 San Marin Mustang eMessages
MONTHLY NEWS, APRIL 2008 EDITION  |
| Greetings!
This is an issue full of information - From the Administration, NUSD, Counseling Office, College and Career, School to Career, Departments, Student Activities, Seniors, Sports, Alumni News, School Fuel and Community Information. Take time ane Enjoy. Also check out www.SanMarinHigh.org for pictues.
* Principal, Assitant Principals, Superintendent's office, Departments,
Boosters Monthly News
* School Budget Cut Crisis - How You Can Help!
* Many Events:
Be Green, Feel Golden - San Marin Green Week - April 21-25
Drama Play - the Stage Door
Music Concert - "Being Alive - A Sondheim Salute" April 25, 27
N.E.W. Show Choir Festival
Junior Dance, .., etc Much more
* Robotics Club Penguin Empire won 2nd Place at FRC Davis Regional
* PTSA 2008-2009 Nomination Committee - Be Involved
Sylvia Barry, San Marin High School PTSA eNews |
| PRINCIPAL'S ADDRESS
Dr. Robert Vieth |
|
 One of the questions often asked by students and parents during the spring "testing season" is why do we need to take the STAR testing seriously? For the last ten years, the state of California has been giving the STAR test to all 2nd through 11th grade students. Parents receive the results each August or September following the spring administration of the test.
The first reason for taking the testing seriously is that various California Standards Tests (CST) make up the STAR testing system. The CST tests are a reasonably accurate measure of how much the students have learned in the core curriculum in a particular year. Educators often use the term Standards Based Curriculum; and at San Marin High School, all core curriculum classes follow a standards based curriculum that has been adopted by the state of California and the Novato Unified School District. Each CST covers the most important set of standards that all teachers in the core curriculum should teach each year. Therefore, the test results reflect just how well a student has learned the curriculum; the school and district look at how well the curriculum has been taught by studying the CST results each year. One important assumption in looking at all this data is that students have taken all the CST tests seriously by demonstrating their best effort on each and every test. Every year when grades are compared to test results, there are students who receive decent grades but do poorly on the CST in one or more classes. There are different potential explanations for this situation; one important one often given is the student did not take the CST test seriously.
In a standards based educational system, we no longer grade on a curve, instead if a student is performing at an advanced level, they receive an A; if they are proficient, they receive a B; if they are basic, they receive a C; if they are below basic, a D; and far below basic a F. In a perfect world, the CST score would match up with the grade in the class. We believe if students took the test more seriously, we would have better and more accurate results.
A second reason to take the test seriously is colleges are paying closer attention to the results of the CST. Arizona universities are using CST data to help them in the admissions process. I believe this is a trend that will continue as it is a way to help determine if the grades a high school assigns are accurate. For example, if a student receives an A in Chemistry, but only receives a 3 on the CST in Chemistry, that grade has been brought into question by the CST result. When grades match CST scores, we are able to write stronger letters of recommendation and our program is viewed as more comprehensive and rigorous.
A third reason to take the test seriously is helping individual students determine if they are going to need remedial course work in college. In the 11th grade, students complete a writing sample and they have some extra questions on their math and English test to help determine who is ready for college. If students give the test their best effort and they still do not do well, the students should take the ERWC English course and the Statistics math class in the 12th grade. If students then do well in the ERWC course, they do not have to take the remedial English course if they attend the CSU system. These 11th grade CST tests make up the Early Assessment Program (EAP) for the CSU. The percent of students who demonstrate college readiness is an important metric in determining the success of a high school program; we want 11th grades to take this test seriously so we can accurately assess our total program.
A fourth reason to take the test seriously is that the results are used to place students in honors and AP courses. If students are advanced on the CST, it is highly likely that the students will do well in honors and AP classes. If students don't score advanced, then we need additional data and a student may need to waive into the course. While I believe a student should be able to waive into a high level class if they wish, having CST proof that they are ready for high level work is in the student's best interest.
A fifth reason to take the test seriously is to have an accurate API score for the school. The API is calculated from all the individual CST scores of the students in the school. The API score is the score that the state uses to compare one school to another. The API, Like School Score compares the San Marin API to other schools that have similar demographics. When students apply to college, it is advantageous to come from a school with a high API (viewed as a good school) especially if the CST scores for the student are high as well. For example, a 3.5 GPA is a stronger GPA in a high API school than a 3.5 GPA in a lower API school. So it is in everyone's interest to take pride in the school and demonstrate their best effort.
This year the school will be doing two things differently to make the point that CST scores are important.
First, we will be determining all the students who did better on the STAR last year compared to the year before and giving them a raffle ticket at a grade level assembly about the STAR test. Winning raffle tickets will be selected for college scholarship money granted when students graduate from San Marin.
Second we will be giving all the CST tests in the classroom where students take a particular course. For example, all biology students will be taking the biology test with their biology teacher. We are convinced this will encourage all students to take each test more seriously. This will mean we will be running an unusual testing schedule for most of testing window. You will be receiving additional information about our testing schedule on our website before the spring vacation break.
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| ASSISTANT PRINCIPALS' ADDRESS |
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 Scheduling is well underway and the counselors are working hard to meet with all students prior to spring break. A couple of reminders and information items:
· Parent requests for teachers for the 2008-09 school year need to be submitted to the counseling office by May 10, 2008, per NUSD Board Policy 6152.
· Students who are interested in taking an AP or Honors course next year need to meet the entrance criteria (listed in last month's article). Results for the 2007 STAR test and GPA will be posted outside of the counseling office prior to spring break. If a student would like to take an AP or Honors course, but does not meet the criteria, they may see their counselor to complete a waiver, per NUSD Board Policy 6141.5. Please keep in mind when completing a waiver that students who enter an AP/Honors class with a waiver are much more successful when they want to take the class versus their parents wanting them to take the class.
· In late May/ early June a letter will be mailed home to all students confirming your student's course selection for next year. At that time, instructions will be given for those students who need to make a change to their course selection.
· Final schedules with class period and teacher will not be available until the week prior to school starting.
