The View—Volume VII, No. 9 | May 2009

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PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE

I love this time of year! The weather is beautiful, the excitement that surrounds graduation is starting to grow, and I get to work with a terrific bunch of teenagers every day!  I am so proud of the way our students have committed to the Westview Team effort during STAR testing. As we start to wrap up this final quarter of the school year, I wanted to share some reminders:

May 5, 2009 is National Teachers Day.
On nearly a daily basis I hear from parents, “Westview has remarkable teachers.” They care deeply about their students and give many extra hours of time to support them. Many of them are still waiting to learn if the state budget will even allow them to return to a teaching position at Westview next year, but they are too professional to let it affect their teaching. If you have an extra minute or two on May 5, please know that you can make their day by telling them that they’ve had a positive impact on your child.

Vacation Planning. Please wait until after June 11 to take your students out of town on vacation. In most instances, teachers will be unable to arrange for early final exams, so students who leave early will have to take their finals upon their return during the summer. When this happens, a grade of Incomplete is recorded on the transcript and is not changed until Fall when the teacher returns to grade the final exams. Besides the obvious potential impact this can have on a student’s ability to do well on the exam, this can also cause problems with CIF eligibility.

Prom Attire. As you shop for prom attire, please remember that the school dress code will be strictly enforced at the door. Again, students need to fully cover the “Three B’s” (breasts, buttocks and bellies). Extreme cutouts are not acceptable. If you have any doubts about a dress, please err on the side of caution. Prom is a very special night, and it is always a shame when we have to send someone home to change clothes. Thanks for helping us support a school-appropriate night to remember!

Dawn Kastner
Principal

ALL WESTVIEW ATHLETES
Come Get Your Physical!

Prepay at the Westview Finance Office.
Make checks payable to “Westview”.

Please print the 7-page physical and the
2 signature pages of the Athletic Handbook at www.westviewwolverines.com under “Athletics” and “Ticket-To-Play”.

Please bring all 9 completed pages to receive your physical. A complete physical at this time will allow your athlete to play sports for all three seasons during the 2009-2010 school year.

All proceeds benefit Westview Athletic Training.

What’s coming up...

Check the school calendar for more events

WINTER SPORTS

Spring sports are wrapping up, but it's not too late to come out and support your favorite Westview team! Get the latest information about schedules by clicking the links below:

• Baseball

• Dive

• Golf (Boys)

• Gymnastics

• Lacrosse (Girls)

• Lacrosse (Boys)

• Softball

• Swim

• Tennis (Boys)

• Track & Field

• Volleyball (Boys)

Quick web links

Daily Bulletin – visit the daily bulletin to see what’s happening today!

School Calendar – see what events are coming up throughout the year.

General Information – can’t find what you’re looking for? Try this link.

Athletics – support your Westview Wolverines – visit the athletic pages to see when your favorite team is playing.

Counseling – graduation requirements, colleges visiting Westview, scholarships, course catalog, etc.

PTSA Webpage - see all that the Westview PTSA has to offer.

NAVY JROTC

JROTC is heading down the homestretch after a very successful Spring. The cadets qualified for the first time for the NJROTC National Drill, Academic and Athletic Championships at NAS Pensacola, FL on April 17 and 18. Thirty-eight cadets and seven chaperones flew Navy Air from here to Pensacola and stayed onboard the Air Station. Westview placed in the top ten in Personnel Inspection and Academics against twenty-four top flight units from across the Nation.

Westview senior cadets have earned over $900,000 in college scholarships which include an appointment to West Point, Navy ROTC scholarships to USD, Arizona and Auburn and an Air Force ROTC scholarship to Embry Riddle in Arizona. One cadet has received a full scholarship to the newest UC in California, UC Merced. Nearly 85% of all JROTC cadets who apply for ROTC scholarships are accepted versus 52% for non JROTC cadets.

The Varsity Marksmanship Team capped a very successful season by defeating San Diego High School in the San Diego County JROTC Marksmanship championship held at Hoover High School early April. This was Westview's first county championship. The team placed second this year in California and 19th in the Navy JROTC service championship.

