South High School A California Distinguished High School
April 2010
PTSA/Principal’s Newsletter
Special points of interest:
A Dollar A Day to Save Our Schools Extraordinary Honor Roll Students Honored
PTSA Scholarship Winners! Grad Night Update
Car Show PTA Launches 3-Pronged Approach to Funding Crisis
PTSA President’s Message
Congratulations to all the students that received an Academic
Letter and Honor Roll certificates, Wednesday evening April 21st.
Everyone in attendance had the privilege to listen to Mr. Tom Sul‐
4801 Pacific Coast Highway
Torrance, CA 90505-5544
livan, a motivational speaker that lost his sight at birth. Mr. Sulli‐
310.533.4352 van is an accomplished author, speaker, singer, producer, athlete, a Renais‐
http://shs.tusd.org
Scott McDowell, Principal sance man. “The inconvenience of being blind has never kept him from com‐
peting…for him, it meant that he must be better.” Thank you to Keith Mu‐
President Martha Deutsch,
sick and the Academic Letter committee for organizing a very memorable
Volume LIII, No. 6
South High School PTSA
Torrance Council of PTAs
Thirty-Third District PTA
evening.
California State PTA
During Academic Letter three very deserving students received a PTSA
scholarship. Congratulations to Samuel Cohen, Linde Liu, and Madeline
Santy the recipients of $750 each! Thank you to Ann Cooper and
the Scholarship committee for reviewing 63 student applications
Inside this issue:
(Continued on page 2)
Academic Letter Awards 14
Activities 7
Principal’s Message
Announcements 4
Dear Spartan Parents,
AP Testing Schedule 21
Congratulations to all the seniors and
Athletics 4 The end of the year is approach- families who will be “graduating” from
Calendar 22 ing, and with it come all of the year South! We hope South has provided
Car Show 6
-end excitement and planning for the opportunities for a successful next
next year. This has been a stellar phase of life for our seniors. For the
Counselor's Corner 20
year at South High, and I would be students and families returning next
Dollar A Day (SOS Program) 17 remiss not to mention first the out- year, we look forward to the opportuni-
Grad Night Update! 9 standing work of the SHS Faculty ties for an even better year.
Meet The Coaches Night 11 and Staff. As SHS parents, I want
you to be aware of the tremendous With that, there are some important
Principal’s Message 1
effort the 150 adults on this cam- reminders:
PTSA Pres. Message 1 pus put forth every day. And even
PTSA Scholarship Winners 8 though individual difficulties arise No Senior Ditch Days/Senior Pranks:
Reflections: Part II 2 at times, the overall performance To be clear, there are no approved
of the teachers, staff, and students senior ditch days. Illegal ditch days
Sacramento Update 10
is exceptional and what makes disrupt the precious end of year in-
Spartan’s In Action 18 South so special. If you have a struction teachers have planned and
Spartan Laurels 2 chance, a kind word to a teacher cost the district tens of thousands of
Spring Concert 11 as the year ends gives them such dollars in lost revenue. This financial
an emotional boost and a feeling of loss contributes directly to increased
STEM 12
Summer School 16
appreciation for the work they have class sizes and decreased instructional
done. (Continued on page 3)
Summer Athletic Program 20
Teen Responsibility 16
Text Books 13
Page 2
Spartan Scribe PTSA President’s Message—continued
(Continued from page 1)
and to all the seniors that submitted applications.
Academic excellence is the goal for all students and unfortunately all the cuts on education directly af‐
fect the future of our programs, teachers and counselors. Please support our Torrance Unified School
Volume LIII, No. 4 - Jan—Feb 2010
District and make a donation to the “SAVE OUR SCHOOLS (SOS)” campaign. “TUSD, like surrounding dis‐
tricts, is seeking support from parents to ensure our students’ educational futures. If each parent would
donate just $365 per student, the District could maintain all programs/positions at the same level as the
2009‐2010 school year.” Please make checks payable to TEF‐SOS and send to TEF‐SOS, PO Box 374, Tor‐
rance, CA 90508.
Thank you for your continued support. South High School
Martha Deutsch
South High PTSA President
“If extraordinary people can do impossible things, isn’t it reasonable to assume that ordinary people can do extraordinary things.”
Honorary Service
Awards... Part 2! Spartan
It has come to our attention that
one of our wonderful Honorary Laurels
Service Award winners names
was left out of the last write-up!!!
May 20th 2010
How could we ever forget the
lovely and fabulous JoAnn
Gym, 6pm
Pogue??!! We feel so bad
about this omission... please ac-
cept our sincere apologies,
JoAnn! Thank you again for
your dedicated service to South
High and our students. We love
you!
