San Marin Mustangs Weekly eNews
May 14, 2008 EDITION
Greetings!
 
LOOK FOR MAY / JUNE MONTHLY MUSTANG MESSAGES THIS COMING MONDAY ...
 
* PTSA and Safe Grad meetings - Wednesday, May 14th
* Parent, Teens and the Law, Marin County Office of Education, May 21st
* Spring Sport Awards is scheduled for 7:00PM, May 27th.
* San Marin Art Fair, May 31st
New Multimedia and Video Production Elective announced, Open to ALL students.
* Drama Big Win - Drama Department Accepted to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in
   Scotland for August 2009!!!
Seeds of Learning - Foreign Language Class Fundraiser for Sister School in San
   Pedra, Nicaragua
* Scarves for Scholarship - Going Strong!  Help Ms. England raise fund for students
* SPORTS -
   - Girls Summer Basketball
   - Water Polo Meeting
* San Marin Students won Laws of Life Essay Contest Awards.
* In the Spot Light - Mark Miller, Sports Teams
   Website Excellence Award!
WASC Gives San Marin High Marks! - Thanks to Teachers, Admin, Staff, Students,
   Parents for letting WASC know how great our school really is!
* College Preparation Head Quarter  Tool for ALL students/Parents 
School to Career 2008 Spring Semester Events on Website
 
News Items ?Comments? questions? Simply email eNews@SanMarinHigh.org
 
 

                            Sylvia Barry, San Marin High School PTSA eNews

PTSA E-SCRIPT Girls Softball 2007 Champion

Update Your E-Script!

Haven't updated your E-Script since your kids were in Kindergarten?  Now is the time!!  Simply go to www.escrip.com to update your account information and add San Marin High School PTSA as your recipient.  Paper forms are available in the office and will be available on the web site.  Make a difference today! 

IN THIS ISSUE - Article Links
:: PTSA E-SCRIPT SIGN UP
:: MINIMUM DAY SCHEDULE
:: MUSTANG MERCHANDISE ORDER FORM
:: SAN MARIN WEBSITE
:: QUICK LINKS
:: MAY/JUNE EVENT
:: PRINCIPAL/ASSISTANT PRINCIPALS MESSAGES
:: WASC GIVES SAN MARIN HIGH MARKS
:: SEEDS OF LEARNING
:: THE SPOT LIGHT
:: DRAMA INVITED TO EDINBURGH FRINGE FESTIVAL
:: MULTIMEDIA/VIDEO PRODUCTION ELECTIVE ANNOUNCED
:: CLASS OF 2008 NEWS
:: GREEN WEEK BIG SUCCESS
:: LAWS OF LIFE AWARDS WINNERS
:: DRAMA DEPARTMENT NEWS
:: VISUAL ARTS DEPARTMENT NEWS
:: G(RLS SUMMER BASEKETBALL
:: SPRING FOOTBALL CORRECTION
:: WATER POLO MEETING
:: SPRING SPORT AWARDS NIGHT
:: SPRING SPORTS SCHEDULE
:: MUSIC DEPARTMENT NEWS
:: ROBOTICS CLUB NUSD PRESENTATION
:: SCARVES FOR SCHOLARSHIPS
:: PTSA BOARD ELECTION
:: ALUMNI NEWS
:: COLLEGE PLANNING PREPHQ
:: COUNSELING OFFICE
:: COLLEGE and CAREER
:: SITE LEADERSHIP TEAM
:: SCHOOL TO CAREER
:: PUBLIC SCHOOL BUDGET CRISIS
:: COMMUNITY EVENTS
:: PARENT, TEEN and LAW
:: NOVATO STEEPED IN TRADITION
:: SCHOOL FUEL EVENTS
:: ROCK AND BLUES BY THE LAKE
:: CONTACT INFORMATION
:: NEWS SUBMISSION DEADLINE
MINIMUM DAY
Warning Bell      7:35 a.m.
Period 1 7:40 am - 8:15 am
Period 2 8:20 am -  8:55 am Period 3 9:00 am -  9:35 am
Period 4  9:40 am - 10:15 am
Break
     10:15 am- 10:25 am
Period 5 1030 am - 11:05 am
Period 6 11:10 am- 11:45 am
Period 7 11:50 am- 12:25 pm
MUSTANG MERCHANDISE ORDER FORM AVAILABLE
 

Mustang merchandise has been restocked for all your needs. We have warm sweatshirts with hoods, thick sweatpants for this cold season, sticker decals for your car, landyards for your keys. Buy now your Mr. Mustang Calendars, only $12! Show your spirit by sporting San Marin Mustang Merchandise!

