| PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE
Dr. Robert Vieth |
|
 DR. ROBERT VIETH
Dear Parents and Students,
The new school year has gotten off to a great start! The San Marin educational community is looking forward to a great year. We have hired some wonderful faculty; please see the article by Assistant Principal Ms. Pettis regarding some information about our new teachers.
This year to help student achievement we will be making the following changes.
We have implemented an after-school tutorial program that runs from 2:55 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Tim Blok, a science teacher is running this program. We hope any student who needs extra help will attend the tutorial on a regular basis. Coaches have been strongly encouraged to have any student participating in a sport with less than a 3.0 G.P.A. attend the tutorial at least two days a week.
The second change we will be implementing is going to a modified block schedule on October 6. We are in the process of making sure that all teachers are ready to teach on this schedule and all parents understand the new schedule. I have conducted three different parent sessions regarding this change and will explain it at back-to-school night on September 10. We are looking forward to being able to more personalize everyone's education with this schedule. For more information please review the letter that was sent to every home regarding this change in late July.
The third change we are implementing by the start of the second semester is having all teachers use the Aeries Grade book program that will allow students and parents to view grades electronically. The expectation is that grades will never be more than one week behind. Teachers may share more information at back-to-school night and some teachers will be implementing much sooner than at the beginning of the second semester. This system will not only help parents monitor the progress of their student(s) it will allow coaches and counselors to better track student progress as well.
Regards,
Robert C. Vieth, Ph.D. Principal |
| ASSISTANT PRINCIPALS' MESSAGES |
|
 MS. MEGAN PETTIS - The school year has gotten off to a great start. As you may know, budget cuts have also impacted our master schedule. We have tried very hard to create a schedule that includes as many choices for our students as possible, but also meets the constraints of our tight budget. The counselors are hard at work accommodating requests for schedule changes, as well as scheduling our new students.
This year, San Marin High School is proud to welcome several new members to our faculty. We hope that you will be able to join us on Back to School Night, September 10th to welcome them along with our returning faculty. The new members of our staff include:
Jessica Barnett, BA Sonoma State University - Mathematics
Kevin Duffy, BA UC Berkley - Social Studies
Madelon Johnson, BA Dominican University - Spanish
Maria Torres, BS CSU San Bernadino - Health
Mariah Fisher, BA Humboldt State University - Visual Arts
Patty Abraham, BS University of Vermont - Physical Education
Paul McCarthy, BA University of New South Wales - Mathematics
Virginia Grillo, BA Sacramento State University - Science |
 MR. MIKE CASPER- Electronic Devices and Drug Sniffing Dog Policies
I am just reminding all parents that there is a change in the cell phone/I-pod policy this year. Students are allowed to use the devices at break, lunch, and passing times. However, students must have their electronic devices turned off and put away during class time. Please know your child's schedule so you won't make the mistake of calling them while they're in class. If there is an emergency and you need to talk to your child, please call the front office and we'll get you in contact with your child. If students are using their electronic devices during class time, the act will be considered defiance of school rules and they will earn school consequences. The discipline procedures are detailed in the student handbook.
Also, the drug sniffing dogs may enter unoccupied classrooms this year. When the handler and dog make an unannounced visit, we'll randomly choose two or three classrooms for the dog to search. All students will be required to depart and leave their belongings in the classroom, such as back packs and purses. The students will wait outside the classroom with their teacher during the search. The dog will search everywhere and everything in the classroom. If the dog alerts on any object in the classroom, we'll follow the procedures detailed in the letter sent home in the packets over the summer.
Please feel free to call me at San Marin High School if you have any questions or concerns. |
 SEPTEMBER EVENTS
09/05, Friday, Last Day to Enroll in College of Marin/IVD Classes!