Our goal is to create a master schedule that meets the needs of all of our students. Please remember the importance of taking the course selection process seriously, as these requests are what determines what classes are or are not offered next year. In light of the recent budget crises, this is even more important. The potential for larger class sizes and more limited course offerings significantly reduces a student's ability to change their mind in August. |
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STAR testing will take place at San Marin High School April 28-May 9. I'm putting the finishing touches on a new STAR schedule for this year. Once we get district approval of the new schedule, I'll post it on the San Marin website. Our goal is to have every student take their STAR test in their regular class. In the past, students have taken all of their tests in their second period classes with the same teacher. In the past for example, if a student's second period class is geography, their geography teacher would administer every test. I'm drafting a schedule so your child will take their English, math, social studies, and science tests in their regular class. We will have a "block" style schedule for the two weeks of STAR testing. Feel free to call me at San Marin if you have any questions or concerns.
(NUSD is adjusting transportation schedules to accommodate the new schedule. )
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MONDAY, APRIL 28, 2008
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TUESDAY, APRIL 29,2008
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|
1st Period |
7:25 - 8:17 |
1st Period |
7:25 - 8:17 |
|
Testing 10th GR. Life Science in all English TENTH GRADE CLASSES2nd Period for 9th, 11th, and 12th grade |
8:22 - 10:11 |
TESTING 1ST PERIOD CLASSES |
8:22 - 10:11 |
|
Break |
10:11 - 10:22 |
Break |
10:11 - 10:22 |
|
3rd Period |
10:26 - 11:18 |
2nd Period |
10:26 - 11:18 |
|
4th Period |
11:23 - 12:15 |
3rd Period |
11:23 - 12:15 |
|
LUNCH |
12:15 - 12:50 |
LUNCH |
12:15 - 12:50 |
|
5th Period |
12:55 - 1:47 |
6th Period |
12:55 - 1:47 |
|
6thPeriod |
1:52 - 2:44 |
7th Period |
1:52 - 2:44 |
NO TESTING WEDNESDAY, APRIL 30, 2008
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NO 1ST PERIOD
|
|
2nd Period |
8:22 - 9:14 |
|
3rd Period |
9:19 - 10:11 |
|
BREAK |
10:11 - 10:21 |
|
4th Period |
10:26 - 11:18 |
|
5th Period |
11:23 - 12:15 |
|
LUNCH |
12:15 - 12:50 |
|
6th Period |
12:55 - 1:47 |
|
7th Period |
1:52 - 2:44 |
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THURSDAY, MAY 1, 2008
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FRIDAY , MAY 2, 2008
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|
1st Period |
7:25 - 8:17 |
1st Period |
7:25 - 8:17 |
|
TESTING 2ND PERIOD CLASSES |
8:22 - 10:11 |
TESTING 3RD PERIOD CLASSES |
8:22 - 10:11 |
|
Break |
10:11 - 10:22 |
Break |
10:11 - 10:22 |
|
3rd Period |
10:26 - 11:18 |
2nd Period |
10:26 - 11:18 |
|
4th Period |
11:23 - 12:15 |
4th Period |
11:23 - 12:15 |
|
LUNCH |
12:15 - 12:50 |
LUNCH |
12:15 - 12:50 |
|
5th Period |
12:55 - 1:47 |
5th Period |
12:55 - 1:47 |
|
7th Period |
1:52 - 2:44 |
6th Period |
1:52 - 2:44 |
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MONDAY, MAY 5,2008 |
|
TUESDAY, MAY 6,2008 |
|
|
1st Period |
7:25 - 8:17 |
1st Period |
7:25 - 8:17 |
|
TESTING 4TH PERIOD CLASSES |
8:22 - 10:11 |
TESTING 5TH PERIOD CLASSES |
8:22 - 10:11 |
|
Break |
10:11 - 10:22 |
Break |
10:11 - 10:22 |
|
2nd Period |
10:26 - 11:18 |
3rd Period |
10:26 - 11:18 |
|
3rd Period |
11:23 - 12:15 |
4th Period |
11:23 - 12:15 |
|
LUNCH |
12:15 - 12:50 |
LUNCH |
12:15 - 12:50 |
|
6th Period |
12:55 - 1:47 |
5th Period |
12:55 - 1:47 |
|
7th Period |
1:52 - 2:44 |
7th Period |
1:52 - 2:44 |
NO TESTING WEDNESDAY, MAY 7, 2008
|
NO 1ST PERIOD
|
|
2nd Period |
8:22 - 9:14 |
|
3rd Period |
9:19 - 10:11 |
|
BREAK |
10:11 - 10:21 |
|
4th Period |
10:26 - 11:18 |
|
5th Period |
11:23 - 12:15 |
|
LUNCH |
12:15 - 12:50 |
|
6th Period |
12:55 - 1:47 |
|
7th Period |
1:52 - 2:44 |
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THURSDAY, MAY 8,2008
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FRIDAY, MAY 9,2008
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|
1st Period |
7:25 - 8:17 |
1st Period |
7:25 - 8:17 |
|
TESTING 6TH PERIOD CLASSES |
8:22 - 10:11 |
TESTING 7TH PERIOD CLASSES |
8:22 - 10:11 |
|
Break |
10:11 - 10:22 |
Break |
10:11 - 10:22 |
|
2nd Period |
10:26 - 11:18 |
2nd Period |
10:26 - 11:18 |
|
4th Period |
11:23 - 12:15 |
3rd Period |
11:23 - 12:15 |
|
LUNCH |
12:15 - 12:50 |
LUNCH |
12:15 - 12:50 |
|
5th Period |
12:55 - 1:47 |
5th Period |
12:55 - 1:47 |
|
7th Period |
1:52 - 2:44 |
6th Period |
1:52 - 2:44 | | |
 APRIL EVENTS
3/30-4/2, WASC Review
4/1, Tuesday, All Day, SAT Registration Deadline (5/3)
4/2 , Wednesday, 3:00PM, Leadership Team Meeting
4/5 - 13, Spring Break, No School
4/12, Saturday, ACT Test
4/15, Tuesday, 6:30PM, Drama Booster
4/16, Wednesday, 7:15PM, Music Boosters Meeting
4/17, Thursday, 7:00PM, PTSA Meeting, Library
4/18-19, Friday, Saturday, N.E.W. S. Music Show Choir Festival
4/21-25 - Be Green, Feel Golden, San Marin Green Week
4/23, Wednesday, 7:15PM, Sports Boosters, Library
4/25, Friday, Rally Schedule, Junior BBQ
4/25, Friday, 7:30PM, "Being Alive - A sondheim Salute", Emily Gates Student Center
4/25, Friday, 8:00PM, Junior Dance
4/27, Sunday, 7:30PM,"Being Alive - A sondheim Salute", Emily Gates Student Center 4/28 - 5/9, STAR Testing
5/2, Friday, Powder Puff Game |
 BE GREEN, FEEL GOLDEN
San Marin Green Week: April 21-25, 2008
San Marin leadership is excited to be working with Next Generation to educate our community about being green!