Page 3
Principals’ Message—continued
Spartan Scribe
(Continued from page 1)
materials available in classrooms. Senior pranks Scheduling – Every student has submitted their
are also an equally large problem, and even what course requests for next year. Given next year’s
appears to be a harmless prank invariably leads to massive budget struggles and large class sizes, I
bigger, more damaging pranks as students try to cannot stress enough the absolute need to select
outdo each other. Students break at least four laws class carefully, because there will not be space in
when participating in pranks (curfew, trespassing, anything next year and schedule changes will be
Volume LIII, No. 4 - March 2010
vandalism, theft), and when caught will be arrested near impossible to complete.
and prosecuted. The court fines are enormous, the
18 year olds spend the night in jail, and all partici- Summer School – As you probably know, there is
pants face the loss of graduation, baccalaureate no TUSD sponsored summer school offerings this
and grad night. In addition, the entire senior class summer, but the Torrance Education Foundation
faces the loss of senior activities for the actions of a will be hosting their for pay SBEA Summer School
few. Please, please, please help keep your kids Program on the South High Campus. Applications
home at night and assist us in preserving our cam- are available in the principal’s office, or online at
pus that has been your kids’ second home for four www.tefsbea.org.
years. Thanks so much in advance.
SOS – Save Our Schools – And finally, a big
The Four Biggest and Most Common Mistakes thank you goes out to the efforts of the PTSA, Tor-
for Seniors to Avoid: Drinking at Prom, participat- rance Education Foundation, and all of the em-
ing in a senior ditch day, vandalizing/trespassing on ployee groups for their support of the funding cam-
campus, allowing their grades to fall to the point of paign TUSD is undertaking. As you know, the
jeopardizing walking at graduation or maintaining cuts we face next year and years after are enor-
admission to their colleges. I know I am being re- mous, and the lost learning and teacher loss we
petitive, but Seniors have worked too hard, for too face is disappointing, and every effort to mitigate
long for them to make these kinds of mistakes when those losses is tremendously effective. Please
the end is so close! see this newsletter for how you can help with the
Save Our Schools campaign!
Senior Trips – Please note that South High does
not sponsor, endorse or support any type of year- Go Spartans!
end trip for Seniors. These trips are usually to Can-
cun-type locations and often involve large amounts Sincerely,
of alcohol, drugs and dangerous sexual situations.
If your student is participating in any year-end trip,
please know that it is completely independent from
South High School, and it is our opinion that most of
these trips are unsafe. Scott McDowell
South High School, Principal
Progress Reports – Teachers will submit progress
reports on Friday, May 14 via Parent Connect for
any student currently receiving a D, F or U. With
only a few weeks until the end of the semester, right
now is the last chance to help your student do any-
thing about their low grades. For seniors, this is a
very difficult time to stay focused, and any help from
home to assist them in putting the same care into
the last four weeks that they put into the previous
152 weeks can make a big, big difference. It is
TUSD Board Policy that any student who has not
completed ALL graduation requirements will not be
permitted to walk at graduation.
Page 4
A T H L E T I C S U P DAT E
Spartan Scribe
By Kevin Van Waardenburg, Athletics Director
Spartans look to get revenge the second half of
league and make its way back to the playoffs for a
second straight year.
The Track and Field team has had some great
Volume LIII, No. 4 - April 2010
performances this year and hopes to have more at
home as they host the Pioneer League Prelims and
Finals in May. Be sure to come out and support our
over 100 track and field athletes participating in
many different events.
The Swim team has also had some great
performances this year – battling tough programs
Our Spring Sports are on the home stretch and all have such as Torrance and El Segundo. The Spartan
had some great moments this season. Swimmers hope to climb to the top at league finals in
May at Beverly Hills HS.
The Boys Golf team captured a share of the Bay
League Championship, finishing league with a 9-1 Be sure to sign up for our Summer Athletics program
league record. The Spartan golfers now head to CIF – information is available on our school website and
with a shot of winning it all. South also hope to take in F-1.
the individual champions crown in May.
See you all at “Meet the Coaches Night and Summer
The Boys Volleyball team has spent some time at the Registration” on Wednesday, May 19 in the cafeteria
top of the CIF polls this year and is in a tight race for at 6pm.
the Pioneer League title with North and El Segundo.
The Spartans hope to use their playoff experience Go Spartans!
from last year to go even further this season.
The Boys Tennis team, after a tough season last year,
has made a complete turn around to become one of the
strongest teams in the South Bay. The team is on the
verge of capturing the Pioneer League title and boasts
an impressive 13-2 overall record. Look for the
Spartans to do well at League Finals at El Camino
College May 5th and 6th.
The baseball team opened up with an impressive non-
league record, including winning their own Spring
Break Tournament. The Spartans have appeared as
high as 6th in the CIF polls and look to make a return
trip to the playoffs by getting past the likes of
Torrance and El Segundo.
The softball team has also made an appearance in the
CIF polls and is climbing towards the top of one of the
toughest leagues in Southern California. The Lady
Page 5
Spartan Scribe
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS
Holiday, Specia
l School
Spring Concert
Schedules
May 13th
Volume LIII, No4 - January 2010
SHS will be having th
to its normal school sc
e following changes
hedule:
Armstrong Theatre 7pm
L
ate Start Tues
day—May 25th (9:1
5am) Pre-Sale Tickets are $10,
Block Schedu
ling—May 3rd to 21
(see calendar or ww.sh st and $12 at the door.
o School, M
N
s.tusd.org for details
) Please see www.southhighband.org or
emorial Day—May 31 email the band at
st
southhighbandboosters@hotmail.com for more
details regarding this event.