09/06, 7:45AM - 12:00PM, Saturday, MOCK SAT at San Marin
09/08, Monday, 5:30-8:30, Drama Audition
09/10, 12:25PM, Minimum Day, Early Dismissal
09/10, 6:30PM, Back to School Night (also discuss Modified Block Schedule)
09/16, Tuesday, 6:30PM, Drama Boosters, Room 803
09/17, Wednesday, 6:30PM, Senior College Night - Library
09/17, Wednesday, 7:15PM, Music Boosters Meeting, Music Room
09/18, Thursday, 7:00PM, PTSA Meeting, Library
09/19, Friday, Multi-Cultural Day
09/19, Friday, Football Rib-Night Fundraising
09/22, Monday - TBA, Regional Honor Choir Audition
09/24, Wednesday, 7:15PM, Sports Boosters Meeting, Front Office
09/27, Rock and Blues by the Lake
09/30, Tuesday, 7:00PM, ELAC Meeting, College and Career Center
|
 SCHOOL INFO, LINKS, FORMS
|
 BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT
SAN MARIN HIGH SCHOOL
15 SAN MARIN DRIVE
NOVATO, CALIFORNIA 94945
- - · - -
TEL: (415) 898-2121 FAX: (415) 892-8284
Robert C. Vieth, Ph.D., Principal Dr. Jan La Torre-Derby, Superintendent
Michael Casper, Assistant Principal Novato Unified School District
Megan Pettis, Assistant Principal
August 26, 2008
Dear Parents,
The evening of Wednesday, September 10th is scheduled for Back-to-School Night. Your participation at Back-to-School Night is vitally important. You will meet your student's teachers and become more familiar with the curriculum taught in each class and the expectations each teacher has for homework, class work and behavior in class. This information helps you to support your student's learning at home.
The program will begin in the Gym at 6:30 PM for entertainment from the band under the direction of Samantha Maas-Baldwin and Emily Gates. We will introduce the new teachers and talk about the new programs implemented this year, along with the new bell schedule starting on October 6. At 6:55 PM a bell will ring for you to begin your student's schedule. Go to first period and proceed from there.
Please have your student fill out the schedule in the blank below for his/her current classes. Bring this schedule with you on the evening of September
10th. (For your convenience, a map has been printed on the back side of this letter.) This day will be a minimum day for students. They will be dismissed at 12:25 PM. |
 EARLY BRIDGE TO COLLEGE PROGRAM
From Counseling Office -
DEADLINE TO ENROLL IN COLLEGE OF MARIN/IVC CLASSES THIS FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 5!
San Marin High School students are eligible to take part in the Early Bridge to College Program at College of Marin/IVC.
Students can enroll free of charge and earn both high school and college credit.
For more information, see your counselor, Ms. Cunnie in College and Career Center, or go to:
http://www.sanmarinmustang.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=294&Itemid=2 |
 RELEASE OF DIRECTORY INFORMATION TO MILITARY FOR JUNIORS AND SENIORS
Please see the NUSD Release of Directory Information for Juniors and Seniors Advisory issued by NUSD. If you do not wish to release your student's information to either the Military or other Company/Organizatio, please send completed requst form to your student's counselor by September 27, 2008. |
| SITE LEADERSHIP TEAM
Want to be part of the decision making process and find out first hand about San Marin's new policies, future directions, school progresses, student activities, booster happenings; and assist in determining where some of the site budget will be used and much more?
The San Marin Site Leadership Team meetings are open to the public and are held the first Wednesday of each month at 3:00PM during the school year.
Agendas and minutes are listed on the San Marin website |
 ART DEPARATMENT NEWS
Art Trip to Italy and Greece
All students interested in the Classical Adventure Trip to Italy and Greece this coming Spring break, please contact Denise Mozzetti in the Art Dept. (dmozzetti@nusd.org).
