Volume LIII, Issue 5

Principal: Dr. Jacqueline McEvoy
PTSA President: Preeva Tramiel
Co-Editors:Stephanie Klein, Marcia Yeates and Elliott Sopkin

From the PTSA President

“It’s not fair to the kids.” That is what I kept thinking during the first part of February.  At the  PTSA February Executive Board meeting, Rachel Kellerman, the librarian, talked to our board about the prank that occurred in the library on the weekend of Martin Luther King’s birthday.   She pointed out that any money that is spent on repairing damage, installing security cameras, or changing locks is money that does not buy books, pay coaches, or hire teachers. Money and time spent on clean-up does not support the mission of a high school, which is to facilitate learning and prepare kids for the next step in life.  Messing things up, even in the context of a joke, and not cleaning it up yourself, is just not funny.

Palo Alto High is a very precious community resource.  It is a haven of learning, a slice of simpler times, a stage where the drama of growing up can be played out, and visited, and revisited, as we see at the back-to-school picnic every year.  Friends of Woody Hoogs and others who supported Memorial Plaza gave thousands of dollars to the idea of Paly –  a pretty, well-groomed, functioning campus – and now students have a new plaza to sit in.

The parents at the PTSA meetings want to do something positive to support the school and the library, and discourage vandalism. At our two February meetings, we discussed several possibilities, including a 24-hour read-a-thon and a clean-up day. But no action was decided on, because any action the PTSA takes needs to include the opinions and actions of the students.  To that end, Ann Stewart, the VP for Community Service, Jacquie, and myself met with the leadership class on February 14, to brainstorm ways to discourage vandalism.  So don’t be surprised if you see “Love Your School” posters around in March.

Another way to love your school

Fundraising was discussed at our February executive board meeting.  The Fundraising Task Force, which was formed in December, reported on its discussions and  conclusions.  The task force presented a proposal to form a Budget Review Committee that plans expenditures in the early spring,  and that proposal passed.  Another proposal that the Fundraising Task Force presented, –to radically change the PTSA fundraising philosophy from a  simple direct appeal to something more focused on the actual items bought – was tabled until the March Executive Board meeting, where it will be discussed again. PTSA Members Elaine Hahn, Suzanne Attenborough, Dyane Matas, Stacy Mason, Anne Barry, and Cherie Sopkin and Principal Jacquie McEvoy put a lot of hard work into this process, and we should all thank them.  There will be positive change as a result of this process.

To be part of the positive changes in Paly’s future, give Mandy Lowell or Karen Ersted a call, and join the PTSA Board or become a committee chair for next year!

See you in April,

Preeva Tramiel

Paly PTSA President

From the Principal

Dear Vikings,

Recently, I enjoyed so many wonderful events at Paly. I had the opportunity to observe our debate team in action at Stanford (we won!); the California Superintendent of Schools, Jack O’Connell, visited our stellar journalism program; and I was soothed by the vocal stylings of our talented choral students during their “Crazy Little Thing Called Love” concert on February 13.  I can’t tell you how impressed I was. On the following weekend, I will cheered on our soccer teams in the play-off games. As I look over the breadth of co-curricular activities here at Paly from sports, to debate, to the performing arts and beyond, I can truly say that we have something for everyone.  First and foremost, we are a school that values academic excellence – but we are also a school that values what students learn outside the classroom as well as what they learn inside it.  It is our hope that students have a balanced experience here at Paly, and that they find activities that bring them joy and fulfillment in addition to academic success. 

During the months of February and March, students are selecting their courses for next year.   Our teacher advisors are meeting with students to assist them in making informed choices about the courses they will take.  As parents, it is important to sit down with your son or daughter and discuss their academic goals and the information that will help them make good academic choices.  One of the most frequently asked questions we get is regarding how to determine whether or not a student should enroll in honors or advanced placement classes in a particular subject.  Not only is making the right decision important for students, it is also crucial for our staffing process.  Because staffing is set in the spring, when students request changes after the school year has started, we cannot always accommodate them. The decision regarding honors and AP courses should include a review of the student’s performance on the STAR te st (although the proficient level is acceptable, scores at the advanced level are preferred), previous grades in related courses, teacher recommendations, and course load.

As I have mentioned in previous letters, we have begun the self-study process for accreditation by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).  You will hear it referred to as the “WASC process.”  The study is intended to answer the following questions:  1) How are our students achieving? and 2) Are we doing everything possible to support high achievement for all of our students? A team of parents will serve as liaisons between the broader parent community and the faculty focus groups.  Parent input is essential to the success of the process.  To ensure that every parent’s voice is heard, we will be providing several venues for gathering information from parents, including a series of coffees in the community, a web-based forum, and a parent survey. Kindel Launer, who teaches in our English Department, is serving as our WASC chairperson.  We are enormously grateful to her for taking on this vita l task.  My thanks as well to those parents who have submitted their names as WASC volunteers - we will be bringing you together shortly to discuss your roles.  Please look for additional information on the Paly Link and join us for one of the parent coffees!

