Gunn Spotlight

Gunn sports Booster annual auction

2012-01-19T13:00:00.001-08:00

Submitted by Miriam Rotman

Gunn sports Booster annual auction is coming soon, on March
4 2012.

This year our focus will be on raising funds for the State-of-the-Art training facility in the new gym. This facility, open to all Gunn students, will improve their athletic ability, help with strengthening and is of utmost import in preventing and dealing with injuries.

We are still looking for auction items such as vacation homes, airline miles, tickets to events, parties all of which are a wonderful way of donating and are of-course tax-deductible. Please email Pamela Perez if you can help us. No donation is too small :)

Sports Update - January

2012-01-19T12:47:00.000-08:00

Submitted by Miriam Rotman

Soccer

The Gunn boys' and girls' soccer teams evened the score with their Palo Alto counterparts on Wednesday as the Titans swept the Vikings. The Gunn boys continued Palo Alto's poor season with a 2-0 triumph on the Vikings' field. The Titans are now 2-0 in the SCVAL De Anza Division (5-2-2 overall) as Andriy Khrustalyoz and Mario Tepia provided the goals while Kevin Macario and David Alcazar contributed the assists. The game was close for the first half, tied at 0-0. Gunn came out strong in the 2nd half
scoring 2 goals while the defense and midfield worked tightly to shut down scoring opportunities for Paly. Boot Bullwinkle, the goalkeeper made key saves to help the strong defense and maintain the shutout. Gunn boys followed the win with a 1-1 tie against a strong Los Altos team. Goal scorer for Gunn was David Koo, assist by Johnny Sun. Cameron McElfresh was strong
on defense preventing many scoring chances. At Gunn, the host Titans pasted a 3-1 defeat on the Paly girls as Ming Ming
Liu scored twice and Sarah Robinson added another goal plus an assist. Gunn improved to 1-1 in league (5-5 overall) while Paly fell to 0-2-1 in league (2-4-3 overall). Gunn's Natalie Perreault and Bella Harbert had their best games of the season on both sides of the ball while teammate Haleli Moalem added an assist on the first goal. The Vikings missed a golden opportunity to score right in front of the cage in the opening minute, with Gunn dominating the rest of the first half with possession and speed while putting pressure on Paly, though at the half the score was tied 1-1. Paly missed another scoring opportunity in the second half before Robinson made a nice individual move through multiple players and scored in the 71st minute in a one-on-one with Chang. Paly coach Kurt Devlin then added another forward (Marina Foley) while pulling a defender. Gunn, however, took advantage with Liu scoring in the 75th minute off Robinson's assist.

Wrestling
In perhaps Gunn's best dual meet of the season, the host Titans pinned down a 52-15 SCVAL De Anza Division dual-match victory over Cupertino on Thursday night. Gunn (2-1) handed the Pioneers (2-1) their first loss of the season. The Titans thoroughly trounced the Pioneers, winning 11 of the 14 matches -- five of them by fall.
SCVAL De Anza Division - Gunn 52, Cupertino 15 (at Gunn)
106 -- C. Lee (G) p. Nagtalon, 3:17, 113 -- Rao (C) p. Ortiz, 0:43; 120 --
Papp (G) p. Hernandez, 3:58; 126 -- Sakkas (C) p. I. Cramer, 1:29; 132 -- E.
Cramer (G) dec. Riives, 5-0; 138 -- Mallari (G) dec. S. Lee, 7-5; 145 -- Lai
(G) p. Forristal, 3:59; 152 -- Jin (G) dec. J. Lee, 4-0; 160 -- Bakhshi (C)
dec. Calderon, 7-6; 170 -- Jackson (G) p. Yoo, 1:55
182 -- Davis (G) p. Valdivia, 1:40; 195 -- Lydster (G) dec. Armin, 17-3; 220
-- Mokkarala (G) dec. Stuart, 13-7
285 -- Strnad (G) won by forfeit

Basketball

The Gunn Girls' Basketball team lost their first two games to Wilcox and Palo Alto. However, on Friday night at Gunn they returned to their winning ways with a 51-39 win over Los Gatos. "This was a much better effort," said Gunn Head Coach Sarah Stapp. "We still have a lot of areas to improve , but I feel much better in how we battled."

The Lady Titans definitely battled in sharp contrast to their 65-49 loss to Palo Alto on Wednesday in a game where they were physically pushed around by their cross town rival. On this night Gunn used its height in Cat Perez and Meghan Mahoney to control the boards and Mahoney led all Gunn scorers with 14 points. Mahoney's points were huge as Perez had a tough night shooting. Gunn got control of the game in the second period when trailing 13-10 they went on a 13-2 run sparked by Zoe Zwerling who scored 11 of her 13 points in the second period.

Unfortunately, the third period blues hit Gunn again as they couldn't a make a field goal in the first five minutes and Los Gatos was able to cut the lead to 35-31. Los Gatos had a chance to cut the lead further but couldn't convert and baskets by Mahoney and Claire Klausner pushed the lead to 39-31 and Los Gatos could never get closer than eight the rest of the night.
Besides Mahoney's and Zwerling's production, the Lady Titans got eight by Claire Klausner, seven from Julia Maggioncalda, five from Oliva Tapia, and two apiece from Karissa Ogawa and Nora Shevick.

Cadence Lee has more decisions to make than most high school athletes, especially when it comes to practice. Does she wear the wrestling headgear today or is it time for the soccer cleats? Decisions. Decisions. That's what happens when you play two sports in the same season. Lee, a sophomore at Gunn High, can be found in the wrestling room one day and the soccer field the next. She is an outstanding wrestler at 106 pounds (ranked 11 in CCS)and a solid soccer reserve for the Gunn girls' team.

Being a two-sport athlete is one thing, but doing it in the same season is another. That makes Lee a rarity in the already busy life of a high school student.

Cory Hatton of Sacred Heart Prep is believed to be the last local high school athlete to play two sports in the same season. He was a placekicker on the Gators' football team in 2005 in addition to playing soccer, which in those days was played in the fall before moving to the winter a few years later.

While soccer and football are similar, wrestling and soccer are not.

"It is rare, but Cadence is rare," said Gunn wrestling coach Chris Horpel. "The only other time I heard of this (combination) was with Jason Welch, now wrestling for Northwestern. He was the goalkeeper on his championship soccer team (at Las Lomas High in Walnut Creek in 2008) and he also won three California state titles (in wrestling). He, too, was very impressive."

Welch was the nation's top high school wrestler in 2008. Lee, of course, is not in that category but she can hold her own on the wrestling mat.

At the Central Coast Section Girls' Wrestling Championships last season, Lee won four matches by pin to win her 16-person division despite being unseeded. She advanced to the inaugural CIF State Championships for girls and finished seventh. During the regular season, she was 5-0 in dual matches (mostly against boys) while helping the Titans win the SCVAL El Camino
Division dual-meet title.

In a dual match against Palo Alto last week, Lee dominated her male opponent and won, 16-1. On Saturday, she finished second in the 106-pound division at the Bianchini Memorial Tournament in Cupertino. On Monday, she scored a goal in the Titans' 3-1 nonleague soccer win over Menlo School.

"The girls' soccer team needed a player and Cadence was game to try both," Horpel said. "Wrestling remains her priority, but she is attempting to do both."

Lee joined the Gunn soccer team shortly before winter break (in December).

"Coach Damian (Cohen) knew I played soccer since I tried out last year," said Lee, a former competitive club soccer player. "And, since the team was lacking players, he offered me the opportunity to participate. I'm extremely glad to be playing both sports."

Cadence sat down with her parents before finally deciding.

"My husband and I discussed the pros and cons with Cadence, but ultimately let her make the decision," said her mother, Emmie. "I don't think there was ever any doubt in her mind, but we wanted her to be aware that taking on two simultaneous varsity sports would not only be physically taxing, and carry with it an increased risk of injury, but would require her to be more
efficient with her time in terms of schoolwork and music -- she plays the oboe in the Gunn wind ensemble."

"The greatest challenge of participating in both wrestling and soccer is making sure I am able to prioritize and juggle all my other activities without becoming overloaded or stressed," said Lee. "Both my coaches and I have agreed that whenever two event conflict, wrestling will always take the top priority."

Cohen said he's fine with that, especially in such an unusual situation.

"I don't think there are that many highly skilled wrestlers that are also excellent soccer players," Cohen said. "The trade-off is that she is first and foremost a wrestler. We are able to have her for a couple of practices and a handful of games, when such works with the wrestling schedule. In other words, she is a part-time soccer player and full-time wrestler.

"As a wrestler, she is scrappy. She hustles and will give everything she has. (In soccer) she has good vision, one-touch play, and isn't afraid to hold the ball, either."

When Lee is playing soccer, she fills in at either the midfield or forward spots. In wrestling, she's the team's No. 1 entrant at 106 pounds.

While wrestling takes place on Thursday (dual matches) and some Saturdays (tournaments) and soccer is Wednesday and Friday in most cases, the two sports do overlap.

"She cannot compete in all of our matches because she needs to meet weight heading into a wrestling meet," Cohen said. "Thus, timing is a factor."

Gunn hosted Palo Alto on Wednesday night in soccer, but Lee di not play because the Titans' wrestling team hosted Cupertino on Thursday night. Friday is free for soccer (at Los Altos) because there is no wrestling tournament on Saturday.

"Yes, unfortunately I will have to miss all the soccer games that occur directly before a wrestling event," Lee said. "The running and conditioning in a soccer game is good for keeping my weight down, but I believe that it definitely tires out my leg muscles more than is preferred."

And, for anyone who has ever wrestled, leg strength is crucial.

Aside from one sport tiring for the other, Lee believes the two sports are very compatible for staying in shape.

"Soccer and wrestling are excellent cross-training for each other," she said. "Soccer requires plenty of running and general fitness while wrestling requires adequate strength and coordination, and I think that each sport prepares me for the other.

"I think it would be wonderful if I could participate in both sports in my next couple of years, if things work out," she said. "But, it all depends on if I am needed on the soccer team."

The Gunn girls' soccer team has 16 players listed on the current roster. Palo Alto and Menlo-Atherton, for example, each have 22. Even Castilleja, the smallest school in the area in terms of enrollment, has 18 players. Once the Titans have enough able bodies, Lee's two-sport status could vanish.

Thus, Lee will continue to juggle her sports and schedules as long as possible -- even though friends can't believe what she's doing.

Said Lee: "Lots of people are amazed and almost everyone asks ' How do you do it?' But, I know that my family is proud of me for attempting to work things out and compete in both my favorite sports."

Adolescent Counseling Services - UPCOMING EVENTS AND RESOURCES

2012-01-19T12:38:00.000-08:00

Submitted by Roni Gillenson

Living with a Teenager by Robyn Alagona MFT, Site Director at Gunn High School

It can be difficult to predict daily life with a teenager. Teenagers have a reputation for being unpredictable, capricious, even inflexible. As an adult living with an adolescent it can feel frustrating, anxiety-producing and worrisome to experience the erratic changes teens go through in a week, a day or even an hour. However unsettling this may feel, you’ll be happy to know, this is perfectly normal behavior for a teenager. It is unsettling for us because as adults we often forget what it felt like to be in an adolescent body experiencing unknown, overwhelming emotions and not knowing how to effectively communicate our own experiences. These memories fade in part because many of them are painful. Adolescence is a time of great metamorphosis. Even the smallest shifts can feel enormous. It is our job as parents, caregivers, teachers, counselors and mentors of teens, to understand and acknowledge the challenges that they face and to help them make sense of this time.

The first step in doing this is to acknowledge our own reactions to the challenges of living with a teenager. As mentioned before, this can feel frustrating, overwhelming, and even insurmountable at times. But as adults we need to manage our own feelings so our teens have the space to experience theirs. You may be asking, how do I do this? Well, first and foremost, you the caregiver must care for yourself. You must remember to do the things that keep you balanced and centered, prepared (as well as you can be) to handle whatever walks through the door.

So much of what adolescents want is to be seen, heard and understood, as their own, unique selves. This concept can be difficult for parents. It is hard to watch children grow up and differentiate themselves from us, their families. This however, is one of the most crucial developmental goals of this stage of life; to become an individual who can go out into the world, eventually without us, and thrive.

Understanding and integrating your teen’s need to be an individual can be extremely challenging, but it is one of the major goals of parenthood during this phase. The important thing to remember is that this is not about getting it right all of the time, it is about being willing to try. When we model for our children, at any age, that we can handle life’s challenges, that we can make shifts and practice tolerance for things that frustrate us, we are setting the best kind of example, one of flexibility, maturity, thoughtfulness and a willingness to grow.

Adolescent Counseling Services is a community non-profit, which provides vital counseling services on nine 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 Robyn Alagona, Site Director at MA (650) 849-7919. ACS relies on the generosity of com-munity members to continue offering individual, family, and group counseling to over 1,500 individuals annually. ACS provides critical interventions and mental health services, building a better future for tomorrow. If you are interested in helping to support our efforts, do not hesitate to call to make a donation. It goes a long way in helping teenagers find their way!

Breaking The Stigma: Teen Self-Esteem
Presented by Adolescent Counseling Services (ACS), join a forum of panelists and keynote speaker Roni Gillenson, LMFT as they discuss the important topic of Teen Self-Esteem and Self-Image. This event is FREE. For more information or questions, please contact ACS at 650.424.0852, events@acs-teens.org, or visit our website at www.acs-teens.org
Thursday, February 9, 2012, 7:00pm to 8:30pm
La Entrada Middle School, Multi-Use Room
2200 Sharon Road, Menlo Park, CA 94025

Spring Sounds 2012
Adolescent Counseling Services invites you to a night in the Mediterranean! Bask in the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of the Mediterranean at Spring Sounds 2012! Wander through our bazaar, enjoy delectable cuisine, learn how to belly dance, and bring along your band of nomads for an entertaining evening in support of Adolescent Counseling Services. Funds raised will benefit ACS' three community programs and the 7,000 teens and family members served each year. For more information or to purchase tickets online, visit our website at www.springsoundsevent.org

Saturday, March 24, 2012, 6:30pm to 11:30pm
Club Illusions 260 S. California Avenue, Palo Alto, CA 94306

San Jose Youth Symphony Chamber Orchestra

2012-01-19T12:35:00.000-08:00

Submitted by sean hartman

The Chamber Orchestra presents its season opening concert on January 21st at 8:00pm in the Santa Clara University Recital Hall. This is a wonderful venue and the Chamber Orchestra is comprised of an exceptional group of talented young musicians. The rep is as follows:
Beethoven – The Creatures of Prometheus Overture
Haydn – Cello Concerto in C Major – 3rd movement, featuring Eunice Sim, cello
Piazzolla – Oblivion
Haydn – Symphony No. 101 The Clock – movements 2, 4
Anderson – The Syncopated Clock
This is a free event.

For further information contact the San Jose Youth Symphony offices at 408 885-9220 or sjys@sjys.org

Special Ed Resource Fair

2012-01-19T12:29:00.000-08:00

Submitted by Karen Mueller

Special Needs Resource Fair hosted by MVW Special Education PTA and SELPA1-CAC
With an emphasis on summer programs that are inclusive of kids with special needs, this fair will include therapists, tutoring services, legal and financial consultants, art and music programs, sports, horseback riding and more. Please come join us and find out more about opportunities for your kids.
Friday, January 27. 2012 6-9 PM in the Multipurpose Room at Crittenden Middle School 1701 Rock St, Mountain View
More information, contact mountainvwsepta@gmail.com
This parent education event is free and open to anyone who feels they might benefit. No registration is necessary.

Summer Opportunities for Teens

2012-01-19T12:20:00.000-08:00

Submitted by Karen Johnston

Wednesday, Jan 25, 7-8:30 pm, Gunn HS Library,

Summer Opportunities for Teens: Linda Kirsch from the Guidance Department will review information about summer opportunities for teens, including tips on what to look for when evaluating programs. In addition, informational brochures for some programs will be available. Please join us in the library. Sponsored by the Gunn H.S. Guidance Department.

Titans Win Gunn Quad

2011-12-15T09:52:00.000-08:00

Submitted by Christopher Horpel

On Saturday the Titans took on three teams in dual meet competition and went 3-0 on the day. Gunn defeated Lynbrook 77-3, 15th-ranked Salinas 72-12 and 7th-ranked Serra 51-21. Going undefeated for the Titans were Cadence Lee (106), James Perng and Michael Abramovich (113), Chris Jin (152), Stephen Martin (160), Aaron Davis (182), Sean Lydster (195), Harsha Mokkarala (220) and JJ Strnad (285).

This was Gunn’s first varsity competition for the season; next up the Titans take on Los Altos in their first home league dual meet on Friday, December 16 at 5:30 p.m. The following day they travel to James Lick High School in San Jose for the Lynn Dyche Classic wrestling tournament.

Complete Gunn Results:

Gunn beat Lynbrook 77-3
106 C Lee (G) won by forfeit
113 J Perng (G) won by forfeit
120 D Papp (G) p A Samudra (L) 5:35
126 E Cramer (G) p M Blackburn (L) 3:12
132 T Baharov (G) won by forfeit
138 J Jacoby (L) d M Mallari (G) 4-1
145 B Lee (G) p A Naylor (L) 1:55
152 C Jin (G) won by forfeit
160 S Martin (G) p Z Charif (L) 1:30
170 J Calderon (G) d J Eicher (L) 12-5
182 A Davis (G) won by forfeit
195 S Lydster (G) won by forfeit
220 H Mokkarala (G) p B Equivel (L) 3:37
285 JJ Strnad (G) won by forfeit

Gunn beat Salinas 72-12
106 C Lee (G) p A Martin (S) 3:05
113 J Perng (G) won by forfeit
120 D Papp (G) p L Graham (S) 3:27
126 E Cramer (G) won by forfeit
132 E Tinico (S) d T Baharov (G) 13-3
138 M Mallari (G) p G Vasquez (S) 1:18
145 B Lee (G) won by forfeit
152 C Jin (G) won by forfeit
160 S Martin (G) p A Olivas (S) 1:06
170 D Forzani (S) p J Calderon (G) 3:17
182 A Davis (G) p S Calander (S) 3:05
195 S Lydster (G) won by forfeit
220 H Mokkarala (G) won by forfeit
285 JJ Strnad (G) p R Timothy (S) 1:00

Gunn beat Serra 51-21
106 C Lee (G) won by forfeit
113 M Abramovich (G) p S Collison (S) 3:46
120 E Hernandez (S) d I Cramer (G) 8-3
126 A Larosa (S) d D Papp (G) 6-3
132 T Roberts (S) p E Cramer (G) 3:26
138 J DeLaRosa (S) d M Mallari (G) 5-1
145 U Molina (S) d B Lee (G) 9-5
152 C Jin (G) d P Becerra (S) 8-4
160 S Martin (G) p C George (S) 1:26
170 J Calderon (G) p J Millington (S) 2:48
182 A Davis (G) p M Ramos (S) 3:25
195 S Lydster (G) p R Parker (S) 1:25
220 H Mokkarala (G) inj def T Glauninger (S) 1:27
285 JJ Strnad (G) p J Beering (S) 1:14

Note: Gunn's 17 pins on the day puts their total up to 67 thus far in the early season. Gunn's "Pins for Pesos" fund-raiser is doing well! Great job Gunn Wrestling!

Chris Horpel
PE Teacher
Wrestling Coach
Gunn High School

Sports Update - December

2011-12-15T09:40:00.000-08:00

Further accolades for Gunn sophomore Sarah Robinson. After lowering her PR by a stunning 1 minute and 16 seconds to win SCVAL, she then dropped another 20 seconds to win CCS. Sarah took 3rd place at state and followed that with a 4th place finish at the most prestigious race "Foot Locker West Regional". Robinson beat some of the fastest milers in the state
at the Foot Locker race, runners such as defending state champion Cami Chapus. Sarah's success is all the more remarkable considering that she's only a sophomore and soccer remains her main sport. Sarah qualified for
Cross country nationals but couldn't compete due to previous commitments to
the US national U-17 soccer team. Robinson was announced today the SJ Mercury X-Country runner of the year!!
Check out the article at
http://www.mercurynews.com/high-school-sports/ci_19485346?source=autofeed#

You have an opportunity to watch Gunn's premier girl's athlete showing her prowess on the soccer field - so come out and cheer for the Gunn team and show Sarah our appreciation!

Girl's Golf - Congratulations to Anna Zhou and Jaysee Sarathy, both of whom
made the first team in CCS. Of note, Anna is only a freshman!

Soccer Varsity Boys - started the season with a win over Fremont 3-0. Goals were scored by - David Koo (2 goals) and an own goal by Fremont. Ben Sampson assisted on 2 goals and Mario Victor Tapia on another.

Wrestling - The young Titan wrestling team started their 2011-12 campaign this weekend.
On Friday, Gunn sent five boys and one girl to the 45th Annual JV/Girls' Peninsula Invitational at Half Moon Bay High School. Gunn produced two champions in the boys' division and one in the girls' division for a 7th place in overall standings.
The results -
1st Place - Daniel Papp (126) 3-0, 2 pins, Derek Lai (145) 4-0, 4 pins, Jessica Sun 3-0, 3 pins 3rd Miko Mallari (138), 4-1, 4 pins, 4th James Perng 3-2, 4th Keshav Varma 3-2, 2 pins

On Saturday, 17 Titans traveled to Harbor High School in Santa Cruz and competed in the Harbor Frosh-Soph Invitational. Gunn produced 15 placers, 12 of whom were finalists including eight champions - more than ever before - which bodes well for the young Titan squad. The results are as follows:

1st Place - Cadence Lee (106) 3-0, 1 pin, Sean Ortiz (113) 3-0, 1 pin, Ian Cramer (120) 3-0, 2 pins, Tavor Baharav (132) 3-0, 3 pins, Stephen Martin (160) 3-0, 3 pins, Aaron Davis (182) 3-0, 2 pins, Sean Lydster (195) 3-0, 2 pins, and Sam Biondini (220) 3-0, 3 pins.
2nd Shelby Oyung (106) 2-1, 2nd Cedric Linares (152) 2-1, 2 pins, 2nd Kirill Demyanenko (182) 2-1, 1 pin, 2nd James Foy (195) 2-1, 1 pin, 3rd Michael Abramovich (106) 3-1
3rd Tommy Farley (160) 3-1, 2 pins, 4th Alex Dai (220) 2-2

Although just missing out on placing in the top four, James Stevens (145) and Wilson Horn (152) both added one pin each giving Gunn a total of 40 pins for the weekend. Several parents have pledged $10 per pin for the season in a fund-raising effort to improve Gunn's wrestling room, so the "Fall for Gunn" fund-raiser has begun with a bang! Congratulations Gunn Titans.

Girls Basketball - The Lady Titans took part in the Burlingame tournament last weekend, losing to Lowell in the semi-final, in a close game 45-43. Gunn bounced back to trounce Burlingame 66-17 to take 3rd place. Gunn is now 2-1 for the season. Top scorers were - Zoe Zwerling, Julia Maggioncalda, Claire Klausner, and Cat Perez.

SELPA 1 CAC parent education event – January

2011-12-15T09:10:00.000-08:00

Submitted by Karen Mueller

Ipads used for Special Education Teaching, Therapy, and Communication

Mobile devices such as the iPod touch, iPad, and iPhone are the leading way of providing individuals with special needs lightweight, easy to use, and affordable communication options. They are also providing Speech and Language Pathologists a highly motivating, innovative way to elicit speech and language to a wide variety of clients in a therapy setting. Danielle Sampson will examine how the iPad can be used in a therapy room as well as a communication device. She will also examine a variety of applications designed for children with special needs.
Wednesday, Jan 18, 2012 - meeting is 7 to 9 pm. Hospitality begins at 6:45pm. Covington Elementary School Multi, 205 Covington, Los Altos 94024. (please note special day and time)
This parent education event is sponsored by the SELPA 1 CAC (www.selpa1cac.org) All of our events are free and open to anyone who feels they might benefit. No registration is necessary.

Gunn High School Choir's Winter Concert

2011-11-30T10:11:00.000-08:00

Submitted by Sharon Dally

The Gunn Choir invites you to join us in celebrating the holiday season with a spectacular choral concert featuring the Gunn Concert Choir, Women's Choir, Treble Choir and Chamber Singers, under the direction of William Liberatore.

The choirs will be performing Angel's Voices, a collection of songs based on poems about angels by Canadian composer John Burge, Emma Lou Diemer's Gloria and Bernstein's Chichester Psalms with outstanding percussionists from Gunn's Wind Ensemble, and the Vivaldi Gloria with the award winning Gunn Chamber Orchestra.