The following is the school schedule for Green Week. Throughout the week students will be given raffle tickets for walking or biking to school with drawings throughout the week. Also, there will be an environmental essay contest: 1st prize $200; 2nd prize $100 and 3rd prize $75. Entries are due April 18th email awilliams@nusd.org if you have any questions about the essay contest.
Monday 4/21: Leadership students and Next Generation kick off the week with informative class assemblies about what it means to be green!
Tuesday 4/22: In-Class Recycling presentations including information about why we need to recycle, what can/can't be recycled, and where the recycling bins are located
Wednesday 4/23: Green Career Day- Students hear presentations from people that have environmental based careers
Thursday 4/24: Leadership Students Panel- Students will present fact based research to students about pollution, energy conservation, overpopulation, and global warming
Friday 4/25: Lunchtime Fair, Wear Green Day- Healthy, organic food sales and fundraisers for San Marin clubs during lunch.
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 SITE LEADERSHIP TEAM
2008-2009 Site Leadership Team Ballot is now available. Please select three qualified candidates and send it in to Nancy Zanadi at the Front Office by April 30, 2008. You may mail the ballot to her at 15 San Marin Drive, Novato, CA 94945 |
 CLASS OF 2008 INFORMATION
Note the Date/Time Changes
Even if you are not a Senior Parent, you are going to have one soone enought, so find out -
and
Yearbooks are $75.00 and can be purchased anytime from Mrs. Herrmann.
 Senior Fashion Show, Friday, March 28th, 7:00PM in the Student Center
Senior Prom will be May 25, 2008 at the Regency Center in San Francisco, price TBA.
Senior Breakfast on June 4, 2008 7:00 am in the Student Center
Senior Awards Night on June 4, 2008 6:30 pm in the Emily Gates Student Center
Senior Slide Show June 5, 2008 in the gym before Senior Disneyland Trip
Senior Dissneyland Trip leave June 5th at 12:00 return around 3:00 on June 6th
Graduation practice June 13th, Friday time TBA
Graduation Ceremony Friday, June 13th 7:00 pm. On the football field
Safe and Sober Grad Friday, June 13th, 9:00 pm ( right after graduation). |
 MUTIMEDIA ACADEMY UPDATE
Novato's best kept secret, The Multimedia Academy at San Marin High School, is an exceptional "school within a school" program that gives enrolled students a solid college prep education in English & Social Studies while exposing them to, and making them proficient in, various forms of multimedia and group production work in a hands on environment. Students are also completely integrated with the rest of the high school and take full advantage of all the other offerings at San Marin High.
Taught by instructors with numerous years of experience in the education and business fields, from live television production to college level instruction, the Multimedia Academy is a unique place for student growth and development towards college and beyond. Shadowing appointments are available immediately.
For more information, contact Wes Swedlow, Academy Coordinator, at wswedlow@nusd.org or 415-898-2121 x734.
You can also visit the Academy website for an application and more information,
http://www.nusd.org/smacademy/ . |
 DRAMA DEPARTMENT
Congratulations to San Marin Advanced Drama and musical theatre students who were big winners at the Marin TheatreCompany Scene Fest Competition on Monday, March 10. Chelsea Cymrot received first place: "Best Comedic Monologue" from Christopher Durang's Laughing Wild. Kasie Gasparini and Keith White scored first Place: "Best Dramatic Scene" from Drew Gasparini's new play "Crazy Just Like Me." The other schools participating were Miller Creek, San Dominico, Branson, Sonoma Academy and Marin School of the Arts. A total of sixty students participated in the annual monologue /scene competition.
Winning is always nice, but the best part about the evening was the workshops. The real learning from the experts takes place in workshops where students can improve their acting skills.
 Fifteen San Marin Advanced Drama Students will fly to London April 3 for a nine-day London Theatre Tour. They will experience backstage workshops at both the Globe and The National Theatre, three West End Plays and visit London historical sites, as well Hampton Court, Stratford -Upon-Avon, Bath, Stonehenge, and Jane Austen's house in Chawton.
 Alumni Update
Heather Gordon, a former San Marin Drama student, has just been accepted into the prestigious Harvard Masters in Fine Arts program. Only 23 students are accepted each year. The program will also allow Heather to train for three months with Moscow Theater Company. Congratulations to our San Marin grad.
Come see San Marin Drama's Production of Edna Ferber's Stage Door May 8, 9,10, 11,12,13. |
 MUSIC DEPARTMENT
The San Marin Show Choir along with five parents traveled to Bear River High School in Grass Valley, on February 29 - March 1. Under the direction of Samantha Maas-Baldwin and Kate Kenyon, twenty-two students participated in an exchange with Bear River High's "Starlight Express" and Enterprise High School's "Starship" show choirs! All of the schools performed to a "packed house" on Friday and Saturday evenings at Bear River High's theater!
