Dear Knights,

AP and IB tests are taking place this week.  Students, please come to these tests on time (if not a little early) and prepared to take them.  Get a great night's sleep before the test; don't stay up all night cramming for it.  I am confident that your teachers have done a great job getting you ready for these tests and that you'll do great.  Please make sure you take care of the little stuff (like bringing a pencil, calculator when needed, showing up to the right place on time) in order to avoid unnecessary distractions and/or anxiety before the test.

There will not be a late start during AP testing.  The next late start is May 20.

Every 15 Minutes

Last week, Foothill Juniors and Seniors participated in the Every 15 Minutes program that seeks to educate students in an effort to prevent drinking and driving tragedies.  This was my first time through the program and I was shocked at how powerful the message was.  In a real life crash scene on Old Foothill Blvd, students saw the horror of a real drunk driving accident, complete with a student taken by helicopter to the hospital.  Students attended an assembly the next day where speaker Jason Barber delivered one of the best speeches on drunk driving that I have ever heard.  Every single student was hanging on his every word as he recounted the horrors of his own drunk driving accident. 

If this program doesn't prevent students from making destructive decisions, I don't know what will.  It made a definite impact on each and every student that was fortunate enough to participate.  A big thank you goes out to Bev Willie, Terry Franklin and the PTO that made this whole program happen.  It was truly powerful and meaningful.

TACFA Awards

Recently we had students participate in the Tustin Area Council of Fine Art student invitational.  Several Foothill students were awarded for their achievements in art.  These students included Jenna Haidar who won first place for her charcoal drawing and Rinette Korea who won best in show for her acrylic painting.  These are two huge honors as students from all over every high school in Tustin compete in this event.  Congratulations to Rinette and Jenna!

CSF Graduation Information

Beginning this week, senior CSF members who already qualify for CSF recognition at graduation should receive a letter in their 3^rd period class. The letter contains information regarding the purchase of graduation regalia and how to obtain these items.  Some seniors are candidates for possible recognition at graduation with qualifying 12^th grade spring semester grades. These students should also receive a letter regarding the procedure for submitting grades, as well as the purchase of graduation regalia.  In addition, senior CSF members should be on the alert for CSF emails, information on the daily announcements and Foothill website, and flyers posted on campus.  For questions, students please see Mrs. Rangel in room 212.

PTO Scholarship Opportunities

The PTO is offering 2 scholarship opportunities named after Al Marzilli and Frank Southern.  The deadline for seniors to apply for our two PTO scholarships is next Friday, May 8. I've attached the two scholarship applications.  There are two $1,000 scholarships, one in honor of Frank Southern for students who have overcome a significant obstacle to grow as a scholar, and the scholarship in honor of Al Marzilli, which honors one (or two, at $500 each) seniors for outstanding achievement. Winners will be announced at the June Senior Awards and Recognition Ceremony.

Thank you for reading and have a great week!

Nick Stephany, Ed.D.

Principal, Foothill High School