Don't miss this exciting evening of choral masterpieces!

When: Wednesday, December 14th, 7:30 PM
Where: Spangenberg Theatre
Tickets: $7.00 Adults, $5.00 Students
Tickets available at the door, or at www.gunnchoir.org

The Palo Alto Chamber Orchestra’s 46th Season

2011-11-30T09:59:00.000-08:00

submitted by Kim Nguyen

Second Concert, December 17,
Dinkelspiel Auditorium, Stanford University

Benjamin Simon, Music Director

The Palo Alto Chamber Orchestra will perform their second concert of the season on Saturday, December 17, celebrating two famous Viennese composers of the Classical and Romantic eras. The program features PACO talented alumna Dina Glendening-Keller performing Beethoven’s titanic Piano Concerto #5 (“Emperor”), coupled with his Coriolan Overture. The concert also presents Felix Mendelssohn’s brilliant Italian Symphony, which warmly and charmingly balances the stern beauty of Beethoven’s works. For this special program, the Sinfonia Orchestra and Senior PACO are combined to create our largest ensemble of the season. In addition, several movements from the great chamber music masterpieces will be performed by our most advanced players. The concert, to be conducted by PACO Music Director Benjamin Simon, will take place at 8:00 p.m. at Dinkelspiel Auditorium, Stanford University. Admission is free. For more information, call 650-856-3848 or visit www.pacomusic.org

The following talented Gunn student musicians will be performing in our program:

Last name	First Name	Instrument	Grade
Moalem	Haleli	Cello	11
Liang	Yilin	Cello	12
Munro	Zachary	violin	11
Woo	Max	Violin	10

Gunn Grad Night 2012 Scholarship Fund Fundraiser…

2011-11-29T21:21:00.000-08:00

Did Cyber Monday pass you by? Shop Mixed Bag Designs online and support Gunn’s Grad Night 2012 Scholarship Fund! In one fell swoop, solve your Holiday shopping challenges with environmentally conscious gifts and provide critical scholarship funds for Gunn seniors that might otherwise miss Grad Night activities! Grocery bags, shopping bags, duffels, lunch boxes and the all important sandwich wraps, you name it! Shop here: http://www.mixedbagdesigns.com/

At the end of your order, enter school fundraiser ID# 82177 and the Gunn Grad Night 2012 Scholarship Fund will benefit from your order. Place your orders by December 12th to ensure Holiday delivery. Questions? Contact Diane Downend at ddownend@yahoo.com.

TURKEY FEAST 2011

2011-11-14T10:25:00.000-08:00

Submitted by Kathryn Latour

Helpers and Donations Needed!!

Gunn’s annual Turkey Feast will be held on Thursday, Nov. 17th during lunch and we have begun recruiting food donations and volunteers. We need over 60 volunteers to assist on the day of the event and another 100 to donate food and money. We plan to feed 1400 people in 50 minutes so we need all of these volunteers! Please check the Jooners list for the way in which you can help at: www.jooners.com This is one of Gunn's most popular events where we not only serve a delicious luncheon to the students and staff, but the proceeds are donated to a local charity. Each year we have donated nearly $5000 and several barrels of canned food to local food banks!

For families who are new to Gunn, here is how it works. The week of the Turkey Feast, Gunn students and staff may purchase their Feast ticket either by paying $5 or by bringing 3 cans of food plus $1. Please note: this is a change to the earlier announcement of 4 cans and $1. Posters will be up around school to help students remember their “lunch money.” Lunch includes turkey, dressing, gravy, salad, cranberry sauce, rolls and pie. This year lasagna and quiche will be available for vegetarians. Here is what we need donated:

1. 60 Turkeys, each weighing at least 14 lbs. Turkeys should be cooked, carved, and delivered by 9:30am on 11/17. Turkeys can be cooked a day ahead, then carved and refrigerated. If you would like to donate a turkey and have no time to cook, consider purchasing a cooked turkey or turkey breasts at Draegers, Piazzas, JJ&F, or Safeway and then carve it yourself.

2. 200 Pies!

3. Quiche and Lasagna for vegetarians. (Quantities TBA.)  

4. Volunteer hours on November 17th: Food Prep -10:30am to 12:00pm Set-up and serve – 12:30pm to 1:30pm  Ticket Sales – 12:15pm to 1:30pm Clean-up – 1:30pm to 3:00pm  

5. Monetary donations are gladly accepted to help purchase salad, rolls, stuffing and gravy. Please make out your check to Gunn High School PTSA, write Turkey Feast on the memo line, and mail it to Donna Pioppi at 3920 El Cerrito Road, Palo Alto, CA 94306.

Please sign up quickly! We are in need of
more food items and volunteers!  

 Turkey Questions: Kathryn Latour
  Pie Questions: Andrea Miner   
Volunteers: Donna Pioppi

2nd Annual Crab Feed November 20th, Benefiting Gunn Basketball!

2011-11-14T10:22:00.000-08:00

Submitted by Sheryl Humble

Join Us for Great Food and Fun, and Help Support
Gunn Boys and Girls Basketball

Our Boys and Girls Basketball teams are hosting the 2nd Annual Crab and Pasta Feed at the Gunn gym on Sunday, November 20th, starting at 5:30 pm. This was a wonderful event last year and we are happy to announce that The Fish Market will be providing the fabulous food again and the Varsity Boys and Girls teams will be providing the exceptional service with a smile! There will also be door prizes and fun surprises! Please reserve your spot now as space is limited. You can reserve your spot online by clicking here.

Cost: $40 per person, RSVP by November 14th. Please make checks payable to Gunn Basketball and send to Gunn, Attn: Coach Sarah Stapp, 780 Arastradero Rd. Palo Alto, CA 94306, or drop it off in her box in the Main Office at Gunn. Questions? Contact Coach Sarah Stapp

The Gunn Basketball Teams appreciate your support and they are looking forward to hosting you at this tasty and fun event.

Sports Update

2011-11-10T07:50:00.000-08:00

Submitted by Miriam Rotman

X-country -
SCVAL Division Championships - Gunn sophomore Sarah Robinson kept her
perfect season intact by winning her 4th race and becoming the No. 2
performer in school history while racing to victory in 17:32 at the
cross-country championships on Tuesday at Crystal Springs in Belmont.
Robinson should be favored for the CCS title and will have her teammates
there with her when the Titans go after a state berth at the section finals
on Nov. 12, also at Crystal Springs. The Lady Titans finished 2nd to
Mountain View and qualified to compete at CCS as a team. Kieran Gallagher,
Christine Prior, Melia Dunbar, and Eliana Ribbe put together a strong effort
and placed 9th - 20:04, 12th - 20:32, 19th - 21:02 , and 20th - 21:15,
respectively, to help the girls beat rival Palo Alto by just a few points.
With senior Andrew Prior clocking a personal best of 15:50, improving last
years time by over 20 seconds the Gunn boys' cross-country team also
finished second at the Championships. Peter Chen, Daniel Krigel and Michael
Underwood held nothing back and all had personal records finishing and
placing, 6th - 16:16, 12th - 16:36, and 15th - 16:47 respectively. Shaun Lee
returning from an injury helped round out the top five by placing 24th in a
time of 17:21. The Titans qualified for the Central Coast Section
championships, while finishing only eight points behind division champ Los
Altos.

Water Polo
Girls - With senior Elizabeth Anderson pouring in nine goals, the Gunn
girls' water polo team capped an outstanding league season by romping to a
17-9 victory over defending champ and No. 2 seed Los Altos in the SCVAL De
Anza Division Tournament finals on Saturday night at Monta Vista High. "Nine
goals for Elizabeth, probably the most dominant performance I've ever seen
in a championship game," said Gunn teacher and coach Mark Hernandez, whose
top-seeded team improved to 20-6. Anderson, who scored 16 goals in the two
playoff victories, now has 131 goals this season. Her sister, Sophomore
Caroline Anderson added five goals, Senior Soumya Kannan -2 and senior Missy
Barr another goal for Gunn, which topped Los Altos twice after losing the
teams' first meeting in overtime. Elizabeth will be playing water polo at
Santa Clara U. next year joining her older sister Jennie. We wish the
Anderson sisters success!!

Boys - Gunn beat Monta Vista 9-6 in the first round of the SCVAL
championships and followed that with a tough loss to the #1 ranked team Los
Altos. In the following game for 3rd place, Gunn found itself down 10-12 to
cross town rival Palo Alto with 2 minutes of regulation left and came back
in breath taking fashion to win 15-14 and take 3rd at the Championships.
Sophomore Coby Wayne scored 2 goals to tie the game and send it into
overtime. In the first overtime, the Titans were also behind and scored
with 13 seconds remaining to send the game to sudden death. Then, in sudden
death overtime, Gunn freshman Ari Wayne scored the game winning goal and was
instantly mobbed by his teammates celebrating the hard fought victory.
Scoring - Senior Gavin Kerr 5 goals, the Wayne brothers (Ari and Coby) - 4
goals apiece. Senior Tyler Wilson - 2 goals, to cap off a fantastic and
historic win for the Gunn Titans!

Football - Senior night Gunn beats Fremont 44-6
This game against visiting Fremont represented the final time these Gunn
seniors would take the field and two of them, Skyler Larson with 3 amazing
catches and J.J. Strnad, who scored 4 touchdowns, made sure it was a winning
night for Gunn as they combined for seven touchdowns in Gunn's 44-6 win
making sure that their feats will be remembered on the football field. Other
seniors who left their mark include Robert Kato who recovered two turnovers
and had an interception in the second quarter, offensive lineman Malik Gill
and "huge" Keenan Venuti who stopped all running efforts by Fremont and
backs Abel Abraha and Nick De LA Paz.

Gunn Library Holiday Wishlist

2011-11-10T07:45:00.000-08:00

Submitted by Meg Omainsky
This holiday season support Gunn Library and local Palo Alto independent bookstore, Books INC by making a purchase from the Gunn Library Holiday Wishlist! http://tinyurl.com/7yjsfrv

Gunn Library has set a goal to bring in 1,000 new fiction and nonfiction titles. What better place to buy these books than at our local store, Books INC? Each title on the list is linked to the Books INC online store. Please consider giving the gift of reading to a Gunn student this holiday season. There are three simple steps.

Step 1- Visit the wishlist at http://tinyurl.com/7yjsfrv or from the Gunn Library website
Step 2- Make a purchase online and have the book sent to Gunn Library
Step 3- Send an email to Cynthia Easton letting us know which title you have purchased (in order to avoid duplication) Cynthia Easton

You can also deliver a book or
cash donation in person if you would like. Checks can be made payable to Gunn High School and sent to the ATTN: library wishlist.
Thanks for continuing to support the efforts of Gunn Library.

Communicating with Your Teen

2011-11-10T07:42:00.000-08:00

Submitted by Karen Johnston

Thursday, Dec 1, 7:30-9:30 pm, Gunn Library; Communicating with Your Teen: strategies for healthy communication during the teen age years.

Do you ever have difficulty talking to your teen? Simple comments escalate into unforeseen arguments? Or perhaps you feel shut out, that your child no longer confides in you? Please join us for an evening with Susan Stone Belton, BSE, who will present a workshop designed to give parents effective strategies for communicating with their teens. Get tips on how to keep the doors to communication wide open, how best to talk (and listen) to your teen, how to keep those channels healthy and strong.

This workshop is presented in collaboration with The Parents Place. Ms. Belton is a certified Special Education Teacher with over 40 years experience working with children and families. She has taught teenagers with emotional and behavioral problems, managed crisis hotlines for parents and teens, and is a proud mother herself. Sponsored by the PTSA

SELPA 1 CAC November Parent Education Event

2011-11-03T09:51:00.000-07:00

Submitted by Karen Mueller

Identifying and Supporting Learning Differences
This workshop by Beth Powell of the Reading Clinic will cover the warning signs of a child who is having difficulties with learning to read, understanding what is read, and developing as a writer. Ways to recognize and support weakness in these areas will be presented. The connections between reading and writing difficulties will also be discussed.
Wednesday, Nov 16, 2011 - meeting is 9 to 11 am. Hospitality begins at 8:45am. Covington Elementary School Multi, 205 Covington, Los Altos 94024. (please note special day and time)
This parent education event is sponsored by the SELPA 1 CAC ( www.selpaca1cac.org ) All of our events are free and open to anyone who feels they might benefit. No registration is necessary.

SINFONIA OF THE PALO ALTO CHAMBER ORCHESTRA TO PERFORM 46TH SEASON FIRST CONCERT

2011-11-03T09:47:00.000-07:00

Submitted by Kim Nguyen

Under the direction of PACO music director Benjamin Simon, PACO's Sinfonia Orchestra will present the first concert of the season on Sunday, November 13, 3:00PM at Cubberley Theatre in Palo Alto. The concert will feature PACO’s 2010 Concerto Competition Winners, violinist Angela Thé and violist Tessera Chin, performing Mozart’s Sinfonia Concertante in E-flat Major for Violin and Viola, K. 364. The program will also present baroque favorite Concerto Grosso, Op. 6 #1 in. and contemporary master Graham Fitkin’s drivingly postminimalist Servant for Strings (1998). Admission is free. For more information, contact Hans Hoffer at 650-856-3848 or info@pacomusic.org www.pacomusic.org

San Jose Youth Symphony (SJYS) Philharmonic Orchestra

2011-11-03T09:44:00.000-07:00

Submitted by sean hartman

San Jose Youth Symphony (SJYS) Philharmonic Orchestra, under the artistic leadership of Maestro Yair Samet, presents its 60th Anniversary Season opening concert to be held on Saturday, December 3, 2011, at 2:30 pm at the California Theatre.

This concert will showcase outstanding musicians, including a featured solo by cellist, Iris Liu, the winner of the 2011 Philharmonic Young Artist Competition, proudly sponsored by the San Jose Symphony Foundation. The concert program will include works of Tchaikovsky, Shostakovich, Khachaturian, Gould, and Liszt.

Program:
Tchaikovsky - March Slave
Shostakovich - Cello Concerto No. 1
Iris Liu - Cello
Khachaturian - Masquerade Suite
Gould - Symphony No. 2
Liszt - Les Preludes

TURKEY FEAST 2011

2011-11-03T09:37:00.000-07:00

Submitted by Kathryn Latours

Helpers Wanted!!

Gunn's annual Turkey Feast will be held on Thursday, Nov. 17th during lunch
and we need to start recruiting food donations and volunteers now. This is
one of Gunn's most popular events where we not only serve a delicious
lunch to the students and staff, but the proceeds are donated to a local
charity. Each year we have donated nearly $2000 to the Ecumenical Hunger
Program in East Palo Alto!

In the past, we have needed over 60 volunteers to assist on the day of the
event and another 100 who donated food and money. The volunteers work in
conjunction with the Student Executive Council and Lisa Hall, our Student
Activities Director. We plan to feed 1400 people in 50 minutes so we need
all of these volunteers this year as well!

For families who are new to Gunn, here is how it works. The week of the
Turkey Feast, Gunn students and staff may purchase their Feast ticket either
by paying $5 or by bringing 4 cans of food plus $1. Posters will be up
around school to help students remember their "lunch money."
Lunch includes turkey, dressing, gravy, salad, cranberry sauce, rolls and
pie. This year lasagna and quiche will be available for vegetarians. Here is
what we need donated:

1. 60 Turkeys, each weighing at least 14 lbs.
Turkeys should be cooked, carved, and delivered by 9:30am on 11/17. Turkeys
can be cooked a day ahead, then carved and refrigerated. If you would like
to donate a turkey and have no time to cook, consider purchasing a cooked
turkey or turkey breasts at Draegers, Piazzas, JJ&F, or Safeway and then
carve it yourself.

2. 200 Pies!
3. Quiche and Lasagna for vegetarians. (Quantities TBA.)

4. Volunteer hours on November 17th:
Food Prep -10:30am to 12:00pm
Set-up and serve - 12:30pm to 1:30pm
Ticket Sales - 12:15pm to 1:30pm
Clean-up - 1:30pm to 3:00pm

5. Monetary donations are gladly accepted to help purchase salad, rolls,
stuffing and gravy

A Jooners link will be available by Monday, October 31, 2011 to sign up for
the above needs. Please sign up quickly! And thanks in advance for your
generosity!

Turkey Questions: Kathryn Latours

Pie Questions: Andrea Miner

Volunteers: Donna Pioppi

Parent Ed: Miss Representation

2011-10-24T09:57:00.000-07:00

Submitted by Karen Johnston
Weds, Nov 16,6:30--9 pm, Castilleja School Chapel: Miss Representation. The Gunn community, parents and teens, is cordially invited to a screening of Miss Representation, a searing documentary directed by Jennifer Siebel Newsom, actress, activist, and film-maker. Recently featured at the San Francisco International Film Festival, the film is an examination of Hollywood's exploitation of women, and the media's role in setting a physical/sexual standard for girls, as opposed to an intellectual standard. The film includes candid interviews with such people as Jane Fonda, Geena Davis, Condaleeza Rice, Margaret Cho and Nancy Pelosi, and also critically examines recent episodes of public prejudice against women (Hilary Clinton, Sarah Palin). The film is suitable for men and women, boys and girls, as the film is a powerful advocacy for a more balanced portrayal of women in the media. The film is not suitable for children under 14 years.

Refreshments will be served from 6:30-7 pm. The film will be shown at 7 pm in the Chapel in the main building at Castilleja School, 1310 Bryant St, Palo Alto. The event is free. The screeening will be followed by a panel discussion with local media and body image experts.

How to Manage School Refusal Behaviors

2011-10-24T09:51:00.000-07:00

How to Manage School Refusal Behaviors (aka when ‘playing hooky’ becomes a serious situation)
by Christina Walker, Psy.D., Site Director at Menlo-Atherton High School

Wednesday, December 7, 2011 | 8:00-9:30am | ACS Corporate Office, 1717 Embarcadero Road, Suite 4000, Palo Alto, CA 94303

Wednesday, May 2, 2012 | 8:00-9:30am | ACS Corporate Office, 1717 Embarcadero Road, Suite 4000, Palo Alto, CA 94303

“I don’t want to go to school today.” Is there a parent who hasn’t heard this plaintive cry from a child or adolescent? Children and teenagers can and will miss school because of illness, or because of family issues. However, there are times when saying, “I don’t want to go to school today. I think I’m coming down with a Math test,” may be a more accurate reflection of a child or adolescent’s motivation for staying out of school. Children and adolescents can produce highly convincing, Oscar worthy performances replete with a hand to the forehead, holding one’s stomach, all while in a raspy voice describing a list of aches and pains that would prevent school attendance. Can you recall Shel Silverstein’s poem Sick? The intervention for the child’s long list of maladies keeping her from school was the prescription of ‘Saturday’, which can have amazingly miraculous effects on a plethora of aches and pains for children…as well as adults. Some researchers (Evans, 2000) have actually noted that it is part of typical development to refuse school at least once during the school career. However, the seemingly innocuous wish to stay home can quickly transform into a serious situation when a child refuses to go to school for extended periods of time. This pattern of behavior is termed School Refusal.
School Refusal behavior is seen as a continuum that includes youths who always miss school as well as those who rarely miss school but attend under duress. Hence, school refusal behavior is identified in youths aged 5-17 years who:
1. are entirely absent from school, and/or
2. attend school initially but leave during the course of the school day, and/or
3. go to school following crying, clinging, tantrums or other intense behavior problems, and/or
4. exhibit unusual distress during school days that leads to pleas for future absenteeism.
(Taken from http://www.aboutourkids.org/articles/understanding_school_refusal)
Children with school refusal may complain of physical symptoms shortly before it is time to leave for school or repeatedly ask to visit the school nurse. Common physical symptoms include headaches, stomachaches, nausea, or diarrhea. Mornings can be rushed for families, and it can be difficult for parents to intervene.
Children and teenagers can begin to manifest symptoms of school refusal at points of transition. We will often see school refusal when a child is starting a new school. It commonly takes place between the ages of five and six and between ten and eleven while entering middle and high school (Taken from http://www.adaa.org/living-with-anxiety/children/school-refusal September 28, 2011). The onset of school refusal symptoms usually is gradual. Symptoms may begin after a holiday or illness. Some children have trouble going back to school after weekends or vacations.

As a parent, when you realize that your child is refusing school they are communicating something highly important to you. They truly do not want to go to school and the distress is genuine. The motivations or reasons for refusing school can be difficult to determine. It may start out as difficulty with assignments, it may be peer problems, it may be anxiety; the reasons for school refusal behavior are as unique and varied as children and adolescents. School Refusal can be one of the most frustrating things to deal with as a parent. It is at those times that a parent experiences the tenacity of their child. The longer a child stays out of school, the more difficult it becomes to begin attending school. This is why prompt action on the part of the parent, and working with the school is important.
What can you do?
• Recognize the difference between playing hooky and school refusal; this can be a good time for a physical or a check-up to rule out any underlying medical issues
• Connect your child with a mental health counselor to begin to address the underlying reasons for refusing school; understanding the reasons behind the School Refusal can help with treatment, interventions and planning
• Seek support for yourself whether from a partner, a friend, family member or a mental health counselor because parental motivation is a key to success in situations of School Refusal
• Maintain your child and adolescent in school, even simply stepping foot on the campus is a good start
• Communicate with the appropriate school personnel, whether that is your child’s guidance counselor or administration
• Help your child to identify ‘safe’ people on the campus whom they can talk to and seek support
Adolescent Counseling Services is a community non-profit, which provides vital counseling services on eight 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 Robyn Alagona, Site Director at Gunn (650) 849-7919. ACS relies on the generosity of com-munity members to continue offering individual, family, and group counseling to over 1,500 individuals annually. ACS provides critical interventions and mental health services, building a better future for tomorrow. If you are interested in helping to support our efforts, do not hesitate to call to make a donation. It goes a long way in helping teenagers find their way!

Breakfast with ACS!
Join us for breakfast and learn more about ACS programs, trends in child and teen mental and emotional health, and hear from our licensed clinical staff about how you can better communicate and interact with any teen in your life. These events are free, but space is limited. Please RSVP to gulrukh@acs-teens.org with your name, address, phone number and the date you would like to attend.

Wednesday, December 7, 2011 | 8:00-9:30am | ACS Corporate Office, 1717 Embarcadero Road, Suite 4000, Palo Alto, CA 94303

Wednesday, May 2, 2012 | 8:00-9:30am | ACS Corporate Office, 1717 Embarcadero Road, Suite 4000, Palo Alto, CA 94303

What are the 41 Developmental Assets?/ Positive Family Communication

2011-10-11T16:43:00.000-07:00

In 2009, the City of Palo Alto, PAUSD and many community partners established Project Safety Net (PSN) in response to the tragic teen suicide cluster. PSN works to develop and implement short and long-term plans in support of suicide prevention and the social and emotional health of youth and teens in Palo Alto. One of the first recommendations from PSN to the schools and the City, was to adopt the 41 Developmental Assets Framework. Developmental Assets are the positive values, relationships, skills and experiences that help young people thrive, such as Positive Family Communication, Caring School Climate and Community Values Youth. The more assets a child has the more likely that child will thrive. The fewer assets a child has, the more likely they are to get involved with risky behavior like violence and drug and alcohol use. Last October, 2010, our schools, with the support of Project Cornerstone, administered the Developmental Assets survey to over 4000 students in 5th, 7th, and 9th – 12th grades. The survey measures developmental assets levels as well as thriving indicators and risk behaviors. Our youth told us:
• almost half of elementary students don’t have adult role models
• more than half of middle school students don’t feel safe at home, at school or in their neighborhoods
• most high school students don’t feel valued or appreciated by adults in the community
56% of our middle and high school students report enough developmental assets to help them thrive. However, 44% don’t. As a community, we have work to do! Over the next several months, you will be seeing articles in your newsletters that highlight the “Asset of the Month”. The asset will be described and suggestions of how to build those assets in all our youth provided.

For more information, please go the following web pages: paloaltopsn.org, projectcornerstone.org. If you would like to get involved, please contact us at devassetspaloalto@gmail.com

For full survey results of each school, go to: pausd.org/parents/programs/StudentConnectedness/index.shtml

Developmental Asset of the Month – October
Positive Family Communication

A conversation starts. Your child is upset. You’re tired. Pretty soon, the conversation heats into an argument. It ends with a door slam and silence.

Arguments. We’ve all had them with our children. Sometimes, particularly with our teen children, it may feel like most conversations end with slammed doors.

Though it can be challenging to develop the skills for being available for frequent, in depth conversations it is an important role we play in our children’s lives – from the time they learn to talk all the way into adulthood. What we have to do is create an atmosphere of communication – an open door.