The San Marin Music Department's Spring Musical: "Thoroughly Modern Millie" was a BIG SUCCESS!! Once again, our talented music students, under the direction of Emily Gates, took us on a musical journey through song and dance. . .this time. . . the "Roaring 20"s in New York City. We extend a HUGE thank-you to the many parent volunteers who participated and contributed to the success of this show!!
 On Saturday, April 19th, The San Marin Music Department will host our 2nd Annual N.E.W.S. Show Choir Festival. This is an all-day event, including a barbecue, whose success depends upon the time and efforts of parent and students volunteers!! If you are a parent who has been waiting for an opportunity to jump-in and get involved, this is your chance!we had a great time last year getting to know other music parents, as well as the many talented San Marin music students! To date, nine schools have signed-up to participate in this event.
Coming April 22. . .Our last Mary's Pizza Fundraiser of the year!! Mark your calendars and
invite your friends to participate to raise money for the San Marin Music Department! 20% of all sales on April 22nd will be donated to the San Marin Music Department. Eat lunch, eat dinner, or purchase Mary's gift cards on this date, and the music department will benefit!! You MUST present the flyer Music Department to receive credit.
On April 25, Friday, and April 27, Saturday, 7:30PM, the Music Department wil present "Being Alive - A sondheim Salute", Emily Gates Student Center. This is a selection of Stephen Sandheim's scores. The performances are put on due to requests by our talented music students This promises to be two emtertaining evenings.
Three San Marin Choir students performed with the All State Honor Choir March 15 in
Sacramento. They are among the top students from the three Regional Honor Choirs that were chosen earlier in the year. This year's choir was led by Jin-Ling-Tam, noted composer and director. The girls sang literature in Spanish, Mandarin, and English. Isabel Block, a 9th grader enrolled in Concert Choir, Christine Chong, 11th grader, and Emily Randall, 12th grader, are members of the Jazz Choir. They rehearsed with the group on Thursday and Friday, and performed on Saturday. |
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 VISUAL ARTS DEPARTMENT
Spring Art Fair
There will be a big Spring Art Fair held here at San Marin in the quad on Saturday May 31st. There will be chalk painting for all. It will be ongoing all day. Come early to start drawing your square. There will also be a booth with artwork for display and purchase. Support your local art students! There will be music and dance and food!!
Art Students to Paint Northgate Mall Mural
San Marin Art Students will be working with Youth in Arts and a muralist from Oaxaca, Mexico (He did the huge mural on the side of the MacArthur Bart station, along with many other) to create a mural for the Northgate Mall. The mural will be painted towards the end of May and will be up for at least six months while the mall's remodel takes place.
 Italy and Greece trip planned for Spring Break 2009.
For more information or to sign up please contact Ms. Mozzetti in room 802.
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 COLLEGE PLANNING
PrepHQ
This is a site for "ALL GRADE LEVELS" and their parents - never too early to start planning for college!
This is a secure internet-based tool for students and their counselors to manage the college and career planning process. We will be able to communicate with students about new scholarships, summer programs, college representative visits, etc. Students and parents will be able to track applications as they proceed through our office and much, much more. We are excited about this new way for students to do their application process. Click here to login to your PrepHQ account. |
 PTSA Board Members Elect for 2008-2009
President: Norma Dawson
Vice President: Sue McQuinn
Secretary: Sue Halstead
Treasurer: Julie Casey
Financial Secretary: Melissa Nuyens
Auditor: Open Position
Historian: Open Position
Election date for officers will be posted in the San Marin eNews when scheduled.
If you would like to become involved or run for PTSA office please feel free to contact Norma Dawson.
All Seniors, who are PTSA members, will receive a North Marin Council PTSA Scholarship Application from the College & Career Center.
The PTSA is proud to announce its volunteers have provided over 2059 hours of support to San Marin!
FOR VOUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
PTSA General EventS
PTSA Senior Related Events |
 ALUMNI NEWS
ALUMNI REUNION INFORMATION
* Class 1978 30 Year Reunion (Classes 1976 - 1980 are Invited). Click for Flyer
* Class 1988 20 Year Reunion - More Info Coming Soon
* Class 1989 20 Year Reunion
Reunion of the Class of '89 is right around the corner and the planning has begun! To help with the coordination and communication of the reunion we have set up a group site on Facebook.com. To access the group simply go to www.facebook.com and add yourself to the group "San Marin High School Class of '89 Reunion". If you have any difficulty finding or adding yourself to the group please email Joe Minutoli at minutoli@hotmail.com and be sure to include "SMH Class of '89 Reunion" in the subject line. Please pass this information on to any of our classmates whose location you know!
* Class 1998 10 Year Reunion - Start Planning Stage
ALUMNI ACCOMPLISHMENTS / HAPPENINGS
* San Marin Music Alumni Justin Sousa and MIT Group Perform 03/28/08
DRAMA Department:
Heather Gordon, a former San Marin Drama student, has just been accepted into the prestigious Harvard Masters in Fine Arts program. Only 23 students are accepted each year. The program will also allow Heather to train for three months with Moscow Theater Company. Congratulations to our San Marin grad.
Check San Marin Alumni News Page later for Class 1988 20 Year Reunion and Class 1989 20 Years Reunion Information. |
 ROBOTICS CLUB NEWS
San Marin Robotics team, the Penguin Empire, competed in the NASA Sponsored First Robotics Competition (FRC) Regional Event at U.C. Davis from 3/20 to 3/22.
After 6 weeks of intensive work (two hours weekdays and six hours both Saturdays and Sundays), Penguin Empire team did amazingly; went beyond our wildest dream and placed 2nd Place overall among 38 teams, won the Highest Seed Rookie award, and 2nd place as the Captain Team of the Alliance team at the Finals.
 As a Rookie team, our standing is way beyond what we have ever imaged. The competition was fierce with 38 teams from various parts of California as well teams from Oregon and Idaho.
Students learned programming, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, designing, video filming, 3D Animation, planning, organization, problem solving, working under stress, team work (both internal and alliance forming and cooperation with external teams) and much more.