This fabulous trip includes round-trip transportation on the scheduled airline, 4 star hotels, a specially-trained courier at all times, a deluxe motor coach with driver, all breakfasts, one lunch and seven dinners. Your student will tour:
Accademia, Duomo, Church of Santa Croce, leather workshop, The Vatican (including an Easter Mass!), Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Basilica, Piazza Navona district and The Pantheon, Isle of Capri, Blue Grotto, Pompeii, overnight sleeping berth on Superfast ferry Bari-Patras, crossing of Rion-Antirion Fixed Link Bridge, Delphi - Temple of Apollo, Sanctuary of Earth, Sacred Way and the Archaeological Museum, Athens tour with the Acropolis, Parthenon and New Acropolis Museum, and Greek Dora Stratou Greek Dance Ensemble OR Greek Folklore show.
The group will depart on April 10th and return on the April 18th.
The trip costs $3299 per student. Prices go up after 9/15, so get your best deal now for this first class, memorable trip! |
 DRAMA DEPARTMENT NEWS
We started our huge fundraising effort to make it possible for drama students to go to Scotland next summer by selling snow cones at the 4th of July Parade, and goodies at the three Movies in the Park this summer. Special thanks to the Elizabeth Rohtla and drama students for entertaining in the Park before the movies and putting on a terrific raffle. Ms K just returned from Scotland with 25 other drama teachers from around the country whose students will also be performing next summer. She is convinced this will be a once-in-lifetime experience her students will never forget.
The Fringe Festival is the "Olympics" of the theatre world. The Festival showcases over 1000 productions (professional, college and high school groups) from around the world. Stay tuned for information on more fundraisers. Contributions to our Fringe Fund can be sent to San Marin Drama Booster ---Attention: Val Zabko, 15 San Marin Drive, Novato, CA 94945. (please designate Fringe Fund on your check.)
Fall Play: Figments by Billy St John is a comedy about a writer with a wild imagination. As he attempts to overcome his writer's block, the audience will see four figments of his imagination.
Don't miss this hysterical comedy November 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9. |
| MUSIC DEPARTMENT NEWS
Music Department held first ever party to welcome our new new students and parents. The students enjoyed a great afternoon together at the Miwok Park. Not to be outdone, new, old and really old music parents mingled the day after at the Ainsworth house (Thanks Edith and Brent)
 Audition was held for upcoming musical production "Little Mary Sunshine", performances on 10/17,18,19, 24,25 & 26. Make sure you come and watch the show from the renowned, often sold-out San Marin Music Theater program.
Regional Honor Choir Audition is scheduled for Saturday, September 22.
 Madrigal is Back by Popular Demand!!! - Watch the magical transformation of the music students and the student center back to Medieval times for a weekend - You don't want to miss this wonderful experience!
Next Music Boosters Meeting - 7:15PM, September 17 - come and meet some wonderful parents
.
(*) Note - Date and Time might change for some events. |
PTSA (Parent Teacher Student Association)
The San Marin PTSA would like to welcome you back to school!
So far this year, the PTSA hosted two Block Scheduling Meetings, assembled back to school packets, served coffee for the 9th grade parents, and purchased back to school supplies for all the teachers. WOW and it is only the beginning of September. How do we do this? With generous PTSA student and parent/members like you!
Please fill out your volunteer forms in the back to school packet.
We are in the midst of our annual PTSA membership drive. Please consider joining and making a donation to PTSA, forms can be found in your back to school packet, the front office or on the San Marin website. Remember 12th grade student PTSA members are eligible for PTSA scholarship opportunities. PTSA Scholarship forms will be available in the spring in the College and Career Center.
Next PTSA Meeting September 18th 7:00PM in the library. Hope to see you there! |
 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.
Francine Cunnie, 415-898-2121 or fcunnie@nusd.org
PrepHQ
Students sign on to your Prep HQ and view the wide range of colleges that are coming to visit you at San Marin. You can sign up to meet with them right on the Prep HQ website, just click on the Colleges tab and it will take you right to the events. Don't miss the opportunity to meet with the admission counselor from these schools. The meetings will be in the College and Career Center and if you do sign up I will send you a classroom pass and reminder for the visit. This is a great opportunity, sign up and don't miss out.
