The PointPalos Verdes High School Special Edition

Becky Lee

PICTURE YOURSELF A SEA KING

CLASS OF 2018

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Welcome to Palos Verdes High School, the home of the Sea Kings! I am excited to share this special edition of The Point, which was designed and published by our outstanding journalism staff in collaboration with the award-winning Triton Yearbook staff. This publication is intended to give you a glimpse into what makes PVHS extraordinary: our stellar academics, exciting signature programs, winning athletic teams and varying extracurricular offerings. With 1700 students, Palos Verdes High School maintains a small school family feel with all of the same opportunities as a larger public high school. We encourage our students to seek every opportunity to find their passions, both in and out of the classroom, and to discover who they are as individuals. Our goal is to customize our students’ high school journey so that they have access to the postsecondary options of their choice.

The academic program at PVHS emphasizes rigor and innovation in the classroom and is supported by a dedicated faculty who strive to inspire and challenge their students. All of our students complete a Capstone Project which links our students’ learning to career readiness through research with real-world relevance. Our Advanced Placement program at PVHS continues to grow and succeed, with a consistent 80% pass rate by our students on their AP exams. Over the years, our students’ academic excellence has continually been recognized through numerous awards and accolades. Most recently, our school was awarded the California Distinguished School Award, making us a top 47 school in California and top 200 in the nation. With school-wide support of our college-going culture, our students experience tremendous success in the college process with over 80% of our seniors matriculating to a 4-year university each year.

At PVHS, we also emphasize the importance of our students finding a passion and becoming involved on our campus. We take pride in having a variety of opportunities for all of our students, allowing them to strengthen and enrich their current interests while exploring and investigating new ones. Our school is home to PVIT, Palos Verdes Institute of Technology, a nationally recognized STEM program with 10 competition teams. Live from 205 is our student-run news broadcast, which is an award-winning program at a national level. Triton Yearbook has garnered several national awards for design and journalism. Our Academic Decathlon, Model United Nations, and Mock Trial teams are all highly competitive, award-winning teams. From Ceramics to Drama, Choir to Marching Band, Dance to Photography, PVHS has outstanding programs for both the budding and the accomplished student artists. With over 70 student clubs, there is something for everyone. All of these signature programs are just a few of our many extracurricular offerings that allow our students to find their passions.

When you become a Sea King, you will always be linked to our PVHS family, a high-energy, spirited learning community. As you embark on your high school journey, our teachers and counselors will teach you the skills and give you the resources to follow your passions and achieve your goals. I look forward to embarking on this journey with each of you and welcoming you to our beautiful campus. So, go ahead…Picture Yourself a Sea King!

Charles Park, Ed.D.Principal

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SEAKING

THLETICS 28

IGNATURE PROGRAMS 6

DUCATION 16

INDNESS 34

NVOLVEMENT 40

EXT LEVEL 44

RADUATION & BEYOND 46

Photo by William Ricci

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THE FACES OF PV

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SIGNATUREPROGRAMSAVIDCapstoneArts & Media PVITScience ResearchWhy PVHS?Block Schedule

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OverviewBased on rigorous standards, AVID’s curriculum was developed by teachers in collaboration with college professors. It is driven by the WICR (writing, inquiry, collaboration, and reading) method. AVID’s curriculum is used in elective classes, content-area classes in AVID schools, and even schools where the AVID elective is not offered.Freshman & Sophomore YearsAVID ensures that all students, especially those in the middle with academic potential capable of completing a college preparatory path, will succeed. It provides a team of students for positive peer identification and redefines the teacher’s role as a student advocate. Junior Year This year is organized around the theme of “Leadership as a Catalyst for Change in Society.” Students study exceptional leaders in contemporary society, get experience in college bound activities, and participate in collaborative discussion with response groups.Senior YearThe final year of AVID features college tutors who lead discussions and help analyze academic courses in which students are currently enrolled. Students become leaders as they acquire greater leadership roles in and out of the classroom.

AVID

“WE GO OVER HOMEWORK IN CLASS AND IT’S REALLY HELPFUL. THERE ARE TUTORS THAT HELP YOU ON STUFF YOU ARE UNSURE ABOUT.”-JASMYN HARLAN (11)

“THE COLLEGE VISITS ARE REALLY HELPFUL... THE PVALUMNI THERE GIVE US TOURS.”-JACKSON HOBUS (12)

“IT’S A PLACE THAT YOU CAN RELAX [AND DO YOUR HOMEWORK], WITHOUT WORRYING ABOUT BEING IN THE SPOTLIGHT.”-JENNY O’DANIEL (9)

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OverviewStudents applying to colleges across the country are facing the unprecedented challenge of distinguishing themselves amongst an increasingly stellar applicant pool. Top private schools in the nation have addressed this challenge by including the rigor of Capstone culminating projects into their curriculum. Fortunately, graduates of Palos Verdes High School enjoy the advantage of listing their Capstone Project experience on college applications, thus highlighting yet another PVHS educational opportunity that is on par with elite and highly competitive private schools.Mission StatementOur Capstone mission is to prepare our students for college and careers by teaching them research, writing and public speaking skills, as well as engaging them in real world experiences (i.e. professional networking, job shadowing and internships). Our goal is that students will discover a lifelong passion at PVHS, whether it is something they wish to study further in college, pursue on a professional level or maintain as a lifelong hobby. Through Capstone, our students are afforded an opportunity to delve deeply into project topics, be partnered with relevant industry partners and compete for distinguished recognition and scholarship opportunities.