 

SanMarinWebsiteSAN MARIN WEBSITE
 
Have you check the San Marin Webiste Recently? News, Pictures, Events..
 
Built by Website Club and maintained jointly by Website Club and PTSA
 
QUICK LINKS

 SAN MARIN HIGH WEBSITE
MAY/JUNE EVENTS 

 
5/5-5/15 AP (Advanced Placement) EXAMS US Government, Spanish, Statistics, Calculas AB, English Literature, US History, Biology, Physics B, Chemistry, English Language, Microeconomics. (Note by gettig a grade 3 or higher score, the students could earn college credit or placement or both )  
 
5/14, Wednesday, 7:00PM, SafeGrad Meeting, Counseling Office 

5/14, Wednesday, 7:15PM, PTSA Meeting, Library
5/21, Wednesday, 7:15PM, Music Boosters Meeting, Music Room
5/21, Wednesday, 7:00PM, Parents, Teens and the Law, Hollis Hall, Marin County Office of Education 
5/25, Sunday, Senior Prom, Regency Center in San Francisco
5/28, Wednesday, 7:00PM, Sports Boosters Meeting
5/29, Thursday, 7PM, Girls Summer Basketball Parent Meeting
5/29, Thursday, 7:30PM, Water Polo Meeting.
5/31, San Marin Art Fair
6/4, Wednesday, 3:00PM, Site Leadership Team Meeting, Library
6/4, Wednesday, 7:00AM, Senior Breakfast, Student dent Center
6/5, Thursday, Senior Slide Show
6/5, Thursday, 12:00PM, Senior Trip to Disneyland
6/12, Thursday, Last Day of School
6/13, Friday, 7:00PM, Graduation, Football Field
6/13, Friday, 9:00PM, Immediate following Graducation - Safe and Sober Grad Night, Rolling Hills Club

School FuelPRINCIPAL, ASSISTANT PRINCIPALS MESSAGES

APRIL 2008
 
 
STAR TESTING SCHEDULE - Mr. Michael Casper, Assistant Principal
 
AP Testing, Master Schedule
- Ms. Megan Pettis, Assistant Principal
San Marin PrideWASC GIVES SAN MARIN HIGH MARKS
 
Form Superintendent's Office, April, 2008

San Marin High School received outstanding reviews by the statewide review team for their
WASC accreditation review.

They were extremely impressed with all aspects of the school community, culture, and program.  You won't be surprised to learn that the team considers
San Marin's College and Career Center among the top 5 of all high schools in the state of California!

Way to go!
 
Note - (*) WASC - Western Association of Schools and Colleges Accrediting Commission for Schools
SanPedroSchoolSEEDS OF LEARNING
 

¡Por favor!  Be part of our gift!

 

Greetings to the San Marin community from Señora Watson, of the Foreign Language Department.   For the last two years, my students and I have participated in a sister school relationship with Escuela San Pedro, in Nicaragua.  The school is located in a small rural community of the same name, San Pedro, and was built with the help of volunteers from Seeds of Learning (SOL), a non-profit organization based in Sonoma, CA.  As our school year moves toward a close, we would like to be able to make a gift of funds to Escuela San Pedro, to support their efforts to offer educational opportunities to the young people of their community.

 

I first learned of  SOL when attending the memorial service of Deborah Standish, a beloved San Marin teacher. Deborah, along with her husband and daughters (both SM graduates), spent several vacations as a SOL volunteer, working side by side with community members from San Pedro, building this very school.  She would be delighted to see the sets of drawings, poems and cultural information sent to us three or four times a year by the students of San Pedro.  My students have enjoyed reciprocating with some beautiful writing and illustrations.  They have shared descriptions of themselves, their preferred activities, and the ways their families celebrate favorite holidays. In February, we composed poems of love and friendship.  My fourth-year students wrote some very thoughtful poetry exploring the theme of adolescence, which I think the older students in San Pedro found particularly interesting.

