On Saturday, the theme of the day was "focus." During this weekend day there were several classes that were having review sessions for the second week of A.P. exams, and while that was going on we had our first UCSD-Francis Parker Teen Mindfulness Retreat. For this retreat we had over thirty students from a number of different local schools, including Parker, learn about mindfulness while engaging in a martial arts (aikido) session, a session focused on healthy eating, a session on the causes of teenage stress and management techniques, and a concert by a Japanese flutist and a woman who plays Tibetan singing bowls. In the years to come I look forward to continuing to develop our connections with the local community. I want to provide additional scholarship opportunities so that other schools' students can take advantage of some of our special programming. I must say that it was great having the A.P. Biology students attend part of the Tibetan singing bowl concert. They brought a high degree of focus and interest, and I suspect it was a relaxing break for them from their studies of photosynthetic organisms and invertebrate immune systems.
Best,
Paul I. Barsky
Important Dates (see DynaCal for further details):
5/15 – Lancer Orchestra, 5:00 -6:00, J. Crivello Hall
5/17 - Freshmen Class Lunch “Spring Fling” ASB event
5/20 - Spring Arts Night; 5:30 – 9:00, Linda Vista campus
5/21 – Spring Arts Night; 5:30 – 9:00, Linda Vista campus
5/23 - 10th Grade Faculty Appreciation Breakfast
5/24 – Junior Fun Day
5/24-25 - Disneyland Grad Night for Class of 2013
5/27 – Memorial Day, No School
6/1 – 2013 Commencement
6/1 – Senior Grad Night (volunteers needed!! See below)
6/8 – Centennial Celebration
6/14- End of School Year
All School News:
Volunteer Opportunity for Upper School Parents! We need your help, especially Class of 2014. Time to PAY IT FORWARD! We need non-senior upper school parents to volunteer for Grad Night.Sign up here. Questions? Contact Grad Night Chair, Maureen McFarlane
Alumni Panel Event: As part of College Counseling's "Transition to College" program on Wednesday, May 29, 5-10 alums are speaking on campus with current seniors. They are also speaking with Upper School parents about college life and how best to prepare.
8:30am -- breakfast for seniors
9-9:50am -- Safety and College Transition Issues
10-10:50am -- Finances in College
11 - 11:50am -- Alumni speak with the Class of 2013
1:00 - 1:50pm -- Young alumni speak with Upper School parents about college life
At the 2013 Year-End Awards Banquet held in Fallbrook on Sunday, May 5, the San Diego Scholastic Equestrian League (SDSEL) awarded the Francis Parker Equestrian team fourth place in the jumper division. This is the first year that the Parker Equestrian team has competed in the SDSEL.
Under the guidance of Melanie Talyor, Middle and Upper School Art teacher, Sarah Nicita has been declared the winner of the 2013 Congressional Art Competition for the 49th District. Sarah will receive two tickets to a ceremony at the Capitol on June 26th, and her work will be displayed in the Congressional Gallery for a year. It will also be displayed on the website of the U.S. House of Representatives and on Congressman Issa’s website during this time. Many congratulations to Sarah and Ms. Taylor!
Class of 2014:
On Friday, May 24, our Juniors will enjoy their last fling before rising to Senior status. The Junior Day of Fun will be held all day, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on the Lancer Lawn, in front of the Nicolas Commons. Breakfast, snacks and lunch will be provided, along with games, bounce-houses, and more. "All red dress down" is the dress of the day. This event is sponsored by the ASB and has been planned by our great ASB class reps, Noah and Claire, and their helpers.
Class of 2013:
May 6 - May 17: AP Exams
Dress Code/Rules: School attire or comfortable clothing; however, no bathing suits, halters or revealing clothing, and no cell phones, or any other electronic devices other than allowed specifically by teacher. AP exam times and places TBA.
