bonney lake high school

Panther Update
Parent Newsletter – February 2012
Volume 7 · Issue 4

Important Dates:

• 4/9 - 4/13 – No school, Spring Break
• 5/25 – School is in session, weather make-up day
• 5/28 – No School, Memorial Day
• 5/29 – School is in session, weather make-up day
• 6/21 – Last day of school, early dismissal at 10:25 a.m.

Important Dates for Seniors:

• 5/31 – Senior Awards Night*
• 6/10 – Baccalaureate Ceremony 3:00 p.m. in the commons at BLHS
• 6/11 – Senior Breakfast at Calvary Community Church 7:30-9:30 am
• 6/11 – 9:30 am - Graduation practice BLHS Gym **
• 6/12 – 9:30 am - Graduation practice at the Showplex **
• 6/12 – Graduation, at the Puyallup Showplex 6 pm (we are working on some bleacher seating and an additional screen to assist with viewing)

*Please note the school district calendar has an incorrect date listed for the Senior Awards Night (June 7).  The correct date for this event is May 31, 2012.

**Both practices are mandatory in order to walk at graduation – students should plan their schedules accordingly

Mark Your Calendar!
Students in the Sumner School District lost 4 days of instruction due to weather-related school closures in January.  The four school days are scheduled as follows:

The current school calendar includes 2 days for weather make-up in May:  May 25 and May 29, 2012, are now SCHOOL DAYS for all students K-12.

Two additional make-up days have been added to the last week of school:  June 20 and June 21, 2012, are also SCHOOL DAYS for all students K-11.  (June 21 is a half-day early dismissal for the last day of school.)

Heart of the Panther
Tuesday June 5, 2012
BLHS Commons

Plans for this year’s Heart of the Panther (HOP) award program are underway.  This program and awards night recognizes our student athletes and club participants who received the Heart of the Panther award this year.  At the end of the program we will crown overall male and female winners for both athletic and club/activity participation.  The event will feature Master of Ceremonies Aaron Levine from Q13 Sports, $1-2 appetizers made fresh by the Culinary Team, and much more.

Please contact Kathleen Tuttle for more information or if you would like to participate!  kathleen_tuttle@sumnersd.org.

Student Check-in Days for 2012-2013 School Year:
The student check-in days have been scheduled for the 2012-2013 school year.  We ask that you come during your assigned time.  If you come during a time other than your assigned time, you may be asked to wait until those assigned that time are finished before you are allowed to check-in.  The building will be closed for lunch from 11:00 to 12:00 noon.  Please arrive early enough to be finished to be finished by 11:00 a.m.

Schedules and other items for students not able to check-in on these days will be available on the first day of school.  However, it is advisable to get this taken care of on student check-in days in August, if possible.

Doin’ the Right Thing Awards:
In an effort to recognize students who “do the right thing,” staff members nominate students to be given a certificate and a Panther Doin’ the Right Thing keychain  from the principal and have their picture displayed on the “wall of fame” under our big panther in the commons.  Students receive this recognition for a variety of things they do for others, by returning something they found, by assisting others without being asked, and for being good citizens.  This year recipients to date are:
Samantha Kreider, Monique Bell, Eric Cruz, Derek Lund, Milena Acuna, Carmina Arteaga, Leslie Sumpter, Tyler Hernandez, Josh Journey, Mikaela Lawes, Sydney Jensen, Krista Hanson.

Counseling News:

Senior Awards Night Just Around the Corner…
 Parents/guardians please notify Becky Rayl, senior class secretary or Eric Crinklaw, senior class counselor, at 253-891-5766 of the college award letters received by your student as well as any scholarships or awards your student has earned so we can recognize their achievements at this year’s Senior Awards Night on May 31, 2012.

Registration for Next Year
Thank you to the parents or guardians and students who participated in this year’s Student Led Conferences.  Many of you were able to go into the computer lab to enter your elective requests for next year.  Counselors are now working to enter the correct required courses based on the information students provided on the registration form.  If you were not able to participate, please remind your student to turn in the registration form ASAP to the grade level counselor:  9th Kami Johnson, 10th Dasha Berry, 11th John Hofstrand.

Registration for Community College
If you are interested in attending community college, now is the time to begin applying and taking the Compass placement exam.  Contact the number below to schedule a time to take the Compass placement exam and/or check out the Web site for application information:

Green River Community College:  www.greenriver.edu.  Testing Center:  253-833-9111 ext. 2650

Pierce Community College:  www.pierce.ctc.edu 
Testing Center:  253-840-8343

Tacoma Community College:
www.tacomacc.edu 
Testing Center:  253-566-5158

Running Start
If you or your student is interested in Running Start for their junior or senior year and you missed the Academic Options Night, please have them see their grade level counselor ASAP.

