March 2013 - San Domenico School

March 2013
All School | Grades PK-5 | Grades 6-8 | Grades 9-12
Advancement | Athletics | Music Conservatory | Sustainability
Message from Cecily Stock, Interim Head of School
Dear San Domenico Families and Friends,
This issue of Connections highlights some of the many ways in which our school is
flourishing, led by our dedicated faculty and our thriving student body. While during
this time some creatures hibernate and plants are dormant to survive the dark and cold,
San Domenico students have been busy lighting up the stage, the courts, concert halls,
serving the community, and competing in academic competitions. I hope that you
enjoy reading about our students’ accomplishments, their service and scholarship, and
their celebrations.
Finally, in recognition of the spirit of Spring, I share the following poem:
Every year it happens: earth shakes her sleepy head, and feels new life stirring. Seemingly dead branches shine
with new green, and singing birds find their way home.
Every year we hear the stories: the empty tomb, runners with news and revelation, unexpected encounters,
conversations on the road, and breakfast on a seashore.
And every year our Easter challenge: to be open to the unexpected, to believe beyond ourselves, to welcome
God in every form, and to trust in the reawakening of life.
— Sister Joyce Rupp
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On behalf of all of the faculty and staff, I wish all of our families a Happy Easter and hope that you all have an
enjoyable spring break!
Cecily
Cecily Stock, M.A., J.D.
Interim Head of School
A message from your kids: http://youtu.be/LkI0Basn0XY
Raffle Prize Upgrade!
Winner's choice of
SD VIP ACCESS PASS
or
One night accommodations at Cavollo Point with Breakfast and $200 dining credit for dinner at Murray
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2nd winner will get the other package.
Feeling Lucky? Get more raffle tickets by emailing Sarah Barron at [email protected].
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Advancement
Thank you
THANK YOU to those who have participated in the San Domenico Fund! Our March Madness has been a
success, skyrocketing our participation numbers up more than 20% and energizing our parent volunteers.
There's one day left in the Madness, and if your name isn't yet listed below it's not too late! Click here to give
or pledge now.
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Your gifts make a San Domenico education possible. Thank you.
All School
Counselor's Corner
Body Positive - collaboration between High School and Middle School
A wonderful addition to our MS Human Sexuality curriculum this year has been the collaboration with our high
school Body Positive chapter of students. Six of our high school seniors from the Body Positive chapter
facilitated classes for our 6th and 7th graders as the last part of the human sexuality program, and our MS
students were participatory and receptive. The high school students, Sasha Nagler, Lily Marks (both former PS
and MS students), Olivia Ayanruoh, Michelle Bueno, Lynn Falesoga and Vanessa Luna, taught our students
about several of the 5 core competencies of the Body Positive model, which include: Reclaiming Health,
Practicing Intuitive Self Care, Cultivating Self Love, Declaring Your Own Authentic Beauty and Building
Community. We are grateful to Kathy Laughlin, Director of Counseling in the high school, who brought this
program to San Domenico, and has inspired students to join and to want to share their experience with younger
students. More information about this program can be found on the Body Positive website
(www.thebodypositive.org).
We included our families in this educational opportunity through a Body Positive Parent Coffee, which we
hosted on Wed morning, Mar 27. This event was open to our PreK-8 grade parents. The co-founder of the Body
Positive Connie Sobczak joined a panel of students from the high school chapter, and screened the movie
BodyTalk. Parents who attended were very enthusiastic and supportive of this program, and encouraged us to
continue this important work with more grade levels and more families.
Do you Know ????
Dominican Sisters move convent and school to Benicia
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It was on July 29, 1853, that Pope Pius IX established the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of San Francisco. The
new Archdiocese of San Francisco stretched from the Oregon-California border east, to the Colorado River and
south to Monterey. It included boomtowns and the frontier. Jopseph Sadoc Alemany, the California Bishop
who had asked Sister Mary Goemaere to come found a school in California was named the first Archbishop of
San Francisco in 1853.
It was at this time that the population of Monterey was declining and the State Capitol was moved from
Monterey to Benicia. The small group of Dominican Fathers moved from Monterey to Benicia and requested
Mother Mary move her convent and school to Benicia also. Students and teachers moved the school by
chartered schooner and Sister Mary Goemaere opened St. Catherine’s Convent in 1854 in a building rented
from Dr. Robert Semple, Benicia’s founder.
During the 1850’s, Benicia was a center of culture and education – so much so, it was dubbed, “The Athens of
California.” St. Catherine’s, as one of several educational institutions in Benicia, educated some of the most
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prominent women of the day, including Luisa and María Vallejo. But in addition to well-heeled pioneer women,
many orphan children were given shelter and educated at St. Catherine’s as well.
In 1862, the catalogue for pupils read…”concerning the uniforms it consists of a white muslin dress, a blue light
merino for summer and a black merino dress for winter with loose cape of the same material. A straw bonnet
trimmed with white ribbon and one trimmed with green. The above uniforms are obligatory only on Sundays
and Festivals. On weekdays the pupils are allowed to wear whatever their parents think proper.”
