March 2016 Lantern

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LANTERN Presentation High School Parent Newsletter | March 2016

Counseling

By Kara Westbrook

“Spring is when life’s alive in everything.” Christina Rosetti Spring 2016 officially begins this month. Flowers and trees will begin to bloom and the girls will begin to look toward summer and all that it holds. Seniors may receive acceptance letters from colleges they have applied to and excitement, as well as fear, will fill the air.

Spring break comes along at the end of the month just when the girls are sure the walls can no longer contain them! Yes, spring is truly a time of new beginnings and fresh starts.

Plan some time with your daughter this spring to enjoy some of her new beginnings. Is she taking a new class that sparks an previously unknown interest? Is she dancing for the first time?

Singing or acting for the first time? Creating art or practicing yoga? High school is where many students are first exposed to these disciplines. It may awaken something in her fresh and creative, different, but equally important, to her academic studies.

Use spring break as an opportunity to explore something new together. Plant some flowers or vegetables, paint some pottery or try out a new recipe. There are wonderful trails throughout the valley to hike and explore. With spring upon us new growth can be seen in nature at every twist and turn. Keep eyes and ears open and you may just discover something about your daughter new and fresh!

What's Inside DEPARTMENTS Attendance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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

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

College Counseling. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Physical Education. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Women in Computer Science . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Dance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Theater. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Choir. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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ATHLETICS Athletics/Home Games Schedule. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 OFFICE OF ADVANCEMENT Parent Board. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Vintage '62. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 MARCH CALENDAR. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

As we return from spring break, the girls are in for the final, and what feels like the longest, part of the school year. Time to complete CRPs, projects, tests, AP exams and finals! Allow her some time to nurture the quiet side of herself where she feels peace and warmth … a relaxed mind is an open mind ready to be filled. Let us work together to fill it with wonderment, curiosity, empowerment, and new beginnings.

Parent Board

By Lisa Matthews, Parent Board President

“As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands, one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.”

Audrey Hepburn I really love this quote from Audrey Hepburn. Although she was an award-winning actress, known for her iconic film roles and acting credits, she also left a legacy for her humanitarian work with children. She lived the motto, “Not Words, but Deeds.”

To me, Audrey Hepburn is a wonderful role model. She worked hard, and made it to the top of her field, but never forgot we have two hands – one of which should reach out to help others.

I am not alone in understanding the value what it means to get involved. For years I have been amazed to see numerous volunteers who come back to Pres time-after-time to assist and support a variety of events, even when they no longer have a student who attends our school.

One of my favorite volunteers is Phil Micciche. I like to call him Parent Board’s “Top Chef ” because Phil is a fabulous cook. An alum dad whose daughter, Alyssa, graduated from Pres in 2009, Phil continues to come back to lead food preparations for

everything from Crab Feed and Mother-Daughter Breakfast to teacher’s appreciation lunches and special dinners.

Phil would be embarrassed have special attention called his way, but he is an exemplary role model. He turned his passion for cooking into a way to help build Presentation into one of the top college-preparatory high schools by assisting in events that raise funds and awareness.

I also wanted to spotlight Audrey Hepburn because Fashion Show 2016 is channeling her spirit in Presentation & Co., A Fashionable Tradition for 50 Years. In the next month, students will be asking for your support in the sale of pre-show raffle tickets, advertising and show sponsorship, or you can put your passion for fashion to work as a fashion show volunteer.

Role models are an important component at Presentation. I hope you will join those who have come before you. Together we can exemplify our common cause, “Not Words, But Deeds.”

Thank you, Lisa Matthews | lmatthews@spsinc.biz

Attendance Office

By Catherine Furtado

Important Reminders from the Attendance Office: • If your daughter needs to be dismissed from class for an appointment, send her to the Attendance Office before school with a signed note from you stating the time she needs to leave class and the reason. She will receive an early dismissal slip and can then leave at that time.

• Please remember to call in your daughter’s absence by 9 a.m. The number is (408) 266-1060.

• Your daughter is considered absent if she arrives after 8 a.m. Please send her with a note from you.

• Absences require a signed note from you when she returns to school. Faxes and emails are not accepted.

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The Lantern | March 2016

• Remember, your daughter may carry some over-the-counter medicine in her backpack, including Advil, Tylenol, cold medicine, Midol, cough drops, etc. The Attendance Office cannot legally administer medication to your daughter, so it is good for her to have her own supply available for those times when she has a headache, cramps or a cold.

Community Involvement

Campus Ministry

By Lindsay Swoboda

By Claire Foley

​ hroughout March our Presentation community will be raising T money for the missions of our Presentation Sisters in Nicaragua and Guatemala. These sisters serve in low-income schools that educate students despite their lack of resources and inability to pay tuition. Our donations help provide books, shoes and food for the students as well as salaries for teachers and upgrades to facilities.

