Clark concludes her story at Lynbrook after 18 years BY HENRY SHANGGUAN & YONI ZEMLYAK
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fter teaching at Lynbrook for 18 years, English teacher Nelda Clark announced her decision to retire earlier this month. During her tenure at Lynbrook, Clark has taught a wide variety of English courses ranging from English Language Development (ELD) to AP English Literature and Composition (AP Literature). Clark has also been the English Department Chair since 2004. Clark’s career in education began in 1982 began when she became a teacher at South Bay School. After 10 years at the school, Clark took some time off from the classroom before joining the Lynbrook staff as an ELD teacher in 1995. “I’ve always just wanted to discuss really interesting ideas from literature with groups of interesting people,” Clark said. “And that’s what I’ve been able to do.” Most rewarding for Clark has been t h e
opportunity to enrich students’ understandings of literature, unearthing what lies beneath the surface of a text. “Anytime I’m able to take students into a text, and really show them the under-thesurface subtleties, I see that light bulb go off. The students really begin to see that a book is consciously constructed,” Clark said. Students and fellow English teachers who work with Clark recognize her joy and expertise in teaching literature. “Mrs. Clark is fascinating and asks questions that help to further my understanding of the literature I am teaching. Yet, she is never pedantic nor condescending,” said English teacher Maggie Welsh. “Her personality is warm and supportive while also dignified and professional; she is an example to our department of how to best interact with the students. She has been the perfect mentor.” Because of Clark’s efforts to help students delve into texts, many have found importance in a subject they once found trivial. “Her ability to guide us through discussions and help us see the deeper meaning of the text really helped us gain a love for reading texts closely,” said senior Pranay Patil, who had Clark as a teacher for both AP English Language
and Composition and AP Literature. “I felt like I would be cheating myself of a proper education if I didn’t take AP Lit” Beyond the realm of high school, graduates have realized the far-reaching importance of Clark’s teachings. “Clark’s AP Lit taught me the most important skill for college thus far - always question everything,” said Class of 2011 graduate Aditya Majumdar. As Clark explained, however, teaching for her has always gone both directions. “Students don’t realize the impact that they have on teachers. When you have great students, they push you to grow and stretch your limits,” she said. As English Department Chair for the last nine years, Clark has worked tirelessly not just to further the education of her students, but also to ensure the well-being of her department members. “She always finds the time to listen to her department members on an emotional level,” said Welsh. “I have always felt supported, even nurtured, by her as a department chair and as a friend.” Assistant Principal Maria Jackson said that Clark “has been instrumental in bringing the European Literature course to Lynbrook.” With Clark’s departure, students, teachers, and administrators all believe that the school will be at a loss. “With her retirement, the school loses a great mind and
the chance to have a truly rewarding conversation with a truly fascinating woman,”said Welsh. Jackson agrees. “The teachers are going to lose an amazing mentor and a good friend. She helps them see that literature is connected to all humanity, and she helps us see a snapshot into the world and our souls.” English teacher Fritz Torp said, “Nelda is a wise woman, with compassion for the joys and sorrows of life. We lose a great teacher, an inspiration to her students and to her colleagues.” Although Clark looks forward to the relaxation and opportunities that her retirement will hold, she has yet to map out her plans for the next chapter of her life beyond her desire to tour the world. “I’m really not sure what my next goal is going to be. It’s because my job has been my passion, and it consumes me,” said Clark. “After I lie on a beach for six months and recover from grading so many papers, maybe something will emerge.”
JOEY LI—EPIC
of families’ decisions to immigrate and apply for citizenship in the United States.
After a year packed with League wins, CCS Championships, and even a trip to the Sacramento Sleep Train Arena for the Nor Cal Girls’ Basketball Championship, check out page 14 for a Lynbrook Athletics’ year in review.
Letter from the editors As the school year comes to an end, we celebrate retirements, look forward to new staff members and congratulate ourselves on another great year.
First off, we would like to recognize our staff’s content editor, senior Eesha Khare, for juggling not only a year of dedicated research eventually recognized by Intel Science and Engineering Fair (page 1) and her journalism duties, but also for surviving a week of media frenzy. After two weeks of AP testing earlier this May, we responded to students’ frustrations with balancing school and testing. Take a look at page 5 for our staff’s recommendations to ease the stress of AP testing for students. With summer vacation coming up, students should take a shot at senior Fleford Redoloza’s mechanical puzzles. Turn to page 9 to learn more about his passion. Flip to page 11 for an in-depth package
As our seniors reach the end of their high school careers, you can check out the seniors’ favorite memories and notable regrets on the front page of the Senior Pullout, located after page 8. We have also compiled their bequeathals and parting words inside the fold. Find out where your favorite seniors will be heading off to college by taking a look at our senior college map. While we were unable to include the responses of the entire senior class, we congratulate the Class of 2013 on four years of hard work and hard play.
Finally, we would like to take this moment to thank the students, parents, staff and faculty for following us throughout the year. Don’t forget to check us out online on lhsepic.com, before we take a break for the summer, and leave us any questions, comments or suggestions. Congratulations to all for reaching the end of a great year. Happy Reading!
Shannon Chai, Irene Hsu, Sabrina Shie
Lynbrook recognized as California Distinguished School for sixth time BY KATHY JANG
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or the sixth time in 23 years, Lynbrook received recognition as a California Distinguished School. The California Distinguished School is an award presented by the California Department of Education (CDE) to public schools within the state that possess stellar educational programs. In past years, all California schools were open to apply for the distinction, but this year, only schools nominated for by the CDE were permitted to submit applications. Lynbrook and Monta Vista were chosen as eligible candidates in FUHSD. This year’s application featured Lynbrook’s high-achieving academic performance in two areas: Oral and Written Communication and science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). The application that schools submit includes key academic statistics. Lynbrook’s summary showed a consistent increase in academic scores spanning the past three years, boasting- an API of 946 among the many achievements listed.
In addition, schools were required to identify two signature practices, defined as a “program, strategy, practice, event or activity” that contributes to student achievement. The two practices listed were Oral and Written Communication and STEM. Oral and Written Communication encompasses the school’s effort in improving communication skills, particularly in the English Learners Department. STEM was comprised of the school’s achievement in the area, with special mention of Lynbrook’s comprehensive science program and school-wide support of STEM-related clubs and competions. Following the CDE’s recommendation. a three-week period took place, in which a support team led by Assistant Principal Sydney Marsh readied the school for examination by the CDE. Although the application process was hectic, Marsh said, “It is so worth it. The award itself doesn’t come with anything aside from a name--no money comes from it or anything. But the process provokes so much self-assessment and growth.”