Principal's Update Trial
June 18th, 2024
DECEMBER 6, 2024
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BELL SCHEDULES FOR THIS WEEK
MONDAY, TUESDAY, AND FRIDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
Willenberg Performance in the Gym at Lunch
LOOKING AHEAD... 1ST SEMESTER FINALS SCHEDULE
First Semester Finals will be Tuesday (12/17) - Friday (12/20).
Tuesday - Zero Period Finals
Wednesday - 1st & 2nd Period Finals
Thursday - 3rd & 4th Period Finals
Friday - 5th & 6th Period Finals
TUESDAY (12/17)
WEDNESDAY - FRIDAY (12/18 -12/20)
A Message from the School Nurse about Test Anxiety
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.)
A Message From the Principal
Follow Dr. Kuykendall on Instagram @pvphsprincipal for his weekly messages about what's happening on campus.
PVPHS Communications Survey
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
College Career Center Announcements
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/.
SENIORS:
FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is now open! The CCC will be hosting an event via Zoom on Wednesday, December 11th at 6:30 p.m. that will go through the FAFSA step by step. Registration for the event can be found on the College Career Center page on the PVPHS website. Parents and students are invited to attend but must register in order to receive the Zoom link.
Federal Student Aid will be holding 2 free webinars on Tuesday, December 10th on how to complete the FAFSA. How to create a Federal Student Aid Account will be held at 10:30 a.m. and How to Complete Your FAFSA will be held at 1:30 p.m. Click here to register. The video will be available on the Federal Student Aid YouTube channel 24-48 hours after the presentations.
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.
Updates from the Counseling Office
Seal of Civic Engagement
Independent Study PE - 3rd quarter
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.
Dual Enrollment
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!
The new SoCal ROC Spring 2025 semester enrollment forms are now available in the Counseling Office! Earn high school elective 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!
Exciting courses are available in:
Art & Design
Cosmetology
Engineering & Design
Health Sciences
LA Harbor College Dual-Enrollment Courses
PANTHER ATHLETICS
PEN BOOKFAIR
Peninsula is having a bookfair Dec 9- Dec 13th in our library! Click the link below to view the details and set up your e-wallet account.
Spring Musical Auditions in December
This Spring, Peninsula Drama will be bringing the classic musical ONCE UPON A MATTRESS to the PAC stage. Inspired by the classic tale, The Princess and the Pea, Winnifred the Woebegone is just a simple swamp princess looking to win the heart of Prince Dauntless. But can she pass the impossible test Queen Aggravain has in store for her?
If you are interested in being a part of our production team, production begins in early December. Information for auditions and stage crew are available NOW at www.PENINSULADRAMA.com; Reach out to Mr Cohen (cohens@pvpusd.net) with any questions.
Swim Tryouts
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.
Pep Squad Holiday Showcase!
Come watch and support our Cheer, Song and Pep Flag teams in their annual showcase performance on Wednesday Dec 11th in the main gym. Doors open at 5:30pm and performances begin at 6pm. Tickets on sale from any team member: $10 Adult (18+) and $5 Student (12th and under). If you are interested in auditioning for our team this would be a great opportunity to get a sneak peek into what we do. Contact tsudamal@pvpusd.net if you have any questions.
Robotics Team Fundraiser
Nominate a Special Educator!
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.
National English Honor Society
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 & ParentSquare for Parents
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
FROM THE COMMUNITY
Celebrate PEOPLE with DIVERSE ABILITIES (Disabilities):
This SUNDAY, Dec 8 from 2 PM - 4 PM
Lots of GIVEAWAYS, and much needed helpful information will be provided.
Check out the amazing article in today's Peninsula News newspaper (see attached).
We will have:
* Liz Cantine's QUOTABLE QUINTET Dancers, and the READY, WILLING & ABLE (RWA) Violin solo and Vocalist
* Jessica Patay & We Are Brave Together - Mothers who provide support to other mothers and caregivers of People with Diverse Abilities.
* Ku'uipo 'O Hula Downey & Groupo Folclorico Raices y Cultura Nicaragua (Dancers - who have people who can't stand and perform - but will perform)
* LA County Supervisor Janice Hahn's agencies: Aging & Disabilities Department, LA METRO, TAP, and Commissioners Deaka McClain & Carlos Benavides and more.
Peninsula FRIENDS of the Library
Peninsula Center Library Community Room
650 Deep Valley Drive
Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274
We'd love your help with any social media (use the attached flyer - with the PVPUSD Disclaimer), or share this link for people to sign up.
https://app.etapestry.com/onlineforms/PeninsulaFriendsoftheLibra/registrationsignup-diverse-1.html
Or go to pvldFRIENDS.org
Follow me on instagram @pvphsprincipal
Follow our ASB on instagram @pvphs
All District programs, activities, and practices shall be free from unlawful discrimination, including discrimination against an individual or group based on race, color, ancestry, nationality, national origin, immigration status, ethnic group identification, ethnicity, age, religion, marital status, pregnancy, parental status, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, or genetic information; a perception of one or more of such characteristics; or association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics.
Title IX Contact: Richard Licciardello, 310-378-9966 x 417
Section 504 Contact: Susan Harry, 310-378-9966 x 444
375 Via Almar, Palos Verdes Estates, CA 90274