Chicago and followed that up by advancing to the final round of the Alta Invitational in Utah without dropping a ballot.

Aarushi Sahejpal ’18 also made it to the semifinals of congressional debate while in Chicago.

Closer to home, Megan Munce ’18 and Laurenn Vives ’18 finished as champions of public forum debate at the Santa Clara Invitational.

13 students won awards at the invitational, with special recognition to Shannon Miranda ’20 who was the champion of Novice Expository speaking.

At our league novice debate tournament, undefeated performances in public forum include Hannah Ni ’20 and Ciara Ruiz-Earle ’20, Ria Nawathe ’20 and Tanaya Nawathe ’20, and Amanda Page ’20 and Erica Barandica ’20. Anusha Ghosh ’20 was also undefeated in Lincoln-Douglas debate.

Advocacy and Awareness Along with Speech and Debate, the Students for Political Action club hosted the “PRESidential Forum” and mock election. 574 members of the Presentation community cast ballots, including 108 freshman, 147 sophomores, 118 juniors, 136 seniors, 52 faculty and staff and 13 shadows. Congratulations to the seniors for having the highest voter turnout at 69%!

Community Involvement and Service A special shout-out goes to Taylor Togami ’18 who was voted the Community Involvement November Service Star for her work at Community Youth Services.

Attendance Office Happy New Year! We hope your family had a wonderful and relaxing break! To start the new year off, here are some friendly reminders from the Attendance Office: If your daughter needs to leave early: In the rare instance when your daughter needs to leave school for an appointment, please send her to the Attendance Office before school begins with a note from you stating the reason she needs to leave school and the time of her dismissal. She will be given an early dismissal notice from the Attendance Secretary. When she returns to school from the appointment she must check back into school with the Attendance Office.

If your daughter is absent or late: • If you are daughter is going to be coming to school late or not at all, please call the Attendance Office at (408) 266-1060 no later than 9 a.m.

• Your daughter is considered absent if she arrives after 8 a.m. (unless she has a free period) and will need a parent note when she checks into the Attendance Office.

• All absences require a written note signed by the parent the day she returns to school. Faxes and emails are not accepted.

For further information, please review the detailed attendance policy in your daughter’s academic planner. If you have any other questions, please contact the Attendance Office at (408) 266-1060 or by email at cfurtado@presentationhs.org. www.presentationhs.org 3

Social Studies

By Andrea Duwel, PhD, Social Studies Chair This year the Social Studies Department has been busy learning about and participating in local, state and federal elections. Civics students have been out in the community working with the League of Women Voters, attending candidate forums for the city council races in districts two, six and eight, canvassing for Congressmanelect Ro Khanna, phone banking for district six candidates and working the polls here at Presentation for the mock election.

Civics classes also researched the candidates and propositions and created a life size voter guide in the main hallway of the school. United States History students learned about the initiative petition process as a progressive era legacy, researched propositions and made informed arguments about the issues on the ballot. AP Government students used a historically-based model to correctly predict the winner of the presidential election.

On Election Day the school club, Students for Political Action, hosted a Mock Election in which 563 members of the Presentation community voted for president, the House, Senate, propositions 56, 58, 60, 61-67, city council and affordable housing Measure A. While students waited in line to vote, they expressed themselves by contributing to an election-themed art mural on the whiteboard.

Congratulations to the seniors for having the highest voter turnout at 69 percent! And as if civic participation were not enough to brighten one’s day, everyone left the voting booth wearing a sticker that read "I Voted Today!"

In January social studies teachers Julie Edson and I will be taking 22 students to Washington DC to learn about civic engagement, meet with and learn about lawmakers, and witness the hallmark of democracy, the peaceful transfer of power at the presidential inauguration.

Speech and Debate This year, more than 90 students are finding their voice in the Speech & Debate program. Along the way, our novice team members have picked up dozens of awards at places like Santa Clara University and University of the Pacific, as well as in local CFL league tournaments as they grow to be competent, capable, and captivating speakers and debaters.

