The Pony Express

Trabuco Hills High School PTSA Pony Express 27501 Mustang Run, Mission Viejo, CA. 92691 (949)768-1934

www.thhsptsa.org
Volume 2 Issue 3 January/February 2012 Craig Collins Principal Andrea Padian Editor (Position Open)

Trabuco Hills High PTSA Saddleback Valley Council PTA Fourth District PTA California State PTA National PTA Andrea Padian President

Principals Message
By Craig Collins THHS Principal Craig.Collins@svusd.org

Regardless of the results, its a good idea to let your student know you are still going to monitor, and if they dont do well, they can earn a chance for more freedom at another date.

Extra-Curricular and College A good question comes up every year about extracurricular activities and colleges. Are you better off Mid-Course Corrections trying a lot of activities or just focusing on 1 or 2? The As we near the end of the first semester and prepare for answer may be different for specific colleges, but as a the second semester, many parents, especially those of general rule, it is best to stay committed to a core ninth grade students begin to have questions. Here are activity for all four years. This doesnt mean that you some helpful suggestions. shouldnt try a multitude of activities in your first two years, but what admissions people like to see is that Freedom Many parents have decided, or are thinking about, what you eventually focus on one or two key activities and stay committed to them. This should include getting to is a logical time for them to step back and allow their a leadership position with those groups if possible. students some academic freedom. Allowing your student some freedom is a good idea. However, we all Getting Help want to avoid a mistake that we cant recover from. We have two groups offering free tutoring on campus: Remember, the only grades that appear on a transcript NHS tutors in room 122 every Tuesday at lunch and are the semester grades. If you want to give a little the Spanish Honors Society tutors in all subjects on freedom, make sure you are checking in at the progress Wednesdays and Thursdays in room 822 at lunch. report. Its not a bad idea to allow your student to Both of these opportunities are run by students and demonstrate some independence as long as you are not have a very inviting atmosphere so your student should seeing a decline at the quarter. This way, if they are not feel intimidated at all. However, if you student slipping, you can get involved again with enough time does better independently, they might do well with to bring the grade back up. continued on page 2 Inside this Issue
Principals Message continued ..... ,,,, p 2 Message from Andrea ......... p 3 Mustang Marvels .... p 3 Special Educators Day .......p 4 ASB in Action..... p 5-6 Abalone Spotted! .... p 6 Challenge Day .... p 7 Drug & Adolescent Subcultures . p 7 What up? Campus Life............ .. p 8 SVUSD - Supports Heart Project ...p 8 Advocacy & Start Smart Class .p 9 Save a Life: Be a Donor..... p 10 Master Drive at LHHS... p 10 Reflections Winners .... p 11 Help our School/Baja Fresh .. p 12 Race to Nowhere Screening ...p 13 Membership Matters ..p 13 February 13 PTSA Mtg Agenda. p 13 Arts Advocacy.... p 14 The Heart Project / Grad Night p 15 Calendar . . p 17

We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Years Day. ~ Edith Lovejoy Pierce

January/February 2012, Volume 2, Issue 3

page 2

Trabuco Hills High 2011-2012 PTSA Board members

Andrea Padian President Craig Collins Trabuco Hills High Principal Vanessa Braaksma Executive Vice President & Convention Chair Rachel Ward Vice President Membership Brenda Hanrath Vice President Ways & Means Lexi Witkin,* Student Leader (President) Cindy Johnson, Treasurer Carol Byrnes, Financial Secretary Lisa Semon, Historian Linda Boud, Recording Secretary Louise Robertson, Auditor Gayathri Sivadas,* Parliamentarian Nicole Cassens, Corresponding Secretary Mike Padian, Legislative/Advocacy Representative Joan Rosenberg, Foster Care Liaison Cindy Ashley, Volunteer Development Lisa Bauer & Diane Williams Grad Night Co-Chairs Deb Johnson, Webmaster Andrea Padian, Reflections Chris Burns, Toni Solo & Linda Boud, Tish Witkin, College Fair Parent Education Chairs

Principals Message

(continued from page one)

online tutoring. Some of our textbooks have accompanying online resources that your student should ask their teacher about. If not, the Kahn Academy http://www.khanacademy.org/ can offer free help with online lessons, and it is a great resource if your student needs a lesson explained in another way than the textbook. Grades The only grades that appear on a transcript are semester grades. The progress reports and the quarter grades are only meant to be benchmarks of where the student is at that time. If a student receives a D on a semester report, it still counts toward graduation. However, colleges do not usually count a D as passing. Students receiving a D should consider retaking the course in summer school. Modernization The latest schedule for modernization construction on campus has them doing prep work this summer. We anticipate having registration just like every other year and then opening school with the front office in the multi-purpose room. The front office is scheduled to be completed by winter break. At that time another third of the building move to temporary classrooms until the spring break. At that time the remaining third move out until the start of summer. The summer of 2013 will be time for the remodel of the gym, 400 building, theater, and locker rooms. Of course parking will be affected during this time but we will do our best to minimize the impact.

