JOSEPH A. GREGORI

HIGH SCHOL

Principal’s Message

Greetings Gregori,

It’s hard to believe that the end of the school year is nearly here. It’s been an incredible year. It is a very busy and exciting time. We

have had a variety of end of the year activities ranging from the Academic Block G awards (see attached list of our winners), Senior

Awards Night, and our JAG Awards to name a few!

All of this brings us to the pinnacle experience for our students, staff, and community – Gregori High’s 3rd Commencement ceremony.

The Class of 2015 has been working diligently to reach this major milestone achievement! For those of you with graduating seniors,

here are a few key items you need to know:

Due to the large number of graduates this year, there are five tickets assigned for each graduate.

Graduation robes and caps of graduates cannot have additional decorations.

Graduates can take their commencement picture between 5:00pm and 6:30pm at the back of the gym. Seniors need to line up at

6:30 for the ceremony.

Additional graduation procedures and rule will be sent home with your seniors in the near future. In other news, it has been a great

year for the Gregori Jaguars, here are just a few of our highlights:

Our attendance rate in the district continues to be #1 with over a 96% attendance rate on a daily basis; additionally, we have the

lowest number of discipline incidents of all high schools in Modesto City Schools. We’ve led our district in both of these categories

for five straight years (since we opened in 2010)!

We are currently waiting to hear the result of our California Gold Ribbon Schools Award visitation. Only the best California schools

that have made tremendous gains in implementing the academic content and performance standards adopted by the State Board

of Education for all students, including English learners, will be recognized through the California Department of Education.

1476 students qualified for our Renaissance program in the third quarter.

I want to thank all of you for trusting your students with us at Gregori High School. We take that trust seriously, and are always striving

to improve our high school and your families’ experience. For the safety of students, staff, and community, please remember to drive

slowly on and near campus – remember, don’t text and drive – and follow all parking and traffic flow rules in our continued effort to keep

our campus safe.

Lastly, as all of you have probably heard, Principal Jeff Albritton, our “Original Jag”, left Gregori at the end of February to take a district

administrative position. We all owe a debt of gratitude to Mr. Albritton for his hard work, vision, and above all else, the care and con-

cern that he had for all students and staff in crafting this amazing place we call home. We wish Mr. Albritton all the best in his future

endeavors!

If I don’t see you before the end of school, I hope that you have a restful summer! If you’re a senior, congratulations and I hope to see

you next year at homecoming!

GO JAGUARS!

Principal (Interim)

May, 2015 Volume 5, Issue 3

From the Associate Principal’s Office

Curriculum and Instruction

We’ve completed balloting all students, and the administration and

site leadership team are collaborating and putting together next

year’s master schedule. In addition, we are in the midst of “testing

season” – CAASP / SBAC (all juniors / ELA & math); we just com-

pleted the CAHSEE testing in March (all sophomores); NCLB sci-

ence exam (all sophomores), and we are now embarking on AP

Testing!

This year the AP test orders were for 779 tests distributed among

462 students. Last year a total of 332 students took 524

tests. This is a 28 percent increase in the number of students who

are challenging themselves with rigorous AP test require-

ments. The purpose of taking these tests in various subject areas

is to pass with a score that will earn the student college credit –

saving that student (and parents!) both time and money.

Students are challenging tests in the following areas: Chemistry,

Environmental Science, Calculus AB, English Literature Composi-

tion, Computer Science, Spanish Language and Culture, US Histo-

ry, Biology, Music Theory, US Government/Politics, English Lan-

guage Composition, World History, Human Geography, Psycholo-

gy, Art History, European History, Physics, Spanish Literature and

Culture, Statistics, and Italian Language & Culture.

A wide range of students exist in the numbers of Jaguars challeng-

ing each test. A high of 116 students are challenging the Human

Geography test, while 1 student is challenging the Italian Lan-

guage test. In addition to testing at Gregori, Jaguars will be testing

at Modesto Centre Plaza, Enochs, Downey, and Beyer High

Schools. Students have been studying diligently to achieve

scores of 3, 4 or 5 to earn college credit! Our students will begin

taking these tests on May 1st and end on May 15th. Students will

receive their “AP Student Packs” prior to the beginning of testing.

Have a great summer JAGS!

Richard Shahbazian Associate Principal

IN THIS ISSUE

Principal’s Message

Notes from Associate Principal

Notes from Assistant Principals

Counselor Updates

Testing

Upcoming Events

Activities Calendar

Summer Work Permit Info

CLAW Volunteers Needed

Fall Sports Info

From the Assistant Principal’s Office

C Building

Graduation:

We are getting closer and closer to graduation. Here are some rules that must be observed if you plan to at-

tend graduation. These rules will also be posted and printed on the tickets for your reference:

Remain seated until the end of the program.