Sincerely,

Jacquie McEvoy
Principal

You can help Paly – Volunteer for a 2008-09 PTSA position

Each school year the Parent Student Teacher Association (PTSA) at Paly plans and sponsors a number of programs, events, and activities. These wonderful programs – speakers, teacher appreciation luncheons, student activities, community service, parent networks and more – could not happen without the parent volunteers of the PTSA. If you would like to help out next year and get to know other parents at Paly, please volunteer for a Paly PTSA position. You can lead a one-time event or hold a longer term position. Check out the list of jobs and current volunteers at http://paly.paloaltopta.org/ptsa_exec.html. If you are interested in finding out more information, please contact PTSA Nominating Committee members Karen at karen@ersted.org 322-6411 or Mandy at charlowell@aol.com  323-2742. We will be developing a slate of nominees to be proposed in March.

Paly Site Council Update

The Site Council met on January 28, 2008. Librarian Rachel Kellerman gave an update on all the new research options available in the Paly Library. Members also selected current projects to review. Head Counselor Susan Shultz and TA Chair Anne Deggelman reported on the Teacher Advisor program. Then, student members of the Stressed Out Student Committee helped explain ideas for a new bell schedule. There were reports from the principal on the bond issue and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) for which Paly is doing a self-study this year as part of the accreditation process. There were also reports from PTSA and Student Council members.

At the February 11, 2008 meeting, the Council heard reports from the three respective instructional supervisors of Career and Vocational Education, Physical Education and Living Skills. Assistant Principal Kim Diorio reported on alternative programs available to students. 

 The next meetings are scheduled for March 3 and March 17. At these meetings the Council will be evaluating the current projects and hearing reports from other. instructional supervisors.  Everyone is welcome.

The Paly Site Council, which is composed of four parents, four students and eight staff members, meets on Mondays, usually twice a month, at 3:30 p.m. in the Staff Lounge in the Library building. The agenda for each meeting is posted on the Paly Link, the PTSA /Site Council website and in the main office. Members of the community are invited to address the Council on non-agenda items at the beginning of each regular meeting.  Minutes are also posted in the front hall of the Tower Building and on the Link. Meeting dates are listed in the Paly Reporter calendar and on the Paly Link. Everyone is welcome to attend. Further questions or comments can be addressed to Edie Miller, Site Council Coordinator, 329-3710 ext 7301 or emiller@pausd.org.

NOW IS THE TIME
for Parents interested in serving on the
2008-2010 Paly Site Council
to STEP FORWARD
DEADLINE: MAY 1, 2008

PARENTS. Please consider submitting your name as a candidate for a two-year position on the Paly Site Council. We are presently seeking candidates for two parent representative seats on the Paly Site Council for 2008-2010. To be eligible, a parent must have a student at Paly during his or her entire term and be able to attend afternoon meetings. In addition, no employee of the PAUSD is eligible to serve as a parent representative.

Each candidate will be asked to write a short statement which will appear on a ballot in the August Back-to-School packet. Each candidate should also plan to attend the meetings on May 5, May 19 and June 2. The deadline for submitting your name and the short statement is May 1. Please feel free to attend the March 3, March 17 or April 14 meetings to learn more about the Council. If you are interested or wish to nominate someone, please call Site Council Coordinator Edie Miller at 329-3710 ext 7301.

The Site Council is composed of parents, staff and students elected to represent their constituencies in site-based decision-making. The Council meets after school on most first and third Mondays of each month of the school year. The Council is responsible for overseeing the implementation of the school plan and understanding the school budget. This includes selecting and monitoring school projects which may receive approximately $50,000. The Council is regularly updated on school and district issues, budget matters and other important issues. Details are available in the Paly Site Council minutes and agendas published on the Paly Link, in the Paly Reporter and posted in the main hall of the Tower Building.

Join the Conversation at a Parent Network Meeting

Parent Network Meetings
Parent Networks are gatherings for parents and guardians from each grade level to get acquainted and share parenting ideas that revolve around day-to-day issues. Informal meetings are scheduled once each month with the purpose of widening circles of community, support and responsibility. Parent Networks provide an opportunity for parents to share ideas, concerns and strategies around issues such as friendships, parent-child communication, emerging independence, discipline and social life (dating, parties, etc.).

Project 2011 (Freshman Parent Network) Monthly Meetings
Friday, March 14, 8:15-9:30am
Xenia Hammer's home, 861 Sharon Court @Channing
Topic: How to volunteer - parents & students, jobs, outside tutors
To see the complete posted freshman parent network schedule please contact Annette DeStefano at aokdes@yahoo.com or Andrea Stern at sternfam1@comcast.net.

Project 2010 (Sophomore Parent Network) Monthly Meetings (locations TBD) Save the dates!
Tuesday, March 11 at 8:30am - Regular meeting to discuss summer plans.
Thursday, April 10 at 8:30am
Tuesday, May 20 at 8:30am
For more information contact Keri Lung keri.lung@yahoo.com or JoAnne Voet jvoet@sbcglobal.net.

