The View—Volume VI, No. 9 | May 2008

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PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE

This is such a fun time of year! The weather is beautiful and the excitement that surrounds graduation is starting to grow. I have been so proud of our Wolverines as they daily demonstrate their commitment to both excellence and kindness. Some reminders:

May 6 is National Teachers Day.
I have always considered it an honor to work with the teachers at Westview. This year has been especially challenging due to the fires and the budget news, and I am impressed every day with the ongoing commitment and professionalism of our teachers. Every teacher on this staff cares deeply about kids and gives many extra hours to support their students. If you have an extra minute or two on May 6 and you believe that a teacher has had a special impact on your child, I know that it would mean the world to him or her to hear about it from you in a note or email.

Vacation planning:
Please wait until after June 12 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.

Dress code:
The weather has been warming up and now is a good time to review appropriate attire for school events with your students. Students need to dress in a way that does not distract attention from learning, including fully covering the “Three B’s” (breasts, buttocks and bellies) and avoiding shirts with inappropriate words, pictures, or double entendres. 

Prom attire:
As you shop for prom attire, please remember that school dress code will be strictly enforced at the door. Again, students need to fully cover the “Three Bs” (breasts, buttocks, and bellies). Extreme cutouts are not acceptable. If you have any doubts about a dress, please err on 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.

Dawn Kastner
Principal

What’s coming up...

Check the school calendar for more events

May 5-15

AP Testing 

May 26

Memorial Day - No School

June 10

PTA Association Meeting 7:00pm

June 12

Last Day of School

June 12

Grad Nite 9:00pm

SPRING SPORTS

Spring sports are finishing up. Come out and support our teams for CIF! Check the website for game dates and times.

Baseball

Dive

Golf (Boys)

Gymnastics

Lacrosse (Girls)

Lacrosse (Boys)

Softball

Swim

Tennis (Boys)

Track & Field

Volleyball (Boys)

SPORTS PHYSICALS

Spring physicals are going to be held at Mt. Carmel High School on Tuesday, June 3, from 6:00-9:00pm. Cost is $20, and all proceeds go to the Westview athletic training fund to be able to buy tape, medical supplies, rehab equipment, etc. for the upcoming year. All students who want to compete in sports need a current physical in order to get a ticket to play and be allowed to try out for the team. Please print the 7 page physical form and bring it to the physical night. Students can pay at the door or prepay at the finance office.

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.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE GIRLS LACROSSE TEAMS!

The 5th annual Surf, Sun & Stix Invitational was held at Westview March 29 and April 5. Over 20 teams participated in the event with one team traveling from as far as Canada. Westview's Jr. Varsity girls placed 2nd in the gold bracket. Way to go, girls !

LAST CHANCE TO OWN THIS YEAR'S WESTVIEW STUDENT DIRECTORY!

It is filled with valuable information you may not find anywhere else!

Be sure to get extras, you just never know where you may need one…

Stealthily make your way to the Finance Office now to buy a copy! 

Sam Fisher:  Oh no, in order to complete
                   my mission,  I need to buy
                   the elusive   2007-2008
                   Student Directory!
                   I will never find my
                   operative using this last
                   year’s model.

HONORARY SERVICE AWARDS

The Honorary Service Awards were presented at the Volunteer Tea on April 30. Thanks to all the great volunteers who go above and beyond for Westview! The awards go to…

Honorary Service Award:
Christine O'Hara
Tami Wilcox

Continuing Service Award:
Jennifer Kuhlman

Very Special Person Award:
Palenske Family - Garner, Becky and daughter Allison
John Rankin

Golden Oak Award:
Becky Palenske

Ooh Rah! Award:
Laurie Norcross

INSPIRATIONAL THOUGHT

"If we all did the things we are capable of, we would astound ourselves."

Thomas Edison

PTSA PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

As I was searching for inspiration for this month’s article, I happened to look out the window and spied a hummingbird in my backyard. It reminded me of the words Mary Andrews, Palomar Council PTA President, shared with us at the breakfast meeting I attended last week. She likened the energy of the individuals in the room to hummingbird energy. An appropriate analogy, I thought. As spring has pushed itself on me, I have certainly felt myself in “hummingbird” mode. Flitting from one thing to the next, constantly on the move, feeling the energy of springtime and the sudden race to the finish line of this school year.

