The Pony Express

Principal:

Dave Flynn

PTSA President:

Kristen You

Editor:

Michelle Mortensen

mishcomish@sbcglobal.net

Page 1 Winter 2015 ● Volume 1, Issue 1 ● YLHS ● www.ylhs.org

From the Yorba Linda High School PTSA!

We are excited to share our first 2014-15 Newsletter with you! The following pages will illustrate how busy the YLHS PTSA

group is throughout the school year. Not only does PTSA support our Parents, Teachers, Staff and

Students at YLHS, but it also influences our wonderful community that surrounds our campus!

YLHS has outstanding teachers, staff and volunteers. Each year the PTA/PTSA's recognize individuals who have gone "Above and Beyond" in service to youth in the public schools.

We invite you to nominate deserving teachers/staff/volunteers for the Honorary Service Awards. Deadline is Friday, Feb. 27th. Award recipients will be announced at the Renaissance Rally.

Check out our website for the nomination form.

Inside this Issue:

PTSA President’s Message Page 2

Career Day

Mustang University Page 3

Parent Education

Page 4

PTSA Award Page 5

Student Leadership

Gifting Committee Page 6

Student of the Month Page 7

PTSA Membership

Page 8

19900 Bastanchury Road * Yorba Linda, CA * 92886 * 714.986.7500

Page 2 Winter 2015 ● Volume 1, Issue 1 ● YLHS ● www.ylhs.org

President's Message

Welcome Mustang parents to another terrific year at Yorba Linda High School. My name is Kristen You and I’m honored to serve as your YLHS PTSA President. This is my 2nd year as your President and I am proud to announce that we have 38 Board Members that serve in 38 positions. Please check out our Board Roster to see who is serving this year. PTSA is the largest child advocacy group in the world. Your YLHS PTSA supports your child. While Boosters are wonderful programs that assist a specific group, PTSA is a school wide program that touches every student on campus. We are all Volunteers, with the common purpose to assist Principal Flynn, his staff, our students and the Yorba Linda community. We invite your participation and support. I am grateful that our YLHS PTSA was awarded the District Membership Award, with 941 members of the 10,000 members in the Placentia – Yorba Linda School District. YLHS is 1 of 33 schools in our PYLUSD. This was our 2nd year to win this award. YLHS families care. Thank you for your wonderful support. This year our membership is down, so if you haven’t joined YLHS PTSA, please consider doing so. Flyers and envelopes are in the main office. It is $15 to become a member. Another wonderful blessing, chosen from over 500 Secondary Schools in Orange County and part of LA County, YLHS PTSA was awarded the 2014 Outstanding Secondary Unit Award. Some of the wonderful programs highlighted were: Career Day, Mustang University, Student of the Month, Emergency Preparedness, Mustang Pride Day, Student Leadership, Teacher/Staff Hospitality, Academic Mustang Achievement Award and Reflections. YLHS PTSA’s success is a direct result of our strong group of volunteer participants and community donations. Wondering how you can be a part of this terrific team? You can bake a dozen cookies for teacher appreciation, bring a case of water for Teacher Appreciation, proctor a CAHSEE exam, do garden work at Mustang Pride Day, and eScrip fundraisers, contribute as an Investment Member, and so much more. Your donations are tax deductible, and greatly appreciated. We have lots of opportunities and welcome you to join us. We are a friendly group of hard working volunteers, who are proud to be Mustang parents! Thank you. Kristen You YLHS PTSA President

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Contained in this newsletter, and in upcoming editions, you will read about

some of the programs PTSA sponsors. PTSA has been busy preparing for this school year since the summer of 2014!

Career in a Day What do you get when you add a student body, its staff and 50 diverse, talented and

enthusiastic community members? -- Career Day! Students at Yorba Linda High

School participated in the 5th annual Career Day on Thursday, November 6th,

sponsored by the PTSA. Speakers from in and around our community were invited to

campus and were set up throughout the school. Various careers were represented

including technology, business, hospitality and culinary arts, medical, dental,

entertainment, small business, music production, law enforcement, cosmetology and

social work, to name a few. All 1750 students at the school were able to choose their

top three sessions to attend out of a wide array of 50 different speakers. What a great

opportunity to help guide the way to their future!

Mustang University is a series of Student and Parent Education nights and events

aimed to educate our Yorba Linda High School families. Last year the YLHS PTSA in

conjunction with the YLHS Counseling Department sponsored events such as: How to

Write a College Essay, Senior College Night, Financial Aid Night, Community College

Night, AP Honors Night and College 101. These nights feature prominent guest

speakers and insightful and helpful information for families. In addition to the education

nights, PTSA also sponsored a full length Mock SAT, ACT or PRA test on our very own

campus as well as hosting SAT Prep Courses. Many of these events have already

taken place this school year!

Mustang University

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Parent Education Educational courses or workshops are offered throughout the school year so parents can become better equipped to support their child’s learning and experiences. Some workshops are offered so they parent and student can learn together.

Heartsaver First Aid Certification was offered last month. Don’t miss out on the future events.