Go to College Preparation Headquater for most current information
MOCK SAT:
Saturday, September 6th at San Marin
If you would like to take this "Mock Test" you can sign up in the College and Career Center. The fee for the test is $15. You will receive the results electronically within a week of the exam . This is a practice exam and will help you determine what areas you might need to work on before the real SAT. Revolution Prep will be offering SAT prep classes on our campus leading up to the November SAT exam. The classes will meet twice a week, on Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings. The Saturday session will be held at Novato High. You do not have to be enrolled in the prep class to take the Mock SAT on September 6th. After you sign up a reminder will be sent the week of the test regarding arrival time and supplies needed for the test. If you have questions see Mrs. Cunnie in the College and Career Center.
SENIOR COLLEGE PLANNING NIGHT
Wednesday, September 17th, 6;30 in the Library
This evening is both for parent and student to go over the application process. There will be opportunities to see what is needed for each application, i.e. UC, CSU, Private Schools and Junior College. We will cover the needed materials, recommendation letters, transfer information and much more. This meeting will help your next two months go smoother. Don't miss this evening to help you prepare for you students next step.
PSAT EXAM AT SAN MARIN
Saturday, October 18th
The Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®) is a rigorous, national assessment that measures the critical reading, mathematics, and writing skills your students will need for higher education and careers after high school. The Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT), cosponsored by the College Board and the National Merit Scholarship Corporation, is an important first step towards college. Test results and their accompanying analysis are valuable tools that can help prepare students for the SAT® and education opportunities beyond high school.
Each year, more than 3.4 million high school juniors, sophomores, and younger students take the PSAT/NMSQT to:
* Help assess academic skills necessary for college-level work
* Prepare for the SAT
* Enter competitions for scholarships
* Receive information from colleges
* Begin college and career planning
The PSAT/NMSQT is the qualifying test for prestigious National Merit scholarship and recognition programs. Test-takers also receive My College QuickStart™, a free personalized college planning kit that includes access to MyRoad™, the College Board's online majors, college, and career exploration program.
Registration for the test will begin the first week of October and be taken in the College and Career Center.
ADMISSION COUNSELORS VISITING SAN MARIN
* Tuesday, September 9th, Grand Canyon University, Arizona
* Wednesday, September 10th, University of Pacific, Stockton
* Tuesday, September 16th, Mills College Oakland
* Wednesday, September 17th, Oregon State University
* Wednesday, September 17th Stoney Brooke University, Long Island
* Tuesday, September 23rd, Suffolk University, Boston
* Thursday, October 2nd, University of San Francisco
* Thursday, October 16th, University of Seattle
* Friday, October 17th, Portland State University
You can view more information about these schools and sign up to see them by clicking the Colleges tab on the left panel of the Prep HQ website.
NEW UPDATES ON THE COMMUNITY SERVICE PROGRAM
The College and Career Center will no longer be recording Community Service hours. It will be up to you to record your hours on your PrepHQ organizer. Any hours you have acquired up to this point can be accessed on this shared files tab on the welcome page. All students should come to the College and Career Center and pick up their signed verifications for their files at home.
Community Service is not a graduation requirement. We do recommend and encourage students to participate in community service while attending San Marin. By participating in Community Service you build your profile for jobs, internships and college applications, not to mention giving back to your community.
It will be important to have your hours recorded on PrepHQ for the staff to access at San Marin to alert you of job, internship and scholarship opportunities. |
 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.
SAT will let students pick which scores to show colleges
High school students seeking to put the best shine on their college applications will soon be able to choose which of their SAT scores to share with admissions officers and which to hide.