While watching that hummingbird darting from place to place in my backyard, my thoughts shifted to the incredible force of energy that exists within our Westview community. I draw my inspiration from the staff, who continue to persevere and focus on what’s best for our kids in the face of potentially devastating budget cuts; from the volunteers who consistently go above and beyond to make Westview a unique and wonderful community; and from the students, who continually exceed my expectations with their wisdom, passion and commitment. What an unexpected gift it has been in my role as PTSA President to be constantly reminded of the positive forces that make Westview so special.

We are in the home stretch. I know many households are dealing with the stresses of AP testing, college or “life after high school” decisions, final exams, or perhaps even finding a limo for prom! Our many wonderful volunteers are gearing up for the staff appreciation luncheon, spring performances, end-of-the-year banquets, and the mammoth undertaking of Grad Nite. In the midst of all this activity, I hope that you are able to draw inspiration and motivation from the powerful energy of so many working toward the common goal of creating the best possible opportunities for our kids. And I encourage you to rest, if even just for a moment, and reflect upon the notion that on any given day, our collective energies are producing extraordinary results.

Sue Hasselmann
PTSA President
westviewptsa@mindspring.com

APRIL PTSA RECAP

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:

Reflections Awards Night – Westview joined forces with Mesa Verde for a wonderful evening honoring participants in the National PTA Reflections program. Attendees had the opportunity to view artwork, photography and literature pieces as well as listen to some of the musical entries created by the students. Seeing what these talented students can produce is truly inspirational. A big thank you goes out to Sabine Schroeder, Reflections Chair, for all the hard work she put into making this a very special night for students and their families.

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. Pam Studebaker and committee did an incredible job organizing the soiree, and we are forever grateful to Dora Gray for offering up her resort-style backyard for the occasion!

Student/Staff Recognitions Night – Wow! Over 75 students and 55 staff members were honored on April 29 in recognition for making a difference in the lives of those around them. Student/Staff Recognitions Chair Yvonne Weinstein did a fantastic job organizing this program. Thanks, also, to our volunteers – Colleen Salzetti, Diana Buell, Allison Acquino-Arcio, Mary Fox and Melanie Noyes - who helped on the awards night.

Honorary Service Awards – Honorary Service Awards were presented at the Volunteer Tea on April 30 to honor those individuals who have gone above and beyond in their volunteer capacities. Many thanks to Teresa Holland, Honorary Service Awards Chair, along with committee members Gloria Lew and Patti Hatch, for your work in enabling us to honor the very worthy recipients.

Membership – Westview PTSA made its mark yet again by receiving an award from 9th District PTA for achieving the highest membership numbers out of all PTA units in San Diego and Imperial Counties. THANK YOU to all our PTA members, and to Judy Kiraly, membership chair, for organizing our membership campaign for this school year.

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 Kim McCoy for coordinating this, and to the volunteers who showed up bright and early on testing days to hand out treats!

2008-2009 PTSA ELECTED BOARD

Congratulations to the following individuals who were elected to the 2008-2009 PTSA Board at our Annual Elections meeting on April 15:

President – Sue Hasselmann
Executive Vice President – Janet Ranshous
1st VP Programs – Allison Acquino-Arcio
2nd VP Membership – Colleen Salzetti
3rd VP Volunteers – Kris Shetter
4th VP Ways & Means – Cathy Carpenter
5th VP Grad Nite – Cindy Kodama
Recording Secretary – Jennifer Kuhlman
Treasurer – Diana Buell
Financial Secretary – Gudrun Fichter
Auditor – Mari Stryjewski
Historian – Kim McCoy

There are many opportunities to serve on next year’s board – no experience necessary! For more information,
contact Sue Hasselmann at westviewptsa@mindspring.com or
858-538-2652.

WESTVIEW GOLD WIND ENSEMBLE INVITED TO PERFORM AT CARNEGIE HALL!

After a successful audition, our own Westview Gold Wind Ensemble has been officially invited to perform in the "New York Wind Band Festival" at Carnegie Hall in New York City! Westview was one of only six high schools and two universities selected to perform at this event. It will be held at Carnegie Hall from April 5-9, 2009.

