The Pony Express

Trabuco Hills High School PTSA Pony Express 27501 Mustang Run, Mission Viejo, CA. 92691 (949)768-1934

www.thhsptsa.org
Volume 1 Issue 7 May / June 2011 Craig Collins Principal Andrea Padian Editor (Position Open)

Trabuco Hills High PTSA Saddleback Valley Council PTA Fourth District PTA California State PTA National PTA Andrea Padian President

Principals Message
By Craig Collins THHS Principal Craig.Collins@svusd.org

nearly thirty years of education. The THHS sports teams have achieved the following: Baseball 1st League champions. Ranked #4 in CIF division, 2nd going into the playoffs and 6th in OC. Boys Lacrosse 1st - Clinched first league championship in school history; went to playoffs Girls Lacrosse 1st - Clinched first league championship in school history; went to playoffs Boys Track 2nd In league Ranked 4th in OC Girls Track 1st 5-0 in dual meets in league. Ranked 2nd in Orange County Boys Volleyball 1st League Champions and made it to the semi-finals of CIF Boys Golf Boys Swimming into league finals Girls Swimming league finals 1st -Tied for league championship. 3rd 2-2 after duals; going 2nd 3-1 in duals; going into

This has been a fantastic spring season for Trabuco Hills and a great way to go into the summer. These are just a few of the highlights. Classified Employee of the Year! Our very own Juan Medina was selected as the Classified Employee of the Year. Juan is the daytime Plant Manager and he is responsible for keeping the campus clean and functioning. If you had any idea of the cutbacks we have faced this year in maintenance and facilities, you, too, would appreciate what a great job hes done. More importantly, he does it with a smile and a wonderfully positive attitude constantly going above and beyond what he is asked to do. We are very proud to call him a Mustang! Spring Sports: This has been one of the most amazing seasons I have witnessed at any school in

Boys Tennis 4th in Sea View League, but made the CIF playoffs as an at large team and won their first round match Softball 3rd tied for third in league, but missed the playoffs after losing their play in game.
continued on page 2

Inside this Issue Principals Message continued ...... pg 2 Pertussis Boosters NOW pg 2 Message from Andrea ...... pg 3 Mustang Marvels .... pg 3 ASB Report ......... pg 4 Ralphs Thank you ... ... pg 5 Volunteer Opportunities ........ pg 5 Teacher of the Year Dinner ....... pg 6 Open PTSA Board Positions pg 7 Teacher Appreciation Luncheon .... pg 8 Ways to Help Our School ... pg 9

Advocacy Actions................... pg 9 Host a Foreign Exchange Student pg 9 2011-12 Reflections Update ... pg 10 Ways to Support PTSA...... pg 11 Grad Night Car Wash.. pg 12 PTSA Scholarships ...... pg 12 Convention Update . .... pg 13 Membership Matters ..... pg 13 Taste of the Hills.. . pg 14 Grad Night . .... pg 15 October 2, 2011 College Fair ... . pg 15 THHS / PTSA Calendar ....... pg 17

The way a team plays together as a whole determines its success. You may have the greatest bunch of individual stars in the world, but if they dont play together, the club wont be worth a dime. Babe Ruth

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Trabuco Hills High 2010 11

PTSA Board members
Andrea Padian President Craig Collins Trabuco Hills High Principal Vanessa Braaksma Executive Vice President & VP of Membership Brenda Hanrath, & Isha Parol * Vice President Ways & Means Cindy Johnson Treasurer Stephanie Torres Auditor Karyn Bower Secretary & Communications/ Publicity Madeline Littman Historian Gayathri Sivadas* Parliamentarian Helen Denton Corresponding Secretary Mike Padian, Joan Rosenberg, & Shelly Becerra* Legislative/Advocacy Rep Cindy Ashley Volunteer Development Lisa Bauer & Tim Littman Grad Night Co-Chairs Deb Johnson Webmaster Karrie Coon & Nicholas Tasato * Reflections Kimberly Dennis Parent Education Chair Tish Witkin Arts Advocacy Chair Heather Gennettee Student Programs Maegan Bower, Lexi Witkin, Blake Hanrath Student Class Representatives Mike Padian & Helen Denton Mini-grant Co-Chairs Sandra McElwee & Sean McElwee * Special Education Chair Kim Waters Grant Writer Sue Burns Welcome Committee Chair Kristen Smith Outreach Grazyna Buchowiecki Ralphs & E-Script Chair * Indicates this is a student board member

Principals Message

Academics: For the third year in a row, Trabuco Hills High will have the highest number of Advanced Placement (AP) test takers both by total number and by percentage in the district. This high number reflects a robust honors program that is the result of great teachers and fantastic family support. Scholarships: Last year the numbers for THHS students receiving scholarships was an outstanding $3,740,856 for athletic, corporate, military, and academic scholarships. This year, with the results of the senior survey just coming in, it promises to be even higher. The Arts: The annual Ceramic Shoe Show has just completed its amazing run. If you havent seen it, it is a wonderful cross-curricular project that combines the art of ceramics with writing skills, and the students write about the shoes they chose to create. The musical Grease will begin an exciting run from May 2529. The students have worked very hard and would love to see you come out and support them, and you will get a great show for a very low price. The Instrumental Music department will have their end of the year show on June 2.

Pertussis Whooping Cough Boosters

There is a new law with requirements regarding Pertussis or Whooping Cough immunizations that will go into effect for the 2011-2012 school year. Due to the volume of students that this new law affects, we strongly encourage families to have their students vaccinated before the end of the current school year and present documentation to their students guidance staff in order to prevent any delays in enrollment for the new school year. As a general guideline, we are requesting the following: 1. Have your student vaccinated with a pertussis (Tdap) booster. This can be done through your private physician or at any advertised pertussis clinic. *If your student was vaccinated for pertussis vaccine after age 10, this will satisfy the new law requirement. 2. Bring proof of vaccination to your students current school prior to June 1, 2011 so that the Guidance Office (at the High school level) can input information on your students immunization record. 3. Keep your students immunization card up-to-date and in a secure place for reference, if needed.

