STUDENTS, PARENTS, FACULTY MENLO-ATHERTON HIGH SCHOOL VOLUME 61, NUMBER 3 555 MIDDLEFIELD ROAD, ATHERTON, CA 94027. To the Menlo-Atherton Community

THREE VOICES NOVEMBER 2013 T RIV OCIS STUDENTS, PARENTS, FACULTY MENLO-ATHERTON HIGH SCHOOL VOLUME 61, NUMBER 3 555 MIDDLEFIELD ROAD, ATHERTON, CA 94027 WWW.MABEARS.ORG n (650) 322-5311 To the Menlo-Atherton Community Fall has arrived at M-A, and the first quarter is drawing to a close. Grades will be posted shortly, ninth-grade Challenge Days will begin October 28, and the usual assortment of sports, plays, and school dances is in full swing. A challenge for new students at M-A is figuring out everything that is going on and determining what they want to participate in. You can help your children by reviewing club, extracurricular, and sports offerings with them. You can find club and sports listings at www.sequoiadistrict.org/page/835 (clubs) and www.bearsathletics.org (sports). Teen health On October 14 a King s Academy junior committed suicide at the Encinal CalTrain crossing. The young person was a Menlo Park resident, had attended La Entrada School, and was active in his local church. While not directly connected to M-A, this tragedy is a stark reminder to remain vigilant about your children s mental health needs and overall stress levels. Life challenges and the academic stress related to college admissions are fueling high adolescent stress levels and making students physically and mentally ill. Our own Guidance Office is sensing an increasing level of worry and anxiety among students. The following are resources for parents: Ø www.suicideispreventable.org Ø www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org Ø www.suicidology.org/home Ø www.kara-grief.org Ø www.onyourmind.net Ø Suicide/crisis hotline: 1-800-Suicide. On November 21 we will host an event for M-A parents about adolescent brain development and stress. We are retooling the event to focus more on creating and maintaining healthy teenagers and addressing the corrosive effects of stress. Please consider joining us. New and noteworthy Calendar highlights November 1: Wednesday block day schedule November 2: SAT exam November 5: Last day to withdraw from firstsemester class November 7: Senior deadline for recommendation packet for private or out-of-state colleges November 8: Deadline to register for Dec. 7 SAT and Dec. 14 ACT November 11: Veterans Day no school November 13: 10th grade parent meeting November 14: Registration for spring 2014 CEEP class (November 22 deadline for signed contract) November 27 29: Thanksgiving holiday December 9 13: Dead week Contents From the principal Del director Low-cost internet / Internet a precio bajisimo From the PTA Desde la PTA English-language tutoring Canned Food Drive Fashion Show PTA Mini-Grants Foundation for the Future English Foundation for the Future Español From the Guidance Office De la Oficina de la Consejería From the Career Center SAT prep classes Parent Education Big Band Dance Athletic Boosters Varsity jackets TriVocis November 2013 calendar Future events Ø Digital photo teacher and yearbook adviser Betsy Snow had forty-seven student pictures accepted by the New York Times blog My Hometown (www.nytimes.com/projects/2013/lens-my-hometown/?best_200=true&page=140). Senior Gabriella Zanutta s picture of the M-A grounds crew was recognized as Editors Pick on the blog. 1 2 3 4 5 6 6 7 8 9 10 11 13 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22

Ø Senior running back Isiah Nash was named athlete of the week on September 20 by the Palo Alto Weekly for his amazing performance against Los Gatos High School. He gained 206 yards in 26 carries, helping propel the Bears to a 10 19 victory. Ø Senior Brian Keare was named athlete of the week on September 27 by Palo Alto Weekly for his quarterbacking against St. Ignatius. He completed 16 of 20 passes for a career-high 307 yards. Ø Sophomore Madeleine Baier was named athlete of the week on September 25 by the San Mateo Times for her prowess on the M-A cross country team. She placed first at the PAL meets at Westmoor and Half Moon Bay. Ø Junior Simran Kashyap was featured in the Sunday business section of the San Francisco Chronicle for her work over the summer at the Palo Alto start-up Make Games with Us, where she was a game development intern. Ø Melissa Meloy has been chosen by the Knowles Science Teaching Foundation as a member of its 2013 cohort of teaching fellows. PS: You might encourage your child to apply for a $20,000 Westly Prize, which is awarded to four high school youths whose entrepreneurial innovations improve the lives of people and the world around us. More information can be found at www.westly.org/westly-prize. Matthew Zito, principal Estimada Comunidad de Menlo-Atherton El otoño ha llegado a M-A y el primer trimestre está llegando a su fin. Las calificaciones se publicarán dentro de poco, el día 28 de octubre empezarán los Challenge Days [los días en que se ponen a prueba las habilidades] para los estudiantes del 9º grado escolar, y la acostumbrada selección de deportes, obras de teatro y bailes de la escuela están en plena marcha. Para los alumnos nuevos de M-A es complicado llegar a comprender todo lo que está ocurriendo y determinar en qué quieren participar. Ustedes les pueden ayudar a sus hijos repasando con ellos las ofertas de clubes, actividades extraescolares y deportes. Nuestra página web tiene listados de clubes y deportes en estos enlaces: www.sequoiadistrict.org/page/835 (clubes); www.bearsathletics.org (deportes). La salud de los adolescentes TriVocis November 2013 Volume 61, Number 3 M-A High School PTA News 17 th District PTA Published monthly by the PTA of Menlo-Atherton High School 555 Middlefield Road Atherton, CA 94027 (650) 322-5311 www.mabearspta.org Principal: Matthew Zito PTA co-presidents: Becky Flanagan Elizabeth Katz Articles editor: Jane Aaron Production editor: Adriana Castro Silva Calendar editor: Kathleen Balestra Proofreaders: Jane King, Becca Garcia, Brian LaPorte Mailing: Corby Locke, Kim Steere The purpose of the newsletter is to promote communication between the administration/ faculty and parents. We welcome all your comments, suggestions, and articles. The mention of any business or service in this newsletter does not imply an endorsement by the M-A PTA. Send articles for next issue by Tuesday, November 12, to trivocis@mabearspta.org. El 14 de octubre, un alumno de 11º grado de King's Academy se suicidó en el cruce del CalTrain de Encinal. El joven era residente de Menlo-Park, había asistido a La Entrada School y participaba en su iglesia local. Aunque no estaba directamente relacionada con M-A, esta tragedia es un duro recuerdo de que hay que mantenerse alerta acerca de las necesidades de salud mental de su hijo/a y los niveles generales de estrés. Las dificultades de la vida y el estrés académico relacionado con las admisiones a la universidad está echándole leña a los altos niveles de estrés de los adolescentes y haciendo que los alumnos padezcan enfermedades físicas y mentales. Nuestro propio departamento de orientación está notando que el nivel de preocupación y ansiedad entre los estudiantes está aumentando. A continuación encontrarán una lista de recursos que los padres pueden utilizar: Ø www.suicideispreventable.org Ø www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org Ø www.suicidology.org/home Ø www.kara-grief.org Ø www.onyourmind.net Ø Suicide/crisis hotline: 1-800-Suicide. 2 November 2013 TriVocis