Project 2009 (Sophomore Parent Network) Monthly MeetingsFriday, March 7 - Monthly Network Coffee, 8:15 - 9:15 a.m.
Topic: "Prom Prep - Attire, Transportation, Etiquette"
Friday, April 4, 8:15 - 9:15 am.  Location TBD - Topic: "Teen Cuisine - Healthy Body Image and Nutrition Ideas for Teens"
Friday, May 2, 8:15 - 9:15 am.  Location TBD - Topic: "Dollars and Cents: Managing Money"
Friday, June 6, 8:15 - 9:15 am.  Location TBD - Topic: "Looking Ahead to Senior Year"
For more info and notes of previous meetings, http://groups.yahoo.com/group/palyproject2009

Project 2008 (Senior Parent Network)
Contact Sukie Stanley at sukiestanley@mindspring.com or Cece Long at cecilong@pacbell.net

For more information about the networks in general visit www.paly.paloaltopta.org/parent_network.html and watch the Paly Link (http://palylink.paloaltopta.org/) for announcements about meetings and events.

The Paly Theater Department presents

THE LARAMIE PROJECT
Fri-Sat March 7-8, Thu March 13, & Sat March 15,
Paly's historic Haymarket Theatre, 7:30 p.m.
Tickets $10 (students/seniors $7)

In October 1998, gay college student Matthew Shepard was beaten and left to die tied to a fence outside Laramie, Wyoming. The play tells the story of the life of that town in the year that follows. [photos] This play is for mature audiences only.
--

Paly PTSA Parent Education
Save the Dates!
Thursday, April 17, 2008
How to Throw a Safe, Legal Party
(That Kids Still Want to Come To)
Coffee, snacks & mingling at 8:30 a.m.; program at 9 a.m.

Third Annual GREENLIGHT Earth Day FilmFestival

The GREENLIGHT Earth Day Film Festival is a celebration of Earth Day featuring film projects that explore environmental citizenship and show how individual actions can reduce environmental impacts. Films featured at the 2008 Festival will be produced by local artists, with an emphasis on student-produced film

All entries and forms must be received by March, 21, 2008.
Entry Categories:

• Students grades 6-8
• Students grades 9-12
• Open (all others)

There is no entry fee! Top entries in each category will be shown at the GREENLIGHT Earth Day Film Festival at Cubberley Theater in Palo Alto on April 17, 2008. Entries will be shown on cable TV and the internet. For more information about how to submit your entry visit http://www.cityofpaloalto.org/environment/earthday.asp

You are invited to Palo Alto Unified School District’s

Middle School GATE Advisory Committee Meeting

“Parenting Gifted Teens”
Parenting gifted teens is a complex balancing act:  How can parents ensure that their teen is challenged, but not overly pressured? How to guide, but not stifle?  Help your teenager explore diverse interests without becoming overscheduled. What do gifted teens need from parents that differs from what all adolescents need?  These questions and many others will be addressed as Jill Carroll, GATE consultant, shares many years of study and experience working with gifted students, their teachers, and parents.

Presenter: Jill Carroll
Jill Carroll received  a master’s degree in special education with a concentration in gifted and talented education. Jill taught reading in grades K-8, was an elementary principal, director of special education, director of gifted education, curriculum coordinator and categorical projects director.

We are looking forward to seeing all of you there.
Any questions, please call, 329-3769

Calendar

March

April

SpARCs: Inside the Academic Resource Center

Usually this time of year I swamp Paly Reporter readers with statistics:  How many tutoring sessions are accomplished each week (around 90,) how many make-up tests are proctored weekly (around 150,) and approximately how many students use our Honor Library (too many to count!)  But what does all this really mean?  In the next few issues, I’d like to take a more personal look at whom the ARC serves, who serves in the ARC, and why.  Here’s the story of two very typical ARC users, a tutor and her tutee.

Monday, lunchtime, and around 30 to 40 students are gathering in a large room outside the smaller, quieter ARC testing center.   Philip is looking around, Leah waves, and they weave over to a smaller conference room where they meet once a week to review Philip’s chemistry work.  The room has one large oval table and gradually tutors and tutees pair up around it, opening books, getting out lunches, talking, laughing, and, remarkably, working.

Senior Leah Gaeta, Philip Chen’s AC Chemistry tutor, began tutoring in September 2006.  Besides being an honors student, she is friendly, athletic, and radiates can-do energy.  When she first began tutoring, she thought it was going to be “really organized.”

“I thought I’d be put in a quiet room with lots of privacy,” she says, laughing at how wrong she was.  “Instead, we’re always with other tutors and tutees . . . it is a cooperative environment.  If one person doesn’t know the answer, we can always ask each other . . . Now I think it could actually be better this way.”

Philip, a sophomore, is an earnest student with a smile that can light up a small galaxy.  After hearing about the ARC at Freshman Orientation, he came in last year in need of a math tutor.  “It was a really positive experience,” he says, “so I came back this year for help with Chem.”

“When I don’t understand something in class, like what the teacher is actually trying to say, it helps to have someone else helping you.  Without another person explaining the same thing, only in a different way, it is just harder to understand.”