The trick with open door communication is that we often don’t realize we create invisible closed doors around us. We get preoccupied and don’t pay enough attention. We’re exhausted and we nod off as our child is in mid-sentence. We jump to conclusions before our child finishes saying things. We assume the worst. We criticize our kids for what they tell us so they close the door the next time out of fear or resentment.

Sometimes there is no communication to begin with, and it’s hard to get your child to say what’s going on in her or his life.

Having an open door means having an open mind, an open attitude. It means listening to understand, not to advocate our position. It means being available when our children need us - and when they don’t. It means taking good care of ourselves so that when our children want to talk, we have open ears and an open heart.

Young people who experience positive family communication experience higher self-esteem, decreased substance use, less anxiety and depression, and greater school engagement. However, in Palo Alto, only 64% of 5th grade students, 52% of 7th grade students and 32% of 9th -12th grade students reported in the Developmental Assets 2010 survey that they have positive communication with their parents and are willing to seek advice from them.. To help promote this valuable asset, October is Positive Family Communication month in Palo Alto.

Establishing positive communication when children are young may help keep the channel open in adolescence. But no matter how old your children are, it’s never too late to start! The following questions can help your family. Encourage your child to answer these questions honestly:

• Ask caring questions such as: How did band practice go? How was the math test? Was the assembly fun?
• Ask your child’s advice or opinion about an important matter.
• If there is a problem at work and you come home upset, let your child know you are not angry with her or him.

The communication skills that young people develop in their families help set the pattern of how they’ll communicate for the rest their lives. Teaching your children to communicate effectively with friends, teachers, co-workers, parents, peers, and others is a lasting legacy that you can give to your children.

For positive family communication to occur, all family members must be comfortable sharing their needs, wishes, and concerns in an honest and trusting environment without fear of rejection.

This article was adapted from Project Cornerstone’s Asset-a-Month and Search Institute Newsletter.

Pedal4Prizes update

2011-10-09T17:07:00.000-07:00

Many of Gunn's freshmen bikers were pleasantly surprised to receive Rice
Krispy Treats on Friday morning (Oct 7) at our first monthly Pedal4Prizes
event of the school year. For those uninitiated, Pedal4Prizes, sponsored by
the PTSA, rewards all students who elect to bike to school that day. Of
course, the real rewards for choosing a biking commute are the positive
physical and mental effects from the exercise, and the reduction of car
exhaust in our environment. Our volunteers, Jeff Dean, Ruth Harris,
Christine Fawcett, Penny Ellson, Kathryn Latour, and Steve Hubbell counted
595 bikes, which means that even with the rain this week, around 1/3 of the
studentbody biked!

Speaking of bikes, we noticed that a shocking number of bikes were left
unlocked. Bikes can - and do - get stolen even at Gunn. Most bike thefts are
opportunistic, meaning that if a bike is unlocked, someone who hadn't
intended on stealing a bike will spontaneously decide to take it for a joy
ride then dump it somewhere. With the new bike racks, it is easier to use a
U-lock to secure the bike's frame to the rack, which is the safest way to
lock a bike. But, even a simple lock will deter most bike thefts. One of our
new P4P mottos is: "Your Bike: If you like it, lock it."

Plan on biking during the week of homecoming (Oct 24-28). We will be
raffling off homecoming game tickets at our next P4P event!

The P4P Team
Kathryn Latour & Steve Hubbell

Gizdich Ranch Pie Sale

2011-10-09T17:01:00.000-07:00

Submitted by Susan Voll

**Sale extended until Oct. 14**

The Senior Grad Night Committee is kicking off one of its key fundraisers for Gunn’s Graduation Night Celebration! We are sellingGizdich Ranch Pies and we need your help. Most of your children will be attending Grad Night, and in order to keep ticket prices down, yet still have an incredible Grad Night for our students, we need to raise funds to augment ticket prices.

Please place your orders for Gizdich Ranch locally grown fruit pies from Watsonville:  Ollalieberry, Apple, Pumpkin, Raspberry (Also Sugarless Apple available). Pies arrive frozen – you bake at home .

Place orders by Friday, Oct. 14
PIES: $18 each, or buy 3 pies for $50, 4 or more pies are $16 each 
Please ask your friends, co-workers, family, and neighbors to buy PIES. They are delicious!!
Buy an extra one and bake it for Gunn's Turkey Feast
Buy a pie and donate it to a special teacher or staff member
Bring one home and bake it for your own Thanksgiving dessert

For order forms and more information please go to:

http://goo.gl/eFbMa

All proceeds benefit Senior Class Graduation Activities.
Pie pick-up: Thurs. Nov. 3, 3:30 to 5:30 in front of the main office
Questions? contact Lisa Blanchette

THANK YOU!!!

SELPA 1 CAC October Parent Education Event

2011-10-05T09:46:00.000-07:00

Submitted by Karen Mueller

Biochemical Treatments for Autistic Spectrum Disorders
Please join Dr. David Traver for a presentation on current biochemical treatments. There are many alternative approaches for ameliorating the symptoms of ASD. Come hear about different ways to think about how the mind-body functions and supplements and treatments that can help.
Saturday, Oct 22, 2011 - meeting is 2 to 4 pm. Hospitality begins at 1:45pm. Covington Elementary School Multi, 205 Covington, Los Altos 94024. (please note special day and time)
This parent education event is sponsored by the SELPA 1 CAC
( www.selpa1cac.org)
All of our events are free and open to anyone who feels they might benefit. No registration is necessary.

PALO ALTO CHAMBER ORCHESTRA’S 46th SEASON

2011-10-05T09:43:00.000-07:00

Submitted by Kim Nguyen, Publicity Chair
paco_publicity@yahoo.com

FIRST CONCERT OCTOBER 29

The Palo Alto Chamber Orchestra will perform their first concert of the 2011-2012 season on Saturday, October 29. PACO’s season begins with tubist extraordinaire Forrest Byram performing an unconventional arrangement of Mozart’s delightful Horn Concerto #1. PACO proudly welcomes Mr. Byram, the principal tubist of the Monterey Symphony Orchestra, California Symphony Orchestra, Santa Cruz Symphony Orchestra and Modesto Symphony Orchestras. The program also presents Dvorak’s musical valentine to his beloved Bohemia, the famous Serenade for Strings, and the first of Handel’s twelve wonderful Opus 6 concerti grossi. Additional highlights of our concert feature the talented young musicians of the Palo Alto Chamber Orchestra performing masterpieces from the chamber music repertory. The concert, to be conducted by PACO Music Director Benjamin Simon, will take place at 8:00 p.m. at Cubberley Theatre, 4000 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto, CA. Admission is free. For information contact Hans Hoffer at 650-856-3848 or info@pacomusic.org
http://www.pacomusic.org .

Sports Update

2011-10-05T09:11:00.000-07:00

Submitted by Miriam Rotman
These past few days have been very busy on the sports front -

X-Country - the entire Gunn XC team traveled to Central Park (Santa Clara)
to compete against all their local rivals on a short and fast 2.3 mile
course. The Gunn girls ran very well and placed 3rd overall out of 14 teams.
Sarah Robinson once again ran to a strong victory winning the race in a time
of 13:41. The boys ran well as a group and placed 5th out of 14 teams with
Andrew Prior taking 2nd overall in a time of 11:35. Over 60 Gunn titans
participated in the event and the team atmosphere was great.

Last weekend the Gunn cross country team traveled to Angel's Camp,
California to compete in the Bret Harte Invitational. Catherine Kim and
Tanvi Dharap earned medals in the Frosh girl's race placing 13th and 15th
respectively. David Lee-Heidenreich also earned a medal by placing 7th in
the Frosh boys race. Andrew Bent, Thomas Rasmussen and Antonio Puglisi ran
well in the boy's sophomore race with Bent placing 2nd. In a surprisingly
similar fashion upstart Eliana Ribbe took 2nd place in the girl's sophomore
race. The Varsity boys and girls ran extremely well. Sarah Robinson ran to
an easy win in a time of 19:24. Christine Prior followed with a 9th place
finish in 21:35. The boys as a group were team champions. Andrew Prior
nearly won the boys race and was runner-up by only 2 seconds in 16:46. Peter
Chen, Michael Underwood, Shaun Yee, and Rishi Agarwal, rounded up the
varsity top five by placing 14th, 16th, 22nd, and 37th respectively.
Finally, Tommy Kidder, and Gabe Crane completed the varsity seven by placing
61st and 81st.

Football - Gunn rolled past The Harker School-San Jose 47-6 in the SCVAL El
Camino Division opener for both teams Friday night. Visiting Harker made its
first appearance in the SCVAL. The rude introduction came via superb
offensive line play from the Titans, a punishing ground game, speed at the
edges and a dominant defense.

JJ Strnad was unstoppable, racking up 169 yards and four touchdowns in just
eight carries. Marcus Moreno-Ramos added 79 yards and a TD on eight carries.
"We needed the win and we gained some confidence," Gunn coach Dan Navarro said. "The line did well. JJ is a big, strong kid who runs fast."

"Coach Navarro is turning it around," Harker coach Karriem Stinson said.
"Gunn is aggressive. They played McClymonds, Burlingame and Palo Alto, so
they're battle-tested."
Skyler Larson illustrated a dimension of the Titan ground game by taking an
end-around 35 yards on the first play from scrimmage. Strnad roared around
left end for 32 yards, then went over left guard from eight yards out for
the first score. Larson returned at punt 25 yards down to the Eagles'
11-yard line. After Gunn backed up five yards with a motion penalty, Strnad
scored the second TD on just one play, bolting over right guard from
16-yards away after just 2:17 of play. The Eagles could not bring down the
muscular 6-foot, 210-pound running back Strnad, nor contain his speed around the end or up the middle.

"The line did an unbelievable job blocking," Strnad said. "And our running
back, Marcus Moreno-Ramos, did an amazing job blocking, too. I had a lot of
big holes to run through."

The big men up front for Gunn included Keenan Venuti (6.6), Jeff Suri, Aryeh
Furman, Robert Kato, Malik Gil and Nabil Hamade.

On the first play of the 2nd period, Gunn quarterback Andre Guzman connected with Hamade. The Titan tight end overpowered one would-be tackler, picked up a beautiful downfield block from Scott Ziebelman, to run away for a 49-yard score.

Defensive back Sean Lydster was next to find the end zone for Gunn. "The
pass was tipped by JJ Strnad," Lydster said. "I went for the ball and I
caught it just above the ground. There were several good blocks and I ran
down the sideline and scored."

Lydster's 62-yard return put Gunn on top 27-0. Strnad salted the game away
with two more touchdowns later in the period, one from 35 yards and another
from 64 yards. At halftime, the scoreboard read 41-0 and the only question
was whether students at these two strong academic-oriented schools would
leave early to get in some last-minute studying for today's SAT testing.

Way to go Titans!!

Waterpolo - Paced by Michael Znidarsic's 4 goals, the Titans visited Monta
Vista this week and came away with their 3rd league win. Good team defense
as well as 2 goals each from Tyler Wilson and Coby Wayne contributed to the
win. Unfortunately the team also lost to Paly 12-10 this week but we wish
them success in their upcoming matches.

Volleyball - The lady Titans def. Monta Vista-Cupertino 25-22, 25-21, 18-25,
25-22. Julia Maggioncalda led the host Titans with 13 kills in the SCVAL De
Anza Division match. Earlier this week the Gunn team lost to los Altos in 3
sets.

Essay Contest for Juniors

2011-10-05T09:01:00.000-07:00

ESSAY CONTEST OPEN TO ALL JUNIORS IN THE PALO ALTO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
THE TOPIC: COMPROMISE VS. CONVICTION
"No society . . . can fail, in time, to explode if it is deprived of the arts of compromise, if it knows no way of muddling through. No good society can be unprincipled, and no viable society can be principle-ridden." Alexander M. Bickel (U.S. legal scholar, 1924 -1974)
What is the proper balance between conviction and compromise? Using examples from American history and current events, discuss the benefits, limits and dangers of compromise.
PRIZES
Essays will be judged on development of topic, supporting information, reasoning and writing skills, and originality. Source material and direct quotes should be acknowledged. Winning essays will be printed in League publications and on our website.
• Length: 600-800 words.
• Due: October 26, 2011.
• Send essays to the League of Women Voters of Palo Alto:
lwvpaoffice@gmail.com
• Submit your entry, double spaced, as a pdf or doc attachment
or text within the email. • Include your name and school.
SPONSORED BY
THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF PALO ALTO
First $500 Second $300 Third $200
www.lwvpaloalto.org

2011 Fall For Parents Only Seminars at Packard Children's Hospital

2011-09-22T10:31:00.000-07:00

Staying Close While Standing Back
The Art of Parenting Our Teens While They Learn How to Navigate Life
Julie Metzger, RN
Monday, October 3, 7pm – 8:30pm
Auditorium, first floor Packard Children’s Hospital
Seminar Fee: $40

Mothers of Sons
The Joys and Challenges of Guiding Your Son through Adolescence
Robert Lehman, MD
Thursday, October 20, 7pm – 8:30pm
New location:
Auditorium, first floor Packard Children’s Hospital
Seminar Fee: $40

Dads of Daughters
The Joys and Challenges of Raising Teen Girls
Julie Metzger, RN
Wednesday, December 7
7pm – 8:30pm
Auditorium, first floor Packard Children’s Hospital
Seminar Fee: $40

Please join Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital for two evening presentations hosted by our physician specialists on the topics of pediatric sports injury and injury prevention & childhood food allergies and asthma.

Staying Healthy Through Four Seasons of Sports
Meghan Imrie, MD
Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery
Thursday, October 13
7pm - 8:30 pm
Freidenrich Auditorium, Lucille Packard Children’s Hospital

Pediatric Food Allergies - The Latest in Diagnosis, Treatment and Trials
Grace Yu, MD
Center for Asthma and Allergic Diseases
Thursday, November 17, 2011
7pm - 8:30 pm
Freidenrich Auditorium, Lucille Packard Children’s Hospital

For more information and to register visit www.calendar.lpch.org (under “Parent Seminars and Discussions”) or call 650.724.4601.

Is it Sadness or Depression? - How to Tell the Difference.

2011-09-22T10:22:00.000-07:00

Submitted by Roni Gillenson, LMFT Program Director ACS On Campus Counseling Program

How do we tell the difference between “within the range of normal” sadness and depression? First we need to start with the developmentally appropriate range of feeling for a teenager. To quote the medical encyclopedia, for normal teenagers we can expect “sensitivity and concern over body issues, excruciating comparisons between oneself and peers, acts of rebellion, conflict with parents, risk-taking behavior, increased risk for depression due to pressures and conflicts that may arise within families or in friendships. If adolescents appear to be isolated from peers, disinterested in school, or deteriorating in performance in school, work, or sports, psychological evaluation may be necessary.”

That was quite a mouthful, but, as you can see, there is quite a broad range of normal for teenagers. The issues come about in the gray areas. Someone who is exhibiting extreme behaviors is easy to identify. It is when we are unsure that it becomes more difficult. The major signs of depression are fatigue, heaviness, listlessness; loss of appetite; difficulty concentrating and completing tasks; feelings of shame, worthlessness, inadequacy and incompetence; lack of sleep; loss of interest in life; withdrawal from friends and family; engaging in self-destructive behavior; expressing desire to harm oneself.

Another factor is separating out sadness and depression. Sadness (or grief) is a natural response to loss and the symptoms may seem the same as depression. The major difference with depression is that the person feels that there is something wrong with themselves, “no one likes me, there is something wrong with me.” That usually doesn’t happen with simple grief.

Let me tell you about a teenager I am seeing in my private practice. She came in with most of the above symptoms – not eating, not sleeping, feeling as though no one liked her. In fact, she scored high on a depression scale I gave her. What became important for me over time is that she kept coming back each time to the fact that she was lonely. That was her predominant symptom. She said she was not suicidal. She made good use of therapy. At first she was quiet and said very little. However, as we continued to meet, she opened up more about her loneliness. I learned, though, that she overemphasized some things. Her perception is that she had no friends, but in conversation, she would name several people that she spoke to. But she said they were not really friends. Her perception of being lonely was important to listen to, because that is how she was operating, based on her perception. Therapy has helped her see things more realistically – that she actually has friends, but that she may have been misperceiving. She did not need to take anti-depressants as therapy was helping her to improve. Sometimes medication is necessary, but I always try to see if therapy will help alleviate the pain they feel first.

Sadness is a part of life, just as is grief over a loss. But when it becomes depression, it is time to take action.

If you find that your teen is having difficulty with sadness or depression, do not hesitate to have them contact an ACS counselor. Adolescent Counseling Services has therapists on your teen’s campus who are available to help. We also have access to outside resources to help parents to get through this difficult time.

Adolescent Counseling Services is a community non-profit, which provides vital counseling services on seven 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 Robyn Alagona, Site Director at Gunn (650) 849-7919. ACS relies on the generosity of community members to continue offering individual, family, and group counseling to over 1,500 individuals annually. ACS provides critical interventions and mental health services, building a better future for tomorrow. If you are interested in helping to support our efforts, do not hesitate to call to make a donation. It goes a long way in helping teenagers find their way!

Breakfast with ACS!
Join us for breakfast and learn more about ACS programs, trends in child and teen mental and emotional health, and hear from our licensed clinical staff about how you can better communicate and interact with any teen in your life. These events are free, but space is limited. Please RSVP to gulrukh@acs-teens.org with your name, address, phone number and the date you would like to attend.

Wednesday, October 5, 2011 | 8:00-9:30am | ACS Corporate Office, 1717 Embarcadero Road, Suite 4000, Palo Alto, CA 94303

Wednesday, December 7, 2011 | 8:00-9:30am | ACS Corporate Office, 1717 Embarcadero Road, Suite 4000, Palo Alto, CA 94303

Wednesday, May 2, 2012 | 8:00-9:30am | ACS Corporate Office, 1717 Embarcadero Road, Suite 4000, Palo Alto, CA 94303

Gunn Staff Fashion Show

2011-09-16T10:00:00.000-07:00

Submitted by Meg Omainsky

Gunn Staff Fashion Show

Mark your calendars for Tuesday afternoon, September 20th from 3:45-5:00 for the inaugural staff fashion show: Project GunnWay!

Why a fashion show? This zany event, with fashion categories such as "prom gone wrong," "dream jobs," and "famous dead folk," is actually a benefit to support student scholarships for the Gunn Foundation and the library advisory board.
We hope to develop a scholarship fund for a Gunn Senior who demonstrates exceptional leadership in promoting libraries for the public good. Come out and support the Gun staff as they channel their inner supermodels and work the Spangenberg runway!

Tickets are $5.00 and can be purchased at the Gunn Library, or at Spangenberg Theater on Sept. 20th.

All inquiries should be directed to Meg Omainsky, Gunn Librarian. Meg Omainsky

SELPA 1 CAC September Parent Education Event

2011-09-02T10:55:00.001-07:00

Submitted by Karen Mueller

Strengths, Self-Esteem, and Self-Advocacy Ali Zidel Meyers, MSW, Director of Meyers Learning Center, will discuss how parents can nurture their children’s self-esteem, help them realize their strengths, and assist in building self-advocacy skills throughout their learning journeys. Among topics to be covered, Ali will discuss the many ways there are to “be smart”, specific techniques for enhancing self-esteem, and practical tools for self-advocacy.
Wednesday, Sep 21, 2011 - meeting is 9 to 11 am. Hospitality begins at 8:45am. Loyola Elementary School Multi, 770 Berry Ave, Los Altos, 94024. (please note special location)

This parent education event is sponsored by the SELPA 1 CAC (www.selpa1cac.org) All of our events are free and open to anyone who feels they might benefit. No registration is necessary.

Get SAT ready this summer with Gunn Library

2011-06-11T11:28:00.000-07:00

Submitted by Cynthia Easton
Gunn Library subscribes to online test prep from Shmoop.

SAT and ACT Test Prep:
Review and practice for Reading, Writing and Math
Sentence completion
Passage comparisons
Writing essays and improving sentences and paragraphs
Numbers and operations
Algebra, Geometry, Statistics and Probability

AP Test Prep:
Explanations, examples and exercises
Practice problems
Review and drill questions
Full-length timed practice exams
Test-taking tips and strategies

How to access Shmoop:
From the Gunn Library website, Gunn Library Tumblr
Use the AP SAT Test Prep link at the top of the page.
Magic Word = titansrule (also found on InClass)
Create your own username and password

PiE Update

2011-06-02T08:41:00.000-07:00

PARTNERS IN EDUCATION (PiE) GRANTS $3.4 MILLION TO PALO ALTO PUBLIC SCHOOLS
With more parents and community members supporting us than ever before, including 545 Gunn families, Palo Alto Partners in Education (PiE) donated $3.4 million to Palo Alto Schools in late March. PiE, the education foundation that raises funds to staff school programs across the Palo Alto Unified School District, raises money centrally and allocates funds on a per student basis directly to all elementary, middle, and high schools in the district.
“The incredible generosity of PiE donors reflects our community’s commitment to providing an excellent education to our children,” said Kevin Skelly, PAUSD Superintendent. “This generosity couldn’t come at a better time, as uncertainties with state funding remain, making the partnership between parents, schools and our community even more important.”

What PiE has paid for this school year at Gunn High School
This current school year, Principal Katya Villalobos used over $347,000 donated by PiE last March to (a) pay for more counseling help for Gunn students, (b) offer a first time Introduction to Engineering Course and (c) pay for the technology mentors that help all teachers at Gunn use technology more effectively in the classrooms. She said: "At Gunn, PiE donations make continuing and new curriculum possible. Students are touched directly by PiE from class opportunity to college and career planning. Thank you for the continued support--PiE is a part of what makes Gunn a special place for teaching and learning."

What PiE will pay for next school year at Gunn High School
Of the $3.4 million raised from PAUSD parents and community between August 2010 and February 2011, $825,000 has been given to the principals at the two high schools and Gunn’s share (approximately $415,000) will be spent on the following programs for school year 2011-12: (a) to fund additional college and career counselors to better help students with their post-high school transitions; (b) to pay for additional student guidance to foster teacher-student connections and build student resilience and (c) to continue funding of career and technology electives such as engineering and biotechnology, which help prepare our students for an ever-changing world.

Gunn High School also awarded PiE funds for special projects next school year.
In addition to the foundation's grant to PAUSD, another $68,059 for 22 teacher grants to 19 school programs across the district was awarded for the fall 2010 teacher grant award, one of the largest amounts ever offered by PiE for teacher’s grants in a single round. Some of these funds will be used for teacher-directed programs at Gunn involving the robotics team, the music program [ during which students will learn music from African, South American and Asian cultures], and a new anti-stress program using yoga.

Your current Gunn PiE Team thanks you and introducing the new Gunn PiE Team
Belle Griffiths, Nancy Smith and Cherrill Spencer applaud the 545 Gunn families who donated to Partners in Education this year and trust that all Gunn families will respond even more generously this coming school year when our new Gunn PiE team seek your annual donation to PiE. Nancy Smith will be staying on to lead the team and she will be joined by Sonya Bradski, Asha Guha and Aarti Johri.

About Palo Alto Partners in Education (PiE):
Palo Alto Partners in Education (PiE) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) education foundation dedicated to supporting all Palo Alto public schools. We partner with parents, the Palo Alto Unified School District and the local community to raise funds to give all students in PAUSD the best education possible. Since PiE’s inception in 2004‐05, we have donated more than $15 million to Palo Alto Schools. For more information about PiE, please visit www.papie.org .

TEDxGunnHighSchool to Bring Together Students and Community

2011-05-20T11:52:00.000-07:00

Media contact: Meg Omainsky
(650)354-8252
momainsky@pausd.org
www.tedxgunnhighschool.com

TEDxGunnHighSchool to Bring Together Students and Community
“Some of the best minds of our community will be on one stage. What more does one want?” ~Soham Tikekar, TEDxGunnHIghSchool event coordinator.

On Thursday, May 26th prominent members of the Palo Alto community will join together with teachers, parents and students from Henry M. Gunn High School to kick-off the inaugural event. The program will run in the school’s Little Theater from 8:00am to 5:00pm. Admission is free and a select number of seats are available to the community at www.tedxgunnhighschool.com . Throughout the day, student presenters are scheduled to speak on topics ranging from biology and Bach to making friends with natural disasters. These presentations will be interspersed with talks from a diverse group of speakers including tech pioneers, a Stanford Director, the Mayor of Palo Alto and an organic foods entrepreneur.

“Our event will ignite the flame you didn't know existed inside of you,” describes, Jessica Sun, a member of the student planning team. “Or at the very least involve some sort of combustive, poignant effect.”