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A Message from Andrea

Trabuco Hills High PTSA President apadian@aol.com

And so I end where I began last fall, with my favorite quote, said by Warren Buffet when he was discussing our children, They are better then they think they are, and not yet what theyll grow to be. We, the PTSA, the parents, the teachers, and even the students, exist to make sure every child has the ability to dream, the opportunity, the tools and determination to succeed and be whatever he or she wants to be...to help them grow into happy, healthy & confident adults. How to do that now? At a time when the budget is so challenging, money is gone, or constantly be taken or rerouted, its hard to say a lot of good things about an education in California. But. dont get lost in the battlebe part of it. We cannot give up on our kids. We need to continue fighting for K-12 funding at the State level-especially when school is out and the State is passing their budget. Be heard! Were in the middle of a crisis and you have to be informed and you have to participate in the process or our kids lose again...like they have for the last five years...with cut after cut after cut... And if the funding doesnt come, its especially important that we all stand together - parents, teachers and students to keep our vision and determination

focused on the kids and education. Because even with nothing, we have wonderful teachers; even with nothing, we have thoughtful, concerned parents that appreciate the teachers and want the best for their children; and even with nothing, we have talented students, who given encouragement, the lessons they need to know, who are valued for what they are and can be will grow into someone special. We can do this togetherweather the storm. With that in mind, we will succeed during the times ahead. Not perfectly, but if our hearts are there, great results will follow. Magic can happen. So, our teachers continue to smile and teach our children; our students push on to do their best and see where it carries them; and our parents remain steadfast in their support of our teachers, students and PTSA. And as a PTSA , we are together and our students will discover themselves. They will believe and shine and grow into something perhaps we cannot even imagine...a football heroMark Sanchez? An artist? The next Einstein? Who knows? But it can still happen. Thanks to all of you that support PTSA and its mission. Thanks to all of you that work so hard to improve the lives of our children, and I especially thank my board, who has worked beside me this year making things happen. You are the best! Harold Hulbert said, Children need love, especially when they dont deTrabuco Hills High serve it. Time flies in high school. Spend the summer loving your kids.

XXO, Andrea.
and everything was delicious! As well, my deepest thanks to the parents that were there that day to help with set-up, break-down and during lunch. The PTSA couldnt have done it without any of you. Everyone involved worked hard to make the day special for those that teach and influence our children every day...And I must say, the people we need to be thank daily true Mustang Marvels...are the teachers, administration and entire staff, from secretaries to plant managers to security personnel to our library aide. Our school is embedded with incredible people, who everyday remember why we are hereto educate and enhance the lives of the next generation of leadersour children. Its a village that brings the PTSA motto to lifeevery child, one voice. Thank you all for supporting our PTSA and staff with your donations and help. Go Mustangs! Go Blue!

Mustang Marvels
Choosing a Mustang Marvel this month is easy. But there couldnt possibly be just one. First, Id like to thank Diane Depreta and Vanessa Braaksma for putting together a great Teacher & Staff Appreciation Luncheon. They did an excellent job organizing the event and putting things together that day so everyone could grab their food easily and enjoy a sitdown meal with their friends and co-workers. I am also thankful to Dr. Harwick, our superintendent, and School Board member, Dennis Walsh, for being at the event to greet and meet our teachers and staff. But above all, I MUST thank all the parents that brought in items for that lunchfrom flowers to spoons and bowls to homemade soups, salads, desserts, lunch meat trays and specialty dishes. We had an incredibly spreadnothing was spared

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May / June, 2011, Volume 1, Issue 7

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ASB in Action!
By Aiko Mackus, Senior Class president Junior Class President, Monica Ukah, Sophomore Class President, Henry Yin, Freshman Class President, Megan Mondt

Elected & Appointed Results

Showdown of the Grade Levels

Who will Come Out the Victor? Excitement, spirit, and determination was seen through the sea of crowns at this years Showdown of the Grade Levels assembly where each grade level received their crowns during their fourth period class. The crowns were a part of the Medieval Times theme where the actual Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament came to our school with real, live knights. The assembly was planned and put together by Natalie Caporuscio, Commissioner of Publicity, two months before she had to find a theme and determined it would be Medieval Times. The crowns were a great treat and all students enjoyed wearing them, which coordinated according to their Got Spirit? shirts. The intensity of the showdown took place during the assembly when the Juniors were in the lead, followed by the Seniors, Sophomores, and Freshman. With three gamescatapult, chariot race, and capture the rat the Juniors and Seniors were fighting for the title of Winner! With entertainment from Male Cheerconsisting ofyou guessed itmales from the Senior Class, the Hip hop Club, the Blue Man Group (made up of four talented seniors,) and Medieval Times with knights for each grade, the assembly was even better. With an intense and interesting twist, the Seniors took the lead in the last game and took the title of Champion. Go Grade Levels! Go Seniors!