Philip uses his time with Leah by asking questions.  “He asks questions and I answer them.  Sometimes I elaborate . . . or if I don’t know, I ask the people around me, or look in the book.  If I still can’t explain I feel awful.”

Indeed, the tutoring sessions often prove helpful to them both.  Because the chemistry class that Philip is taking isn’t exactly the same course that prepared Leah for AP Chemistry, questions often come up that challenge the tutor AND the tutee.

“I came in with the mindset that these guys are in AP Chem and they should know EVERYTHING,” says Philip.  “But then I realized that AP Chem students are still learning themselves and don’t have all the answers.  Sometimes tutors are actually learning from their tutees.”

Philip and Leah have been studying together since September.  Their common interest (“Soccer!”) and work ethic contribute to their successful partnership.  “We both always show up,” says Leah, “and we’re prepared.”  From her other tutoring experiences Leah has had to cultivate “a great deal of patience” but Philip “actually wants to learn.”  Philip attributes his current grade in Chem not only to his independent study and class work, but also to tutoring.  “I probably wouldn’t be able to hang onto my grade without the extra help,” he says.

Besides reinforcing her knowledge of Chemistry and earning Community Service hours, tutoring has helped Leah become what she calls “a social leader as opposed to a task leader…I have to try to understand where they [her tutees] are coming from and explain what I know in the simplest, most understandable way…”-- skills she will no doubt need in Pre Med, her field of interest.

Leah will be graduating in June and hopes to study at Duke University.  She is proud of the work she has done with her peers and has helped the ARC maintain its commitment to serve any student that genuinely wants additional academic support.  To prospective tutors she says, “Don’t neglect your tutees; they really need you, they’re depending on you.  Especially in science and math.  It is really nice that they have trust in their own peers to help them.  Don’t let them down.”

As for Philip, he definitely recommends peer tutoring to others who might be thinking of asking for help.  “It could be a great choice, and overall the ARC tutors are really good.  If you don’t like who you’re matched with, you can switch; the ARC makes it easy . . . It never hurts to try.”

(The next issue of the Paly Reporter will feature a tutor’s point of view, written by Senior Tess Christy.  I’m looking forward to hearing what she has to say!)

--Noël Beitler

Seniors
SCHOLARSHIPS AND Financial Aid Reminders: 
Scholarship applications continue to arrive in the College and Career Center (C&CC) and are posted weekly on www.paly.net/college.  Specific information and applications for these awards are available in the C&CC.  Encourage your students to check the list for the latest scholarship opportunities. Be aware of application deadlines so that students are realistic as to whether or not all required materials can be submitted by the deadlines.
The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) must be postmarked no later than March 2 for California public colleges and universities. As mentioned in my previous two articles, other colleges and universities may have earlier or priority deadlines; it is important to check filing dates for specific colleges. Make sure to use the student's full legal name and Social Security number when filling out the form. If the student's name doesn't match the number in the Social Security Administration's database, your application will be delayed.  After you file the FAFSA, you will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR). Remember to review the data on the report for accuracy, and follow the directions on the SAR to make any corrections.  The colleges you listed on your FAFSA will receive the corrections automatically.
It is always a good idea to contact an individual college’s financial aid officer to make him or her aware of any special family circumstances.  More specifically, contact them if you feel that you are unable to meet the college’s expectations of your family’s contribution.   It is important to take an active role in the process.  
You also need to file a FAFSA to apply for federal student loans. All college students are eligible for unsubsidized Stafford loans, no matter how much money their parents make. These loans offer lower interest rates and more flexible repayment terms than private student loans.  According to Sandra Block, who writes the Your Money column for USA Today, “Maxing out on federal student loans before taking out private loans is even more important this year. The fallout from the sub-prime mortgage market has affected all types of loans, including private student loans.  Private lenders are expected to tighten credit standards and increase interest rates and fees. Interest rates on most private loans are variable, so there's no limit on how high they can go.” (You might be surprised at financial-aid payoff, USA Today, January 22, 2008)
GPA Verification Forms (for Cal Grants) must be submitted to Ann Deggelman in the Guidance Office by Wednesday, February, 27.  Mrs. Deggelman will forward the students’ GPA’s electronically.
College decisions:
Admission decision letters are beginning to arrive from some CSU campuses, private colleges, and many out of state public universities. UC campuses will mail admission decisions between March 1 – 31. Please notify the college advisors about these decisions so that we can share in the news and offer any assistance with the decision-making process.  
Housing: Don’t forget to complete student housing applications, if desired.  While many schools send housing information with acceptance letters, you may still want to check the student housing websites of the campus you’re interested in.  For the California public universities, in particular, you might to see if a pre-application is available for their residence halls.

