Principal's Update Trial

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IT'S FINALS WEEK!

Tuesday - Zero Period Finals

Wednesday - 1st & 2nd Period Finals

Thursday - 3rd & 4th Period Finals

Friday - 5th & 6th Period Finals

PVPHS parents & guardians – finals week is almost here! Order a GOOD LUCK GRAM to send your Panther good vibes! You can send a $2 gram that includes candy and a personalized card or a $4 gram that includes candy, stress toys, and a personalized card. Cards will be delivered by Link Crew Leaders in 4th period classes on Monday 12/16, and all proceeds benefit our award-winning Link Crew program. Follow this link or use the QR code below to purchase a Good Luck Gram for your Panther! Deadline to place an order is 11:59pm on Sunday, 12/15.

Strategies to Reduce Test Anxiety:

Most students experience some degree of anxiety before an exam. Feelings of nervousness before a test are to be expected. It is the body's normal biological and psychological response to stress. However, for some students, anxiety can impact their ability to concentrate and perform successfully on exams. When this occurs, it is important to engage in behaviors and activities that will reduce or eliminate feelings of anxiety and enhance performance on an exam.

What are the symptoms of test anxiety?

The following are strategies to help you reduce test anxiety:

• Preparation. Part of preparation is developing good study habits. Preparing in advance for tests will prove beneficial in reducing anxiety. Do not memorize your material; instead, study to learn the material thoroughly. Organize your notes so that time allotted for studying is not squandered on organizing your notes. Identify your learning style and incorporate study strategies that support your learning style.
• Time Management. A successful student has learned how to manage time effectively. Creating flexible schedules, to-do lists, rewards for completing tasks, scheduling personal time, and avoiding external stressors can help reduce anxiety.
  
• Reflect on past successes. Reflecting on past achievements can help build confidence and serve as a reminder that success is not out of reach. If you were successful once on a test, you can be successful again. Reflecting on the behaviors and strategies that influenced your success on a previous test can help you identify long-term strategies for future success.
• Develop a routine. Establishing a pre-test routine can be useful in reducing test anxiety. You must learn what works for you to reduce anxiety and make it part of your pre-test routine.
  
• Embrace behavioral relaxation techniques. Integrating relaxation techniques into your pre-test routine can help you relax before and during the test. Deep breathing exercises, meditation, and yoga are relaxation techniques to counteract feelings of anxiety and bring the mind and body back into equilibrium.
• Maintain a realistic viewpoint. Although successful performance on a test is a realistic goal, it is important to avoid attaching your self-worth to exam outcomes. After a test, review the information and identify areas of weakness and opportunities to improve. Develop and practice strategies that will improve test performance.
• Remain focused. It is important to avoid becoming distracted by your surroundings or focusing on the time allotted for the test. Read each question thoroughly, and remain calm and confident. If needed, engage in relaxation to maintain focus and reduce anxiety.
  
• Rest. Preparing for a test can be daunting, but good study habits can alleviate the stress commonly experienced the night before an exam. Use the night before an exam for a quick review and plan to get a good night's rest.
• Maintain a healthy diet. It has been proven that a healthy diet can relieve stress. Eating fruits and vegetables before an exam can reduce stress. Incorporating foods high in protein can increase mental alertness. Avoid processed foods and foods high in sugar. These types of foods can exacerbate feelings of anxiety.
  
• Expect some anxiety. Some anxiety is normal and can be used to stimulate performance. Anxiety is the body's natural reaction to stressors. However, it is important to understand the difference between normal anxiety and anxiety disorder. If feelings of anxiety begin to interrupt your life and impede your ability to successfully perform on an exam, seek assistance to help you manage anxiety and take control of your life.

(Strategies to Reduce Test Anxiety, n.d.)

Follow Dr. Kuykendall on Instagram @pvphsprincipal for his weekly messages about what's happening on campus.