CAPSTONE

“IT’S A GOOD BEGINNING FOR THE FIRST OF MANY PROJECTS I MAY BE DOING.”-KRISTA GALLEBERG (12)

“WHAT WE ARE DOING IS GIVING US A TASTE OF WHAT THE INDUSTRY WILL BE LIKE.”-NICOLLETE FORSEY-SMEREK (12)

“I WANT SOMETHING TO SAY WITH MY PROJECT AND TO GET GRANTS FOR PVIT.”-WILL NODVIK (12)

Our Arts Department offers highly specialized and diversified curricula and programs in the forms of classes, workshops, and groups. It is among the most comprehensive and diverse programs to be found in any high school in the country. All courses are UC/CSU approved. Its mission is to create a comprehensive art-school experience within the context of a publicly funded high school. We combine a broad-based experience with a firm historical, theoretical, and practical foundation art curriculum. There are also specialized studies in the areas of 3-D art, art history, and studio art. At the advanced level, our programs are designed with a dual emphasis on tailoring programs of study to individual students while fostering shared experiences among a community of students. Our faculty is committed to the belief that an education in the visual arts and related scholarships can be grounded in tradition while geared toward innovation.

Live From 205 is an award-winning broadcast journalism program at Palos Verdes High School. This unique program has been nationally recognized. At the Student Television Network National Convention, 205 has won over 50 individual Student Awards, two Team Awards and four Excellence Awards, making 205 the number one high school weekly news show in the country four times. Live From 205 students turn their classroom into a newsroom, covering school news, the community, the city and beyond, taking Sea Kings to the scene, whether it’s on campus, at the beach, or in town. Reporters, photographers, writers, editors, and producers work together to produce newscasts. With original reporting and up-to-date information, 205 is committed to the craft of journalism. On any given day at school, one might see a 205 Reporter and photographer in action: interviewing, shooting, and/or editing.

“LIVE FROM 205 HAS TAUGHT ME REAL WORLD SKILLS IN RESEARCH, WRITING, AND EDITING. WE LEARN TO TAKE A STORY FROM AN IDEA TO A FINISHED PRODUCT, REPORTING ON IMPORTANT ISSUES ON OUR CAMPUS AND IN THE COMMUNITY.”-EMMA STAPLETON (12)

Art Program Live From 205

ARTS&

MEDIA

Students at Palos Verdes High School have employed their creative, writing, technological, and journalistic skills to develop their own radio production organization. Students working with Open Orchard Productions have created radio segments that have received eight licenses by nationwide radio stations. Segments are also broadcast through PRX, iTunes, SoundCloud, FeedBurner, and their self-created website. Atlantic Public Media’s group, Transom, awarded Open Orchard Productions with a grant and professional advice. Students have also had the privilege to tour and talk with experts at KPCC and KCRW.

PVHS Journalism classes produce a monthly, full-color magazine, The Point. The journalism program consists of editors, writers, photographers, illustrators, and a web editor. The Point’s content is determined and created by students. The Point has strong community support: approximately 300 families subscribe each year. In October 2012, The Point transformed from a newspaper to the first full-color, glossy high school magazine in the South Bay. The new format has created an opportunity to feature the creativity of Sea King artists and illustrators in a professional quality magazine.

Palos Verdes High School Triton yearbook staff is a nationally-recognized award-winning student-run publication dedicated to creating lasting memories for the student body, staff, faculty, and parents of PVHS. Students capture pictures and edit images; copy editors write and edit text; section editors design various areas of the book; ad editors gather and work on layout for senior dedication and business ads; and staff members seek interviews and format their page spreads. The entire staff collaborates with adviser, Ms. Susan Pavelka in Room 415. The Triton Yearbook recently won top awards from Columbia University, the National Press Association, the American Press Association, and a Benny Award from Printing Industries of America.

The Point Triton Yearbook Open Orchard

The Palos Verdes Institute of Technology – PVIT for short – is the technology and engineering program of Palos Verdes High School. It is composed of two parts: a program of academic study (which is part of the school’s teaching program) and PVIT Club (a program of extra-curriculars and project-based activities). The PVIT academic program is open to all students at PVHS, and the PVIT Club is open to any high school student in the Palos Verdes Unified School District. Participation in projects does not require being enrolled in the academic programs (or vice versa).

When the school reopened in 2001, PVHS students continued the PVIT tradition by becoming the only high school to field a DARPA “Grand Challenge” autonomous vehicle . The PVHS team competed with entries from top universities, such as Cal Tech, MIT, Virginia Tech and the winning vehicle from Stanford. With this established record of success, there was interest in further developing the PVIT program that would offer pre-college engineering/technology courses while continuing opportunities for competitions, internships, mentoring and research.

PVIT

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“IT’S AN OUTLET FOR ENGINEERING. IT’S AN INTRODUCTION INTO ENGINEERING THAT CAN REALLY HELP IN THE REAL WORLD.”~ TAYLOR TULEJA (12)

“IT IS A CLASS FULL OF BRIGHT PEOPLE LEARNING ABOUT THE THINGS THEY LOVE, WHICH IS MECHANICS.”~ ZOE CARON (12)

“PVIT LETS ME GO BEYOND A NORMAL ENGINEERING CLASS AND ACTUALLY LEARN THE TRUE MECHANICS OF ENGINEERING.”~ SHANE SHARP (10)

Competition

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SCIENCERESEARCHThe Galapagos Research Expedition is a six-week summer program that includes a ten day research excursion to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands that focuses on the ecological niche of organisms through observational studies. This is an intensive course in the use of field-based and general research methods related to Galapagos wildlife. The aim of this course is to help participants acquire skills and gain experience in using research techniques and give an in-depth study into the history and biodiversity of the Galapagos Islands. The emphasis of this course is on the collection, management, analysis and interpretation of data and information about the Galapagos Islands with relevance to evolution, natural selection, and adaptation. The format of the class includes a range of activities: class discussions of course readings, collaborative analysis of data, small group exercises, lab exercises, talks by

local island naturalists and Charles Darwin Research Station scientists, and lectures by the instructors. Students collect data on the ecological niche of a selected organism and prepare a written research paper based on their data and observations. Students earn an entire year (10 credits) of high school Science Research credits and can earn an optional 3 units of college credits from Lees McRae College in North Carolina.