The new policy, starting with the class of 2010, will allow students to take the widely used college entrance exam multiple times without admissions officers seeing their less-than-stellar efforts. Now, colleges receive scores of all the times a student attempted the dreaded test, whether the results were spectacular, mediocre or worse. Students will have more control over their scores which will make the test experience more comfortable and less stressful.
The SAT, which takes three hours and 45 minutes to complete, has three sections -- math, critical reasoning and writing -- and a perfect score of 2400 requires earning an 800 on each part. Colleges typically use the test results as a uniform way to compare students who come from schools across the nation with varying grading policies and curricula. Grades, recommendations, extracurricular activities and other factors also figure into the admission selection process.
Under the new policy, students who take the SAT or the supplemental SAT subject exams multiple times will be able to decide whether to let colleges see one, some or all of their scores. There is no extra charge, and students must opt into the program online or on the telephone; otherwise all scores will be shared.
Visit www.collegeboard.com for additional information.
Tips for College Essays
(Compiled from comments of college counselors from all over the world)
The student should write about something he/she cares about. Proofread! Proofread! Proofread! It can be about the most mundane subject, but I want to see your reflection in the essay.
If you are writing about an influential person, use the essay as an opportunity to see your personality reflected through the prism of that person. Why are you different than you would have been if you hadn't known the person?
Tell about yourself through a story/anecdote. Allow plenty of time to write a first draft, proof multiple times for edits, and finalize essay (don't even THINK about waiting until the night before the deadline)
Don't write on a topic that "sounds" impressive. Write in a style that reflects who you are. Don't write about your summer trip to Israel or any event that you know that 5 of your friends could write about.
Make sure that the essay could only be written by you. You must present a personal perspective that allows colleges to view an aspect of you that is not reflected elsewhere in your application.
The opening sentence needs to "grab" the reader. An imaginative opening will get their attention.
Be sure to focus on the "why" of an experience, not the "what." Those essays that reveal an intellectual epiphany are rare - but impressive. For those who find their intellectual passions while in high school and somehow tie it to their collegiate goals, that'll impress any sound admissions counselor. (Brown)
Above all, be yourself. Good writing is lean, progressive, imaginative, grounded in specifics, energized by apt verbs, and respectful of the reader's intelligence.
Go for depth rather than breadth, answer the question, write about something you care about, use the essay to explain a problem, illustrate an interest, be sincere, be interesting, and proofread.
DON'T write a glorified list or a travelogue or blame others for your situation. Focus on a specific idea, not a generality (like taking a picture and focusing on one specific part of the picture)
Be clear, concise, and insightful. 1. Own it. 2. Keep it short. 3. Make one point well. 4. Do not use a thesaurus. 5. Like it.
Share the essay with someone, preferably an English teacher, to catch the minor syntax things you don't catch because you know what you meant to say.
Be yourself, write your own essay, use your own voice and have a little fun with it. It is not a book report. Remember, someone is going to be reading yours, alongside 80 - 100 other essays that day and the same for the next 12 weeks.
YOUR COUNSELORS
For specific academic program information, please call the counselors or email if you have questions about your student and our shadow program.
Last Name Guidance Counselor Phone Email
A-F Ms. Maureen Brandi 897-2154 x12 3 mbrandi@nusd.org
G-M Ms.Annan Paterson 897-2154 x122 apaterson@nusd.org
N-Z Mr. Jim Hu 897-215 x124 jhu@nusd.org
|
 ALL SPORTS BOOSTERS
Looking for a parent or two, to help with the Banner program.
If someone has experience in advertising or just has energy it would really help the Boosters out. You can run the program or just be an assistant. Please call Jim Coyne at 415 246-0324 or e-mail me at coyne49@comcast.net |
 FALL SPORTS
ATHLETICS
Any Students planning on participating in sports for the 2008-2009 school year are required to have a sports physical, signed and dated after July 1. 2008. Contact the office to pick up the forms.
Any other questions, please call Mrs. Zanardi at 898-2121.