Arts Advocacy Chair

Christina Simon, Drugs & Alcohol Prevention & Silent Auction Chair Sheryl Titchener, Michelle Parry, Challenge Day Leader Mini-grant Chairs Special Education Chair Mike Padian & Toni Solo,

Trabuco Hills High PTSA

Student Board Members*
Lexi Witkin, Student Leader/President
Sojin Ki, Freshman Rep Blake Hanrath, Sophomore Rep Jessica Shipma, Junior Rep Kevin Tran, Senior Rep / Reflections Chair Tiffany Conaway, Grad Night Chair Nicholas Tasato, College Fair Jacob Buchowiecki, Membership Alex Joo, Special Education Alayna Zuckerman, Grant Writer Marisa Pinon, Advocacy Julia Mihaylov, Newsletter & Website Gayathri Silvadas, Parliamentarian Nicole Peredo, Outreach

Are you a Student who needs to make $$$ for Grad Night?

Kim Waters, Grant Writer Suzann Gastreich, Welcome Committee Chair Gabriela, James & Nicole Perado, Outreach Grazyna Buchowiecki, Ralphs & E-Script Chair Kim Schneider, Taste of the Hills Chair Diane Depreta, Teacher/Staff Appreciation Renate Koziol, Publicity Liaison Shari Goldstein, Kathy Hicks, Sally Hunt, Adopt a Book Chair Restaurant Night Chair

Sell PTSA/ Mustang Community Discount Cards!

Earn money towards your Grad Night Account, but START NOW Email Andrea at apadian@aol.com for more information, DO IT NOW!

Senior Scholarships & Award Night

Teacher RepresentativeOPEN

Trabuco Hills High PTSA Pony Express

page 3

give people about living their life? She immediately replied, Be kind. And so, as I think of that now, I am more excited than ever to announce our first Challenge Days- set for April 2nd and 3rd. Its a day all about beTrabuco Hills High PTSA President ing kind. Look for more information and consider being apadian@aol.com a parent volunteer on the days we do it. Come to watch the award-winning documentary, Teen Files: Surviving As I write this, I must admit its been a very sad day for High School in the theater at 6 PM on February 22nd to me. My mother passed away this week and Im left feel- learn more about this incredibly effective program. If ing emptylonging for another moment to talk or laugh you find it interesting, we will be taking names to work with her...to tell her about my kids, and what we are do- on the committee and/or during the Challenge Day experience. Be kind...what a simple piece of great advice ing. Were a very close family, though my 5 brothers for everyone. If we were all kinder, Im sure our world, and sisters, and parents live all over the country. Until our schoolwould be a better place to live for everyone. this week, I was lucky enough to have both my parents with me. We all knew this time would come, but when And since Ive already gone there, I also wanted to menwe heard of her grave condition, we all wanted to be tion something Steve Jobs, the Apple icon who never there with her. In the end, we were all together on a con- graduated college, said to a graduating class before his ference call in her hospital room and my father and death . It reminds me of the never give up and be who brother were by her side. We were each able to tell her you are advice from my mom. Your time is limited, so we loved her, how we appreciated her and how we dont waste it worrying about what others thinkjust go would miss herall the things you most want to express for it and live your life. When he was unofficially atto someone when you are saying goodbye. So my first tending some college classes...just for fun, he took an art message ischerish the time you have with those you typography class. He found it fascinating and later, when love mostyour children, your parents, your friends he was first developing his Apple projects, he knew all whoever. Thank them for being part of your life. about the beautiful types out there and created fonts of My mom always told me to never give upto be strong all varieties from what hed learned. What would the when situations were difficult and to be myself. She told computer world be like with one font, like the old typewriters? Point you never know where your mind, your me to believe in my dreams and go for it. And when I vision will take you. So go for it and be true to yourself! saw her recently, I said, Mom, youve been around a long time -What is the one piece of advice you would

A Message from Andrea

XXO, Andrea Padian

Mustang Marvels
As always, I have many Mustang Marvels to thank this month beginning with Diane Depreta, our Teacher/Staff Appreciation Chair, who did a wonderful job at our Annual Cookie Exchange. It was her first year at THHS to undertake this task and she, along with her merry band of helpers, did a great job organizing it...decorations and all! And thanks again to all the families that participated by baking holiday treats! What a team effort to show our teachers and staff that we care. Id also like to thank our secretary, Linda Boud, for taking on the responsibility of promoting and planning the Masterdrive education class as well as doing the same for our CHP Start Smart class to be held February 8th. Having been the parent of a soon to be driver years ago,

and dealing with it a second time ,she knows first hand the importance of safe driving and being informed. When no one was willing to take this on, she called and said, Let me do it! and she did! Thank you Linda! And lastly, Id like to give a big shot out to Debi Hope, our school receptionist. The PTSA gave her a rare and heart felt award last year during our last meeting, and Ive been meaning to mention it all year. Its called the Golden Oak award and its an award PTAs give people within their community that have helped the PTA in many ways.and that is definitely Debi. Since the day I met her, she has put out numerous announcements for us, helped us during special events, been my sounding board and amazing friend. She does more for this school than anyone can imagine. So tell her thank you next time you see her, too. She is one amazing woman, and a true Mustang! Thanks Debi!