CompetitionTeams

CyberpatriotFirst RoboticsMech WarfareRemotely Operated VehicleRobomagellanRocketry ChallengeScience OlympiadSolar CanoeUnderwater Remotely Operated VehicleUnmanned Aerial Vehicle

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QWhy PVHS?

Q: Why did you choose to teach at Palos Verdes High?A: It is the best school in Southern California, and it was an obvious choice. It was exciting and a newly opened school, and I have been very happy ever since.

Q: What do you think makes Palos Verdes High a unique school?A: Palos Verdes High is an open school and a safe place. It is the students who really make this place, and we just attract the right kind of student. I haven’t met a group of students who I don’t like. The students are into their sports and have a nice balance; they can do both their sport and handle the work in the classroom. That is why our students go on to success in college.

Q: What separates PV students from other high school students?A: PV High students clearly have a love of the school, and I think our school spirit here is unmatched. The students are very respectuful and are looking to get a good education. This is a great place. I think the students know that and really appreciate it.

Jim Whalen

AVID/ Algebra 2 Teacher

Q: Why did you choose to work at Palos Verdes High?A: I think it is the best high school in the world to work at. The staff is amazing along with the parent community that supports the school. We’ve had amazing administrators come through our school and I think we produce really outstanding kids.

Q: What have you noticed about the student body from your encounters with the students?A: The student body has such a diverse group of kids and they are so impressive. I come to work everyday and I am impressed by the students. They are smart, articulate, funny, creative, and confident. At PV students are involved in so many different things, and I am impressed with the level of their academic performance.

Q: What sets our faculty apart from any other?A: We’re a very fun group of adults that really love the kids here. So many of us opened this school and are so invested, and we are like a family. There are so many interesting people that are bonded together through creating a school, and I think that sets us apart. There are also adults on this campus who really love their school, and they show it in so many different ways.

Kristen Huber

Counselor

Blake Matsuda

StudentClass of 2014

Q: Why did you choose to come to Palos Verdes High?A: Palos Verdes High has a great reputation for both atheltics and academics: I have always heard great things. The overall spirit of the students is great and everyone is friendly.

Q: How do athletics and other extracurricular activities add to the students’ experience?A: I am a member of AVID which always motivates students to do their best and brings out their potential. Live from 205, Yearbook, and The Point provide real world experiences and prepare students for the next level. For sports, it’s always fun to have a group of athletes to hang out with, bring the best out of people, and hopefully win championships.

Q: How does the faculty as a whole add to the high school experience?A: The faculty and teachers really push you to do your best, and they are very supportive. They go out of their way to help the students, and they set the tone for what PV High really is.

Q: What have been your best memories at Palos Verdes High?A: The CIF Championship Football game was probabaly the biggest Red Tide has ever been, and everyone was just going nuts. We ended up winning the CIF Championship, and it was just a great moment for PV High.

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Block Schedule

What is the Block Schedule?

• Six class periods divided into two alternating days

• A Days –Periods 1, 2, 3• B Days –Periods 4, 5, 6• Over 2 weeks, students attend five (5) A

Days and five (5) B Days• Zero (0) Period meets every day for 55

minutes from 7:00am –7:55am

Advantages of Block Schedule

• Classes meet about 2 hours every other day

• Our block gains more class time by reducing time spent getting settled in and then packing up

• More teacher-student interaction time• Time to do real life, meaningful activities• More time for test taking• Prepare students to sit for SAT test, AP

test• Develop time management skills

necessary for success in college• In-depth and comprehensive coverage

of curriculum• Time for differentiated instruction• Time and stress management between A

and B day classes

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EDUCATION

EnglishSocial ScienceMathScienceWorld LanguageArtAP Programs & Pass RatesAcademic Programs

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ENGLISHin groups with their devices to share information and build something they can present in the latter half of the class. They not only get to learn in the class, but also process and demonstrate in class,” said AP Language and Composition instructor Cindy Damon.

All our courses stress careful reading, responsible thinking, and clear, precise expression of ideas. Students also study works representing a broad range of historical and cultural perspectives.

Damon also commented, “It’s important to intertwine history and culture into literature because it gives students a perspective of the environment that bore those

The English Department at PVHS is a proud team of 15 teachers who lead over 25 core and elective classes. English classes range from regular English courses to vigorous college-level courses.

We are committed to preparing students for the diverse literary demands of the 21st century and support the district BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) policy. During English classes, many students utilize their own laptops in order to take more elaborate notes and the ability to research online.

“With the two hour block schedule, I can teach the students new concepts and then have them work together

Class ListAP LanguageAP LiteratureEnglish 1 HonorsEnglish 2 HonorsEnglish 3 HonorsEnglish 1English 2 English 3English 4Reading & Writing SkillsEnglish Language De-velopment (ELD)Theories of a Good LifeJournalismYearbook

literary works. As readers and learners, we have to know what was on the minds and what was the authors’ priorities during their time.”