From the Desk of the Athletic Director
There is a lot to be proud of these past few weeks when talking athletics. If you haven't
heard of the Fantastic News regarding the IEA Team, 5th Grade CYO Teams and
Marin Ij - Winter Athlete of the Year Sasha Nagler, (I will include these 3 articles you
may have missed). The Spring season is also setting the bar high as we have 51
Primary School students involved in track and field this year, with 41 in the Middle
School also participating in track and field, not to mention the 22 new swimmers in the
High School on our reborn swim program and over 25 on our middle school swim
team. Our goal is always to get out there, give it your best, have fun, compete and have
a strong finish. This is quite a strong finish, as we have four varsity level programs
badminton, soccer, mountain biking and equestrian this competing this spring and
seven teams in the primary and middle school including girl's soccer, swimming, golf, primary school boy's and
girl's track and middle school boy's and girls track competing as well. There is no rest for the wary in San
Domenico athletics, as a record number of students from all divisions are out there representing their school.
Congratulations to all those students and coaches this spring, we look forward to coming out to cheer you on
and see what great things our student-athletes can accomplish. GO PANTHERS!
Below are the articles I spoke of earlier.
Girls basketball player of the year: Sasha Nagler
SASHA NAGLER
San Domenico, Senior, Girls Basketball
Originally planning to attend Redwood High, Nagler had a change of heart and
decided to continue at San Domenico, where she had spent her grammar school years
as well. With new coach Mike Fulton, whom Nagler played for at the AAU level
prior, the two took the program places it had never been before.
San Domenico claimed its first Bay Counties League Central championship and made its second consecutive
bid into the NorCal playoffs before losing in the second round of this year's tournament. To top it off, Nagler
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led Marin County in scoring and has been selected as the Marin Independent Journal's girls basketball player of
the year.
"I honestly could not have imagined having seen where the program was when I got there and then go to my
senior year and go two rounds into NorCals," Nagler said. "It was a huge leap of faith for me and the other girls
and we're starting to realize it. It validated my decision to go here by what we were able to accomplish this
season."
With only six players on the roster, Nagler was an integral part of the team, not only as a cog in the stat book,
but an emotional leader as well.
"This program is now established as one of the better (Division V) programs in Northern California and that's
her signature," Fulton said. "Now we got find a way to keep it going now that's she's leaving, but that's what she
did. She put this school and basketball program and athletic program on the map."
The legacy that Nagler left on the basketball team at San Domenico does not escape her thoughts and she knows
that what she helped build will continue on in the future.
"I think the program is going to get better and better through the years," Nagler said. "I'm very comfortable and
confident with the young women that are taking over the program when I leave. They're in good hands and
they're going to work their butts off and move farther and farther along."
IEA Team Moves on to Nationals in New York!
The San Domenico Equestrian Team
had great success at the Zone 10 Finals last weekend! Both the middle school and high school teams, as well as
several individual riders qualified to participate in the competition on St Patrick's Day in Moorpark. At the
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Finals, the team competition consisted of a single rider per class earning points that accumulate to a team total.
Each riders' performance, regardless of their skill level, contributes to the team's result. Only the team with the
highest point total qualifies to advance to the National Finals. We are proud to announce that the San
Domenico Middle School Team has earned the honor of representing California and Nevada at the IEA
Nationals in Syracuse, New York, in April! Despite lacking representatives in 2 classes, the three high school
riders challenged larger teams and missed qualifying for the National competition by only one point! This is an
amazing result, and a testament to the girls' competitive spirit and dedication to their training. In addition to the
MS team qualification, Brooke Raabe qualified as an individual rider, and will represent Zone 10 in the high
school Varsity division. Coaches Lisa Durbrow and Cyd Shald are extremely proud of each member of the SD
team - every rider contributed to the teams' successful season.
5th Grade Boys and Girls win CYO Basketball Championships
Led by Coach Jeff Skaggs, the 5th Grade Basketball Teams won their Championship trophies yesterday at St.
Vincent's. The boys played first, facing St. Patrick's of Larskpur on St. Patrick's day.
The boys played a hard game that stayed pretty even until just one minute left, when SD lept ahead with 2
baskets to win the game, 34-30.
In the stands, San Domenico's community was in full force, with families from the other 5th grade SD team
coming out to cheer, plus by the 4th period the 5th Grade girls SD teams had showed up for their Championship
game.
Both SD girls' teams made it to the championships, and so Coach mixed-up the rosters and the girls played hard,
with plenty of turnovers and trick plays.
Congratulations Panthers!
GO PANTHERS
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Grades PK-5
PANTHER PRIDE: Teacher-Parent Connections
Dear Primary School Parents,
During this final week of March, parent conferences are held at all grade levels, prekindergarten through fifth grade. What distinguishes these Primary parent
conferences from other schools? Instead of meeting with just one teacher, parents
meet with the core grade level team of two to three teachers.
Although homeroom based, instruction in the Primary is departmentalized, your child
has different teachers for a variety of subjects. As reading, writing and math are the
core foundational subjects in these early elementary years, we feel it is essential that
you have the opportunity to conference in person with each teacher who is directly responsible for these areas.
Specialists are also available to see you at any time. You can email them directly to set up a meeting time.
Research and experience have also shown that for any child to be fully open to academic learning, social and
emotional needs must be addressed as well at school. Moreover, every child has his or her own unique learning
style with various strength and challenges. Counselors and learning specialists often join the core teaching
teams for individual parent conferences.