It is with a mix of gratitude and bittersweet emotions that I share the news of School Resource Officer Dave Rozas's retirement. For the past seven years, Mr. Rozas has been an integral part of our Peninsula High School family, leaving an immeasurable impact on our students, staff, and the entire school community.

Throughout his tenure, Mr. Rozas has gone above and beyond his primary role of ensuring campus safety. His calm demeanor, warm smile, and quick wit have made him a trusted presence—someone students and staff alike could turn to for guidance, support, reassurance, or even a much-needed laugh. His ability to build genuine connections with those around him has been truly remarkable, and his legacy will be felt for years to come.

As the principal of Peninsula High School, it has been an honor to work alongside Mr. Rozas and witness the positive influence he has brought to our campus. His dedication to service, both to our school and the district as a whole, has been exemplary.

While he has cherished his time in this role, Mr. Rozas is now looking forward to the next chapter of his life—spending more time with his growing family, particularly his beloved grandchildren. Though he will undoubtedly be missed, we are excited for him as he embraces this well-deserved new season.

We know that Peninsula High will always hold a special place in his heart, and we look forward to seeing him at future Panther games and events—because we’re certain he won’t be able to stay away entirely.

If you see Mr. Rozas during his final week on campus, please take a moment to thank him for his years of dedicated service and for the countless ways he has touched our lives. His contributions have made Peninsula High a better, safer, and more compassionate place.

We are currently in the process of selecting a new School Resource Officer and plan to have one identified in January.

Attention ALL Panthers! -Students, Parents, Staff and Community members!

PVPHS is working to streamline and increase the efficiency of its communications with all educational partners. As we start this process, we're looking for your input! Please complete this brief survey to share your thoughts on communication from PVPHS. The survey is anonymous, optional, and should take about 5 minutes.

Check it out here: https://forms.office.com/r/tQRfGxQAUr

CAREER EXPLORATION SEMINAR - VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

On January 15th at 8:30A Peninsula will have the Career Exploration Seminars for students. This event is an opportunity for students to learn about careers from professional in the field. If you have a career you would like to present to students AND you are available on Wednesday, January 15th 8A-10A please click on the link and complete the form by Friday, December 13thhttps://forms.gle/RofHFFeosAnscts6A

JUNIORS

If you are you interested in the workings of our government or want more leadership experience, you might be interested in being a delegate to Boys State or Girls State.

Boys and Girls State are summer leadership and citizenship programs sponsored by the American Legion. Interested juniors are encouraged to attend an informational meeting on Wednesday, January 15th at lunch in the CCC. Current PVPHS students that have participated in the program will discuss their experience and answer questions. The cost of the program is approximately $700.00 per student, should they be selected, and will be payable in February. Applications are on the CCC page of the school website and will also be available at the meeting. Completed applications are due on January 23rd.

To find out more about Boys State and the American Legion (the organization that sponsors Boys State), refer to the following link: http://www.boysstatecalifornia.org/. To find out more about Girls State and the American Legion Auxiliary (the organization that sponsors Girls State), please refer to: https://www.alaforveterans.org/.

SCHOLARSHIPS:

Seniors and juniors, check out the scholarships available on Schoolinks. Click on the Finances Tab and then click on Scholarship Matching. To view scholarships from our local organizations, click on “District Posted” in the top, right corner.

Students interested in earning a Seal of Civic Engagement on their diplomas, should review the powerpoint and information below:

Seal of Civic Engagement Powerpoint

Seal of Civic Engagement Detailed Information

The ISPE website has been updated and the application for 3rd Quarter ISPE is now available.

https://www.pvpusd.net/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=373713&type=d&pREC_ID=848373

The link/button to the application will be available for families through December 16th.

Sign up for Spring Dual Enrollment classes today! PEN is offering Abnormal Psychology, Film Appreciation, Business Law, and Data Visualization in the Social Sciences. For more information, scan the QR code or see Ms. Hamilton in S66!