Our varsity team members continue to shine, too. Both close to home and across the country at tournaments like Yale University, The Glenbrooks (Chicago), and Alta (Salt Lake City), our veteran team members are leading the way with hard work and talent.

Presentation students have now garnered four bids to the Tournament of Champions, the most prestigious debate tournament in the country held at the University of Kentucky in April.

As a result of our team’s gains in both quality and quantity, we are now one of the largest chapters of the National Speech & Debate Association’s academic honors society in the country, ranking among the top five percent.

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The Lantern | January 2017

In October and November, we hosted two debate tournaments for the community, including the Voices Invitational which raised more than $14,000 for the Voices Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping disadvantaged students gain access to debate through scholarships and financial assistance.

We’re also busy on campus, as well. In the weeks leading up to the election, we partnered with SPA to host a town hall-style debate to raise awareness of issues surrounding the presidential election and create political dialogue.

And we’re gearing up for an even bigger and better second semester!

Over winter break, 26 team members will travel to Phoenix to compete at the Arizona State University tournament—the most team members Presentation has ever sent on a trip. Later this year, we’ll have important competitions at Stanford and UC Berkeley along with state and national contests.

College Counseling

Counseling

Happy New Year from the College Counseling Department!

Welcome to 2017!

This semester will be exciting, as our seniors will begin to receive the majority of their college decisions and finalize college plans.

Senior families who have completed a FAFSA, CSS profile, and/or Cal Grant submission form should begin receiving information regarding their financial package(s) to any early action college to which they are accepted. The College Counseling Department is available to assist families and students in deciphering financial aid awards and address any concerns or questions you may have regarding the process.

A new year is a time to embrace new opportunities, experiences and trends. For example, in fashion, fur pom poms and peep-toe cork wedges are out while unconventional materials and the matador trend are in! If you are remodeling your kitchen, dark wooden storage spaces are out and light colored cabinets are in.

These are things you can change, things you have control over.

What about the parts of life you have no control over, that you must accept and live with?

In January, the College Counselors will meet with each junior mentoring group during scheduled collaboration periods to explain UC, CSU and private college admissions, as well as application deadlines, financial aid and scholarships. We will also be completing tasks on Naviance. These are mandatory meetings and are treated as a class for attendance purposes.

We kindly request that any appointments not be scheduled during your daughter’s assigned time.

College Information Night for Parents of Juniors: Jan. 18, 7 p.m., Valenzuela Theater Mandatory College Counseling Collaboration Periods for Juniors: Jan. 18, 1-2 p.m.

Mentoring groups: Calin (Rm 203) Ray (Rm. 18) Georgiev (Rm. 29)

Jan. 31, 1-2 p.m.

Mentoring groups: Dalton (Rm. 20) Twiddy (Rm. 7)

Feb. 2, 2-3 p.m.

Mentoring groups: Raposa (Rm. 2) Frojelin (Rm. 10)

Change is something that happens to everyone almost every day, and it is seldom an easy process. You fear the unknown, worst case scenarios—allowing fear, doubt, anxiety and impatience to set in. Your daughter is undergoing social and emotional changes while taking more risks, being more self-conscious, having mood swings and at the same time feeling as though she is “bulletproof.”

To combat these feelings, you and your daughter need a few coping strategies. When a big change happens, find out if there is any aspect of it that you can control. Then, focus on setting new goals and developing a new plan of action. If the change is beyond your control, remember that your calm, centered, spiritual side does not change. Try meditation, journaling or prayer— something that reconnects you to your higher self.

Believe in yourself, your daughter, and your support system.

Go out there and make 2017 a great year!

Campus Ministry

By Claire Foley and Annalora Calin

“Joy to the world, the Lord is come! Let earth receive her King! Let every heart prepare [her] room, and heaven and nature sing!”