SEE VIDEOfor one of the matches. In this film, Aurora (Penguin Empire 2008 Robot) is part of the blue team with blue flag and holding the blue ball Each robot is approximately 120LBs and 6 ft tall folded. This is an amazing experience for all, students and mentors alike, and we are looking forward to the next year's competition.
Watch for San Marin Robotics, the Penguin Empire, Team and Aurora's outreach / ambassador work; coming soon to Sinaloa, Hill, School Fuel events, NUSD Board meeting, Rotary Clubs. etc. The Penguin Empire Team would like to thank our Principal, Dr. Robert Vieth, for his support from day one, San Marin Autoshop, San Marin Staff, our Robotics mentor team at Sonoma State Tech High School, our dedicated mentors and supportive parents.
email Sylvia Barry for details or join the Robotics Club Yahoo Discussion Group (Students and Parents are welcome) |
 A WORD FROM THE COUNSELING OFFICE
PrepHQ
Are you looking for information on colleges and scholarships?
- Advice & tips for Grades 11 & 12
- Dates of upcoming SAT and ACT tests
- dates of upcoming College Fairs
- Scholarships resource page
- College Scholarships
- Internet sites of colleges?
- E-mail addresses of the Admissions Offices
Log into PrepHQ at www.sanmarinmustang.org. Go to the Counseling or College and Careers link to sign up for PrepHQ.
COURSE SELECTION FORMS NOW DUE
Course selection forms for next year are now due in our counseling office.
All students have been given forms and our Academic Planning Guide to plan their courses for next year.
Counselors have met with 10th graders and parent/guardians as part of our regular Sophomore Counseling appointments.
If any students or parents/guardians have questions re course selection for next year, please contact your counselor:
Ms. Maureen Brandi 897-2154 x123 mbrandi@nusd.org
Ms. Annan Paterson 897-2154 x122 apaterson@nusd.org
Mr. Jim Hu 897-2154 x124 jhu@nusd.org
Advanced Placement (AP) Testing (May 5 - 15)
Students who are enrolled in AP courses this year are highly encouraged to take the AP Exam in May. The AP Exams are essential part of the AP experience and provide students and colleges and universities with a standardized measure of what a student has accomplished in the AP classroom.
Colleges and universities expect that students enrolled in an AP course will take the AP Exam at the end of the course. Students' AP Exam grades, if sufficiently high (scaled 1 - 5), could earn students college credit, placement, or both at thousands of colleges and universities in the United States. Essentially, students can earn up to a full year of college credit (sophomore standing) once students have attained a sufficient number of qualifying AP Exam grades. Visit www.collegeboard.com/ap/creditpolicy for more information. Below is the 2008 AP testing schedule.
AP Signups - Signups for AP testing will begin March 24th. AP Exam fee is $84 for each exam. Students need to complete an AP Exam Order Form available from their AP teacher or in the Counseling Office. Return the completed AP Exam Order Form to Mrs. Ramadan in the Counseling Office with a check payable to San Marin High School. Deadline to sign up to take an AP Exam is March 27th.
AP Fee Reduction - The State of California, College Board, and San Marin High School provide fee reductions for academically qualified candidates who are in acute financial need. If the student is a member of a family whose taxable income for 2007 was at or below the figures provided in the table below, and the student is enrolled in the AP Course, that student qualifies for a fee reduction. Students who qualify for a fee reduction will pay $54 for each exam. If your family qualifies for a fee reduction, please see Mr. Hu with your completed order form, and a signed copy of your most recent Tax Form 1040.
Size of family Annual family taxable income
1 $15315
2 $20535
3 $25755
4 $30975
5 $36195
6 $41415
7 $46635
8 $51855
2008 AP EXAM SCHEDULE
|
DAY |
DATE |
TIME |
TEST |
|
Monday |
5/5/08 |
8:00 - 12:00 |
US Govt. & Pol. |
|
Tuesday |
5/6/08 |
8:00 - 12:00 |
Spanish Lang. |
Tuesday |
5/6/08 |
12:00 - 3:00 |
Statistics |
|
Wednesday |
5/7/08 |
8:00 - 12:00 |
Calculus AB |
Thursday |
5/8/08 |
8:00 - 12:00 |
English Lit. |
Friday |
5/9/08 |
8:00 - 12:00 |
US History |
|
|
|
|
|
Monday |
5/12/08 |
8:00 - 12:00 |
Biology |
Monday |
5/12/08 |
12:00 - 3:00 |
Physics B |
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Tuesday |
5/13/08 |
8:00 - 12:00 |
Chemistry |
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Wednesday |
5/14/08 |
8:00 - 12:00 |
English Lang. |
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Thursday |
5/15/08 |
12:00 - 3:00 |
Microeconomics |
Juniors -- Visit the Counseling Office and College & Career Center and get materials to register for the SAT I and SAT II test administrations in May and June. A plethora of information (and if you don't know the word "plethora", you'd better get busy) is available at the SAT "mothership", at http://www.collegeboard.com or you can also get information about the ACT to see if that style of standardized testing is more appropriate for you. Explore ACT test prep at http://www.actstudent.org where you will find information about acquiring practice tests with real ACT test, practice essays for the optional ACT Writing Test with real-time scoring, and a comprehensive content review for each of the ACT's four required tests - English, Math, Reading, and Science.
ACT believes that since the ACT Assessment is a measure of your academic achievement, it is not possible to "cram" for the test. But test-prep classes and programs such as ACT Online Prep can help students become familiar with the tests, easing a lot of the anxiety often encountered on test day. The same is true of practice tests and computer programs designed to familiarize students with SAT I and II. The more familiar you are with the structure and style of a test, the more comfortable you will be when the real test is actually in front of you.
Remember, June is a good time for juniors to take the SAT II Subject Tests, especially for courses which end in eleventh grade. While you're visiting the guidance counselor, you should also pick up information to sign up to take the AP Exam in May. AP credits are a wonderful way to defray college expenses and give you time to take more electives, go abroad without jeopardizing your major, or even graduate early. Don't miss out on this great deal. By the way, colleges like to see transcripts which include AP classes. These show that a student is taking the most challenging curriculum a high school can offer. They also give admissions officers a chance to see how a student can relate to actual college-level work.