Cadets continue to support the community. Three cadets participated in the YMCA's five day Ride Across California, 18 assisted the "Y" in their Healthy Kids Day and over 30 will assist Deer Canyon for their Family Fun Night. Eight cadets will act as escorts during the Miss Poway Teen Pageant (tough duty!). In addition, the Color Guard will perform at San Diego Padres games in April, May and June.

PTSA PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

The past few weeks have been a whirlwind of visits to college campuses with my senior, helping her categorize the pros and cons of each option as she works through the angst of making her final decision on what school she will attend next year. It’s hard to believe it was just a year ago that I was going through this very process with my oldest daughter … to quote the ever-insightful Yogi Berra, "It's like déjà vu all over again".

Actually, I’m feeling déjà vu on a number of issues. Last year at this time I was worrying about the educational budget, gearing up for all the end-of-school activities, dealing with the emotions of my daughter’s imminent departure from the nest, energized by the recent PTSA board elections and the prospects for the following year’s board, and optimistic about the Padre’s new season (ha!).

Unfortunately, although the trials facing me now are somewhat familiar, it doesn’t seem to lessen the stress all that much. The positive spin is that my vantage point one year later provides me with the knowledge that things for the most part worked out. My oldest has adjusted well to college and I have managed to adjust to her new life away from home; we had an incredible group of individuals step up to the PTSA plate who have worked hard to make great things happen this year; and somehow our Westview staff has persevered despite budget cuts and continue to deliver for our kids. I sometimes wonder if their ability to make the problem rather transparent diminishes the perceived severity of the budget cuts we have faced and continue to face. It is sobering, requiring continued advocacy on all our parts to keep the issue front and center.

While the sensation of déjà vu doesn’t really give us an advantage in predicting the outcome, it does offer some insight that either things will work out or that it’s time to take action to move beyond the familiar and into new territory. My plea to you as we enter warp speed through the end of the school year is to seize one opportunity that comes your way to make a difference in our Westview community … volunteer for next year’s PTSA or Foundation board, help out with Grad Nite construction, proctor an AP exam, speak with your elected officials about your concerns regarding funding for education. Or, to quote another of Mr. Berra’s pearls of wisdom, "When you come to a fork in the road, take it." Good advice for my daughter as she makes her college decision. Good advice for us all.

Sue Hasselmann
PTSA President

PTSA APRIL ACTIVITIES

The PTSA was hard at work during the month of April on activities in support of our goals and objectives approved at the beginning of the school year. Here’s a summary of some of the things accomplished:

Parent Symposium – Parents joined a panel of speakers to explore the topic of “Resilient Parenting of a PTQ Teen.” Issues covered included prescription and over-the-counter drug abuse, social host ordinance, insight from Westview staff about what our teens are dealing with in school, and available resources. A big thank you goes out to Allison Aquino Arcio, VP Programs, and Sue Reich, Safety and Wellness Chair, for all their hard work in putting this together, as well as to staff members Jamal Felton, Scott Wild, Sarah Woolley, Laura Kopperud, Abbie Davis and Pam Roth for volunteering their time and imparting their wisdom.

Grad Nite Parent Party – Fun was had by all who attended the Grad Nite Parent Party, an event to raise funds for this year’s Grad Nite. Sharon Gruber and committee did an incredible job organizing the soiree, and we are forever grateful to the Carpenter family for offering up their lovely home for the occasion!

Student/Staff Recognition Night – Our 7th annual spring student/staff recognition awards night was held on April 28 to honor those students and staff members who have made a difference in the lives of those around them. Thanks to Student/Staff Recognition Chair Tere Ossa for all her work in organizing this program and to all our volunteers who helped out on the awards night.

STAR Testing - In support of the students participating in STAR testing, the PTSA purchased and handed out treats to students on two of the STAR testing days. Thanks to Kris Shetter and Janet Ranshous for coordinating this, and to the volunteers who showed up bright and early on testing days to hand out treats!

