Principal's Update Trial
June 18th, 2024
COLLEGE REP VISITS
College Career Center welcomes Juniors and Seniors to attend in-person College Rep Visits which begin on Wednesday, September 11th and go through October in the CCC. The following colleges are just a few that have a scheduled visit: University of Michigan, University of San Francisco, Chapman, Arizona State University, UCSB, Southern Methodist, University of Utah, University of Chicago. A full schedule is available on SchooLinks and all students MUST have a signed Teacher Permission Slip turned in 24 hours prior to the event to attend (even if they do not have a class during the time of meeting). Instructions on how to sign up to attend, and to access the Teacher Permission Slip can be found here https://pvphs.pvpusd.net/apps/pages/CCC-CollegeRepVisitsare still in the process of signing up for times to visit Peninsula so make sure you check back regularly. All Rep visits are students only.
COLLEGE NIGHT
The College Career Center presents College Night on Tuesday, September 10th at 6:30P. Juniors and their parents are invited to attend a special presentation beginning at 5:30P in the Gym and senior parents are invited to counselor presentations at 5:30P (locations TBD). All others are invited to attend the presentations at 6:30P, College Night Presenters provide information to students and parents about applying, attending, financing: Private Universities, Out of State Universities, California State Universities as well as information about Writing Your College Essay, SAT/ACT testing and Financial Aid. Military representatives will also be available to answer questions about military careers and ROTC. Additional information and details of the evening can be found here: https://pvphs.pvpusd.net/apps/pages/Calendar24
PRACTICE SAT/ACT
The College Career Center will offer a practice ACT or SAT for Juniors and Seniors only, on Saturday, September 21st at 9:00A. This practice test is not official in any way and is intended to provide a simulated test experience for students. Students can register beginning Monday, August 29th in the CCC at Panther or lunch time and a $20 donation is appreciated. Deadline to register is Friday, September 6 by end of lunch or as soon as all spots are filled. A parent Q & A session about college testing will be held in the CCC from 9:15A to 10:30A while the students take the test on 9/21. All parents are welcome to attend. Additional information can be found here: https://pvphs.pvpusd.net/apps/pages/Calendar24
Laura Cortés - Teacher
Hey, I am Ms. Cortés! I am a proud Panther graduate (All Hail the Class of 2014!)
After graduating from Pen High, I went to the University of Redlands for my bachelor’s (History) and Master’s (Education). I even did my master's thesis on Pen High! You’ve probably seen me around campus for years because I substituted around the district. I’m excited to become a permanent part of the Panther Family, again.
Madison Ho -SAGE Therapist
Hi everyone! My name is Madison Ho and I am one of the new Sage Therapists. I am originally from Arkansas and moved to Los Angeles 8 years ago. I live in Santa Monica with my husband and cat Vladimir. I love being in/on the water, reading, musicals, animals, LAFC, and traveling. I am excited to work with you all this year! Swing by S11 if you want candy or a Zevia :)
Nick Olson - Counselor
My name is Nick Olson, and I’m thrilled to be joining the Panther Community! Drawing on 15 years in education, including a decade as a School Counselor and five years as a Dean of Students, I’ve had the pleasure of working in both Wisconsin and Illinois, supporting students in their academic and personal journeys. I completed both my undergraduate and graduate studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, which provided a strong foundation for my career. Outside of school, I love to travel, play and watch sports, and spend time with my family. Here’s to a wonderful school year ahead—I can’t wait to get to know each of you!
Andrea Ramirez - Counselor
My name is Andrea Ramirez (AKA Dre), and I was born and raised in Long Beach. I've been in education for six years now going on to year three as a school counselor. I completed my undergraduate degree at Cal State Long Beach and my graduate degree at USC. Over the years I have found great joy supporting students and families in their academic, personal, and post-secondary journeys and I am beyond excited to continue doing so at Pen High! A few fun facts about me: I love reading fiction and fantasy books on my free time, I am a new cat mom to a little gray kitten named Obi (yes, after Obi-Wan Kenobi), and I was a child actor for 17 years!! I am looking forward to an awesome year and hope to meet you all very soon 🙂
Tammi Sheridan - Teacher
My teaching career started as a Spanish and AVID teacher for many years at PVHS. Co-developing a mindfulness program in 2018 launched me onto a healing journey and into the wellness space. I took a two-year leave of absence after 18 years in the profession, have become a Registered Yoga Teacher and teach weekly studio classes at YogaSix Redondo Beach. I also lead retreats and wellness events both locally in the Joshua Tree area. I am excited to lead my own Yoga Teacher Training this spring, as I am nearing the completion of an advanced Yoga Teaching Certification😀 This is my first year in the PE Yoga space, so the class will evolve as we do.
I live in Redondo Beach with my husband, 2 kids (5th & 8th grades), and 2 dogs. I am thrilled to share my life’s passion this year!
Brenna Winkle - SAGE Therapist
Brenna received her undergraduate bachelor’s degree from UC Santa Barbara and her master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy from CSU Dominguez Hills. Before joining PVPHS, Brenna worked as a school therapist at Palos Verdes High School and as a clinician at a community mental health center. Her objective as a clinician is to ensure her clients feel liked, accepted, understood, and empowered to exercise agency over presenting issues. She takes an eclectic approach, drawing from Humanistic, Narrative, and Mindfulness-based theories in order to help clients address and resolve problematic behaviors and thinking patterns.
California Scholarship Federation (CSF - California's OLDEST honor society) begins their fall collection soon. Collections are at lunch in H65 August 26th – September 6th. Check the eligibility lists outside of H65 and the Hawthorne Office to see if you qualify. List contains ID numbers only so check carefully!
Applications are in the Hawthorne Office and H65. Apps are accepted in H65 during lunch ONLY. Collections end September 6th @ lunch BUT DON’T wait until the last day to turn in form!! Membership is $25 (if paying with a check, make it payable to PVPHS – CSF and put student’s name on memo line). Freshmen may not apply this time as they have not yet earned grades in high school. Students who were CJSF honor members at RIS will have automatic junior membership for this semester.
Please note…if you are in a Guided Study class and your name is not on the list, please see adviser.
Remember…NO LATE APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED, and you must use the official PVPHS application from campus, not the web.
Looking forward to celebrating your membership in this fantastic student recognition program/honor society!
Please contact Mrs. Okamoto if you have questions: okamotob@pvpusd.net