2011ASB 2011-2012
The yearly elections have recently come to their conclusion. The ASB officers of President, Treasurer, Secretary, Vice President, and the class presidents made speeches for the announcements. They are:

Elected Positions
Bryce Kelley, ASB President Natalie CaporuscioVice President Henry Yin won - Treasurer Monica UkahSecretary Caleb CastellawSenior Class President Alexis DrakodadisJunior Class President Sophomore Class Presidents (Tie) Natsha Behnam & Megan Mondt Steven Garland, Commission of Athletics Makayla Wells, Commissioner of Publicity

Appointed Positions

Social Events: Karil Thompson & Haley Davis Pep & Spirit: Dani Payne & Alyza Rathor ASB Representative: Montana Kleppe & Mezu Ukah Video: Bryce Paul & Brian Huh Representative to the Board: Emma Penrod Commissioner of Clubs: Katie Elicker Got Spirit Commissioner: AJ Borland Senior Class Commissioner: Brooke Kather Senior Class Spirit: Zach Stamford Junior Class Commissioner: Alexa Simonton Junior Class Spirit: Miles Todd Sophomore Class Commissioner: Jordan Levy Sophomore Class Spirit: Lindsay Logsdon. Go ASB!!! If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader. John Quincy Adams

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THANK YOU!
Thanks to all the families who have joined the Ralphs and eScrip programs this school year and helped the PTSA raise over six thousand dollars for our school so far this year. (The year ends August 31, 2011) Without support from 85 families participating in the eScrip program, and 151 families participating in the Ralphs program, this would not have been possible. Imagine what we could do if more families did the same! Your help is greatly appreciated and PTSA board hopes that your support will continue in the future. It is never too late to be a part of these successful fund raising programs. Anyone interested in participating in these programs should visit our website, www.thhsptsa.org and follow the links to join and become a partner with PTSA. (Or see instructions on page 16 in this newsletter) In doing so, you will help fund student programs, classroom and teacher mini-grants and much more, You may also contact us directly to join these community support programs. Remember on September 1st, each year, participants must renew their annual support in the Ralphs Community Contribution Program. You must also renew your eScript participation each year during their grace period8/1-11 through 10/31/11.These programs dont cost anything and dont affect your regular Ralphs club card rewards. It is free money to our school. Encourage your relatives, friends and neighbors to join as well and support our school. As you can see, doing so can really help our school and make a difference. Once again, thank you very much and please continue to support our school.
Trabuco Hills High

Grazyna Buchowiecki, PTSA Ralphs & eScript Program Chair

Volunteer Opportunities
By Cindy Ashley PTSA Volunteer Coordinator Cindy.ashley@cox.net
There are only a few more chances to volunteer this year. Please e-mail me at cindy.ashley@cox.net if you are interested in any of these opportunities. Saturday, June 4th 7:30pm. Prom at the Grove in Anaheim. We need 15 adults to help with checking in students. Most parents can leave after check-in. Tuesday, June 7th 10:45am -1:00pm. CIF (Sports) Luncheon in the MPR. We need 4 parents to help setup and serve.
th

responded to my e-mails all year. High school goes so fast and the opportunity to have a small window into your childs school life is something you dont want to let slip by! Have a wonderful summer. (PTSA) Parent, Teacher and Student Board 2011Positions for the 2011-2012 School Year Needed !!! Interested? See details on page 7

Parent Volunteers Needed

Night Grad NightJune 21, 2011 You dont have to be a senior parent but we need helpfor a short time or all night:

*Set Up 7-8:30 PM *Break Down 9:30-11:00 PM *Chaperones 9:30-10 PM until 5:30 AM (June 22nd) Monday, June 20 9am. Cap and gown distribution in *Check-in 8:30-10:30 PM* Help Table 8-10 PM the stadium. We need 8 parents. *Security Pat Down (Women Needed) 8:45-10:30 PM Please be on the lookout for volunteer requests in Au*Photographers 8:30-10:30 PM, and 11 PM - 5 AM gust to help with Registration! We need over 20 parshifts * Download photos from event for kids to see. ents a day and it really is fun. Email: dmwilliams@swlaw.com for info or to help. Thank you to all of the wonderful volunteers who have

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Teacher of the Year DinnerCongratulations Tom Hamilton Dinner Trabuco Hills Superstar!
Tom Hamilton was voted Teacher of the Year by his peers and was recognized as such during a district wide award ceremony at the Marriott in Dana Point. The PTSA provided a table at the dinner so he was able to bring his beautiful wife, friends, and colleagues. Top teachers from all schools were presented with a certificate and a special honorary trophy individually produced in Africa just for this event. It was a great evening and during the ceremony, Mr. Hamilton shared one of his favorite teaching moment. Knowing that my previous students appreciate what they have learned from me means a lot to me. College students tell me they are the ones who can answer questions proffered by their professors and the ones that set the curves. My earlier career was in sales where monetary compensation was more. But the affection and gratitude of my students when they are accepted into major colleges and graduate to become successful, has more personal meaning than the commissions from my years of selling. Last year several of my students bought me a tie which they all signed and thanked me for teaching. Networks that I have designed and sold can be found all over the world, but I know that this will be multiplied many times by the accomplishments of my students. The greatest contribution I have made to our civilization is yet to come and will be made by those I have taught. He describes his teaching philosophy in the following way, Teaching is like sales. I am selling information and if I am not entertaining and prepared, my customers (students) will not buy what I am selling. If I am not someone that they respect or if I am caught bluffing, they will not find value in what I am saying. It doesnt mater what you are teaching, it is how you teach your students and your knowledge of the subject. If you are respected, entertaining and knowledgeable, they will buy what you are selling. They will learn. And they have! This year Mr. Hamilton received another award from the University of California, Irvinefrom a past student who made the Deans List his first semester and is close to the top of his classit was the Most Influential Teacher award. And Mr. Hamilton was extremely honored. Congratulations Mr. Hamilton! Job well done! You will be missed very much next year. Happy retirement!
Tom accepts his awards with Craig Collins and dines with his wife & guests at the Teacher of the Year Dinner

A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops. Henry Brooks Adams A mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires. William Arthur Ward

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Free Food? I must be dreaming!