Lent has begun! This is a good time to reflect on our need for God’s mercy and compassion and our call of prayer, service, and alms giving. Are you wondering how to engage your family the season of Lent? Consider making use of an online daily prayer resource such as www.sacredspace.ie or www.pray-as-you-go.org. You can also make use of CRS Rice Bowl (http://www.crsricebowl.org/ families) which has resources for families seeking to deepen their spiritual practices. On Wednesday, March 23 we will conclude our Lenten observance with a Holy Week Prayer Service. All are welcome to join us at 11:05 a.m. in the gym.

Sister Ellen Chafferty recently shared a story of a new family that joined her school, Parroquia Jesus Nipalakin (Jesus Walks With Us), just outside of Guatemala City. This family consisted of four children, all of whom are different ages. Pablo is the oldest at 11 years old. Despite his age, he was enrolled in first grade with his other siblings due to his lack of education. Prior to December, Pablo's family could not afford to send him or his siblings to school. Luckily, the family came across Parroquia Jesus Nipalakin who agreed to educate the children despite their inability to pay tuition. When Sister Ellen met Pablo and his siblings she immediately noticed that their shoes were pieces of cardboard tied to their feet with plastic strings and that their clothes were worn and dirty. Many families in this situation would choose to send their kids to work, but despite their clear lack of resources, Pablo’s family is determined to educate their children.

Our donations will help make that education a possibility. We will help provide new shoes for Pablo and his siblings (something they have never had) and nutritious food for them to eat while at school. Every dollar raised will make a difference to Pablo and the thousands of kids like him who benefit from the missions of our Presentation Sisters.

Our spring sophomore and senior retreat programs will take place in March. Sophomore Retreat takes place on March 3 at the Presentation Center in Los Gatos. This retreat focuses on friendships and forgiveness, and priests from local parishes will be present to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Senior Retreat takes place March 14-15 at the Jesuit Retreat Center in Los Altos. This overnight retreat is devoted to coming to know God’s call – in yourself, through others, in prayer, through challenge, and in acts of service. Seniors will enjoy this chance to build community and learn more about each other before they graduate. As with all our retreats, we welcome students of all faith traditions to attend.

Campus Ministry is recruiting students to join next year’s Peer Ministry program. Any current freshman, sophomore or junior may apply for this yearlong internship in Campus Ministry. Opportunities include faith sharing and faith formation, liturgical ministry, retreat leadership and more! Campus Ministry is open to students of ALL faith traditions. Applications for new peer ministers will be due Friday, March 18. Please encourage your daughter to apply!

College Counseling

By Mary Connolly

The final whistle has not blown. The finish line is up ahead. The game is not over. Whatever metaphor you’d like to use, the message is the same. Seniors need to finish their second semester with grades that are similar to the ones they have earned throughout high school. For college admissions decisions, the spring semester grades are not used in the evaluation, although what a student has chosen to take for classes certainly is. The explanation the college counselors use to help the seniors stay focused is that colleges will expect to see the same kind of academic quality in their final semester as they were admitted with. “Senioritis” can have repercussions: all colleges and universities reserve the right to rescind admissions decisions if they feel the final grades show a difference in academic accomplishment. Sure, the students may be tired (and they’re not the only ones) but how they finish their high school careers says and shows a lot about their preparation and motivation for college.

For the Class of 2017, the College Counseling department will host a College Information Night on March 8 at 7 p.m. which will feature admissions officers from different types of institutions.

The reps will be in different classrooms; students and parents can move among the classrooms to hear the information. In addition, please watch for an invitation to participate in the South Bay College Admissions Case Studies program. This year, it will be held at Archbishop Mitty High school on April 21; space is limited. Please read through the information and respond quickly to the invitation if you and your daughter are interested in attending.

Calendar dates: • March 7: Invitation to South Bay College Admissions Case Studies program mailed • March 8, 7 p.m.: College Information Night for Juniors, Marian Stuckey Center and classrooms www.presentationhs.org 3

Women in Computer Science

By Adrienne Renner

On my flight to Los Angeles last week, I sat next to a programmer from a startup in Cupertino. It turns out he has an eleven-year old daughter who loves to code. We talked about the coding opportunities for girls and programming classes in co-educational schools. He didn’t seem too happy with the experiences his daughter was having. “Well,” I said, “you and your daughter need to visit Presentation High School.”