Juniors
SAT/ACT
The SAT Reasoning Test, SAT Subject Tests, and the ACT are nationally administered standardized tests that help colleges evaluate college applications; however, not all colleges require these tests from applicants. There are differences in test structure and the type of content assessed in these tests.  In addition, please note:

• All colleges and universities requiring tests will accept either the SAT Reasoning or ACT test.
• The California State Universities (CSUs) and many private colleges do not require or consider the writing portion of the SAT Reasoning or ACT test.
• Some colleges require 2-3 SAT Subject Tests.
• Some colleges will accept the ACT alone, using that score in lieu of SAT Subject tests whereas those students who take the SAT Reasoning test at these colleges are also required to take SAT Subject Tests.
• Currently, the University of California (UC) requires two SAT Subject tests (even if students take the ACT) in two different areas of study. (i.e. language, literature, history, science, and math). If a student plans to take a math subject test, be aware that UCs will only accept the Math Level 2 subject test (not Math Level 1).

This is the semester to start taking the SAT Reasoning test, SAT Subject tests, and ACT; the tests are offered in April (ACT), May (SAT), and June (ACT and SAT).  If required, we encourage juniors to take SAT Subject Tests in the spring (June), close to the completion of related coursework.
The SAT Reasoning and ACT tests are each approximately three hours long in duration; each SAT Subject Test is one hour long. The SAT Reasoning and the SAT Subject tests may not be taken on the same day. Registering early for any of the standardized tests increases the likelihood of taking the tests at Paly.
We have several practice books and other testing resources in the C&CC available for student use.  For more information about these tests, the differences between the SAT and ACT, which colleges require which tests and how many, see http://www.paly.net/college/CollegeEntrancetests.php.
APPOINTMENTS WITH COLLEGE AND CAREER ADVISORS
The college and career advisors are now meeting with juniors on an individual basis; students may sign up with Ms. Erber or myself to discuss, primarily, college planning and with Ms. Sinton to speak about career planning and community college options.  First meetings should be with students only (parents might want to attend subsequent meetings).   
A demonstration of Naviance’s Family Connection, an easy-to-use Web application for college exploration and planning, was shown to students when US History classes visited the C&CC for orientation at the start of second semester.  Students will be required to complete the Post High School Planning information via an online survey in Naviance, print it out, and present this form to the C&CC before they can schedule an appointment with a college and/or career advisor.  Students should stop by the C&CC to make an appointment.  
Please ask your student to share the packet of materials received at orientation with you. 
Parents will learn more about Naviance’s Family Connection during the first portion of Junior T.A. Parent Night on Wednesday, March 12 at 7 p.m.

 
Sophomores
Students who are currently studying Chemistry may wish to consider taking the SAT Subject Test in Chemistry on June 7.  It is a good idea to discuss this with your teacher before signing up and/or review the topic areas which are covered on the exam.  (Information is available in the C&CC.)  The regular registration deadline is April 16th.  Register online at www.collegeboard.com.

College Visits
Seniors and second semester juniors, with written prior approval, may take five (5) days to visit college campuses. Students pick up a College Visitation Form from the Attendance office, which must be completed with parent, teacher and administrator signatures and turned in to the Attendance Office at least 24 hours in advance of the day of departure.

A campus visit is informative at any time but it’s best to see a college in action when students are in session.  Prepare and plan ahead for your visit! 

• Check out the colleges’ websites to register for a campus tour and info session.  Stop by the C&CC to get the names of Paly alum who attend the colleges you will visit and arrange to meet with those students while you’re there.
• Read up on the college and think about questions you want to ask.
• While on campus, stop by the campus coffee shop or student union; read bulletin boards or strike up conversations with students.  Ask yourself whether this is a place where you’d feel comfortable, able to learn, and do your best.
• If you have time, talk to admissions to arrange to attend a class; or, meet with someone in the department you’re interested in.  Attend a campus lecture, sporting event, or other extra-curricular activity.
• If you have even more time, talk to admissions to sign up for an overnight visit in the dorms.
• Some colleges require (or recommend) interviews; check in advance.  If this will be your only trip to the campus, call the admissions office to try to schedule an interview.  If you are unable to visit a campus that requires an interview, call to see if local interviews will take place in our area.  The C&CC can help prepare you for an interview.
• After the visit, write down your impressions while they’re fresh in your mind.

Juniors received a handout during C&CC orientation with more information about campus visits.  If you’re unable to travel to visit a campus, try to visit a local college with similar features (size, neighborhood, etc.) to get a sense of college fit.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

• Junior Parent – Teacher Advisor Night will be held on Wednesday, March 12 at 7 p.m., beginning in the Library (< new location!).  More information will follow in a separate mailing.
• Expanding Your Horizons in Math and Science Conference. At this conference for 6-12th grade young women, students have the opportunity to meet women who use math and science in their careers. Over 100 women working in related fields will lead hands-on workshops that include experiments and a discussion of career options and educational requirements.  The conference will take place on Saturday, March 15 at Skyline College in San Bruno from 8:15 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Register by March 7 at: http://skylinecollege.edu/eyh
• The Community College Forum will be held on Tuesday, April 8 at 10:45 a.m. in the ERC (in the library).   All juniors and seniors thinking of attending a community college are invited; parents are welcome.  Representatives from local community colleges will discuss registration, financial aid, career programs, transfer programs, and anything else you may have questions about.   The reps will also be in front of the Library during lunch (11:40 – 12:20) to answer further questions.
• Connect to College information night at the College of San Mateo is Wednesday, April 9 from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. in the Cafeteria in Building 5.  Learn about transfer programs, academic and vocational programs, student life, and financial aid.  To RSVP or for more information, call 650-574-6646 or guiribaj@smccd.edu.