CROSS COUNTRY Boys Craig Stern 892-0597 Girls Adam Williams 898-2121
Saturday, 09/06, Lagoon Valley Invite
Thursday, 09/11, Stinson Beach Relays - 3PM Girls Raise
Saturday, 09/13, Viking Invitional
Saturday, 09/20, Farmer Invite on NCS Course
Wednesday, 09/24, Branson, Terra Linda, San Marin vs Justin Sienna
GIRLS GOLF Bob Lacy 897-1754
Monday, 09/08, TBA, Marin Catholic + Justin
Sienna @ IVC (HOME) Monday, 09/15, TBa, Tam + Redwood, @
Meadow Club
GIRL TENNIS Jay Potter 606-2919
BOYS SOCCER Bob Lacy 897-1754
GIRLS VOLLEYBALL Nick Busselman 898-2121
Thursday, 09/04, 4:30PM HOME vs Piner (No Freshan)
Saturday, 09/06, ALL DAY, Carmichael Invitional @ TBA (JV & Varsith)
Tuesday, 09/09, 4:00pm, @ Rancho Cotati
Saturday, 09/13, ALL DAY, Top of the Bay Tournament @ Piner High (Varsity)
Saturday, 09/13, ALL DAY, Carmichael Invitational @ TBA (Freshman Only)
Friday, 09/19, TBA, @ San Rafael
CHEER Kristan Nehosil 246-1084
BOYS WATERPOLO Carl Lundgren 652-8878
Friday, 09/05, Alameda High @ Alameda, 3:30PM Varsity, 4:30PM JV
Saturday, 09/06, Scrimmages @ NHS, Varsity & JV, 9:00AM, BBQ
Thursday, 09/11, LG AWAY, Marin Catholic @ NHS. 4:00PM
Thursday, 09/18, LG HOME, Drake @ Terra Linda. 4:00PM
GIRLS WATERPOLO Bruce McKay 720-6220
Thursday, 09/04, Encinal @ Novato, 4:15PM
Friday, 09/05, Marin Academy @ Marin Academ, 4:00PM
Thursday, 09/11, Marin Catholic @ Novato, 6:30PM
Thursday, 09/18, Drake or Terra Linda (TBD) @ Drake
FOOTBALL Kevin Goyer 897-2154
Saturday, 09/06, @Ignacio Valley, 10:30AM, JV, 1:00PM, Varsity
Friday, 09/12, @ Miramonte, 4:30PM, JV, 7:00PM, Varsity
Saturday, 09/27, @ Marin Catholic, JV, 10:30AM, Varsity, 1:00PM |
| FOOTBALL PROGRAM RIB NIGHT FUNDRAISING
September 19 at Margaret Todd Center
- Football Program Rib Night Fundraising
|
Proceeds to Benefit Novato Public Schools.
Mark your calendars--Saturday, September 27th
Third Eye Blind, as well as Plain White T's (if you don't know them, ask your teenagers) will be live in concert at Stafford Lake
This is a fun day for the whole family--Carnival games for the kids, a silent auction and raffle, great food and drinks, and Rock'n tunes for all.
A teen area hosted by Fox 101.7 will be performing all morning along with "Battle of the Bands" at 1: PM and our own San Marin Musical group.
San Marin volunteers are still needed for this event. Volunteers will be able to purchase discounted tickets for $25 and get a free t-shirt!
BONUS FOR SAN MARIN HIGH SCHOOL!
San Marin will make an additional $500 if we have all our volunteers in before September 12th!! Sign up early to get the best times and assignments!!
This is a great opportunity for High School Students to get some volunteer hours too!
HOW TO VOLUNTEER?
- Contact Marjorie Bransford at 415-898-2649
- For Music Parents, call Mrs. Gates at 892-3161 or email gatesmusic@aol.com
TICKET SALES
San Marin received additional $1,000 if the ticket sale is 1/3 of the school
population - so, please buy tickets from San Marin.