We have honors classes, opportunities to publish your work, and give annual awards for analytical writing, creative writing, and literary analysis.

Our teachers have backgrounds in film, surfing, music, art, journalism, and podcasting. There is a teacher and a class for everyone.

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SOCIAL SCIENCEThe Social Science

Department at PVHS is one of the best in Los Angeles County. Every teacher in this department is a veteran teacher and each has a passion for what they teach and are true experts in their fields. This expertise includes many years of teaching experience and three teachers with Juris Doctorate degrees.

The Social Science Department is a highlight of PVHS. Two things make the Social Science Department stand out from all other schools in the area.

First, PVHS is the only public high school in L.A. County to offer all eight AP social science classes, including AP Human Geography and AP

Comparative Government. Social Science Department

Lead Louis Harley said, “AP Comparative Government is a rare AP course only offered at a few high schools around the world. The College Board requires that students learn and understand the governments and politics of the United Kingdom, the Russian Federation, the People’s Republic of China, the Islamic Republic of Iran, Mexico and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

Secondly, the Palos Verdes International Diploma Program (PVID) is a unique, cross-curricular program that is only offered here at PVHS.

Here, students are

encouraged to take a series of AP and honors courses, get involved with internationally themed school clubs and prepare for international careers.

“PVHS is the only high school in the South Bay area that puts an emphasis on an additional graduation certification for Global Studies (PVID). In the 21st century, students will need to understand international geography, economics, politics and cultures in order to be prepared for their future in a globalized world. At PVHS, students have the unique opportunity to gain this essential learning that will be necessary for their futures,” said Harley.

Class ListAP World HistoryAP European HistoryAP US HistoryAP MicoeconomicsAP MacroeconomicsAP US GovernmentAP Comparative GovernmentAP Human GeographyAP PsychologyComparative ReligionWorld History HonorsWorld HistoryUS HistoryEconomics/GovernmentWomen’s StudiesAdvanced Religion/ PhilosophyPsychology Sociology

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MATHEMATICSwith classmates,” said Pre-Calculus teacher Lorraine Norris.

The PVHS Mathematics Department has created a fully comprehensive math program that addresses the needs of every individual student. From Algebra to Advanced Calculus, the PVHS math curriculum covers every area of high school mathematics, and also includes non-traditional courses in Statistical Analysis and Engineering.

Our outstanding mathematics faculty, which includes one PhD and several Masters Degrees, provide a rigorous set of Advanced Placement and honors courses.

The department also boasts

The mission of the PVHS Mathematics Department is to provide a world-class learning experience for all students and to provide those students with the mathematical knowledge necessary for success in college and in all aspects of their lives.

Part of the success of our students is due to PVHS’s block period schedule. It allows for more instruction time, more teacher-student interaction time, and more time for test preparation.

“Block scheduling allows teachers to answer students’ questions in class without worrying about the time. At the end of class, many teachers let their students work on the homework and solve problems

Class ListAP Calculus ABAP Calculus BCAdvanced CalculusAP StatisticsAlgebra II HonorsGeometry HonorsPre-Calculus HonorsEssentials of AlgebraAlgebra IAlgebra IIAlgebra II MCRGeometryGeometry MCRStatisticsPre-Calculus with LimitsCalculusFTS

an award-winning Math Club that participates in competitions at Pepperdine University, Caltech, and Cal State University, Long Beach.

Students also benefit from a number of extra-curricular math programs, including Math Competition, The Bay Math League, the California Math League, the Mandelbrot Contest, and the American Mathematics Competitions. We also have an active membership in the national mathematics honor society, Mu-Alpha-Theta where students can join and receive national recognition.

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SCIENCEThe Science Department

at PVHS not only provides students with core science classes, but also classes such as Marine Biology, Anatomy, and Physics.

By utilizing the block schedule, science teachers are able to conduct numerous laboratory experiements; this is especially helpful in chemistry classes.

“With block scheduling, we are able to finish experiments in one class, but with one hour classes these experiments will take up to two or three days. By implementing laboratory experiments, science students are well prepared for college. Many PVHS alumni return and complain about how their lab partners lack experience in

experiments,” said chemistry teacher Eva Stamper.

PVHS also provides students opportunities for learning beyond the classroom. Julie Munoz has been leading an expedition for the past 10 years on a 10-day field research trip for students to the Galapagos Islands off the coast of Ecuador.

Our award winning PVIT Program (Palos Verdes Institute of Technology) shows students the world of engineering and robotics, competing and attending shows across the nation.

Biology students learn the latest in DNA technology and mapping. Marine Biology goes whale watching and tide pooling every year, and Chemistry is

always blowing stuff up. “Whale watching and

tidepooling are ways to apply information learned in the classroom to the real world. It is important for students to actually ‘see’ what they are learning. They also gain additional valuable information from being in the environment of the ocean. It is a different world, and the only way to understand it is to go there,” said Marine Biology teacher Marta Wood.

With advanced technology and amazing teachers, PVHS creates the perfect environment for all students. There is something for everyone here in the Science Department at PVHS; whatever your passion, we have a pathway for it.

Class ListAP BiologyAP ChemistryAP Physics BAP Physics CAP Enviornmental ScienceBiology HonorsChemistry HonorsMarine Biology HonorsAnatomy & PhysiologyLife ScienceBiology Biology IIEarth ScienceChemistryMarine BiologyPhysicsScientific Research

WORLD LANGUAGEClass List

The World Language Department at Palos Verdes High School currently offers regular, honors, and AP classes for Spanish, French, Latin, and Chinese.