2010 Summer Extra-
Curricular Program Upcoming
June 29 to July 29 Community Ev
High athletic/ ents
Application Due to South
business office (room F-1) TEF Save Our Scho
by Monday, June 28, 2010 for more ols
See South High Website,
rg
www.shs.tusd.o Dinner, 5/8 5:30pm
ad the form
information and to downlo
M
eet the
Coaches, 5/19 7pm
S
partan
Laurels, 5/20 6pm
Reminder
It’s Not Too Late to C
ar Sho
w, 5/23 10am to 2p
turn in m
your 2010 Census! S
pring D
ance Show 5/26—
Please visit 5/28, 7pm
www.2010census.g
ov for
more information.
The me
nti
any busi on of Editor’s Note
ne
service ss or
newslett in this If your organization has an activity or fundraiser you want featured in the Spartan Scribe,
er does
imply a not please contact Kelly Rogers at 310-791-8569 or via email at pts as par t a n@g ma il . c o m.
endorse n
ment
SHS PT of the
SA.
Volume LIII, No. 4 - March 2010 Spartan Scribe Page 6
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Spartan Scribe
STU D EN T A C TI V I TI E S H I G H L I G H TS
By Vicki Hildreth, Activities Advisor
April was another busy month in the Activi-
ties Office with the selection of the Bacca-
laureate and Commencement performers, the
election of next year’s ASB officers and
Volume LIII, No. 4 - April 2010
Class Councils, the entertainment provided
by each of our classes for the annual Class
Competition Lip Sync, and the Academic
Letter Program. Additional activities in-
cluded Senior Activity Parent Night, and
yearbook/ID pictures for next year. The
month of April closed as we highlighted our
2010 Prom Court at a lunchtime assembly
and selection of our Prom King and Queen.
As April winds down, the end-of-the-year
activities quickly sneak up. May offers many
activities including our Spring Dance Show,
Pep Squad, Drill and Dance Team Tryouts.
Prom preparation efforts continue in May as
tickets go on sale beginning May 24th. This
year’s Prom will be held at Mountaingate
Country Club in Los Angeles on Saturday,
June 5th. Our Spartan Laurel program will
also take center stage and will honor our sen-
iors, as well as our underclassmen, and high-
light our students’ many achievements. This
special program will be held on Thursday,
May 20th in the main gymnasium at 6 p.m. I
would like to extend an invitation to all of
our community to come out and support the
collective accomplishments of all of our
South High students.
June is right around the corner, which holds
lots of fun events and memorable activities
including the selection of the 2010 Flower
Court, Baccalaureate and Commencement,
and much, much more. Look for more details
in the May/June edition!
Page 8
Spartan Scribe
Congratulations to our 2010 South High School
PTSA Scholarship Winners!
The South High School PTSA has selected three
students to receive $750 scholarships. The three
Volume LIII, No. 4 - March 2010
winners were introduced at Academic Letter. Our
three recipients are:
Samuel Cohen has been active in Robotics Club,
Science Club and Math Club where he served as
Co-President and Secretary. He is a member of
California Scholarship Federation and Apollo
Athena. He has participated on both the Cross
Country and Track teams. He received a Spartan
Laurel medal for Art/Ceramics, and was nominated
for a Math and Service to School. He has also been
Samuel Cohen, Linde Liu, and Madeline Santy—2010 PTSA
in Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts for 12 years, achiev-
Scholarship Recipients.
ing the rank of Eagle Scout. Samuel will be attend-
ing University of California at Berkeley.
Linde Liu has been on Student Council, serving as Madeline Santy has served as the President of Apollo
Freshman class Vice-President, Sophomore class Athena. She’s a member of California Scholarship Federa-
President and Senior Class Member-at-Large. tion and Greenhouse Effect. She’s been a member of both
She’s been on the Speech and Debate Team, and a the varsity and JV track teams, serving as the captain of
member of the Robotics Club and KIWINs. She’s each team. She received the Track Team MVP in her
been a member of the Torrance District Youth Or- freshman year, and received the coach’s award for leader-
chestra playing the viola. She was on the Tennis ship and performance three times for cross country and
Team for four years, including two on varsity. She track. She has volunteered as an aid at Launch Pre-school.
was the League MVP in doubles. She’s an AP She’s volunteered at a church vacation bible school during
Scholar, and received a National Merit Letter of the summer, and also volunteers with her church youth
Commendation in 2009. She was nominated for a group. She has worked teaching Greek Dance. Madeline
Spartan Laurel in Math (two years) and also for will be attending Loyola Marymount University this fall.
English in 2009. She was also a Girl’s State nomi-
nee. She has received the Girl Scout Gold Award Congratulations to our three recipients. Thank you to all
and the Girl Scout Silver Award. Linde will be who applied. We had a total of 63 applications this year, a
attending Duke University in the fall. record number. Thank you to the Scholarship Committee,
which consisted of George Harpole, Lora Reynolds, Kelly
Wedel, Denise Mandel and me. The Committee spent
many hours reading and considering all of your applica-
tions and are very impressed with the caliber of students in
the 2010 class. Best of luck to all of you.