Financial Aid for College
Seniors and parents/guardians need to apply for financial aid ASAP if you have not done so already at www.fafsa.ed.gov to determine if you qualify for financial aid for college.  The following documents are needed to complete the FAFSA:  social security number, driver’s license, 2011 W-2 forms and other records of money earned, 2011 Federal Income Tax Return or 2010 if income has not changed, any benefits such as Social Security, Veterans, Assistance, Welfare, bank statements.  Some colleges have financial aid deadlines.  Please check with the college for details.

Remaining 2012 SAT/ACT Dates and Deadlines:
This year’s juniors are encouraged to take the SAT or ACT this spring.

Testing registration information can be found in the CIC.  Register online at www.collegeboard.com

SAT Dates

*Testing at BLHS

ACT Dates
Students can register online at www.ACT.org.  ACT registration information can also be found in the CIC.

Career & Information (CIC) News:

Career & College Readiness:
The Sumner School District Web site has a link titled, “Career and College Readiness.”  Career and College Readiness helps prepare students for career and college options.  The goal is to equip students for a range of postsecondary education options, including two-year community or technical college degrees, four-year college degrees and registered apprenticeships.  Check out the link, which is located under the “Student & Family Services” tab on the District Web site for valuable career and college information or go to:  http://www.sumner.wednet.edu/ccr/index.html.

Scholarships:
Seniors:  A new edition of the “Senior Prowler,” including a new list of scholarship opportunities is available in the CIC.

Seniors:  The Washington State Opportunity Scholarship is available to those students planning to pursue a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, Math or Health Care and have financial need.  Applications are available at www.waopportunityscholarship.org and are due April 16.

Seniors:  Students planning on attending Green River Community College (GRCC) next fall should apply for the GRCC Foundation Scholarship, which is due April 30.  Apply online at www.greenriver.edu/foundation_scholarships.

Juniors – there is a Nordstrom scholarship opportunity due May 1.  Eligibility:  2.7 GPA, financial need, and planning to attend a four-year college or university.  Applications are available online at:  http://shop.nordstrom.com/c/nordstrom-cares-scholarship

*Check out the following FREE Scholarship Search Sites:  www.fastweb.com, www.scholarships.com, www.finaidfacts.org/scholarships.htm, www.schoolsoup.com, and www.projectopportunity.net.  

Resume Assistance:
Does your student need help with their resume?  If so, have them sign-up in the CIC for a Wednesday morning help session.  These help sessions begin at 8:00 a.m. and end at 8:45 a.m.

UW Nurse Camp 2012:
Information and applications are now available at www.nursing.uw.edu/nurse-camp and are due April 16.

Upcoming Events:
April 19
Bates Technical College – South Campus is hosting an Open House on April 19 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.  Take a career assessment, meet with instructors, take a campus tour, and learn about career programs through a variety of interactive experiences.  For more information, go to www.bates.ctc.edu/OpenHouse.  NOTE:  Students are required to have a pre-arranged absence and provide their own transportation if they choose to attend this event.

April 25
There is a Professional-Technical Career Fair at the Seattle Vocational Institute on April 25 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.  For more information, go to:  www.sviweb.sccd.ctc.edu. NOTE:  Students are required to have a pre-arranged absence and provide their own transportation if they choose to attend this event.

April 30 – May 4
Career Exploration Week is scheduled during student lunches the week of April 30. Students will have the opportunity to connect their interests and what they are learning in school with community and technical colleges, universities, colleges, apprenticeships, military, jobs, volunteer organizations and training programs.  Representatives from these agencies will have informational tables available during student lunches each day of this week.  Encourage your student to take advantage of this great opportunity to make connections.

Agencies who have committed to attend to date are:  Green River CC, Pierce College, and Tacoma CC.  Bates TC, Clover Park TC and Renton TC.  Central Washington University, Johnson & Wales University, the University of Idaho, UW-Seattle School of Social Work, and UW-Tacoma.  Arts Institutes of Seattle, DigiPen, Everest College, FIDM, Gene Juarez, ITT Technical Institute, NW College of Art and UTI.  The Center of Excellence for Careers in Education, Masonry Trades, and Registered Apprenticeships for Washington State.  All branches of the Military, including the Air Force Academy (TBD).  Apple Physical Therapy, Dental Careers, Henschell Chiropractic, Home Depot, Molen Orthodontics, NORPAK/Vector Marketing, and Puget Sound Energy.  Ecology Youth Corps (display only), Open Life Volunteer Opportunities, Seattle Aquarium, Sylvan Learning Center (ACT/SAT/COMPASS), Washington Business Week, and Youth United Way.