2009-2010 PTSA BOARD

Congratulations to the following individuals who were elected to the 2009-2010 PTSA board at our association meeting on April 14:

President – Allison Aquino Arcio
Executive Vice President – Kris Shetter
1st VP Programs – Kathi Wagner
2nd VP Membership – Diana Buell
3rd VP Volunteers – (currently open)
4th VP Ways & Means – Cathy Carpenter
5th VP Grad Nite – Tere Ossa
Recording Secretary – Patricia Lundeburg
Treasurer – Gudrun Fichtner
Financial Secretary – Sabine Schroeder
Auditor – Mari Stryjewski
Historian – Kim McCoy

In addition to the elected positions above, there are many chair positions the PTSA board will need to fill for the upcoming school year.

For more information, contact Allison Aquino Arcio.

WESTVIEW TRIATHLON

Six years ago the Westview Triathlon was born in an attempt to expose students at Westview to another way of maintaining or attaining a healthy body through the rapidly growing sport of the triathlon.

If you don’t already know, a triathlon is an event where each competitor swims a specified distance, bikes a route, and then runs to a finish line. To many, that sounds intimidating, but to the Westview students of past, it has been reported that the triathlon is an experience that is fun, enjoyable, and intrinsically motivating. 

This year the girls will participate on June 1, and the boys will participate on June 2.

Once again we have incredible sponsors like Competitor Magazine, Frogs, Souplantation, YogaFit and Chipotle who have donated product for the race days and/or prizes for the top finishers.

We encourage parents to come out and support their son or daughter on their race day during their ENS period.

In addition to the race, students will be trying to raise money for the ENS department. Students are encouraged to raise at least $25 for the triathlon.

The money that is raised will help offset recent budget cuts and keep the Westview ENS Program offering classes that are relevant, new and exciting for our students. We recently purchased 23 Spinner Pro Bikes for our fitness lab from past years' triathlon raised money. 

More information can be found on the triathlon website.

If you’re interested in being a corporate sponsor or helping out in some way please contact Steve McLaughlin, (858) 780-2000 ext. 3281.

ASB

Carnegie Hall Debut

Counselor's Corner

Dance Troupe

Inspirational Thought

Navy JROTC

Principal's Message

PTSA President's Message

PTSA April Recap

Quick Web Links

Registration Volunteers Needed

Social Host Liability

Sports Physicals

Spring Sports

Volunteer Luncheon

Westview Choral Concert

Westview Gold Band Concert

What's Coming Up

ASB

Freshmen who want to be more informed on class activities and would like to help design our class shirt, please come to Class Council in room L114 on Tuesdays during lunch. Any designs/suggestions for our t-shirts can be turned into the ASB room!

Sophomores who are interested in getting involved, visit Class Council in room G116 on Tuesdays at lunch.

Juniors and Seniors - Don't forget it's not too late to buy your Prom tickets. Purchase them at lunch or Wolverine Time in the finance office!

GET INVOLVED - Participate in Earth Week activities and come talk to your class presidents about competing in Battle of the Sexes activities, which will be held the week after Prom!

Prom 2009
A Rush of Inspiration

Prom 2009 will be held on Saturday, May 16, 8:00pm-Midnight at the San Diego Hall of Champions in Balboa Park. This year's theme is
"A Rush of Inspiration".

Tickets are NOW AVAILABLE at the finance office.

May 11-15: $70

Click here for a Guest Pass Form.
Forms are due Wednesday, May 13.

WESTVIEW GOLD'S CARNEGIE HALL DEBUT "BIG SUCCESS!" 
by Director, Jeri Webb

On Wednesday, April 8, Westview GOLD Wind Ensemble took the Gold at the New York Wind Band Festival held at Carnegie Hall! What a wonderful way to end our Festival Season!  All three adjudicators gave Westview a GOLD rating!

I am extremely proud of our student musicians. In preparation for our performance the students demonstrated dedication by coming to rehearsals prepared. They also demonstrated support and patience during rehearsals by allowing the detailing and nit-picking necessary in order to present the best performance possible.

Comments from the adjudicators
Professor William Johnson (California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, CA): “What a great ensemble!! As a fellow Californian, I am extremely proud of the performance of this ensemble, especially
being a young school. This is a strong area (Poway Unified) for high school band programs and you are now one of them! California is proud of you!”

In a letter following the event he wrote:
“Your group’s attention to detail produced a great sense of virtuosity and expression. With your inspired conducting, the ensemble just soared in all three works. The sonorous grandeur with which you played the Doss, the sensitivity of the Saucedo and the whirlwind of color and brilliance you achieved in the Jager was incredible.”

