- School Offices and the Library will be closed for a school-wide staff meeting on Friday, August 28 from 8-9:30am.
- Textbook checkout is in the school library every day during the week of August 24, and after Late Registration. Students must bring their schedule and the completed Textbook Pickup Slip, which is on page 16 in the Registration Packet.
- First Day of School is Monday, August 31. It will be a minimum day.
NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION
Panther students and staff are excited to welcome all incoming students in grades 9-12 to attend our PVPHS New Student Orientation on Tuesday, August 25, from 8am until 12:30pm in the main gym! We've worked hard to put together an incredible program that will help make the transition to Peninsula High a positive one. Link Crew juniors and seniors have completed extensive training and will serve as mentors and leaders for freshmen and transfer students. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes because you will be ACTIVE. Bring your class schedule, but leave all your other stuff at home....travel light!
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| Link Crew is Excited to Meet Our Newest Panthers |
FRESHMAN CLASS ELECTIONS
F
reshmen interested in running for Freshman Class President or Vice President need to complete an application for ASB.
Applications are due September 2; the first Wednesday of the school year.
BACK TO SCHOOL DANCE 
PVPHS's annual Back to School Dance is a 'White Out' theme, and will be held on Friday, September 4, from 7:30 pm until 10:30 pm in the PVPHS Gym. If the tickets to the dance are not sold out at Registration, they will be sold through the Student Store for $20 with ASB card and $25 without ASB card.
NEWSWEEK HIGH SCHOOL RANKINGS
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| Newsweek List of CA Schools |
In addition, PVPHS was acknowledged by Newsweek in their "Beating the Odds" ranking as a high school that does an excellent job of preparing students for college while also overcoming the obstacles posed by students at an economic disadvantage. This is an excellent reminder that a school is only successful if ALL students are making progress.
DAILY BREEZE NEWS RELEASE
While we appreciate the acknowledgment, no ranking system can adequately capture the energy and diverse talents of the students we are fortunate to work with on a daily basis.
PEN STUDENTS PUBLISH A BOOK ABOUT PEN
Last year's NEHS book,The Shapeshifters War, is also available on Amazon.
SOME OF THE NEW FACES ON CAMPUS
Lea Toombs
Lea Toombs is the new Associate Principal at PVPHS where she coordinates the Special Education Department, as well as several school-wide program initiatives. Prior to her arrival at PVPHS, Ms. Toombs was a Teacher on Special Assignment (TOSA) for the District, a summer high school Associate Principal, and an English teacher at PVHS for eight years.
Lea is a native of Southern California. She attended Loyola Marymount University where she earned a bachelor's degree in English with a minor in Studio Arts, a master's degree in Secondary Education, as well as a California Teaching Credential and an Administrative Credential. She enjoys fishing, cooking, and entertaining family and friends with country music playing in the background. In addition, she is an avid sports fan of college football, hockey, and NASCAR. Lea is ecstatic to be a part of the Peninsula team with the desire and enthusiasm to embrace and support the amazing educational environment, opportunities, and memorable experiences that PVPHS provides to all students, parents, and staff!
PAULA BORSTEL
Paula Borstel has joined the PVPHS science department, and will teach Chemistry and Physiology/Anatomy. She graduated from CSUDH in 2006 with a BA in Liberal Studies, and after completing her credential, a Masters in Curriculum and Instruction in 2009. Paula has taught 8th grade science at Miraleste Intermediate School for the last seven years and coached the Peninsula Girls' Varsity Lacrosse team for the last six. She married her husband Doug 33 years ago and has 3 grown children. She loves to play soccer, garden and learn new things.
JEFF MIROSAVICH
Jeff Mirosavich is entering his 20th year teaching. After graduating from the Ohio State University, Jeff worked in the private sector. He decided to become a teacher after volunteering for adult literacy programs. He has taught English and Journalism at several high schools, including Glendale and Palos Verdes. In his free time he studies Japanese, and he is enrolled in Community Emergency Response Team training with the Redondo Beach Fire Department. Jeff lives in the Redondo Riviera with his wife and four year old daughter.
BETTINA JOY De GUZMAN
Bettina Joy de Guzman believes all cultural achievements and all human experience are inter-related. With an M.A. in Classics and B.A. in Music, Classics, English and Psychology from UC Irvine, she has been a UC Irvine instructor for Classics (Roman and Ancient Greek Literature, History, Mythology, and Etymology), and has taught Latin, World History, French, and English in districts such as Tustin Unified and Irvine Unified. She researches Greco-Roman art for Getty Villa's Education Department, interned and volunteered in Education and Art Collection at the Bowers Museum and Kidseum, and Visual Research Center in UC Irvine. Bettina has taught and performed classical piano, world dance, and world instruments, and edited scripts and journal articles. Published works include co-written and co-produced music albums and several poetry anthologies. Performed works include original music for theater productions, several short student plays, and choreographed world dances.