El 21 de noviembre, celebraremos un evento para padres de M-A acerca del desarrollo del cerebro de los adolescentes y el estrés. Estamos reestructurando el evento para enfocarnos más en la creación y mantenimiento de adolescentes sanos y en el tema de los efectos corrosivos del estrés. Por favor, considere asistir. Nuevo y digno de notar Ø Betsy Snow, profesora de fotografía digital y consejera del anuario, consiguió que 47 fotografías de alumnos fueran aceptadas por el blog del New York Times, My Hometown (www.nytimes.com/projects/2013/lens-myhometown/?best_200=true&page=140). La foto de Gabriella Zanutta, estudiante de 12º grado escolar, del equipo de mantenimiento de M-A fue reconocida como Editors Pick en el blog. Ø Isiah Nash, estudiante de 12º grado escolar y running back fue nombrado atleta de la semana el 20 de septiembre por el Palo Alto Weekly por su asombroso rendimiento contra Los Gatos High School. Ese viernes terminó el partido con 206 yardas en los 26 contraataques, lo que ayudó lanzar a los Bears a una victoria de 10 19. Ø Brian Keare, estudiante de 12º grado escolar, fue nombrado atleta de la semana del Palo Alto Weekly el día 27 de septiembre por sus tareas de quarterback contra St. Ignatius, donde completó 16 de 20 pases para un récord en su carrera de 307 yardas. Ø Madeleine Baier, estudiante del 10º grado escolar, fue nombrada atleta de la semana del San Mateo Times la semana del 25 de septiembre por su pericia en el equipo de carrera a campo traviesa de M-A. Fue la que terminó en primer lugar en los concursos de PAL en Westmoor y Half Moon Bay. Ø Simran Kashyap, alumno de 11º grado, fue destacado en la sección de negocios del domingo del San Francisco Chronicle por su trabajo en Make Games with Us en Palo Alto durante el verano. Trabajó con una nueva empresa haciendo prácticas en desarrollo de juegos. Ø Knowles Science Teaching Foundation ha elegido a Melissa Meloy como miembro de su grupo de instructores de 2013. PD: Sería buena idea que animara a su hijo/a a solicitar el Westly Prize de $20,000, que se concede a cuatro innovadores jóvenes de escuela secundaria/preparatoria cuyas innovaciones emprendedoras mejoran la vida de las personas y el mundo que nos rodea. Se puede encontrar más información en www.westly.org/westly-prize. Matthew Zito, director Low-Cost Internet Does your student receive free or reduced lunch? If so, you can get Internet at your home for only $11 per month. To order Comcast Essentials, call (855) 846-8376. Internet a Precio Bajisimo Recibe su hijo/a comida a precio reducido o gratis a la escuela? Si lo reciben, pueden obtener internet en casa por solamente $11 al mes. Para hacer una solicitud, llame a (855) 846-8376. TriVocis November 2013 3

From the PTA We are only a few months into school, and already the PTA has accomplished so much. We greatly appreciate the support of our strong M-A community, which continues to help ensure that important programs are funded and volunteer spots are filled. We close the 2013 PTA membership drive with 534 families joining our PTA. Your contributions of more than $75,000 allow us to fund much-needed classroom materials and many enrichment programs in the coming months. Thank you to our membership chairs, Amy McLanahan, Jill Morgan, and Julie Kleck. During our first Parent Education program, we learned all about the college admission process as coauthors Robin Mamlet and Christine VandeVelde discussed their book, College Admission: From Application to Acceptance, Step by Step. We hope you can join us for Inside the Adolescent Brain: Transitions, Trials, and Triumphs with Lisa Medoff, Ph.D., Stanford University, on Thursday, November 21, at 7:00 pm in the PAC. (See p. 17.) We thank Charlene Margot for putting together a great Parent Education series. Teachers, clubs, and staff were granted $15,000 through the PTA s Mini-Grant program. (See p. 8.) The grants support clubs and leadership, provide materials for academic enrichment, and allow teachers to purchase much needed equipment for classrooms. We will fund additional grants in the spring. We appreciate the hard work of Nancy Kessler and Elizabeth Katz, cochairs of the Mini-Grants committee. Many thanks go to Lauren Calhoun and Irene Searles for organizing a successful Freshman Challenge Day. This year, 550 students participated in Challenge Day, and close to 200 parent volunteers made the day an incredible experience for our freshmen. This workshop fosters a sense of belonging among the diverse group of new M-A students. Freshmen establish connections and see that the M-A community is stronger when they support one another and respect one another s differences. A wonderful group of volunteers tutor M-A s English Language Development (ELD) students. We thank the volunteers for their time and Andrea Reid, our PTA ELD chair, for coordinating this volunteer program. If you would like to become involved and have two free hours a week, please consider tutoring an M-A student who is trying to learn English. See the article on page 6. Many other committees are hard at work behind the scenes. We urge you again to volunteer for PTA work. The school administration, faculty, and staff appreciate the projects undertaken by the PTA, and volunteering is a great way to be on campus, see how the school runs, and work with other interesting volunteers. Visit our Web site at www.mabearspta.org to see all of the available volunteer opportunities. To stay up to date on PTA events, like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/mabearspta. We post reminders about important events and share information of interest to the M-A parent community. Becky Flanagan and Elizabeth Katz, PTA co-presidents 4 November 2013 TriVocis