Sandra Cernobori
College Advisor

Paly Testing Spring 2008

CAHSEE       March 11 & 12: All sophomores and make-ups for 11th and 12th grade

Tuesday, March 11    English/Language Arts: One 2-hour test and one 1 1/2 hour test plus 40 minutes for administration

Wednesday, March 12              Mathematics:            Two 90-minute tests plus 25 minutes for administration

STAR             May 14 & 15: All 9th through 11th graders

Wednesday, May 14

Thursday, May 15

Advanced Placement                        May 5 through 16: For students enrolled in AP

CAHSEE make-ups              May 6 & 7: 10th, 11th & 12th graders that need to take or retake the English and/or Math portions of the Exit Exam.

For more information contact Chuck Merritt at cmerritt@pausd.org or 650-329-3824.

Paly Testing Spring 2008

CAHSEE       March 11 & 12: All sophomores and make-ups for 11th and 12th grade

Tuesday, March 11    English/Language Arts: One 2-hour test and one 1 1/2 hour test plus 40 minutes for administration

Wednesday, March 12              Mathematics:            Two 90-minute tests plus 25 minutes for administration

STAR             May 14 & 15: All 9th through 11th graders

Wednesday, May 14

Thursday, May 15

Advanced Placement                        May 5 through 16: For students enrolled in AP

CAHSEE make-ups              May 6 & 7: 10th, 11th & 12th graders that need to take or retake the English and/or Math portions of the Exit Exam.

For more information contact Chuck Merritt at cmerritt@pausd.org or 650-329-3824.

Beautification Efforts at Paly Continue

Parking Lot Reforestation

Thanks to efforts of Paly Alumni, the Paly PTSA, and the Palo Alto Unified School District (PAUSD), the Paly campus is becoming a more beautiful place to work, to study and to visit. In January 2007, the PTSA decided to replant the inner courtyard. Simultaneously, alumni and Friends of Palo Alto High School donated funds and expertise to reforest the main parking lot at Embarcadero road.

After PAUSD removed all of the dead and diseased trees in the parking lot, Alumni and Friends Board Member Kirsten Essenmacher (class of 1987) drew a detailed map of the existing 85 trees and collaborated with several arborists, a landscape designer, and district personnel to create a proposal to plant over 80 new trees. Since last spring, she has worked closely with Chuck McDonnell, the head of landscaping for the district, and CANOPY, Palo Alto’s urban forestry non-profit organization, to implement the plan. PAUSD has been installing irrigation for the trees, which have been purchased jointly by PAUSD and Alumni and Friends.

Last May, the district planted six Chinese pistache trees, which exhibit beautiful fall foliage, along the man driveway, and several coast redwoods near the 100 Building. This fall, CANOPY-led volunteers and district employees planted California sycamores, valley oaks, incense and blue atlas cedars, and California pepper trees on the rest of the islands.

This spring, plans call for planting a variety of oaks, buckeyes, and redbuds to create a flourishing oak woodland on the parking lot’s outer perimeter. Please visit and enjoy the rebirth of this area. Feel free to contact Alumni and Friends (329-7301) if you wish to donate funds or volunteer with tree planting. Everyone is welcome!

New saplings in front of the 100 Building

Interior Campus Enhancements

Paly’s PTSA Campus Landscaping and Beautification Committee has been hard at work this school year enhancing areas of the interior campus that had been neglected or run down. The largest project thus far has been the creation of the new Memorial Plaza in the center of the campus. On the site of one of the former science buildings, the rectangular patch of crab grass has evolved to include pathways lined with new benches, and as of the holiday break, four new Aristocrat Pear trees and new sod to replace the weedy lawn. Old irrigation was replaced, disaggregated concrete pathways installed, and trees and sod planted under the direction of Chuck McDonnell of the district’s Landscaping Department.

Funds for the plaza have come from the district, Paly’s PTSA, and memorial donations on behalf of two families close to Paly. Woody Hoogs was a member of the Class of 1947 and was a swimmer for Paly. His daughter, Debbie Whitson, is an Economics teacher at Paly and his granddaughter, Allison, is a junior here. A younger granddaughter, Kimberly, will be a freshman here next year. The family of Andrea Erzberger, who taught science at Paly for 22 years and was awarded the Presidential Award in the Rose Garden in 1991, also contributed to the plaza in her honor.

Other areas where you will see vast improvements are just outside the library where Mediterranean plants have been installed in newly framed planters, and in several areas around the MacKenzie Family Pool complex, extending around to the batting cages by the small gym. Native grasses and crepe myrtles have also been planted along the side of the large gym in an effort to beautify that area of campus. Committee member Katherine Glazier spearheaded this effort, so the next time you see her, be sure to convey your thanks.

The committee’s work will continue through the year. Our goal is to improve the campus environment for students and parents alike, so if there is a place on campus that is particularly annoying to you, or that you feel could use a little TLC, please contact Anne Anderson (566-9234).