Tickets to the event are available in the San Marin office. Prices are:
Adults - $45 Teens - $20
Children - $15 Volunteers - $25 |
 CLASS OF 1978 (1976-1980)REUNION DONATE TO SAFE AND SOBER GRAD NIGHT
Imagine how pleasantly surprised I was to recieve a letter and a donation of $300 from Joe Russo, the organizer of Class of 1978 Reunion Party; towards Safe and Sober Grad Nigh; which we gratefully accepted.
Thanks, Class of 1978, for caring and being part of San Marin 30 Years later! |
 CLASS OF 1989 REUNION LOOKING FOR CLASS LIST
Joe Minutoli, organizer of Class of 1989 20 Years Reunion is looking for the 1989 class list (old and Current).
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 SAN MARIN CLASS OF 2008
Thought I'd share some pictures I have collected of Class 2008.
If you have more class 2008 pictures, please email sylvia.barry@midspring.com
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 SAN MARIN PRIDE - J. Nadine Gracia, M.D., MSCE, Class '91, White House Fellow, 2008-2009 - White House Fellowship is considered the most prestigious program for leadership and public service. The Fellowships offers exceptional young men and women first-hand experience working at the highest levels of the federal government.
Excerpt from the White House Press Release
***********************************************************
J. Nadine Gracia. Hometown: Novato, California. Nadine Gracia is a pediatrician and violence prevention researcher. She was a general pediatrics research fellow at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and received a Master of Science in Clinical Epidemiology from the University of Pennsylvania. Her research addresses community-level risk factors for violence and the evaluation of neighborhood interventions to reduce violence. She is an associate of the Philadelphia Collaborative Violence Prevention Center. She earned her medical degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. She then completed pediatrics residency and served as Chief Pediatrics Resident at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh. An advocate for minority and disadvantaged populations, she lectures nationwide on health disparities, diversity in education, and cultural competence. She is a National President Emeritus of the Student National Medical Association and a past Postgraduate Physician Trustee of the National Medical Association. She is a motivational speaker and career coach for thousands of students and physicians. She also conducts workshops throughout the country on leadership development, diplomacy, and strategic planning. She serves the community on issues of political awareness, health, and educational achievement through Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. Fluent in French and Haitian Creole, she earned a B.A. with honors in French at Stanford University.
- Raised in Novato, CA. Daughter of John and Clemene Gracia who still reside in Novato
- Pleasant Valley Elementary School, Sinaloa Middle School, San Marin High School
- San Marin High 1991 Class Valedictorian
- Marin County track and field sprint champion (100, 200, 400) and San Marin High School Track and Field MVP: 1989-1991
- San Marin Basketball Team (1988-1990), San Marin Band
- Member of French Club, California Scholarship Federation (CSF)
Read Novato Advance Article, August 13, 2008 |
 NOVATO SCHOOL FUEL
Welcome to the New School Year from School Fuel
School Fuel wants to welcome all families and community members back for the 2008-09 school year. The Novato Unified School District has some wonderful new programs in place, several enthusiastic new teachers and administrators, and most importantly, approximately 8,000 students who are looking forward to a productive and enriching school year.
This academic year, School Fuel is proud to be able to continue its support for elementary music, visual and performing arts electives at each middle school and high school, and we are also providing funds to support teacher training and classroom supplies for the new science curriculum that has been adopted K-12 for the district. We want to thank all of you who have helped make these important programs available to our students! Because of all of your efforts, we have been able to donate $152,000 to the schools to fund these programs for this academic year.
We hope that you were able to read our letter in your Back-to-School packets, and that you will continue to help us build a strong foundation for Novato's students this year. To this end, we want you to know about the following three events that will be coming up in 2008 and should be great fun.