Students Clean Up after Teacher Luncheon

20112011-2012 THHS PTSA Board Positions

We are looking for committed volunteers to be on our 2011-12 PTSA Board. If you are interested in helping and attending our meetings, or would like more information, please email Andrea Padian, at apadian@aol.com . If you would like to limit your role to helping on a committee, please let Andrea know that as well. Thanks for your interest and support of our students and school.

Student Board Positions

As a PTSA (Parent, Teacher, Student Association) we encourage our students to get involved, too. You must be a PTSA member to apply and be available to attend most meetings. We have the following Student leadership and co-chair positions available:

Student Reps for Freshman, Sophomore, Junior & Senior Classes (4 student positions only) Student Co-chair positions: Advocacy Publicity Grad Night Student Volunteer Coordination Membership Newsletter Ways & Means Drug & Alcohol Programs Special Ed Student Programs Mini-grant Committee Campus Beautification Student Programs Student Leadership Day

Teacher Rep (teacher only) Corresponding Secretary Special Education Chair Hospitality Chair Teacher Appreciation Co-Chair Volunteer Development Legislative Reps/Advocacy Newsletter Editor/Layout Parent Education Student Programs Scholarships Mini-Grants Publicity/News Releases Drug and Alcohol Programs/Red Ribbon Week Reflection Chair and co-chairs for Visual Arts, Photography, Literature, Dance Choreography, Music and Video/Film Production Discount Card Program Welcome Committee Chair Round UP College Fair Co-Chair Health Advocate Outreach Grant Writers Restaurant Night Chair Fall Committees: *Registration Packet Assembly *Round Up *Reflections *College Fair *2012 Taste of the Hills * 2012 Grad Night *Mini-grants *Welcome Back Breakfast or Lunch *Scholarships *Student Leadership Day *Challenge Day *Hospitality

Email Andrea at apadian@aol.com if you are interested in applying

for any of these positions or have questions. Go Mustangs!

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PTSA Hosts Annual Teacher and Staff Appreciation Luncheon

Gotta love our wonderful volunteers! Thank you ALL!

The PTSA hosted the Teacher & Staff Appreciation Lunch in May and with the help of many volunteers and food donations by school families, it was a wonderful lunchFit for royalty! as one teacher wrote in her thank you. Also on hand were greeters, Dr. Clint Harwick, SVUSD Superintendent, and Dennis Walsh, SVUSD School Board member. The beautiful bouquets were raffled off at the end, along with several PTSA Community Discount cards, gift cards and a Car Raffle ticket! It was short but sweet. Thanks to all the teachers and staff that make this school exceptional!

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Advocacy Actions
Mike Padian THHS PTSA Legislative Rep padianteam@aol.com

While this latest proposal is an important step in recovering from the more than $18 billion in cuts over the last three years, the desired tax extensions require a two-thirds vote of both houses. The Governor continues to insist that the tax extensions be approved by the voters, but an election is uncertain. If the tax extensions are not approved, there could be an instantaneous total reduction of up to $5 billion for K-12 education. Per usual, the States inability to prepare a budget in a timely manner will negatively impact SVUSD. School districts must submit balanced budgets by June 30, and while the Legislature is supposed to approve a budget by June 15, recently this date has not been met. As a result, schools must be prepared to budget on the basis of a worst-case scenario, and to obtain loans to keep the doors open while the State muddles its way to some sort of resolution. The prognosis for future years is no better. Upper education is taking an even bigger hit with larger potential cuts looming in 2012/2013 and 2013/2014. The PTA will continue to analyze the budget proposals and will keep you informed. In the meantime, please continue to stay engaged and speak up for our children. For more information, visit the California PTA website at www.capta.org, sign up for the Legislative Alerts, and visit the PTAs Cut$ Hurt Kids Facebook page.

The State remains in a budget crisis and the impact on education for next year and beyond is still, unfortunately, anybodys guess. The California PTA continues to support the Governors efforts to approve a balanced approach to the problem that includes budget cuts, plus an extension of some revenues. The PTA supports putting this issue to a vote. The Governors May Revision proposal now includes the $3 billion educational guarantee for K-12th as promised in Prop 98 , which was originally omitted from his January proposal. This money would come from higher than anticipated state revenues. But, a final budget is far from a sure thing. Even with the potential $3 billion increase, it is still below the 2004-2005 funding level, and this increase represents payment of funds already owed to education, not additional funding. Per pupil funding will be approximately $19/ADA (average daily attendance) less than 2010-2011.

Be a Host Family for a Foreign Exchange Student Next Year

The CETUSA (Council for Education Travel USA,) a non-profit international student exchange organization is looking for fabulous, fun and adventure-loving families to host Trabuco High School international exchange students. The high season for interviewing families is now, before the schools administrative summer breakand summer will be here before we know itso if youre interested in hosting a student, please let them know now! Students arrive in August excited to attend an American high school for an academic semester or year. They come with their own insurance and spending money, and should live with a family as a family member during their time here. The value to our own children is huge in many ways. Not only in terms of the day-to-day interactions that subtly build community and global awareness and curiosity, but it also looks great on our own students college application to include that they hosted a foreign exchange student. Colleges like to see diversity and well-rounded backgrounds that include a sense of civic involvement, volunteerism and cultural awareness. Families that have hosted students before love it and you will work together with many other host families in the area. To date there are over 350 students from 23 countries eagerly awaiting news of their fabulous American host family. Here are a few: Marlon from Germany, age 16. He enjoys teaching tennis, loves golf, basketball & cooking. He hopes to be a pilot. Worayut from Thailand, age 15. He loves classical music, plays the violin, and enjoys basketball and NASCAR. One of his dreams is to travel the world. Janina from Germany, age 15. She loves photography, cooking and tennis; she hopes to become a surgeon. Hyun from South Korea, age 15. She loves fishing and attending sports events, and volunteers delivering food to the elderly. She think that traveling is the best way to get a great perspective and have an open heart to others." For more information contact Lenora Demiashkina, Community Coordinator for CETUSD at 949-636-1986 or email her at le.demi@cox.net. View their website at www.setusa.org