The challenge of coding has become contagious at Pres. Our students are looking for every opportunity to code. Whether it is taking one of our computer science classes, participating in the Women in Computer Science club, writing programs in the Girls Who Code class, or going to one-day hackathons and special coding summer camps designed for young women, our girls are seeking every opportunity to be challenged with coding.

Why is this so important? Walk through any tech company – not just in Silicon Valley – but anywhere in the U.S. and you won’t see many females. The opportunities are there for our young women.

This is why it is important that we continue to find ways to support their interest in technology. Here are a few statistics from girlswhocode.org:

Physical Education

By Dianne Lagana

Our American Red Cross Lifeguard Training course was proud to certify eight new lifeguards last semester. They completed the 30 hours of required coursework before passing the four-part written and practical skills testing to earn their certification. They will be working women this summer!

Our WOW (Women on Weights) class has enjoyed its time in the weight room, as well as group exercise-styled classes focusing on body awareness, prehabilitation and strength. We have explored a variety of topics in our "girl chat" class time and even had a guest instructor lead us in a BodyCombat class.

We are also pleased to welcome Mr. Kellen Lee, the newest member of the PE Department. He will be teaching one section of Women on Weights (Panther Boot Camp).

The entire sophomore class earned AHA, Heartsaver and A/C/I AED course completion cards. Congratulations to the class of 2018!

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The Lantern | March 2016

The U.S. Department of Labor projects by 2020 there will be 1.4 million computer specialist job openings. The bottom line is that our girls are interested in careers in technology, and Presentation is here to encourage and help them to be successful as they strive to achieve this goal.

Theater

By Jim Houle | Performing Arts Director

Our main stage spring play, Romeo and Juliet, opens in the Valenzuela Theater on March 12 and runs through March 20 . This is a wonderful opportunity to treat your family to a cultural event right here on our campus. Seniors Lydia Savelli and Orla Hannon will lead our cast in this steampunk-inspired production, which will use the Victorian era as a starting point for a futuristic and visually stimulating show . Come watch our students battle with sharp swords, swing from our scaffold set and perform feats of amazing stage combat, all while two foolish teens take a wrong turn and end up … well, no spoilers here! Original sets and period costumes will make this production sparkle, so do not miss this opportunity to support our performing arts students and see a great show. Tickets are available on our homepage.

Dance Team

By Sara Cuddie-Fugate

The Presentation Dance Team is continuing its hard work now that competition season has begun. The season kicked off with the Forté competition at Homestead High School on Jan . 30 . The team placed first in all seven of its routines, and was awarded the Precision Award in the team lyrical dance category. Seniors Isabelle Dosdos, Jessica Palaganas, and Katherine Wong all placed in the top ten with their solos. The following weekend, the team traveled to Bella Vista High School in Sacramento for the USA competition . Once again, they triumphed and won first place in all of their dances. Katherine Wong received fourth place in her solo as well . There are two more regional competitions before the team is off to Florida for the Contest of Champions Nationals March 3-8 .

After nationals, the team will start its middle school dance program where middle school dancers can take classes and learn from the Presentation Dance Team . Middle school performers will also take part in the Spring Dance Concert.

Next month, our troupe of alumnae, parents and friends of Pres— The Blue Plaid Players—will return to present a musical revue to raise funds for our performing arts department . This show will feature songs made famous by the iconic Frank Sinatra. Produced

by Dan D’ali, directed by Kathy Gutto and featuring talented performers from our community, this will be an entertaining show; mark your calendars for April 22 - May 1.

PRESREP 2016: The fun begins on June 13 as we gather for another summer theater program: Presentation Repertory. Students ages 12-17 gather daily from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. to take classes, meet new friends, have a lot of fun and perform roles in two shows! This year we will be producing the Disney classic The Little Mermaid . PresRep is a GREAT way for incoming freshmen to meet friends before school begins in the fall, as well as for sixth and seventh graders to check us out. Registration and information is available on our Performing Arts page. Sign up your student before this popular program fills up.

PresRep runs June 13 - July17 .

Classes will meet in the dance studio March 15 and 22, as well as April 5, 12, 19 and 25 from 4-6 p.m. Dress rehearsal will be Monday May 2 from 5:30-6:30 p.m. The Spring Dance Concert will be held Wednesday, May 4 (call time - 5 p.m.; showtime - 7 p.m.). The fee is $50 .

Choir

By Ankitha neelavar '17

As winter fades away and spring blooms, Bella Voce will be opening a busy performance calendar! We are starting off with a performance at the Circle Dinner here at Pres on March 3 with a medley of songs to greet Presentation’s generous donors . On March 4, the girls in Bella Voce are returning to the SJSU Invitational to perform their repertoire, receive feedback from clinician Dr. Charlene Archibeque, and listen to other select choral groups from around the Bay Area .