January/February 2012, Volume 2, Issue 3

page 4

On December 2, 1975, President Gerald Ford signed ground breaking legislation called IDEA or Individuals with Disability Education Act, establishing a free, appropriate public education for children with disabilities. That act opened school doors to many children who before were excluded from participating in a public education.. The legislation was overwhelming approved by congress and after the law was enacted, over 1 million children who hadnt been receiving any educational services began attending public schools. In 2005, on the 30th anniversary of the law, a Special Education Day (December 2) was named to honor the forward thinking of this law and to celebrate students with disabilities, their parents, teachers and schools. In 2009, the state of California deemed December 3rd the Day of the Special Educator. During that first statewide celebration,, Marci Marino, a parent of a student with special needs commented, without the dedication of my sons special education teacher, he would not be able to succeed in school. All special educators deserve to be honored for the important work they do. And so, on December 2, 2011, PTSA Special Education Chair, Michelle Parry, put together a wonderful breakfast for the teachers and aides involved in our Special Education classes. It was a huge success and our community partners, Einsteins Bagels, Starbucks and Party City, provided food and party supplies. The special ed students, along with their Best Buddies club members, had make cards of thanks for their teachers that were displayed during the breakfast. Thank you special educatorsteachers and aides, for the great work you do to help all our schools students. We celebrate you as we reflect upon this special day. Though a big advocate for education at the time of signing the bill, Ford was concerned about how the law would be fundedand it seems, with justification. The legislation originally said the federal government would pay 40% of a schools expenditures...but it was amended later to read, a maximum of 40% per pupil costs. Today the reality is that the government pays only about 18 % if that.

Trabuco Hills High PTSA Pony Express

Page 5

ASB In Action!
$tangs 4 Change
By Caleb Castellaw, President
The first week of last December, the Student Body held Trabucos annual money drive. ASB decided that instead of our usual homecoming competition, we would expand our class color competition with plenty of points available for any class to take the lead for our yearlong Got Spirit competition. With the giving total set at $2 per person per class, and a grand total of 10,500 spirit points available, the students were more excited than ever before.

Cross Country Snack Recognition

By Marissa Maulorico, Freshman President

Running may not be some peoples cup of tea, but for Nick Plumb, Kevin Marshall, Jared Hazlett, Max Moncur, Lucas Dorman, Naoki Omatsu, and Brendan McCabe, its their passion. These juniors and seniors were born to be runners! When they ALL won the state championship the ENTIRE school congratulated them. How could an Montana Kleppe masterminded this fundraiser and how entire high school congratulate seven young men all at we would incorporate the spirit points. Since the senonce? Well, one day here at Trabuco Hills High iors were 11,000 points ahead of any other class, any School all the students in their classrooms dropped class to receive there $2 per person goal would receive their pencils, put down their textbooks, and stepped enough points to get into striking range to the seniors. outside and gave a HUGE round of applause for these guys! It was a huge parade! These Cross Country runThe giving took place in each persons homeroom where, on the announcements, there was a designated ners were the main attraction as drum line performed 60 second countdown where students were to donate. and cheerleaders and ASB cheered. It was a big celeAll the money would benefit needy kids in our commu- bration! They walked around the entire school soaking up all the attention and praise as the students, and nity. teachers cheered and clapped. It was such a thrill to be The Juniors made their dollar amount with a tremenable to have seven of our mustangs win the state chamdous effort on the last day, and now they are in second pionship! place in the rankings behind the seniors.

Got Spirit?
By Alexis Drakodaidis, Junior President Got spirit number two was held on December 1st, 2011. It was very successful and a lot of people dressed up in their class colors. Also held in December was the Stangs 4 Change Money Drive that was put on to raise money for needy families at our school. Stangs 4 Change was a huge success and Spirit Points were rewarded for bringing in a certain amount of money per class, per student. Juniors reached their money goal and brought in $1,646, so in turn they were rewarded 10,500 got spirit points. This huge boost for the Juniors launched them into second place! The current Got continued page 6

January/February 2012, Volume 2, Issue 3

Page 6

ASB !

In Action!

Continued from page 5

Point. Fitting to its location, the theme for the dance is Titanic. It Was Nice Before the Ice. Of course, with a formal dance there are the formal kings and queens. For Winter Formal, three boys and three girls were nominated from each grade level for the class king and queen. The freshman court boy nominations were Joshua Andrade, Chris Reck, and Noah Thompson, and Sabrina Herrmann, Aubrey Payne, and Madison Rogers for the girls. Sophomores boy nominees were Connor Lee, Sean Phaphui, and Kasra Sadeghi, and girl s, Karissa Gomez, Lindsay Logsdon and Megan Mondt. Junior nominees were Mitchell Dixon, JT Land, Naoki Omatsu, and Victoria Campbell, Jamie Hay, and Taylr Keating. And lastly, seniors are Braden Ballantyne, Francis Mburu, and Bryce Paul for the guys, and Shea Harrington, Alyza Rathor, and Aria Zommers for the girls.

Spirit Point tallies are: 4th place - Freshmen with 16,582 points; 3rd place - Sophomores with 18,591 points; 2nd place - Juniors with 26,200 points; 1st place - Seniors with 28,689 points. The next Got Spirit Day is February 9th!

Winter Formal!
By: Natasha Behnam, Sophomore Co-President

On Friday, January 20th, at Trabucos basketball game against Laguna during the halftime show, ASB announced the court winners. The freshman queen and king were Madison Rogers and Joshua Andrade. The sophomore winners were Megan Mondt and Sean Phaphui. Junior queen and king were Victoria Campbell and Naoki Omatsu. Unfortunately, the seniors had to get off the boat before we could hear the winners! To find out senior winter formal king Its that time of year again! When the girls get all dressed and queen, you must attend Winter up, the guys get the corsages, and everyone gets coupled up, Formal on January 28th. Its bound you know another dance is around the corner! This years to be a night to remember Winter Formal dance is on January 28th, 2012 and its at the Ocean Institute in Dana

News Alert - Abalone Spotted in Mission Viejo!