We have a dynamic, creative and experienced faculty of 11 teachers. Most of our teachers have earned Masters Degrees.

Our language programs benefit from the block schedule, which allows extended time, approximately 113 minutes, in the classroom to learn, practice, and refine all language skills. Our Chinese program offers five years of study, featuring third year accelerated pace and honors classes and fourth year AP Chinese Language with college credit

Our French program is four years. The third year is an accelerated pace honors class. The fourth year is AP French Language with college credit.

The Spanish program is a

five year program. The third year is an accelerated pace Honors class. The fourth year is AP Spanish Language with college credit. There is fifth year AP Spanish Literature with college credit. In addition there is a second and third year remedial MCR program.

PVHS recently started a brand new Latin program. “Latin is the basis of all Romance Languages and also is the origin of about 30% of English, due to the Battle of Hastings and the Norman invasion of Britain in 1066, which brought French to Britain, and mixed with Anglo Saxon, forming modern English over a few hundred years,” stated Latin teacher Mr. Miller.

The program consists of Latin 1 and Latin 2. Latin 3 will be established next year.

“Students benefit in many ways, including learning the roots of lots of English SAT

type words. Latin is also very important in medical terminology and legal jargon. Readings often focus on Greco-Roman mythology and history” said Miller.

The World Language Department is creating a German club that will meet Friday at lunch.

There is also a French Club and French Honors Society. Students will be able to host a French exchange student through the USMD..

Palos Verdes offers French Chinese and Spanish to eighth graders during zero period. These programs enable students to be one step ahead in fulling the foreign language requirement.

Spanish ISpanish IISpanish II MCRSpanish III MCRSpanish III Honors Spanish III Spanish IV AP Spanish Language Spanish V AP Spanish Literature Chinese I Chinese II Chinese III Honors Chinese IIIChinese IV AP Chinese Language & Culture French I French II French III Honors French III French IV AP French Language Latin ILatin IILatin III

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ARTThe Visual and Performing

Arts Department is among the most comprehensive and diverse to be found in most any high school in the country, public or private. All courses are UC/CSU approved.

At the introductory level, course offerings include: Ceramics, Drawing & Painting, Printmaking, Animation, Photography, Sculpture, Video Production, Drama, Jazz Orchestra, PE Band/Marching Band, and Dance.

At the more advanced levels, the department offers more specialized curriculum in AP Art History, as well as AP Studio Art 2-D and 3-D, including Surfboard Shaping and Glass Blowing; the National Award winning Live from 205, a live student news broadcasting team; AP Music Theory; Concert Band; Musical Theater; and Competition Dance Team.

Students are able to advance to second and third year courses in Animation, Photography, Video, Sculpture, Choreo, Orchestra, Jazz, and Drama.

We provide a diverse population of aspiring artists and art scholars with access to quality education combining a broad-based experience with a firm historical, theoretical, and practical foundation art curriculum.

There is also specialized study in the areas of 3-D art, art history, and studio art.

Our faculty is committed to the belief that an education in the visual arts and related scholarship can be grounded in tradition while geared toward innovation, can foster both discipline-centered and interdisciplinary activity, and can achieve a fusion of informed dialogue, practice, and production.

Class ListSurfboard Shaping AP Studio Art 2-DAP Studio Art DrawingGlass Blowing AP Studio Art 3-D Design Ceramics A Cappella ChoirMadrigal SingersMen’s EnsembleWomen’s EnsembleChoreo Dance Intermediate Dance PV Competition Dance Team Digital Animation Drama Musical Theater Drawing and PaintingSculpture Advanced OrchestraOrchestraConcert Band/Marching BandDrum LineColor Guard Jazz BandAP Music TheoryAP Art HistoryDigital Photography Video Production Visual Design in Print PublicationsLiterary Publications

“THE ART DEPARTMENT HAS OPENED ME UP FOR A LOT OF OPPORTUNITIES TO IMPROVE AND GAVE ME CLASS TIME TO WORK ON MY ART”~CASSIDY ROWE (12)

PVHS AT A GLANCE

78%AP Pass Rate

Advanced Placement (AP) Programs

646AP Test Takers

in 2013

10 National AP Scholars

94AP Scholars

Fran

ny L

ugo

27 AP CoursesOffered

1389 AP Tests Takenin 2013

1475’s Received on AP Tests

in 2013

81AP Scholars

with Distinction

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The PVID (Palos Verdes International Diploma) program provides a unique opportunity for students to gain additional international education. The creation of an international education program guides and inspires highly motivated students throughout their four years at PVHS. Students enroll in a variety of AP and honors courses in social science, English and world language with the goal of obtaining the knowledge and skills needed to be successful in the 21st century. Students will also be encouraged to earn the College Board’s prestigious APID (Advanced Placement International Diploma) while enrolled in the program. PVHS is one of the only South Bay high schools to offer AP Comparative Government and AP Human Geography. PVHS students are the only students in the South Bay to qualify for the College Board’s APID certification.

PVIDAcademic

Academic Decathlon is the premier academic competition in the US. It is a prestige and honor for any student to represent their school at the Academic Decathlon. California high school teams have dominated the national competition for more than 30 years and the Los Angeles County competition is one of the most challenging in the country. Decathletes participate in ten categories including speech, mathematics, history, economics and art which are based on an overall theme. This year’s theme is World War One. Recently PVHS Academic Decathlon Teams have won “Best New Team” and “Most Improved” awards at the LA County competition.