To facilitate these parent conferences, which number from thirty to fifty conferences per teacher, we run a
special schedule providing three minimum days, with a noon departure for busses, and extended care offered
until 5:00pm. Is it worth it? From a teaching perspective, we would tell you that for all the emails, written
communications and phone calls, there is nothing more valuable than sitting together with parents at the
conference table focused on the most important person that we share in common – your child.
Parent conferences end his Thursday. Friday begins Easter vacation. This time of year provides each of us with
the opportunity to pursue a different set of “3-R’s”: reflection, rest and renewal. We wish all of our families a
wonderful week of doing whatever you most enjoy. We thank you for the time spent with us at the conference
table and throughout the year. Most of all, we thank you for the gift of time spent with your child each and
every day.
Easter Blessings,
Carole and Faculty
PANTHER PRIDE: ACADEMICS
Math K-5
Math teachers in grades K – 5 continue to meet as a professional leaning community to refine and expand the
math curriculum. The emphasis is on a cohesive program that allows r students to understand rather than
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memorize concepts and to develop strategies for problem solving rather than a set of procedures. This year the
primary school incorporated Houghton-Mifflin’s Math in Focus: A Singapore Math Approach series to its list of
classroom resources for instruction. Singapore Math is an internationally recognized teaching philosophy based
on a concrete-pictorial-abstract progression of learning and understanding mathematical concepts. If you were
to walk into the classrooms, you would see students actively participating in center based activities using a
variety of manipulatives that enable them to explore different strategies when problem solving in the real
world. Through active investigations and peer-to-peer dialog the students are becoming authentic mathematical
thinkers.
Fifth Grade Math: Problems Solving
The fifth grade math class has been working on solving word problems using bar modeling. Students made an
“Educreation” video demonstrating their thought process and presented it to their classmates. Each video is
saved on their iPads. Students had fun making the video and teaching each other!
Zoe Ghazi
Click on the below links to view the videos:
http://www.educreations.com/lesson/view/math-project/3406482/?s=ZEmYae&ref=appemail
http://www.educreations.com/lesson/view/math/3873454/?s=cTFeZe&ref=appemail
Third Grade Lit Circles
Third grade had a wonderful time celebrating the completion of their nine “Lit Circles.” Summaries were
shared, books were discussed, yummy food was devoured, and a great time was had by all. Many parents sent in
fantastic food and drinks for the celebration. The children showed poise and articulation to their guests when
they shared their thoughts. Chairs were pulled out, eye contact was made, and manners were used by all.
PANTHER PRIDE: THE ARTS
Advancing the Art of Art
The Primary School art program is providing active and varied experiences in
drawing, painting, ceramics, collage, printmaking, and art history that allow
students to develop visual and manipulative skills. At the same time, these
activities provide yet another way for students to actively articulate and share
what is interesting and important to them about our world. This year after
extensive research and consideration over the last academic year, a first
through fifth grade scope and sequenced was implemented that is more
synchronized with that of the Early Education and Middle School programs.
Building on the strong foundation San Domenico students receive in pre-K
and kindergarten art classes, the curriculum was redesigned to extend the
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methods of drawing instruction and other techniques and media so students develop in both breadth and depth
of art skill and analytical thinking. Students are encouraged to see themselves as artists and to appreciate the
viewpoints of others. As students view art made by peers as well as
famous artists, they become aware of different options to solve
creative problems. In addition, the curriculum is continuing to
integrate with other academic areas providing additional venues for
students to understand, apply and integrate skills and knowledge.
Technology has been integrated to improve ease of instruction and new
creative outlets. The students are looking forward to sharing their work
with the San Domenico community at the Arts in Action evening this
upcoming May.
Suzanne Kelly and Kathy Glass
Archdiocesan Choral Concert
San Domenico’s Singing Ambassadors Shine in San Francisco!
On March 21st, the San Domenico Chorus and
Preparatory Chorus delighted an audience
numbering four hundred with an exuberant
rendition of “Like a Mighty Stream,” at the 25th
Annual Archdiocesan Choral Festival. This year,
twenty-three schools traveled to Archbishop
Riordan High School for the event at which our
chorus received top ratings in all aspects of their
performance in categories such as diction, tone
quality and expression.
The choruses routinely represent San Domenico
throughout Marin County, appearing at churches
and retirement homes, and will perform the
National Anthem in Albert Park for a Pacifics
baseball game in June. “Students who sing in the chorus are proud of their school,” says director Peggy Struck.
“They communicate this through their music with clear, bright voices, touching listeners everywhere we go.”
Bravo!
The Thirteen Colonies
“The Thirteen Colonies” (hosted by George and Martha Washington) was a musical review of early American
history, covering the period from before the arrival of the Europeans through the signing of the Bill of Rights.
The audience gave the fifth grade class enthusiastic accolades as they sang and danced their way through
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history including a crowd pleasing of a hip-hop dance finale as they made their exit from Assembly Hall. The
production was more than a testimony to the students’ drama skills It served as a meaningful method to have
students understand both events and historical figures to a greater degree than reading a text. Bravo fifth grade
for star ratings in both theater and history!
Nicole Schuler
PANTHER PRIDE: ATHLETICS
San Domenico 5th Grade Boys and Girls Basketball Teams Capture
County CYO Championships!