Heartsaver First Aid provides first responders and lay persons with training in basic first aid procedures – including the first aid skills recommended by OSHA. The course covers first aid basics, medical emergencies, injury emergencies, and environmental emergencies. Some of the topics include: recognition of emergency signs and symptoms, signs of concussion, chest pains for adults, stroke, diabetes, seizures, bleeding control, splinting & fractures, trauma prevention, heat/cold related injuries, stings/bites/snakes, first aid wound care, allergies, & anaphylaxis, asthma, and anything else that can happen to a person pre-hospital!

3/9/2015 Internet Safety and Drugs Presentation YLHS Library (6-7:30 PM) Free

This presentation is given by Deputy Holmes from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department on Monday, March 9, 2015 from 6:00 – 7:30 PM in the YLHS Library.

Do you know what Tango, wax, KIK, Spice, Omegle and Triple Cs have in common? The answer is that your kids know all about them and you don’t! Come join us for a presentation given by Deputy Holmes on cyber

safety and current drug trends at Yorba Linda High School. Come and you will find out what your kids are faced with in their peer groups or might be hiding right in front of you. This presentation is intended for parents only and is free of charge. No pre-registration required.

4/13/2015 Heartsaver CPR Certification YLHS Library (6-8 PM) $35.00

The course covers: Adult CPR AED, Adult Choking, Child CPR AED, Infant CPR, Child and Infant choking. The Heartsaver® CPR AED course is for all individuals who have a duty to respond to a cardiac emergency because of job responsibilities or regulatory requirements and it is also appropriate for any lay person who may have a need to respond to an emergency . You must register to attend. www.thecprhero.com/ylhsparented

These events are not school sponsored.

.

From Principle Flynn: Don’t forget to remind students about tutoring in the library before and after school. This is a great resource for students who need a little extra help with Math, Language Arts, and Spanish. We hope to add Social Science and Science this semester.

Page 5 Winter 2015 ● Volume 1, Issue 1 ● YLHS ● www.ylhs.org

PTSA Wins a BIG Award!!

At the end of the 2014 school year, Yorba Linda PTSA was honored with the 4th District Award for the most outstanding secondary unit. The 4th district comprises of over 200 secondary schools in Orange County and some of LA County. What makes YLHS PTSA noticeable from the rest? The YLHS PSTA is headed by Kristen You, the current and past president. Kristen says "It is difficult to choose our most successful program or greatest accomplishment for this past year, but the volunteers are what makes the PTSA stand out." Her unwavering enthusiasm has become contagious, increasing the Board size from 27 to 37 active members who support the numerous programs and services. Moreover, the PTSA last year with 941 members strong, comprised of almost 1/10th of all PYLUSD 33 schools' memberships combined resulting in a huge pool of volunteers and funds. Educating parents is important service provided by the PTSA. The PTSA is in charge of Mustang University events. They host and fund 9 events throughout the year that include: Senior College Night, How to Write a College Essay, Financial Aid Night, Community College Night, AP Honors Night, Mock SAT, ACT or PRA, Mock SAT, ACT or PRA Scores Review Night, College 101, AP Assignment Night. The YLHS PTSA makes a big effort to support and partner with Teachers and Staff, as well as with community corporations. The PTSA hosts 3 teachers/staff celebrations per year. At the Welcome Back Lunch, the PTSA and all of the activities are promoted. Teachers are encouraged to advocate Reflections, Student of the Month (400 students chosen by Teachers), Career Day, Emergency Preparation and more. In addition, PTSA provide scholarships for our Seniors and gifting to the school. Last year the PTSA surveyed the teachers to see what was most needed in their classrooms. PTSA gifted approximately $10,000 for benches to be placed in the quad area, school website, art supplies, photography equipment, dance equipment, drama department mics, mobile app phone and the list goes on. To become a part of this award winning organization, membership forms are available on the school website under Parents/PTSA and can be turned in with the $15 payment to the front office. Volunteers are always welcomed. --Laurie Decuyper, PTSA Board Member

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Page 5 Winter 2015 ● Volume 1, Issue 1 ● YLHS ● www.ylhs.org

Page 6 Winter 2015 ● Volume 1, Issue 1 ● YLHS ● www.ylhs.org

Student Leadership

The PTSA Student Leadership Group is available to provide volunteer support at school and community events.

STUDENT LEADERSHIP

President, Evelyn Chan Executive Vice President, Jace Jenican

1st VP – Community service, Sarah Chen 2nd VP – Membership Rachel Stumpf

3rd VP – Hospitality, Liz Tipping Holiday Service Project Team Leaders, Deborah You & Sarah Stumpf

Teacher Appreciation Breakfast, Kayla Amini and Stephanie Zhang Secretary, Brooke Gagnon

Corresponding Secretary, Marissa Stinnett New Member Orientation, Nicole Truong

Holiday Cookie Day, Carly Jenican

If you would like to know more or would like to request volunteers to support an activity, please contact the PTSA Student Leadership Advisors.

Janis Heckel at janis27@att.net or Marnie Jenican at mjenican@me.com

PTSA has a gift for you…

A total of $2,765.00 was gifted to YLHS teachers for use in the classroom!