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2011Reflections 2011-2012 DIVERSITY IS

By Karrie Coon, Reflections Chair kcoon@digitalnetworksgroup.com
The goal of the National Reflections Program is student participation and appreciation of the arts. It is sponsored by our PTSA and open to all students at our school. Projects are due Tuesday, October 11, in the Quad area by attendance, before schoolso start working on your entry this summer. No late entries are accepted, but some special arrangements can be made a head of time if you are unable to drop off your entry at that time by emailing kcoon@digitalnetworksgroup.com or apadian@aol.com or ndtasato@gmail.com. Wed love to see all our talented students enter this competition. Entries are judged first at THHS to determine the top winners in each area. Then, those move on for SVUSD judging along with other school district winners (LHHS.) Those winning entries then move on to the state for judging and the big winners there will go to the National Level. There are awards and certificates all along the way if you continue to take 1st place. The Reflections theme for 2011-12 is Diversity is More than half of the judges scoring is based on your interpretation of the theme, so think carefully about how to reflect the theme in your project. The entry should be the students work alone...no collaboration or group projects. There is a strict set of rules for each category and the following website will detail them all, along with submittal requirements and examples of previous State winning entries in each area. The website will also have a Reflection packet with more information and a student entry form that must accompany every entry when submitted. Fill it out completely and dont forget signatures (both parent and student) or artist statements if required. Go to http://www.capta.org/sections/programs/reflections.cfm. On the right side of the page under English of Espanol, youll find the Reflections Packet. Or go directly to Categories, click the area(s) you are interested in, and get the full set of rules for that specific category. You can also find Reflections information on the PTA website, www.thhsptsa.org. Pay close attention to all the official rules, including submittal requirements when planning your project so it is not disqualified the day they are due. Below is a very brief description of categories in which student may submit entries. The site will probably still list last years theme, but the rules will be the same for this years theme. Students may enter all or one of the six areas as many times as desired: Literature: Must not exceed 2000 words. Paper size not to exceed 8 1/2 x 11 inches Not to exceed 5 minutes

Musical Composition: Photography: Visual Arts:

Not to exceed 11 x 14 inches, including mat. Photos must be taken by student Must be flatno thicker than 3/8 inch, not to exceed 24 x 30 inches

Video/Film Production: Not to exceed 5 minutes. Story, editing, filming must all be done by student, who may appear in the film if using a tripod. Actors are okay...animation is okay, too. Dance Choreography: the choreographer. May not exceed 3 minutes. No more than 3 dancer, which may or may not include

All students will compete in one age categorySeniors (9th 12th grades) BE CREATIVE, HAVE FUN & GOOD LUCK! START THIS SUMMER WHEN YOU HAVE TIME! Questions? Email Andrea at apadian@aol.com with subject title2011-12 Reflections

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How Can YOU Help Support Our PTSA, Students & Teachers?
CAR RAFFLE: PURCHASE a raffle ticket for only $50 & you could win a new 2011 Toyota Corolla! Only 600 will be sold! Raffle to be held June 11th, at the Taste of the Hills event at our school. Proceeds support all students and staff at THHS! Tickets available at the school office from Debi Hope, or contact Brenda Hanrath at brendahanrath@cox.net DONATION BIN: NEW!!! We now have a donation bin in conjunction with Community of Change. Please donate your old clothing, towels, blankets, sheets, rags, purses and shoes! All textiles accepted. PTSA receives a percentage back for every 50 pounds of donations collected. The bin is located on the Santa Margarita Pkwy side of the school, on the road that leads to the front of the school. Just pull up to the bin & drop off your goods. Thank you! SCREAMIN DAILY DEALS: NEW!!! Want to get a great deal on food, entertainment, massages, hair care and more?? Check out Screaming Daily Deals!! You will get about 3 daily deals per day from local businesses. Purchase your deal, print the coupon and enjoy savings up to 70%! Sign up on the PTSA website, or www.screamindailydeals.com and choose THHSPTSA as your school to support!! KEY TO SAFE DRIVING: NEW!!! Protect your teen from texting & talking on their cell phones while driving! It does allow your teen access to 911 and parents in case of an emergency. The device is $95.00 and can be purchased from the PTSA website. ITALIAN ICE: Sold every Tuesday from 2pm to 4pm in front of the school. Cost is $3.00 per cup and supports PTSA. Yummy, too! Also at the graduation ceremony June 21, starting at 4 PM. RECYCLING: Drop your used printer cartridges, laptops, digital cameras, & cell phonebroken or otherwise in the office recycle box. RALPHS & E-SCRIPT: Go to the PTSA website at www.thhsptsa.org and sign up your Ralphs Club Card or Vons/Pavilions card with the Ralphs Community Contribution Program or EScript program. Its easy and a percentage of all your purchases will go back to the school/PTSA. SIMONS AUTO BODY, INC: Owner, Geza Simon will donate 10% back to our PTSA for all collision or mechanical repairs performed in house. 23441 Commerce Center Dr. #G, Laguna Hills 949-951-5265

Eat Out, Help the School!