May 17: Last Day of Regular Classes for Seniors
Monday, May 20 and Tuesday May 22: Arts Night 5:30 - 9:00pm
May 20 - May 23: Non-AP Class Final Exams for Seniors
Finals all day
Specific finals TBA
Friday, May 24 - May 25: Disneyland Grad Night
1:00pm - 3:00am
Charter bus leaves Linda Vista campus at 1:00pm
Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Park. Seniors receive a Park-Hopper Ticket good for normal park operating hours; once Disneyland Park closes, Grad Nite continues with a dance party and an exclusive showing of Fantasmic.
NOTE: to ensure safety on the road, seniors are not permitted to drive themselves home following their overnight trip. Please plan to pick your students up on the Linda Vista campus at approximately 5:00am on Saturday, May 25.
Please note, the following are not allowed in the park for Disneyland Grad Night:
Any clothing affiliated with a school, sports team, group, club, etc. (i.e. letterman jackets, clothing with school logos, etc.)
Clothing not in good repair (torn jeans, shirts, etc.). Jeans are OK as long as they are not ripped or torn.
Hats (official Disneyland merchandise acceptable) and other head attire, including beanies and wigs.
All backpacks, briefcases, hip packs, camera bags, tote bags, and oversized purses larger than 8 ½ X 11”. Small purses and fanny packs are OK.
Cameras, cell phones, and pagers are OK. Camera and cell phone cases are not allowed.
Shoes with skate wheels are not allowed. Tennis shoes and sandals are OK.
Weapons, knives, chemical irritants of any kind, laser pointers
Prescription medication (inhalers are OK)
Over-the-counter medications
Tobacco products (cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, snuff, etc.) and related materials (lighters, matches, pipes, etc.)
Alcohol or any controlled substance
Bandanas (either worn or hanging from belt loops/pockets etc.)
Glass containers and/or fluids of any kind. This includes water, any drinks and perfumes
Snack items include but are not limited to gum/mints/candy (no candy containers)
Spiked style jewelry or belts
Aerosol cans/bottles
Disney will deny admission if the above guidelines are not followed.
Friday, May 24: Save the Date for Senior Parent Dinner
6:30pm Nicholas Commons
RSVP online or to Heather Souders (hsouders@francisparker.org)
We look forward to having you as our guest at this special dinner; there will not be a fundraising solicitation at this event.
Monday, May 27: Memorial Day, NO SCHOOL
Tuesday, May 28: Regular Class Schedule for Seniors (MANDATORY)
Final exams returned
Special lunch with Faculty
attire: College sweatshirts for the schools they will be attending in the fall
Tuesday, May 28: Spring Sports Banquet
Last sports banquet of the year
6:00pm check-in, Hillgren Court in Parker Field House
Wednesday, May 29: Senior Seminar (MANDATORY)
More details re: time and location TBA, students should plan to spend the school day on campus
Thursday, May 30: Yearbook Assembly
10:45 - 11:30am, Hillgren Court in the Field House
casual attire
Thursday, May 30: Lunch with Kinderbuddies
Lunch with Kinderbuddies (on campus) 11:30am - 12:30pm
casual attire
Thursday, May 30: Commencement Rehearsal (MANDATORY)
12:30 - 3:00pm Field House
casual attire
Thursday, May 30: Cum Laude Awards Dinner
6:00 - 8:00pm
Island Palms-Shelter Island
dressy attire
Friday, May 31: Breakfast/Yearbook Signing (OPTIONAL)
8:00 - 9:45am
Friday, May 31: Honors Assembly (MANDATORY)
10:00am - 12:00pm
dressy attire
Saturday, June 1: Commencement Ceremony
4:00 - 5:45pm
Seniors report to Hillgren Court in Field House at 2:00pm
Seniors may park in main campus lot
Dressy attire
Graduation gowns and caps will be in alpha order for graduates in the Field House (no parents please)
No shorts or swim attire, no sun glasses, no flip-flops, no visible tattoos, no unnatural hair dyes, no leis, no pins or cords other than those awarded by the School
Saturday, June 1: Parker Grad Night
11:00 pm - 5:00am
The Grad Night Committee has planned a fun-filled night for 2013 Parker graduates. Non-stop music, dancing, video games, casino, photo booth, as well as special treats. The Grad Night Party is for Parker graduates only; sorry, no guests.