Decathlon

“IF YOUNG PEOPLE CAN’T FIND PLACES ON A MAP & LACK AWARENESS OF CUR-RENT EVENTS, HOW CAN THEY UNDERSTAND THE WORLD’S CULTURAL, ECONOMIC & NAT-URAL RESOURCE ISSUES THAT CONFRONT US? IT IS THE GOAL AT PVHS TO OFFER A QUAL-ITY INTERNATIONAL STUDIES PROGRAM, OUR PVID PRO-GRAM, THE ONLY ONE OF ITS KIND IN THE SOUTH BAY AREA, THAT WILL HELP OUR STUDENTS BETTER PREPARE FOR THE CHAL-LENGES OF THEIR FUTURE” ~ MR. HARLEY

CSF Library NHS The California Scholarship Federation, or CSF, is a state-wide organization that honors outstanding high school students for their academic achievement. Eligibility for semester membership is based on the previous semester’s report card. A total of ten points are required, with points assigned for “A” and “B” letter grades, and the applicability of coursework determined by the state CSF organization. Membership is not automatic. Eligible students must apply for membership during the enrollment period, during the first several weeks of the semester. A Sealbearer, or Gold Sealbearer, is a student who has been a member for at least four of the last six semesters of high school. One semester must be with senior grades. Each semester, students must participate in a CSF-identified community service project to keep their membership “active.” The club advisor is Jeff Mirosavich.

NHS, or National Honors Society, is a nationally recognized organization highlighting our most stellar Sea Kings. The group recognizes students who show achievement in scholarship, leadership, service, and character. NHS is open to juniors and seniors and also sponsors the group Painted Turtle. The students in the honor society need to have volunteer services (non-paid & non-academic) or service-oriented clubs, youth groups, volunteer work programs during their high school career. Students who become NHS members volunteer their time tutoring fellow Sea Kings who need academic support. NHS is a perfect opportunity to recognize the rare trifecta of accomplishments in the areas of academics, service and leadership. Ms. Secrist is the honor society advisor.

The Palos Verdes High School Library Media Center is an essential resource for PV High students, particularly as we focus on standards-based research across the curriculum and teach and support digital and trans-literacy. The library is a place on campus where all students come together and benefit from personalized one-on-one support in research, book selection and essay structure and formatting. The PVHS Library Media Center is more than a repository of print materials and a textbook warehouse. It is a place where students learn information literacy skills, and where teachers can find both print and digital instructional materials to support appropriate, meaningful standards-based learning. The library is open every day from 7:00 to 3:30. It provides 30 student computers. The library also has six academic subscription databases, enabling current, reliable, varied, and scholarly research.

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ATHLETICS

GoalsSports ListScholar AthleteCoaches

Winter SportsCheer Cross CountryEquestrian

FootballGirls GolfSailing

Boys BasketballGirls BasketballBoys Soccer

Fall SportsSongGirls TennisGirls Volleyball

Boys Water Polo

Since 2004, the first year of varsity competition, the athletic program at Palos Verdes High School has developed into one of the strongest in the South Bay. The keys have been great coaching, excellent facilities and strong school spirit. Private fundraising has enabled PVHS to install a new pool, as well as a synthetic stadium field, a new all-weather track and a beach volleyball facility. The crowning jewel of the athletic facility, the stadium field, was completed in the fall of 2011 and includes new seating accommodations for both home and visitor spec-tators, as well as a new press box and filming deck. There have also been significant facility improvements with the gym, tennis courts, baseball field and softball field. The weight room is one of the finest high school strength facilities in the South Bay, and there is also an outstand-ing training room manned by two highly qualified trainers. At Palos Verdes High Schoolathletics are a very important part of the high school experience.

ATHLETICS ABOUND

Winter Sports Spring SportsBoys BasketballGirls BasketballBoys Soccer

Girls SoccerBoys SurfGirls Surf

BaseballBoys GolfBoys Lacrosse

Girls LacrosseSwimming

TrackBoys Volleyball

At least one league championship in 21 of its 24

sports offerings

81 League Championships

12 CIF Championships

3 State Championships

SINCE 2004, PVHS ATHLETIC TEAMS HAVE WON ...

ATHLETICS ABOUND

Q: Why did you choose to come to Palos Verdes High?A: The combination of academics and athletics really attracted me to the campus.

Q: How do you manage your time between academics and athletics?A: At PV the block schedule really meshes together well in that you don’t need to set time aside for this and that, but everything is just built into the schedule. There is practice time, I go home to do homework, and then I come back to class the next day. It is really well scheduled here.

Q: How has Palos Verdes High helped you reach your athletic and academic goals?A: The great teachers and the coaches that I’ve met along the way in my four years, definitely my coach for cross country and all the teachers, help me progress each day to help me get smarter and also better at my sport.

Q: What separates sports at Palos Verdes High from sports at other high schools?A: The benchmark to succeed is high because at every school they have all of their sports, but at this school a lot of our teams go on to CIF and even win CIF. In cross country we have a [belief]: succeed and it keeps you striving farther.

SCHOLAR ATHLETE

Casey CelestinClass of

2014

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COACHES

Mr. Larkins

Boys Varsity Soccer

Mr. Gardner

Varsity Football

Mr. Shapiro

Cross Country

“Our goals are usually to perform to the best of our ability. Winning and losing can depend on other teams and other schools, so we just try and get our kids to run as fast as they can. The students that run cross country are usually some of the most fun and hardest working kids around, so they are a lot of fun to be around.”