The San Domenico 5th grade boys "Gold"
basketball team captured the Marin County CYO "B"
level championship Sunday at St. Vincent's gym by
defeating an undefeated St. Patrick's team in a
thrilling 34-30 victory. Austin Grant broke a 30-30 tie
with a baseline jumper, Henry Blake had two key
baskets, Coleman Clemons and Lyle Rumon made
key plays, and Max Ray led the Panthers in scoring
and assists. The "Green" team also had a successful
season by winning their division, and making it to the
county semi-finals with a 9-2 final record. The 5th
grade "B" division had 30 teams in it, so quite an
accomplishment.
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The San Domenico 5th grade girls "green" team
and girls "gold team are county "B" level cochampions as they both won close semi-final games to
share the title.
The "green" team defeated St. Cecelia 20-18, and
were led by Meya Saenz-Zagar, Maddie Dowd, Paige
Phillips, Sophie Keith-Brown, and Grace Newell.
The "gold" team defeated Mt. Carmel 14-12 on an
assist by Ellie Bednarz for a basket with 10 seconds
left. Also playing well were Katie Shearin, Danielle
Grubb, & Melina Tseckares.
The four boys and girls team's combined regular
season and playoff record was a stellar 40 wins and 5 losses. Well done Panther Players!!
PANTHER PRIDE: SERVICE
Homeward Bound
Students Fifth Grade Leadership Team 3 had a fun and productive morning at the Family Resource Center on
Wednesday. They delivered donations from primary school families, decorated for Easter and worked very
hard in the garden. They pulled weeds, prepped flower beds, dug holes and planted a variety of flowers,
tomatoes and herbs as well as colorful flowers in pots. They also had the opportunity to tour the home and
speak with Ashley, our Homeward Bound volunteer coordinator, about circumstances which may have led
families to live there. Many thanks to the families who supported this spring planting project and to those who
brought in much needed supplies. We are incredibly grateful for all the hard work and effort put in by parents
who joined us: Jolenne O'Meara and Michele Huff, for driving and digging in, Scott Tseckares for leading the
charge on the vegetable garden and Natacha Balbuena for coming out to help. With all 14 of us, we
accomplished a lot in two hours!
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Lenten Projects
Each year we involve the children in an age-appropriate outreach project during Lent. Since our focus at
Christmas is local, during Lent we look global and will continue to support the Dominican Sisters’ Cologna
Esperanza Mission School in Tijuana. Besides running a school, the sisters have a clinic for the children and
their families. We call our Lenten Project “Money for Medicine” and have asked the students to bring in
pennies or take on extra chores to earn money. Fifth grade Leadership teams also sponsored our annual Lenten
“Gently Used Book Sale”. The money collected will go to buy medicine for the Dominican Sisters’ clinic.
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PANTHER PRIDE: COMMUNITY
First Reconciliation
On Friday, March 15th, the second graders celebrated the Sacrament of First Reconciliation. With lighted
candles the children’s readings explained situations where the light in our world grows dimmer when people are
selfish or jealous of others. The message of the service reminded us that God loves us all and is always willing
to forgive us. Asking for forgiveness enables the light in our world to grow brighter as we reflect upon ways to
lead a better life.
Grades 6-8
Message from Dave Whaley, Middle School Assistant Division Head
What a month we’ve had in the middle school! Parent classes, accreditation visits,
parent coffees, faculty professional development, and all of it topped off by four
performances of West Side Story.
For those who didn’t make it to one of the shows over the weekend, it was absolutely
amazing. I was lucky to attend three of the four performances, and I am so incredibly
proud of our middle school students. Everyone involved, from the production crew to
the performers and parent volunteers, worked tirelessly for the last several months,
and they truly deserve another standing ovation. The skills and lessons learned in
such a huge endeavor will last our students a lifetime, and these performances
provide a wonderful opportunity for them to see how their hard work pays off.
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I have heard so many great things about the performers and the shows this weekend, and it was summed up
beautifully by one faculty member at morning meeting after the shows: “I’ve been here 12 years, and this was
definitely the best show yet!”
While I cannot thank all involved individually in this space, I must recognize Erica Smith for her commitment
to our students’ success. She put in countless hours to make this musical special, and it truly showed. Thank
you, Erica. And thank you cast members for a memorable performance!
Best,
Dave
Mathletes 3rd in Marin County!
The 2012-2013 Mathletes season has come to an end and we are proud to announce that our 8th grade
Mathletes' team placed 3rd out of seventeen Marin County public and private schools! Our 7th grade team had
a great year as well - improving with each competition and finishing the last round only 1 point from 3rd place.
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In addition, one of our 8th grade students, Maddy O'Hara was one of the
few students in Marin to earn a perfect score during one of the meets!
This marks San Domenico's 5th year placing out of our 6 years of
participation in this competition. Congratulations to all of the
competitors and to all of the students who are a part of the team. We are
already looking forward to next year!
Brooke Gelber, Math
San Domenico MS Alums Speak about their Nonprofit - Surfworks
Meghan Christie, Samantha Huff, Morgan & Chandler
Rich (SDMS graduates from the class of 2009)
Their message was simple, but powerful – if you have
a good idea for positive change, you can make it
happen. These four alums created a fully-funded
summer surf camp for underprivileged kids
“Through this program, we strive to spread an
appreciation, awareness, and love of the ocean to kids
who would normally not have the opportunity.
Through surfing, education, and taking care of the
ocean, we work to foster stewardship of the ocean and
environment. The ocean belongs to all of us, and
through this program, we want to share it and protect
it for future generations.”