Students may not drive themselves to or from Grad Night. Parents must plan to pick their students up Sunday morning. Students need to be dropped off at the school between 11:00pm and 11:30pm
No senior graduate will be allowed in after 11:30pm
If a senior graduate leaves early, he/she must be picked up by a parent and will not be allowed to return to the party.
NOTE: the San Diego Rock 'n Roll Marathon takes place on Sunday, June 2. Some street closures will be in effect (including Friars Rd, Morena Blvd and Taylor St.-- however, Linda Vista Rd will be open), check here for more information to plan your route to/from Parker for Sunday's pick-up.
Saturday, June 8: Parker Centennial Celebration - read more here >>
Parents, please plan to join us--this event will be a unique, fun, free event on the Linda Vista campus for adults 21 and over. Come celebrate with us!
I am so pleased to continue to celebrate our students' academic achievements as we head full force towards the end of the academic year. You will see that while our students are trying to do their finest work while on the upper school campus, they are also making a large footprint in the San Diego and national arenas as well. Here are a few recent highlights:
From Madame Irena, French Teacher: "This year more than 95,000 students from all over the USA took the French National Exam (Le Grand Concours). It took us several months of hard work and preparation including thousands of handouts, hours of on-line practice with a special software, practice exams since 1999...and the results are fantastic! Our students placed first in San Diego in levels 2,3, and 5. I'm very proud of my students."
From Susan Moerder, Head of the Science Department: "SMART Team just found out their poster has been accepted for the XSEDE Conference in July. Here's a bit of info form the XSEDE website:'XSEDE, the Extreme Science and Engineering Discovery Environment, is a National Science Foundation-supported project that brings together supercomputers, data collections, and computational tools and services to support science and engineering research and education. The annual XSEDE conference focuses on the science, education, outreach, software, and technology used by the XSEDE and other related communities worldwide. Hundreds of researchers, technology experts, educators, and students from around the globe will come together in San Diego for XSEDE13, July 22-25.' Team members include: Camille Considine, Samhita Palakodeti, Arman Sagart, Elyse Watson, Matt Handmacher and Hannah Ehrenfeldt."
Second piece of news: Senior Elyse Watson attended UCSD's Global Environmental Leadership and Sustainability Program last summer at Biosphere 2 outside of Tucson Arizona. During her week there, she was part of a research group of high school students who, under the direction of a faculty mentor from the University of Arizona, studied Rain Gardens and Urban Planning. With the data they collected the group submitted a proposal based on ground cover and sun exposure variables. Their work was highly received by the scientist in charge and their project has now been completed and implemented in an area of Tuscon for a field test study this year. The poster Elyse and her team prepared is currently on display at the Biosphere in the University of Arizona's Conference Room.
From Cherie Redelings, Social Studies Teacher: "On April 25th – 28th, 2013, forty-three Francis Parker students joined over 1000 students from throughout California to compete at the State History Day competition in Sacramento. We’re happy to announce that 7 Parker students won first place in their divisions. These students will compete at National History Day at the University of Maryland in June. Many thanks to all who reviewed their projects, provided expert interviews, and accommodated them in numerous ways!
STATE CHAMPIONS
Senior group documentary:
Braxton Bell, Alex Devereaux, Jonathan Lemberg, Adam Linssen, Mary Tobin (class of 2016)
All Eyes on Tet: The Power of the Media to Fuel Change
Senior group exhibit:
Olivia Ghosh, Soren Hansen (class of 2015)
No More Wars, No More Walls, A United World: The Fall of the Berlin Wall
SPECIAL AWARD: Outstanding Senior Entry from San Diego County
Jessica Bocinski: individual exhibit (class of 2016)
Change Through a Lens: Dorothea Lange's Photography
There certainly is much to celebrate!