Desde la PTA Slo llevamos unos meses del año escolar, y la PTA ya ha logrado muchísimo. Agradecemos todo el apoyo de nuestra comunidad M-A que, con sus donaciones generosas de fondos y de su tiempo como voluntarios, asegura que nuestros programas importantes tengan éxito. 534 familias ya son miembros de la PTA! Sus contribuciones de más de $75,000 nos permitirán financiar durante los próximos meses materiales de clases tan necesitados así como programas de enriquecimiento. Damos las gracias a nuestras co-líderes del Comité de Membresía, Amy McLanahan, Jill Morgan, y Julie Kleck. Durante nuestra primera sesión de Educación para Padres, aprendimos todo sobre el proceso de admisión universitaria gracias a la presentación que las co-autoras Robin Mamlet y Christine VandeVelde hicieron de su libro, Admisión a la Universidad: Desde la Solicitud a la Aceptación, Paso a Paso. Esperamos contar con su asistencia también el próximo jueves, 21 de noviembre a la presentación Dentro del Cerebro Adolescente: Transición, Pruebas, y Triunfos por la Dra. Lisa Medoff de Stanford sobre. Gracias a Charlene Margot por organizar una Serie de Educación de Padres tan excepcional. Maestros, clubs y personal recibieron $15,000 a través del programa Mini-Grants (becas). Las becas están dedicados a clubs y liderato, materiales para enriquecimiento académico y para que los maestros puedan comprar equipamiento para las clases que tanto necesitan. Financiaremos más becas en la primavera. No hubiese sido posible sin todo el trabajo de Nancy Kessler y Elizabeth Katz, co-líderes del Comité Mini Grants. Gracias también a Lauren Calhoun y Irene Searless por organizar un exitoso Día del Challenge Freshman. Este año, 550 estudiantes del grado noveno participaron en el Día del Challenge, y casi 200 padres voluntarios hicieron que el día fuera una experiencia increíble para todos los Freshmen. Este programa contribuye al desarrollo de un sentimiento de pertenencia compartido entre todos los grupos de nuevos estudiantes de M-A. Los estudiantes establecen conexiones entre ellos y aprenden que la comunidad de M-A se hace más fuerte cuando se apoyan unos a otros y se respetan las diferencias. Un grupo maravilloso de voluntarios tutelan el programa ELD o del Desarrollo del Lengua Ingles. Agradecemos a este grupo su tiempo y a Andrea Reid, nuestra líder del ELD por coordinar el programa. Si desea participar, y tiene 2 o 3 horas semanales disponibles, considera por favor tutelar un estudiante que está esforzándose por aprender inglés. No hace falta experiencia en lenguas extranjeras. El maestro ELD le dará un plan para cada reunión de clase, donde trabajará con un máximo de dos estudiantes con el objetivo de ayudarles en su inglés hablado y escrito. Necesitamos voluntarios para las clases ELD los miércoles de 11:15 a 12:55 y los jueves de 9:40 a 11:20. Hay muchos otros comités trabajando duro detrás del escenario. Le animamos a participar como voluntario en los programas de la PTA. La administración de nuestra escuela, los profesores y el personal en general aprecia mucho el trabajo de la PTA. Ofrecerse como voluntario le permite seguir más de cerca la vida del campus, conocer mejor el funcionamiento de la escuela, y conocer y trabajar con más voluntarios interesantes. Visite nuestro Web site a www.mabearspta.org para ver donde necesitamos voluntarios. Para estar informado de las actividades de la PTA: selecciona Like en nuestra página de Facebook a www.facebook.com/mabearspta. Allí informamos sobre eventos importantes y compartimos información de interés con la comunidad de padres de M-A. Becky Flanagan and Elizabeth Katz, co-presidentas de la PTA TriVocis November 2013 5