GRAD NITE UPDATE

Grad Nite's Prize Committee is currently soliciting local businesses and senior families for donations. We are dependent on your generosity and that of our local community to help provide a wide range of prizes during the Grad Nite celebration. Our goal is for each graduate to leave Grad Nite with a gift. A wide variety of prizes, entertainment, food, and friends encourage our seniors to attend this safe alcohol and drug-free event.

We are seeking "teen-friendly" items to be used as prizes for our graduates during an opportunity drawing to be held during Grad Nite. Suggested items include gift certificates to local restaurants and stores, tickets for movies, sporting events or concerts, sports equipment, and items needed for a dorm room or first apartment. Our suggested gift card value is $15-25, but any amount is welcome! 

We are also seeking larger items that can be used as Grand Prizes (dorm fridges, Ipods, TVs, Padres tickets, etc). For further suggestions, see our "wish list". All donations are tax-deductible.

There will be a box in the Westview front office where items can be dropped off, or we will pick them up from you. You may also mail your donations to:

Westview Grad Nite PTSA
Attn: Prize Committee
13500 Camino Del Sur
San Diego, CA 92129

THANK YOU in advance for your support and generosity on behalf of the graduating Class of 2008.

For further information or questions, or to arrange for your donation to be picked up, please contact Jenny Cole (858) 484-9542 jwoll@san.rr.com or Kathy Hachadorian (858) 538-3579 kathyhach@yahoo.com.

WESTVIEW GOLD BAND PRESENTS “NIGHT AT THE MOVIES III”

A one of a kind music experience featuring the Westview Gold Band will take place on Thursday, June 5 at 7:00pm, Friday, June 6 at 7:00pm, and Saturday, June 7 at 12:30pm in the Theatre. Be sure to save these dates for this unique and innovative production that showcases the musical talents of the Westview Gold. It is a fun, lively and interactive show that will keep the audience on the edge of their seats. The tickets will go on sale for a price of $7.00 for adults and $5.00 for students. To purchase tickets, contact Belle Chu at bellechu99@yahoo.com. See you at the movies!

This Issue

April PTSA Recap

ASB

Choir

Girls Lacrosse

Grad Nite Update

Honorary Service Awards

Inspirational Thought

Pride

Principal's Message

PTSA 2008-2009 Board

PTSA President's Message

Quick Web Links

Registration Volunteers Needed

Sports Physicals

Spring Sports

Student Directory

Triathlon

Westview Gold Wind Ensemble

Westview Gold Movie Night

What's Coming Up

 


2008 WESTVIEW TRIATHLON

Just a Heads Up!

This year the ENS Department will continue the tradition of our annual Westview Triathlon on June 2nd (girls) and June 3rd (boys). It will mark the 5th year of this unique and powerful experience!

The Triathlon has 2 purposes: 

  1. Gives The Westview ENS students an opportunity to participate in a real life, healthy lifestyle event which originated in San Diego.

  2. Serves as a fundraiser for our department so that we can provide a comprehensive and meaningful learning experience for the students at Westview.

Training for the Event:

The ENS students are beginning to train for the triathlon at school in their ENS classes. They should also consider training a little outside of campus as well. This is a great opportunity to enjoy a bike ride as a family or participate in a run/walk on one of our beautiful trails in Rancho Penasquitos/San Diego. We encourage families to participate in the training process as it builds memories and strengthens ties for a lifetime. In the past this event has not only empowered our students to stay healthy but has helped parents and siblings become healthier.

Fundraising for the Event:


In mid May, students will be asking for donations to support their learning in ENS. We ask that each one of the students try to raise a minimum of 25 dollars. When students raise 25 dollars they will receive our event t-shirt. We also offer other prize incentives for higher donations which can be viewed on the event website.

The ENS Department has been privileged to have many sponsors over the years that have helped offset the costs and provide prizes for our top finishers. Some of them are: Competitor Magazine, Cliff Bar, Frogs Club One, PowerAde, Soup Plantation, Spy Optic, Chipotle, The Racquet Place, Remax Realty –Amy Cook, USA Triathlon, Specialized Biking, West Photo Lab, San Diego Triathlon Club and members of the Westview Community.

Our Westview students and the ENS department would be grateful for your assistance with the training of and fundraising for this event. All donations are tax deductible.