You can learn more about them at http://surfworks2012.org.
6th Graders Go to Egypt!
Well, actually, we went to the Egyptian Museum in San Jose last week. It was a great, clear day with lots of
time to run around the grounds--the museum is built like an ancient temple with gardens and a fish pond.
Students were amazed at the animal and human mummies, the artifacts from daily life, and especially, the
replica of an Egyptian tomb!
We love our wonderful parent volunteers, and send a special thank you to Susan Tamagni, Kelly Rowell, Marci
Duys, Sarah Nichol, Lezley Hoffman, and Theresa Sunding!
Wynn Richards, Gigi Hindin, and Natasha Mckeown, History Teachers
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8th Graders Go on Trial!
8th grade students had a fascinating look into the workings of the Marin County Courthouse on a recent history
class field trip, thanks to parent Tom McCallister. This Deputy District Attorney extraordinaire arranged for
meetings with the County Sheriff, CSI detectives, Officer Yazzolino (who told us how it felt to be tazered), and
the 911 Communication Center (fascinating!).
Students also learned about the difficulties of eyewitness testimony and the workings of an actual trial when the
wonderful folks who work with Tom let our kids hold a trial in the courtroom! Real attorneys, court reporters,
and a judge worked with them to hold as realistic a trial as possible (with lots of laughs as well) involving a
defendant accused of stealing a box of cookies meant for us.
Matt, Burke, Eva, and Caroline wowed us with their powers of persuasion as lawyers. We used Sean's
fingerprints as evidence. Lacey and Wheeler were excellent witnesses, and Layla and Luke were very serious
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judges. Ale and Caitlyn helped our court reporter. Deputies, Nick, Sam, Andrew, and Jacob kept order in the
court. Our large jury voted and found the defendant very guilty!
My students really feel like they learned a lot and this trip synthesized many of the things we have been
studying in class. They loved the interactive, hands-on activities. Huge thanks go to Tom for putting this great
day together for all of us!
Wynn Richards, History
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High School Placements: 2012-2013
The High School Advising program in the Middle School continues to thrive! The driving philosophy of this
program is that high school placement is, “a match to be made, not a prize to be won.” We work diligently to
help students and families determine this best match, aiming always to place students into their first or second
choice of high schools.
While Bay Area admissions have become increasingly competitive over the years, San Domenico middle school
students continue to fare extremely well, and the 2012-2013 acceptances are no exception. This year proved to
be a record year for our students, with 92% of our 8th graders planning to attend their first or second choice
school and 79% planning to attend their first choice school. These statistics highlight the competitive nature of
our program, the integrity of our students and faculty, and the highly respected reputation of our school in the
Bay Area and beyond.
Some highlights of special note include the following:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
19% of our 8th graders are planning to attend public school next year.
Of the students who applied to private high schools, 90% were accepted to their first or second choice of
high school.
7 students will be attending San Domenico High School next year, six of these girls chose San
Domenico through our “Early Accept” program offered only to San Domenico middle school students.
Other popular school choices include Branson (6 students accepted, 50% acceptance rate) Marin
Academy (5 students accepted, 38% acceptance rate) San Francisco University High School (4 students
accepted, 80% acceptance rate,) and The Bay School (7 students accepted, 88% acceptance rate.)
San Domenico students enjoyed a 95% acceptance rate to Marin Catholic, where 7 students were
accepted with Honors, and a 75% acceptance rate at St. Ignatius. Of the three students accepted to St.
Ignatius this year, all were accepted with either Honors or Distinction.
While most students choose to attend high school in the San Francisco bay area, we had one student
accepted to the Hill School in Pottstown, Pennsylvania this year and in 2011.
This year, for the first time, we had one student accepted to the selective School of Environmental
Leadership (SEL) program at Terra Linda High School.
As they head towards graduation, our 8th graders look forward to making their contributions at the following
high schools next year: The Branson School, Marin Academy, San Francisco University High School, The Bay
School, Marin Catholic, Saint Ignatius, San Domenico High School, The Marin School, The School of
Environmental Leadership at Terra Linda High School, Stuart Hall, Sacred Heart Preparatory School, Sonoma
Academy, Redwood High School, Sir Francis Drake High School, and San Rafael High School.
Congratulations 8th graders!
Kate Reeser, Director of High School Advising
iParents Night highlights schoolwide integrated technology program
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Our second annual iParents in the
Classroom event brought our parents to "class" on
Tuesday, March 12 in our library. This event showcased
our integrated educational technology program and
specifically the use of iPads in our classes. Students
from grades 2-12 were sprinkled throughout the room
demonstrating all kinds of apps and how they are used
in (and out!) of the classroom. In keeping with our
philosophy on technology in the curriculum, students
focused their presentations on the process and less on
the outcome of their work that was enhanced with their
digital tool of choice.
Primary School students impressed parents with many
different apps, including Educreations, Hungry Fish and
Sushi Monster (two great math apps!). Middle Schoolers
magnified shirts, purses and skin (ewww!) using a
handheld microscope, guided parents through iMovie
and shared their digital "binders". High School students
shared some of their new electronic textbooks, note
taking techniques, and beautiful iMovie interpretations
of poetry – lovely!
Check out a photo album of event and middle school student Nichi J.’s “how-to” clip on making an iMovie!
