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SUNDAY LETTER - MARCH 6, 2016
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MESSAGE FROM HEAD OF SCHOOL
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Sssh . . . These Are The Ingredients of Our Secret Sauce!
A local restaurant . . . just this past weekend . . . One of our school's trustees was talking to me about how impressed he is that his son's level of discourse in the car drive to school has risen so high since he's been at our school.
"I am a practicing attorney myself, and I studied Hammurabi's Code in law school, but I don't think I really understood and appreciated all its nuances until my son explained it to me on the way to school recently.
What's the 'secret sauce' you have created that makes this school's students develop so spectacularly like this?"
He answered his own question before I could.
"It's the teachers, of course!'
And, within an instant, another trustee joined in the conversation.
"I have three children in three different schools across the South Bay and this school does by far the best job at giving students the tools AND the self-confidence to use them. My son is not made to feel inferior or an outcast if he gets a B+ on hard assignment. He is given the advice and techniques to improve. That's the way to build genuine, skills-based self-esteem."
The 'secret sauce' is the teachers, of course.
On Friday afternoon I shared these opinions and compliments with our teachers at our faculty meeting.
"What do you do, specifically" I wondered out loud, "to create this secret sauce? What are your ingredients?"
Unsurprisingly, the responses came thick and fast. Our teachers are not doing this just by chance. They are doing it intentionally. They are actively developing what we call "a growth mindset" in our children.
So, here are some of their (no so) secrets!
(English teacher Gayle Taylor) I encourage students to have confidence in their ability to face the world.
(Renaissance teacher Nita Birnbaum) Renaissance provides a safe environment where students feel comfortable taking risks.
(College Counselor Burnie Dyment) When a student is anxious I make sure I meet him frequently to discuss his applications and to help build his confidence.
(Football and basketball coach Steve Hagee) True leaders don't create followers. They create more leaders.
(American Sign Language teacher Yvonne Hall) I point out my own mistakes so students understand that perfect does not exist and mistakes are learning opportunities.
(Photography teacher Rebecca Kandel Scott) I seek out and value their opinions. Encourage experimentation. And I teach them the language to encourage each other in their work.
(Art teacher Lucinda Rudolph) I encourage my students to be bold, to find many choices in the creative process . . . and then I hang their art!
(ACE teacher Catherine Rios) I highlight their talents and show them that making mistakes is OK.
(Horticulture/Culinary Arts teacher Lauren Cowgill) I value student opinions and encourage them to express them.
(History teacher Kathy Hagee) When I don't know the answer to a question, I admit it and we journey together to find the answer.
(Football Coach Dan Spahr) I make them take ownership.
(Athletic Director Brian Knigin) Our coaches instill traits that help our athletes gain confidence. We empower them, they gain self-awareness and appreciate and understand the process.
(Basketball Coach and 2008 Alumna Yesela Tadeo) I put effort into not only helping girls develop their basketball skills, but also helping them become better individuals by having a growth mindset. In order to become better
athletes, they must work hard every practice and have an open mind when it comes to positive feedback as well as constructive criticism.
But . . . sssh . . . it's a secret!
Peter
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COURSE SELECTION FOR 2016-2017
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The course selection process for 2016-17 is under way for all 8th-11th graders.
You can access the courses here on our website:
RHP Upper School
RHP Middle School
Ren Upper School
Ren Middle School
Students are discussing their class selections with their advisors this week and the draft schedule will be built over the break. Please discuss your child's ideas on next year's courses in the weeks ahead.
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Thank you to everyone who supported RHP/Ren at the Gala & Auction on Saturday night!
Make sure to check our Facebook later this week for more pictures!
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VARSITY GIRLS' SOFTBALL KICKS OFF
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Izzy B., Kaitlin B., and Charlie P. are in the "20 players to watch in South Bay softball this season" by Daily Breeze. Click here to read the article. Also, Rolling Hills Prep was ranked #7 of "South Bay softball top 10" by Daily Breeze. Click here to read the article. |
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UPPER SCHOOL STUDENTS AND TENNIS
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We have been trying to organize and field a high school tennis team for the spring, and it looks as though we currently fall just short of the numbers required by CIF. As the school grows we do expect to hit the required number, and hope that will be next year. If any student who will be in grades 9-12 next year would like to sign up in advance for next year's team, please see Athletic Director Brian Knigin in the weeks ahead.
Meanwhile, we are trying to come up with an immediate alternative for interested players. We would like to incorporate tennis into PE this spring. Interested players should contact or confirm with Mr. Knigin before spring break.