Please contact Steve McLaughlin or Paige Metz if you have any questions:

Steve McLaughlin 
858 780-2000 3281 

Paige Metz
858 780-2000 3109

13500 Camino Del Sur
San Diego, Ca 92129

ASB

Take a “Walk on the Wild Side” by attending this year’s prom. It will be held on May 17 on top of the Western Metal Company Building in Petco Park. Don’t wait too long to get your tickets! This week they are $65 per person and become $5 more expensive each week.

Multicultural Week will be held Wednesday, May 28 through Friday, May 30.
Wednesday - Rally in the gym
Thursday - Performances in the quad
Friday -- Food in the quad
All clubs should have submitted an application form to the ASB room before May 1 in order to participate. Don’t miss out!

Senior Class
Did you enjoy your visit to the “Happiest Place on Earth”? The Disneyland trip was Saturday, May 3.

Junior Class
Your junior class presidents are currently working on having class shirts made. Mr. Nacu will be creating them and more information will be coming soon.

Sophomore Class
CLASS of 2010 SHIRTS have been made! If you are interested in purchasing one, attend the next class council meeting in room J102 during lunch on Tuesdays to give Maressa or Corinna your shirt size and other information. The shirts cost $12! So spread the word and get your t-shirt today! The sophomores are also planning more fundraisers. If you have any suggestions for future fundraisers, please email westviewclassof2010@yahoo.com

Freshmen Class
The current freshman project is class t-shirts. If you are creative and have any suggestions, bring them to the ASB room.

PRIDE

PRIDE, or Personal Recognition in Daily Effort, is a new program on campus sponsored by Westview’s ASB. It is based on the 6 Character pillars of Respect, Responsibility, Citizenship, Caring, Trustworthiness and Fairness. Every other month a character pillar is highlighted. Posters describing aspects of the character pillar are displayed in each homeroom and around campus. Teachers are asked to nominate a student whose actions reflect that character. Each teacher may nominate one student. Nominated students receive unique invitations created by the ASB PRIDE team to a special lunch. At this lunch, these students receive a certificate, sticker for their student ID card, a PRIDE t-shirt in the color of that character pillar, a pencil from the PTSA and something delicious to eat. To date, nominated students have enjoyed In ’n Out Burgers, Pick Up Stix, and Jamba Juice smoothies. Even the teachers in the pre-school are asked to nominate their preschoolers. It is wonderful to see the reactions of the students as they come to receive their recognitions as well as the interest created in the other students as they see the celebration. Nominations by the teachers have grown with each new pillar.

The ASB believes in this program so much that they have set aside major funding for it next year. As stated by Kaitlin Emch, ASB PRIDE Commissioner, “I think that the PRIDE program is an exciting way to value the students who may not be involved in sports or main events. PRIDE nominees are the students on campus who make a difference through their character and their actions. It is important that we recognize different types of people and through this program that can happen.”

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL WESTVIEW CHOIR MEMBERS!

Bella Voce, Women's Ensemble and Concert Choir each received superior ratings at festivals hosted by the California Music Educators Association this spring. We are so proud of their hard work. The choral programs Spring Concert will be held on May 30 and 31 and will be Broadway themed. Be sure to mark your calendar now!

REGISTRATION VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

We are already planning for Fall Registration and we need your help. Volunteers are needed to assemble registration packets, distribute registration packets, and help at registration. Please review the dates and times listed below and volunteer to help on one of the dates. Email Kris Shetter at sdshets@sbcglobal.net with the dates and times you can work or if you have any questions. 

August 1
Packet stuffing (shifts available are 8:00-10:30am, 10:30am-1:00pm, and 1:00pm–3:30pm)
August 1
– Drive Through Packet Pick-up from 7-9am
August 4
– Drive Through Packet Pick-up from 4-7pm
August 7
– Senior Class Registration (8am–12pm)
August 8
– Sophomore Class Registration (8am–12pm)
August 11
– Junior Class Registration (8am–12pm)
August 12
– Freshmen Class Registration (8am–1pm)
August 13
– Registration Make-up (8am–12pm)
August 19
– Help with registration in office on 1st day of school (7am–9am)

THE VIEW — WESTVIEW
13500 Camino Del Sur, San Diego, CA 92129
Westview
Palomar Council of PTAs | Ninth District PTA, Inc./CCPTS

Principal Dawn Kastner | PTSA President
Sue Hasselmann | Editor Crystal Ranj | Webmaster Margaret Lupfer