Kali Baird, Middle School Technology Facilitator, Science Lead Teacher, and 6th Grade Earth Science
Grades 9-12
Message from Alyce Brownridge, High School Division Head
We’ve had a busy month full of activities and academics. We are so proud of our
basketball team, the 2013 Bay Central Counties League Champions, who also went
two rounds into the NorCal playoffs. Our very own Sasha Nagler was named
basketball Player of the Year by the Marin Independent-Journal. All of our spring
trimester sports are off and running. We are thrilled to have students competing in
two new San Domenico sports, mountain biking and swimming, as well as soccer
and badminton. Please check the calendar and eBulletin for event times.
Theater students delighted us with their performances of The Comedy of Errors and
Bomb-itty of Errors. Students in the Religion and Ethics course will be presenting
their play Bang, Bang You’re Dead, a reflection on gun violence April 12. We are so proud of our Theater
department for their participation in the upcoming prestigious Edinburgh Fringe Theater Festival.
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Last week we learned firsthand about the hunger struggles of many people in the world during the Social Justice
Club’s Hunger Banquet. College Guidance Director, Brad Jackson, invites younger(Junior) students to sign up
for the College Case Studies night to better appreciate the job of a University Admissions department. Mimi
Latno describes the plans for the upcoming Spring Discovery, April 15–19, where all our students discover
learning outside the classroom, from exploring their own Bay Area to snorkeling off southern California’s
Catalina Island.
Thank you for returning your Student Course Request forms. We are now beginning to develop the complex
academic schedule for next year, a process which will take much of the summer.
Warmly,
Alyce Mahan Brownridge
High School Division Head
Spring Discovery
This year we step into Spring with joy and anticipation. A key event coming up April 15 - 19 is Spring
Discovery Week. This is a week of service learning projects, adventure and meaningful self-discovery. Each
student will be participating in this 5 day event.
Our Freshmen join together for The Wonders of Discovery in the Bay Area. Together our ninth grade girls will
paddle on Stow Lake, visit Ocean Beach to fly kites and build sand castles, travel to Alcatraz, hike and play on
Angel Island, help at a local food bank and another service organization, and even hike on some our finest oncampus trails.
Sophomores will journey to Catalina Island for a leading outdoor environmental educational five day program.
Our tenth graders will kayak, snorkel, hike, camp, and explore the giant kelp forest surrounding the island,
learning to appreciate the natural life on land and sea in California.
Our Juniors and Seniors choose from 7 electives including: Architecture in the Bay Area, Biotechnology
Research Workshop, Paris: Culture and Cuisine, and a variety of trips that introduce students to the culture,
history and beauty of the San Francisco Bay Area.
Spring Discovery is just one more opportunity for our students to create unity within their class; explore the
history, culture and natural wonders of this beautiful California region through this week of elective courses and
workshops led by our fabulous faculty.
—Mimi Latno, Dean of Student Life
Students Celebrate National Poetry Month!
The 6th Annual High School Poetry Jam will take place in the library on Wednesday, April 10th. This popular
event brings together students, faculty and staff who share their favorite poems while enjoying a pizza lunch in
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the library. Whether reading poems by others, or reciting their own original poetry, students and staff rejoice
together in the power of the written word. As the poet Gwendolyn Brooks wrote, "Poetry is life distilled!
- Scott Fletcher, Librarian
Power of Music – Performing at Lucile Packard Children's Hospital
Cherry Yuan 14’, Club President of Children in Need, was invited to perform for all the patients and their
families at the Spring Fair hosted by Lucile Packard Children's Hospital at Stanford on March 20, 2013. To
celebrate the theme of the Spring Fair, Central Park in New York, Cherry played Gershwin’s “It ain't
necessarily so”, Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons, Spring and Autumn”, Mozart‘s Violin Concerto, 4 and 5, 1st
movements, and Elgar’s Salut d'Amour.
Cherry has brought club members to perform at the Dialysis Center at the hospital since last fall. The children
enjoyed their music greatly. This time, the hospital invited Cherry to perform for all their patients and families.
Her sensational and cheerful playing made the audience feel great about the spring. They temporarily forgot
their sickness and sorrow. Some parents were very grateful for Cherry’s music because their children could not
leave their rooms but could hear from their beds. The music of heart is the source of power which brings people
together.
Cherry and Children in Need’s other sensational high school performers from the Bay Area will host a benefit
concert on April 14 at HOTA at 7:00 pm. The proceeds will help an impoverished school in Nepal. Their
performance will make your night unforgettable. The club has made its name around the bay area and has
booked performances till this summer!
- Adelina Gowdy
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Robotics
On March 20th, three girls from the robotics team Skype-ed the all-girls high school in San Francisco, Convent
of the Sacred Heart. That day, for them, was a program called the Technology Summit. From 9:45 until 11:10,
Cameron Mine (Junior), Danelia Changeux (Junior), and Christa Collman (Freshman) talked about our
fabulous robotics teams here at S.D. during their breakout session. They wanted to know everything from when
we started building, to what the competitions were to how much the materials cost. I believe that because of
spending this time as peer to discuss everything about robotics, we were able to inspire them to start their own
team next year. In the future, we look forward to Skype-ing and even coaching the girls at Convent of the
Sacred Heart in their newfound robotics team!