TEDxGunnHighSchool, an independently organized TED event, began when PAUSD librarian, Meg Omainsky, applied for a TEDx license as a way to promote a culture of collaboration and idea sharing for students. Gunn High School strives to foster knowledge, creativity, integrity and personal excellence in its students. TEDxGunnHighSchool provides a platform for students to get inspired and encourages them to think big about their ideas, their future and their community. The TEDx platform also provides the opportunity to showcase the innovations and inspiring stories of the broad Palo Alto community.

Gunn High School student leaders and TEDx enthusiasts, Soham Tikekar, Jessica Sun, Takuto Sasajima, Yona Ran, and Sarah Dukes-Schlossberg have led the planning of this first time TEDx event for Henry M. Gunn High School .

The following innovators have been selected to present at TEDxGunnHighSchool:
Anastasia Vavilina and Jasmine Vahidsafa, Henry M. Gunn High School
Andrew Liu-Henry M. Gunn High School
Axel Clavier- International School of the Peninsula
Clint Wilkins -Director, Heroic Imagination Project
Derek Lee- Henry M. Gunn High School
Emmanuel Mayssat and Sierra Fan- One Million Lights
Gunjan Sinha- Chairman, Metric Stream
Hilda Huang- Palo Alto High School
John Bruggeman- Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, Cadence Design Systems
Rachel Phelps- CEO, Mighty Mouth Foods
Shantanu Narayen- CEO, Adobe Systems
Sidney Espinosa- Mayor of Palo Alto
Takuto Sasajima, Henry M. Gunn High School
Theresa Diola- SF SMILES
Uwe Bergmann- Deputy Director of LCLS, Standford Linear Accelorator Laboratory
William Paris- Not In Our Town
Visit the TEDxGunnHighSchool website for detailed descriptions of each talk.

About TEDx, x = independently organized event
In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized. (Subject to certain rules and regulations.)

About TED
TED is a nonprofit organization devoted to Ideas Worth Spreading. Started as a four-day conference in California 26 years ago, TED has grown to support those world-changing ideas with multiple initiatives. At TED, the world's leading thinkers and doers are asked to give the talk of their lives in 18 minutes. Talks are then made available, free, at TED.com. TED speakers have included Bill Gates, Jane Goodall, Elizabeth Gilbert, Sir Richard Branson, Benoit Mandelbrot, Philippe Starck, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Isabel Allende and former UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown. Two major TED events are held each year: The TED Conference takes place every spring in Long Beach, California (along with a parallel conference, TEDActive, in Palm Springs), and TEDGlobal is held each summer in Edinburgh, Scotland.

TED’s media initiatives include TED.com , where new TEDTalks are posted daily; the new TED Conversations, enabling broad conversations among TED fans; and the Open Translation Project, which provides subtitles and interactive transcripts as well as the ability for any TEDTalk to be translated by volunteers worldwide.

TED has established the annual TED Prize, where exceptional individuals with a wish to change the world are given the opportunity to put their wishes into action; TEDx, which offers individuals or groups a way to host local, self-organized events around the world; and the TED Fellows program, helping world-changing innovators from around the globe to become part of the TED community and, with its help, amplify the impact of their remarkable projects and activities.

For information about TED's upcoming conferences, visit www.ted.com/registration

Follow TED on Twitter at twitter.com/TEDTalks , or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TED

PALO ALTO CHAMBER ORCHESTRA’S 45th SEASON

2011-05-19T09:05:00.000-07:00

Submitted by Kim Nguyen, Paco Publicity chair

FINAL CONCERT JUNE 4th

Palo Alto native and rising classical star Teddy Abrams returns to PACO with Gerald Finzi’s delightful, and seldom-heard Bagatelles for Clarinet and String Orchestra. Edvard Grieg’s Holberg Suite and Mendelssohn's Octet are old friends too. Our program also features the world premiere of PACO’s sixth Youth-for-Youth commission, a brand new work for string orchestra by Elizabeth Ogonek, a student at USC’s Thornton School of Music, entitled Window Watchers in a City of Strangers. The concert, to be conducted by PACO Music Director Benjamin Simon will take place on
Saturday, June 4 at 8:00 p.m.
at Eagle Theater of Los Altos High School, 201 Almond Avenue, Los Altos.
Tickets: $5 - $15.
For more information call 650-856-3848 or visit www.pacomusic.org

The Palo Alto Chamber Orchestra is delighted to inform you Gunn’s cellists Haleli Moalem, grade 11, and Nicky Hwang, grade 12, will be performing in our June 4 concert.

Visit www.pacomusic.org for more details about the concert.

PACO's Debut Orchestra - Season's Final Concert

2011-05-19T08:57:00.000-07:00

Submitted by Kim Nguyen, Paco Publicity chair

PROGRAM:
Rhosymedre~Prelude on a Welsh Hymn Tune--Ralph Vaughan Williams, arr. Arnold Foster Theme from Schindler's List--John Williams, Jeremy Tamlico, violin soloist String Quintet in B-Flat Major K. 174--Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Serenade for String Orchestra, op. 11--Dag Wiren  Skylife--David Balakrishnan

Conductor Eugene Sor described the program as follows:

PACO's Debut Orchestra concludes its 2011-12 season on May 22 with a concert rich with variety. The effervescence of one of Mozart's early chamber works and Swedish composer Dag Wiren's Serenade, the beautiful and distinctly Welsh colors of Vaughan Williams, the somber Theme from Schindler's List with PACO Concerto Competition winner Jeremy Tamlico, and the hard-rock inspired Skylife by Turtle Island String Quartet violinist David Balakrishnan are all featured on this program. It will be presented by talented musicians between the ages of ten and fifteen, including Gunn’s 9th grade violinist, Iris Chen.

Concert venue: Cubberley Theatre, 4000 Middlefield Rd, Palo Alto
Date and time: Sunday, May 22, 2011 @ 3:00PM
Admission: Free
Contact: call 650-856-3848 or visit www.pacomusic.org

Titan Boys Basketball Camp - Summer 2011

2011-05-06T11:58:00.000-07:00

Session 1: Boys entering 4th-8th grades
Dates/Times: Session 1, June 13-June 16, 9:00AM-12:30PM
Session 2: Boys entering 9th and 10th grades
Dates/Times: Session 2, June 13-June 16, 1:00PM-4:30PM
Cost: $175 per camp
Link to Camp Registration or contact Chris Redfield for information.

Appreciating Our Teachers

2011-05-06T11:55:00.000-07:00

Submitted by Katya Villalobos

Dear Parents and Guardians,

These past two mornings I was doing what I love best, visiting classrooms. I learned about the solubility constant, titration, role of presidential advisors, physics equations that would take me days to complete, the role of God in “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings”, genetically modified foods, schools during the Argentine dictatorship, prisms, Johnson and the Vietnam War, and much, much more.

It is serendipity that Staff Appreciation Week, Peer Observation, and Student Shadowing are all occurring simultaneously. Sometimes lost in the meetings and activities we do, and all the other responsibilities we have on campus and at home, is that we have the greatest job in the world--teaching and working with OUR students. If you have time come by and please read the comments from our students about their teachers in the Staff Lounge.

Thank you for ALL the work you do, it is much appreciated. See you at the Staff Appreciation Luncheon.

Here are some quotes I thought you might enjoy about teaching, because ALL of you are our partners:

He who opens a school door, closes a prison. ~Victor Hugo

If a doctor, lawyer, or dentist had 40 people in his office at one time, all of whom had different needs, and some of whom didn't want to be there and were causing trouble, and the doctor, lawyer, or dentist, without assistance, had to treat them all with professional excellence for nine months, then he might have some conception of the classroom teacher's job. ~Donald D. Quinn

None of us got where we are solely by pulling ourselves up by our bootstraps. We got here because somebody - a parent, a teacher, an Ivy League crony or a few nuns - bent down and helped us pick up our boots. ~Thurgood Marshall

Teaching is the profession that teaches all the other professions. ~Author Unknown

“A true disciple shows his appreciation by reaching further than his teacher.”
Aristotle

“It should be recognized that the proper status of teachers and due public regard for the profession of teaching are of major importance.”
UNESCO (Art. 5 of 1996 Recommendation)

“Teach the children so that it will not be necessary to teach the adults.”
Abraham Lincoln

“Genius without education is like silver in the mine.”
Benjamin Franklin

“Human history becomes more and more a race between education and catastrophe.”
H.G. Wells

“The dream begins with a teacher who believes in you, who tugs and pushes and leads you to the next plateau, sometimes poking you with a sharp stick called truth.”
Dan Rather

"Teachers are rock stars." Katya Villalobos

Sincerely,
Katya Villalobos
Principal

Congratulations to 2011-2013 Site Council Parent Representatives

2011-05-06T11:48:00.000-07:00

Submitted by Rene Hart

Congratulations to the 2011-2013 Site Council Parent Representatives

Each year, two of the four parent representatives serving on Site Council come up for election. According to the revised Site Council bylaws, incumbent representatives can serve two consecutive terms (four years). Incumbent Linda Lingg opted to seek re-election. Newcomers Azeez Chollampat, Geoff Butner, Preeti Shrikhande, Shanthi Karamcheti, Monica Malamud and Becky Thomas put their names on the ballot in March. After a careful tally, Monica Malamud was newly elected and Linda Lingg was re-elected to assume the two open seats for the next two years. Geoff Butner will serve as alternate at the meetings when a parent cannot attend. They will join John Benza and Susan Thomas representing Gunn parents for 2010-2012.

INCUMBENT for 2011-2013: Linda Lingg , Parent of Joe Bennet, 12th grade and Chris Bennet, 10th grade
“I serve as the Chair for the Parent Reps and as Site Council-PTSA Liaison. Previously at Gunn, I have been PTSA Historian and participated in the Assessment Focus Group of Gunn’s accreditation process with the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
I am committed to helping all of our children receive the best education we can give them taking into account their unique gifts, talents, interests, learning styles, maturity levels and post-secondary goals. Through Site Council, I continue to push for self-examination and open discussion of all aspects of Gunn’s culture, academics and administration and to keep communication with the school district and school board transparent and active.
In the past, I have had the honor to serve on Site Council at Barron Park Elementary School for one year and at Terman Middle School for four years with three as the Chair. Other relevant volunteer experiences include five PAUSD district committees, PTA executive board positions at Barron Park and Terman Middle schools, Barron Park Elementary representative on the All School’s Fund board (pre-PiE), and creation of a mentoring program for middle school girls interested in science and engineering in conjunction with St. Elizabeth Seton School and the AAUW.”

NEWLY ELECTED for 2011-2013: Monica Malamud, Parent of Nico Makowski (currently in 10th grade) and Kevin Makowski (who is an incoming 9th grader for 2011-2012).
“While my sons were at Escondido, I volunteered weekly in their classrooms and I was a member of the Site Council for two terms (2002-2006). At Jordan, I was the alternate representative to the Superintendent’s AAAG (Attendance Area Advisory Group) in 2006 and I was a member of the Site Council in 2008-2010, serving as co-chair in the last year. I served as president of SIPAPA in 2002-2003 and 2004-2005.
I have always worked in education. I have taught Computer Science courses and Spanish at different universities in Argentina, Michigan, Massachusetts and the Bay Area. Since 2000, I have been teaching Spanish full-time at a community college. In my current position, in addition to my primary role as an educator, I have occupied a number of leadership positions: Academic Senate Governing Council (7 years so far, currently Secretary), College Council (5 years, including two years as chair), Planning and Budget (4 years), Strategic Planning and Educational Master Plan Steering Committees (3 years), Faculty Union Executive Committee (6 years so far, currently in 3rd year as President). In addition to teaching college level full-time, I worked as a substitute teacher in PAUSD (I substituted from Kinder to high school).
In summary, my experience in education includes teaching kindergarten through college as well as representing parents and colleagues in governance and decision-making bodies. I am used to considering multiple points of view, competing interests and finite resources, and working together to accomplish successful outcomes. If I have the opportunity to serve on the Site Council, I believe that my broad experience in education and leadership roles will allow me to make a valuable contribution to Gunn’s community.“

For more information on Gunn's Site Council, contact Rene Hart, Gunn's Site Council Coordinator at 849-7932 or email to: Rene Hart

A Message From the Principal

2011-04-27T09:05:00.000-07:00

Submitted by Katya Villalobos

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Wow, there are only eight weeks left in the school year--amazing. These weeks will be filled with many activities both curricular and extra-curricular. I wanted to point out a few things that are coming soon:

A) Principal's Cup Nomination--we are fortunate to have an incredible group of teachers at Gunn High School and it is now your opportunity to recognize and honor one of our very own for the 2010-2011 Principal's Cup. You probably need to put on your thinking caps, because you have many to choose from. On Gunn's website homepage, under both the "Student" and "Parent & Community" links, you will find the nomination form. Please read and review the form and turn it in by Friday, May 20 to the Main Office to either Ms. Elderon or Ms. Glover.

B) Advanced Placement Exams (APs) begin Monday, May 2 and continue through Friday, May 13. Please remind your student(s) to attend AP Pre-Registration next week;
If you are taking any AP Exams, please attend an AP Pre-administration Prep Session next week. The Sessions will be held in the Library nextTuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday during Lunch. During this session, we will assist you in filling out your AP Answer Sheet. This will allow you to begin your exam immediately after arriving at the test center for your first exam. If you don't attend one of the sessions, others will need to wait for you to bubble in your answer sheet before the test starts. See you there!

C) STAR Exams will be administered on Wednesday, May 11 and Thursday, May 12. Students need to report to their testing room by 8:00AM and will be dismissed at 12:35PM on both days. If your student(s) needs to complete STAR make-up that will occur in the afternoon of both days. Monday, May 9, Tuesday, May 10, and Friday, May 13 are regular days with the same rotation. Please remind your student to be on time.

Thank you and Go Titans!

Sincerely,
Katya Villalobos
Principal

2010-2011 Principal's Cup

2011-04-25T08:17:00.000-07:00

Submitted by Katya Villalobos

Dear Parents, Guardians, and Students:

We are fortunate to have an incredible group of teachers at Gunn High School and it is now your opportunity to recognize and honor one of our very own for the 2010-2011 Principal's Cup. You probably need to put on your thinking caps, because you have many to choose from.

On Gunn's homepage of the website under both the "Student" and "Parent & Community" links you will find the nomination form. Please read and review the form and turn it in by Friday, May 20 to the Main Office to either Ms. Elderon or Ms. Glover.

Go Titan Teachers!!

Sincerely,
Katya Villalobos
Principal

Gunn High School Hosts California Music Educators Association Band Festival

2011-04-25T08:12:00.000-07:00

Submitted by Duncan MacMillan

Todd Summers and Sandra Lewis, Gunn Instrumental Music Directors, along with their students hosted 30 high school and middle school bands on April 1-2 in Spangenberg Theater.

The bands performed a 25-minute set of music for an audience and three adjudicators who gave written and recorded comments. After their performance each band retired to the band room where they received a “new” piece of music, which they had to play after only a 2-minute introduction from their instructor. The fourth adjudicator judged that “sight-reading” performance. Each band received a rating in this non-competitive festival.

Gunn’s three bands performed and received great feedback and praise from the adjudicators for their outstanding performances:

• Freshman Concert Band received an over-all Superior Rating
• Symphonic Band received an over-all Excellent Rating
• Wind Ensemble received the highest honor, earning a Unanimous  Superior Rating

Thank you to all of the Gunn Band & Orchestra Boosters who helped run a very successful food booth at the festival.

Taming the Tempestuous Sea

2011-04-25T08:01:00.000-07:00

Submitted by Ruth-Anne Siegel
“Everyone is doing better than I am! They’re all so much smarter and the work is so easy for them. I feel like I can’t compete or that I need to take all advanced classes or even 5 APs!”

Taming the Tempestuous Sea

Students and Experts share stories and advice about successfully navigating and surviving the high expectations of the Gunn community featuring Denise Pope, Ph.D.

May 4, 2011
Gunn High School, Spangenberg Theater
7 - 9 pm

• Listen to Gunn students share their stories of academic peer pressure and the challenges of living in a high- achieving place like Palo Alto
• Learn coping strategies and tools to help your child from our expert panelists Denise Pope; Katya Villalobos, principal of Gunn High School, and child psychologist Lea Goldstein
• Get your questions answered! There will be a question and answer period during the program.

Due to the high level of education and success of our community, many of our children perceive that they just aren’t smart enough and can’t compete with other students who they think are smarter, harder workers and more talented.

How do we encourage a more realistic perspective, maintain appropriate academic support and reinforce common values for our kids? What can we do for the students who feel they are failing because they are not the super achievers? Due to feeling that they are inadequate, these “middle of the road” students often want to get off the track and stop striving.

Our Experts

Denise Pope, Ph.D. is a Senior Lecturer at the Stanford University School of Education and Co-Founder of Challenge Success, a research-based intervention that aims to reduce unhealthy pressure on youth and champions a broader vision of youth success. For the past eleven years, she has specialized in student engagement, curriculum studies, qualitative research methods, and service learning. Challenge Success is an expanded version of the SOS: Stressed-Out Students project that Dr. Pope founded and directed from 2003-2008. She lectures nationally on parenting techniques and pedagogical strategies to increase student health, engagement with learning, and integrity. Her book Doing School: How We Are Creating a Generation of Stressed Out, Materialistic, and Miseducated Students was awarded Notable Book in Education by the American School Board Journal. Dr. Pope is a 3 time recipient of the Stanford University School of Education Outstanding Teacher and Mentor Award.

Katya Villalobos is currently the principal at Gunn High School. She first came to Palo Alto Unified in 1995 and began her teaching in US Government, Contemporary World History, and US History. She has served as an assistant principal at Palo Alto High School and as principal at Capuchino High School in San Bruno. Her background is in curriculum, instruction, and students services. Her greatest passion is to foster an environment where students can learn.

Lea Goldstein, Ph.D. is a licensed psychologist with over twenty-five years experience working with adults, adolescents, and families. Dr. Goldstein specializes in working with teens and families with a focus on healthy adolescent development, transitions to adulthood, and substance abuse issues. She is the co-author of the book, titled “Drugs and Your Kid: How To Tell If Your Child Has a Drug/Alcohol Problem and What To Do About It”, with Peter Rogers, Ph.D., published by New Harbinger Publications. Dr. Goldstein currently maintains a private psychotherapy practice in Menlo Park, CA.

Contact R Ruth-Anne Siegel , or Sigrid Pinsky , for more information.

GUNN Robotics news

2011-04-12T20:17:00.000-07:00

Submitted by Lakshmi Sunder

GUNN Robotics news
Gunn robotics participated in the silicon valley FIRST regional. GRT 192 reached the semifinal and also won the Silicon Valley 2011 Autodesk Award for excellence in 3D Animation. This animation called "Bridging the Gap" was voted the best by peers. More than 160 teams submitted animations for the “Change Their World” challenge featuring the Autodesk “iiko” character.

About "Bridging the Gap ": Technology is pervasive in every aspect of modern society, completely transforming the way we live. However, it is sometimes criticized for being potentially harmful or divisive. We saw the opportunity to highlight technology’s powerful ability to build connections and form communities, even with a mechanism as "simple" as a bridge.

GRT 192's animation can be viewed at :
http://autodesk-firstanimation.skild.com/PublicVote.jsp

(Click on the Silicon Valley Regional)

2011 Health Fair

2011-04-12T19:33:00.000-07:00

Submitted by Grace Yu

2011 Health Fair – Visited by More than 1300 students
The PTSA held a successful Health Fair on April 1st, Friday. From 9:00 am to 2:30 pm, students visited 31 booths hosted by agencies, healthcare professionals, and organizations involved in the health and wellbeing of youth. The PTSA would like to acknowledge the generosity and support of all who participated in this event.
The agencies and healthcare professionals (see below list) enabled the PTSA to host an edu-info day that covered extensive areas of health topics and fun activities for students. Local merchants and businesses also supported our event with a supply of snack bars, fresh fruits, and beverages, which the PTSA served to the students throughout the day. Parent volunteers, fair participants, and local businesses also donated raffle prizes to help attract student visits over lunch period. One of the participants, a Culinary Nutritionist, made 300 tasty and healthy wraps to be given out to students who visited at lunchtime.
Lastly, a special thank you should be expressed to the Health Fair’s chairpersons Julia Sharma and Leslie Fiedler and members of the core team for organizing a successful event.

Health Fair Participants

ACS Substance Abuse Program

Adolescent Counseling Services

Alto Sleep

American Cancer Society

American Red Cross

City of Palo Alto Office of Emergency Service

City of Palo Alto Police Department

Dairy Council California

Drug Enforcement Agency

El Camino Hospital

George Hernandez, Personal Trainer/Massage

Gunn @ Your Service

Ideal Health Chiropractic

Invisalign Teen

Joann Blessing-Moore, M.D.

Kaiser Permanente Community Health Liaison Educational Theatre Programs

Karla Oliveira, M.S., R.D/Culinary Nutritionist

Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital

Mothers Against Drunk Driving

Palo Alto Advanced Dentists

Palo Alto drug and Alcohol committee Collaborative

Palo Alto Family YMCA*

Zumba Dance Demontration

Palo Alto School District Nurse

Pat Simko, R.D. M.S./Dietitian

Palo Alto Medical Foundation

Planned Parenthood

Rashmi Saini, M.D

Sally A. Longyear, MPH, CIE/Ergonomist

Stanford Eating Disorders Research Program

Traditional Zheng Zi Tai Chi

Tai Chi Demonstration: Adam Sewell

Victor Froelicher, M.D., Cardiologist

Yoga Demonstration by Lorraine Davis

Local Support

Baja Fresh

De Martinis

Jumba Juice

Milk Pail Market *

Peet's Coffee & Tea (Charleston)

Piazza’s

SunUp Design System*

Trader Joe’s

Whole Foods Market (Los Altos)

Yakult U.S.A. Inc.

Core Team

Julia Sharma (Chair)*

Leslie Fiedler (co-Chair)*

Homa Adnani

Norma Hesterman

Evon Ho

Shalini Kumar

Karla Oliveira

Pat Simko

JinPing Song

May To (Team Advisor)

Radhika Yarlagadda

Grace Yu

Volunteers

Vanessa Bernegge

Grace Downer

Anita Dubey

Chris Graham

Susan Graham

Gail Kingston

Debbie Mason

Lottie Price

Dawm Reboli

Matt Reboli

Rashmi Saini

* - Raffle donors

GUNN ROBOTICS NEWS

2011-03-27T17:50:00.000-07:00

Submitted by Lakshmi Sunder

Gunn’s GRT participated in the Seattle 2011 FIRST regional this weekend. They reached the quarterfinals and received the "Creativity Award" sponsored by Xerox. This award celebrates creativity in design, use of component, or strategy of play. They are one of the few student-run teams that build, design and run the team by themselves. They were also featured in the Seattle Times for making science and engineering fun and wild.

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2014547847_robots20m.html

GRT will be participating in the Silicon Valley FIRST regional on April 1st and 2nd at the San Jose State Event Center and we hope the Gunn community will come and support us.