David Maher, Director of Upper Schools
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FACES PROGRAM SEEKS HOST FAMILIES FOR TEENS FROM FRANCE
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Have you ever thought about how exciting it would be to interact with and learn about people from another part of the world? FACES is a cultural exchange program that brings boys and girls, ages 13-17, from France to the South Bay every summer. These teens live in your home from July 6 - 26, 2016, hoping to experience American life, make new friends, and improve their English skills. They need host families who will open their homes to them. There are no organized activities during their stay, but informal group events are planned with other host families.
As a host family, your role is to welcome the teenager into your home by providing a bed, full board, transportation, and inclusion in everyday activities and routines. They are fully insured for medical, liability, and emergency home return.
This is a special opportunity that benefits everyone, as positive relations are built as a result of this exciting cultural exchange! To become a host family, call Linda Bair at 310-433-7318 or email FACELHB@yahoo.com.
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Congratulations to the music department on a great Coffee House! Check out the videos. |
| | Boulevard of Broken Dreams |
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GALILEO INNOVATION CAMPS ARE HERE THIS SUMMER
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 Galileo Summer Camps are coming to the RHP/Ren campus this summer. These "Innovation Camps" for elementary and middle school students offer computer coding, engineering, "maker" classes, field trips and much more. We have chosen Galileo to run our summer program because their philosophy of education matches ours perfectly. More information can be found at www.galileo-camps.com. They are running a $150 off promotion this weekend at " Be my innovator." Check it out if you are looking for an exciting offering for your, pre-k through grade 8 son or daughter this summer. |
| | Galileo: Spend Summer Bold |
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SUPPORT THE COSTA RICA SERVICE LEARNING PROJECT
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On March 28th, students from Rolling Hills Preparatory and Renaissance Schools will embark on a service learning trip for ten days, in conjunction with World Leadership School, to the Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica. Eighteen of us are raising money to work on a Community Project that will be designed in consultation with the needs and desires of the Dos Brazos de Rio Tigre citizens.
It is our hope this trip will redefine service as:
- establishing a partnership instead of just donating money.
- understanding the importance of political and financial situations that impact a community.
- being respectful of and participating in different cultures.
- connecting on a personal level and listening to people of this community.
Your donation will directly impact this community. We appreciate your consideration to donate towards our project.
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FIELD TRIP: MUSIC TO MOCA AND COLBURN SCHOOL OF MUSIC ON MARCH 7
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Field Trip
Music Lab, Voice, and D Block Mixed Media to
MOCA and Colburn School of Music
Monday, March 7
Depart - 9:30 am
Return - 3:30 pm
Field Trip attire
Required materials: Brown bag lunch or money for lunch Students will visit the MOCA and the Colburn School as part of our visual and performing arts curriculum. During the downtown walking tour they will have chance to observe the beautiful modern architectures including one of the newest addition Broad Museum, Frank Gehry's Walt Disney Concert Hall, Music Center and Grand Park. This tour will end at MOCA where they will visit to experience its diverse collection of modern arts from all over the world and current exhibitions including "The Art of Our Time." Then students will hop over to one of the most prestigious music schools in the nation where they are invited to observe the Colburn Conservatory's weekly chamber forum. There, the students will listen to talented, passionate young professional musicians perform and discuss the art of chamber music. 
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BOCCUZZI BUS 2016: AP BIO AND ANATOMY & FORENSICS TO BODIES EXHIBIT
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BOCCUZZI BUS 2016 Field Trip: AP Bio and Anatomy & Forensics to Bodies Exhibit
Tuesday, March 8
Depart at 9am. Return to campus at 2pm. Field trip attire. Required materials: Bring money for lunch. Lead Chaperone: Liz Ribaudo
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MIDDLE SCHOOL SPELLING BEE ON MARCH 8
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Middle School Spelling Bee
Tuesday, March 8
1:15pm in the MPR
The Parent Association will be providing ice cream bars. This event is hosted by the 5th/6th grade classes.
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FAMILY MEETING FOR FOOTBALL ON MARCH 8
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Interested Huskies and their families are invited to a family information session for the upcoming football season.
Info Session for Football Tuesday, March 8 6PM in the MPR
We will be introducing the new head coach, Dan Spahr. We will also discuss the philosophy for the upcoming season, equipment needs, spring and summer training, and the schedule. All families from 8th grade on up are welcomed to attend. Come learn about RHP football! GO HUSKIES!
If you have any questions, please contact Steve Hagee at shagee@rollinghillsprep.org.