- Christa Collman (Class of 2016)
Earth Day – April 22
This year, our high school Earth Day celebration is on Earth Day, April 22, in the afternoon. The Green team
has planned something different this year: for about the first hour, we will be having a "fair" utilizing all the
downstairs high school classrooms. There will be a clothing exchange in the hall and Teens Turning Green is
helping to set up various green product stations. The remainder of our afternoon we will be in HOTA for a
"Restyled" Fashion Show and some lessons about waste and consumer choices.
- Hilary Staples, Science Department Chair
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Badminton
Photos by Julie Lanzarin
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Bang, Bang You're Dead – April 12
This semester seniors in this cross-curricular course have been reflecting upon and engaging in vigorous
discourse on a myriad of vital and timely issues including (but not limited to) bullying in school, school
violence, mental illness and gun control, the 2nd Amendment, and proposed federal and state legislation
regarding gun rights. Ms. Grimes and Mrs. Levine chose this play as a response to the increase in mass
shootings across America in the past 15 years, most recently, in Newtown, Connecticut in December
2012. Bang, Bang You're Dead, by William Mastrosimone, is a one-act play written to raise awareness of
school violence and bullying as one of the causes. Theater is a very powerful teaching tool; a theatrical
performance is a compelling way to engage students in what can amount to a controversial topic. The course
prepares students to take on the roles of responsible and informed citizens and to work cooperatively in a safe
environment where differences of opinion can be productively expressed.
This will be the third semester of this course. Previous shows include: Dead Man Walking - examining the
death penalty (2011) and Laramie Project- examining bullying and gay rights in America (2012).
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- Kristen Levine, Religion Department Chair
Residential Life
Spring is in the air. With the change in the time and
the weather, we are finding time to play outside more,
which always feels good. We have a lot to celebrate
in the dorms. Our basketball team did very well this
year. Our productions of The Comedy of Errors and
Bomb-itty of Errors were incredible, our Model UN
team did very well, and our Volunteer Club has been
actively working in the community. We are proud of
all of our boarding students who have participated in
these amazing events, and we have been fortunate to
see so many of them on the court or on stage.
On March 12th we had our Day/Boarding Exchange
Sleepover. The theme was Spa Night and we hired
professional manicurists, massage therapists, and a
henna tattoo artist to provide a fun and rejuvenating experience for all. The students had a great time getting
their nails done, receiving a relaxing chair massage, and getting beautiful temporary henna designs. We also
played a fun game of group Pictionary, and made nachos. It was a great night of pampering, play, and
community building. On March 18th the boarding students had a sleepover at the day students' houses for the
second part of the exchange.
We've had some fun trips to Union Square,
Berkeley, the Asian Mall, and Japantown. A group
of girls went to see Theatersports in the City and
had a great time laughing all night. We had a
lovely day at Stinson Beach, playing in the waves,
building sand castles, and sleeping on the sand. We
took day and boarding students to Angel Island and
Golden Gate Park and had an incredible time out in
the beautiful Bay Area.
We always manage to have a great time on campus
as well. Recently we've baked mint chocolate
brownies, banana bread, and cookies, and dipped
treats in the chocolate fountain. We've played
games of Taboo, made giant bubbles, and we've
opened the pool for swimming and the gym and dance studios for recreation. It's wonderful to live in a place
where rich opportunities for connection and fun are right outside your door!
—Sonya Evans, Residential Curriculum Coordinator
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Art Show
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San Domenico High School art students participated in the 22nd annual Marin High School Art Exhibition
which was held for a third year at the Marin Art and Garden Center in February. More than ten high schools
participated in this years’ show, competing for awards in Drawing, Painting, 3-D media, and photography. San
Domenico students Ailin Lei and Claire Hu won an honorable mention for digital photography and drawing in
pencil, respectively.
Participating San Domenico students included Sydney Cheng, Nicole Wu, Oshani Gunasakara, Nicole Zhu,
Miranda Webster, Fiona Wang, Claire Hu, Ailin Lei, Ji Yeon Yu, Emma Li, Ember Brightwood, Christa
Collman, Melika Mai, and Jessica Baldwin.
Congratulations to all the students that participated in the event.
Womens’ Tea – Save the Date
On Saturday, May 4, our second annual Womens’ Tea, sponsored by the PSA, will be held at San Domenico on
the lawn under the large oak tree, by the high school building. Last year more than 70 students, faculty and
parents and guardians participated. More details to follow soon – save the date!
Volunteer Club
On Saturday, March 16, eight of the Volunteer club members went to Marin History Museum to help them set
up one of the activities for celebrating St. Patrick's Day. We decorated the entrance of the museum with a lot
green ornaments. We also made some leprechaun mask for children. When there were no visitors, we learned
about the history of China Camp and the first Irish settlers in Marin county. We are all looking forward to
participate in next event.
- Lisa Chen (class of 2014)
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Kickstarter Project for Theatre Arts Program a huge success!
Thank you for helping spread the word and for contributing to the Theatre Arts Students' project to send them to
The Fringe Festival in Edinburgh, Scotland this summer!
132 people donated over $21,000. to help our young women in the High School make their dreams of going to
the Fringe a reality! Our project ended up being funded with 105%. It was a first time project like this for the
Theatre Arts Program and we were overwhelmed, honored and inspired by everyone's generous time and
contributions! 653 people viewed the movie we made describing our plan. It has been an exciting adventure,
just the fundraising part! We have heard from so many alumni, some who even plan to attend the Fringe and see
our play, Argonautika! Teachers, staff, parents from all divisions at our school, board members, the Domenican
Sisters, and even some of our fellow students donated to our cause!