Tutors Needed for English Language Development (ELD) Do you have two hours a week to help tutor students in class who are trying to learn English? Our program for this year is just getting started, so it s a great time to join our team! The ELD program has students from many different countries and it varies from year to year, but the majority of our students speak Spanish as their native language. M-A s Hispanic Outreach Initiative program received the very prestigious Apple Award last year for its achievements in engaging Hispanic parents and families in their children s education. Because of this great success, the program will be emulated by schools across the state! You do not need foreign language experience. The ELD teacher will give you a plan for each class meeting. You will work with a maximum of two students, with the goal of helping them improve in spoken and written English. Over the course of a semester, you will get to know them and see their progress. Volunteers are needed for ELD classes during one of these periods: Wednesday, third period, 11:15 am to 12:55 pm, or Thursday, second period, 9:40 to 11:20 am If you are interested, please e-mail eldtutoring@mabearspta.org. 2013 M-A Canned Food Drive The annual M-A Canned Food Drive kicks off on Tuesday, November 5. In a tradition started by legendary Coach Ben Parks, M-A students collect food from the community to help feed several hundred families in the community, many of them M-A families. For four weeks, students will fan out over the local area and collect cans. Supporting M-A in this effort are the following stores: Bianchini s in Ladera; Draeger s in Menlo Park; Key Market in Redwood City; Roberts Market in Portola Valley; the Safeways at Sequoia Station, on El Camino in Menlo Park, and in Sharon Heights; Trader Joe s in Menlo Park; and Whole Foods in Palo Alto. We are very grateful for their continued support. This year M-A has again partnered with Second Harvest Food Bank to ensure that families continue to have access to food sources beyond the Canned Food Drive. Here are ways that you can help: Ø When you are shopping for your family, please add a few extra cans to your cart and drop them into the Second Harvest Food Bank barrels. M-A students will be handing out the list of most-needed items requested by SHFB. Ø Consider donating online www.shfb.org/donateonline. Type high school in the Online Food Drive box and select Menlo-Atherton High School so that your gift can be properly credited to the M-A outreach effort. Ø Some students conduct food drives in their neighborhoods. Encourage yours to start that tradition! While the Canned Food Drive is entirely organized and coordinated by the Leadership class with help from Mike Amoroso, Jonathan Senigaglia, and Andy Stuart all M-A students are urged to show their Bear Pride by participating in this amazing effort that has garnered M-A two awards from SHFB. Distribution to families will take place at Ecumenical Hunger Program in East Palo Alto on Saturday, December 7. The Canned Food Drive will need volunteers for setup on Friday, December 6, and for sorting and boxing food items in the morning of Saturday, December 7. Sign-up opportunities will be publicized through BearNotes over the next few weeks. M-A is a regular recipient of Second Harvest s coveted Blue Diamond Award, which totals food collections as well as monetary donations, and its Community Champion Award, going to noncorporate groups with the highest number of participants. Please help us keep our streak going! For more information, contact cochairs Linda Gates and Catherine McMillan at feedourfamilies@mabearspta.org. 6 November 2013 TriVocis

Save the Date! Mark your calendars now for the 2014 M-A Fashion Show on Saturday, March 22, in the Performing Arts Center. There will be three performances: 1:00 pm (preceded by a catered luncheon), 4:00 pm, and 7:30 pm. The Fashion Show is a professionally choreographed, high-energy production that stars our incredible senior class. It has been an M-A tradition for over thirty-five years and is the PTA s largest fundraiser, providing funding for many of the important student and school services we have come to expect at Menlo-Atherton. The show helps the seniors bond and celebrate their last year at M-A while bringing the community together to celebrate the spirit that is M-A. If you have never been to one of our Fashion Shows, this is the year to attend! Please let us know if you would like to be part of the tradition and volunteer your talents for this important event. We have many ways for parents of all classes to get involved. Watch for volunteer sign-ups in BearNotes or contact one of the cochairs now at fashionshow@mabearspta.org. We will also need help with underwriting and ad sales, so if you have a business you want to promote, let us know that too. Fashion Show cochairs for 2014 are Kathy Oppenheimer at Kathy_oppenheimer@yahoo.com, Stephanie Nisbet at Stephanie.nisbet@gmail.com, and Karen Fryling at Karen.fryling@cbnorcal.com. TriVocis November 2013 7

PTA Fall Mini-Grants Awarded We are pleased to report that the following M-A PTA Mini-Grants were funded in our first round of grants. Close to $15,000 was unanimously approved by the M-A PTA membership at the general meeting on October 8. Areas of support included academic enrichment, equipment, school support, and clubs. Ø Food and beverage costs for Academy and mentor events, including graduation expenses Ø Snacks for an Academy after-school homework center Ø Refreshments for Ravenswood eighth-grade students visit to M-A Ø Ice cream party for the class that displays the most spirit during Spirit Week Ø SignUpGenius Pro to help in scheduling prospective M-A students shadowing Ø Dinner and snacks for New Voices for Youth, a League of Women Voters program Ø Supplies for Leadership s ever-popular Trick or Treat Street Ø Food and beverage costs for teacher/staff BBQs put on by Leadership Ø Incentives for student volunteer tutors Ø Seed money for a garden/art space for ILS, Ceramics, Pride Pals, and Farmer s Market clubs Ø Supplies for Bingo planning tool for students to track A-G requirements Ø Pumpkins, tools, and snacks for pumpkin carving contest in Special Ed Ø Food and supplies for cooking class and projects for ID students Ø Incentive snacks for Special Ed students as rewards for hard work Ø New online book and multimedia components for Spanish I Ø MoneyInstructor.com fee for lessons, worksheets, and finance articles for economics teachers Ø Speak Out! to encourage public speaking by English, drama, and EL students Ø White boards for use by individual students Ø Restocking the health office with posters, pamphlets, and EpiPen transporter Ø Algebra II resource books, bingo supplies, and graphing calculators Ø PDF sheet-fed mobile document scanner for the Computer Academy Ø Personalized ipad 2 and Apple TV for SAC, Special Ed, and Independent Living Skills Ø Software for a Smartboard interactive game and posters for world language students Ø Two document readers, ipad keyboard, and remote for lecturing for coteaching Ø Graphing calculator for precalculus Ø Document camera for Academy classes Ø Geometry sketchpads, reference manuals, and replacement calculators Ø Pinnies and polyspots for a kinesthetic activity for math Ø Four document cameras for world languages We hope you appreciate how M-A staff and students benefit from your support of the PTA through the M-A Fashion Show and direct donations. Thank you! Elizabeth Katz and Nancy Kessler, PTA Mini-Grants cochairs 8 November 2013 TriVocis