New gardens near the library

News from the Guidance Department

GPA Verification – All seniors applying for financial aid at any public or private college in California must apply for a Cal Grant by submitting the GPA Verification form to the state. It is available in the College and Career Center and online at www.csac.ca.gov. The student portion must be complete with the social security number extremely legible. The form must be left in the wire basket outside Mrs. Deggelman’s office in the Guidance Department by Wednesday, February 27. This Paly deadline is necessary to allow adequate time to process the forms by the state deadline of March 2. She will electronically submit your GPA to the California Student Aid Commission.

Junior Parents – Our Teacher Advisor/College Advisor Junior Parent Night will be held on March 12 to introduce parents to the college search and application process. The night will begin in the Library at 7 p.m. with a presentation by our College and Career Advisors. Parents will then go to the room of their child’s teacher advisor to hear how students, parents and TAs work together in the application process. All junior families should have received a letter in mid- February with further information about the evening presentation. We encourage all junior parents to take this opportunity to learn about the college application process at Paly

Naviance - Juniors received their registration codes in the January 30 advisory class. Most of the juniors have logged onto Naviance to set-up their accounts and the feedback from our students has been very positive. Parent registration codes were mailed home to parents of juniors in mid-February along with the Teacher Advisor/College Advisor Junior Parent Night letter. If you or your student has misplaced or lost their registration code, please call Sandra Cernobori in the College and Career Center at 329-3813. We would be happy to send you a new code so you may access your account.

For parents that would like more training in how to use Naviance, Chuck Merritt and Kim Diorio will be hosting two Naviance training demo’s for parents in the computer lab at Paly from 12-1pm and 7-8pm on Thursday, April 10. If you would like to attend the demo, please RSVP to Jenny Stone in the Guidance office at (650) 329-3712 to reserve a space. Depending on interest, additional training demos will be offered in the spring.

We hope you understand that we are still in the process of exporting data into Naviance and will continue to update the information throughout the second semester. Once this information has been put into Naviance and we’ve worked out some of the initial set-up kinks, our goal is to register the sophomore, freshman and incoming freshman class next fall.  By the fall of 2008, every student and parent at Paly will have access to Naviance. We appreciate your patience and hope that you find this resource helpful.
 

Middle College: The High School Alternative
Middle College is an alternative program for juniors and seniors in high school. This unique program is available to students from Palo Alto, Mountain View, and Los Altos high school districts and is designed to meet the needs of bright but underachieving students or students dissatisfied with traditional high school environments. All Middle College students leave their home school campus and attend high school and college classes at Foothill College. The college waives all tuition fees and high school districts pay for textbooks.

Middle College is currently piloting a new program called Middle College Tech. This program is designed to target students who might not be interested in a four-year college, but do have an interest in technology. As part of the Middle College program they would take classes at Foothill for graduation and also toward earning a certificate; the hope is that upon graduation, they will be certified to work in the technology field.

Do I Need to Panic Yet?

Parental Anxiety and Child-Rearing

Parental worry is quite a normal thing. Is my teenager safe out there? Who is that boy/girl he/she is with? Parental anxiety, however – at least using the term “anxiety” in the professional sense – is not necessarily healthy. It is stressful and most of time unnecessary.

Yes, we do have worries as parents, but most of the time we do not need to panic. Many of our worries are MBAs – that is, “minor but aggravating.” My child is on the phone and not studying, my child’s room is always messy. The next level of worry is very troublesome and needs attention. My child stays out late after curfew, my child is experimenting with drugs, my child seems depressed. These worries need to be addressed – logical consequences, heart-to-heart talks, and sometimes counseling. We need to take action on some level.

But real anxiety on the part of parents which is unrealistic entails “an expectation of danger, accompanied by physiological reactions including heart palpitations and agitation.” We do not need this in our lives.

A story from Anna Freud helps exemplify this matter. Anna lived in London during the Blitz in World War II. She was concerned about the children who had to stay in London during the bombings and were not taken out into the countryside to be cared for. Anna began a study of those children who stayed with their parents in town and what she learned was really remarkable. She found that the children who came out unscathed, who functioned normally within a short period of time after the bombings were over, had very unusual parents. The characteristics of the parents were consistently “reasonable and realistic.” There was one mother in particular who would take her child down into the underground shelters when the bombs were falling in their vicinity. But when the bombs were far away, she did not go into the shelter. She walked outside with her child and showed the child that the bombs were far away and could be seen almost like fireworks in the sky . I know that sounds hard to believe, but those were the children who fared well.

As parents, we do tend to worry about our children. The world does not always seem safe. But we need to try to be realistic. A mother in my neighborhood locks her door with the children inside when she goes outdoors to water her lawn. Most people would consider this unrealistic. What tends to happen is that those children become anxious. The parent is giving them the message, “you have something to be worried about when I go outdoors.”