May 10
The Clover Park Technical College “Career Conference” is scheduled for May 10, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.  This is a field trip opportunity for up to 45 students in grades 9 – 12.  Students can secure their spot by signing up in the CIC early.  Activities include:  Career Workshops, 20th Annual Car Show, Environmental Science Fair, Aerospace Fair, CPTC Program Displays/Demonstrations, Financial Aid Workshop, and much more.  For more details, go to www.cptc.edu or contact Mrs. Helmold in the CIC.

Career/College Exploration
Check out the following Web sites with your student to explore careers or search for post-high school educational/training and scholarship opportunities: 

WOIS/The Career Information System
Go to:  www.wois.org
Site Key:  available in the CIC

Career Cruising
Go to:  www.careercruising.com
Username & password:  available in the CIC

Career & Information Center Questions?
Contact Sheri Helmold, Career Specialist, at 253-891-5752.  http://teachers.sumnersd.org/bhs/shelmold/index.php

Humanitarian Club News:
The BLHS Humanitarian Club is conducting a recycling fundraiser.  There’s nothing to buy.  They are simply asking you to protect the environment by donating your used consumer electronics and unwanted, broken or mismatched jewelry.  100% of the proceeds will help fund Humanitarian Club’s effort to build a clean water system in an undeveloped country through the organization Charity:  Water.

We are currently collecting the following items:
Cell phone
Laptop computers
Inkjet cartridges
MP3 players
Digital cameras
Digital video cameras
Handheld game systems
GPS devices
Radar detectors
Electronic book readers
Gold, silver & platinum jewelry

Please drop off any items you would like to recycle at the main office, CIC, or wing offices.

Culinary Team Takes 2nd in State!
Twenty-one of Washington’s top culinary high schools met on March 3 and the Panther team wowed the judges and spectators!

Taylre Vaughan (Team Captain) prepared and plated a chocolate bombe, “the cleanest dessert of the event.”

Jordan Sherwood was in charge of the American Waygu Filet Mignon entrée.  It was demolished by the tasting judges.

Savannah Wilcoxson with the appetizer assist and a phenomenal mashed potato side.

Matt Yantzer gets big kudos by cutting perfect tourneed golden beets.  A difficult 7-sided cut that “he executed better than student chefs at the college level.”.  This cut has never been attempted at this event and he nailed it!

Aaron Fischer was the standby alternate and Mike Snyder was team manager.

The students earned scholarship funds at a variety of culinary colleges, new knives, a 2nd place medal and the experience of a lifetime!

The Culinary Team’s mentor, Chef Eric of The Metropolitan Grill, was also awarded Washington ProStart Mentor of the Year!

FCCLA News:
The BLHS FCCLA chapter did extremely well at the State Conference this year!  We have the most champions from any school on the west side of the state, and 3rd in the entire state.

Chapter Recognition:
Tricia Littlefield was named as the Washington State FCCLA Master Advisor!  The BLHS chapter received several awards at the conference.  They received eleven accomplishment ribbons, for their dedication and hard work on projects this year.  This is the most they have ever earned as a chapter.  They also received an award for a 10% increase in membership.

State Officers:
Sarah Collins was recognized for her service this past year, with Honors, in her position as outgoing FCCLA Washington State Director of STAR Events.  Sarah was also one of two state FCCLA Scholarship winners, of $1,000.  Chelsea Crawford was elected to FCCLA Washington State office for this upcoming year.  She will hold the office of State Secretary.

STAR Events:
There are 30 different events that FCCLA students can compete in, and this year BLHS had eight competition groups.  Only the top scoring person/group in each event is the State Champion and also a National Representative.  In some categories, the second scoring team will be a national representative or a runner-up.

Alicia Bowman – gold medal and state champion for the MS Walk.

Sarah Collins – gold medal and state champion for her leadership project.

Travis Isaman and Kia Richter – gold medals and state champions for Culinary Arts.  They each received a $1,000 scholarship from Johnson and Whales.

Taylor Liebig – gold medal and state champion for early childhood project.

Jessica Collins – gold medal and state runner up for her chapter service project.