October 2013 Dear M-A families, We are very fortunate to live in a community passionate about education. For twenty-one years engaged families and friends have supported Menlo-Atherton High School with generous contributions to the M-A Foundation, making certain that every student at M-A experiences the high-caliber education our dynamic community expects. The funds we raise from families like yours are more important than ever! With revenue from the state dropping and revenue from property taxes not keeping pace with the cost of an excellent education, this year we must raise $2 million, or $1,000 per student, to pay for the personnel and fundamental programs that will help prepare ALL our students for twenty-first century careers in the global economy. Where will the money go? We collaborate with Principal Matthew Zito, carefully allocating donor dollars to maximize academic excellence. Every dollar is spent at M-A, ensuring that your student benefits directly this year from the following: $880,000 to reduce class sizes in 228 core subject courses $464,000 to expand curriculum options including diverse electives and AS and AP classes $193,000 to provide dynamic professional development fostering excellence in teaching $162,000 to enhance college and career counseling $403,000 to fund critical programs such as the innovative Partnership for Success Last year, hundreds of generous parents and community members donated over $1.75 million to the M-A Foundation. Our students are counting on your generous support this year for the programs and personnel that recently earned our school another California Distinguished School recognition. Please consider supporting M-A. Visit www.mafoundation.org to donate online today. Please join us in supporting the diverse and deserving students of Menlo-Atherton High School! With appreciation, Mark Knox Foundation co-president Lucia Tedesco Foundation co-president PS: It s a Great Day @ M-A... Let s Keep It That Way! Foundation funds represent over 10% of M-A s budget. Your donation, great or small, will make a difference. If your donation is meaningful to you, it will be meaningful to the students of M-A! TriVocis November 2013 9

Octubre 2013 Estimada Familia de Menlo-Atherton, Tenemos la fortuna de vivir en una comunidad donde la educación es prioridad. Durante los últimos 21 años, familiares y amigos han apoyado a Menlo-Atherton High School con donaciones a la Fundación, asegurando que cada estudiante en M-A obtenga una excelente educación. Los fondos que recaudamos de familias son más importantes que nunca! Los ingresos que obtenemos del estado de California estan disminuyendo y los ingresos de los impuestos sobre la propiedad no aumentan al mismo nivel que los costos de una excelente educación. Por eso es que este año tenemos que recaudar para la escuela $2 millones, o $1,000 por estudiante. Esto nos permite pagar los sueldos de personal y programas fundamentales que ayudan a TODOS nuestros estudiantes a estar preparados para los trabajos actuales de nuestra economía global. Donde se invertirá este dinero? Colaboramos con el Director Matthew Zito, para asignar cuidadosamente cada dólar con el objetivo de maximizar la excelencia académica. Cada dólar de las donaciones se usa solamente para M-A, asegurando que su estudiante se beneficie directamente durante este año con las seguintes inversiones: $880,000 para reducir el número de estudiantes en 228 clases de materias claves $464,000 para expander las opciones de clases incluyendo cursos electivos, AS y AP $193,000 para proveer desarrollo profesional y para promover excelencia en la enseñanza $162,000 para aumentar el apoyo y para dar consultoría sobre universidades y carreras $403,000 para dar apoyo a programas críticos como el programa Partners for Success El año pasado, cientos de padres y miembros de la comunidad donaron más de $1.75 millones a la Fundación. Los estudiantes están contando con su apoyo para que no terminen los programas que tanto benefician a cada estudiante. Por favor considere apoyar a M-A con una donación de cualquier monto. Cada donativo, de cualquier cantidad, ayuda a los estudiantes de M-A. Todos los donativos juntos hacen una gran diferencia para la escuela! Y usted tendrá la gran satisfacción de haber contribuido a la educación que M-A le ofrece a su(s) hijo(s). Favor enviar su donativo por cheque al PO Box 1228, Menlo Park, CA 94026, o también puede dárselo a Lilly Quiñonez en M-A, o igual por internet www.mafoundation.org. Por favor únase a nosotros para que sea otro día maravilloso en M-A! Con agradecimiento, Mark Knox Lucia Tedesco Co-presidente de la Fundación Co-presidenta de la Fundación 10 November 2013 TriVocis

Congratulations From the Guidance Office To M-A s 2014 National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists: Paul DeTrempe, Robert Gordan, Angela Lai, Scott Morris, Zoe Pacalin, Daniel Propp, and Valerie Taylor. To M-A s 2014 National Merit Scholarship Commended Students: Hans Brouwer, Samuel M. Calvert, Sofia E. Caryotakis, Sarina R. Chaiken, Andrew J. Connell, Eduard Cornew, Tessa Dignum, Devan R. Dutta, Taylor Fortnam, Emma B. Heath, Helmi E. Henkin, Meghan K. Hom, Sarah L. Hoover, Ursula A. Jongebloed, Brian H. Keare, Paulina E. King, Sophia C. Kivelson, Nicholas C. Landolfi, Virginia C. Lane, Liviera A. Leebong, Samuel Leznik, Ruth L. McGee, Linus A. Meyer-Teruel, Anton Paquin, David Perez, Madeleine N. Pont, Annika L. Roise, Madeleine R. Rostami, Jesse A. Strober, Thomas D. Suesser, Patrick Tam, Nathaniel Walker, Joshua B. Weiner, Austin Wilson, and Tiffany E. Yang. To M-A s 2014 National Hispanic Recognition Program Semifinalists: Eduard Cornew, Madeleine Pont, and Eric Snyder. Classroom visits The guidance counselors have met with most currently enrolled students, informing them of graduation requirements, college admission, and career planning. We will meet with ninth graders four times over the course of the academic year. Our next visit with them will be in late November to work on Naviance, a Web-based service that is free for all M-A students and can help them make decisions about colleges and careers. Please ask your student to share with you the informational materials they received from his or her guidance counselor during these classroom visits. Academic progress The end of the first quarter was October 18. You should have seen quarter grades by now. Please check your student s progress and contact his or her teachers if you have any academic concerns. There is a grading period every four and a half weeks to keep you and your student informed of academic progress. In addition, you can check your student s grades and attendance through Infinite Campus at ic.seq.org/campus/portal/sequoia.jsp. If you have questions about parent/student logins and passwords, please contact Lorry Orcutt at lorcutt@seq.org or (650) 322-5311, ext. 5113. If you need additional assistance, contact your student s guidance counselor: Student last name Guidance advisor E-mail address Ext. A and M-N Mrs. Lara Sandora lsandora@seq.org 5125 B-C-D Mrs. Escobar-Weaver keweaver@seq.org 5120 E-F through Go Ms. Torres storres@seq.org 5139 Gr through H-I-J-K-L Ms. Laura Duran lduran@seq.org 5182 O-P-Q-R through Se Ms. Andrade fandrade@seq.org 5181 Sh through T-U-V-W-X-Y-Z Mr. Jason Kubo jkubo@seq.org 5185 TriVocis November 2013 11