Ann Cooper
Scholarship Chairperson
South High School PTSA
If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more
and become more, you are a leader. ~ John Quincy Adams
Page 9
Spartan Scribe
GRAD NIGHT 2010 INFORMATION SHEET
What: GRAD Night is a supervised, drug and alcohol-free, all night celebration held for 2010
South High graduates only. It is sponsored by the South High 2010 GRAD Night
committee with support from the school and community. It is completely funded by
Volume LIII, No. 4 - April 2010
ticket sales and fundraising events.
When: Thursday June 24, 2010, 9 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
Where: The location for GRAD Night is always kept secret until the night of the event for
safety and security reasons. The event has been booked at a venue in Los Angeles,
different from 2009. Students must arrive and depart by chartered bus.
Cost: $185 per person. All entertainment costs, transportation, and unlimited food and drink
are included.
All money is due on APRIL 30TH , 2010 along with the Grad Night permission
slip.
Supervision: All supervision and security is managed by The Event Group, our contract
event planner. This also includes an EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) on the
premises. Chaperones from the Class of 2011 will also be asked to serve as observ-
ers. South High School Administration will assist with security checks boarding the
buses at school and overnight watch over the school parking lot. This is a safe and
secure alternative to graduation parties and all students attending will be expected to
adhere to a code of conduct. NO CELL PHONES ALLOWED AT THIS EVENT.
Available for purchase:
Class of 2010 Blanket Sales These beautiful 100% Jacquard cotton throws meas-
ure 48” x 67”. They are currently in-stock for $50. Contact Kathi Scott @ 310-328
-3200, kgtorrance@msn.com.
Class of 2010 Mug Each coffee mug in our school color of green has the name of
every student in the Class of 2010! They are available for $10 each. Contact Gail
Munn @ 310-375-5497, gmunn@verizon.net
South High GRAD Night
P.O. Box 1192
Torrance, CA 90505
Checks payable to: SHS GRAD Night 2010. Don’t forget to put student’s
name on the check!
We will be at Senior Night on April 28, 2010 at 7pm in the cafeteria. We will have
the blankets and mugs available for purchase and you may pay the balance on
your students account.
Questions? Who to contact:
General Questions: Stella Bullock @ 310-375-5724, stellacm3@aol.com or
Gradfund@aol.com
Committee Treasurer and Personal Accounts: Debbie Reasor @ 310-378-
524 ,DAReasor@msm.com.
Volume LIII, No. 4 - April 2010 Spartan Scribe
Page 10
Page 11
Spartan Scribe
You are invited to attend
South High School’s
“Meet The Coaches
Night” and
Volume LIII, No. 4 - March 2010
2010 Summer Athletics Registration
Wednesday, May 19th 6:00-7:00pm
South High Cafeteria
This will be a chance for you to meet South’s head coaches and
sign up for the Summer Athletics programs being offered.
Questions – Please contact Athletic Director Kevin Van Waardenburg at 310-533-4352 ext. 7320 or kvanwaardenburg@tusd.org
SPRING CONCERT
Thursday, May 13th
Wind Ensemble, Concert Band, Choir and Dance
Doors open at 6:30pm at the Armstrong Theatre
Tickets $10 pre-sale and are $12 at the door.
Purchase a your ticket today from your
favorite musician.
For more information email
SouthHighBandBoosters@hotmail.com
Spartan Scribe
Page 12
STEM: A critical new acronym for California's future
By Patty Scripter
Legislative Advocate - Education
S cience, technology, engi-
neering and mathematics
(STEM) is an acronym that
focused on developing a plan
to increase the number of
students taking STEM
advanced degrees, but also
to technicians prepared with
careertechnical
draws strong statements, courses, the number of education. However, fewer
Volume LIII, No. 4 - April 2010
such as the following: highly qualified teachers high school students are in-
“Without strong steps to teaching these subjects, and terested in
improve support for STEM, the number of graduates in preparing for and obtaining
the quality of life in California these fields. The America degrees in STEM fields. On-
is threatened.” This observa- Competes Act (part of going cuts to education
tion comes from “High the American Recovery and Re- have meant the loss of excit-
Stakes: STEM Education,” a investment Act of 2009), ing hands-on, rich, science
November 2008 report, states: “A welleducated and math lab
which also states that im- population is essential to re- curriculum, and more stu-
proving STEM education will taining America’s competi- dents taking classes from
be a key component for fu- tiveness in the teachers working outside
ture economic prosperity in global economy,” and calls their subjects of expertise,
this state. But the statistics for the development of pro- teaching with a lack of confi-
are not promising. According grams that integrate dence in their math and
to the National Center for STEM best practices through- science skills.