Best,
Paul Barsky
All School News
Nurse Maggie says: Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer. Often the first sign of melanoma is a change in the size, shape, color, or feel of a mole. Most melanomas have a black or black-blue area. Melanoma may also appear as a new mole that may be black, abnormal, or “ugly looking”. Parker is fortunate to have Dr. Edward McClay, MD, presenting an important and informative talk on sun-safe practices and how to protect children from the dangers of melanoma Please plan to attend this very important discussion on Thursday, May 9th at Crivello Hall. Refreshments are at 6:00p.m. with the talk starting at 6:30p.m. Please invite friends and family to attend this event!
Growing Swim Team Is Looking for Swimmers: Our growing swim club's season ended last week. We had 14 swimmers under the leadership of Camille Considine (sophomore). We are looking to expand the club into a team, so if your children are interested please have them see Camille. Last week they won their first meet against El Cajon and there was a banner day against Bishop's and Patrick Henry. Jona Plevin, Camille Considine and Soren Hansen and Natalie Schmid won all 4 or 5 races they swam. Freshman, Justin Washbaugh won his 200 IM against many upper classmen.
5/15 – Lancer Orchestra, 5:00 -6:00, J. Crivello Hall
5/20 - Spring Arts Night; 5:30 – 9:00, Linda Vista campus
5/21 – Spring Arts Night; 5:30 – 9:00, Linda Vista campus
5/24 – Junior Fun Day
5/24-25 - Disneyland Grad Night for Class of 2013
5/27 – Memorial Day, No School
6/1 – 2013 Commencement
5/17 - Freshmen Class Lunch “Spring Fling” ASB event.
We have all heard about how our robotics team went to an international championship this week and that our History Day team is competing to go to nationals but did you know that our Academic League is also having a banner year? Phil Fickling, one of the faculty advisors, explains, "Parker's Academic League/QuizBowl team has qualified for the 'High School National Championship Tournament' of the 'National Academic Quiz Tournament.' The national championships will be held in Atlanta the last weekend in May. Our players are Rickey Leary, Matthew Handmacher, Preetam Soundararajan, Ian Mann, David Bluhm, and Olivia Ghosh." Congratulations team!
A friendly reminder that in conjunction with UCSD, we are offering a weekend mindfulness meditation workshop for teens. This is open to all students in grades from 8-12 and does include students from Parker and from other schools as well. If you are interested, please follow the link and register. Click here for the mindfulness flyer and registration details.
In keeping with our philosophy of "safety first" please do not drive your children to the County Education parking lot in the morning and please do not drop them off in the faculty lot either. It is not safe for the students to walk through the faculty parking lot as buses and and cars are making active use of the area. Thank you for using the designated drop-off zone on the Linda Vista campus, and thank you for your support.
Mid-trimester grades will be posted by Tuesday at the latest. Please make sure that you go over them with your child so that there is a healthy dialogue regarding how your child can finish off the year in the strongest possible way.
Best,
Paul Barsky
All Grade News
From Susan Moerder, Head of the Science Department:
Spend a week working directly with college professors from the University of Arizona on cutting edge environmental research. Live on the grounds of Biosphere 2 and work in the Biosphere buildings. Develop your own project, hypothesis and proposal while networking with others in your group to collect data and prepare a scientific poster and presentation. For example, last year one group was asked to isolate variables between different types of ground cover, exposure and run off, for Urban Planning of Rain Gardens. Work done with last year's group is now being put into practice in the Tucson area. Register TODAY with UCSD's Global Environmental Leadership and Sustainability Program. Trip dates are June 22 to June 29. Apply at http://academicconnections.ucsd.edu/index.cfm See Mrs. Moerder for details.