For Campus Ministry, this traditional Christmas carol reminds us of our call to help your daughters prepare room in their hearts for God’s joy. Through the many retreats and liturgies of this spring semester, our goal is to provide prayer experiences that encourage your daughters to open their hearts to God and receive the peace and joy that God’s love has to offer them.

Our first opportunity to worship as a school community will be on Jan. 27 at 11:05 a.m. At this liturgy we will reflect on our hopes for the new year and new semester and consider the areas of our lives where we need God’s wisdom and guidance to succeed.

The first of two senior retreats is happening Jan. 23-24; this retreat is devoted to coming to know God’s call – in yourself, through others, in prayer, through challenge, and in acts of service. 62 seniors will participate in this overnight retreat at the Jesuit Retreat Center in Los Altos.

Retreats are free and open to students of all faith traditions. In late April, retreat registration forms for the 2017-2018 school year will be mailed home. Our retreats are popular and fill up quickly so return your form by the end of May so that your daughter may have her first choice of dates.

Many blessings for a healthy 2017! www.presentationhs.org 5

Community Involvement CI would like to thank all of the students, faculty and staff, parents, alumnae and neighbors who contributed to our annual holiday drives benefiting Sacred Heart Community Service. This year we shifted our focus from class competition to advocacy.

While the drives still counted for spirit points, students focused more on the meaning behind the drives than on winning. The shift in focus led to an increase in donations—including a record-breaking Penny Drive.

• Food Drive: 16,885 items of food, 1,014 frozen turkeys, 832 coats and blankets, and 20,000 diapers • Penny Drive: $16,619.26 • Toy Drive: 2,000 new toys and 154 bikes donated by the Reuter family All of these donations will be distributed by Sacred Heart the week before Christmas.

The holiday drives are a testament to the commitment and generosity of our Presentation community. Your donations ensure joy, relief and a little holiday magic for thousands of deserving people in our community.

Thank you!

Dance Team The Presentation dance program celebrated the end of the year by watching our students shine onstage. Our thanks to the students, families and friends who attended the Dance Cabaret featuring the Presentation Dance Team, Dance Company, and our third and fourth period dance classes.

Our two-time national championship-winning Presentation Dance Team begins its competition season next semester. Our girls love seeing familiar faces cheering them on from the audience. Please consider joining us at one of our upcoming competitions: • Jan. 21: Miller Athletic Complex • Feb. 6: Bella Vista High School, Sacramento • Feb. 11: Monta Vista High School • Feb. 18: Lincoln High School • Feb. 25: Cupertino High School We hope to see you in the audience!

Performing Arts

By Jim Houle | Performing Arts Director

Everybody cut loose!

Join us Jan. 21-29 for the second musical of our mainstage season: Footloose, the Broadway musical based on the well-known 80s movie starring Kevin Bacon. The show features 45 talented Pres students, boys from local schools and our hard-working, all-girl technical crew.

Tickets to all six performances can be purchased online through the Presentation box office: www.presentationhs.org/boxoffice.

A theatrical odyssey In January, we look forward to auditions for our spring production of Homer’s The Odyssey: • Audition Workshop: Jan. 18, 3-5 p.m. (open to all students, including high school-aged boys) • Acting Audition: Wednesday, Jan. 25, 3-6 p.m., Valenzuela Theater Performances of this classic show will be held March 11-26.

See you at the theater!

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The Lantern | January 2017

Athletics Happy New Year, Panthers!

The Presentation basketball team is off to a great start with five wins and one loss. Thus far, it has had big wins over Notre Dame Belmont, San Benito and Wilcox. After hosting the Varsity Shootout on Dec. 17, the team traveled to the West Coast Jamboree.

The first game of the season is on Jan. 10 against St. Francis. Our third annual Faculty Appreciation Night game will be held against St. Ignatius on Jan. 13 at 7:30 p.m. Please join us in recognizing and thanking our amazing faculty and staff for all that they do for our student-athletes. Also, we’d like to extend a special shout-out to JV basketball for earning first place at the Mountain View basketball tournament with wins over Menlo-Atherton, Santa Teresa and St. Francis.