Dr. Thomas Root (Weber State University of Ogden, Utah): “Great job – a very fine band – superb!”

Dr. Christian Zembower (East Tennessee State University of Johnson City, Tennessee):
“A really great, musical performance – I enjoyed it!”

Thank You’s!

Our trip coordinator – Barbara Pellegrino! Barbara worked closely with World Projects organization on the trip itinerary and she handled the collection of payments. Barbara did a wonderful job and kept everyone well informed. She was also the one who successfully solicited support from Southwest as well as Jet Blue Airlines. Thank you, Barbara!

Our chaperones – Flora Biglaryan, Belle Chu and Barbara Pellegrino. This trio of fantastic moms made a terrific team. They were the first ones up, the last ones to bed. Even though there was a lot of work to keep the students safe, warm and healthy, our chaperones were always ready with a smile, food and drink!

Our Boosters – Kathy Gima, President. When we first got the acceptance to perform at Carnegie Hall our Booster Board gave unanimous support and said “We’ve got to make this happen!” Well, happen it did.

Mrs. Annette Inouye – 5th grade music teacher. Annette attended our trip at her own expense and was there to support us every step of the way. I especially enjoyed her delight and enthusiasm over our group and program. Obviously our group would not be what it is without her as well as the middle school teachers who continued what she started!

Michael Schmidt, Jay Posteraro, Doug Hargis, Lilly Lazzarri, Lisa Posteraro, Kim Pigorsch, Joanne Hernandez, Aden Provencio, Jacob Lapre, Brett McCarty, Art Fuerte, Mike McCoy, Scott Sutherland, Michael Atesalp – for the tremendous work you have done to inspire and prepare our students for this incredible journey and performance.

Bertrand’s Music Store – they gave us $500 to pay for rental equipment in New York.

Penasquitos Town Council – they gave us a scholarship donation of $300.

Educational Outfitter’s – they reduced the price of our Carnegie Hall sweatshirts.

WHAT IS SOCIAL HOST LIABILITY?

With Prom and Graduation rapidly approaching, it is a good time to be reminded of the Social Host Law. This law prohibits hosts to provide alcohol to anyone under the age of 21.

The Social Host law holds individuals responsible for underage drinking events on property they own or lease.

Several municipalities are holding adults accountable for providing alcohol to minors in a private setting.

The most frequent sources of alcohol for adolescents include family members, friends and adult purchasers. More information can be found at this website.

Civil penalties have also been implemented after third parties have been injured or killed where underage drinking was involved. Fines are assessed to residents where enforcement costs are incurred for responding to party disturbances. 

REGISTRATION VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

It's true!

We are already collecting names of people who are interested in helping at next year's Westview Registration!

Our registration runs so smoothly because of all the great parent volunteers!

To get on the list of "interested registration volunteers" email Kris Shetter. You will be contacted later for specific dates and times.

ALL STUDENTS

Course Selections

Students have recently completed the course request selection process for the 2009-2010 school year. Our thanks go to all parents, counselors and students for making the process a smooth one. Students will be receiving a copy of their courses for the next school year during homeroom to take home for any changes that need to be made.

The master schedule is generated from student course selections. Changing courses after the master schedule has been built becomes very difficult. Please review the list of courses with your student for any changes.

Remaining ACT/SAT Dates

It is not too late for students to take an ACT or SAT during the remainder of the school year. Students may still register for the June 13 ACT if they do so by May 8, or they may register for the June 6 SAT if they do so by May 5. Registration may be completed online (links are available in Family Connection) or forms are available in the Wolverine Center.

SENIORS

All seniors should have received an email with a link to the Senior Check-Out Questionnaire. This document is part of the check-out process prior to graduation. We compile information from students such as their plans after high school, scholarships awarded, etc. This year, we are requesting that Senior Surveys be completed by May 13. If your senior has received any scholarship offers throughout high school, we will invite the family to our Senior Awards Reception honoring this accomplishment. If you have any questions regarding this event, which will be held on June 2, please contact Kathy Bloomfield at kbloomfield@powayusd.com.