Important senior dates November 7: Deadline for requesting secondary school reports and recommendations from counselors. Ø Required for private or out-of-state colleges and universities only. Ø Students must complete the Recommendation Request Packet available on Naviance. Go to www.mabears.org, click on the link to Naviance, and login. The packet is in the document library on the right. Ø Students must schedule an appointment with their counselor and submit the completed packet in person as early as possible and no later than the November 7 deadline. Ø For students who miss the November 7 deadline, guidance counselors will submit forms but will not write letters of recommendation. Please note that four-year colleges and universities do not accept D grades. When a student repeats a class, he or she does not earn another five credits. December 20: Seniors should be finished with courses taken off campus to meet graduation requirements. January 17, 2014: Final transcript for each course completed off campus should be delivered to the Guidance Office in order to ensure graduation. California State University (CSU) application assistance: Seniors who are applying to any CSU campus and need help with the application can get help from guidance counselors in the Guidance classroom from 8:00 to 9:00 am every Thursday in October and November and from 8:00 to 9:00 am on Wednesday, November 6 and November 13. Last day to withdraw The last day to withdraw from a first-semester class (Withdrawal Pass WP or Withdrawal Fail WF) is November 5. This withdrawal will appear on the transcript. Policy for requesting homework for ill students When a student is out ill for three days or more, please phone the Guidance Office (650-322-5311, ext. 5121 or. 5122) to request homework. We will then contact the student s teachers. A homework folder will be set up in the Guidance Office, and you can pick up the homework at the end of the day. Our office hours are 7:30 am to 3:45 pm. For students out fewer than three days, please check Infinite Campus, e-mail teachers directly, or have students check with their friends. Go to the M-A Web site at www.mabears.org to find the e-mail addresses of your student s teachers. Sophomore parent meeting We invite the parents and guardians of current tenth graders to join us for an evening presentation of information regarding graduation requirements and college planning, specifically geared for the sophomore year. This meeting will take place on November 13 at 6:30 pm in the PAC cafe. Silvia Torres, head guidance counselor Francine Andrade, Laura Duran, Karina Escobar-Weaver, Jason Kubo, and Lara Sandora, guidance counselors 12 November 2013 TriVocis

Felicidades De la Oficina de Consejería A nuestros Semifinalistas del Program de Becas Merito Nacional: Paul DeTrempe, Robert Gordan, Angela Lai, Scott Morris, Zoe Pacalin, Daniel Propp, y Valerie Taylor. A nuestros estudiantes del Programa de Becas Merito Nacional con Mención de Honor: Hans Brouwer, Samuel M. Calvert, Sofia E. Caryotakis, Sarina R. Chaiken, Andrew J. Connell, Eduard Cornew, Tessa Dignum, Devan R. Dutta, Taylor Fortnam, Emma B. Heath, Helmi E. Henkin, Meghan K. Hom, Sarah L. Hoover, Ursula A. Jongebloed, Brian H. Keare, Paulina E. King, Sophia C. Kivelson, Nicholas C. Landolfi, Virginia C. Lane, Liviera A. Leebong, Samuel Leznik, Ruth L. McGee, Linus A. Meyer-Teruel, Anton Paquin, David Perez, Madeleine N. Pont, Annika L. Roise, Madeleine R. Rostami, Jesse A. Strober, Thomas D. Suesser, Patrick Tam, Nathaniel Walker, Joshua B. Weiner, Austin Wilson, and Tiffany E. Yang. A los estudiantes del Programa de Reconocimiento Nacional para Estudiantes Hispanos: Eduard Cornew, Madeleine Pont, y Eric Snyder. Visitas a las clases Para cuando usted(es) lea(n) esta edición de TriVocis, los consejeros se habrán reunido con la mayoría de los estudiantes actualmente matriculados en la escuela, informándoles acerca de los requisitos de graduación, requisitos para ingresar a la universidad y planeamiento de carreras. Nosotros nos reuniremos con los estudiantes del noveno grado cuatro veces durante el transcurso del año académico. Nuestra próxima visita con los estudiantes del noveno grado será a finales de noviembre y estaremos trabajando en el programa Naviance. Naviance es un servicio basado en Internet el cual es gratuito para todos los estudiantes de M-A. El programa Naviance es una herramienta útil que los estudiantes pueden usar para ayudar a tomar decisiones acerca de colegios y profesiones. Por favor pídale a su estudiante que comparta con usted los materiales informativos que recibió de su consejero/a durante estas visitas. Progreso académico El final del primer trimestre fue el 18 de octubre. Usted ya debió haber visto el progreso de calificaciones de trimestre. Por favor revise el progreso académico del estudiante y póngase en contacto con los profesores de su estudiante si usted/es tiene/n alguna preocupación en lo académico o con relación a las clases. Existe un período de calificaciones cada cuatro semanas y media para mantenerlo a usted y a su/s estudiante/s informado/s del progreso académico de su/s estudiante/s. Además, también puede revisar las calificaciones y asistencia de su estudiante a través de ic.seq.org/campus/portal/sequoia.jsp. Si ustedes tienen preguntas acerca de los códigos de entrada y claves para los estudiantes y padres de familia en el programa Infinite Campus, por favor comuníquense con Lorry Orcutt al lorcutt@seq.org, (650) 322-5311, ext. 5113. Si usted/es necesita/n ayuda adicional, por favor póngase en contacto con el consejero/a de su estudiante: Apellido del estudiante Consejero Correo electrónico Ext. A y M-N Sra. Sandora lsandora@seq.org 5125 B-C-D Sra. Escobar-Weaver keweaver@seq.org 5120 E-F hasta Go Sra. Torres storres@seq.org 5139 Gr-H-I-J-K hasta L Srta. Duran lduran@seq.org 5182 O-P-Q-R hasta Se Sra. Andrade fandrade@seq.org 5181 Sh-T-U-V-W-X-Y hasta Z Sr. Kubo jkubo@seq.org 5185 TriVocis November 2013 13