 

We invite you, in fact we implore you, to join us in supporting our sister school by making a donation, large or small, to this fundraising effort.  A contribution can be sent through one of my students, if you happen to know one, or can be sent to the main office, to the attention of Marcelyn Watson.  Checks should be made payable to Seeds of Learning, with a notation on the memo line "for Escuela San Pedro".  If your address is on the check, SOL will send you a receipt for tax purposes.

 

As we battle on to protect funding for education in our own community, perhaps we can feel some solidarity with people all around the globe whose most fervent hope lies in the education of their children.  And if you were touched by the vibrant and generous spirit of Deborah Standish, as so many in this community were, consider this an opportunity to honor her.  A few dollars will help purchase much needed supplies for some very eager students in San Pedro, Nicaragua.  ¡Mil gracias!

 

Questions?  Contact Marcelyn Watson (ext. 750) mwatson@nusd.org

For more information regarding SOL, go to www.seedsoflearning.org

UNDER THE SPOT LIGHT 
 
 
Mr. Michael Spinard - Golden Award Winner
 
 
Clap HandsDRAMA DEPARTMENT ACCEPTED TO THE EDINBURGH FRINGE FESTIVAL FOR AUGUST, 2009
 

San Marin Drama Teacher, Linda Kislingbury Cain got exciting news on April 29.   San Marin Drama was chosen as one of 99 schools from around the country to perform at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in August of 2009.  With a thousand performing companies from all over the world, The Fringe is the largest arts Festival in the World and San Marin will part of the US team. 

 

Kislingbury says it's been a long process.  Surprised in January, to find out that San Marin Drama had been nominated by the Lenaea Drama Festival Director, Scott Adams (Lenaea is the largest drama competition in North America).  Kislingbury only had a few weeks to get the extensive application put together (which had to include a DVD of clips of different plays, press releases, recommendations and application questionnaire).  With the help of Drama Booster parents Janice and David Blair (who put together nine copies of very professional folders)  and Drama Booster President Val Zabko (who helped with questionnaire) the application was submitted.    Nine Advisors (University theatre professionals from around the country) then ranked the completed applications. 

 

Kislingbury says this is the opportunity of lifetime for her students.  "We will start our extensive fundraising activities now,"  she said.  " Stay tuned for more on that."    Students are thrilled to know they will represent their country as part of the US team.  Students will be housed in dorms at University of Edinburgh and be able to explore not only Edinburgh and other sights in Scotland but see theatre from around the world.

MUTIMEDIA / VIDEO PRODUCTION ELECTIVE 
 
San Marin High School is proud to offer new Multimedia and Video Production electives for next year.  It is expected that by the end of these three courses, students will gain strong visual and media literacy for life-long use; graphic related vocabulary and skill; aesthetics perception and analysis skills; historical and cultural awareness as related to multimedia; and awareness of career and high education choices in the multimedia field. 

The course prepares students for college study in multimedia-related majors; employment in a communication or arts-related field; and/or personal digital communication.  Students completing the Video Production course will satisfy the 1-year Visual Performing Arts requirement for University of California and Cal State University admission requirements.   Please see your child's counselor if you are interested in the courses.   

                 

                 

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
   * Donate to Safe and Sobef Grad Night
 
Order Cap and Gowns now.  Forms are in the front office.  $30 for Cap & Gown.

Yearbooks are $75.00 and can be purchased anytime from Mrs. Herrmann.

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).  

AdamWilliamsCyclingGREEN WEEK BIG SUCCESS AT SMHS!
 
To celebrate Earth Day and bring sustainable practices to our school, the Leadership class,
College and Career Center and Counseling Department produced a week of educational events and activities.  The nonprofit groups Next Generation and Youth Leadership Institute provided key coordination, resources and assistance. 

Some highlights of the week included:

* Introduction to Sustainable Living and the
    Environment-  Grade Level Assemblies
* Classroom Presentations on Recycling
* "Green" Career Presentations by over 50 Local Professionals
*
Expert Panels on Sustainable Food, Green Schools and The Economy
* Lunch Fair with Healthy Meals and Community Resources

We got great feedback from our students and teachers about the variety of experiences and information presented during the week, and many students stayed on campus for our lunch fair. 

Thanks to all who participated and made this possible!