By Karyn Bower, PTSA Secretary & Restaurant Night Chair kpbcsr@cox.net
ATTENTION all Mustang families and faculty! June is our LAST CHANCE this school year to raise funds for needed classroom supplies. JUNE RESTAURANT WEEK is just around the cornerdine in or out at any one of the wonderful (10) participating restaurants below from June 1st-7th (WednesdayTuesday) and the THHS PTSA will receive 15-20% of those proceeds donated back to our school! So, make sure you stop by for lunch or dinner, hand your server a flyer, and enjoy a great meal out. What better reason not to cook! Visit www.thhsptsa.org and click on Restaurant Week for more information and to print flyers. A SPECIAL THANKS goes out to all the families and faculty who supported Restaurant Week this school yearGO

BLUE! Wednesday: Oggis Pizza, 23641 Via Linda, MV (off Alicia across from baseball fields) or Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Foothill Ranch, near Walmart. Thursday: Claim Jumper, Mission Viejo in Henrys Shopping Center or Phillys Best, RSM in the Lowes shopping center. Friday: Baja Fresh, RSM, next to Kohls, or Del Taco, Foothill Ranch (near Target). Monday: Trabuco Oaks Steakhouse, 20782 Trabuco Oaks Rd, Trabuco Canyon. AND Mimis Caf, 22651 Lake Forest Dr., Lake Forest Tuesday: Peppinos, Foothill Ranch in food court near movie theatre. Pick Up Stix, RSM by Lowes and Mission Viejo (Trabuco and Alicia near Mobil).

*And a special thank you as well to Karyn Bower, our Restaurant Week Chair, for organizing these fund raising events all year in an effort to be sure our classrooms have their needed supplies. As an outgoing senior parent, she will be missed!

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Grad Night Car Wash Fund Raiser Toyota at RSM ToyotaNice Job!
Soon-to-be-grads, honor students and parents were ready to get down and dirty washing cars at RSM Penske Toyota in an effort to raise funds to help students pay for their grad night tickets. The cars and tips were flowing, including nice gestures by passing cars that included tips with no wash at all and another who pulled over and simply bought pizza for all the kids working. Twelve kids were on hand to helpthank you all!. And many thanks to Debbie Bletz, and Dave and Shawyn Lutch for organizing the event, and to Nicholas Tasato for getting student volunteers. In less than four hours, almost $600 was raised! If you would like to help other seniors pay for their Grad Night tickets, we are also selling car wash tickets donated by RSM Ford for $10-15. These do expire in October, but are good for a wash, dry and vacuum. Email Andrea at apadian@aol.com if you would like to help a student by purchasing one of these tickets. Thanks and go Mustangs!

PTSA Senior Scholarships Due Soon! Apply NOW!

PTSA Senior Scholarships are available now for students interested in continuing their education. But deadlines are looming! The PTSA is offering four $500 scholarships this year, but you must be a PTSA member to qualify and you must have a minimum 2.0 GPA. Two are Service Scholarships - This would include work with the PTSA, and in other community or school related service programs. We are also offering one Arts/or Creative Scholarship for students that will continue their studies in music, art, photography, drama, dance/choreography, literature, or video/film production. The last is a scholarship for financial hardship and those applying for it will work directly with the guidance department to apply. Go to the career center for more information. But don't wait! Applications are due May 31 and all involve essays. Go Blue! For more information you can also contact Vanessa Braaksma at v.braaksma@hotmail.com

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Convention Highlights
Two full time and two part time delegates attended this years PTA Convention in Long Beach, Andrea Padian, PTSA President, Vanessa Braaksma, PTSA Vice-president, Rachel Ward, incoming Membership Vice-president and Deb Johnson, PTSA webmaster. They attended classes that covered everything from membership and bullying, to writing grants, website design and helping foster kids. It was a great convention and both resolutions passed; the first to encourage all schools to train and provide school sites with defibrillators (which THHS already has on site), and the second to support legislation for recruitment, innovative training and professional development for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) educators, and to encourage the integration of STEM into everyday activities, and to further increase awareness of the opportunities available to students educated in STEM careers. INeedAPencil.com Jason Shah, founder of the online education website, INeedAPencil.com & soon to be Harvard grad, saw a need to help academically disadvantaged students. He wanted to level the playing field for college admissions among students from different socioeconomic backgrounds and set up a free website to help students do better on their SAT tests. Since it started, Jason has helped over 35,000 people across the world by achieving an average 202 point score increase in their SAT testing. Check out the site and see how it can help you. Believing & Achieving the College Dream The University of Berkleys Center for Educational Partnerships Deputy Director, Gail Kaufman, and Partnership Coordinator, Claudia Morales, led a work shop on helping kids believe in the college dream as early as kindergarten, &to realizing and achieving those dreams after high school. With a website detailing things teachers at every level can incorporate into their classroom and homework assignments, to self run workshops for parents and students, its a website worth visiting. It also has all the info youll need as a high school student, to get into college. Visit http://cep.berkeley.edu/ and http://collegetools.berkeley.edu/ to learn more.
Trabuco Hills High

Membership Matters
By Rachel Ward Board-Elect VP Membership jaynraen2@cox.net

SVUSD Board of Education Meeting

June 14th, June 28 (approve budget) & July 12th 6:15 PM SVUSD Board Room

A big thank you to all families that have joined the PTSA this year. Your membership is a voice not only for the students at Trabuco Hills High School, but for all children nationwide. We are the largest child advocacy group in the state and nation. As a matter of fact, the Fourth District PTA, of which we are a part, is the largest PTA/PTSA in in the world. PTA/PTSAs focus on what students need to be successful in learning, including nutrition, health, and wellbeing. Our PTSA supports all the students of Trabuco Hills and we have provided scholarships to graduating seniors and mini-grants to teachers and classrooms, participated in the National PTA Reflections Program, held anti-drug and drinking assemblies and Parent Education Classes. We are hoping to increase our membership next year and we ask each member to please join again, and encourage your friends, family and neighbors to do the same when they receive their registration packet for the upcoming year.