The varsity soccer team started off its season with a 3-1-2 record, posting wins over Los Gatos, Piedmont Hills and Notre Dame San Jose. In its first six games, the team has posted 11 goals and allowed only two. Off the field, the team has also been impressive.

In November, the team was featured by Cal Hi Sports for its work during the Food Drive. The team also partnered with “One Million Warm Nights” to provide pajamas and books to deserving children.

Of course, we have an immense amount of Panther pride for our students who earned WCAL All-League honors during the fall season: Cross Country Paige Comiso, First Team All-League Gianna Mendoza, Second Team All-League Field Hockey Nichole Streete, First Team All-League Carolyn Skotz, Second Team All-League Golf Mariana Antaya, Honorable Mention Tennis Mallory Menne, Second Team All-League Megan Craig, Honorable Mention Vianna Phung, Honorable Mention Jacqueline Gill, Honorable Mention Volleyball Kaitlyn Poncetta, Second Team All-League Brittany Gillingham, Honorable Mention Water Polo Kaitlin Rooney, First Team All-League Alexa Grau, Second Team All-League Sophia Chapman, Second Team All-League Emily Roland, Honorable Mention Go Panthers!

Stacey Mallison Athletic Director

Basketball

Soccer

Friday, Jan. 6 vs. Silver Creek High School | 7 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 3 vs. Sacred Heart Cathedral | 3:15 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 13 vs. St. Ignatius College Prep | 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Jan. 11 vs. St. Francis High School | 3:15 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 20 vs. Valley Christian | 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 21 vs. Archbishop Mitty | 11 a.m.

Friday, Jan. 27 vs. Sacred Heart Cathedral | 7:30 p.m.

Varsity Home Games

Tuesday, Jan. 31 vs. Archbishop Mitty | 7:30 p.m. www.presentationhs.org 7

January 2017 SUNDAY

1

MONDAY

2 Christmas Vacation

8

TUESDAY

3 Christmas Vacation

9

WEDNESDAY

5

4 Christmas Vacation

10

Christmas Vacation

11

15

Christmas Vacation

16 School Holiday, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

22

23

Photos, 8 a.m., Miller Athletic Complex

Footloose, 2 p.m., Valenzuela Theater

17 Fashion Show Committee Meeting, 7 p.m., Library

24

Lantern League Mtg., 6:30 p.m., Valenzuela Theater

Parent Board Meeting, 7 p.m., Library

Speech and Debate Parent Judging Night, 6 p.m., Room 23

19

Parent Scheduling Night, 7 p.m., Library/Classrooms

Christmas Vacation

First Semester Grades Available

20

26

Christmas Vacation

14

Math & Science Colloquium, 7 p.m., Marian Stuckey Center

College Information Night for Junior Parents, 7 p.m., Marian Stuckey Center

25

Board of Trustees Mtg., 3:30 p.m., Library

30

7 p.m., Library

SATURDAY

7

12Booster Board Mtg., 13

18

Crowds4Pres

Footloose, 2 p.m., Valenzuela Theater

29 Fashion Show

Christmas Vacation

FRIDAY

6 Christmas Vacation

Classes resume Christmas Vacation

THURSDAY

21Sophomore Day of Service, 9:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Footloose, 7 p.m., Valenzuela Theater

27New Year's Liturgy, 28 Freshman Day

Footloose, 7 p.m., Valenzuela Theater

11:05 a.m., Miller Athletic Complex

of Service, 9:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Footloose, 7 p.m., Valenzuela Theater

Footloose, 7 p.m., Valenzuela Theater

State of the 31 School Address,

7 p.m., Valenzuela Theater "The Odyssey" Parent Mtg., 6:30 p.m., Marian Stuckey Center

For complete calendar visit www.presentationhs.org/calendar

JANUARY 2017 Presentation High School The Lantern 2281 Plummer Avenue San Jose, CA 95125