LOLWinnerJanDerbySAN MARIN STUDENTS WON ROTARY CLUB LAWS OF LIFE ESSAY CONTEST AWARDS

San Marin students won 5 out of 10 awards at the 2008 Laws of Life Essay Contest.  The contest is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Novato Sunrise and the award ceremony was held at Hill Middle school on April 16th and attended by Novato City Mayor, City Manager, NUSD Superintendent, Jan Derby, School Board Member, Tom Cooper and Rotary Club District 5150 Governor.    
 
The winners are 1st place, Molly Doherty, 3rd place, Julie Herbstman and Honorable Mentions, Ryan Barry, Anthony Cheung, Claudia Luna.  Students are awarded $50 (Honorable Mention), $100, $200, $300 (3rd, 2nd, 1st respectively) scholarship.
 
Many thanks to the English teachers who encouraged their students to participate in the contest and Mr. Adam Williams for taking time out from his busy schedule to coordinate the efforts.   
School FuelDRAMA DEPARTMENT  

Drama Department presented the "Stage Door' Thursday, May 8, Monday, May 12, and Tuesday May 13 at 7:00;  Friday, May 9 and Saturday, May 10 at 7:30; and Sunday, May 11 at 2:00 at the Emily Gates Student Center.    
 
 
 
 
 
School FuelFourteen Advanced Drama students and one Tech Theatre sudent hada wonderful time in England over spring break.

The students saw Wicked, 39 Steps and Lord of the Rings on the London Stage. They got a tour of the Globe and a workshop with a Shakepearean actor, a back stage tour of the National Theatre and a theatre workshop at the Victoria and Albert Museum.

They saw all the sights in London and visted Stratford Upon Avon, Salisbury, Stonhenge, Bath, Hampton Court and Jane Austen's House in Chawton. What a trip!!!!!

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.
 

Arts Colors 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. 

GreekItaly and Greece trip planned for Spring Break 2009. 
For more information or to sign up please contact Ms. Mozzetti in room 802.

Girls Basketball GIRL SUMMER BASKETBALL
 
Hello All,
 
It's time to get up and running for San Marin girls summer basketball.
 
We are very excited for the start of a great summer and to get all of us prepared for the winter season starting in November.
 
We will be having a meeting Thursday evening, May 29th starting at 7:00 pm in the San Marin gym for all parents, returning players, potential new players interested and all incoming freshmen. 
 
I certainly understand how busy everyone is, however, this meeting is important for us to get all of your questions answered and for us to get off to a organized start. Please be sure to attend.
 
I don't have everyone's email addresses, can you please help and pass the word regarding the meeting.
 
We can't wait to see everyone.
 
Thanks,
Dan Lucia, Girls Basketball Coach
SPRING FOOTBALL CORRECTION
 
 

BEGINS APRIL 19TH, 2008 ENDS FRIDAY MAY 30TH, 2008.

 

STARTS 3:00 ENDS 6:00 PM

WHERE T-SHIRT, SHORTS, CLEATS (SHOES YOU CAN RUN IN).

MEET AT THE TEAM ROOM.

 

 

REMINDER: THE PARENT MEETING IS MAY 30TH AFTER PRACTICE.  7:00PM

 

 

THE DATE CHANGES ARE DUE TO "DEAD WEEK" SO THE STUDENT-ATHLETES CAN FOCUS ON FINALS/GRADES.

 

 

CAMP INFORMATION

 

JV AND VARSITY PLAYERS PICK UP SMASHMOUTH CAMP REGISTRATION FORMS FROM COACH GOYER @ ROOM 202.

 

WE ARE STAYING OVERNIGHT IN PART TO BEGIN DEVELOPING CHEMISTRY. 

 

FORMS ARE DUE BACK MAY, 24 OR ASAP.

WATER POLO MEETING
 
For Students and Parents:  May 29th 730pm-830pm San Marin Library.
 
We will discuss the Fall season schedule, important dates, information on the program for new members, summer plans, etc.  Please plan to attend and forward this to any incoming students and existing students you think may be interested.
 