Adolescent Counseling Services is a community non-profit, which provides vital counseling services on six secondary campuses at no charge to students and their families. To learn more about our services please visit the ACS website at www.acs-teens.org or call Margaret Murchan at ACS at (650) 424-0852, ext. 102.  ACS relies on the generosity of community members to continue offering individual, family, and group counseling to over 1,500 individuals annually, helping teens find their way! ACS provides critical interventions and mental health services, building a better future for tomorrow.

Work Experience Opportunities

Visit the Work Experience Office in the Tower Building to check out interships and job opportunities or visit online at http://palylink.paloaltopta.org/pages/pgjobs.html. Here is a sampling of some of the current listings.

LOCKHEED INTERNSHIP JUNE, 2008

The Solar and Astrophysics department of the Lockheed Martin Advanced Technology Center has been collaborating for 20 years with our district to provide a Science Work Experience Program in a research environment. 

The Center’s lab encourages creativity in an informal and relaxed environment; however, students are expected to establish and maintain a professional working attitude.  Each student will be considered a co-worker where responsibilities and concern for the projects are shared even though it is understood that the student’s background is limited.  Self-motivation, dependability, and reliability are musts.  Students will be given projects and will be expected to complete them in a timely manner.  Questions and open communication are encouraged. It is understood that students will require and be given, training and support to complete tasks.

The work takes place at the Lockheed buildings on Porter Drive in Palo Alto, midway between Gunn and Paly high schools.  The pay rate is currently $10.00 per hour.  Participation in the program requires a minimum of 12 hours per week during the school year and 40 hours of full-time work weekly during the summer, from 8:30-5:15 with a 45 minute lunch break.

During the school year, the part-time work must be done between the end of a student’s school day and 6:00 pm when the lab closes.  Work is best done in blocks of three or four hours each.  This may require a student to adjust his/her schedule so that the last period of the day is free.  The lab is closed on weekends, some national holidays and for a winter recess.  Students are expected to work during school holiday periods when Lockheed Martin is working.  Lockheed students will be required to attend the Work Experience class that meets on Tuesday during the school year.

During both the school year and the summer, time off for vacation or other business may be permitted with notification to and  approval from the immediate supervisor.  Students applying for this internship should be aware that they are making a major, long-term commitment.  Lockheed knows that schoolwork takes top priority, but they expect that extracurricular activities will not interfere with work at the lab.

Requirements for consideration for these positions are a GPA of 3.5+, strong PSAT Math scores, and recommendation by a recent math or science teacher.  Students must be in their junior year when they apply, be an American citizen or a permanent resident. Students must have a SIGNED Social Security card or SIGNED Permanent Resident Card.

The selection process for students starting work with Lockheed in June will begin in March.  Details of particular positions available will not be known until March. Applications are available in the Work Experience Office.

OUTDOOR INTERNSHIPS  

ARTS INTERNSHIPS    

          SCIENCE INTERNSHIPS    

Parent and Student Input on Teacher Performance

The Palo Alto Unified School district has long held the belief that in order to ensure continuous improvement, it is useful for staff to collect input on professional performance.  The district and the Palo Alto Teachers Association agree that the purpose of student/parent input is to provide meaningful feedback to teachers and supervisors for the improvement of teaching performance.

Consequently, even though teachers' assigned supervisors are the sole evaluators of teacher performance, all staff members collect input from students and/or parents with with a view to improving instruction.  Teachers may devise their own input forms, subject to approval by their supervisors, or they may use forms provided by the district. 

In order to facilitate such input, sites often provide a feedback form in the February or March edition of the school newsletter which parents of students in K-12 may fill out and send back to the school for the teacher.  All such input from parents must be signed.

                                                                        Scott Bowers
                                                                        Assistant Superintendent, Human Resources

Each year parents are given the opportunity to share their thoughts and concerns with teachers.  Below is a confidential form that you may use.  When you send it to Paly, it goes directly to the teacher and is not seen by anyone else unless the teacher chooses to share it.  Return each teacher evaluation to: (Name of Teacher) at Palo Alto High School, 50 Embarcadero Road, Palo Alto, Ca. 94301.  Please make additional copies of this form as needed or get additional copies from the main office.

Dear                                        :

Student Level:  (Please circle)      9     10     11     12      Period: (Please circle)       1     2     3     4     5     6     7

• Appropriate, timely and effective communication with student and with home about student progress:
• Success in meeting student's academic needs:
• Success in demonstrating that s/he is aware of my student's personal needs which may affect performance:

Other Comments: (Attach a separate sheet, if necessary)

Parent Name: _________________________________ (must be signed)

Not In Our School
Third Annual Celebration
April 14 – 18, 2008

The Paly Student Diversity Coalition continues its work during the Third Annual Not In Our School 
Celebration the week of April 14 through April 18.  Celebrate diversity and identity safety with us 
as we bring school-wide awareness and focus against hate and/or hateful acts.  During this week, the 
Student Diversity Coalition will sponsor various lunchtime activities, and we also hope to have some 
evening activities in order to engage our larger community.  The photos displayed are from our 
celebration last year.  We hope you will encourage your student(s) to get involved and to stand up 
against hate and intolerance!

For further information, please contact Magdalena Rivera at mrivera@pausd.org or 650-329-3790.