Dont miss the last

THHS PTSA
Meeting this year June 6, 2011 Monday @ 7 PM THHS Library
* Meet our Honorary Service Award Winner

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Taste of the Hills 4June 11, 4-8 PM

By Brenda Hanrath PTSA VP Ways & Means brendahanrath@cox.net

still need donations and baskets for the silent auction, so if you have anything youd like to donate, please write Christine at dunes2river@cox.net . All proceeds from this event and auction will benefit the PTSA which supports all students, teachers and our school in general. Hot item: Autographed Jason Beiber guitar!

If you like shopping, (and who doesnt?) we will have My thanks to everyone that has helped support our Vendors: PTSA, students and school throughout the year by par Incredible Edibles, Stella & Dot (Jewelry) , Kika ticipating in our fund raising efforts. We would not be Paprika (Womens Organic Clothing), Scentsy, able to do the things we want to do, or hope to do, withAvon, Miche Bags, Gurrlie Girl, Mary Kay, Sheet out your help. Gals, Blessings Unlimited, Tupperware, Bistro We have one more BIG fund raiser planned that you Blends of Napa Valley, Monas Tasty Treats (Baklava), Frosting on Top, Pampered Chef, a WILL NOT want to miss. It will be our first, but hopeTravel Specialist and MORE! Shop till you drop! fully not our last, Taste of the Hills event, in conjunction with the highly anticipated car raffle drawing for a NEW 2011 Toyota Corolla LEany color! You can Donations Needed buy tickets for the raffle now at the front office from Cases of Water and Beverages to sell at event Debi Hope or at the event, but that evening, purchases Baskets, wrap, ribbons for silent auction items will be cash only. Or email brendahanrath@cox.net. Silent Auction Baskets or items, donationsthink There will be a lot to do there and we hope you will all join us with your family, neighbors, friends and colleagues. It should be fun for all ages and all students are encourage to come, too. Please spread the word, so this event will be a spectacular success. It will be held on Saturday, June 11th from 4-8 PM at the school in the entire Quad area of the campus. Entry is free, as is parking. Food and Drink (no alcohol will be served) coupons will range from $1-5. You may purchase food & drink tickets the week before for pick up at the Will Call booth at the event that day or buy them that day at the ticket booth. Look for discounted preorder ticket forms June 1st.. (12 tickets for $10/25 for $20) Tastes to tantalize your palette from: (so far as of this publication date) YUMMY! Chilis, Einsteins, Rudys, Selmas, Hannahs, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Elephant Bar, Claim Jumper, Milos, Piccolino, Olamendi, Outback, House of Kabobs Enjoy entertainment from: The Dealers (as seen at Coach House, House of Blues and Downtown Disney, THHS Alumni Kalyn and Kendal Paris, THHS Super Stars Hip Hop, Line Dancers, Irish Dancers, OC Clowns Face Painting, Balloon hats Silent AuctionLook for a current list of items available in the daily announcements before the event. We
time shares, concerts, gift cards, services, theme parks, spa treatments, golf, sport events, adventures *All proceeds help the school and are tax deductible
Email Christine at dunes2river@cox.net for info

Taste of the Hills Volunteer Needs

Adults and Student Help Needed! PLUS a great way to earn community service hours for students. Set up and break down (sporting teams?) Ticket sales and Will Call Pick up Drink Sales Adults to monitor each station Silent Auction area Car Raffle area Entertainment help Volunteer Coordination's Recycling & Trash Patrol Security Restaurant Runners (must have a car) Volunteer Coordinator Publicity Committee members - We need you! Email Andrea at apadian@aol.com or Barbara at Barbara.lambert@cox.net

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Grad Night 2011

Payments: $175 until the end of May, $190 June 1st (after May 31st, space will be limited to space left on the busesDont wait! Save $$$ - Cash ONLY! Drop payments off at the Student Store or at the Grad Night table on Fridays during snack or mail to the school Attention PTSA Grad Night. Are you going? Please verify that you are on the fully paid list and going if you think you have already paid. We have checks from 3 families with no paperwork and no students with the last name on the check attending our school. You can check the list of attendees, paid in full, or paid in full with missing paperwork on the Grad Night bulletin board in building 100 to find your name. You can also check the lists at the Grad Night table on Fridays at snack. What can we bring that evening? You should bring a jacket and a beach towel. You must bring your student ID. You can bring a few personal items in a small zip lock baggie, which will be searched, along with a pat down for all students boarding the buses. Cell phones are allowed at Grad Night, but NOT at Graduation! If you go to the ceremony with a cell phone, it will taken from you and then the nightmare begins. No drugs, alcohols, or tobacco products.

Bus Assignments: You may sign up for your buses now. During snack each day until the end of May, go to the Grad
Night table by the ASB Room and Student Store to sign up with your friends for specific buses. You cannot sign up if you are not paid in full and you can NOT hold space.

Time Line: You may change clothes in the gym after the Graduation ceremony. You should also use the bathrooms at that time. Buses leave at 10:30 PM but wont arrive at the party until close to 11 PM. Once youve checked in at school, you will not be allowed to leave the area. We will also have a staged photo area for quick photos with friends before grads go through check in. Check-in will begin at the tennis courts at 9 PM. DJ, Mike Perry, will provide entertainment during check-in, but if anyone is dancing, keep it clean! There will be a Help table as you arrive. Otherwise, locate the colored posters listing names and bus assignments to find out what bus color group you are in. There will be no bus changes that evening. Go to that same colored check-in table. Once checked in, you will be moved to a separated area where prior to boarding buses, all students will be searched. Again, no drugs, no alcohol or tobacco products, no knives of any size or weapons are allowed. Dinners will be provided soon after buses arrive at our destination. Photos will be taken throughout the evening with a special site set up to view them all and tag your friends after the event. Returning buses will board at 5 AM following breakfast. All grads will be dropped at the school between 5:15-6 AM for pick up. Have a blast!