Carl and Bruce
.
2008 SPRING SPORT AWARDS NIGHT
 
SPRING/Fall SPORTS SCHEDULE
 
 
 
 
NCS Tourney, Week of 05/19
Championship, Week of 5/26
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SOFTBALL, JARSITY GIRLS - Coach David Bynum
MCAL Playoffs, 5/12, Monday
NCS Playoffs, 5/19, Monday
 
MCAL Playoffs, 5/12, Monday
NCS Playoffs, 5/19, Monday 
MCL Tourney, Week of 05/12
NCS Tourney, Week of 05/19
 
NCS Singles and Doubles. 05/02-05/03
NCS Toruney / Team, Week of 05/05
CIF Norcals, Week of 05/12
 
TRACK AND FIELD - Varsity Coach - Art Marthiusen
Swim
NCS, 05/17, Saturday   
 
NCS Playoffs, Week of 05/12
MUSIC DEPARTMENT
Show ChoirOn 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.
 
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.
 
BeingAlive
On
 
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.
Penguin EmpireROBOTICS CLUB NEWS
 
San Marin Robotics Club wowed the audiance at the April 22, NUSD Board meeting. See video clips of the Board meeting - we look forward to start working with our middle school students. 
 
The club also attended the Green School Luncheon Fair as well as the School Fuel Cycling for Schools event.  The students had a great time operating and presenting Aurora, much to a lot of younger kids' delight. 
 
WebsiteExcellenceAwardOh, by the way, just found out the Official Penguin Empire Website won the FIRST Website Excellence Award (FIRST is a comprehensive competition, one of the competition we entered into is the website competition
 
UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS:
 
* Presentation at NUSD School Board Meeting.  04/22 at  7:00PM. 
* Green School Luncheon Fair, encourage your  students   to check it out and sign up
   for  next year!
* Presentation at Rotary Club of Novato Sunrise(Sponsor) June 17, 8:00AM
 
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.  

School FuelAs 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.
 
Our sincere appreciation goes to the sponsors - theLRG Capital Group, Precise Automation, Rotary Club of Novato Sunrise and Autodesk. 

email Sylvia Barry  for details or join the Robotics Club Yahoo Discussion Group (Students and Parents are welcome)
KnittingSCARVES FOR SCHOLARSHIPS
 
More than half way there!!! - $1,004.50 to date.   Make sure you go and visit  the Special ED room for the scarves Ms. England knitted.
 
Ms. Carol England,  D
ept. 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.
 
Interested in Knitting, make your own scarve for donation?  Please contact Ms. England at cengland@nusd.org, and she will  furnish the yarn, and tips on how you can get help.   
 
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." 

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              

School FuelALUMNI NEWS 
 

ALUMNI REUNION INFORMATION

Class 1978 30 Year Reunion (Classes 1976 - 1980 are Invited).  Click for Flyer


Class 1988 20 Year Reunion -   San Marin High School's Class of 1988 20-year reunion will be held Saturday, June 28, 2008. For more info visit our class site at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SMHS1988. Or e-mail Karen Attubato Graf at autografwd@aol.com for more information.

* 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
 
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.
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 Counseling Page on 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. 

 

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

Tuesday

5/13/08

8:00 - 12:00

Chemistry

Wednesday

5/14/08

8:00 - 12:00

English Lang.

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!  

A WORD FROM the COLLEGE and CAREER CENTER

Note - Go to College and Career site for updated Tutor list, Job Posting and student community hours.
 
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.

Francine Cunnie, 415-898-2121 or fcunnie@nusd.org

Go to College Preparation Headquater for most current information

Click for San Marin College Preparation Head Quarter 

COLLEGE OF MARIN REGISTRATION

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

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.

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

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.

· 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.

·  2007 GRADUATE SURVEY

·   San Marin 2007 Graduate Survey    ·   2007 Graduate Scholarship Received

·  ADULT TUTORS      Adult Tutor Listings  

·  Student Tutors      Tutor Sign Up Form

REMINDER

Oscher Marin JCC Presents College Bound Workshops

           !!! Free !!!· Finding the Right College Fit, Sunday March 9th 11am-1pm

Please R.S.V.P. with
Debbie Tuttle at 415-444-8050 or
dtuttle@marinjcc.org

SITE LEADERSHIP TEAM MEETING
 
Meeting Agenda Items for 3:00PM, Wednesday, May 7, 2008
 
3:00     RefreshmentsIntroductions, Call to order, Adoption of agenda and minutes, 
            
Public Comment (non-agenda items)                                                       

 

NEW BUSINESS

3:05     1. SLT Parent Election Results                                 information                  Dr. Vieth