Abalone, a threatened species of the mollusk family related to sea snails, have been found in Mr. Fulmar's 4th Period Marine Biology class. With funding from the PTSA Mini-Grant program and Biology students, the class purchased a special tank and equipment that is part of a larger experiment to raise abalone, which will then be relocated to the ocean. If all goes well, the Mission Viejo abalone will be transplanted by the students to the waters off Laguna Beach later this Spring. The students in the photo are taking daily measurements of various critical environmental conditions - temperature, salinity, nutrients, etc. with a state-of-the-art educational experience that will help to ensure the abalones' health. And with your support of prepare them for their future careers. the THHS PTSA, we can continue to provide our students

Trabuco Hills High PTSA Pony Express

page 7

Challenge DayComing Soon!

Learn More...Watch a Screening of
This is a powerful, Emmy award-winning documentary that has changed many lives and became the beginning of Challenge Days around the world. After viewing this 90 minutes program, we can also view an Oprah show on another Challenge Day highlighted on her show years ago. Come to find out more about the program. We will need 30 adult volunteers per day to facilitate this two-day program. 200 students (100 per day) will also participate. Come and see if youd be interested in helping, or come to just find out more about how we can change the world and learn what teens are facing today. You will be amazed and excited. BE THE CHANGE! Dont miss this opportunity!

THE TEEN FILES:

Surviving High School

February 22, 2012 in the THHS Theater 6:00 PM FREE ADMISSION!

Day Challenge DayApril 2nd & 3rd

The Vision: Our vision is that every child lives in a world where they feel safe, loved, and celebrated. Imagine it! Where bullying, violence and oppression are things of the past. This is the work of challenge day. The Mission: The Challenge Day mission is to provide youth and their communities with experimental programs that demonstrate the possibility of love and connection through the celebration of diversity, truth and full expression. Be the Chance Movement Mission: To inspire people to be the change they wish to see in the world, starting with ourselves, through compassion and service using the formula for change, NOTICE, CHOOSE, & ACT. Be the Change Teams Mission: To be the driving force in creating the school of their dreams.

PTSA hosts a presentation by the OC Sheriff Department

Drugs and Adolescent Subcultures

Wednesday, March 7, 2012 in the THHS MPR 6:008:00 PM
Learn about what is going on in our area right now. This is an eye opening program every parent should see. In this case, ignorance is not bliss! Dont miss it! RSVP to Christina at dunes2river@cox.net

January/Februart 2012, Volume 2, Issue 3

page 8

What Up? Campus Life: 2012s New Years Resolutions

By Julia Mahaylov, julze97@cox.net Student Newsletter Associate
We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year's Day - Edith Lovejoy Pierce. The New Year: Always a great time to start up fresh and promise to take on new challenges and make new goals; Otherwise known as, our New Years Resolutions. Whether you call it your New Years Resolutions, goals, targets, objectives, missions, or whatever your term may be, everyone has something to improve on or work for. Now, a New Years Resolution is usually a goal that can be achieved within that year, however, it can always be part of a larger goal. Weve asked a few classmen what their New Years Resolution were for this year:

track season and stop being lazy when [he] works out. Sophomore Eileen Ryan wants to be healthier during this year in essentially every way; eating right, exercising, etc. Freshman Jael Espinoza wants to improve her flute playing. The New Year is a time to look over the last year and try to make this one even better. Learn from mistakes and live life to where you want to stand. And always remember, whether your New Years Resolution is to get better grades, make new friends, spend more time with family, write a book, or help others out more, your goal is always worth achieving.

One resolution I have made, and try always to keep, is this: To rise above the little things. Senior Chris Stetzer wants to make it his goal to go -John Burroughs to the gym and work out more often. If you have an article or story youd like to submit, email Julia. Our next issue comes out in early March. Junior - Charles Denton wants to do better during

SVUSD School Board Supports Heart Project

PTSA Student Outreach Chair, Nicole Pedero, was recognized at a school board meeting on January 17, 2012, for her outreach idea to have THHS students, parents and community partners write letters for Valentines Day to our troops overseas. Thinking it was a great idea, SVPTA Council President, Suzann Gastreich, got onboard with the district, school union employee groups, and school board to support this idea district-wide at all schools K-12. School Board President, Ginny Aiken, read a proclamation stating the boards unanimous support during the meeting. See full story about the Heart Project on page 15. Great job Nicole!

From left to right, SVUSD School board members, Dennis Walsh, Suzy Swartz, Ginny Aikens, Nicole Peredo (PTSA THHS student Outreach Chair,) Dolores Winchell and Don Sedgwick give Nicoles Outreach efforts at Trabuco Hills High School their full support..

Trabuco Hills High PTSA Pony Express

page 9

Advocacy Actions
By Mike Padian Legislative/Advocacy Rep Padianteam@aol.com

Schools would be required to use the funding to provide a well-rounded education that supports college and career readiness. The money could also be used for smaller class sizes, school libraries, librarians, nurses, and counselors. Schools would be limited to using no more than 1% for administrative costs, and cannot be used to increase salaries or benefits. The tax would sunset in 12 years, unless voters decided to extend it.