If you are planning to visit colleges in the spring, write or call admissions offices for brochures and information. Talk to your parents about visiting schools. Start leafing through college books.
Develop some ideas about what you like and find out what schools address your interests. This is an ideal time to prepare a preliminary college list, discuss travel and interviewing skills, and find out what range of colleges are good fits for you. If you play a spring sport that you'd like to continue in college, ask your coach to help you talk to college coaches or athletic directors. Videotape your skills. By this time next year, it will be too late to strut your stuff in person. It also helps to make an appointment to talk to college coaches and athletic directors when you visit the campus for a tour and admissions interview. It might help you decide if you'd like to play for the college team or just stick to club sports.
Seniors - As you begin to receive acceptances from colleges and universities, remember that college acceptances are conditional so maintain strong grades, complete any requirements they specify, and fulfill your commitments. Below is some information on placement tests that may be necessary for you.
California State University Placement Tests
· EPT - English Placement Test
· ELM - Entry Level Math
· Dates, Registration, and Additional Information - http://www.ets.org/Media/Tests/CSU/pdf/2007_CSU_Bulletin.pdf
University of California Placement Test
Analytical Writing Placement Examination (Subject A)
· Usually offered 2nd Saturday in May
· Required, unless students are exempt
· Additional Information and Possible Exemptions - http://www.ucop.edu/sas/awpe/index.html
Community Colleges
Research the program you want to study (www.assist.org)
· Placement tests for English and Math. Please see Mrs. Cunnie for test dates for COM and SRJC.
· If your goal is to transfer, meet with one of the colleges counselors this spring
· Enter the college with a plan
· Community college is not a fallback - it's a choice! You are in charge of your destiny! |
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A WORD FROM the COLLEGE and CAREER CENTER
Whether you are looking for the latest testing dates, which college representatives are in town, what teen jobs are available or clinics are coming up, Francine Cunnie in the College and Career Center has the list or an answer for your every question related to life after San Marin. Please see the website for more information or visit, call, or email Ms. Cunnie and she can help.
The summer catalog is out. Copies are available in the College and Career Center or online. The fall course catalog will be out in April. If you are planning on taking a course at College of Marin you will need the following inforamtion
The beginning dates for registration for Summer and Fall 2008 are as follows: Priority Registration for graduating high school seniors begins on May 5th. Concurrently enrolled high school students may begin registering on May 27th. Juniors planning on taking a course at College of Marin in the fall need to register at the IVC or Kentfield Campus and have their enrollement card completed, application, and college credit program card (which must be signed by your counselor) with them at the time of registration. They can pick all this up in the Counseling Office or the College and Career Center
COLLEGE VISITS:
Both Junior colleges this year will be offering placement testing at San Marin. Times and dates will be posted on the eNews and PrepHQ. You will be able to sign up for these events on PrepHQ
WACAC COLLEGE PREVIEW FAIR
Thursday, April 23rd
Western Association for College Admission Counseling will be hosting a college fair at Dominican College the evening of April 23rd. There will be more than 100 colleges attending and distributing information about their programs. There will also be workshops offered with topics pertaining to the college selection process. Informational postcards will be mailed to your home in the Spring.
JOBS FOR TEENS
Free Drop - In Clinic: The first Thursday of every month. Helpful information to assist 14- 18 years old apply for a job. 4 - 6 pm at the Novato Teen Center.
8th annual Job Fair for Teens: Thursday, April 24th 5-7pm at the Novato Teen Center
Register for these events at www.NovatoFun.org . Call Roneie Schaefer at Novato Parks, Recreation and Community Services for more information, 899-8200
ATTENTION SOPHMORE PARENTS
This month we are working with the sophomore English classes on a career and interest search. The students are using our Bridges Transition program. This program allows students to explore different career pathways, giving them information on the education required, employment forecast, earning power, other related links, and interview with a person in the field and other useful information. The programs allow the students to set up a profile and save information. The Bridges program is accessible from home. Parents check out what is available for your student here at San Marin.
· www.bridges.com
· Site I.D. 0010065
· Password: Mustangs
ATTENTION ALL PARENTS
In April of this year we will be conducting a "Green Career Day", Wednesday, April 23rd. The students will be hearing from speakers who are in environmentally friendly careers. We are in need of speakers for this day. If you are involved in an environmentally sensitive career or know of anyone who is and would like to participate in this great day please contact Francine Cunnie at fcunnie@nusd.org or by phone at 898-2121 ext 127. We are hoping to have the speakers in the morning before lunch. The PTSA will be hosting a lunch after the speakers present. CAREER PANEL LUNCH PRESENTATIONS
From January to May the College and Career Center in partnership with the School to Career Liaison will be offering students the opportunity to hear and speak with professionals in their designated careers. Each month will have a different career cluster focus.
· February, Careers in Multi Media and Business
· March, Careers in the Health Industry
· April, Ecological Responsible "Green Careers"
· May, Careers in the Trade Industry
The panels will speak during the lunch hour in the library. Students will be able to speak with panel speakers afterwards with questions in their career focus. Dates will be announced and sign ups will be taken through PrepHQ and in the Career Center.
College Fair: College of Marin IVC Campus
Registrationand field trip permission forms are required for this event and are available in the College and Career Center. The students will be transported by bus to this event and lunch will be provided.
FINANCIAL AID:
· The FAFSA for the 2008-09 school years is now available on line at www.fafsa.ed.gov. You can download a worksheet on the website to help you with the process. You must first apply for a pin. The pin application can be found at www.pin.ed.gov. All students and parents should fill out these forms and submit them to the colleges they plan to attend. Many of the scholarships offered at the individual colleges require the FAFSA to be completed in order to be eligible. The CAL Grant GPA verification forms are also available in the CCC. All students going to a junior college, four colleges or university in California should fill out this form. It is a simple form and should be turned in the registrar at the counseling office when completed.