“We want to be the very best that we can be. We are going to work as hard as we possibly can to be the best team we can be, so if each individual works as hard as they can to be as good as they can be then our team is going to be better. Another goal is for our team to be very cohesive, a very close knit group of guys. I love how hard the kids play and the school spirit. I’ve enjoyed the players at every school that I’ve been at but what really jumps out at PV is the school spirit with Red Tide, our own administration, our staff, and the whole student body. That’s what makes Palos Verdes High special to me.”

“From an early age I just loved sports and specifically team sports. The friendships that I developed because of sports and because I had such a great experience led me naturally to this profession. My general goal for every year is to let the kids decipher [our goal] and come across it themselves but also give them the best opportunity possible to go all the way in playoffs. We are at a competitive school and we are always a competitive program. For individual goals, it has to be self driven at first, and it is our job as coaches to help the kids figure out what they want to do and what they are capable of.”

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KINDNESS

EnvironmentASBLink CrewChallenge DayCounseling

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Link Crew is a high school transition program that welcomes freshmen and makes them feel comfortable throughout the first year of their high school experience. Link Crew begins with a powerful orientation that makes freshmen excited and proud to be attending their new high school and allows them to begin developing relationships and strategies that will contribute to their high school success. The purpose of this orientation is to make the transition from middle school to high school a positive one. This orientation is for ALL freshmen.After orientation, Link Crew continues, providing a variety of both academic and social follow up activities throughout the year.

LINK CREW BEGINS WITH A POWERFUL ORIENTATION THAT MAKES FRESHMEN EXCITED AND PROUD ABOUT ATTENDING THEIR NEW HIGH SCHOOL.

Link CrewASBASB stands for Associated Student Body. Every student at PVHS is a member of thestudent body. The Associated Student Body at Palos Verdes High School is governed by the ASB Student Council. Consisting of 40 students this class creates, implants and oversees all student activities at Palos Verdes High School. Student activities range from pep rallies and dances, to awareness weeks and school-wide community service. The purpose of each activity is to engage students and create a welcoming, spirited, enriched and involved school community at Palos Verdes High School. In addition to campus wide events, the ASB Student Council also oversees over 70 student-run organizations on our campus.

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The counseling department at PVHS believes in supporting every student to ensure a positive experience in high school. Our goal is to advocate for students in all areas of their life from personal/social issues, to academic support, to college and career guidance. The counseling department staff is comprised of five full time counselors, one College and Career Center Counseling specialist, and one Coordinator of Scholarships and Financial Aid. Caseloads are divided alphabetically so that we can work with our students during their four years of high school. We actively promote a college going culture on campus, providing a unique and carefully planned college-career pathway for students beginning in their freshmen year. Every year over 100 college admission officers from colleges across the country visit PVHS to conduct information sessions for students. Through the College and Career Center, PVHS students have access to special programs that include College Day, Financial Aid Night, and FAFSA Assistance.

THE PVHS COUNSELING DEPARTMENT STRIVES TO HAVE A PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH EACH OF OUR STUDENTS AND WE WILL BE THERE TO OFFER SUPPORT AND GUIDANCE EVERY STEP OF THE WAY.

CounselingChallenge DayThis program is designed to build connections and empathy and to fulfill the vision that every Sea King feels safe, welcome and supported on campus. Challenge Day is a yearly program at PVHS intended to bring compassion and positive change to our student body. So what happens in that gym and what does it really mean for PVHS?Our students take an honest look at who they are. They are asked to get real about themselves, “lose the image” and be 100% “you.” With this program comes lots of understanding about respect, oppression, and how we treat each other every single day on this campus. We also become aware that we are powerful and we can “be the change we want to see in this world.” From this program, PVHS developed another leadership opportunity with our “Be The Change” class. This innovative program is comprised of 27 student leaders who work to create a school environment of inclusion, positivity and acceptance through schoolwide events and activities.

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ENVIRONMENTBrianna Riede, Senior: “The environment here is really amazing and unique from a lot of other high schools. I find myself lucky to be able to go to school in a professional environment where studying and prospering are highly enphasized, yet I know that I can come to school and be assured of a lot of school spirit and positivity. People here work very hard and diligently, which inspires me to do the same and achieve whatever it is I wish.”

Christina Hirano, Counselor: “PV High is a place where students and staff can be themselves; coming to PV High in jeans and flip flops is not uncommon and openly welcomed. From the time I was here as a student the atmosphere has not changed. The teachers are always willing and ready to go above and beyond for their students. When you walk on campus you see students interacting with each other, seniors giving underclassmen a smile in the halls, teachers joking with their students, and security guards giving a friendly hello to our students and parents. PV High was an amazing place to be a student, and now to work as a counselor. There is no other place in the world like PV High where teachers and staff remember your name from years past and continue to support and encourage you far beyond high school and the classroom.”

Bill Peterman, English Department Chair: “PV High is just a cool place, aesthetically superior to any high school I’ve ever seen. Students work their tails off, but find the time to have fun. I would hazard a guess that there’s as much freedom of expression here as you could have at any public high school.”

Gregory Natt, Sophomore: “Walk into school, I’m greeted by tons of adoring friends and cheerful strangers. Marching band is literally shaking the ground right now. Love it! Look at all these people who showed up to our home Varsity game. Awesome! This is the wonderful abode I call Palos Verdes High School.”

Erica Tang, Senior: “PV is really festive during any holiday and ASB does a good job at decorating the campus. The school dances are pretty fun. As a community, I think PV is a good place to strive and grow up in. I love PV because of the oceanic atmosphere and the cliffs are literally our backyard. Overall, I’d say PV is paradise.”