Fechas de vencimiento importantes para estudiantes del grado 12 7 de noviembre: Fecha de vencimiento para solicitor reporte de escuela preparatoria Secondary School Report conocida como Recomendación de consejero/a. Ø Requerido solamente para colegios/universidades privados o fuera del estado. Ø Los estudiantes deben completar el paquete de cartas de recomendación, que está disponible en Naviance. Visite www.mabears.org, haga un clic en Naviance, y entre al programa Naviance. El paquete está en la biblioteca de documentos en el lado derecho. Ø Los estudiantes necesitan hacer una cita con su consejero/a y entregar sus paquetes de recomendación personalmente lo más pronto posible y a más tardar el 7 de noviembre. Ø Los consejeros llenarán los formularios para las universidades, pero no escribirán cartas de recomendación para los estudiantes que no cumplen con la fecha de vencimiento. Por favor tome en cuenta que los colegios y universidades de cuatro años no aceptan la calificación D. Cuando el estudiante repite una clase, él/ella no obtiene cinco créditos adicionales. Diciembre 20: Los estudiantes del doceavo grado deben completar las clases que están tomando fuera de Menlo- Atherton para cumplir con los requisitos de graduación. Enero 17, 2014: Expediente académico final de cada clase tomada fuera de Menlo-Atherton High School deben ser entregados en la oficina de consejería para asegurar la graduación. Asistencia con la solicitud para ingresar a la Universidad Estatal de California (CSU): Los estudiantes del doceavo grado que van a solicitar ingreso a cualquier universidad estatal en California (C.S.U.) y necesitan ayuda con la solicitud, pueden visitar el salón de clases de la oficina de consejería durante entre 8:00 y 9:00 de la mañana cada jueves durante los meses de octubre y noviembre, y entre 8:00 y 9:00 am los días miércoles, 6 y 13 de noviembre. Los consejeros estarán disponibles para asistir a los estudiantes en completar su solicitud a las universidades estatales en Calfornia. Último día para dejar una clase El último día para dejar una clase (Withdrawal Pass WP o Withdrawal Fail WF) durante el primer semestre es noviembre 5. Sin embargo, esto aparecerá en el expediente académico de su estudiante. Reglamento para solicitar tarea para estudiantes enfermos Cuando un estudiante está ausente por enfermedad durante 3 días o más, por favor llame a la Oficina de Consejería (650-322-5311, ext. 5121 ó 5122) para solicitar tarea. Nosotros nos comunicaremos con los maestros del estudiante. Un folder para tarea será colocado en la Oficina de Consejería, donde usted podrá recoger la tarea al final del día. Nuestras horas de oficina son 7:30 am a 3:45 pm. Para estudiantes ausentes menos de 3 días, por favor revise portal.seq.org, envíe correos electrónicos a los maestros directamente, o pida a su estudiante que investigue con sus amigos. Puede entrar al sitio de M-A en Internet (www.mabears.org) para encontrar las direcciones electrónicas de los maestros de su estudiante. Junta para padres y tutores de estudiantes del décimo grado Nosotros invitamos a los padres y tutores de los estudiantes del décimo grado a unirse al departamento de consejería de M-A para una presentación de información referente a los requisitos de graduación y planificación para la universidad, especialmente para el décimo grado. Esta junta se llevará a cabo el 13 de noviembre a las 6:30 de la tarde. Silvia Torres, encargada del Departamento de Consejería Francine Andrade, Laura Duran, Karina Escobar-Weaver, Lara Sandora, y Jason Kubo, consejeros 14 November 2013 TriVocis