The initiative would raise the new revenues through a sliding scale income tax increase that varies with the taxpayers net income after deductions, ranging from .4% for couples with incomes under $35,000, to 2.2% for couples with net incomes after deductions over The CAPTA has decided to back the Our Children, Our $5 million. For instance, a joint-family with net income Future Act, an education funding initiative. The initiaof $75,000 after deductions would pay an additional tive would raise about $10 billion a year in new reve$428, while a family with $750,000 after deductions nues. All of this revenue would be placed in a separate would pay an added $12,516. Families with after detrust fund, with 85% of the funding allocated on a perductions incomes of $14,632 or less would be exempt. pupil basis to all public schools, including charter schools. The remaining 15% would be used to raise The measure must collect 505,000 signatures by April standards and expand access to public preschool and 20 to qualify for the November 2012 ballot. To make early childhood programs. The governor and the legis- sure there are enough valid signatures, the backers lature would be prohibited from using the trust fund or plan to collect 800,000 voter signatures, starting in Febdirecting how it is spent, and the revenue could not be ruary. The November 2012 ballot is expected to be used to replace Prop. 98, or any other current funding. crowded with other funding initiatives, so obtaining the An alternate version of the initiative would implement necessary signatures and approval of the measure is exthe program in two phases, with 30% of the new revepected to be extremely challenging. For more informanues during the first four years being used to reduce the tion, including the full text of the initiative, go to state debt. www.OurChildrenOurFuture2012.com

State PTSA Supports School Funding Initiative

New or Upcoming Driver?

The California Highway Patrol is offering their START SMART PROGRAM. This is the same program that was offered at the CHP Offices in San Juan Capistrano on November 30. Now our PTSA has made arrangements for this program at THHS. The Start Smart Program is a free driver safety education class for new and future teenage drivers and their parents. CHP officers will discuss traffic collision avoidance techniques, collision causing factors, driver/parent responsibilities and seatbelt usage.

Wednesday, February 8, 2012 6:30-8:15 PM Trabuco Hills High School MPR

Students must attend with their parent or guardian. Spaces are limited so reserve your spot now by emailing Linda at Boud@cox.net

January/February 2012, Volume 2, Issue 3

page 10

to having your organs and tissue made available for transplantation to someone in need at the time of your death. If you check "yes" a pink "DONOR" dot will be printed on your driver license or ID card, and then your name along with your contact information will be transmitted to the Donate Life California Organ & Tissue Donor Registry. According to the Donate Life California Organ & Tissue Donor Registry, approximately 20 percent of those waiting for an organ transplant nationwide live in California. One out of three patients waiting for a transplant will die due to a lack of life-saving donors. More than 8.6 million Californians have already checked "Yes!" to register as a tissue and organ donor. With every donor, up to eight lives can be saved Article by DMV, Sacramento Office through organ donation and another 50 people can be helped through a tissue donation. The DMV has made Are you an organ donor? Every year, thousands with it easier to become a donor by including the option on failing organs wait for a second chance at life. The the new driver license and ID applications and it has Donate Life California Organ & Tissue Donor Regis- been a success. In fact, 94 percent of all California try, pairs donors up with patients to give them that donor registrants have made this generous choice chance. thanks to the partnership between the DMV and the Becoming a donor is easy. Individuals who renew or Donate Life California Organ & Tissue Donor Regisapply for a driver license or ID with the Department of try. Motor Vehicles, now have the opportunity to also reg- For additional information regarding Donate Life ister their choice to be a donor in the Donate Life Cali- California, please visit fornia Registry with the new application. All driver www.donateLIFEcalifornia.org. For more information license and ID applications will include two check about signing up to be an organ and tissue donor boxes: "(A) Yes, add my name to the donor registry, through the DMV and the other online services the or (B), I do not wish to register at this time." When DMV provides, please visit www.DMV.ca.gov. your name is added to the registry, you are consenting

Check "Yes!" to Save a Life: Be a Donor

MasterDrive
The PTSA sponsored Teen Driver Survival Seminar on January 11th was attended by nearly 100 students with parents. The topics included the requirements to obtain a license and how parents can help their new drivers become successful. If you missed this seminar, it is being held again at Laguna Hills High School on March 6th. If you are interested in attending at Laguna Hills, RSVP to Karen4kids88@yahoo.com.

We spend January 1st walking through our lives, room by room, drawing up a list of work to be done, cracks to be patched. Maybe this year, to balance the list, we ought to walk through the rooms of our lives...not looking for flaws, but for potential. ~ Ellen Goodman Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each new year find you a better man. ~ Benjamin Franklin

Trabuco Hills High PTSA Pony Express

Page 11

2011Reflections 2011-2012 DIVERSITY MEANS

By Andrea Padian & Kevin Tran Reflections Chairs apadian@aol.com
The 2011-2012 Reflections winners from our school have been selected. Please join us at the February 13th PTSA Association Meeting at 7 PM in the MPR as we award our top artists. The top winners in each category moved on to the district level for judging in November and we expect to hear how they did soon. Those winning entries will be displayed at the SVPTA Reflections Award Ceremony to be held February 28th in the district office board room where our Superintendent. Clint Harwick, will also hand them their awards. ist talents of our student body. Entries may be submitted in one or all of six categories: visual arts, literature, music, video/film production (which can include animation) dance choreography, and photography. The PTSA is all about supporting the arts in the school and this program is an important part of doing that. For more information about next years program, look for information on our PTSA website, www.thhsptsa.org/ and by going to the state PTA website at www.capta.org where you will go to programs and click on Reflections. The nice thing about the state site is that it also includes past winning entries you All the entries this year were wonderful and we thank can view. They are arranged by category and age. all the students that participated in the program for Check it out for inspiration! Next years theme will doing so. We would encourage you to submit an entry be, The magic of a moment again next year, or, if you didnt, think about doing it.. This a valuable program designed to recognize the art-