Education Statistics (2006): out all levels of education, Due to globalization, our
Fewer than one-third of U.S. from elementary workforce is competing with
eighth-grade students per- through postsecondary. Leg- workers who are just a
formed at or above the islation recently passed as mouse click away. California
“proficient” level in mathe- part of California’s Race is losing its competitive edge,
matics, with “proficiency” de- to the Top efforts also called in part, because of a
fined as the ability to exhibit for establishing alternative lack of coordinated invest-
competence with subject pathways to teacher ment in STEM education to
matter. credentialing in STEM subject produce a workforce that
In 2000, 93 percent of stu- areas, and increasing the supports both technical in-
dents in grades five through emphasis on science dustries and research.
eight were taught physical and math in the calculation It is clear that a lack of in-
science by a teacher who had of California’s Academic Per- vestment in STEM will result
not majored in the formance Index (API) in a continued economic
physical sciences (chemistry, with the goal of identifying downturn for California, as
geology, general science or STEM as an education prior- we fail to produce well-
physics). In 1970, the U.S. ity in the state. trained citizens who can
produced more than 50 per- All of this and more will be compete in the global econ-
cent of the world’s science required to shift the percep- omy of the 21st century.
and engineering doctorates. tion that STEM is
If current trends continue, by reserved for advanced, col-
2010 the U.S. will produce lege-bound students. The
only about 15 percent. projected 6 million
In order to reverse these potential STEM job openings
trends, attention, resources will be available not just to
and efforts must be scientists andengineers with
Page 13
Spartan Scribe
End of Year Textbook Return and
Honors/AP Summer Textbook Checkout
Students are reminded that ALL textbooks, workbooks, and
reading novels must be checked in by the last day of school.
DO NOT LEAVE ANY SCHOOL BOOKS Students are advised to not leave
Volume LIII, No. 4 - March 2010
IN THE LOCKERS! textbooks in their classrooms nor assume
The custodians will clear them out their teachers will turn them in for them.
starting Friday, June 25.
Student taking summer school, Textbooks will be checked
MUST STILL RETURN THEIR TEXTBOOKS to the for damage; fines will be
Library by June 24. They will be issued books the first assessed for unusual wear,
day of the summer session. The textbook database including water damage
keeps track of the dates when books are due and it will (mold will grow, making
mark them as “late” if this deadline is missed. these books unusable).
A $5.00 late fee PER BOOK will be assessed if not returned by Thursday, June 24th.
All fees must be paid for IN CASH to avoid checks that do not clear.
Honors and AP Summer Homework Textbook Checkout
Textbooks for these classes can be checked out from the Library only on:
Friday, June 25:
Incoming Seniors: 8:00—9:30 am
Incoming Juniors: 9:30—11:00 am
Incoming Sophomores & Freshmen: 11:00-12:00 pm
All grades: 1:30—3:00 pm
Monday, June 22,
All grades: 8:00—12:00 pm
Students who miss their time slot on Friday will be asked to return in the
afternoon.
Students MUST have a valid SHS ID card. NO EXCEPTIONS!
Replacement ID cards are available in K-1 for $5.00 through the last day of school
(Thursday, 6-24), so plan accordingly!
If students cannot make these times, they can have a friend pick up their books for
them. A signed parent note along with a valid SHS ID card of the student they’re
getting books for is required.
The next opportunity to check out textbooks will be during August Registration.
Students must be clear of all fines.
Textbooks will only be issued to those students enrolled in these classes and not to
those who have them as an alternate choice.
Spartan Scribe
Page 14
E X T R A O R D I N A RY H O N O R R O L L
RECIPENTS RECONGNIZED
Those students earning a 3.5 semester grade point average or higher were honored on April 21st at the Academic Letter
Awards Ceremony. This program, co‐sponsored by the school’s administration and PTSA, is unique among the Torrance high
schools in recognizing outstanding academic achievement.
Before the awards were presented, Mr. Tom Sullivan author, singer, producer, adventurer, Renaissance man provided
inspiring words for all. Tom Sullivan lives and works by “Sullivan’s Rules.” As a young boy he found himself fenced in his back
Volume LIII, No. 4 - April 2010
yard, but he refused to be fenced in by his blindness. “Sullivan’s Rules” were invented by Tom and his father, Porky Sullivan, so he
could play baseball with the neighborhood boys without the benefit of seeing the ball. It became the most popular game on the
block. And “Sullivan’s Rules” became the rules to play by in the sighted world and that meant playing almost anything. One of
Sullivan’s first rules is that “Any negative can be turned into positive.” Born prematurely in 1947, Tom was given too much oxygen
while in an incubator. Though it saved his life, it cost him his eyesight. The “inconvenience” of being blind has never kept Tom
Sullivan from competing in a world where he realized that to be equal, for him, meant that he must be better. Even as he may
have had to change the rules slightly, he has proven that one need not be limited by a handicap whether it is playing backyard
baseball as a youngster, or in any activity he's pursued. Tom is an excellent golfer: “I’ve never seen a water hazard. I always have
an open shot to the green.” He’s an avid snow skier and a marathon
runner, and has recently been inducted into the National Wrestling
Hall of Fame in Stillwater, Oklahoma. He has written many books. The
best‐selling book has been called “…a testament to courage, the
competitive spirit and delight in life.” If You Could See What I Hear
became a major motion picture in 1982. Tom composed and
performed much of the music for the film, which starred Marc Singer
as the young Sullivan. In his latest title Adventures in Darkness, Tom
takes readers through his monumental eleventh summer. Blind since
birth, Tom lived in a challenging world of isolation and special
treatment. But he was driven to break out and live as sighted people
do. This book is a hair‐raising, heart‐warming experience that
“If extraordinary people can do impossible things, isn’t it reasonable
to assume that ordinary people can do extraordinary things.” ~ Tom
culminates in Tom's determination to realize his dreams of a
Sullivan "normal" life. Tom inspired us all with his message of hope and
possibility on April 21st as 924 honor students were recognized for
their extraordinary achievement.