Career Center It s a hectic time of year in the Career Center. (When is it not?!) Juniors and seniors have been attending some of our 140+ college-rep visits, learning about a wide array of colleges from the University of Kansas to Colorado State to Eckerd (Florida) to Bryant (Rhode Island) to Kenyon (Ohio) to Pace (NYC) and many more. These visits provide a highquality opportunity for students to meet with and hear from representatives of colleges students might not have the resources to visit in person. By the time you read this, I will have survived (I hope) my favorite big event of the year (oh, okay, one of many favorite events). About 130 seniors will join me on the evening of October 29 for our annual UC Application Party, at which I walk them line by line through a paper version of the online application (and then they apply online), while we all enjoy delicious potluck food provided by the students. This is a popular event each year, and a productive one too. It helps our students submit high-quality applications to the UC. Also by the time you read this, I will have survived the first meeting of the year of College Club, my enthusiastic group of ninth- and tenth-grade first-generation-to-college students. We meet once a month to hear guest speakers or to engage in college-related activities. Our first meeting will feature three M-A seniors who will talk to the ninth and tenth graders about their college plans, hopes, and dreams and then we ll check in with them once or twice during the year to see where they end up in college and how they are doing in the financial aid and scholarship process. Role models! I am about halfway through my visits to the junior English classes; the rest are scheduled by mid-november. The juniors are curious and engaged; it s fun to use what I ve learned working with seniors to try to provide sound guidance to the juniors. As the year goes on, we will increase our focus on community colleges (local and other). Community colleges are an excellent option for many students (including many who are eligible to attend four-year colleges), but their deadlines aren t quite as early in the year, so our priorities at this time of year are on the UC and CSU (deadlines November 30) and private colleges. Watch for the announcement of Community College Night in February! On January 15 I will host a Sophomore Parent College Information Night, and on January 22 I will host a Junior Parent College Information Night. Please mark your calendars, and watch for more information about these events! In past years at this time, I have sent the following caveat to TriVocis, and it is as true now as always: Now and then, the lunch bell rings and I face a line of students clutching identical letters they have received, asking, Is this important? Should I do this? It s a great idea for students to ASK when they receive mail they don t understand. Many companies obtain student mailing lists and send mass mailings to families with tempting-sounding offers about scholarship money going to waste, telling students, You have been selected, or Your appointment time is These letters imply that the students, by attending a free seminar, will qualify for all kinds of financial aid and scholarships. The problem with these offers is that at the free seminar, families are encouraged (understatement ) to sign up for expensive services that are completely unnecessary! M-A students and parents can find all the information and help they need absolutely free if they come to the Career Center, read the information I distribute, use Internet resources, come to Financial Aid Night for senior families (this year, on January 8), etc. Unscrupulous companies charge enormous amounts of money for information that is available free. Please, if your students have questions about anything they receive in the mail, ask! It is very difficult to extricate yourself from a contract once it is signed. As always, feel free to contact me at AAKleeman@gmail.com with your questions and concerns. Alice Kleeman TriVocis November 2013 15

SAT Prep Class (CEEP) College Entrance Exam Preparation (CEEP) is a course that helps students improve their SAT math, critical reading, and writing scores. Students also learn about admission requirements and scholarship opportunities for the UC system, CSU, and private colleges. The class will be offered in the spring semester during 0 period to seventy junior students who have completed geometry and algebra (the main content of the SAT math exam). The class begins January 7, meets Monday, Tuesday, and Friday at 7:50 8:40 am and Thursday at 7:50 9:25 am, and is structured to prepare students for the SAT I on May 3. The students are divided into two groups, with each group alternating weekly between reading/writing and math instruction. Students take practice exams weekly. Teachers provide specific materials and techniques to facilitate test taking. As the lead teacher, I have extensive experience in college entrance exam math preparation, having taught SAT courses for a variety of institutions and tutored individual students for thirty years. I will teach the math class, and Liane Strub and Valerie Caveney will teach the critical-reading and writing class. The curriculum is based on personally developed testpreparation materials as well as test booklets (real SAT tests) published by the College Board. Since the SAT I book is consumable, students will be encouraged to purchase it ($21 to be submitted with the contract). Free books will be available to students who cannot afford this purchase. A primary benefit of this class (for most students) is improved SAT test scores and thus improved college eligibility. In addition, students will acquire general test-taking techniques and refine their math, writing, and critical-reading skills. Most students will also be better able to make informed decisions about their college choices. As a parent, you are probably thinking that this class will be great. It certainly will help some students, especially those who plan to apply to the UC system or to competitive private colleges. But over the years CEEP teachers have observed that seven classes are not for everyone. Now that the fall semester is underway, your child may be finding junior year very difficult so that adding a seventh class to an already challenging day will create more stress than he or she can sanely handle. We recommend that students think carefully before signing up for CEEP. Jane King s afternoon classes are another option for students interested in SAT prep. (See below.) Her program offers fifteen hours of instruction, while CEEP offers ninety hours of instruction. Keeping these considerations in mind, please tell your student that enrollment will take place on Thursday morning, November 14, starting before 7:45 am in room D20. Instructors will present an overview of the class, and students should plan to be there for a minimum of forty-five minutes. The enrollment will run more smoothly if many students can begin arriving by 7:30 am. Some years we have more interested students than the seventy we can handle. We have devised a lottery for students who arrive before 7:45 am. Students who arrive after 7:45 am or who do not meet the math prerequisites will not be eligible for the lottery. Winners of the lottery will be posted outside room D20 by 3:15 that same day. Eligible students will then have to return a signed contract by Friday, November 22, at lunch. Students who fail to meet this deadline will lose their spots to students on the waiting list. We are very grateful to the Foundation for the Future for underwriting the CEEP course. This year, the parents of CEEP students will again be encouraged to supplement the Foundation funding by making donations in February, based on a self-determined ability to pay. While donations are not required, they are critical in ensuring that this class will be offered every spring at M-A. Last year s donors were generous, and we hope this year s donors will be as well. Gregg Whitnah, Math Department chair M-A s Own PSAT/SAT Prep M-A s Own PSAT/SAT Prep class is enrolling for its two spring SAT preps. The first, beginning in late January to prepare for the March test, is popular because the test is then out of the way before the end-of-year regular testing, standardized testing, papers, projects, and so on. The second course begins shortly after the first ends and is preparation for the May or June test. We meet for five weeks on campus, courtesy of Mr. Florio, from 3:30 to 5 on Mondays and Tuesdays. When the school calendar shakes up this routine (as happens a lot in February), the students vote, majority rule, on a makeup day. Seniors who still need to take an SAT are welcome, and we will waitlist sophomores whose sports will interfere with PSAT prep in the fall. Since the format is the same for the PSAT and the SAT (except for the SAT s essay), spring preparation works out well for sophomores. Depending on the number enrolled, our fee ranges from $100 to $225 ($225 is $15 a tutoring hour), and we have charged the full fee only once since we began back in 1980. Once a student is seated in the class, the parent becomes responsible for the fee. For Q&A or to enroll your student, call (650) 323-4066 or (much preferred) e-mail jccking@juno.com. Jane King, director 16 November 2013 TriVocis