Guests are not allowed to enter the ceremony area.

Videotaping can be done only from your seats.

No balloons allowed

Bouquets, presents, etc. can be given to graduates AFTER the ceremony concludes.

Please respect the traditional formality consistent with graduation exercises.

Eligibility:

4th quarter grades, attendance and citizenship all can affect eligibility for extracurricular activities in the fall of

2015. Students must maintain a 2.0 GPA, and cannot get two or more unsatisfactory marks in citizenship.

For attendance absences will be considered unexcused and may affect extra-curricular eligibility if not cleared

within 7 days after the student returns to school.

CAHSEE:

We are waiting for the results from the March CAHSEE (California High School Exit Exam) testing. For the 2

days of testing we averaged over 98% attendance. Thank you for continuing to support your child’s education

by getting them to understand the importance of being at school every day.

Safety Hotline:

Just a reminder if you have any information about unsafe events or important safety information at Gregori

High School, please call the Safety Hotline at (209) 550-3432. This is an anonymous message center that

helps us provide a safe learning environment for your students. There is also our Students Speaking Out that

works in cooperation with CrimeStoppers. The 3 ways to report are by phone 1-866-60CRIME, by email

www.stancrimetips.com, or by texting TIP704 to 274637. All of these options are anonymous and helps us

provide a safe learning environment for your students

Thank you for a great 2014-2015 school year and I look forward to next year.

Craig Springer Assistant Principal Building C Digital Media & Business Visual & Performing Arts

Counselor Caseloads

Please refer to the chart below before contacting a counselor.

Cindy Shepherd - College Counselor

Office phone 209-550-3430 ext. 2499, L-Building shepherd.c@mcs4kids.com

Erica Steves - Visual & Performing Arts

Office Phone 209-550-3430 ext. 2428, C-Building steves.e@mcs4kids.com

Laura Garcia - Digital Media & Business Counselor

Office Phone 209-550-3430 ext. 2429, C-Building garcia.l@mcs4kids.com

Megan Thompson (Filling in for Corrie Johnson) - Global Studies Counselor and TOPS

Office Phone 209-550-3430 ext. 2527, N-Building thompson.me@mcs4kids.com

Alison Kuykendall - Career Technology Counselor

Office Phone 209-550-3430 ext. 2529 N-Building kuykendall.A@mcs4kids.com

Balloting By the end of March, counselors will have met individually with all current 9

th, 10

th, and 11

th grade students

to ballot for next year’s classes. During this time, counselors reviewed student transcripts and graduation requirements to ensure students were enrolled in the correct courses.

It is important to remember that a teacher’s recommendation for next year’s class/level placement can change during the 4th quarter since the placement is based primarily on 1st semester performance. Summer School Modesto City Schools Summer School Program will begin on June 4th and conclude on June 30th. Classes will run Monday thru Friday with a morning session from 8:00am to 11:30am and an afternoon session from 12:00pm to 3:30pm. Class time will depend on the course being taken. Counselors called in students to sign them up for summer school beginning April 16th to the 23rd. A list of students who were placed in classes will be posted in May. If your student did not get placed, there is still a chance to get on a wait list for open spots. Please contact your counselor if you have questions.

Phillip Jaramillo Assistant Principal Building N Global Studies Career Technology

From the Assistant Principal’s Office

N Building

VISITORS TO OUR CAMPUS:

All visitors should first check into the

main office (Building A). Once in the

office, visitors must register with the

staff and state the nature of the visit.

A visitor pass will then be issued,

which must be worn at all times

while on campus.

Gregori High School teachers and

campus supervisors have been in-

structed to question individuals on

campus who are not students or

staff. Please accept these questions

as appropriate actions on the part

of our staff in our effort to maintain

a safe and peaceful campus.

ENGLISH LEARNERS

ADVISORY COMMITTEE

(ELAC):

If you have a student categorized as

an English Learner, we would like to

encourage you to join us next year

and become involved with our Eng-

lish Learners Advisory Committee

(ELAC).

The purpose of this committee is to

advise the School Site Council and

Principal Goudeau on issues related

to English Learners so that we can

ensure academic success for all EL

students.

The meeting schedule for 2015-16

will be available at CLAW. In addi-

tion, several ELAC participants will

be available to answer your ques-

tions.

June 2016:

EF Tour Travel Opportunity to Athens,

Florence, and Rome

Is your student interested in travel? In June 2016, there is an op-portunity for GHS students (current Freshmen through Juniors) to experience the global classroom first-hand to gain new perspec-tives of themselves and the world around them.

If you are interested in your student traveling with this program, the deadline to sign up is fast approaching. Check out the tour details on the EF Tours website at eftours.com and enter the fol-lowing Tour Number: 1618516WY.