SAVE THE DATE

THHS College Fair October 3, 2011
Trabuco Hills is scheduled to host its first college fair in several years this coming October 3, 2011. All of the high schools in the Saddleback Valley Unified School District (SVUSD) will participate and well be inviting the students at the Capo and Irvine School Districts as well. For those of you not familiar with the concept, college fairs are a wonderful opportunity to meet representatives from colleges and universities, large and small, public and private, from around the country. There are lots of options available to college bound seniors, and with the challenges confronting the UC and Cal State systems, out of state options are all the more viable. We will need volunteers to assist with the planning and staging of the event. If interested, please contact Chris Burns at chrisburns83@gmail.com.

You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose. Youre on your own. And you know what you know. You are the guy wholl decide where to go. Dr. Suess I hope your dreams take you...to the corners of your smiles, to the highest of your hopes, to the windows of your opportunities, and to the most special places you heart has ever known. Unknown Author Do not go where the path may lead; go instead where there is no path and leave a trail. Ralph Waldo Emerson Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm. Winston Churchill

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RAFFLE 2011 Toyota Corolla LE Any Color!!! Only $50

no more than 600 tickets will be sold
(350 Sold Now Great Odds!) Drawing will be held at the

Taste of the Hills Entertainment

With the sounds of

PTSA Presents A Taste of the Hills

at Trabuco Hills High School June 11, 2011 48 pm
Food, Entertainment, Vendor Booths, Silent Auction, Car Raffle, Fun! Fun! Fun!

*DJ, Kevin Luprado, *Kalyn & Kendall Paris (THHS Song birds) *The Dealers (THHS
Alumni, seen at the Coach House, House of Blues, & Downtown Disney)

Taste of the Hills June 11, 2011 4-8 PM

Purchase Tickets at the school front office or at the Taste of the Hills event cash only at event. Benefits the THHS PTSA

Coffee with the Principal

Brought to you by the PTSA

June 14th
*Meet in Building 500 conference room between 7:309 AM. Starbucks and the PTSA will supply coffee & a treat. Open discussions about anything on your mind.

Sign up or renew your participation in Ralphs and Vons/Pavilions Value Customer Community Support Programs ITS EASY! ITS FREE! ITS POWERFUL!

www.ralphs.com Org. Number 92164 Or Name: Trabuco Hills High School PTSA

Register your grocery club card(s) and the rest is done by Ralphs and eScrip. The instruction for how to sign up for these great fundraising opportunities are posted at http://www.thhsptsa.org. Click on Ralphs Club Card Instructions. The icon for each program on the above mentioned website will lead you directly to a Sign-In screen for that particular program. Then just follow the prompts and use the group/organization numbers from this ad. Even if you sign up for these fundraisers in the past, you HAVE to renew your participation every year.
The Ralphs program runs from September 1 to August 31. eScrip (Vons/Pavilions) program runs from Aug. 1 to July 31.* DONT WAIT UNTIL TOMORROW. LET OUR SCHOOL EARN MONEY TOO.

www.eScrip.com

Group ID 10482514 Or Group Name: Trabuco Hills PTSA

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Mark Your Calendar...

Trabuco Hills High

May 30th June 6th

Memorial Day THHS PTSA Association Meeting 7 PM Library Last Meeting! June 11th Taste of the Hills @ THHS 4-8 PM (Car Raffle) PAR-TAY!!! June 14th School Board Meeting 6:15 PM SVUSD Board Room (Regular Meeting) June 17th,20th, 21st Minimum Days June 21st Last Day of School June 21st Graduation Ceremony 7 PMTHHS Stadium June 21st Grad Night PartyTennis CourtsCheck in at 9-9:30 PM June 28th School Board Meeting 6:15 PM SVUSD Board Room (Approve Budget) July 12th School Board Meeting 6:15 PM SVUSD Board Room August Help Make Registration Packets Aug 29 Sept 1 Registration: 12th 8/29, 11th 8/30, 10th 8/31, 9th 9/01 (8-11:30 AM) September 5th Labor Day September 7th 1st Day of School (Wednesday) September 13th SVUSD School Board Meeting 6:15 PM SVUSD Board Room September 19th PTSA General Meeting 7 PM (Location Pending / Library or MPR) October 3rd THHS College Fair 7-9 PM October 11th Reflection Entries Due 7-8:30 AM or by special arrangement in Front Quad

GRAD NIGHT 2011 Mardi Gras Under the Stars June 21st
Following Graduation
Download forms at www.thhsptsa.org

PTSA Discount Cards 50% OFF

*ONLY $5.00! 27 Vendor discounts you can use every day until the end of August You can earn your $5.00 back after just one purchase!!! Email apadian@aol.com for information, a full list of vendors, &/or to buy a card today. Help PTSA and SAVE!

Buy tickets NOW for $175.00

Starting June 1st- $190
*Cash Onlybased on bus availability
Turn forms & payment in @ the reception desk in front office or on Fridays at the Grad Night table during snack BUS Sign Ups NOWGo to Grad Night Table all week during snack ALL Seniors should stop by the table to sign the Class of 2011 surfboardto be raffled at the party

Congratulations Class of 2011 !!!