Since 1990 when a South High student has been on the Honor
Roll for four semesters, they are additionally presented with a chenille
letter in the reverse colors of the more widely know letter “S” given
out for athletic excellence and a book symbol is also awarded, to be
worn on the letter. Students on the Roll for six and seven semesters
are awarded a Lamp patch. This limits the recipients to juniors and
seniors. Freshman and sophomores now on the Honor Roll can letter
with only a few
more semesters of
high grades.
Each semester, the
counseling staff
provides a list of all
2010 Honor Roll recipients for six and seven (Continued on page 15)
semesters . Each student was awarded a
white chenille letter for academic excellence.
Page 15
Spartan Scribe
(Continued from page 14)
the Honor Roll students to the PTSA. The PTSA then tracks the history of each student to
identify when he or she has earned the letter or lamp patch. This year you can see a
complete list of all 924 students on the South High website, www.shs.tusd.org, just click on
Honor Roll Lists.
The SHS PTSA would like to thank everyone who helped with this program. Finally, we
especially want to thank Julie Cremeans of EDA Business Support Services, who generated all
the award certificates. Thank you to everyone who continues to support the recognition of
these extraordinary outstanding students.
Volume LIII, No. 4 - March 2010
2010 Honor Roll recipients for five semes-
ters . Each student was awarded a white
chenille letter for academic excellence.
Pictures of this years 2010
extraordinary Honor Roll
students
Spartan Scribe
Page 16
TORRANCE EDUCATION
FOUNDATION’S 2010 SUMMER
SCHOOL PROGRAM
Through the combined efforts of the
Torrance Education Foundation (TEF)
and the Torrance Unified School Dis-
trict (TUSD), the South Bay Enrichment
Academy (SBEA) is continuing the tui-
Volume LIII, No. 4 - April 2010
tion-based summer school program. The
curriculum, designed by credentialed
TUSD teachers and offered at all levels for incoming K – 12th grades, will enable students to
maximize their potential for success. Our classes are designed to supplement student learning
at the elementary and middle school levels, while providing acceleration and advancement at
the high school level. Each and every student will benefit from small class sizes and take
away educational experiences lasting a lifetime. For a complete list of classes and to register
for a class today, visit www.tefsbea.org or contact the Academy directly at:
SOUTH BAY ENRICHMENT ACADEMY OFFICE
P.O. Box 4355, Torrance, CA 90510
Email at: info@tefsbea.org
Phone: (310) 320-SBEA or (310) 320-7232
10 Ways to TEACH RESPONSIBILITY to your Teen
1. Establish family rules and be consistent about carrying out consequences if they’re not
followed. Rules might be about curfews, friends, and when to do homework.
2. Assign household chores and see that they’re done on schedule. A chart in easy view
can help.
3. Help your teen get and stay organized with schoolwork and other activities.
4. Be a good role model by meeting your own obligations completely and on time.
5. Ask for your teen’s input when making family decisions. If there are problems, brain-
storm solutions together.
6. Provide your teen with ways to earn, save, and manage money.
7. Allow your teen to make personal choices in certain areas. These can include dress and
extracurricular activities – anything that doesn’t put your teen in danger.
8. Help your teen consider the consequences of every action. Provide facts where appro-
priate on such issues as using tobacco or taking unwise risks.
9. Keep the channels of communication open. Listen with an open mind so your teen can
discuss mistakes he or she has made, and learn from experience.
10. Encourage your teen to show concern for others and become involved in local service
projects.
Remember your teen is on the road to independence and needs your help and example to
reach that goal.
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The Counselor’s Corner
By Marla Shwarts
Parents, please review this information and assist your stu‐ lections. Visit colleges and take tours of the campuses. Get a
dent to use the summer months to prepare, rejuvenate, and feel for each school and see if it is a match for you. Take summer
plan for school success. Use the ParentConnect often and school classes for enrichment or to improve your grades in core
with your student. Here are some other suggestions from course requirements for college admission or to meet high
your SHS Counselors for the summer months: school graduation requirements. Continue your community ser‐
9th graders: Read, read, & read some more. Use vice involvement. Find a summer job. Get an organizer and use it
Volume LIII, No. 4 March 2010
the SHS Summer Reading List to help you make reading se‐ all year. Use the SHS website, go to the Counseling Link, and use
lections. Get an organizer and use it all year. Use the SHS the Junior Calendar as a guide this coming school year.