· All scholarships are being updated on the Prep HQ web site and made available in the College and Career Center. Be sure to check weekly and apply to any that you may qualify for. Someone has to win these scholarships. Why not make it our students from San Marin.
· Marin Education Fund is now coming to San Marin to meet with students and assist them with the Financial Aid process as well as present their scholarship opportunities. Sign-ups to meet with them are in the College and Career Center
Upcoming Events:
College in Career Center in partnership with our School to Career Liaison will presenting monthly Career Panel in the Library at the lunch hour. Each month they will cover different career clusters and have a panel of speakers and presentations. Look for more information on the San Marin website, PrepHQ and E-News. In January the panel will be from the health professions, February Public Safety, March Multi Media and Film and May Arts and Trades Panel. We are also in the planning stages of a Career Day focusing on careers supporting the "Green" movement during our Green week here at San Marin.
PSAT FACT SHEETS
· 2007-2008 PSAT Fact Sheet from the College Board
· 2007-2008 PSAT Parent Perspective - English Version
· 2007-2008 PSAT Parent Perspective - Spanish Version
COLLEGE EXAM PREPARATION
Prep Courses for SAT and ACT now being offered at San Marin High School Schedule will be posted and available in 2008
WORK PERMITS
By California State Law, all students under the age of 18 are required to have a work permit for after-school and weekend jobs. Permits may be obtained in the CCRC.
During the school year, students may work a limited number of hours, determined by their age. A parent's signature is required on the application for a work permit before the permit is issued. A student must keep a 2.0 or higher GPA to work.
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MARIN COUNTY SCHOOL TO CAREER
2008 Spring Semester Events
Buck Institute Job Shadow Day for High School Students: This event provides high school students a valuable opportunity to see inside this unique research facility.
Summer internships are available at the Institute. Date TBD
Public Safety Careers / Emergency Preparedness Training: Through Teen CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) Program, high school students can become certified members of the response teams at their schools and in their communities when a disaster or an emergency strikes. Students interested in public safety careers participate in a behind-the-scenes look at public safety agencies. Date TBD
Marin County Sheriff Youth Academy: The youth academy is designed to provide Marin youth with hands-on training to promote an interest in law enforcement as a future career. The Academy combines hands-on learning with classroom participation during the Spring Internship Program. - Through April 25, 2008
Career Days: Alternative Education high school students throughout Marin County are introduced to groups of experts who introduce the students to diverse career opportunities and discuss the steps needed to pursue their interests. TBD ~ May 2008
Summer Internship Program: The Summer Internship program provides an 8-week intensive career exploration opportunity that requires students to spend 9 hours per week on the worksite with a mentor. Elective academic credit is available.
May 30, 2008 Applications Due
June 16, 2008 - July 25 Internship Program
For more information or to register for any of these events,
contact Camille Madfes
School to Career Liaison,
897-4206, ext.735 or e-mail cmadfes@nusd.org.
Marin County School to Career Partnership
1111 Las Gallinas Avenue San Rafael, CA 94903
Phone 415-499-5865 w Fax 415-491-6619
http://stc.marinschools.org |
SPRING SPORTS SCHEDULE
Spring Sports is now in session. Watch website (coming soon) for schedules
 ****************************************
**************************************** ** Girls Lacrosse Opens their MCAL Season **
** with home game against Drake at 4:30PM, **
** Friday, April 4th. **
** Please come and cheer on the team! **
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04/08, Tuesday, 4:30PM, Lincoln @ San Marin
04/15, Tuesday, 4:30PM, Marin Catholic @ Marin Catholic
04/16, Wednesday,4:30PM, Justin Siena @ San Marin (Sinaloa)
04/03, Thursday, 3:30PM, San Rafael/Branson, Peacock Gap
04/04, Friday, 4:00Pm, Novato @ Novaro
04/04, Friday, 6:00PM, Novato @ Novto
04/04, Friday, 4:30PM, Drake @ San Marin
SOCCER, GIRLS - Coach Adam Billington
04/03, Thursday, 4:30PM, Drake @ Drake
04/03, Thursday, 6:00PM, Tamalpais @ San Marin
04/03, Thursday, 4:30PM, Terra Linda @ San Marin
04/04, Thursday, 4:00PM, Novato @ Novato High
04/18, Friday, 4:00PM, Justin Siena @ Justin Siena
04/03, Thursday, 4:00PM, Redwood @ San Marin
04/15, Tuesday, 4:00PM, Terra Linda @ Terra Linda
04/03, Thursday, 4:00PM, Terra Linda @ San Marin
04/04, Friday, 5:00PM, Marin Catholic @ San Marin |
 SCARVES FOR SCHOLARSHIPS
Carol England, Dept. Chair, Special Education is knitting scarf after scarf after scarf. Why, you ask is she doing this? Well, she is knitting all these scarves to raise money for students in the Special Education Dept. who will be attending college in the fall. Her goal is to raise $2000!!
Her scarves are made of a variety of yarns. Many of the yarns have been sent to her by a friend in Mulheim, Germany. The scarves can be seen in the "mini scarf botique" in the Resource Center located in room 603. Prices range from $32.50 to $55 and come in a variety of colors.
Contact her via email at cengland@nusd.org or she can also be reached at San Marin Tuesday-Thursday each week.
Help her "knit the students to college." |
SITE LEADERSHIP TEAM MEETING
Meeting Agenda Items for Wednesday, March 5, 2008
OLD BUSINESS
3:05 Block schedule, advisory period,
tutorial period information Dr. Vieth
3:25 Incentives for STAR testing information Dr. Vieth
3:40 Green Steering Committee information Dr. Vieth
4:00 WASC update & SLT involvement information Dr. Vieth
NEW BUSINESS
4:15 Budget: Prioritize District Budget Cuts discussion Dr. Vieth
STANDING REPORTS
4:30 Student LeadershipUpdates information Student Reps
PTSA information as available
Booster Groups information as available
Academy information Dr. Vieth
School Fuel information Christine Koenig
4:45 ADJOURNMENT
ANNOUNCEMENTS/REMINDERS:
Please contact Nancy two weeks prior to each meeting if you have agenda items to add.