            2.  Recommendations from WASC                            discussion                    Dr. Vieth

    1. Developing teacher leadership capacity-possible courses of action
    2. Developing a longer term plan than one year for WASC
    3. Prioritizing the Single Plan

3.   Consideration of possible bell schedules
for next year                                                          discussion                  Dr. Vieth        

    1. Advisory
    2. After school tutorial
    3. Common Planning time
    4. Block schedule

4.   Budget cuts and the master schedule                   discussion                   Dr. Vieth        

    1. The Academy
    2. Class sizes
    3. Possible funding for priorities like AVID and after school tutorial

 

STANDING REPORTS

4:30           Student Leadership Updates                                information                 Student Reps

                  PTSA                                                                    information                 as available

                  Booster Groups                                                     information                 as available

                  Academy                                                               information                 Dr. Vieth

                  School Fuel                                                           information                 Christine Koenig

 

ADJOURNMENT

                               

The next meeting is tentatively scheduled for June 4, 2008.  Denise Smith has generously offered snacks.

 

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.

School To Career
 
 
 
 
 
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

STATE BUDGET CRISIS - How You Can Help
 
 
 
1) Attend NUSD Board Meeting Agenda!
 
2) Check NUSD Website for Information on the State Budget discussion and the possible cuts to our public schools.
 
Please go to http://www.nusd.org/news/budgetcrisis0708.html for more information. 
 
4) Donate to Novato School Fuel  A locat education foundation.  The money raised can be used to support educational programs at NUSD schools.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
 
NOVATO STEEPED IN (PORTUGUESE) TRADITION
 

Portuguese immigrants, especially those from the Azore Islands, established strong, deep roots in Novato over 100 years ago.  The local climate and fertile rolling hills mirrored their homeland providing them a comfortable haven.  These hardworking Azoreans were quick to embraMary Stompece this wonderful country where opportunities were plentiful.

 

With them, they brought their strong religious faith, establishing a tradition in this country that spanned back to the 14th century and Queen Isabel of Portugal who donated her crown to her church in thanks for the timely arrival of food to save her people during a famine.  In honor of this miracle, the grateful people of the Azores began an annual custom by coronating a young girl from the village and celebrating, sometimes for days, with parades, food, music and dancing.

 

The Irmandade Do Divino Espirito Santo (I.D.E.S.I.) or Brotherhood of the Divine Holy Ghost was established in Novato in 1906 to preserve the rich Portuguese culture and continue to honor that 14th century miracle much as it had been celebrated in the Azores.  The "Festa" has changed little over the past 100 years preserving a heritage that would make those first immigrants proud.

 

This year's Festa will be held on Sunday, May 4th.  A parade will leave the I.D.E.S.I. hall (901 Sweetser Ave.) at 9:30, marching down Grant Ave. to attend 10:30 mass at Our Lady of Loretto Church.  During mass, three Queens, a Senior, Junior and

Little Queen, will be crowned in honor of the custom dating back to Queen Isabel over 500 years earlier.  This year's Queens are:  Mary R. Stompe of Novato, Hailey Ponte of Petaluma and Isabel Quinn of Novato.  The parade will march back down Grant Ave. to the I.D.E.S.I. hall for the traditional culinary feast of "sopas e carne".  This delectable meal, which consists of a savory broth poured over pieces of bread with meat on the side, will be served to all, whether Portuguese or not.  The luncheon is followed by a day and evening of music and dancing, including the Azorean folk dance the "Chamarita".

 

All are welcome to share in this celebration.  The gaiety is spontaneous and the pride of heritage is infectious.

 

Novato's 2008 Senior Queen and her Princesses (left to right) Mary R. Stompe, Amber Simonetti & Elizabeth Murphy, all of Novato.  Mary is wearing a cape which was worn by her mother, Cheri (nee Wilkinson) Stompe, when she was Novato's Queen in 1975.  The cape was hand made by Mary's great grandmother, Helena Rodrigues, an early Novato settler..

 
SCHOOL FUEL BULLETIN
December 26, 2007

School Fuel is sending you the following budget news as part of our mission to keep you informed about what is happening in local education. 