Bettina enjoys communicating and working with parents, faculty, and students from kindergarten to university levels, and works from a uniquely large-scale perspective of backward design. As a parent herself, and with the inspiration of other parents and the community, she continues to have genuine passion for helping students develop their skills and perspectives, and for encouraging their understanding of literature, history, and cultural arts.
HARBOR COLLEGE COURSES AT PENINSULA HIGH THIS FALL
Peninsula High continues to serve as a satellite campus for Harbor College. Peninsula High students can enroll in these free classes and earn college credit. The courses are taught by Peninsula High teachers. Film Appreciation is taught by Dr. Coleman and Sociology is taught by Mr. Wheeler. Application forms are available in the Counseling Office. Once completed, the forms can be given to Dr. Coleman (H15) or Mr. Wheeler (H64). You do not need to go to the Harbor College campus to sign-up.
THE MUSIC CENTER SPOTLIGHT PROGRAM
Arrangements are in the works to bring the director of the Spotlight Program to Peninsula High for an information session in September . The date will be announced in an upcoming Principal's Update and on twitter at @CressPenhi
PEN STUDENTS SERVE AS COMMUNITY LEADERS
The following Pen students spent their summer volunteering through the Freedom4U South Bay Community Leadership Team:
Shannon Nakamura
Monice Wong
Zachary Gold
Kiana Razi
Nick Goldenberg
Ryan Macgowan
Ava Council
Kyle Adams
Tyler Torcasso
Sara Khattab
They worked with young people at the Toberman Settlement House and the Port of Los Angles Boys' and Girls' Club in San Pedro. They tutored, played sports, taught art & music, and guided the students in how to handle life situations.
Thank you to Freedom4U for giving our students these wonderful opportunities to make a difference in their community.
PETER GUILIANO LEADS PENINSULA YOUTH & GOVERNMENT
Pen students interested in participating in the YMCA Youth & Government program should contact Peter Giuliano
The California YMCA Youth & Government Model Legislature and Court is a state-wide program for high school students who have taken the initiative to prepare themselves for a leadership role in our State's future. Students learn public speaking skills, the ability to share personal opinions, and the California legislative process. Students prepare for and participate in a state-wide youth educational program involving over 3,000 high school students from across California. The nine month "hands on" experience consists of weekly meetings, a bill hearing night, two weekend retreats, and then culminates with a five-day trip to Sacramento.
It should be an exciting year considering the Youth Governor for the State of California is our very own Pen Senior, Nico Gardner.
CYBERPATRIOT CAMP A HUGE SUCCESS
Peninsula High's Engineering Department Chair, Hassan Twiet, offered to teach a CyperPatriot Camp the week of August 17. When enrollment opened in June, it filled up within hours. He graciously agreed to add an afternoon session allowing twice as many kids to experience the program. Since inception of the program eight years ago, Peninsula High has earned recognition for producing successful teams that have been sent to the National competition in Washington DC, four times. Cyber security is a critical component in our nation's security, and Peninsula High is doing its part in creating a generation of cyber patriots.
PEN WORLD LANGUAGE CLASSES NOW HAVE A LAB
Over the summer, Peninsula High added a World Language lab that will be used exclusively by our World Language classes. Specialized programs will be installed and will enhance learning. Peninsula High offers Spanish, French, Chinese, Korean, Latin, Japanese, and Greek.
PEP SQUAD
Pep Squad would like to recognize Olivia Azzopardi (JV Song) who was also selected as an All-American at the USA summer camp. Her name was not included in last week's Principal Update!
FOOTBALL SCHEDULE
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Freshman Football Scrimmage
Against Norwalk's John Glen High School |
PVPLD OFFERS TEST PREP PROGRAM
COLLEGE CAREER CENTER NEWS
ATTENTION SENIORS
PVPHS Counseling invites all Seniors and their Parents
to an informative presentation:
Making Your Final College List
Thursday, August 27 at 6:30pm
in the Peninsula High Gym
for seniors and their parents
Speaker: Mr. Tim Brunold, Dean of Admissions at USC
Topics to be discussed:
- What makes a good fit for me?
- Why is it so important to only apply to schools that I really want to attend?
- Why is it so important to discuss financial considerations before applying?
- When finalizing my list, how do I factor in these considerations: size, location, ease of travel, research, internships and travel abroad opportunities, program offerings, diversity, and my comfort in the school environment?
- How many schools do I put on my list?
- What can I do now to maximize my opportunities?
Terri Lewallen
College & Career Center Director
310-377-4888 x287
College Night for Juniors/Seniors and Parents is Thursday, Sept. 10 @ 6:00pm - 8:40pm. Watch for an email invitation with details.
ALUMNI NEWS
Sean Nam and Thomas Lai on the second day of the end of Plebe Summer town liberty after 6 weeks of intense training and no cell phones or computers!
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| So Proud of Sean and Thomas |
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