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RHP & REN AT POLAHS STEAM FESTIVAL ON MARCH 9
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Port of Los Angeles High School is hosting a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) Festival to bring awareness to the growing STEAM field. According to the National Endowment of the Arts, students learn content and retain it better when Art is added to the STEM curriculum. The Festival is a talent show where students will perform a talent under a theme that blends Art and STEM together. Come support Alex K., Brady O., Kelly O., Kotaro U., and Bria B., who will be representing RHP and Ren in the show! The Festival is on Wednesday at the Warner Grand Theater, 12-3pm. If you have any questions, please email dmaher@rollinghillsprep.org.
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HIGH SCHOOL FRC ROBOTICS COMPETITION, MARCH 10-12
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 FIRST Robotics Competition the ultimate Sport for the Mind. High-school student participants call it "the hardest fun you'll ever have." Under strict rules, limited resources, and an intense six-week time limit, teams of 20 or more students are challenged to raise funds, design a team "brand," hone teamwork skills, and build and program industrial-size robots to play a difficult field game against like-minded competitors. It's as close to real-world engineering as a student can get.
This is the 15th year that the Huskies will be participating in the FRC competition. The event is at the Long Beach Arena on March 10-12. All friends and family are welcome to cheer on our team! If you have any questions, please contact Bob Cloer at bcloer@rollinghillsprep.org.
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MUSIC LAB CONCERT ON MARCH 15
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Music Lab Concert
Tuesday, March 15
1:15pm in the MPR
The concert will feature all original pieces by these student composers:
Jay S. Jared T. Hinako B. Mike W. Brady O. Kotaro U. Ning M. Alex K.
Parents are invited but seats are limited! If you would like to attend, please RSVP with Ms. Sammi Lee at slee@rollinghillsprep.org.
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UPPER SCHOOL SPRING MUSICAL IS MARCH 17-19
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AUTHOR'S LUNCHEON ON MARCH 17
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 Los Angeles young adult writer Maurene Goo will be the featured speaker at the Author's Luncheon on Thursday, March 17. All RHP and Renaissance Middle School students are invited to hear Ms. Goo talk about her novel, Since You Asked, and listen to her story of how she became an author.
One of her book reviewers say, "A dryly funny account of a teenager who feels like an outsider in her high school, family, and society in general . . . Goo capably demonstrates the pressures and expectations Holly is under, and that a sense of humor is valuable for dealing with both." -Publishers Weekly
"Had me laughing the whole way through . . . Holly is a character that will stay in your mind well after you put the book down. And the letters from her secret admirer sprinkled throughout were pure genius!" -Glitter Magazine
Click here to visit her website. Copies of her book will be available for purchase at the Luncheon. |
PARENT ASSOCIATION EVENT: BOTTLE & BRUSH ON MARCH 23
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Make sure to follow us on our social media for all the fun!
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SENIOR SPEECH: RACHEL K. (OUR FIRST EVER 8-YEAR LIFER!)
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I was in the middle of a project, focused on one thing: a flamingo. With a careful eye, I continued to work, grasping the stubby Crayola marker. Nothing else mattered. But then, the thin pen tip slipped, and my vision was crushed by a tiny black line. The line was microscopic, but to me it may as well have been the size of a country. My face grew hot. I tried to fix my error, but it only got worse. My fragile four-year-old brain couldn't take it, and my little mistake transformed me into a miserable runny-nosed wreck for an hour straight: just a taste of what was yet to come. For as long as I can remember, I have dealt with OCD, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. This syndrome didn't mean I was just very tidy or that I washed my hands a few extra times. Instead, intrusive, repetitive thoughts always filled my head. In elementary school, I never finished my work on time because every single letter irritated me inside. Again and again, I scrubbed away with my eraser to start over, to the point that I tore holes in my paper. Note-taking was a miserable experience.
Click here to read the rest of Rachel's speech.
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SCHOOL EVENTS
| ATHLETICS
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March 7, 9:30am-3:30pm
Field Trip: Music Lab, Voice, D Block Mixed Media to MOCA and Colburn School of Music
March 8, 9am-2pm
Field Trip: AP Bio, Anatomy & Forensics to Bodies Exhibit
March 8, 1:15pm Middle School Spelling Bee
March 10-12 High School FRC Robotics
March 11, 8:30am Parent Association - All GAP Meeting
March 15 Pi Day Celebration
March 15, 8am-2:30pm Field Trip: 12th Grade Art Students to Bergamont Station
March 15, 1:15pm Applied Music Lab Concert
March 17, 18, 19, 7pm Upper School Musical @ Warner Grand Theater
March 17, 12:30pm Author's Luncheon
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Visit our website to see the Athletics schedules.
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