20112011-2012 Trabuco Hills High School Reflections Winners Visual Arts

Place 1st PlaceKatelyn Andrade Place 2nd PlaceKaty Brannigann 3rd Place (tie) - Rachel Brazeal 3rd Place (tie) - Aaron Fernandez Honorable Mention Anastaisa Amirova Ashley Garcia Elijah Torres Participants
Daniel Baik, Jennifer Chung, Megan Collins, Taylor Devoll, Tiffany Gonzales, Erica Hanson, Sarah Hayman, Rhona Hojas, Bradi Masci, Shay Mehr, Karinna Meyers, Makaila Nartea, Erica Perez, Hayley Price, Renee Sanchez, Chris Savely, Austin Schulenburg, Naomi Seija, Rebbeca Ulrich, Lelia Woods

Literature
Place 1st PlaceBailey Miller
2nd PlaceJordan Columbo Place

Photography
Place 1st PlaceLucy Ashton
Place 2nd PlaceKevin Tran

Music
Place 1st PlaceNicholas Dupius

January/February 2012, Volume 2, Issue 3

page 12

How Can YOU Help Support Our PTSA, Students & Teachers?
DONATION BIN: We have a donation bin in conjunction with Community of Change. Please donate your old clothing, towels, blankets, sheets, rags, purses and shoes! All textiles will be accepted. The PTSA will receive a dollar back for every 50 pounds of donations collected. The bin is located on the Santa Margarita Pkwy side of the school near the tennis courts, on the road that leads to the front of the school. You can just pull up to the bin and drop off your goods. Do it throughout the year! SPREEBIRD(formerly Screamin Daily Deals): Want to get a great deal on food, entertainment, massages, hair care and more? Check out Spreebird! You will get about 3 deals per day from local businesses. Purchase your deal, print the coupon and enjoy savings up to 70%! Sign up on the PTSA website, or www.spreebird.com, choose THHS PTSA as your school to support! Its free and our school is entered in a 100K giveaway based on new sign ups. KEY TO SAFE DRIVING: Protect your teen from texting & talking on their cell phones while driving! It does allow your teen access to 911 and parents in case of an emergency. The device is $95.00 and can be purchased from the PTSA website. ITALIAN ICE: Sold every Tuesday from 2pm to 4pm in front of the school. Cost is $3.00 per cup and supports PTSA. Yummy, too! RECYCLING: Drop off your used printer cartridges, laptops, digital cameras, and cell phonebroken or otherwise in the office recycle box. If you know a business that would donate their old recycles, we can pick them up. Email Brenda at brendahanrath@cox.net for info. RALPHS & E-SCRIP: Go to the PTSA website at www.thhsptsa.org and sign up your Ralphs Club Card or Vons/Pavilions card with the Ralphs Community Contribution Program and/or EScript program. Its easy and a percentage of all your purchases will go back to the school/PTSA. It costs no money and doesnt take away from your own rewards. Don t wait! Do it today. Families can raise thousands of dollars this way, but not if you dont sign up. SIMONS AUTO BODY, INC: When you go to have your car fixed at Simons and mention the Trabuco Hills PTSA, he will donate 10% of the total bill back to our PTSA! The shop is at 23551 Commerce Center Dr., Laguna Hills, 949-951-5265.

Out Eat OutHelp our School

Join students, families and faculty to make our restaurant fundraisers successful. Be sure to print and bring a flyer before you go. You can find flyers before the event on the Daily Announcements in PDF form, pick one up at the office or download and print the flyer from the PTSA website at www.thhsptsa.org/ before you leave to eat. 15% of your purchase will go towards purchasing paper and soft supplies for teachers and classrooms. Our February Restaurant is Baja Fresh!

Purchase a THHS PTSA Community Discount Card and SAVE every day on Food, Oil Changes, Activities, Salons and much more!

Thursday, February 16th, Baja Fresh in Rancho Santa Margarita & Mission Viejo Locations. * TEACHER/STAFF ONLYLunch preorder/prepurchase forms will be available in the teachers lounge starting February 6th (drop in PTSA mail box by Feb. 14th) & be delivered Feb. 16th during lunch.

*ONLY $10.00! 30 Vendor discounts you can use every day until the end of August 2012. Earn your money back after just one purchase in many cases!!! Email Andrea at apadian@aol.com OR

Brenda at Brendahanrath@cox.net

Trabuco Hills High PTSA Pony Express

page 13

The PTSA is hosting a screening of Race to Nowhere on February 15, 2012. It will be held in the theater (the closest parking is on the side of school near the football field/rally stage) at 7 PM. Tickets may be purchased by going to: THHS Theater, February 15th

http://www.rtnmissionviejo.eventbrite.com for $10. Presales will end February 14th and tickets purchased at the door will be $15. Buy early and save money. For those interested, there will be a discussion following the film that will be moderated by THHS Principal, Craig Collins, School Board Member, Don Sedgewick, and SVUSD Superintendent, Clint Harwick
The film features the heartbreaking stories of young people across the country who have been pushed to the brink, educators who are burned out and worried that students arent developing the skills they need, and parents who are trying to do whats best for their kids. Race to Nowhere points to the silent epidemic in our schools: where cheating has become commonplace, students have become disengaged, stressrelated illness, depression and burnout are rampant, and young people arrive at college and the workplace unprepared and uninspired.

http://www.rtnmissionviejo.eventbrite.com

Race to Nowhere is a call to mobilize families, educators, and policy makers to challenge current assumptions on how to best prepare the youth of America to become healthy, bright, contributing and leading citizens.