For more information on this event visit http://www.firstsv.org/

PROM: Memorandum to Parents and Guests

2011-03-27T17:43:00.000-07:00

Submitted by Katya Villalobos, Principal

PROM: Memorandum to Parents and Guests
March 7, 2011
Dear Parents, Guardians, and Students:
The staff of Gunn High School sincerely hopes that you have a wonderful experience at the 2011 Prom—as my first I am looking forward to it. Our presumption is that this event will not be marred for any of you by inappropriate behavior. As such, this letter is provided as a reminder of the school rules, which govern the use of alcohol or drugs in connection with a school function.
As you may know, there is a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Palo Alto Unified School District and the Palo Alto Police Department, which prohibits the possession, use, or sale of alcohol, drugs or look-alikes to/by any student or even being in a location where drugs or alcohol are being served or provided. Specifically, the following provisions in the MOU cover the prom; any official school function and travel to and from official school functions.
It is important that parents, guardians, and students be aware of the fact that these rules apply even though the event is not on school property. Parties, which take place before or after the prom, particularly in close proximity to where the event is scheduled, fall within this category. We do not condone students renting rooms without adult supervision or arranging post-prom parties where alcohol could be consumed. Because of our concern about these issues, students must use school-sponsored transportation to and from Prom. This year, ALL participants in Prom will be provided with Charter Bus transportation to and from the prom location. Consequences for inappropriate behavior at the prom may include school suspension, full disciplinary hearing, social probation from remaining school activities (including dances, senior picnic, and graduation), community service, and counseling.
First and foremost, we are concerned about the physical and emotional safety of ALL OUR students. We strongly encourage you to plan activities that are safe and which will ensure that this will be a positive and memorable experience for all of you. This is a special event particularly for our graduating seniors and I know it will be—fun and safe. On a personal note I cannot wait to see all the students in their finest duds and thank you again for your continued support of the Gunn community.
Sincerely,
Katya Villalobos Principal

Sports Update

2011-03-13T20:36:00.000-07:00

Submitted by Miriam Rotman

Clash of the Titans - Students Beat Staff 36-20
“They might have won on the scoreboard, “ said Gunn Dean James Lubbe, “but I’m not convinced they’re the better team. They made some lucky shots that went their way this year.” A disappointed but determined Lubbe was referring to the students miraculous shooting from the outside that spelled the difference in their 36-20 win over the staff in “Clash of the Titans” this Friday at lunch.
Thanks to the three point shooting of Krishan Allen, Josh Jackson and the unbelievable Ori Herschmann, who was making his first athletic appearance since blowing out his knee in warm-ups at the first football game of the year, the students were too much for the staff.
“We’re definitely getting older and slower,” said Gunn’s Staff Coach Tom Jacoubowsky. “We tried to go big, we tried to go slow, but in the end of the day, we just went old. But we’ll get 'em next year.”
Thankfully for the staff, Dave Deggeller, Rajeev Virmani, Chris Karas, Seth Elliot and a special appearance by Kevin Skelly, (outside assistance...) the score was close as the staff cut a 17-6 halftime deficit to 20-16 late in the third, but the students broke it open with a 16-4 run that featured Herschmann’s three pointer off the glass with two minutes left to put in the final dagger to the staff.
Watch out Juniors - the staff wants payback!
______________________________________________________________________________________

The sun is shining (sometimes) and the spring sports are in full swing...

Track and Field -

The Track team was in San Rafael this weekend participating in the "twilight relays". This is a huge meet bringing together over 30 Bay Area High Schools and over 500 athletes participating. The Gunn relay teams all met their goals and the Girls long-distance relay team (1200m-400m-800m-1600m) won their event!!
The next home meet will be 3/24/2011 facing Lynbrook starting at 3:30

Lacrosse-
The Gunn Boy's lacrosse team made the first strike scoring on a pass from Anatole Colevas to Marcus Cassidy. The St. Francis team answered with 2 goals in the 1st quarter and 3 in the 2nd quarter. Goalie Brent Paulson recorded 7 saves in the first half to keep Gunn in range.
The second half was a different story. The Gunn defense held St. Francis scoreless for the entire half. Down 1-5 at the half, the Gunn team played with more determination. The momentum shifted Gunn's way and Marcus Cassidy scored a second goal in the 3rd quarter. The St. Francis players started to play more aggressively and got called for a number of penalties putting Gunn in "man-up" situations. The 4th quarter got off to a good start. An early goal by Ethan Katznelson was followed just 18 seconds later with a score by Jackson Gardner who caught a pass from Michael Rundell and was able to make a quick turn and got the ball in the net. A determined Ryan Griffiths tied the game at 5-5. He was bringing the ball in on possession and just ran straight to the goal and took a shot. The eventual game-winner was scored by Spencer Keenan with 6:38 left to play. It was a defensive battle to keep St. Francis from scoring. After much back and forth play, St. Francis had possession in the last moments and was working the ball around for a shot as time ran out. Gunn defeated St. Francis 6-5 in their first win of the season. Their record is 1-1 in league play.
The next home game is 3/23/2011 when Gunn will play Los Altos 7:00 PM
Gunn Girl's JV lacrosse team are also doing very well beating Santa Catalina 11-0 in their second game. Eight different girls scored at least one goal each, which is incredibly remarkable for the game of lacrosse, not to mention that five of the eight girls are completely new to the sport and first picked up a lacrosse stick less than a month ago.
The goal breakdown goes as follows: Ahran Cho- 1, Sarah Varghese - 1, Sayaka Yamamoto - 2, Amy Creasey - 1, Zoe Gallagher - 2, Elle So - 1, Hanna Ribbe - 2, Maddy Atmore - 1.

An honorable mention to those girls helping out on offense, as well as the valuable girls on low defense:
Offense: Alex Allen, Rose Hinson, Valeriya Imesheva, Avni Gupta
Defense: Erika Cagampan, Haley King, Noa Shadmon, Marian Avila, Karine McCulloch

And a great job done by first time goalie Ellen Lee.

With this new win, the girls are now 2-0 in their lacrosse season, beating Lick Wilmerding last week 6 - 4. We look forward to the upcoming game with Paly (3/15) at Paly.

Tennis -
In the first match of the season the Gunn team played very well in a non-league match against a good SHP team with a lot of great three set matches. Gunn defeated Sacred Heart prep 5-2.
#1 double (Kevin Macario / Jack Kwan) (G) pulled out a great win to win a tiebreaker in the dark! This was one of our longest team matches ending at 6:30.
In the following game Gunn lost in a close match to Los Altos 4 - Gunn 3.

To avenge that defeat Gunn came out fighting and beat Paly 6-1this Thursday with an outstanding performance.
#1 Austin Leung (PA ) def Clifton Wolak (G) 6-2, 2-6, 7-6
#2 Jinyan Jiang (G) def Blake Smith (PA) 6-3, 6-2
#3 Adam Zorin (G) 6-3, 7-5 def Bar Shavit (PA)
#4 Roy Peleg (G) 6-0, 6-1def Chirag Krista (PA)
#1Doubles Kevin Macario / Jack Kwan (G) 2-6, 6-1, 6-0
#2D Joe Atlas / Ameya Rao (G) 7-5 2-6 7-6
#3D Arjun Narayen / Nabil Hamade (G) 6-2 1-6 6-2

Next Home meet Los Gatos at Gunn 3/22 starting at 3:30 PM.

Softball -

The Gunn girls’ softball team won a non-league 7-2 victory over Castilleja on Thursday at Gunn. The Titans scored early in the first when Claire Klausner got a base hit, advanced on a sacrifice bunt by Laura Kidder, and stole two bases including home. The Titans added to their lead with two more runs in the fifth, on a single by senior Nicole Grimwood followed by a double by junior Claire Collins, who reached home on a single by freshman Camille Steger. The Titans scored four more runs in the sixth on base hits by sophomore Laura Tao and junior Taylor Aguon, a double by sophomore Casey Maltz, and an inside the park home run by Grimwood. Sophomore pitcher Klausner had an impressive first outing, rejoining the team after a stellar BB season, with 14 strikeouts.

Gunn 100 024 7 3 1
Castilleja 000 002 0 2 4 2

Claire Klausner (WP 1-0) 14K; Aryana Lee (LP 0-1)

The Gunn girls’ softball team won their next game too, a non-league 3-1 victory over Mountain View (De Anza Division) on Friday at Gunn. The Spartans scored early in the first on a walk, and an error. The Titans answered with a run early in the bottom of the first when Laura Kidder got on base with a single, advanced on a sacrifice bunt by Casey Maltz, and stole two bases including home.

The Titans held Mountain View scoreless the rest of the game. Gunn went into the lead at the bottom of the sixth with two more runs, started off by single by Maltz, who scored on a stolen base and an error by the Spartans. Taylor Aguon scored the 3rd run after reaching base on a fielder’s choice, a stolen base, and another error by the Spartans. Pitcher Claire Klausner (So)
contributed to the win holding the Spartans to 2 hits, with 10 strike outs.

Claire Klausner (WP 2-0) 10K; Tiffany Wooten (LP)
1B, 1B – N. Grimwood (G)

Records: Gunn 2-5;

Next home games -
Friday 3/18 playing Monta Vista 4:00 PM
Wednesday 3/23 playing Saratoga 4:00 PM

Baseball

Gunn returned home, following a three game road trip and got their bats warmed up, pounding out 14 hits against the visiting Capuchino Mustangs, whose record fell to 2-6. Five different Titans had multi hit games.

Improving on recent performances, the Titan pitching staff gave up only 1 run on 8 hits. Junior right hander Ryan Gorman started and went 3 scoreless innings. Senior right hander Miles Sturken relieved in the top of the 4th, and went the rest of the way, picking up his first win of the season (no losses). Sophomore Ben Sampson (catcher) started his first varsity game, managing the pitchers ably from behind the dish.
On offense, the Titans found the throttle, pounding out 3 doubles and 2 triples, upping the team average to .336 for the season. Senior Matt Mertz led the charge, going 3 for 4, with 1 RBI and a run scored. Junior Jake Verhulp continued his hot streak, going 2 for 4, including a triple, 1 RBI, and scoring. Senior Jack Hannan also stayed hot, going 2 for 4, with a double, 1 RBI, and scoring once.

Gunn record - 2-2-1

Next home games -

03/24/11	Thursday	Santa Clara	Gunn	3:30p.m.
03/26/11	Saturday	The Kings Academy	Gunn	2:00p.m.
03/29/11	Tuesday	Monta Vista	Gunn	3:30p.m.

SELPA 1 CAC parent education event

2011-03-13T19:53:00.000-07:00

Submitted by Karen Mueller

Improving Your Child’s Social Skills: From Childhood to Adulthood - Social Skills Therapy encompasses a variety of skills including engaging with others, using language to make connections, understanding perspective of others and acting accordingly, etc. However, to build social intelligence families must have a systematic approach to enable daily practice in order to see changes in the way children play with their peers, organize their lives and exercise their imagination on the playground and in their school work. Please join us in exploring what a “systematic approach” to daily practice looks like with The Talking Playhouse founder, Jenn Bulka. Jenn has been working in the field since 1979 and is a nut for neuroscience and how to change the brain; she has a fresh perspective on what it really takes to make social skills become a habit. The first hour will be about choosing the right path for your young child and developing a plan with “best practices.” The second hour will address late-phase social skills from middle school through adulthood and how the brain continues to develop successful social skills strategies.

Wednesday, Apr 27, 2011 - meeting is 9 to 11 am. Hospitality begins at 8:45am. Covington Elementary School Multi, 205 Covington Rd, Los Altos, 94024.

This parent education event is sponsored by the SELPA 1 CAC www.selpa1cac.org All of our events are free and open to anyone who feels they might benefit. No registration is necessary.

2011-2013 Gunn HS Site Council Parent Representatives

2011-03-13T19:38:00.000-07:00

Submitted by Renee Hart

MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD!
VOTE TODAY
For Your 2011-2013 Gunn HS Site Council Parent Representatives
We are pleased to present the following slate of parent-candidates for the 2011-2012 Site Council. Each year, two of the four parent representatives serving on Site Council come up for re-election. According to Site Council bylaws, incumbent representatives can only serve two consecutive terms (four years). This year, Linda Lingg is up for re-election and Mike Needels will retire his seat, following four years of distinguished service to Gunn’s Site Council. Thanks to Linda Lingg and Mike Needels who have graciously offered their services to our community.
Please vote for TWO (2) candidates and either fax, mail or email it to the Site Council office here at Gunn by the Tuesday, April 5 deadline. Please email your E-ballot to: rhart@pausd.org. Please include your Gunn student's name and grade on your e-ballot. NOTE: YOU MUST HAVE A STUDENT ATTENDING GUNN THIS YEAR TO VOTE. ONLY ONE BALLOT PER HOUSEHOLD ACCEPTED. The ballot must be in the office by April 5.
If you have any questions about the election process or the Site Council, please call the office (650.849.7932) or email to the address given above. Election results will be announced in next month’s on the Gunn Connection. VOTE NOW!!!

 BECKY THOMAS, Parent of Madison Thomas (9th grade) and Dylan Thomas an incoming Freshman from Terman
I would like to offer my experience and serve on the Gunn Site Council next year. I have worked in the classroom, driven on field trips, and helped at social events for many years. Our family is committed to supporting the community and schools in various charitable ways. I believe that it takes all viewpoints to understand the impact of decisions in our schools. I want to continue to serve and offer the value of my experience.
I am currently a Terman Site Council parent representative. I was Terman Middle School's PTA President 2009-2010. I was Barron Park Elementary School's PTA President 2006-2007 and 2007-2008. I was Livsey Elementary School's PTA President 2004-2005 (in Atlanta, GA). I've held other various PTA officer positions. I volunteer at Lucile Packard Children's Hospital. I volunteer as a Barron Park Donkey Handler.

 GEOFF BUTNER, Parent of Torey (10th grade)
I am interested in joining the Gunn Site Council for the upcoming 2 year term. I have a daughter, Torey Butner, that is currently a Sophomore at Gunn. I am a very active and involved parent as I am in my second year on Site Council at JLS working closely with Sharon Ofek and prior to that was on Site Council at Palo Verde Elementary School during the transition from Eric Goddard to Lupe Garcia. I have also been a member of the PTA since my kids entered the Palo Alto School system. I have 5 children, of which Torey is the oldest with my youngest currently in Kindergarten. I have a background in finance and am currently employed by Square 1 Bank where I run a portion of the credit and risk management groups making daily decisions on providing capital to venture capital start ups.

 AZEEZ CHOLLAMPAT, Parent of Nabeel (9th grade) and Nilofer (12th grade) I am Program Manager at Qualcomm for WLAN Chipsets, managing a team for the WLAN group in Qualcomm to build silicon and systems that goes into hand-held devices. Previously I was running my own corporations, N Square Corporation and Tea-Time. I had ample experience in running a large team and making strategic decisions in group settings. I also have financial management experience through this company and in the current position. I am currently pursuing the Stanford Advanced Project Management Certification. I have attended and graduated "Leadership Santa Clara 2007," sponsored by the City of Santa Clara in 2007 for 6 months. I am the current Treasurer of MANCA (Malayalee Association of Northern California, an Indian community association).

 SHANTHI KARAMCHETI, Parent of Siddharth Karamcheti (9th grade)
I am interested in applying for the site council representative position. As a mother to a freshmen student, I have been searching for opportunities to get involved in the school and I find that this may be an area where I can use my experience and expertise to benefit the school while also getting to learn more about my child's school. I think I can be of benefit to this committee. In particular, my volunteer experience in my son's past school (where my daughters continue to be at present) as a Strategic Vision Committee member will be very useful. As a member of the Programs Committee, I was responsible for proposing various programs to benefit the school. Some of the programs that I am responsible for include: Middle School Initiative, Psychosocial Program (hiring of a full time school counselor to work with teachers/students and parents), Mandarin in the classrooms, a state of the art Media Center, School intramural program as well as Project Based Learning in the classrooms. As a member of the committee, it was not enough for us to just propose these programs, but to also research the feasibility of these programs. Many of these programs have been currently implemented as well.

Currently, I am a program manager with Edgewood Center for Children and Families. I manage the Differential Repose Program which is a division of Human Services Agency/Child Protective Services (CPS), child abuse and neglect unit in San Mateo. I am also a privately practicing psychotherapist. As a therapist and social worker, I have innumerable years of experience working in and within the educational system. I understand families, children and systems very well. I look forward to hearing from the committee.

 LINDA LINGG, Parent of Chris Bennett (10th grade) and Joe Bennett (12th grade)
My name is Linda Lingg and I am running for re-election to a Parent Representative seat on the Gunn Site Council where my sons, Joe Bennett (Grade 12) and Chris Bennett (Grade 10) are students. Currently, I serve as the Chair for the Parent Reps and as Site Council-PTSA Liaison. Previously at Gunn, I have been PTSA Historian and participated in the Assessment Focus Group of Gunn’s accreditation process with the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
I am committed to helping all of our children receive the best education we can give them taking into account their unique gifts, talents, interests, learning styles, maturity levels and post-secondary goals. Through Site Council, I continue to push for self-examination and open discussion of all aspects of Gunn’s culture, academics and administration and to keep communication with the school district and school board transparent and active.
In the past, I have had the honor to serve on Site Council at Barron Park Elementary School for one year and at Terman Middle School for four years with three as the Chair. Other relevant volunteer experiences include five PAUSD district committees, PTA executive board positions at Barron Park and Terman Middle schools, Barron Park Elementary representative on the All School’s Fund board (pre-PiE), and creation of a mentoring program for middle school girls interested in science and engineering in conjunction with St. Elizabeth Seton School and the AAUW.

 MONICA MALAMUD, Parent of Kevin Makowski (8th grade) and Nico Makowski (10th grade)
While my sons were at Escondido, I volunteered weekly in their classrooms and I was a member of the Site Council for two terms (2002-2006). At Jordan, I was the alternate representative to the Superintendent’s AAAG (Attendance Area Advisory Group) in 2006 and I was a member of the Site Council in 2008-2010, serving as co-chair in the last year. I served as president of SIPAPA in 2002-2003 and 2004-2005.
I have always worked in education. I have taught Computer Science courses and Spanish at different universities in Argentina, Michigan, Massachusetts and the Bay Area. Since 2000, I have been teaching Spanish full-time at a community college. In my current position, in addition to my primary role as an educator, I have occupied a number of leadership positions: Academic Senate Governing Council (7 years so far, currently Secretary), College Council (5 years, including two years as chair), Planning and Budget (4 years), Strategic Planning and Educational Master Plan Steering Committees (3 years), Faculty Union Executive Committee (6 years so far, currently in 3rd year as President). In addition to teaching college level full-time, I worked as a substitute teacher in PAUSD (I substituted from Kinder to high school).
In summary, my experience in education includes teaching kindergarten through college as well as representing parents and colleagues in governance and decision-making bodies. I am used to considering multiple points of view, competing interests and finite resources, and working together to accomplish successful outcomes. If I have the opportunity to serve on the Site Council, I believe that my broad experience in education and leadership roles will allow me to make a valuable contribution to Gunn’s community.

 PREETI SHRIKHANDE, Parent of Aditya Srinivasan (9th grade)
Personal Background:
I have 2 sons. The older one graduated from Gunn last year and the younger one is a freshman this year. All these years I volunteered in various activities in the schools as room mom, math Olympiad teacher, science teacher helper and various single day activities like field trips, international festivals, etc. but was never able to take on a significant role due to my work and other commitments. I was always in awe of other parents who took up significant roles in the PTA and other critical organizations and provided so much support and help for our students. Now I have taken a few years off from work so am very keen on taking on a larger commitment to the school our community.
Technical Background:
I have graduate degrees in Computer Science and Statistics and I have worked in software organizations for over 25 years.For the last 7 years I have worked as an Operational Excellence Specialist. In that role I had to identify and seek improvements to processes, products and people for large cross functional teams in companies like eBay, Paypal & Sun. Every day I was involved with a large variety of decisions from basic to executive level. All these decisions had to be coordinated and evaluated with data and opinions from several groups & people and had to be done in a very collaborative manner.

BALLOT FOR 2011-2013 SITE COUNCIL PARENT REPRESENTATIVES
Vote for 2 candidates either on paper or electronically
NO LATER THAN APRIL 1.
Voters must have a student now at Gunn.
One ballot per household, please.

BECKY THOMAS
GEOFF BUTNER
LINDA LINGG
AZEEZ CHOLLAMPAT
MONICA MALAMUD
SHANTHI KARAMCHETI
PREETI SHRIKHANDE

Your Gunn Student’s

Name:_________________________________ Grade:_________

Mail to Gunn HS Site Council:
780 Arastradero Road, Palo Alto, CA 94306
Fax to Gunn HS Site Council : 650.493.7801
Or Email to: Renee Hart

2011 Winter Sports Award Winners

2011-03-09T16:23:00.000-08:00

Submitted by Miriam Rotman

Winter Sports Award Winners:

JV Girls’ Basketball
Coach Mike Ferolino 5-7 in SCVAL (3rd), 9-11 overall record
Most Valuable: Sarah Longyear; Coach's Award: Katherine Berry

Varsity Girls’ Basketball
Coach Sarah Stapp 9-3 in SCVAL (2nd), 19-7 overall, 2nd in CCS
Most Valuable: Catherine Perez; Most Improved: Julia Maggioncalda
Most Improved: Emily Redfield

Frosh Boys’ Basketball
Coach Tom Brosnan 9-7 overall record
Most Valuable: Eli Dawson; Coach's Award: Michael Hwang

Frosh-Soph Boys’ Basketball
Coach DK Kobza 6-6 in SCVAL (4th place), 11-12 overall record
Most Valuable: Sean Barry; Coach's Award: Thorbjorn Lindgren

Varsity Boys’ Basketball
Coach Chris Redfield 7-5 in SCVAL (4th place), 15-10 overall record, CCS Elite-8
Most Valuable: Jack Hannan; Most Improved: Eamon Barkhordarian
Coach’s Award: Eddie Zhou

JV Girls’ Soccer
Coach Laura Adams 1-7-4 in SCVAL (6th), 3-7-5 overall
Most Valuable: Adriana Norohna; Coaches Award: Jenna Melville

Varsity Girls’ Soccer
Coach Damian Cohen 4-5-3 in SCVAL (5th), 10-7-5 overall record, CCS Elite-8
Most Valuable: Holly McKenna ;Most Improved: Jesse Klein
Coach's Award: Alyssa Perreault

Frosh-Soph Boys’ Soccer
Coach Peter Holland 6-4-2 in SCVAL (3rd), 10-5-2 overall record
Most Valuable: Conner Dang; Coach’s Award: Justin MacMillan

Varsity Boys’ Soccer
Coach Dave Lovercheck 3-6-3 in SCVAL (5th), 4-10-5 overall record
Most Valuable: Paul Blanchette
Most Improved: Kevin Wachs; Coach’s Award: Andrew Wohl

JV Spirit
Coach Nellie Gagloeva
Most Valuable: Amanda Xia; Most Improved: Mikeala Klein

Varsity Spirit
Coach Dan Callanta
Most Spirited: Vanessa Xia; Most improved: Tasuku Hirakawa; Most Valuable: Emily Levine; Most Valuable: Tierney Deggelman

JV Wrestling
Coach Braumon Creighton
6-0 in SCVAL (1st), 3 JV league champions
Most Valuable: Stephen Martin
Most Improved: Sean Lydster

Varsity Wrestling
Coach Chris Horpel
6-0 in SCVAL (1st), 8-1 overall record, 24th in CCS
Most Valuable: Stefan Weidemann (CCS champion and 13th in State)
Most Improved: Julian Calderon
Coach’s Award: Chris Jin

Adolescent Counseling Services - UPCOMING EVENTS AND RESOURCES

2011-03-08T08:07:00.001-08:00

Submitted by Roni J. Gillenson, LMFT Program Director, On Campus Counseling

Adolescent Counseling Services
UPCOMING EVENTS AND RESOURCES

Adolescent Counseling Services | 4000 Middlefield Road, Suite FH | Palo Alto, CA 94303 | 650.424.0852 | www.acs-teens.org

Protecting Mental Health In A Hectic World
Author Julie K. Hersh will lead a discussion about mental health at this upcoming event, sponsored by Adolescent Counseling Services. She will also be available to sign copies of her new book, Struck by Living, which has been featured on blogs such as Psychology Today and Menninger. To learn more about Julie, visit her webiste: www.struckbyliving.com

Date: Friday, April 1, 2011
Time: 10:00am
Location: La Entrada Middle School, MUR (Multi-Use Room)

Breaking the Stigma: Teen Stress
Mark your calendars for Adolescent Counseling Services’ next forum, entitled “Breaking the Stigma: Teen Stress.” This educational event will be free and open to the public, featuring commentary from a panel of local mental health experts. More details to follow! Visit www.acs-teens.org to get the latest information.

Date: Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Time: 7:00pm to 8:30pm
Location: Cubberley Community Center, Room H1, 4000 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto

Teen Talk - an ACS blog
Be sure to check out Teen Talk, Adolescent Counseling Services’ informative blog for parents, featuring a new look and convenient drop down menus for archived articles. Visit Teen Talk at
http://acsteens.wordpress.com

Spring Sounds
Saturday, May 14, 2011
6:00 - 11:00 PM
Pacific Athletic Club
For more info or to purchase tickets, please visit www.springsoundsevent.org

Sports Update

2011-02-27T11:41:00.000-08:00

Submitted by Miriam Rotman

Winter Sports

Wrestling - Stephan Weidemann (Sr) finished in first place at the CCS championships with 3 pins on the way to a triumphant 5-0 win against Sam Watson (St. Francis). Next up for Stephan - state Championships in 2 weeks - good luck! Julian Calderon (Jr) finished 9th.
Also - Cadence Lee (Fr) represented Gunn well at the Girl's State Championships. Cadence entered unranked and finished in 7th place (state...).