Please email Jessica Maravilla at Maravilla.je@mcs4kids.com for more information.

ATTENTION ALL SENIORS!

Do you know where you’re going to

school after graduation? MJC, CSU or UC?

If so, stop by the D Building and sign up

for your FINAL TRANSCRIPTS with Mrs.

Brasil! Remember if you do not sign up

in May, your final transcripts will not be

sent in June.

CLAW VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! (CLASSES, LOCKERS AND WELCOME)

IN ORDER FOR CLAW TO RUN SMOOTHLY, WE RELY ON THE HELP OF OUR

PARENT VOLUNTEERS. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO VOLUNTEER AND SPEND THE DAY WITH OUR ADMINISTRATORS AND STAFF, PLEASE CONTACT HOPE

DUFFY AT (209) 550-3420 OR DUFFY.H@MONET.K12.CA.US TO BE ADDED TO OUR VOLUNTEER LIST.

IT’S WITH THE HELP OF OUR AWESOME PARENTS THAT MAKE GREGORI THE

AMAZING SCHOOL THAT IT IS!

DATES FOR CLAW ARE AS FOLLOWS: MONDAY, JULY 27

TH – SOPHOMORES AND JUNIORS

TUESDAY, JULY 28TH

– FRESHMAN AND SENIORS

Flowers, leis and water will be

available for sale at Graduation

by the FFA!

Joseph A. Gregori High School Renaissance Program

Our Pledge to Excellence

Renaissance is a national movement designed to recognize, reward, and encourage academic growth and excellence in education. Pledge to Excellence donations go directly to Gregori Renaissance students. Stu-dents are recognized with tangible rewards and are showcased at school Renaissance rallies throughout the year.

(Please return this portion with your donation)

To make a donation, circle the desired level of participation and mail a check to:

Gregori High School

Attn: Renaissance, 3701 Pirrone Road, Modesto, CA 95356

Blue Bronze Silver Gold Platinum

$5-$20 $21-$35 $36-$75 $76-$150 $150 and up

Businesses: If you are interested in becoming a business partner with Gregori Renaissance,

please call us at (209)550-3420 or email maravilla.je@monet.k12.ca.us.

*If you make a Pledge to Excellence, you name will be displayed on a plaque in the front office.*

Name as you would like it to appear on the Pledge to Excellence Board:

All students are eligible to earn Renaissance status. Students are rewarded for their level of academic perfor-mance, even improved academic performance. Often, Renaissance incentives encourage a low performing student to work to improve even one grade, thus earning them a Renaissance card. Have confidence that your TAX DEDUCTIBLE Pledge to Excellence contribution will benefit our Gregori High School Students.

College and Career

Counseling

Hey Juniors! Senior year is just two months

away! Students who plan to apply to a four-

year university in the fall should consider tak-

ing the SAT and/or ACT this May or June. I

recommend taking one or both tests. Prep

books for both tests are sold online or can be

purchased at Barnes & Noble. Gregori’s

school code is 052031.

SAT Registration: www.collegeboard.org

ACT Registration: www.act.org

Have YOU “Navianced” lately? This is a great

place to search careers, colleges, take a per-

sonality test or start writing your resume! Stu-

dents who have misplaced their log-in or pass-

word should see me in the C Building.

Happy Summer,

Mrs. Shepherd

WORK EXPERIENCE

Mr. Rob Steves

Work Experience (WEX) is available to all juniors

and seniors for elective credit. It also allows the

student to work more hours than a regular work

permit. All work permits issued during the school

year will be good throughout the summer. If a

student needs a work permit for the summer only

or after the school year has ended, please go to

the ROP office on Reno Avenue and they will

issue the work permit. See the next page for

more detailed information.

Rob Steves

Work Experience Specialist

Head Baseball Coach

Joseph A. Gregori High School

209-550-3430 ext. 2540

MESSAGES FROM THE GREGORI COUNSELING TEAM

SUMMER WORK PERMITS

Beginning May 29, 2015

Work Permits for youth 14-17 years of age, who reside in the

Modesto City Schools District, will be issued at the:

School-to-Career Education Office 1017 Reno Avenue, Bldg. B, Modesto

Request for Work Permit forms may be picked up from

9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., Monday – Friday

After the Request for Work Permit form has been completed and signed by the parent/guardian, it can be returned to the School-to-Career Education Office. Each applicant must bring verification of age when returning the completed Request for Work Permit form. Documents that may be used for verifica-tion of age include any one of the following:

U.S. Birth Certificate

California Driver’s License

California Identification Card

Resident Card

U.S. Passport

Military Identification Card

Request for Work Permit forms left by 3:00 p.m. will be ready for pick up after

noon the following weekday.

If you need further information, you may contact the School-to-Career Education Office at

(209) 576-4164.