Website, go to the Counseling Link, and use the Freshman 12th graders: Read, read, & read some more. Use the
Calendar as a guide this coming school year. SHS Summer Reading List to help you make book selections. Fin‐
10th graders: Read, read, & read some more. Use ish your college campus tours and find your matches. Finalize
the SHS Summer Reading List to help you make reading your college list of schools to which you will apply. Prepare the
selections. Take summer school classes for enrichment or to “Brag Sheet” from the SHS Website which you will use when you
improve your grades in core course requirements for col‐ complete your college applications and when you ask people to
lege admission or to meet high school graduation require‐ write letters on your behalf for your college admission applica‐
ments if you have failed a class. Do some community volun‐ tions and your scholarship applications. Continue your commu‐
teer work that is meaningful to you. Do some part nity service involvement. Find a summer job. Get an organizer
time employment. Get an organizer and use it all year. Use and use it all year. Use the SHS Website, go to the Counseling
the SHS Website, go to the Counseling Link, and use the Link, and follow the Senior Calendar as a guide this year, then
Sophomore Calendar as a guide this coming school year. get a head start and apply for the Local Scholarship Competition.
11th graders: Read, read, & read some more. Use
the SHS Summer Reading List to help you make reading se‐
Torrance Unified School District
2010 Summer School Extra-Curricular Program
WHO: Applicants must be a returning South High student or an enrolling
South High Freshman.
WHEN: June 29 – July 29, Monday thru Thursday. Specific times listed
below.
WHERE: Classes will be held on the South High School campus (except for
cross country). Specific locations listed below.
COSTS: Cost per Student/Athlete is $80.00 for the 1st program.
$70.00 each additional program selected. Make checks payable to
SHS or TUSD
All interested students need to complete the form on the South High Website, www.shs.tusd.org and return to
the South High athletic/business office (room F-1) by Monday, June 28, 2010.
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Advanced Placement Test Schedule
By Lisa Jones, Honors/AP Coordinator
The AP exams will be given May 3 through May 13. These are three-hour, college-level exams, and many students are
taking more than one test, sometimes two tests in one day. The AP testing schedule is provided below.
UNDERCLASSMEN WHO ARE TAKING AP TESTS MUST REPORT TO THE AP TEST LOCATION SHOWN BELOW
Volume LIII, No. 4 - April 2010
INSTEAD OF TO THEIR CLASSROOM. IF THEY MISS A CST TEST, THEY WILL MAKE IT UP DURING THE WEEK OF MAY 24TH.
DAY DATE TIME EXAM LOCATION
Monday .............. May 10 .......... 8:00 am ............ Biology .................................... Library
Monday .............. May 10 ........ 12:30 pm ............ Physics B, C ............................ Library
Tuesday .............. May 11 .......... 8:00 am ............ Environmental Science .......... C3
Tuesday .............. May 11 .......... 8:00 am ............ Chemistry ............................... Library
Tuesday .............. May 11 ........ 12:30 pm ............ Psychology .............................. Library
Thursday ............ May 13 .......... 8:00 am ............ Macroeconomics..................... Library
Thursday ............ May 13 .......... 8:00 am ............ World History ........................ F3- 6, L21-22
Thursday ............ May 13 ........ 12:30 pm ............ Microeconomics ..................... Library
All students MUST ARRIVE 30 MINUTES BEFORE THE TEST
and need to bring to each exam they take:
PENCILS
BLACK PENS
WHITE OUT
SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER
PHOTO ID
CALCULATOR AS APPROPRIATE FOR THE EXAM
NO CELL PHONES ARE ALLOWED.
NO STUDENT WILL BE ADMITTED WITHOUT A PHOTO ID.
Spartan Scribe Final 2010 Issue
May/June newsletter publication will be the last issue
of the year. Articles due, Friday‐May 28th
Please email your requests to ptsaspartan@gmail.com to advertise
your organization’s fundraiser or other event.
Volume LIII, No. 4 - April 2010 Spartan Scribe Page 22
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
3 Block
Schedule
4 Block
Schedule
5 Block
Schedule Odd
6 Block
Schedule
7 NO
TESTING
8 AP Testing
Odd 0,1,3,5 Even 0,2,4,6 0,1,3,5 Even 0,2,4,6 Prom Guest Apps Avail, K-1
AP Calculus Testing Drill Team Tryouts, Café Boys Volleyball, Varsity, JV Redondo
AP US Gov. Testing AP Spanish & Stats Testing Prom Guest Apps Avail, K-1 AP English & Japanese Championship
Prom Guest Apps Avail, K-1 Prom Guest Apps Avail, K-1 Drill Team Tryouts, Café Testing
Drill Team Tryouts, Cafe 7:30am, SST Meeting, A1 Prom Guest Apps Avail, K-1
Drill Team Tryouts, Café
B-Golf: Var Bay League Qualify G/B-Trk: Var., JV Pioneer League Finals Noon, Kiwins Mtg, Pav.