Girls Soccer - Missing a key player (Alyssa Perrault- who scored the winning goal in the CCS first round), the girls put up a valiant fight against a bigger, tougher, St Francis squad (seeded 1st). At half-time as a result of great defensive work the game was 0-0 and St. Francis was starting to look anxious.
In the second half under a offensive onslaught by St. Francis, they finally scored. Molly Barnes (Sr. goalie) made sure by her great work in goal that no more goals were scored. Although Gunn had their chances to score, they failed to convert, resulting in a 1-0 win for St. Francis. It was a very well played game with excellent work in the mid-field and back line. Congratulations Coach Damian and his Lady Titans on a great season.

Girls Basketball - Won their quarterfinal game. Gunn 50 - San Benito 26.

Spring Sports

Softball -
The Lady Titans dropped their season opener 2-1 to San Jose's Evergreen Valley. Casey Maltz pitched well in the loss, giving up just 4 hits and no earned runs. Laura Tao led the offense with two hits and scored the lone Titan run. Claire Collins and Taylor Aguon provided the defensive highlight, combining for a double play.

Baseball - Won the season opener against Cupertino. Gunn jumped to a 7-2 lead with timely hitting and great pitching. The Cupertino squad fought back but the game ended 7-5 in Gunn's favor.

Track & Field - Open the season with a meet at Aragon HS (San Mateo).

PALO ALTO CHAMBER ORCHESTRA’s 45th ANNIVERSARY CONCERT

2011-02-25T10:17:00.000-08:00

Submitted by Kim Nguyen

PALO ALTO CHAMBER ORCHESTRA’s 45th ANNIVERSARY CONCERT
March 27th Concert to benefit the Music in the Schools Foundation
Featuring the South American folkloric group Trio Chaskinakuy
Benjamin Simon, Music Director

The award-winning Palo Alto Chamber Orchestra will celebrate its 45th Anniversary with a very special concert to benefit the Music in the Schools Foundation, a local non-profit organization dedicated to making music education classes available to students in the Ravenswood School District. Under the direction of PACO music director, Benjamin Simon, the program will feature a giant-size string orchestra performing Bach's magnificent Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 in G Major. The program will also feature the South American folkloric group Trio Chaskinakuy, performing several songs with the Senior PACO orchestra. The concert will take place on Sunday, March 27 at 3:00 p.m. at Costaño Elementary School, 2695 Fordham Street, East Palo Alto. Ticket prices are $25 for adults and free for children. For more information, please call 650-856-3848

SINFONIA OF THE PALO ALTO CHAMBER ORCHESTRATO PERFORM

2011-02-25T10:15:00.000-08:00

Submitted by Kim Nguyen

SINFONIA OF THE PALO ALTO CHAMBER ORCHESTRATO PERFORM
March 20th Concert to present renowned composers from around the world
Michel Taddei, Guest Conductor

Under the direction of PACO guest conductor Michel Taddei, PACO's Sinfonia Orchestra will present a program of renowned composers from around the world. The program will open with the energetic and joyful third Brandenburg Concerto of Johann Sebastian Bach, followed by chamber works of Franz Schubert, Ludwig van Beethoven, and Dmitri Shostakovich. With the sultry rhythms of Argentina perfectly conveyed through string orchestra timbres, a set of contemporary tangos by Benedict Brydern will be performed to take us to a different part of the globe. The last and principal work on the concert will be the Novellettes, opus 58, by Niels Wilhelm Gade. The concert will take place on Sunday, March 20, at 3:00PM at the Cubberley Theater in Palo Alto. Admission is free. For more information, call 650-856-3848

PALO ALTO CHAMBER ORCHESTRA’s 45th SEASON

2011-02-25T10:10:00.000-08:00

Submitted by Kim Nguyen

PALO ALTO CHAMBER ORCHESTRA’s 45th SEASON
THIRD CONCERT March 19th
Concert to feature Stanford faculty violinist Debra Fong
Music Director, Benjamin Simon

PACO's third subscription concert of our 2010-11 season features one of the Peninsula's most accomplished professionals, Stanford faculty violinist Debra Fong. She will perform Vivaldi’s Ever-green Spring from The Four Seasons as well as the charming, seldom-heard Violin Concerto by Fritz Kreisler, one of the great violin virtuosi of the 20th century. The orchestra will also perform Osvaldo Golijov’s Last Rounds for String Orchestra, a sizzling, tango-inspired work that might have you dancing in the aisles. The concert will take place on Saturday, March 19, 2011 at 8:00 p.m. at the Eagle Theater of Los Altos High School, 201 Almond Ave, Los Altos. Ticket prices are $15 general, $10 senior and $5 student. For more information, please call 650-856-3848

SELPA 1 CAC March Parent Education Event

2011-02-15T10:59:00.001-08:00

Submitted by Karen Mueller

Health Insurance - Presented by Michelle Droz, Vice President of Benefits, Woodruff Sawyer and Co, San Francisco. Would you like to learn more about various health insurance plans, both through private employers and purchased independently? Which of them approve (or deny) coverage for chronic conditions that affect many of our children? How do those various plans cover traditional, alternative, and experimental medical treatment? How should parents work with their health care and insurance providers to achieve best outcomes, both medically and financially? How will the recent Health Care reform affect your family – ask the expert!

Wednesday, Mar 16, 2011 - meeting is 7 to 9 pm. Hospitality begins at 6:45pm. Springer Elementary School Multi, 1120 Rose Avenue, Mountain View, 94040.
This parent education event is sponsored by the SELPA 1 CAC (www.selpa1cac.org) All of our events are free and open to anyone who feels they might benefit. No registration is necessary.

Debut of the Palo Alto Chamber Orchestra Season Second Concert

2011-02-15T10:52:00.000-08:00

Submitted by Kim Nguyen

Debut of the Palo Alto Chamber Orchestra Season Second Concert,

Sunday February 27 at 3:00pm
at Cubberley Theater, Palo Alto

Under the direction of guest conductor Eugene Sor, PACO's Debut Orchestra continues its 2010-2011 season with a concert at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 27 at the Cubberley Theater in Palo Alto. Gunn 9th grade violinist, Iris Chen, will be one of the nineteen musicians on stage. The talented young group will perform Johann Sebastian Bach's Brandenburg Concerto No. 3, a familiar favorite to music lovers throughout the world. Also on the program is Gustav Holst's charming St. Paul's Suite, written in 1913 in dedication to the school where Holst taught for much of his life. Rounding out the program will be movements form two popular string quartets by composers who mastered the quartet genre: Mozart's Hunt Quartet, K. 458 and Beethoven's "Serioso" quartet, opus 95.

Admission is free.

For more information, call 650-856-3848 or visit http://www.pacomusic.org/.

A Message From The Principal

2011-02-15T10:43:00.000-08:00

Dear Parents/Guardians,

Wow, it is difficult to believe but we are already in week three of second semester. As winter begins to end, Gunn activities--academic, co-curricular and extra--curricular are humming along. We have officially begun Registration Season by welcoming the class of 2015. The Guidance and Administrative Staff have finished our "Gunn 101" presentations, culminating in our Academic Open House on February 1.

Over the next two weeks you and your student(s) will be receiving registration information. The 2011-2012 Gunn Course Catalog is now available on-line. Please take the time to read and review--it includes a lot of handy information from course descriptions, homework estimates, and the Advanced Placement Application---here is the link: http://gunn.pausd.org/registration/catalog/gunncatalog1112.html

This is also the time of year that we want to hear from you. Below is the Parent/Guardian Input Request. I encourage you to send input to the teachers;

Parent/Guardian Input—2010-2011

Each year at this time, parents and students are asked to provide input on teacher(s). We urge you to respond to this request because it is one of several important sources of information that help teachers and their supervisors improve instruction. Students will be asked to complete input forms in their classes. Parents are required to sign their input, while student input is anonymous.

Please remember that a teacher’s assigned supervisors are the sole evaluators (administrator) of teacher performance and that this input process is not an appropriate or effective means to present complaints. If you have a specific problem or concern about a teacher and you have not been able to resolve it, please contact their Instructional supervisor and/or administrator.

Your completed form goes directly to the teacher and is not seen by anyone else unless the teacher chooses to share it. Return each form to (Name of Teacher), Gunn High School, 780 Arastradero Road, Palo Alto, CA 94306. You may also give your input to the teacher directly by email.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Dear ___________________________________________________________
(Teacher’s name)

Student’s grade level : 9 10 11 12

Period: A B C D E F G

Appropriate, timely and effective communication with student and 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 affect academic performance:

Other comments (attach additional sheet if necessary):

Signature of parent/guardian (required):______________________________________________

Thank you and sincerely,

Katya Villalobos
Principal
Henry M. Gunn High School
780 Arastradero Road
Palo Alto, CA 94306
650-354-8200
650-493-7801 (FAX)

Sports Updates

2011-02-07T15:34:00.000-08:00

Wrestling
The Gunn Titans came into Thursday’s meet with a 4-0 dual meet record in the SCVAL as did the Fremont Firebirds. Something had to give…and tonight it was Fremont. Both teams won seven matches, so it was the major decisions, tech falls and pins that made the difference for Gunn in their 36-33 win.

This was also "Senior Night" for the six seniors on the Titan squad. It was the last time Stefan Weidemann , undefeated (ranked #1 in CCS and 4 in state) competed in front of his home crowd. Weidemann won by a tech fall, heading into the CCS Championships with a 17 win no losses record. Although the Titans still have one dual remaining next Thursday, it is against a small Harker Academy squad, so Thursday's meet was essentially for the championship. This marks the first league title for Gunn wrestling in six years.

Additional highlights - Cadence Lee, a Titan freshman, won her weight class at the CCS championships , pinning all her opponents and beating the top-ranked girl in the semi finals. Cadence will be representing Gunn at the State meet and we wish her good luck!

For the wrestling fans of Gunn - the SCVAL championships will be held at Wilcox HS on 2/12/2011, and the CCS Championships will be held at Independence HS (San Jose) on Feb. 25-26. We wish all the wrestlers - good luck!

Boys Basketball
After 2 tough losses to Cupertino and Paly, the Titans faced a tough game against a determined Los Altos squad. For the Titans who hope to stay in the De Anza Division race “Losing was not an option,” said Gunn Boys’ basketball player, Taylor Perricone. Thanks to Perricone, who led all scorers with 21 points, the Titans pulled out what looked like would have been an improbable win as they rallied from 31-14 down to win the game. Perricone was a huge part of it as he scored 17 second half points, including four three pointers. “We played great defense in the second half,” said Perricone. “I got into a zone and so did Anthony Cannon and we made it happen.” The comeback was the biggest deficit that Gunn has overcome in at least 10 years and was a critical win for the Titans. After Gunn’s 50-47 win Perricone said “We were going to do whatever it takes to pull this game out.”

The Titans will be hosting PALY for the last home game of the season this Friday 2/11 at 7:45. Please come and cheer them on.

Girls Basketball
After 2 unexpected losses to PALY and Mountain View, Gunn (15-4, 7-2 SCVAL) stayed in the Santa Clara De Anza Division race, but can’t afford any more stumbles the rest of the way.

Gunn guard Claire Klausner is all of 5 feet, 6 inches but the sophomore rebounded like she was at least 6-feet tall in the Titans’ 48-34 victory over Monta Vista-Cupertino. Klausner had 11 boards, most of them on the offensive end. We have goals every game for rebounds, steals and assists,” said Klausner, who had six points. “Everyone rebounded. I made it my one goal to rebound.”

With contributions from Zoe Zwerling 13 points, Cat Perez 15 points, J. Magg 5 points adding to Claire Klausner's 16 points Gunn defeated Mountain View 48-34. “We came out with a lot more energy this time,” Gunn coach Sarah Stapp said. “Everyone contributed.”

The Lady Titans will host the last home game of the season this Friday 2/11 at 6:00 PM against PALY.

Soccer
Friday night was an exciting game for the Gunn Titan Girls Soccer Team as the Titans were pumped up and ready to play the Vikings on Paly's home turf. The fans came out in full force to cheer the squad including senior Melissa Sun who was able to join the team on the sideline while recovering from recent ACL surgery.

Gunn dominated the second half, producing a promising scoring chance less than two minutes in, as freshman forward Sarah Robinson, who missed the first game, was denied by Paly goalie Alex Kershner. The Duke-bound keeper was tested often over the final 40 minutes. The game-winning goal came in the second half. In the 68th minute, feisty freshman Sarah Robinson ran down a long pass on the left wing and turned toward the goal.. Senior Holly McKenna finished things up, popping the ball past the Viking keeper. “Freshman to senior...there is symbolism in that” Cohen said after the game. “I am just happy for the girls and being a part of changing the long-standing history.”

Coach Damian Cohen was thrilled with the team play. “The girls were tenacious and passionate and played good soccer” Cohen commented. “They were in hard on every tackle, moved off the ball and had great team shape.” Titan keeper senior Molly Butera kept calm and snapped up every Viking shot.

“They know this made our season because it’s a rivalry within the town,” Gunn coach Damian Cohen said. “Palo Alto has had the upper hand, at least in soccer, as long as I can remember. … And I think it meant the world to them to win."

“They should be excited,” Ernesto Cruz (Paly's coach) said. “They haven’t beaten us for five years. And they did a tremendous job, and they deserved the win.” Next week the Lady Titans continue with league play meeting up with Los Gatos at Gunn on Wednesday night. The Senior Night celebration will include a pre-game ceremony celebrating the accomplishments of the squads eight graduating seniors, Molly Butera, Holly McKenna, Jesse Klein, Melissa Sun, Anna von Clemm, Bonnie Cardillo, Diana Wise, and Lisa Jackson. Game Time 6 p.m.

Highlights
Wrestling - Gunn are undefeated in League winning all dual meets. Cadence Lee won the Girl' s CCS wrestling title for her weight class.

Soccer - The Lady Titans pulled off a stunning 1-0 upset of PALY on the Viking's home turf.

Senior night 2/9 playing Los Gatos.

Basketball - The Boys came back from a 31-14 deficit to beat a determined Los Altos 50-47.
Basketball senior night 2/11 for both girls and boys squads facing the tough PALY teams.

Updates on Arastradero Road from Palo Alto's Chief Transportation Official

2011-02-07T15:29:00.000-08:00

Quick Updates by intersection:

Clemo Dr Crosswalk
- handicap ramp work done
- flashing beacon system done but left off until the marked crosswalk goes in
- marked crosswalk should go in after the signal work in about two weeks

Hubbartt Drive Speed Signs
- when I left the field this afternoon they were finishing the one sign in the median facing westbound traffic towards the school and starting the second sign facing eastbound traffic towards Donald.
- both sign installations should be complete by Thursday
- we will need to do some tree trimming around the sign facing eastbound traffic next week
- striping work around island should go in after the signal work in about two weeks

Coulombe Traffic Signal
- handicap ramp construction work underway
- new pole should start going up next week
- construction estimated for completion end of next week but the left-turn movement will not be active for about one month while we finish procurement of video detection equipment. The operation after initial construction will be a permissive left turn as it was before the start of construction until then.
- Striping work for the crosswalks will happen immediately after the work at Clemo and Hubbart is done.

Restriping from El Camino Real to Alta Mesa
- Public Works Engineering was going to do this for us but they don't have any contingency funding left in their contract
- I have three bid requests out and should have a low-bid by Thursday. We'll work on getting the low-bidder on board quickly so they can do the restriping within three weeks.

Note from Arthur Keller: The restriping on the Westbound direction from El Camino Real to Alta Mesa is to lengthen the two-lane portion before it merges down to one lane, in order to allow for more stacking of cars. Currently, wiaitng cars fill up this area, leaving no room for Westbound traffic to cross El Camino Real at peak traffic times.

Sports Updates

2011-01-30T19:30:00.000-08:00

Wrestling
Last weekend select members of the Gunn varsity team competed in the very tough and prestigious wrestling competition "Mid-Cal invitational" held at Gilroy.

Senior Stefan Weidemann turned in a very impressive performance by winning his weight group, while beating highly ranked opponents from around the state. Weidemann is the first Gunn wrestler ever to win this prestigious event and has now amassed 15 wins and no losses. "I give a lot of credit to coach Creighton for getting Stefan strategically ready for his opponent in the finals," said head coach Chris Horpel.
Three Gunn wrestlers made it to the second day of this large 2 day 70-team tournament: Weidemann, Eric Cramer (sophomore) and Chris Jin (junior). Cramer came within one match of also bringing home a medal.

Gunn has three dual meets remaining (Lynbrook, Fremont, and Harker) before the SCVAL Championships. Gunn and Fremont look to be on track for a showdown for the league championship as both teams remain undefeated.
Next up: A home dual meet versus Fremont (Feb 3).

Basketball
Girls - Friday night was a battle as the 2 best teams in the league squared off. Both teams came into the game undefeated in De Anza League play and clearly appear to the be the class of the league. Palo Alto came into the match having lost 6 consecutive games to the Gunn Titans. Coach Sarah Stapp knew the showdown between the girls basketball teams would come down to turnovers and defense on Friday night. Stapp watched her Gunn squad turn the ball over too many times. The result was a 47-39 victory by the host Vikings over Gunn.
These are the next home games -

Girls	Boys
1/28 Lynbrook at Gunn 6:15	1/28 Lynbrook at Gunn 7:45
2/2 Mountain View at Gunn 7:00
2/4 Monta Vista at Gunn 6:15	2/4 Los Altos at Gunn 7:45
2/11 Paly at Gunn 6:15	2/11 Paly at Gunn 7:45

Boys - Going into the matchup at Palo Alto, the Gunn Boys' Basketball squad knew it would have to limit mistakes, take advantage of all of their opportunities and slow down Paly's athletic advantage. Unfortunately the Palo Alto squad used their athletic ability to blow open a close game on their way to a 66-51 win at Paly. Jack Hannan led all scorers with 16 points, Anthony Cannon scored 12, Taylor Perricone added 10 and Matt Redfield scored nine.

Soccer
Girls - The Lady Titans captured their first league win in a battle with the Homestead Mustangs. After the exciting 4-3 win over the Homestead Mustangs, coming back from a 2-3 deficit, the Lady Titans have suffered 2 consecutive losses (to Paly and Monta Vista) and a 1-1 tie with Sacred Heart. Although Gunn controlled much of that game, Sacred Heart Prep capitalized on one their few scoring opportunities. It took nearly twenty shots on goal, but Gunn finally found the equalizer when Alyssa Perreault played the ball to Sarah Robinson-- who had a nice chip finish. Gunn's overall record is 6-4-3.
The last home games of the season -
2/2 Homestead at Gunn 6:00
2/9 Monta Vista at Gunn 6:00
Boys - This season hasn't been kind so far this year to Gunn High School, but on Wednesday night they finally got the benefit of a break to defeat visiting Santa Clara 1-0. The key moment came four minutes into the second half when a Santa Clara player tried to clear the ball from his own box when it ricocheted off Sammy Hayward's leg and into the Santa Clara goal for the only goal of the game.

"We finally got a break," said Gunn Head Coach Dave Lovercheck after the game. "In the beginning of the season we weren't getting any breaks and now we're getting some." Gunn did have to sweat out the last couple of minutes of the game when Santa Clara almost scored off a corner kick when a loose ball was fired in by a Santa Clara player that Paul Blanchette blocked and then a return effort got behind Blanchette who had to reach behind his back to knock the ball away. Gunn's win over Santa Clara improved their league record to 1-2-2.
Gunn's fortunes began to change last week when a late goal by Mason Naar tied the game 1-1 with Paly.
2/4 Paly at Gunn 6:00
2/16 Los Gatos at Gunn 6:00

Lacrosse
Gunn High School adds the Blocho brothers from Santa Clara University to take over and guide a budding program. Jim Blocho came out to the Bay Area to coach at NDNU as the Defensive Coordinator and then took on the Head Coaching position at Santa Clara University. Jim and Mike played at the collegiate level, both at Canisius College and Jim played at C.W. Post as well. Both have played within the Canadian Box Lacrosse League and Mike has furthered his career with a couple stints within the NLL.

The duo are excited to head up the Gunn HS lacrosse program, hoping to bring, "a potent combination of a stingy and punishing defense with the likes of a high octane, chaotic, yet effective offense."

Gunn 2011/2012 PTSA Positions Open

2011-01-29T10:44:00.000-08:00

Wanted: Gunn Parents (PTSA Members) to serve on the PTSA.
Who can serve? Any Gunn Parent who would like to be involved.

For more information or to sign up, please contact any member of the Nominating Committee:
Steve Hubbell
Charlene Chang
Elaine Kjos
Ruth-Anne Siegel
Jaya Padmanabhan

PTSA Executive Board Positions:
Executive Board positions are elected. No board member can serve more than 2 consecutive terms in the same position. CO-VP Positions are non-voting positions. A brief description of each position is included.
President - Preside at board meetings, nominate/appoint representatives and chairs, authorize payments, prepare annual reports, perform other duties as prescribed by the association
Executive Vice President - Serve as primary aide to the President. Perform duties of President in the absence or disability of the President.
1st VP Community Activities - Serve as the chair of Programs, responsible for the Parent Ed program. Also responsible for publicizing events to the Gunn community.
1st CO-VP Community Activities
1st VP Ways & Means - Serve as the chair of the Membership, responsible for all activities related to marketing, communication, reporting, and record keeping of the membership.
1st CO-VP Ways & Means
1st VP Communications - Serve as the chair of the Honorary Service Awards (HSA) committee responsible for the annual HSA event in May. In addition, oversee the various liaisons. Responsible for consistent distribution of message/information to the Gunn community.
1st CO-VP Communications
Secretary - Keep an accurate record of the proceedings of all meetings. Along with the President, prepare and sign all authorizations for payment of expenditure according to the bylaws of the association.
Historian - Assemble and preserve a record of all the activities, achievements and volunteer hours of the association.

Liaisons
Appointed by the President; Serve as the conduit between PTSA and the designated organization.
School Board Observer
Gunn Drug & Alcohol Committee(3 positions)
PiE School Chair (2 positions)
Facilities Steering Committee
Emergency Preparedness(2 positions)
PA PTSA Council Rep #2

Standing Committees/Chairs
Appointed by the President; No member can serve more than two consecutive terms as Chair of the same committee
Grad Night – Chair - Organize the graduation celebration after the commencement ceremony and assist in the logistics of graduation picnic after the rehearsal the day before the graduation.
Grad Night - Treasurer
Challenge Success - Co-Chair

Other Committees/Communications
Appointed by the President; No term limits
Webmaster
Parent Network Rep 2013, 2015 - Foster parent-to-parent support and provide and share information to engage parents in school and student life at Gunn.
Parent Directory #2

Hospitality
Appointed by the President; No term limits
Back to School Brunch/BBQ (Aug) - Plan, organize and execute the Back to School Brunch for Gunn teachers and staff.
Homecoming BBQ (Oct)(4 positions) Advertise the event and sell tickets upfront, ask for food/dessert donations, purchase supplies. Set up and clean up on the day of the event with volunteers.
Turkey Feast (Nov) 4 positions - This event is for the entire Gunn community students and staff. Work with Gunn administration for extended lunch period, coordinate volunteers for setup, clean up, and serving on the day of the event.
Holiday Luncheon - Responsible for all aspects of organizing a lunch that serves 150-200 staff members held mid-December.
Holiday Luncheon - Dec
Health Fair Chair Organize team of volunteers to put on the fair in spring.
Health Fair - Co
International Fair/Pot Luck (2 positions) - Coordinate with the World Language Department to organize the week long International Fair and organize the International Potluck lunch.
Gunn HSA Volunteer Lunch (2 positions) - Responsible for all aspects of organizing a lunch that serves 150-200 staff members held in May.
Senior Awards Night - June (Jr Parents) - Provide refreshments for Senior Awards Night.
Teacher Appreciation - Responsible for all aspects of organizing a lunch that serves 150-200 staff members.
Latte Snacks

Service
Appointed by the President; No term limits
Direct Appeal (2 positions)
Gunn Beautification Day (3 positions)
PTSA Wardrobe Rep (2 positions) - Twice a year clear out Gunn Lost and Found after notifying students and parents via Gunn Connection.
Student PTSA Rep
Traffic Safety(2 positions)
Transit Coordinator(2 positions)
Trip Reduction-Pedal 4 Prizes(2 positions)

Nominating Board
These positions are elected by the Board.
No one can serve who served on the previous year's committee
5 Primary Members and 2 Alternates

Gunn Site Council Parent Reps Wanted

2011-01-21T12:35:00.000-08:00

WANTED: Gunn Site Council Parent Reps
Site Council needs two (2) parent representatives to serve a two-year term, starting next September. Are you interested? Here are the FAQS:

WHO CAN SERVE: Any Gunn parent who wants to work on policy development and financial decision-making in a cooperative setting with 4 faculty, 3 staff, 3 other parents and 4 students. Each representative serves a 2-year term. A maximum of 4 consecutive years (2 terms in a row) is allowed, according to the 1999 revised bylaws. Thus, two of the four parents on Site Council are up for re-election or replacement each year.