ASB/Leadership Applications are now available for cur-

rent GHS students in the SBO. Deadline for Elected Posi-

tions is on April 23rd, and for Non-Elected Positions on

April 30th.

Freshmen Leadership Applications are available on the

GHS website beginning April 13th. Interview spaces are

limited, first come first served. Application deadline is

May 8.

Prom is May 9, 2015 at the Gallo Center from 8-

11pm. Prom tickets are on sale in the SBO. Guest passes

are also available, please see Alison in the SBO for more

details.

Renaissance and PHAST Club Day on the Green will be

Friday May 1st. Parents interested in volunteering for

this event, please contact Jessica Maravilla at

Maravilla.je@mcs4kids.com.

Don’t let your SENIOR miss the last celebration of the year with their friends. JAGS

GRAD NIGHT will be held on the campus plaza from 10:00PM to 4:00AM, following

graduation, May 29.

All night party includes Former KWIN DJ, games, dancing, taco truck, full casino games,

Spec ops laser tag and archery tag, sports ball, rock wall, Gamez on Wheelz, HIGH VOLT-

AGE BAND, Basketball, Ping Pong, Bouncin Bins favorite bounce obstacle course, surf rid-

er and lot’s of incredible PRIZES. All is included for one low price $50.00. Your last

chance to celebrate with your class.

Forms are in the SBO or go to www.gregorisobergrad.com

Seniors can take advantage of our promoter special; Get 5 friends to sign up and pay and

your five friends will receive a $5.00 gift card to Jamba Juice and you will receive a

$50.00 Visa Gift Card.

The Sober Grad team welcomes faculty and parent volunteers the night of the

event. Please contact us at gregorisobergrad@gmail.com and like us on Facebook!

2015 ACADEMIC BLOCK G RECIPIENTS

Aldava, Ciera

Anderson, Jillian

Andrews, Mackenzie

Apellanes, Josemaria

Astorga, German

Badillo, Ched

Bailey, Jacob

Baily, Emma

Banh, Vanessa

Barandica, Dominic

Bartlett, Alyssa

Bath, Banmit

Becerra, Kelly

Bhandal, Amritpreet

Bowman, Malia

Bowman, Chynna

Britton, Andrew

Britton, Christian

Burciu, Ligia

Burdette, Javier

Campos, Angela

Carlson, Samantha

Carrillo, Dominic

Castaneda, Yuehesi

Chan, Kristina

Chapman, Chloe

Cheang, Ysabel

Cook, Karrigan

Coss, Aztly

Crilly, Nicholas

Dahuya, Rosheil

Dahuya, Roel

Dahuya, Rendale

Dieker, Kenneth

Dillon, Mackenzie

Doxey, Jessica

Dumlao, Kai

Eldredge, Sophie

Evins, Ryan

Eyison, Princess

Fox, Emily

Gill, Harmon

Goldman, Cameron

Goldman, Alexander

Goudeau, Tanner

Granberg, Stephen

Grover, Shelby

Harrison, Grant

Hawkins, Victoria

Hayes, Elisabeth

Hijaouy, Zakaria

Hijaouy, Lina

Howard, Amelia

Humeston, Alyssa

Hutchison, Jacob

Jamison, Hunter

Janitz, Tyler

Jensen, Alex

Jensen, Nathaniel

Khan, Saba

King, Ashley

Kleinfelder, Emily

Labaria, Albert

Logan, Bryce

Lynch, Jake

Mai, Haomin

Mak, Sarah

Manning, Jennifer

Martin, Lindsey

Martinez, Cristian

Martinez, Matthew

Mauthe, Alexander

McBay, Ashley

Merenda, Alexander

Meyer, Micaela

Monder, Simran

Mutchler, Kaitlyn

Neeley, Abigail

Neeley, Hannah

Olivarez, Michael

Ortega, Rick

Pesout, Shaina

Pham, Vy

Potter, Nick

Presses, Janae

Price, Chris

Ramirez, Miguel

Ramsdell, Kassandra

Rhodeman, Andrew

Rios, Chelsey

Rodriguez, Victoria

Runyan, Jackson

Salvador, Ricardo

Samano, Alex

Seah, Matthew

Seiuli, Anastasia

Sibala, Dhiraj

Sidhu, Sophia

Spencer, Noah

Stapley, Samuel

Sucala, Adrianna

Sucala, Bianca

Swan, Brianna

Taggar, Elizabeth

Tan, Aron Christopher

Tanner, Emma

Turn, Daniel

Van Dyke, Courtnee

Vaughn, Juliet

Villanueva Navarro, Ari-tzahi

Yepiz Yepez, Ulises

Young, Hannah

Below is the list of our 2015 Block G Recipients.

Congratulations Jags!