On March 9, Bella Voce will again be performing at Seventh Grade Day here at Presentation . On March 19, select singers from Bella

Voce and Cantabile will venture to the CMEA Solo and Small Ensemble Festival to sing a solo, receive feedback from a clinician, and be judged and scored amongst hundreds of other California students!

As you can see, we have a busy but exciting month ahead here at the Music Department at Presentation . As always, we can't wait to see you at one of our many performances! www .presentationhs .org 5

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The Lantern | March 2016

Our varsity, JV and freshman soccer teams all had outstanding seasons! Perhaps even more impressive than their stellar play and development on the field was their dedication to community service and outreach. The varsity soccer team paired up with One Million Warm Nights to collect new pajamas and books for children in need. Meanwhile, our JV soccer team gathered on a Saturday afternoon to bring food and water to the homeless at St. James Park and the Vision Shelter in San Jose. Thanks to our varsity head coach, Todd Daniels, and to our JV head coach, Jose Cervantes, for organizing these opportunities for our student-athletes to get involved and to help our local community.

Our basketball team is has been ranked in the CCS Top Ten List the entire season; currently we are ranked #6. Varsity basketball is a very young team being led by our three amazing seniors: Megan Jaeb, Ashley MacDonald and Mary Claire Simone. The varsity team is looking to have a competitive run in the post-season; already, the team has clinched a spot in the CCS tournament which begins on Feb. 23.

Spring sports began on Feb. 1 and our student-athletes are working hard to get in shape and get ready for a great and competitive season.

Our softball team looks very strong with great returning players and some very talented newcomers; our swimmers and divers are looking to have a record-breaking year with their speed and athleticism, and our track programs looks fantastic--especially with our pole vaulter, Sydney Jaques, who is a contender for the WCAL and CCS titles. Make sure to watch and support our amazing spring athletes in the next few months!

Presentation will once again be pairing up with the Bay Area Women’s Sports Initiative (BAWSI), a local organization founded by Brandi Chastain, Julie Foudy and Marlene Bjornsrud. We will be participating in the BAWSI Girls Program which focuses on health, hope and wholeness. Our student-athletes will be working with elementary school-aged children, playing sports with them and teaching them about healthy lifestyles. It is a unique way for our student-athletes to directly impact young lives.

Go Panthers!

Stacey Mallison Athletic Director @PresPanthers

Varsity Home Games Swimming & Diving

Softball Tuesday, March 1 vs. Aragon High School| 3:30 p.m.

Thursday, March 17 vs . Notre Dame Belmont | 4 p .m .

Saturday, March 5 vs . Notre Dame San Jose | 10 a .m .

Thursday, March 10 vs . Sacred Heart Cathedral | 4 p .m .

Tuesday, March 22 vs. Archbishop Mitty | 4 p.m.

Thursday, March 17 vs. St. Francis High School | 3 p.m.

Tuesday, March 15 vs . Valley Christian | 4 p .m .

Wednesday, March 23 vs . Valley Christian | 3 p .m .

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March 2016 SUNDAY

MONDAY

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

Fashion Show Committee Mtg., Library, 7 p.m.

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7 LAMP, Jenvey Conference Room, 7 p.m.

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

Confirmation Meeting, Marian Stuckey Student Center, 6:45 p.m.

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Raising Successful Women in a Fast-Changing World, Valenzuela Theater, 7 p.m.

28 Easter Break

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Booster Board Meeting, Library, 7 p.m.

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

Romeo & Juliet, Valenzuela Theater, 7 p.m.

Golf Tournament Meeting, Library, 7 p.m.

Easter Break

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5

SATURDAY

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Father-Daughter Dance, Miller Athletic Complex, 7:30 p.m.

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FRIDAY

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Circle & Platinum, Dinner, Miller Athletic Complex, 6 p.m.

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23

29 Easter Break

THURSDAY

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10

Mission Drive Solidarity Dinner, Marian Stuckey Student Center, 5 p.m.

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Romeo & Juliet, Valenzuela Theater, 2 p.m.

Parent Board Meeting, Library, 7 p.m.

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Romeo & Juliet, Valenzuela Theater, 2 p.m.

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WEDNESDAY

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Romeo & Juliet Opening and Gala, Valenzuela Theater, 7 p.m.

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Romeo & Juliet, Valenzuela Theater, 7 p.m.

25 Easter Break

Alumnae Day of Service

Romeo & Juliet, Valenzuela Theater, 7 p.m.

26 Easter Break

Easter Break

31 Easter Break

Easter Break (through Sunday, April 3)

For complete calendar visit www.presentationhs.org/calendar

MARCH 2016 The Lantern | January 2016

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

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