CALIFORNIA BUDGET DEFICITS LIKELY TO HIT NOVATO SCHOOLS

The latest state budget news indicates that California is facing a huge budget deficit.  According to a press release issued by the Governor's office
(
http://gov.ca.gov/press-release/8379/), Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger says he will declare a fiscal emergency and call a special session of the Legislature because of California's darkening budget picture.  He wants to work with lawmakers to cut programs before shrinking tax revenue from the collapsed housing market leaves the state with a budget shortfall that could reach $14 billion over the next year-and-a-half.  The emergency declaration will be issued next month along with his proposed budget for the coming fiscal year.  The declaration triggers a special session and a constitutional requirement for the Legislature to reopen the current budget and cut costs or increase taxes within 45 days.  In the statement, Schwarzenegger said he wants to control the deficit with spending cuts.  According to press reports, each state department has been directed to find cuts of ten percent of their spending. 

Because state funding is the primary source of operating funds for Novato schools, state budget cuts may have a serious impact on the money available for education programs locally.  The Novato school board trustees and administrators will be monitoring the situation closely as they develop their budget for next year.  However, there is no doubt that a significant cut in funds from the state could have a dramatic impact on the educational programs that the district provides.  

School Fuel will continue to follow the local education budget situation, and keep you posted on important developments.

For more information about how the state education budget affects local districts, visit
www.edsource.org.

 
School Fuel Cycling for Schools Event Coming This Spring

The second annual Cycling for Schools event will take place at San Marin High on April 26, 2008.  Students and their families can join the bike rally to Stafford Lake, participate in the carnival, see a bike anti-gravity show, get a smoothie blended by pedal power, be active, learn about safety and wellness, and more.  This event was a great day of family fun last year, and promises to be even better this year!  Each NUSD school is encouraged to participate with an activity or game booth at the carnival.  There will be a meeting on January 16th at 7:00 in room 107 of the NUSD administration building for school representatives.  If you would like to help with this healthy and fun event, or for more information, please contact June Haugen (thehaugens@verizon.net or 898-4497).

 
Visit www.novatoschoolfuel.org for more information
 
Girls Softball 2007 Champion
 

YES! I WANT TO HELP

  
 
 

I am interested in volunteering for School Fuel to help with ______________________________

Enclosed is my check payable to School Fuel for $______

Name(s)   ___________________________________________________________________

Address  ___________________________________________________________________

Phone      ________________________

Email       _______________________

Or please charge $ ________ to my (circle one)  Master Card    Visa    Amex

Credit Card #  ___________________________________________

Expiration Date _______________________________

Signature____________________________________

 

Please mail to:        School Fuel

                                                448 Ignacio Blvd., #410

                                                Novato, CA  94949                                 

ROCK AND BLUES BY THE LAKE - 2008

Save the Date!
 

RocknBlues by the Lake Foundation's 2008 event will be Saturday, September 27, 2008.  Last year the foundation gave over $70,000 to Novato schools including almost $5,000 to San Marin! 

 

Planning is underway and we are looking for someone to be San Marin's parent representative.  The first monthly RnB meeting is in April.  The time commitment is about 2-3 hours per month until August when that becomes about 1-2 hours per week until the event.  San Marin has four booths to organize and parent/student volunteers that need coordinating.  If you already attend this event, chairing the committee is a great way to help out.  The day of the event is easy since all the organization and planning will have been done by then.  You could do this with a friend??? 

 

Please email me at laura@bertollis.com for more info or to volunteer.

 

Laura Bertolli,

(415) 456-1992

Member, Board of Directors, Blues by the Lake Foundation

CONTACT INFORMATION
Mailing Address:
    San Marin High School, 15 San Marin Drive
    Novato, CA         94945
Telephone:
     Administration (415) 898-2121       Attendance Office (415) 897-4901
    Counseling Office (415) 898-2123   Voicemail (415) 897-2154
Fax: (415) 892-8284
Office Hours: 7:00AM to 4:00PM
Office Contacts:  Nancy Zanardi, Office Manager x114
                         Lisa Herrmann, Account Clerk x111
NEWS SUBMISSION DEADLINE
To ensure that your information is published timely, please submit articles by Friday, 6pm.  Late submissions will be held for a later newsletter. Girls Softball 2007 Champion
 
Submit your article to eNews@SanMarinHigh.org
 
Questions - Please contact Sylvia Barry at the above email address or at (415) 717-0293.

Please forward (see link below) San Marin eNews to your friends or families who might be interested.
 
To sign up or unsubscribe, please email:eNEWS@SanMarinHigh.org