WHAT DOES SITE COUNCIL DO: Around $45,000 in funds from state and district grants are given to Site Council to spend on departmental projects which are "new and innovative" and/or significantly benefit our students and staff...everything from "pilot classes" such as the Algebra Restart class and Multi-cultural Literature to curriculum development to updating classroom technology to iclickers for Social Studies and English and a Broadcasting Teleprompter for CTE. Each spring, we issue a call for proposals from every department on campus for the following year. Each project is evaluated to determine its effectiveness in meeting its projected goals. We additionally work on the School Plan, and work on WASC, as well as issues that crop up through the year.

WHEN DO WE MEET? You must be willing to devote 2.5 hours a month for 1 or 2 monthly meetings on Monday afternoons at 3:30 here at Gunn in the Staff Lounge.

WHAT QUALIFICATIONS ARE NEEDED? You must have a child enrolled at Gunn High School, possess some financial and/or policy decision-making abilities, and be able to attend meetings at least once a month. No, you do not need to be a CPA or CEO - just genuinely interested in taking the time to learn how Gunn operates and a desire to improve life and learning here for our students and staff.

HOW DO YOU APPLY? Complete the information below and submit it to the Site Council office NO LATER THAN MON., FEBRUARY 14. You can either fax it to 493-7801, mail it to Gunn Site Council at 780 Arastradero Road, Palo Alto, CA 94306, or email the needed info to rhart@pausd.org.

The slate of candidates will be published posted for two weeks in Gunn Connection - one vote per household is allowed. The paper and/or e-ballots will be tabulated with the results posted in April or May.

Questions? Please call the Site Council desk in the Main Office at 849-7932 or email to
rhart@pausd.org.

Your Name _________________________________________________________

Your Gunn student(s)'s name(s) and grade(s) _____________________________

____________________________________________________________________

Your Address _________________________________________________________

Phone ______________________________________________________________

Email_______________________________________________________________

Background statement (Previous experience on Site Council? Special expertise?
Work and/or life experiences that are valuable in group decision-making situations?)

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

Barbara Emerich Scholarship 2011

2011-01-20T13:44:00.000-08:00

Submitted by Grace Yu
Barbara Emerich Scholarship 2011

The Barbara Emerich Scholarship Fund is now accepting applications from qualified seniors attending schools with PTA/PTSA belonging to the 6th District (Santa Clara County) PTA. Gunn PTSA is a 6th District PTA member. Two scholarships of $750 each will be awarded to students who are planning to attend a 2 or 4 year college and who have been actively involved in community service. The scholarship announcement and application are attached below. The application deadline is April 1, 2011.

Barbara Emerich Scholarship 2011

Barbara Emerich has held PTA leadership positions from local schools to the state level for more than 50years. Her commitment to children is unparalleled, particularly in the areas of juvenile justice, gun control, teenage health and special needs.

The Sixth District PTA proudly honors Barbara Emerich's extraordinary service by awarding scholarships to two high school seniors who best exemplify her dedication to youth and families.

January 2011

Dear PTA Presidents, Scholarship Advisors, Career Centers and Staff;

We are pleased to announce that the Barbara Emerich Scholarship Fund is now accepting applications from qualified graduating seniors. Barbara Emerich, a PTA volunteer and leader for over 50 years, continues to dedicate her time and talents in support of children, particularly in the areas of juvenile justice, gun control, teen health and special needs. This scholarship was created to honor her exemplary service.

Two scholarships of $750.00 each are available to support students who are planning to attend a 2 or 4 year college. Applicants must be current high school seniors with a minimum 2.5 GPA and should have a strong record of community service/volunteering in education, counseling, mentoring, tutoring and preschool or with special needs children.

Applications should be emailed or postmarked no later than Apri1 l, 2011. Finalists will be contacted for a phone interview in April. We will proudly announce the two recipients by letter and present them with certificates in May, 2011.

Please review this scholarship application and forward it on to the appropriate counselor that may be aware of potential candidates. Thank you for helping us to appreciate and support students who give back to our community.

If you have any questions, you may send an email to office@capta6.org. Applications can be found at Applications.

Sincerely,

The Barbara Emerich Scholarship Committee

Sixth District (Santa Clara County) PTA
1290 Ridder Park Drive M/C 214
San Jose, CA 95131-2304
www.capta6.org
(408) 453-6536

SELPA 1 CAC Parent Education March Event

2011-01-20T13:39:00.000-08:00

Submitted by Karen Mueller

SELPA 1 CAC Parent Education March Event

Health Insurance - Presented by Michelle Droz, Vice President of Benefits, Woodruff Sawyer and Co, San Francisco. Would you like to learn more about various health insurance plans, both through private employers and purchased independently? Which of them approve (or deny) coverage for chronic conditions that affect many of our children? How do those various plans cover traditional, alternative, and experimental medical treatment? How should parents work with their health care and insurance providers to achieve best outcomes, both medically and financially? How will the recent Health Care reform affect your family – ask the expert!

Wednesday, Mar 16, 2011 - meeting is 7 to 9 pm. Hospitality begins at 6:45pm. Springer Elementary School Multi, 1120 Rose Avenue, Mountain View, 94040.
This parent education event is sponsored by the SELPA 1 CAC http://www.selpa1cac.org. All of our events are free and open to anyone who feels they might benefit. No registration is necessary.

Principal's Blurb

2011-01-20T13:29:00.000-08:00

Submitted by Katya Villalobos

Principal's Blurb

Dear Parents/Guardians,

As you are aware we have incredibly talented students at Gunn from music to the arts, engineering tech to bio-tech, writers to poets, cooks to equestrians, ballerinas, future scientists and diplomats. The Gunn staff are thankful you share them with us. Here are a few highlights I wanted to share about our incredible students;

1. Four Gunn students were recognized in the Intel Science Talent Search; Seniors Audrey Ho, Brain Zhang, Andrew Liu, and Youyang Gu--they each received $1,000 scholarships.

2. Music;
Five Gunn students had the honor of being invited to participate in the Santa Clara County Honor Band concert Jan. 16 at Evergreen Valley High: Kelly Catlin (senior flute), Marisa Kanemoto (sophomore clarinet), Jeffrey Mi (freshman clarinet), Daniel Wallace (junior clarinet), and Joyce Wen (freshman flute).

Senior Kelly Catlin, flutist, and sophomore Ethan Kim, bassist, were selected for the California All-State Honor Band and Orchestra. They will represent Gunn in February at the California All-State Conference in Fresno.

Our own Band Director, Todd Summers, was recognized by his colleagues in the California Music Educators Association this past week as a Teacher of the Year--way to go Todd!!

3. This school year Gunn launched the Small Learning Community (SLC), where the motto is a "Sense of Place". Twenty-eight 9th graders are enjoying this inter-disciplinary program, which includes the following:

Gunn’s Small Learning Community hiked to Yosemite Falls in the snow on their fun and successful field trip to Yosemite Dec. 12-16. Thank you to organizers Dawna Linsdell and Tarn Wilson, as well as teacher-chaperones Kristen Owens, Julie Munger, Steve Ames and Katie Settle. If you would like further information, the SLC website is; https://sites.google.com/a/alumni.ucdavis.edu/slc/

Finally, we are preparing for the next academic year--believe it or not. Registration for 2011-12 will begin with the Gunn Team Visiting JLS (1-25-11@7PM), Terman (1-26-11@7PM) and Gunn's Open House for Incoming Students Feb. 1 @7PM in the Gym. Current students will do online registration--they will receive instructions when counselors visit their English classrooms. There will be a registration section on the website soon.

Sincerely,
Katya Villalobos
Principal
Henry M. Gunn High School
780 Arastradero Road
Palo Alto, CA 94306
650-354-8200
650-493-7801 (FAX)

Finals Schedule for Route 88

2011-01-06T22:39:00.001-08:00

RT 88 schedule for Finals will be as follows:

Tuesday, January 18th and Thursday, January 20th (8:30 start) School trippers 88L & 88M will depart Louis/Fielding & Middlefield/Colorado at 7:45am will arrive Gunn approx. 8:10am. An additional S/B 88 trip will depart from Middlefield/Colorado at 7:45am.

(12:12 release)
School trippers will depart Vets Hospital at 12:22pm(88M), 12:24pm(88L). Regular scheduled N/B 88 will depart Vets Hospital at 12:15pm. An additional N/B 88 trip to Middlefield/Colorado will depart Vets Hospital at 12:25pm.

Wednesday, January 19th
(8:00 start)-no AM adjustments will be made

(1:59 release)-no PM adjustments will be made. School trippers will depart Vets Hospital at 2:14pm(88M), 2:16pm(88L). Regular scheduled N/B 88 will depart Vets Hospital at 2:18pm

Adjustments to SB 88 Schedule

2011-01-06T22:37:00.000-08:00

Minor adjustments have been made to the S/B 88 schedule. Effective Monday, January 10th, the S/B 88 morning trip will depart Middlefield/Colorado at 7:13am and the S/B 88L will depart Louis/Fielding at 7:14am. There are no adjustments being made to the S/B 88M departing at 7:19am.

Update On Arastradero Restriping Trial

2010-12-14T20:20:00.000-08:00

submitted by Grace Yu

Update On Arastradero Restriping Trial:

Initial repaving and restriping was implemented in August and September. The trial project includes a lane reduction on Arastradero Road from 4- to 3-lanes including turn lanes for safer neighborhood access and better controlled turning movements. The first post-construction community meeting was held on October 14. City staff presented an update on project construction activities, initial traffic data findings & project enhancements to implementation during the trial period, and accepted public input on the project.

Two additional planned improvements are being scheduled. One is a traffic signal modification at Arastradero Road and Coulombe Road to enhance left turn signal phasing for eastbound Arastradero Road traffic. The other is two new raised median islands at Arastradero Road & Clemo Avenue with a pedestrian activated flashing beacon warning system and at Arastradero Road & Hubbart St with a new vehicle speed feedback sign to encourage vehicle speed reductions along the street. Monitoring will continue and additional community input meetings will be scheduled later this winter.

The following project enhancements are being implemented this Winter in response to the community input on the project:

• Discussions with Caltrans about the El Camino Real Traffic Signal Operations (Caltrans, not the City of Palo Alto, controls the El Camino Real intersection and traffic signal)
• Alta Mesa intersection signage and striping improvement to help keep the intersection clear from El Camino Real queues
• Arastradero Road roadway marking changes between Donald Dr-Terman Rd and King Arthur Ct to help improve left turn vehicle access to both streets

Further updates will be released by the city as implementation schedules are finalized with contractors.

This project is an on-going one-year trial with monitoring and adjustments being made during the trial period. Evaluation of the project will be based on predetermined specific performance measures which include: crash reduction, transportation mode shift, and 85th percentile speed reduction goals, maintaining point-to-point travel times within the study area.

If you missed the meeting, written comments may be sent via email to: transportation@cityofpaloalto.org

SELPA 1 CAC January Parent Education Event

2010-11-24T11:18:00.000-08:00

submitted by Karen Mueller

Turning 18 - Within the special education world there is a wide range of ability levels, and our students can be extremely varied in their ability to be independent. These issues come into focus when our kids reach 18 and are ready to leave the school system. What happens when high school is over and our kids are legally adults? What happens to the child who can pass CAHSEE and graduate, yet struggles?

When should we begin preparing for this transition? What programs and supports are available at Foothill/DeAnza? What if college is not an option? How can my child get employment training? What agencies provide support for young adults? What about medical visits – how can I still participate in my child’s medical decisions?

Come hear our panel address these issues and your questions. Jan Johnston-Tyler, owner of EvoLibri Consulting, specializes in young adults with social, academic, psychological, and medical challenges. Margo Dobbins works at Foothill College Student Services. Jennifer Springer is from CONNECT!, a collaborative of more than 25 partner organizations that offers a wide range of workforce development services to both businesses and job seekers in Silicon Valley. NOVA is one of the lead partner organizations that help make this collaborative a success. To job seekers, NOVA is known for their extensive job search assistance, career development resources, and skills training referrals.

Wednesday, Jan 19, 2011 - meeting is 7 to 9 pm. Hospitality begins at 6:45pm. Covington Elementary School Multi, 205 Covington Rd, Los Altos.
This parent education event is sponsored by the SELPA 1 CAC (www.selpa1cac.org) All of our events are free and open to anyone who feels they might benefit. No registration is necessary.

Gunn Turkey Feast-Thank You!

2010-11-24T11:14:00.000-08:00

Submitted by Nitay Gill, nitaygill@yahoo.com

The Turkey Feast PTSA Planning Committee would like to thank the Gunn community for all the effort and time put into making this event successful. From cooking pies and turkeys to donating money and time, we couldn’t have done it without your dedication and team spirit. Also a special thanks for those that stayed late to help clean up, pack food, move furniture back to normal and wash up the aluminum pans for use next year! We also extend our appreciation to Piazza’s and Marie Callender’s for helping us in our effort to feed over 1500 participants. The School Board, Gunn’s administration, front office staff, teachers, SEC and custodians graciously supported us in every possible way.
The Ecumenical Hunger Program will once again receive a donation that will target families who are in need this holiday season. Most of all, thank you for helping us make Gunn a warm and welcoming school!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Kathy Lindholm, Debbie Sutherland
Donna Pioppi and Nitay Gill

PALO ALTO CHAMBER ORCHESTRA’s 45th SEASON SECOND CONCERT

2010-11-24T11:02:00.000-08:00

submitted by Kim Nguyen
PACO Publicity Chair

PACO’s most senior of its five youth orchestras will perform a collection of inspiring music on Saturday, December 18th under the direction of PACO music director, Benjamin Simon. Nine Gunn students will be a part of the performance.

They are:
Haleli Moalem, Nicky Hwang, Isabella Costanza, Sierra Leder, Yilin Liang, Zachary Munro, Leonard Woo, Max Woo, and Ayala Berger.

The concert program is to celebrate Ludwig van Beethoven's 240th Birthday with a performance of his youthful Piano Concerto No. 1 in C Major and his marvelous Symphony No. 6 (Pastoral). Our soloist is MIT professor David Deveau, a world-class performer and teacher who will be making his PACO debut. Also featured will be Pavel Haas' brilliant Study for String Orchestra (1943), one of many masterpieces that emerged from the Terezin concentration camp in the midst of the horrors of World War II, and the fiery third movement of Shostakovich's String Quartet No. 3 performed by an advanced string quartet formed by PACO members.

The concert will take place at 8:00 p.m. at the Eagle Theater of Los Altos High School, 201 Almond Ave, Los Altos. Ticket prices are $15 general, $10 senior and $5 student. For more information, please call 650-856-3848 or visit http:/www.pacomusic.org.

Noodle Tools now in Gunn Library

2010-11-15T13:25:00.000-08:00

Meg Omainsky, momainsky@pausd.org

Gunn Library has purchased a subscription to Noodle Tools. Noodle Tools is an online subscription-based research tool that helps guide students through their research. It differs from free tools like Citation Machine and Easy Bib in that Noodle Tools offers online student collaboration features, digital, color-coded notecards for direct quotes, summaries and paraphrasing. Also, the tool is linked up with Google docs. When you click Paper in the NoodleBib navigation bar, a new document is created in your Google Docs account. That document is automatically tied to the NoodleBib project, so that you can return directly to the paper by clicking on the Paper button again.

When students share a NoodleBib project with a teacher, they have the option to share the Google Docs paper, too. The teacher gains full edit access to the document and can give students feedback using Google’s comment tool directly on working papers.

Here are some help links to get you started.

Link to User Guide- http://www.noodletools.com/noodlebib/usersguide/.
Link to tutorials- http://tinyurl.com/2fnfvpu.

Link to FAQs-http://www.noodletools.com/helpdesk/kb/.

Access Information:

Click on this link to access our Noodle Tools subscription: (Link on the library website is forthcoming).
http://www.noodletools.com/login.php?group=10238&code=7408.

login with username= gunnhigh
password= titans

Each user must create a "personal folder" (i.e., select a personal ID and password) by clicking the "Create a Personal ID" button on the login screen. Access to your subscription is currently enabled via username/password. Students will be prompted to log in to the subscription when they click "Create a Personal ID" on the login screen.

Class of 2015 Sees Candy Fundraiser!

2010-11-08T10:14:00.000-08:00

Diane Downend, diane@edenbridgehomes.com

Support the Class of 2015…yes, 2015! Terman’s 8th grade class invites you to purchase $16 gift certificates for one-pound boxes of Sees Candy to help fund their promotion activities and seed their Gunn Class of 2015 activities. The timeless gift certificates are a great value and handy gifts to have on hand at all times to send as birthday, special occasion and thank you gifts. With the Holidays around the corner, they’re perfect gifts for co-workers and clients. The sale will be on-going throughout the 2010-2011 school year. The form for placing Holiday season orders can be found at http://gunn.paloaltopta.org/SeesFlyer.pdf.

Thank you for your support!

Twelve Angry Men

2010-11-04T21:36:00.000-07:00

The Gunn High School Theatre Department presents "Twelve Angry Men"

By Reginald Rose
Directed by James Shelby
Technical Direction by Kristin Lo
Nov. 11-20 in the Studio Theatre at Gunn High School

Come take a seat in the jury room where twelve citizens must decide the guilt or innocence of a young man accused of murdering his father. This gripping tale of one-versus-eleven was made famous in the much-loved 1957 film starring Henry Fonda. In our version, there are both men and women on the jury; in real time, (no intermission) we watch as the twelve wrestle with prejudice, group mentality, and the incredible challenge of determining a man's fate. Originally produced in 1954, the year of the landmark civil-rights verdict Brown v. Board of Education, the play demands we pay attention to the complex and essential issues at the root of our democracy. You won't want to miss this story that grabs hold and never lets go until the shattering conclusion!

Join the Opening Night crowd, Thurs. Nov. 11, for pre-show treats and beverages, and hear our own Mr. Tim Farrell's commentary on the play! The Gala begins at 6:30 in the Gunn Staff Lounge, and moves to the Studio Theatre for the 8 p.m. show.

Tickets for Opening Night are $20-- proceeds support theatre programs at Gunn!

Additional performances:

Nov. 12 & 13, 8 p.m. (students $8, general $10)
Nov. 17, 3:30 p.m. matinee (all $5)
Nov. 18 - 20, 8 p.m. (students $8, general $10)

Tickets available online at www.gunntheatre.org, or at the campus SAC (M-F 10-3:45).
Remaining tickets will be sold at the door ½ hour before each show.
Online sales for same-day ticket purchases may close early to be sold at the SAC or at the door.

Buy tickets early as Studio Theatre shows do sell out!

Books Inc. Shopping Night

2010-11-04T21:33:00.000-07:00

Books Inc. Shopping Night
Gunn Library Fundraiser at Books Inc. Shopping Night

Mark your calendars:

Wednesday, December 8
5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Books Inc. - Town & Country Village, Palo Alto

Do your holiday shopping between the hours of 5:00 and 8:00 P.M., and Books Inc. will donate 20% of any items purchased--not just books--to our library!

Please let us know if you would like to help with publicity, supervision or refreshments for this event.

Info: Cynthia Easton, Gunn Library cyeaston@pausd.org

THE CHALLENGE GRANT IS HERE!

2010-11-04T21:29:00.000-07:00

Partners in Education News:
THE CHALLENGE GRANT IS HERE!
Donate before November 19th, and Partners in Education (PiE) gets DOUBLE.

Your donation will be matched, dollar-for-dollar, up to $275,000, thanks to a challenge grant made possible by the PiE Advisory Council.

Take advantage of this opportunity to stretch your dollars and retain critical staff and programs funded by PiE! Suggested donation is $650 per child, although PiE welcomes any contribution that is meaningful for your family. All schools will sponsor "Donation Days" events during the last week of the Challenge Grant, Nov. 17th-Nov. 19th. Meet your PiE Chairs, ask your burning PiE questions, and make your tax-deductible donation count...twice!

Online donations are welcome: http://www.papie.org/donate

Gunn's Annual Turkey Feast

2010-10-29T10:24:00.000-07:00

Nitay Gill, nitaygill@yahoo.com

** YES THE TURKEY FEAST IS COMING

AND WE NEED LOTS OF HELP**

Gunn’s annual Turkey Feast will be held on Thursday, Nov. 18th during lunch so we need to start recruiting food donations and volunteers. It is one of Gunn's more popular events where the students and staff feast on a delicious luncheon, (vegetarian bar included), build community spirit, and then donate the proceeds to a local charity.

In the past we have had over 60 volunteers assisting and another 100 who donate food and money. The volunteers work in conjunction with the Student Executive Council and Lisa Hall, our Student Activities Director. We plan to feed 1400 people in 50 minutes so come and help! Last year we donated over $1700 to the Ecumenical Hunger Program in East Palo Alto through this charitable event!

For families that are new to this event, here is how it all works.  On the day of the Turkey Feast, each Gunn student and staff can purchase lunch and a drink by paying $5.00 or bringing 3 cans of food plus $1. Lunch for meat eaters will include turkey, dressing and gravy, salad, cranberry sauce, rolls and pie. Vegetarians will feast on a baked potato bar as well as salad, rolls and pie. Posters will be up around school to help students remember their “lunch money”. We hope you and your family can all be a part of this special day!

Here is what is needed:

1. 60 Turkeys, at least 14 lbs.
Donate cooked and carved turkeys--delivered by 9:30 on 11/18.
It can be cooked a day ahead, carved and refrigerated.  No time to cook? Consider purchasing a cooked turkey or turkey breasts at Draegers,  Piazzas, JJ&F or Safeway and then carve them yourself.

2. Pies, we need 200 of them!

3. Volunteer your time for November 18th:
Food Prep -10:00 to 11:30
Set-up and serve – 11:30 to 12:45
Ticket Sales – 11:45 to 12:45
(12:45 to 1:00 – Volunteers get to eat)  Clean-up –----1:00 to 2:30

4. For the VEGETARIAN BAKED POTATO BAR we need:

2 people to bake 25 potatoes each (wrapped in foil) and delivered that morning.
2 large pots of vegetarian chili – 15 servings each (recipe supplied if needed)
2 Costco size containers of sour cream
2 Costco size bags of grated cheddar cheese.

5. Monetary donations are gladly accepted to help purchase salad, rolls, stuffing and gravy. Makes checks out to Gunn High School PTSA, write Turkey Feast on memo line and send to Nitay Gill, 939 Casanueva Place, Stanford,CA. 94305

To sign up please click on the following link: http://www.jooners.com/guest?t=help&p=none&l=-36074a97:12bf21252e0:-58cd

Turkey Questions:Kathyalindholm@aol.com Kathy Lindholm

Pie Questions:Debbie.sutherland@comcast.net Debbie Sutherland

Volunteers:dpioppi41@yahoo.com Donna Pioppi

General info:nitaygill@yahoo.com Nitay Gill

PACO'S SINFONIA TO PERFORM SEASON’S FIRST CONCERT

2010-10-21T14:36:00.000-07:00

Submitted by Kim Nguyen, Kim Nguyen

SINFONIA OF THE PALO ALTO CHAMBER ORCHESTRA
TO PERFORM SEASON’S FIRST CONCERT

Featuring Gunn 9th Grade Violinist
Isabelle Costanza

Under the direction of PACO music director Benjamin Simon, PACO's Sinfonia Orchestra will present the season’s first concert on Sunday November 14, at 3:00PM at Cubberley Theater, Palo Alto. The program will feature Isabella Costanza, a 9th grade violinist in Senior PACO and winner of our 2010 Concerto Competition, performing Mozart's delightful Violin Concerto No. 3 in G Major. The program also includes Franz Schubert's little-known Overture in C minor (D. 8), Erwin Schulhoff’s String Quartet No.1, first movement arranged for string orchestra and Resphigi's popular Ancient Airs and Dances Suite No. 3. In addition to the four primary pieces, chamber music will be performed by small ensembles of Sinfonia members. Admission is free. For more information, call 650-856-3848 or visit http://www.pacomusic.org/.

Gunn Robotics Presents The Capitol Steps

2010-10-14T20:56:00.001-07:00

Submitted by Lakshmi Sunder, Lakshmi Sunder

The Capitol Steps, a popular political satire group from DC, is coming to Spangenberg Theater on December 12th !!!

Always Fresh and Crispy, putting the ‘MOCK’ in Democracy!. Performing songs from their new album “Liberal Shop of Horrors.”

This is the 4th Annual fundraiser for the award winning Gunn Robotics team, who were recently the recipients of the Google RISE award. RISE (Roots in Science and Engineering) Awards are designed to promote and support science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) and computer science (CS) education initiatives and enrichment programs.