B/G-Trk: Var , JV Pioneer League G/B-Swin: Var, JV Pioneer League
Prelims Prelims G/B-Swin: Var, JV Pioneer League
G-Soft: Var, JV @ Lawndale HS Prelims
G-Soft: Var @ Centennial HS B-VB: Var., JV, F/S @ Torrance G-Soft: F/S @ Redondo Union HS G-Soft: JV, F/S vs North HS
G-Soft: F/S @ Mira Costa HS HS B-Base: F/S vs Centennial HS B-Golf: Var. Bay League Finals B-Base: JV @ Centennial HS
B-Ten: Var, JV @ North HS B-Base: F/S @ Peninsula HS B-Base: Var. @ Centennial HS G-Soft: Var @ North HS B-Base: Var. vs Centennial HS
10 Block
Schedule
11 Block
Schedule
12 Block
Schedule
13 Block
Schedule
14 NO
TESTING 15 AP Testing
Odd 0,1,3,5 Even 0,2,4,6 Odd 0,1,3,5 Even 0,2,4,6 Prom Guest Apps Avail, K1
Boys Varsity Volleyball CIF
AP Macroecon & World His. Testing
AP Biology & Physic AP Chem, Phyc, & Env. Sc. Prom Guest Apps Avail, K-1 Prom Guest Apps Avail, K-1 Playoffs Round 3
Testing Testing Prom Guest Apps Avail, K-1 6:30pm, Spring Concert, Armstrong
Theatre Boys Varsity Tennis CIF Team
Prom Guest Apps Avail, K-1 Prom Guest Apps Avail, K-1 6:00pm, Coffee with the Playoffs Round 3
Principal, K3
7:00pm, PTSA Board Meeting, B-VB: Var. CIF Playoffs-Round 2
K3 B-Ten: Var. CIF Team Playoffs-Round 2 B/G Swimming CIF Finals @
B-Ten: Var. CIF Playoffs-Round 1 B-Golf: Var. CIF Finals @ Radhawk Belmont Pool
B-VB: Var. CIF Playoffs-Round 1 G/B-Swim: Var. CIF Prelims @ Belmont
B-Base: Var. vs El Segundo HS G-Soft: Var, JV, F/S @ El Segundo HS
B-VB: Var CIF Playoffs Wildcard Game B-Base: JV, F/S @ El Segundo HS B-Base: Var. @ El Segundo HS
B/G Track CIF Prelims Moorpark
B-Golf: Var CIF Team Divisionals G-Soft: Var. vs Centennial HS B-Base: JV @ El Segundo HS B-Base: JV, F/S vs El Segundo HS
G/B Track CIF Finals
17 Block
Schedule
18 Block
Schedule
19 NO
TESTING
20 Block
Schedule
21 Block
Schedule
22 Boys Volleyball CIF
Finals
Prom Guest Apps Avail, K1
Odd 0,1,3,5 Even 0,2,4,6 6:00pm, Meet the Coaches/
Odd 0,1,3,5 Even 0,2,4,6
Prom Guest Apps Avail, K1 Prom Guest Apps Avail, K1 Summer Registration, Café Prom Guest Apps Avail, K1 Prom Guest Apps Due, Attend Office
6:00pm, Spartan Laurels, Gym 6pm, Robotics Banquet, Café
B-Ten: Var. Team CIF Playoffs-Round 4
B-VB: Var. CIF Playoffs-Semi-Finals G-Soft: Var. CIF Playoffs-Round 2 B-Base: Var. CIF Playoffs-Round 1
B-Golf: Var. Individual CIF Regionals G-Soft: Var. CIF Playoffs-Round 1 B-Base: Var. CIF Playoffs-Round 1 B-Ten: Var. CIF Individual Sectionals
24 Prom tickets on sale, K1
3:30pm, Amnesty
International viewing of
25 LATE START:
ONLY for 9th, 11th,
26 Prom tickets on sale, K1
Staff Appreciation
Luncheon
27 Prom tickets on sale, K1
7:00pm, Spring Dance
Show, Gym (Tentative
28 Prom tickets on sale, K1
7:00pm, Spring Dance
Show, Gym (Tentative
29 Boys Tennis CIF
Individual Finals
the ‘The Crossing’. 12th Grades 3:00pm, Bay Math League Comp., Date, Check website for details) Date, Check website for details) Boys Volleyball
Café
Classes begin at 7:00pm, Spring Dance Show, Gym
CIF Playoffs-Regionals
9:15 am (Tentative Date, Check website for
6am, HRSC Pancake
Prom tickets on sale, K1 details)
10th Grade CST Testing Breakfast, Café
8am Class of 2010 Car
B-Ten: Var. CIF Team Playoffs-Semi- Wash
Finals
B-VB: Var. CIF Playoffs-Regionals G/B-Trk: Var. CIF Master Meet
B-Base: Var. CIF Playoffs-Round 2 G-Soft: Var. CIF Playoffs-Round 4 B-Base: Var. CIF Playoffs-Round 3
B-Golf: Var. Individual CIF Finals G-Soft: Var. CIF Playoffs-Round 3 B-VB: Var. CIF Playoffs-Regionals B-Ten: Var. CIF Individual Finals
31 NO SCHOOL Athletic Listing Legend
Format: Gender-Sport: Level Opponent
Memorial B: Boys G: Girls vs: Home Game@: Away Game
Ten: Tennis
Day Base: Baseball Var: Varsity JV: Jr. Var
VB: Volleyball F/S: Freshman- Sophomore
Trk: Track Golf: Golfing
Soft: Softball Swim: Swimming
This calendar was manually generated with the latest information available at press time.
If you have questions about any of the listings, please check the School’s web site (www.shs.tusd.org) or call SHS @ 310-533-4352.