Membership Matters!
All PTAs statewide have been challenged to increase their PTA memberships by 5% this year. Right now we need at least 42 new members, to meet that challenge and we have to do this before March when all membership dues for the school year 2011-12 must be submitted...can you help? Consider the following: Our PTSA does a lot to support our school, students and teachers. We advocate for our kids locally, & at the state level. We have given over $21,000 in the last year and half back in the form of mini-grants and classroom supplies so our students have every opportunity to learn and our teachers the best tools to teach. We provide educational programs to parents & students that included the first college fair in years, driving seminars for new drivers, drug & alcohol awareness programs, college funding and financial aide classes and more. We promote student leadership through our PTSA and offer 4 $500 scholarship to seniors who are PTSA members for community service, the arts and financial need. We are working with Saddleback College to offer a Study Strategy Class for students. We host events for our teachers and staff to show our appreciation. Were about to do the first Challenge Day at our schoola program that teaches empathy and understanding, where students see each other as more a like than different, learning that they are not alone. We participate in a national arts competition called Reflections, and we try hard to bring you information and stories about events going on at our school in this newsletter and on our website, www.thhsptsa.org . We need your support! Please join PTSA today. Memberships are $15.

Dont miss the next THHS PTSA Meeting

Monday February 13, 2012

7 PM in the MPR
Get Informed, Join PTSA, Buy Discount Cards, find out about upcoming events

Let your voice be heard!

Info on Challenge Day 2012-2013 THHS PTSA Board Nominees Announced Student Leader & ASB Reports Reflections Winners Awards Committee Reports

Scholarships & ROP class information with guest speaker ***Bridget Mondt

SVUSD Board of Education Meeting

*February 14, 2012 6:30PM SVUSD Board Room

January/February 2012, Volume 2, Issue 3

Page 14

Arts Advocacy
Tish Witkin
tish92610@netscape.net

both working and long term memory; these links extend beyond the domain of music training. 4. In children, there appear to be specific links between the practice of music and skills in geometrical representation, though not in other forms of numerical representation.

5. Correlations exist between music training and both reading acquisition and sequence learning. One of the central predictors of early literacy, phonological In "Neuroeducation: Learning, Arts and the Brain," Johns Hopkins researchers shared findings awareness, is correlated with both music training and the development of a specific brain pathway. showing that arts education can help rewire the brain in positive ways. 6. Training in acting appears to lead to memory imWhile proponents of arts education have long asserted provement through the learning of general skills in mathat creative training can help develop skills translating nipulating the differences between meanings of words into other areas of academics, little research had been or symbols. done to investigate the scientific component. Aspects 7. Adult self-reported interest in aesthetics is related to of training in the arts, like motor control, attention and a temperamental factor of openness, which in turn is motivation, were studied by researchers who particiinfluenced by dopamine-related genes. pated in the report, with some interesting results. In one four-year study, students undertaking regular mu- 8. Learning to dance by effective observation is closely sic training were found to have changes in their brain related to learning by physical practice, both in the level of achievement and also the neural substrates that structures helping them transfer their motor skills to support the organization of complex actions. Effective similar areas. Another found students motivated to observational learning may transfer to other cognitive practice a specific art form and spent time with focused attention increased the efficiency of their atten- skills. Source: tion network as a whole, even when working in other areas of study and it improved their fluid IQ scores. Other studies reported similar scientific findings on the Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will arts impact on the brain, showing that sustained arts take you everywhere. ~ Albert Einstein education is can be essential part of social and intellectual development. Pyramids, cathedrals, and rockets exist not because In this John Hopkins study, Michael Gazzaniga, direc- of geometry, theories of structures, or thermodynamtor of the Sage Center for the Study of Mind at the ics, but because they were first a pictureliterally a University of California, Santa Barbara, summarized visionin the minds of those who built them. Socieight key highlights of the consortiums findings: ety is where it is today because people had the perception, the images and the imagination, the creativ1. An interest in a performing art leads to a high state ity that the Arts provide, to make the world the place of motivation that produces the sustained attention we live in today. ~ Eugene Ferguson, Historian necessary to improve performance and the training of attention that leads to improvement in other domains GE hires a lot of engineers. We want young people of cognition. who can do more than add up a string of numbers and write a coherent sentence. They must be able to solve 2. Genetic studies have begun to yield candidate genes problems, communicate ideas and be sensitive to the that may help explain individual differences in interest world around then. Participation in the arts is one of in the arts. the best ways to develop these abilities. 3. Specific links exist between high levels of music ~ Clifford V. Smith, President of the GE Foundaiton training and the ability to manipulate information in