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Involvement

MUNMock Trial Project RunwayThespian ClubRed Tide

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MODEL UNITED NATIONS Model United Nations (MUN) is an international program that allows high school and college students to debate global issues in mock United Nations committees at conferences throughout the state and country. PVHS MUN students participate in conferences at UCLA, UC Berkeley, and Georgetown University, among others. PVHS students enrolled in MUN earn social science elective credits and are also able to satisfy requirements that go toward earning the prestigious Palos Verdes International Diploma. Lindsay Hoffman, class of 2011, said, “Model United Nations gave me the opportunity to interact with more students in my grade and with upper classmen as well. I made so many new friends in MUN that really helped me adjust to high school. It also helped me immensely with my public speaking skills, and it assisted me in engaging in diplomatic discussions with strong viewpoints. Model UN is an amazing program that really contributed to my high school experience.”

THESPIAN CLUB

MOCK TRIAL Mock Trial, now in its eighth year at PV, is a challenging and competitive program in which students meet biweekly and prepare together in order to eventually hold simulated criminal trials. One of 76 schools in Los Angeles County that participates yearly in the National Constitutional Rights Foundation Mock Trial program, PVHS has reached the elite eight five times. Individual accolades have been constant as well. This year alone, PVHS took home 14 individual awards, including Defense Attorney of the Year, awarded to only one student who exemplifies the skills, demeanor and disposition of a criminal defense attorney.

Nicole Thompson is thrilled to be the head of the drama program here at Palos Verdes High School. A South Bay native, Thompson holds a BA in Dramatic Arts from the University of California, Santa Barbara, a teaching credential in Drama/English from San Diego State University, and has trained at New York University’s CAP21 Musical Theatre Conservatory. Prior to teaching at PVHS, she taught in San Diego at the Coronado School of the Arts, the La Jolla Playhouse, and the Old Globe Theatre. Directing credits include Palos Verdes High School’s productions of The Iliad, The Odyssey, All of Greek Mythology in 99 Minutes or Less, Footloose, The Diviners, Bat Boy, Rumors, and Jekyll and Hyde.

Since its creation several years ago, Project Runway has been the second largest club on PV’s campus. Each year, this club organizes an annual fashion show featuring PV High students in order to raise money for various charitable organizations. In this show, students model clothing from local shops and boutiques. In previous years, the club has raised funds to support the Make a Wish Foundation and the Panama Service Project.

PROJECT RUNWAY

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RED TIDE

Red Tide is the largest club on campus and was established to promote school spirit. There are five presidents who oversee the club every year and work hard to lead the crowd of enthusiastic students during sporting events. The club designs and sells their signature “Red Tide” shirts every year which is a staple in most Sea Kings’ attire. Red Tide uses the money raised in shirt sales to buy spirit promotional items such as the Run Through Tunnel as well as confetti cannons, rally towels, and also financially backs the annual Scholar Quiz competition. Red Tide is the heart and soul of Palos Verdes High School!

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NEXT LEVEL

14.2Million dollars of merit and athletic scholarships

16%Matriculated to a

2 year college

6National Merit Semifinalists

25 National Merit

Commended Scholars

3 National Hispanic Scholars

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82%Matriculated to a 4-year college

27Students earned the distinction of “valedictorian” at graduation

98%Of the AVID class were

accepted by 4 year universities

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300Colleges offering admission to PV students

PVHS46

GRADUATI ON & BEYOND“PVHS helped shape the person I am today. I created a bond with the teachers, counselors, coaches and administration. Their support helped make my high school experience something that I will cherish forever”- Andrew Bucklin, UPenn

“PV high was a place to call home, a place where I discovered myself.”- Pecko Lin, USC

“PV allowed me to experience every element of high school.”- Kimmy Rich, UCLA

“PV High took me as an average student and put me in a position to attend and thrive in the finest university in the world.”- Nico Fine, MIT

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GRADUATION & BEYOND“As a journalism major, I was much better prepared in writing and editing than my college peers. I credit that to my experience in Live from 205 and Ms. Damon’s AP English class. PV High set me up for success at the next level. ”-Lizzie Stapleton, U of Oregon

“PV High was challenging, but it was a wonderful positive experience that prepared me for the rigors of college.”- Rebecca Mehra, Stanford

“I enjoyed the open atmosphere, the school spirit, and great people that made my high school experience awesome.”- Merit Milad, UC Irvine

“My teachers pushed me to strive both in and out of the classroom.”- JJ Kuwata, UC Berkeley

IMPORTANT DATESOPEN HOUSE 2014Thursday, January 23rd~ 6 pm - 7:15 pmHeld in Senior Park, MPR & Various Classrooms~ 7:15 pm - 8 pm Held in PVHS Gym

PRINCIPAL’S FORUMQ&A Session with Principal Dr. Park~ January 28th; 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm~ February 4th; 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm~ February 11th; 9:30 pm - 10:30 pmHeld in College & Career Center (Room 318)

SPECIAL EDUCATION FORUMQ&A Session with Special Education Department Lead~ January 28th; 5:30 pm - 6:15 pm~ February 4th; 5:30 pm - 6:15 pmHeld in College & Career Center (Room 318)For further information go to pvhigh.com and futureseakings.com

Photos Courtesy of Triton Yearbook & Kurt JupinCover Photo Inspired by Triton YearbookDesigned by Christine LiuCreated by The Point Editorial Staff: Grace Rehaut, Matt Gilbertson, Alisa Tashiro, Diamond Naga Siu, Lauren Mueller,Nicole Wagner, Lindsay Sunada & Sarah Milad