We are going to start getting to work right after Spring break, planning the show, learning the script, thinking
about sets and costumes that can travel and be set up and taken down with speed and ease. We are planning to
host a performance this summer at San Domenico right before we head off and hope that many of you will plan
to come and support us again with your presence!
Thank you, to each one of you, who have helped us reach our goal! $21,000.00 and 653 people watching our
movie in just a month is astounding and we appreciate your support so much!
Music Conservatory's update
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"Women in Music" celebrates the past, present, and future!
On March 3, the Virtuoso Program celebrated its third
annual concert devoted to women composers, a special afternoon filled with music spanning the centuries, the
world, and a variety of styles, from Mendelssohn to Adele! Guest musicians Quartet Rouge joined the Orchestra
da Camera in a display of alternative playing techniques through their unique arrangements of contemporary
pop tunes, and the Virtuoso Program string quartets put their hard work on display through masterful renderings
of truly challenging modern repertoire. The orchestra also debuted a full-scale performance of our student Jo
Griffin's own work, "String Quartet in D Major", and lastly, composer Nancy Bloomer Deussen was in
attendance, speaking briefly to the audience about her composition process and the story behind her
"Peninsula Suite", adding "I have to tell you what a pleasure it is to know that my music is going to be played
by these wonderful young people who present things in the most original, innovative and charming
manner. They are fantastic!"
SD Piano Students Score Big!
Congratulations to all the students who received Branch Honors from
the Music Teachers Association of California! Many Conservatory
students received honors, from all four of our piano studios. On March
23, students who had been awarded honors by the MTAC during their
annual certificate of merit exams performed in a recital at JB Piano in
San Rafael, and a number of Conservatory students have also been
invited to perform at the state convention in Santa Clara!
Music Heals: A Sandy Hook First Responders Benefit Concert
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Music Heals is a benefit concert for the First Responders of the
Sandy Hook shootings. Sunday, April 21, 2013, 7:30pm - Hall
of the Arts. Organized by freshman and Virtuoso Program
member Tara Sola, 100% of ticket sales and donations go to
helping the First Responders recover from the tragedy by paying
for medical costs and lost wages. Featured is Quartet San
Francisco and members of the San Domenico Virtuoso
Program. Join the San Domenico community in supporting all
First Responders to recover.
Grammy nominees for their last three CD releases (2009, 2007,
and 2006) and International Tango competition winners (New
York, 2004), Quartet San Francisco expresses itself in its agility
and standout virtuosic playing. Quartet San Francisco was
founded in 2001 by celebrated Bay Area violinist and composerarranger Jeremy Cohen. He is joined by
violinist Matthew Szemela, violist Chad Kaltinger, and cellist Kelley Maulbetsch. As crossover specialists
QSF excels in multiple styles ― from jazz to tango, pop to funk, blues to bluegrass, gypsy swing to big band
and beyond. For a sample of Quartet San Francisco’s music, go to this link to hear their version of
Astor Piazzolla’s Libertango:
The Virtuoso Program is a scholarship program for young women who are exploring their potential as string
musicians and wish to dedicate themselves to a rigorous academic and musical curriculum. Each year the
Virtuoso Program presents numerous public performances, providing its students with opportunities to
challenge themselves while sharing their music with a wide range of audiences. The San Domenico School
Orchestra Da Camera was the ASTA National Orchestra Festival in Santa Clara NOF Grand Champion in
2010, 2008, and 2005.
Tickets to the Music Heals concert are $40.00 general admission and can be purchased online at the
event’s Brown Paper Tickets site. If you cannot attend but would like to be a part of San Domenico's effort to
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support the First Responders, you can make a donation via check. Checks should be made out to the Town of
Newton – be sure to write "First Responders" in the memo line – and can be mailed to: Newton Social Services
Department, 3 Main St., Newton, CT 06470.
The concert venue is the San Domenico Hall of the Arts, 1500 Butterfield Road, San Anselmo, CA, 94960.
For more information, please contact Rob DeNunzio, SanDomenico Music Conservatory Director at 415-2581921 or [email protected]
Sustainability...Keeping You in the Loop
Students from the San Francisco Academy of Art
Landscape Architecture program visit the San
Domenico Garden of Hope and use site as a design
project. Their teacher, Jane Sedonaen, Landscape
Architect with Integrated Design Studios in Mill
Valley has been working with our Garden Committee
to create a future master plan for the school garden.
Come see our "growing" plans!
Friends of the Garden Coffee on April 10th
8:45a.m. - 10:00am in the San Domenico Dining Hall
Join us for coffee and be the first to hear about the upcoming fund in need
outdoor classroom project! We will be unveiling the Garden of Hope Master
Plan and will look forward to your feedback and support.
Friends and families welcome. Please RSVP to Post it invitations that were sent
out to all families or contact [email protected].
Other Upcoming Events...Save the Date!
April 10 - Friends of Garden Coffee
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April 17 - William McDonough at San Domenico!
April 22 - EarthDay - All School celebrates!
May 17 - 2nd-5th Grade Garden Potluck Dinner 6:00-8:30pm
Shelley Flint, Director of Sustainability
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