Upcoming School Fuel Events
* Bocce Tournament on Sunday, October 19th -- School Fuel will be hosting our first-ever bocce tournament this fall at the lovely bocce courts in San Rafael. Find a foursome and come join in the fun. More details and registration information will be posted on the School Fuel website soon.
* School Fuel Haunted House, Friday October 24th -- School Fuel will be hosting a haunted house at the NUSD administration building on this evening between 5:00 and 7:30 pm. This was a great time for the whole family last year, and this year will be even better.
* Start your holiday shopping at Matt & Jeff's Hand Car Wash on Thursday, November 13th - Come visit the terrific gift shop at Matt & Jeff's Hand Car Wash on November 13th. Matt & Jeff will donate 20% of the proceeds to School Fuel from all items purchased at the gift shop this day to School Fuel. In addition, in the evening, there will be refreshments and live music by Novato students. Don't forget that you can also save money for yourself with Matt & Jeff's discount cards that give you 10 cents off per gallon when you purchase a car wash. You can save even more when you use your Costco American Express card to pay.
Matt & Jeff's has always been a fantastic supporter of School Fuel, and donates a penny per gallon to School Fuel for every gallon of gas they sell every day. Over the years this has added up to over $90,000. Your patronage of their business has helped them support School Fuel. Thank you. |
|
 THIRD EYE BLIND to headline 6th Annual Rock'n Blues By the Lake
Blues By the Lake Foundation is proud to announce that this year's headliner for the 6th Annual Rock'n Blues By the Lake is THIRD EYE BLIND. This event which takes place Saturday, September 27, 2008 at Stafford Lake, Novato is lucky to have this mainstream bay area band. THIRD EYE BLIND is hugely successful and their CD's have produced one megahit after another. They have consistent airplay on radio and have just returned from touring the East Coast selling out venues night after night including two nights in New York City. THIRD EYE BLIND along with other popular supporting acts will make for another highly successful show.
A very important part of the show are the performances by the middle and high school bands. San Marin and Novato High perform on the high school stage between the headliners next to the main stage. On the teen stage, there will also be a Battle of the Bands hosted by FOX Radio following the middle school performers. The carnival will once again have booths from all the schools and there will be a children's stage with entertainment.
A new addition to the event this year is "GUITAR HERO" and X-BOX. They will located in the teenage area. The inventor of GUITAR HERO will be on hand to meet fans and sign autographs.
Another tricked-out car will be in the silent auction area along with lots of great other raffle items. Food as always will be from local vendors who are graciously donating at least 50% of the money to the schools.
Novato public schools will be selling tickets for this event at the beginning of school in August. There will be extra monetary incentives for schools that get volunteers and sell tickets. There will be Volunteer voucher ticket this year for those who work a 3-hour shift. Please contact your Rock'n Blues REP for more information.
The Foundation can use as much sponsor participation to support and pay for this years show. It is also a great way to have your business name out there in front of thousands of community members. Please call the Rock'n Blues hotline at (415) 897-9383 or send an email to epshopgirl@yahoo.com.
Thank you for supporting the schools and see you at the lake,
Elaine Macaluso |
 ALANNA DESALVO RECOVERY FUND-RAISING
The 2nd Annual Alanna DeSalvo Recovery Fund Golf Tournament/Dinner will be held Friday, September 26, at the Stone Tree Golf Course in Novato. Friends and family are organizing this event to benefit Alanna DeSalvo, the 16-year-old San Marin High School junior who was paralyzed from her chest down after a swimming pool accident last June. All proceeds will go toward her expensive rehabilitation and long-term care.
As it did last year, the event will include golf, followed that same evening with a dinner, the band Crossfire, as well as a silent and live auction.
If interested in helping this determined young lady towards her goal of walking, you can register directly on the event web site:
1) for the entire package of golf and dinner $225,
2) for dinner only $75,
3) for hole and table sponsorships from $500, and 4) to make a donation.
After checking out the web site, please call Eric van Boer at (415) 519-0554, if you have any further questions | |
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