ALL MEETINGS ARE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. THE PUBLIC IS ENCOURAGED TO ATTEND, WITH AN OPPORTUNITY FOR COMMENT. CALL 898-2121 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION. |
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1) Attend NUSD Board Meeting Agenda!
2) Attend Community Budget Forum, Monday April 21, 6:30PM, NUSD District Office.
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NUSD LETTER TO PARENTS - STAR 2008
Dear Parents and Guardians:
This spring, your child, along with public school students throughout California, will participate in California's Standardized Testing and Reporting (STAR) Program that includes four test components. Students in our district will take the tests on the following dates:
* April 28 - May 9California Standards Tests (CSTs)
* April 28 - May 9California Alternate Performance Assessment (CAPA)
* April 28 - May 9California Achievement Tests, Sixth Edition Survey (CAT/6 Survey)
Grade 3 and 7 only
* April 28 - May 9California Standards Based Tests in Spanish (Grades 2-7) or
* March 26 - April 4Spanish Assessment of Basic Education (Aprenda3 Grades 8-11)
Most of our students will take the California Standards Tests (CSTs). Students in grades three and seven will also take the California Achievement Tests, Sixth Edition Survey (CAT/6 Survey), which will be included in the same test booklet as the CSTs. Students with significant identified cognitive disabilities, who are unable to take the CSTs and CAT/6 Survey, will take the California Alternate Performance Assessment (CAPA). The CSTs, CAT/6 Survey, and CAPA are given in English. Spanish-speaking students enrolled in United States public schools less than 12 months also take the California Standards Based Tests in Spanish (Grades 2-7) or the Spanish Assessment of Basic Education, Second Edition (Aprenda3 for Grades 8-11) that is given in Spanish, in addition to the CSTs.
Test results for both the CSTs and the CAT/6 Survey will be sent to each student's home address (make sure the office has your current address) in one STAR Student Report in late summer 2008. The CAPA and Aprenda3 results will be sent in separate reports. Individual results are confidential and will be shared only with parents or guardians, students and their teachers.
STAR Program reports provide valuable information about your child's academic achievement. Please plan to keep these reports for use when talking with teacher(s) how to best support your child's academic progress.
Contact your child's school during regular school hours if you have questions about the STAR Program or the testing schedule.
Sincerely,
"An Equal Opportunity Employer"
BOARD OF TRUSTEES:
Debbie Butler, Cindi Clinton, Thomas Cooper, Derek Knell, Ross Millerick, Leslie Schwarze, Jennifer Treppa
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LETTER TO PARENTS - CAPA 2008
Dear Parents and Guardians:
This spring, your child, along with public school students throughout California, will participate in California's Standardized Testing and Reporting (STAR) Program. Federal law requires all students to participate in this state-mandated testing program.
Your child's individualized education program (IEP) specifies that your child will participate in the STAR Program by taking the California Alternate Performance Assessment (CAPA), which will be administered April 28 - May 9. The CAPA is a test that was specifically developed for students with significant cognitive disabilities.
Test results will be provided in the STAR Student Report for CAPA that will be sent to your home address (make sure the office has your current address). These individual results are confidential and will be shared only with parents or guardians and the student's teacher.
The STAR Student Report for CAPA provides valuable information about your child's academic achievement. Please plan to keep these reports for use when talking with the teacher(s) about ways to support your child's academic progress.
Contact school during regular school hours if you have questions about the STAR Program or the testing schedule.
Sincerely,
"An Equal Opportunity Employer"
BOARD OF TRUSTEES:
Debbie Butler, Cindi Clinton, Thomas Cooper, Derek Knell, Ross Millerick, Leslie Schwarze, Jennifer Treppa
http://nusd.org
K:\Staff\Curric_&_Instruc_Services\Marcia\My Documents\2007-2008\Testing\STAR\Letters\Letter to Parents STAR April 2008.doc 3/19/2008 |
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Estimados Padres y tutores:
Este verano, su hijo/a, como todos los alumnos en la escuelas publicas de California, participará en el programa de Exámenes estandarizados de California (Standardized Testing and Reporting-STAR). La ley federal requiere que todos los alumnos participen en este programa estatal.
El Programa de educación individualizado (IEP) de su hijo/a, estipula que su hijo/a participe en el programa de exámenes STAR tomando la Evaluación de desempeño alterno de California (California Alternative Performance Assessment, CAPA), que se aplicará entre el 28 de abril y el 9 de mayo. Este examen CAPA fue desarrollado específicamente para alumnos con discapacidades de aprendizaje.
Los resultados se darán en el Reporte STAR del estudiante para CAPA, que se manda por correo a la dirección de su casa (asegúrense que la escuela tenga su dirección actual). Los resultados individuales son confidenciales y se comparten solamente con los padres o tutores y el maestro del alumno.
El Reporte STAR del estudiante para CAPA provee una valiosa información sobre el rendimiento académico de su hijo/a. Por favor, guarden estos reportes y úsenlos cuando hablen con los maestros sobre cómo se puede ayudar a su hijo/a a progresar en la escuela.
Si usted tiene preguntas sobre el programa STAR o las fechas de cuándo tiene lugar, llamen a la escuela durante las horas de clases.
Atentamente,
"Un empleador egalitario"
ADMINISTRADORES DE LA MESA DIRECTIVA:
Debbie Butler, Cindi Clinton, Thomas Cooper, Derek Knell, Ross Millerick, Leslie Schwarze, Jennifer Treppa
http://nusd.org
K:\Staff\Curric_&_Instruc_Services\Marcia\My Documents\2007-2008\Testing\STAR\Letters\Letter to Parents STAR dates 2008 Sp.doc 3/19/2008 |
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MUSTANG MERCHANDISE ORDER FORM AVAILABLE
SAN MARIN WEBSITE
BASEBALL - Coach Mark Whitburn
SCHOOL FUEL BULLETIN
ROCK AND BLUES BY THE LAKE - 2008
CONTACT INFORMATION 