Any student who is planning to complete the BYU online Biology courses in order to advance to AP Bio in the fall, must meet the registration deadline of May 1st by enrolling on the BYU website www.byu.eduand have a confirmation email sent to Mrs Moerder.
From Nurse Maggie West:
Pediculosis (Head Lice)
Definition: Pediculosis is an infestation of a person’s hair by the head louse. Head lice are small, tan-colored insects (less than 1/8 inch long) that live on blood they draw from the scalp. The eggs (nits) are gray/white and about the size of the head of a pin. Lice can live only 1-2 days away from the scalp. Head lice crawl; they do not jump or fly.
Symptoms: Itching head, sores at hair line or neck, nits in hair
Mode of transmission: Head lice is contracted by direct contact with the hair or head gear of infected people or by the sharing of items such as combs, brushes, hats or articles of clothing. Only live lice are spread (not nits).
Recommendations: Lice, although a nuisance, have not been associated with any disease process. Head lice can affect anyone in all socioeconomic groups and do not represent poor hygiene. A positive diagnosis of active head lice is made only when live lice are found. However, students found with nits in their hair are to be treated for head lice. Parents will be notified if their child has active head lice or nits. That student will be sent home for treatment. Additionally, the school will check all siblings who attend school for signs of head lice. Finally, additional students in the classroom/school may be checked for signs of head lice. After treatment at home, the student will be inspected upon the return to school for signs of lice. If live lice are found, the child will return home for treatment. If the child has been treated and there are no live lice, the child may return to class. A written notification will be sent from the school to those students who may have been exposed to head lice.
Treatment:
*Apply shampoo, cream rinse or gel (over the counter or prescription) specifically made for killing head lice. Follow directions on the label as recommended by the manufacturer.
*After the hair has been treated, all eggs should be combed or hand picked from the hair. This is extremely important (not difficult but time consuming).
*To prevent re-infestation, it is essential to inspect the hair daily for one week. Remove any nits you may have missed. Additionally repeat the head lice treatment (shampoo, cream rinse or gel) one week after initial treatment occurred.
*Inspect all family members and treat if lice are found. Children under 2 years and pregnant mother should not be treated without consulting with a doctor.
*Lice can survive in the environment for 24-48 hours so treating your environment is also important. Recommendations: 1. Vacuum furniture, rugs and floors, 2. Wash all recently used bedding and washable clothing in hottest cycle for 20 minutes, 3. Heat pillows, blankets, or other fabric items in clothes dryer at hottest cycle for 20 minutes, 4. If dryer is not available or for items that cannot be laundered with hot water, place items in a plastic bag for 10 days, 5. Clean child’s combs, brushes, and other hair accessories such as clips and barrettes in a solution or ¼ cup bleach in 1 gallon of water for at least 10 minutes.
Mandatory College Counseling AP Exam Pre-Registration All students who are taking an AP Exam must complete the preregistration paperwork in the College Counseling office at lunch next week. If you cannot attend or have any questions, please come to the College Counseling Office. The process should take approximately 10-15 minutes and the schedule by grade level is:
April 29 - May 3: Sign-Up for Senior Interviews (MANDATORY)
Seniors must sign up prior to May 3 for exit interviews to be conducted May 6 - May 29. Seniors may sign up to meet with one of the following: Mr. Barsky, Ms. Dilmore, Ms. Anderson, Mr. Esch, Mr. Roudebush, Mr. Thiebach, Mrs. Devine, Ms. Santiago, Mr. Hurley, or Ms. Adelman.
Interviews will last 30 minutes.
May 6 - May 17: AP Exams
Dress Code/Rules: School attire or comfortable clothing; however, no bathing suits, halters or revealing clothing, and no cell phones, or any other electronic devices other than allowed specifically by teacher. AP exam times and places TBA.