Learning, Arts and the Brain

Trabuco Hills High PTSA Pony Express

page 15

turned in counts as 10 spirit points, plus it's a good way to show appreciation and connect with our peers By Nicole Peredo who are just like us. Please help us send letters in Student Outreach Chair honor of Valentine's Day to spread love and joy into Nicole@fluxi.com hearts from miles away. This is a project that was started at THHS, but now the entire Saddleback The PTSA needs everyone's help with our latest outSchool district is participating from K-12th grade, As reach project and its easy - write letters to our troops the largest school, we hope to have the most letters to for Valentine's Day. The project is called "The Heart send! If you have a question, please email Nicole at Project". Working with ASB, we will conduct a grade nicole@fluxi.com. To see how happy our troops are spirit points competition to get students to write letters when they receive letters, please visit this website, to support our brave soldiers overseas who protect our http://youtu.be/iyGLIjFP0nY. Thanks for participatcountry. The project will accept letters from January ing. (see page 8, where Student Outreach Chair, 30th through February 10th for a delivery date near Nicole Peredo, stands proudly with the SVUSD Valentine's Day. Make sure you turn your letters in at school board, as they recognized her efforts.) the ASB room to the color coded boxes for your grade level during snack or lunch during that time. To help Courage is almost a contradiction in terms. It make things easier, we have letter templates that you means a strong desire to live taking the form of can use if needed to customize your letter on the readiness to die. ~ G. K. Chesterton PTSA website, www.thhsptsa.org/, or by picking one up in the office. Additional letters from family and Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapfriends are welcome, too, but they will be accepted in ping a present and not giving it. ~ William Arthur a drop off box in the office. Remember each letter

The Heart Project

Need HELP paying for Grad Night?

If you need help paying for Grad Night, you can work at a car wash (RSM Toyota) to earn money towards you account. Last year, students doing this earned all the money needed to pay their entire Grad Night bill in about four hours. We also need additional helpers (12 and older) who will receive community service hours. Our plan is to do this March 17th. Call Jill at jabutter@aol.com to sign up. You can also sell community discount cards or tickets for a car wash at RSM Ford. Email Andrea at apadian@aol.com . If you dont make some effort to earn money to pay for Grad Night, we will not be able to help you financially with scholarship funds.

GRAD NIGHT 2012 !!! June 14th (Following Graduation) Buy tickets NOW for ONLY $160.00
Rates GO UP March 3rd to $175.00 *NO refunds after December 31, 2011
Last BIG party with your fellow Mustang Grads!
Download required registration information and permission forms at www.thhsptsa.org/ / Make checks payable to THHS PTSAGrad Night, write student name on memo line

Turn forms & payment in @ the reception desk in front office or mail to school: Attention: Grad Night, THHS, 27501 Mustang Run, Mission Viejo, CA. 92691
Payment plan available. Make 2$80 payments, one In Februaryone in March. Accounts must be paid in full by March 31, 2012.

January/February 2012, Volume 2, Issue 3

page 16

Trabuco Hills High PTSA Pony Express

page 17

Mark Your Calendar...

Trabuco Hills High

February 8

February 13 February 13

February 14 February 15

February 17 February 17-20 February 22 February 27 March 7 March 12 March 13 March 19

CHP Start Smart Driving Program FREE, 6:30-8:15 PM, MPR , RSVP to Linda at boud@cox.net (parent and student attend together) Collaboration Day PTSA Association Meeting 7 PM MPR *Nominations for 2012-13 Board & Special Guest speaker, Bridget Mondt to discuss Scholarships and ROP classes & THHS Reflections Award Ceremony SVUSD School Board Meeting 6:15, SVUSD Board Room Screening of Race to Nowhere, THHS Theater 7 PM, Discussion Follows With special guests, Dr. Clint Harwick (SVUSD Superintendent, Don Sedgwick, SVUSD School Board member & Craig Collins, THHS Principal PTSA Founders Day February Recess ***No School Teen Files: Surviving High School (Challenge Day) Screening 6 PM, Theater Collaboration Day OC Sheriff Presentation Drugs & Adolescent Subcultures 6-8 PM in the MPR Collaboration Day SVUSD Board Meeting 6:30 PM, SVUSD Board Room PTSA Meeting, 7 PM, MPR * Election of 2012-13 Executive Board Officers

Volunteer Help Needed

Grad Night Committee: Join our committee now. Email Lisa at lisakaybauer@yahoo.com or Diane at dmwilliams@swlaw.com for more information Car Wash: Help our students raise money so they are able to attend Grad Night. 4 Hour shifts available. Earn community service hours. Challenge Day: Be part of the Be the Change Team at THHS. The event will take place on April 2nd & 3rd. It is an all day event and we will need 25 adults to work each day. There will also be several meetings leading up to those dates. 100 students will participate each day as well. Email Sheryl at sheryltitchener@gmail.com or Andrea at apadian@aol.com for more information & to get involved. Interested students should email them for more info as well. Taste of the Hills (TOH) Committee: We are planning this event now so if youd like to be part of a fun committee, email Kim at kimschneider@cox.net. Next meeting will be February 1st @ 7 PM. RSVP to Kim.

The Taste of the Hills will be held on June 2, 2012. Other Taste of the Hills (TOH) needs include: Student Musicians wanted. If you want to play at this event, contact Brenda Hanrath at brendahanrath@cox.net for details. We will feature 8 student bands or soloists and you could be one of them! Silent Auction gifts for the Taste of the Hills silent auctiontickets, time share rentals, gift cards, gift baskets, etc. Email Christina at dunes2river@cox.net Do you have a cool Mustang (car) you would like to enter into the Mustang Car Show during the Taste of the Hills? Email Mike at padianteam@aol.com . Looking for event vendors to sell their wares during Taste of the Hills. Purchase a spot for $50. If tables are needed, 8 foot tables will be available for $20. Volunteers to work event! Sell tickets, food, set up, break down, & more. Community service hours for students! Sports teams needed for set up/break down.. Money raised at this events benefits the PTSA & school.