Would you like to learn hands-on skills, such as rebuilding a car engine? Have you ever wondered how to weld metals together for construction of buildings, cars, and/or aircraft? Want to learn how to install electrical systems in new/old buildings, or installation of residential or commercial heating systems & ventilation? Enroll in one of these exciting and hands-on Engineering & Design courses at SoCal ROC this Spring semester! These courses are high in demand and fill up quickly, so don't wait too long to enroll! Choose from:

• Automotive - M-Th, 1:30pm-4:15pm OR M-Th, 4:15pm-7:00pm

• Engine Performance (Must complete Auto I & II first) - M-Th, 7:00pm-9:45pm

• HVAC I - T/Th, 4:15pm-7:00pm OR T/Th, 7:00pm-9:45pm

• Residential Electrical Wiring - M/W, 4:15pm-7:00pm OR T/Th, 4:15pm-7:00pm

• Welding I - M-Th, 1:30pm-4:15pm OR M-Th, 4:15pm-7:00pm OR M/W, 7:00pm-9:45pm OR T/Th, 7:00pm-9:45pm

• NEW COURSE! Advanced Welding (Must complete Welding I-IV first) - T/Th, 4:15pm-7:00pm

Earn high school A-G approved credits, while learning valuable skills that prepare you for college and/or an entry-level career! Courses are after school and FREE for high school students! We also offer free transportation to and from SoCal ROC. Add your name to the sign up sheet in the Counseling Office to meet with your SoCal ROC career guidance specialist or contact her at rpcontreras@scroc.k12.ca.us or 310-224-4240 for more information ASAP!

Attention Swimmers! Mark your calendars for the Pen Boys and Girls Swim Team Tryouts on Saturday, January 18th from 9:30am-12pm. Swimmers are expected to show up on time and stay for the entire tryout. Bring necessities: racing suit (no tech suits please), goggles, cap, towel, water, warm clothes). We will need volunteers to assist with timing, so if parents are available, please stay and help! Club swimmers need not attend if they have competed in a club meet within 30 days of tryouts. Send proof of competition and times to Coach Allison at bellowsa@pvpusd.net . Check the Pen Swim Instagram for updates @pvphs.swim and email Coach Allison with any questions you may have.

Come out and support PEN GWP by ordering yourself a burrito bowl at Chipotle at Pen Center on January 8th! 25% of the profits will go back to the GWP Program and you can order online for pickup using code XVDR96E. Win-win for both sides as you save yourself a night of cooking!

Regal Cinema Fundraiser for PVPHS Robotics has gone live! Until January 5, 25% of each Regal Movie Ticket Bundle you purchase will be donated back to PVPHS Robotics, when you buy via our fundraising sales page. Treat yourself, your friends, and family to an unforgettable movie night in support of a great cause! Grab your tickets here: grouprai.se/regalcinemas52341s

Nominate a Special Educator or community member for the Southwest SELPA Community Advisory Committee - Staff and Community Partner Award!

The Southwest Special Education Local Plan Area (SW SELPA) Community Advisory Committee (CAC) presents the 12th Annual Staff & Community Partners Awards Night: "Empowering Learners through Collaboration and Inclusion." We are now accepting nominations until Monday, January 13, 2025, 5:00 p.m.

The SW SELPA CAC is excited to recognize outstanding staff or community members who support the academic, social, and/or emotional growth of students with disabilities. Please nominate staff or community members including teachers, paraprofessionals, related service providers, bus drivers, custodians, office staff, administrators, volunteers, or community members.

If you are a junior interested in applying to NEHS for next semester, ask your English teacher for the code to join the Teams site. All application information is available on Teams. The deadline to apply is December 9th.

Aeries Communications (also known as ParentSquare) is a platform where staff can communicate and interact with parents. In ParentSquare parents can access forms/surveys, adjust personal notification preferences, and receive your student's reports electronically.

For more information on how to access and navigate your ParentSquare account, view our support article: ParentSquare features for Parents