Two shows : 4 p.m and 7 p.m

PRICE of Tickets:
$50 for the front center section (first 13 rows)
$45 for the front side section,
$35 for the unreserved rear section (rows 14-25).

This is a benefit for the Gunn Robotics Team and the cost of the tickets over $20 is a tax deductible donation.

How to order tickets:

- TicketWeb http://www.ticketweb.com - Type ‘Capitol Steps’ in the “Enter artist or venue box” of the ticketweb home page.
- Gunn student activity center, Gunn High School, 780 Arastradero Rd. Open M-F 9 a.m to 3 p.m – Cash or check only.

More information:
Capitol Steps at www.capsteps.com
Or email grt192capitolsteps@gmail.com
or Lakshmi Sunder at Lakshmi Sunder

City of Palo Alto – Community Meeting Notice Arastradero Road Restriping – Trial Project

2010-10-14T10:41:00.000-07:00

Jaime O. Rodriguez, jaime.rodriguez@cityofpaloalto.org

The City is holding its first post-construction community meeting and you are invited to participate.

At the meeting, the City will provide an update on the remaining construction activities; note issues already identified by the community and proposed immediate solutions by the City; and share the results of recently collected traffic data.

Community Meeting Details:

Where: Terman Middle School
Cafetorium Room
655 Arastardero Road
Palo Alto, CA 94306

When: Thursday, October 21, 2010
6:30PM – 8:30PM

If you are not able to attend and would like to share any additional input, please feel free to send your written comments via email to: transportation@cityofpaloalto.org

Jaime O. Rodriguez
City of Palo Alto
250 Hamilton Av
Palo Alto, CA 94303
O: (650) 329-2136
F: (650) 329-2154
jaime.rodriguez@cityofpaloalto.org

Major construction on the Arastradero Road – Trial Restriping project is now complete with street repairs, microsurfacing pavement surface application, and roadway restriping installed over August and September. Pending roadway improvements include the installation of final bike and parking lane lines, and bike lane stencils; installation of these items is delayed due to a nationwide plastic roadway material shortage. Two additional improvements scheduled for installation in November include a new marked crosswalk and raised median‐island at Arastradero Road & Clemo Drive and a traffic signal modification at Arastradero Road & Coulombe Drive to provide protected left turn phasing for eastbound Arastradero Road traffic.
The City’s first post‐construction community meeting is scheduled for Thursday, October 21, 2010 from 6:30PM – 8:30PM at the Terman Middle School – Cafetorium Room. We encourage students, residents, and commuters to attend to provide their feedback on the project.

Proposed School Calendars for 2011-12 and 2012-13

2010-10-11T19:22:00.000-07:00

Diane Downend, diane@edenbridgehomes.com

Families can find the proposed school calendars for the next two years at http://pausd.org/community/board/downloads/brd_packet/item_013.pdf. The biggest changes from the current and prior years are:
1. Finishing the first semester, and its finals, before winter break.
2. Starting the school year on the Tuesday of the third week in August.
3. Ending the school year at the end of May.

You are encouraged to provide input over the next three weeks by emailing comments to calendar@pausd.org. This is important whether you are in favor of the proposed calendars or not in favor. You may also email the school board: mcaswell@pausd.org, bklausner@pausd.org, bmitchell@pausd.org, dtom@pausd.org, ctownsend@pausd.org. You may also comment at a school board meeting.

City of Palo Alto Library Survey

2010-10-11T19:11:00.000-07:00

Arthur Keller, arthur@kellers.org

The City of Palo Alto's Library Advisory Commission has a survey to help them plan and prioritize new services for the Palo Alto Library. The survey can be found at http://bit.ly/PALibrarySurvey

National Merit Scholarship Semi-finalists

2010-10-11T19:05:00.000-07:00

Diane Downend, diane@edenbridgehomes.com

Cheers for Gunn's 30 seniors qualifiying as National Merit Scholarship Semi-finalists

Gunn salutes this year’s thirty seniors that qualified as National Merit Scholarship Semi-finalists! These semifinalists were among the top 1 percent of scorers nationwide on the 2009 Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT), used as a screening tool for the scholarship program.

Yasmin Aghajan
Elliot Akama-Garren
Morris A. Alper
Jack Barbeau
Vivek H. Choksi
Sophia Christel
Bryan Chu
Jeffrey D. Common
Emma Dohner
Laurel Howard
Connie Hsueh
Anish Johri
Noelle J. Jung
Atsuhide Kobashi
Nikhl S. Lele
Andrew B. Liu
Stephanie H. Liu
Xinping J. Ma
Celine V. Nguyen
Derek Nielsen
Andrew Qian
Gayan S. Seneviratna
William R. Strickfaden
Adam L. Tong
Stephanie L. Tsai
Catherine D. Wu
Linda Yu
Brian Zhang
Sylvia Zhang
Sarah-Jean Zubair

SELPA 1 CAC parent education November event

2010-10-11T18:50:00.000-07:00

Karen Mueller, Karen Mueller

Life Skills - Often our special ed students are a bit behind in life as well as school. When and how should parents promote skills for daily living and life in the real world? Melanie Murphree, OT will present about early life skills such as grooming, table manners, family chores, and riding a bike. Susan Flatmo, Ph.D. a licensed psychologist and behavior consultant will address overload strategies, reducing socially unacceptable behaviors, social pragmatics, and emotional well-being. Nancy Ng, a professional counselor and mother of 13 will present about older student issues such as self-advocacy, laundry, money management, shopping, phone skills, organization, and driving.

Wednesday, Nov 17, 2010 - meeting is 7 to 9 pm. Hospitality begins at 6:45pm. Covington Elementary School Multi, 205 Covington Rd, Los Altos.

This parent education event is sponsored by the SELPA 1 CAC www.selpa1cac.org

All of our events are free and open to anyone who feels they might benefit. No registration is necessary.

Tips for the College Fair

2010-10-10T11:05:00.000-07:00

Leighton Lang, llang@pausd.org

Mark your calendar for Palo Alto College Fair: Monday, Oct. 18, 6:30 - 9:30 pm

Before attending the fair, read "Making the Most of a College Fair":
gunn3.pausd.org/~ccc/Colleges/c_fair_tips.html

See up-to-date list of colleges attending:
gunn3.pausd.org/~ccc/Colleges/c_fair_participants.html

What students can do to impress the college rep:
gunn3.pausd.org/~ccc/Colleges/c_fair_tips2.html

College Fair FAQs: gunn3.pausd.org/~ccc/Colleges/c_fair_faq.html

Please pre-print all the info listed above prior to the fair as only a limited supply of hard copies will be available at the Fair. Also, parking is very limited due to on-going construction this year. Therefore, do plan to walk, bike, or carpool as much as possible.

Campus Map: gunn.pausd.org/PDFs/campusmap.pdf

Info: Leighton Lang, Gunn High School College & Career Specialist, llang@pausd.org

Benefit for Gunn Robotics: The Capitol Steps

2010-10-10T11:02:00.000-07:00

Two Performances on December 12, 4:00 & 7:00 PM

The Capitol Steps, America's award-winning musical political satirists, return to Palo Alto for two performances, Sunday, December 12 at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. at Spangenberg Theater, Gunn High School, 780 Arastradero Road.

The Capitol Steps charm audiences on both sides of the aisle with their unique brand of political humor set to popular music. The Capitol Steps have recorded over 30 albums and been featured on NBC, CBS, ABC, PBS, and NPR.. Their performances are always fresh and right from the headlines. Visit www.capsteps.com for more information.

Tickets cost $35-$50 and are available at www.ticketweb.com. This is a benefit for the Gunn High School Robotics Team and the cost of the ticket over $20 is a tax deductible donation.

Fundraiser: Wine and Hors d'Oeuvres Social, Oct. 21

2010-10-10T10:57:00.000-07:00

Kathy Lindholm, kathyalindholm@aol.com

The Class of 2011 parents invite you to a wine and hors d'oeuvres social on Thursday, October 21, 6-8pm at the beautiful Garden Court Hotel at 520 Cowper Street, downtown Palo Alto. Mingle with Gunn parents and teachers and meet our new principal and vice principal!

Cost: $25 per person, RSVP by October 15
Checks made payable to "Gunn PTSA" should be dropped off at the office in an envelope marked "Wine Reception"

Questions? Contact Kathy Lindholm at kathyalindholm@aol.com or at 224-0083.

The Senior Class thanks you for your support and we look forward to seeing you at this unique event!! Complimentary parking is available at the hotel!

Message from Principal Katya Villalobos

2010-10-10T10:53:00.000-07:00

Katya Villalobos, kvillalobos@pausd.org

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Hello. I have a request for all of you. Please help me remind your student(s) that if they visit JLS, Jordan, Terman, or any other PAUSD school, they cannot be on campus till after school; as a general rule that means after 3:30PM. Furhermore, if they are visiting a former teacher or coach they need to check-in at the Main Office as a visitor. It is not that their former teachers and coaches do not want to see them, but to remember that they are teaching and we do not want to distrub their instruction. Visitors should remember to follow all the traffic rules of school campuses like walking bikes and no skateboards in walkways.

Thank you very much for your support on this!

Sincerely,
Katya Villalobos
Principal

Tell the City What You Think of the Changes on Arastradero Road

2010-10-10T10:19:00.000-07:00

Jaime Rodriguez, jaime.rodriguez@cityofpaloalto.org

The City of Palo Alto is doing research on what people think of the new Arastradero Corridor striping plan. Jaime Rodriguez, traffic representative of the City of Palo Alto, would like to hear your thoughts on the project. You can email him at jaime.rodriguez@cityofpaloalto.org.

Crab Feed, November 21, Benefiting Gunn Basketball!

2010-10-10T10:16:00.000-07:00

Sarah Stapp, sstapp@pausd.org

Join Us for Great Food and Fun, and Help Support Gunn Boys' and Girls Basketball

Our Boys and Girls Basketball teams are hosting a Crab and Pasta Feed at the Gunn gym on Sunday, November 21st, starting at 5:30 pm. The Fish Market will be providing the fabulous food and the Varsity Boys' and Girls' teams will be providing the exceptional service with a smile! There will also be door prizes and fun surprises! Please reserve your spot now as space is limited. You can reserve your spot online here.

Cost: $40 per person, RSVP by November 12th. Please make checks payable to Gunn Basketball and send to Gunn, Attn: Coach Sarah Stapp, 780 Arastradero Rd. Palo Alto, CA 94306, or drop it off in her box in the Main Office at Gunn. Questions? Contact Coach Sarah Stapp at sstapp@pausd.org

The Gunn Basketball Teams appreciate your support and they are looking forward to hosting you at this tasty and fun event.

Here is the signup sheet: https://spreadsheets0.google.com/ccc?key=tB8blqQojMbxgEYwcvv3dEg&authkey=CLD6ztcO&hl=en&authkey=CLD6ztcO#gid=0.

VTA Route 88 Schedule for October 13

2010-10-10T10:14:00.001-07:00

Due to the 12:15pm dismissal, school trippers will depart Vets Hospital at 12:25pm (88M) or 12:27pm (88L). An additional N/B 88 trip to Middlefield/Colorado will depart Vets Hospital at 12:28pm.

Message from our Principal, Katya Villalobos, about the PSAT

2010-10-10T10:10:00.000-07:00

Katya Villalobos, kvillalobos@pausd.org

Dear Junior Parents/Guardians,

As you are aware on October 13, the PSAT will be offered during the school day. The PSAT will be administered from 8:00 AM to 12:15PM, in the Village classrooms. Please have your student register online or in the Student Activities Center--we are still taking registrations. The cost to register is $30.00. I strongly recommend ALL Juniors to take this test. If you have any questions or need financial assistance please contact Ms. Cowell, or Mr. Cedros; they are here to help.

Thank you and sincerely,
Katya Villalobos

Queridos Padres y Tutores,

Como ustedes saben el 13 de octubre, el PSAT se ofrecerá durante el día escolar. El PSAT se administrará 08 a.m.-12:15p.m., en los salones del Village. Por favor, haga que su estudiante inscribirse en el internet o en el Centro de Actividades Estudiantiles - todavía estamos tomando registros. El costo para registrarse es $ 30.00. Recomiendo que todos los Juniors asisten este examen. Si usted tiene alguna pregunta o necesita ayuda financiera, por favor comunicarse con la Sra. Cowell, o el Sr. Cedros, estamos aquí para ayudar.

Gracias y atentamente,
Katya Villalobos

ESSAY CONTEST FOR STUDENTS ON THE LIMITS OF FREEDOM

2010-10-08T16:06:00.000-07:00

An essay contest for juniors in the Palo Alto Unified School District will examine “The Limits of Freedom.”. The sponsor is the League of Women Voters of Palo Alto.

Contestants will discuss in 600 to 800 words, aspects of the tension between individual freedom and the needs of society as it relates to one or more of the contemporary political issues. Prizes for winning essays are $500, first, and $300, second. Entries are due no later than November 10, 2010 . Information is now available at schools or from lwvpaoffice@gmail.com. Also visit their website at http://www.lwvpaloalto.org/ESSAYCONTEST.htm

“Students, like the rest of us, are part of a national discussion on how to maintain personal freedoms while providing for the common good,” said Nan Prince, contest chair. “We look forward to a number of thoughtful entries.”

OCTOBER 13: College and Career Day

2010-09-27T11:07:00.000-07:00

Kimberley Cowell, kcowell@pausd.org

A little testing. A little college and career info.
A little chat about the big picture.
On Wednesday, October 13th, we’re devoting an entire morning to college admittance test preparation and career exploration. For seniors, there will also be some work on stress reduction and pondering some bigger questions, such as, “What does it mean to be truly happy?”
Please note: There will be no afternoon classes.

About Attendance: Roll will be taken for all grade levels. Students who are absent must have a parent call in for them if it is a legitimate absence. Students who are not participating in the PSAT, will report to the Library. Some students will report to their Study Skills room if this has been pre-arranged.

What are we doing?
9th graders – EXPLORE
10TH graders – PLAN
11th graders – PSAT
12th graders – Guest speakers; College and career activities

Schedule: 9th, 10th and 11th
8:00 a.m. to approximately Noon (varies due to test instruction time)
Test preparation exams: EXPLORE, PLAN and PSAT
Room assignments will be posted on the SAC and Guidance office walls.

What is EXPLORE & PLAN?
These are the first 2 assessments of ACT’s Educational Planning and Assessment System (EPAS). Each exam consists of 4 academic achievement tests: English, Math, Reading, and Science. Additionally, these assessments contain an interest inventory and a needs assessment based on the student’s perceived needs. The content of both tests closely mirrors the ACT and scores correlate with established college/post- secondary readiness benchmarks.

So why not just rely on STAR results?
EXPLORE and PLAN results are far more informative. You, your student, and your child’s guidance counselor will gain a wealth of information. The results are more specific and allow for more focused interventions as needed, better course planning information and a breakdown of how our 9th and 10th graders are doing overall. Very importantly, the results link to college readiness benchmarks. We also need to increase opportunities for our freshmen and sophomores to focus on their interests and explore possible careers. These tests link students with relevant college and scholarship information. We are excited to be able to bring these test preparation exams to Gunn High School.
We have sample score sheets in the Guidance Office. Also, for more information, please see the ACT website: http://www.act.org/aap/ and click on the EPAS link.
Both EXPLORE and PLAN are free to the student.

What is the PSAT?
The PSAT is a test preparation exam for the SAT, the college admissions test sponsored by College Board. The test is designed for 11th graders. The test measures critical reading, math problem-solving, and writing skill development. Results are mailed home, but there is an enhance score report that allows students to review questions, their answers, and correct answers with explanations. The PSAT also provides a start list of colleges and there is a career match component. For more information and sample questions with answers, see their website: www.collegeboard.com/psat.
Those students who do well on the test are eligible to enter scholarship competitions sponsored by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (www.nationalmerit.org).

Cost to student: $30. Sign-up in the Student Activities Center. Scholarships are available. See Mrs. Francesconi or your guidance counselor for a Financial Aid form. When completed, please turn it in to Kim Cowell, Guidance Assistant Principal.
10th graders will not be allowed to take the PSAT on October 13th, HOWEVER, there will be many opportunities to take a mock SAT at Gunn High School! The first is September 25 with a feedback session on October 6. (Only $15!) Preparation classes will also run all year. We contract with various companies to provide these opportunities. Please see Mr. Lira in the Academic Center for more information, or go to the Academic Center website for specific days and times. There is a link under “Student” on the Gunn website.
Academic Center: http://gunn3.pausd.org/~academiccenter/updates/

Senior Activities
8:30 – 12:15 p.m.
Speaker: Dr. Fred Luskin
Spangenberg Theater
Dr. Luskin is the Director of the Forgiveness Project at Stanford and he also teaches classes there. He is the author of several books including, Forgive for Good and Stress-free for Good. He was also a Gunn parent. Dr. Luskin will discuss the need to manage stress to be happy and productive, and its effect on one’s mental and physical well-being. He will present some simple strategies for managing stress. He will also talk about goal setting and the nature of true happiness.

Guest Speaker #2: TBA

Session 1 – College and career topics
Session 2 – College and career topics
Each session is 45 minutes long

College and career topics include:
• Help with the college packet
• UC and CSU application information/start in the computer lab
• College essay writing with Felicia Fahey
• Naviance ins and outs with Leighton Lang
• Career panels with professionals from a variety of careers.

Professionals with a variety of educational levels covering the following themes:
o Entrepreneurship
o The Arts
o Education
o Building and Design
o Technology

If you have specific questions regarding the various college preparatory tests, please e-mail the administrator in charge.
PLAN – Tom Jacoubowsky (tjacoubowsky@pausd.org)
EXPLORE – James Lubbe (jlubbe@pausd.org)
PSAT – Wes Cedros (wcedros@pausd.org)
Please direct questions about the overall day, or about the senior activities, to Kim Cowell (kcowell@pausd.org).

Kimberley Cowell
Assistant Principal
Guidance Department
Gunn High School
650-354-8204

College Admissions Essay Workshops

2010-09-21T23:49:00.000-07:00

Leighton W. Lang, llang@pausd.org
College & Career Information Specialist

The College Admissions Essay: Getting Started with Felicia Fahey, Ph.D.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010 in the Henry M. Gunn Library at 7:00 pm

Are you stressed out about writing the college admissions essay? Come put your mind at ease. This presentation reviews the essential qualities of the admissions essay and helps you avoid common pitfalls. Learn how to simplify the writing process and start your essay now.

The Admissions Essay: Polishing Your Draft with Felicia Fahey, Ph.D.
Wednesday, October 20th in LB 4 at 3:30 to 5:00 pm

Having trouble developing your draft? Looking for ways to make your essay more compelling? Have a writing coach take a look at your essay and give you pointers for improvement. This workshop is limited to 20 students. Students must bring a draft of their essay to participate. You may bring your draft on a flash drive. You have to sign up for this workshop in the College and Career Center on or before Friday, October 15 (First 20 students).

ACS Substance Abuse Program	Adolescent Counseling Services
Alto Sleep	American Cancer Society
American Red Cross	City of Palo Alto Office of Emergency Service
City of Palo Alto Police Department	Dairy Council California
Drug Enforcement Agency	El Camino Hospital
George Hernandez, Personal Trainer/Massage	Gunn @ Your Service
Ideal Health Chiropractic	Invisalign Teen
Joann Blessing-Moore, M.D.	Kaiser Permanente Community Health Liaison Educational Theatre Programs
Karla Oliveira, M.S., R.D/Culinary Nutritionist	Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital
Mothers Against Drunk Driving	Palo Alto Advanced Dentists
Palo Alto drug and Alcohol committee Collaborative	Palo Alto Family YMCA* Zumba Dance Demontration
Palo Alto School District Nurse	Pat Simko, R.D. M.S./Dietitian
Palo Alto Medical Foundation	Planned Parenthood
Rashmi Saini, M.D	Sally A. Longyear, MPH, CIE/Ergonomist
Stanford Eating Disorders Research Program	Traditional Zheng Zi Tai Chi
Tai Chi Demonstration: Adam Sewell	Victor Froelicher, M.D., Cardiologist
Yoga Demonstration by Lorraine Davis

Baja Fresh	De Martinis	Jumba Juice	Milk Pail Market *
Peet's Coffee & Tea (Charleston)	Piazza’s	SunUp Design System*	Trader Joe’s
Whole Foods Market (Los Altos)	Yakult U.S.A. Inc.

Julia Sharma (Chair)*	Leslie Fiedler (co-Chair)*	Homa Adnani
Norma Hesterman	Evon Ho	Shalini Kumar
Karla Oliveira	Pat Simko	JinPing Song
May To (Team Advisor)	Radhika Yarlagadda	Grace Yu

Vanessa Bernegge	Grace Downer	Anita Dubey
Chris Graham	Susan Graham	Gail Kingston
Debbie Mason	Lottie Price	Dawm Reboli
Matt Reboli	Rashmi Saini

Gunn Spotlight

Gunn sports Booster annual auction

Sports Update - January

Adolescent Counseling Services - UPCOMING EVENTS AND RESOURCES

San Jose Youth Symphony Chamber Orchestra

Special Ed Resource Fair

Summer Opportunities for Teens

Titans Win Gunn Quad

Sports Update - December

SELPA 1 CAC parent education event – January

Gunn High School Choir's Winter Concert

The Palo Alto Chamber Orchestra’s 46th Season

Gunn Grad Night 2012 Scholarship Fund Fundraiser…

** TURKEY FEAST 2011**

2nd Annual Crab Feed November 20th, Benefiting Gunn Basketball!

Sports Update

Gunn Library Holiday Wishlist

Communicating with Your Teen

SELPA 1 CAC November Parent Education Event

SINFONIA OF THE PALO ALTO CHAMBER ORCHESTRA TO PERFORM 46TH SEASON FIRST CONCERT

San Jose Youth Symphony (SJYS) Philharmonic Orchestra

TURKEY FEAST 2011

Parent Ed: Miss Representation

How to Manage School Refusal Behaviors

What are the 41 Developmental Assets?/ Positive Family Communication

Pedal4Prizes update

Gizdich Ranch Pie Sale

SELPA 1 CAC October Parent Education Event

PALO ALTO CHAMBER ORCHESTRA’S 46th SEASON

Sports Update

Essay Contest for Juniors

2011 Fall For Parents Only Seminars at Packard Children's Hospital

Is it Sadness or Depression? - How to Tell the Difference.

Gunn Staff Fashion Show

SELPA 1 CAC September Parent Education Event

Get SAT ready this summer with Gunn Library

PiE Update

TEDxGunnHighSchool to Bring Together Students and Community

PALO ALTO CHAMBER ORCHESTRA’S 45th SEASON

PACO's Debut Orchestra - Season's Final Concert

Titan Boys Basketball Camp - Summer 2011

Appreciating Our Teachers

Congratulations to 2011-2013 Site Council Parent Representatives

A Message From the Principal

2010-2011 Principal's Cup

Gunn High School Hosts California Music Educators Association Band Festival

Taming the Tempestuous Sea

GUNN Robotics news

2011 Health Fair

GUNN ROBOTICS NEWS

PROM: Memorandum to Parents and Guests

Sports Update

SELPA 1 CAC parent education event

2011-2013 Gunn HS Site Council Parent Representatives

2011 Winter Sports Award Winners

Adolescent Counseling Services - UPCOMING EVENTS AND RESOURCES

Sports Update

PALO ALTO CHAMBER ORCHESTRA’s 45th ANNIVERSARY CONCERT

SINFONIA OF THE PALO ALTO CHAMBER ORCHESTRATO PERFORM

PALO ALTO CHAMBER ORCHESTRA’s 45th SEASON

SELPA 1 CAC March Parent Education Event

Debut of the Palo Alto Chamber Orchestra Season Second Concert

A Message From The Principal

Sports Updates

Updates on Arastradero Road from Palo Alto's Chief Transportation Official

Sports Updates

Gunn 2011/2012 PTSA Positions Open

Gunn Site Council Parent Reps Wanted

Barbara Emerich Scholarship 2011

SELPA 1 CAC Parent Education March Event

Principal's Blurb

Finals Schedule for Route 88

Adjustments to SB 88 Schedule

Update On Arastradero Restriping Trial

SELPA 1 CAC January Parent Education Event

Gunn Turkey Feast-Thank You!

PALO ALTO CHAMBER ORCHESTRA’s 45th SEASON SECOND CONCERT

Noodle Tools now in Gunn Library

Class of 2015 Sees Candy Fundraiser!

Twelve Angry Men

TURKEY FEAST 2011