May 17: Last Day of Regular Classes for Seniors
Monday, May 20 and Tuesday May 22: Arts Night 5:30 - 9:00pm
More details TBA
May 20 - May 23: Non-AP Class Final Exams for Seniors
Finals all day
Specific finals TBA
Friday, May 24 - May 25: Disneyland Grad Night
1:00pm - 3:00am
Charter bus leaves Linda Vista campus at 1:00pm
Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Park. Seniors receive a Park-Hopper Ticket good for normal park operating hours; once Disneyland Park closes, Grad Nite continues with a dance party and an exclusive showing of Fantasmic.
Please note, the following are not allowed in the park for Disneyland Grad Night:
Any clothing affiliated with a school, sports team, group, club, etc. (i.e. letterman jackets, clothing with school logos, etc.)
Clothing not in good repair (torn jeans, shirts, etc.). Jeans are OK as long as they are not ripped or torn.
We look forward to having you as our guest at this special dinner; there will not be a fundraising solicitation at this event.
Monday, May 27: Memorial Day, NO SCHOOL
Tuesday, May 28: Regular Class Schedule for Seniors (MANDATORY)
Final exams returned
Special lunch with Faculty
attire: College sweatshirts for the schools they will be attending in the fall
Tuesday, May 28: Spring Sports Banquet
Last sports banquet of the year
6:00pm check-in, Hillgren Court in Parker Field House
Wednesday, May 29: Senior Seminar (MANDATORY)
More details re: time and location TBA, students should plan to spend the school day on campus
Wednesday, May 29: Senior Alumni Induction Dinner CANCELLED
Thursday, May 30: Yearbook Assembly
10:45 - 11:30am, Hillgren Court in the Field House
casual attire
Thursday, May 30: Lunch with Kinderbuddies
Lunch with Kinderbuddies (on campus) 11:30am - 12:30pm
casual attire
Thursday, May 30: Commencement Rehearsal (MANDATORY)
12:30 - 3:00pm Field House
casual attire
Thursday, May 30: Cum Laude Awards Dinner
6:00 - 8:00pm
Island Palms-Shelter Island
dressy attire
Friday, May 31: Breakfast/Yearbook Signing (OPTIONAL)
8:00 - 9:45am
Friday, May 31: Honors Assembly (MANDATORY)
10:00am - 12:00pm
dressy attire
Saturday, June 1: Commencement Ceremony
4:00 - 5:45pm
Seniors report to Hillgren Court in Field House at 2:00pm
Seniors may park in main campus lot
Dressy attire
Graduation gowns and caps will be in alpha order for graduates in the Field House (no parents please)
No shorts or swim attire, no sun glasses, no flip-flops, no visible tattoos, no unnatural hair dyes, no leis, no pins or cords other than those awarded by the School
Saturday, June 1: Parker Grad Night
11:00 pm - 5:00am
The Grad Night Committee has planned a fun-filled night for 2013 Parker graduates. Non-stop music, dancing, video games, casino, photo booth, as well as special treats. The Grad Night Party is for Parker graduates only; sorry, no guests.
Students may not drive themselves to or from Grad Night. Parents must plan to pick their students up Sunday morning. Students need to be dropped off at the school between 11:00pm and 11:30pm
No senior graduate will be allowed in after 11:30pm
If a senior graduate leaves early, he/she must be picked up by a parent and will not be allowed to return to the party.
NOTE: the San Diego Rock 'n Roll Marathon takes place on Sunday, June 2. Some street closures will be in effect (including Friars Rd, Morena Blvd and Taylor St.-- however, Linda Vista Rd will be open), check here for more information to plan your route to/from Parker for Sunday's pick-up.
Parents, please plan to join us--this event will be a unique, fun, free event on the Linda Vista campus for adults 21 and over. Come celebrate with us!
Mr. Barsky joined the Parker community in 2010 after 18 years in New York City working at a variety of independent schools and several international programs. He is drawn to schools in which the mission is clear and the goal is for students ... Read more.