$200 Mr. Eliot - Samsung Galaxy for computer science (Mobile App Development and Design Class) YLHS is piloting this new program.

$500 Mrs. Petz - video camera and accessories for theatre department $200 Mr. Mortensen - sheet music for orchestra $300 Mr. Baughman - archery replacement faces for PE $300 Mr. Garcia - cymbals for band $200 Mr. Hendry - art supplies $200 Ms. Maes - iHomes for the dance department $250 Mrs. Gilfoy - new microphones for choir $265 Mrs. Carson - 5 new mice for computers for art/photography classes $350 Ms. Fritz - 1 screen printing press for visual arts

Page 7 Winter 2015 ● Volume 1, Issue 1 ● YLHS ● www.ylhs.org

Congratulations to our Students of the Month!

October

Student Teacher

Runge, Star Mr. Aed

Jones, Natalie Ms. Atmadja

Canfield, Catherine Mr. Bloom

Boyd, Jared Ms. Brothers

Birchfield, Ryan Mr. Cadra

Rodriguez, Erik Ms. Carson

Porras, Alison Ms. Chavez

Erbach, Brianna Ms. Collins

Hertel, William Mr. Domene

Weingarter, Paige Ms. Farrell

Chapman, Ryann Ms. Ferris

Dewyke, Chase Ms. Fritz

Loo, Connor Mr. Garcia

Stinnett, Marrissa Ms. Gilfoy

Cardenas, Fernando Mr. Gomez

Mangiaracina, K Mr. Hay

Maggi, Melanie Mr. Hendry

Li, Simon Mr. Herrick

Heldman, Katrina Ms. Juarez

DeBaun, Jennifer Mr. Lejano

Lewis, Jack Mr. Linebarger

Nagel, Jennifer Ms. Luxa

Scialla, Paige Ms. Maes

Robley, Kelsey Mr. Mazurier

Golden, Shane Ms. Messick

Shank, Jace Mr. Moore

Koorous, Vargha Mr. Mortensen

Thurston, Jack Ms. Mueller

Tipping, Elizabeth Ms. Nam

Gao, Angela Ms. Pilkenton

Muradka, Alex Ms. Runge

Lida, Rachel Mr. Shanahan

Smith, Megan Ms. Shay

Muresan, Matthew Ms. Shube

Boyd, Jared Ms. Smith

Sowder, Jake Ms. St. Amant

Henry, Jake Ms. Steinbergs

Bent, Maddi Ms. Stephenson

Muresan, Matthew Ms. Toxqui

Valora, Sean Mr. Walls

Stanfill, Kylie Mr. Wright

Robison, Katherine Ms. Yakzan

November

Student Teacher

Lindsey, Mason Mr. Aed

Kim, Amanda Ms. Atmadja

Truong, Adelaide Mr. Bloom

Robinson, Dane Ms. Brothers

Wood, Georgia Mr. Cadra

Soumokil, Benjamin Ms. Carson

Flores, Ryan Mr. Domene

Higdon, Hannah Ms. Farrell

Cornejo, Steffano Ms. Ferris

Kassab, Sammy Ms. Ferris

Cerna, Raymond Ms. Fritz

Williams, Kendra Mrs. Gigliotti

Muresan, Matt Ms. Gilfoy

Evans, Brianne Mr. Hendry

Rose, Riley Mr. Herrick

Franklyn, Nicholas Ms. Juarez

Truong, Adelaide Mr. Lejano

Spangenberg, Katelyn Mr. Linebarger

Patel, Ravi Ms. Luxa

Weingarten, Paige Ms. Maeder

Qumsieh, Devonna Ms. Maes

Franco, Fabian Mr. Mazurier

Watts, Katie Ms. Messick

Burns, Courtney Mr. Moore

Good, Grace Ms. Mueller

Rothmiller, Emily Ms. Nicholson

Williams, Kendra Ms. Pilkenton

Gammon, Heather Ms. Shay

Penman, Janelle Ms. Smith

Russell, Mariah Ms. St. Amant

Taber, Calvin Ms. Stephenson

Rose, Riley Mr. Walls

Darmawan, Kenneth Mr. Wright

Page 8 Winter 2015 ● Volume 1, Issue 1 ● YLHS ● www.ylhs.org

PTSA Membership Message

We are an active group at YLHS! Dear Parents, Staff, Students and Community Members – Please come to our January PTSA General Membership meeting on Monday, January 26, 2015 at 7pm. Come pick up your membership card and find out about our upcoming events. We need your help to continue making our school great! For those who haven’t joined yet, it’s not too late to help support our school. Your $15 membership fee helps to provide extra programs, activities, and supplies, which are especially needed in this time of budget cuts. Investment memberships are also available at $50, $100, and $250. Grab your friends, parents, teachers, and neighbors and invite them to join with you! We gladly accept memberships all year, so if you haven’t turned yours in yet, membership envelopes can also be dropped off in the front office in the PTSA box. More information is available on the YLHS.org website under PTSA. We look forward to seeing you at our many events! Sincerely, Maria Toledo Carolina State PTSA Membership Co-Chairs

Support Your School! See the website for information on

upcoming games, events and ways to support!

www.ylhs.org