Chelsea Crawford – silver medal on her Focus on Children project.

Alli Kourkos & Shelby Beitinger – silver medal for the chapter showcase manual.

Andi Seaton, Haley Theriault and Karlee Foster – silver medal for their chapter service project.

FCCLA Blood Drive:
FCCLA organized an outstanding blood drive on February 27.  During this drive, there were 119 participants and 61 people who donated for the first time.  Your donations directly support MultiCare Health System and Franciscan Health System hospitals and clinics.

Art Show Winners:
Congratulations to the following art students for winning awards at the 2012 PSESD Regional High School Art Show:

Kayla Wyatt, 12th grade, won two awards for her India Ink piece entitled “Concrete Castles” Superintendent’s Award which means her piece will be purchased for $200 and on permanent display in their gallery (only one piece in the entire show receives this honor).  She also received the Outstanding Achievement Award in India Ink medium (best ink piece in the show).

Amanda Franz, 12th grade, won an award for her Colored Pencil drawing entitled “Octopus’ Garden”  Outstanding Achievement Award in Colored Pencil medium (best colored pencil piece in the show).

Drama News:
Cass Neumann – National Thespians Qualifier
Cass Neumann, 12th grade, competed in Western Washington Individual Events Festival in February.  Out of 700 performers, she was in the top 10% in two events:  solo musical and monologue.  This success qualifies her to perform at the National Thespian Festival in Lincoln, Nebraska in June.  Congratulations Cass!

Drama to Washington State Thespian Conference
Eighteen drama students headed over the pass to Central Washington University on March 15-17 to join 850 student thespians at the Washington State Thespian Conference.  It was a fun-filled, non-stop weekend of workshops and student performances.  Everyone came back tired but inspired.

Annie…the Musical! 
A Great Success!
BLHS Drama Productions had 45 student actors and stage crew and one dog perform to packed houses March 9-11.  Annie is a large production and everyone worked hard to make it a strong show.  Annie had nine different scenes to be built, 13 scene changes and over 115 costumes.

Amy Fuller directed the vocal music and pit band (which was a combination of students and adult musicians).  Brenda Williams was the director assisted by volunteer assistant director, Linda Walrath.  Josh Banks volunteered with acting support.  Mark Walrath created the PR posters and brochures.  David Furhnstahl generously provided printing for signs and programs.  There were many other wonderful volunteer parents and community members who gave of their time and talents to make Annie a   wonderful show.

Before rehearsal started for Annie, the cast and crew decided to support a local organization who helped kids.  They decided to support the Sumner/Bonney Lake Family Center with 20% of total tickets.  Happily, because of the 1,300 people who saw the show, the drama production was able to give the Family Center $2,480.40!

Thanks to all who came out to support the BLHS Drama Department!

CAST OF ANNIE
Caitlin Bassett – Pepper
Cass Neumann – Hannigan
Megan Schultz – Duffy, Dance Captain
Alicia Neumann – July
Emily Shay – Orphan
Amanda Williams – Orphan
Annie Weber – Orphan
Alyssa Kreg – Orphan
Faith Clarke – Orphan
Tyler Blad – Bundles
Christian Sandoval – Hull/Ensemble
Hayden Dunning – Fred McCracken
Michael Scribner – Bert Healy
Zach Golden – Roosevelt
Michael Furnstahl – Warbucks
Mallory Ballard – Star to Be
J.J. Jamison – Rooster
Becca Wilcox – Sophie
Hannah Joyce – Boylan Sister
Jessika Abella – Boylan Sister
Lizzie Rice-Reynolds – Boylan Sister
Sara Cloud – Apple Seller
Alyssa Evans – Maid/Ensemble
Leanna Fletcher – Annette
Emy Gaub – Mrs. Greer
Matt Lundquist-Kohlman – Ickes/Ward
Jake Frebe – Drake
Rachel Shay – Grace
Karlee Foster – Annie
Marie Friis – Mrs. Pugh
Julia Olsen - Cecille

Choir News:
Six BLHS choir members attended the NW American Choral Director’s Association Convention in Seattle, March 15-18, to sing in the prestigious honor choirs.  9th graders, Heather Hopkins, Natalia Medrano and Madeline Mazur sang in the women’s honor choir.  Congratulations to these fine young singers for being the best in the northwest!

Senior singer Maile Gagner has been selected for the finals for “Nashville Country Star,” a voice scholarship competition for Washington High School students.  The finals were held in Okanogan, Washington on March 31.

Band News:
On Saturday, February 25, BLHS had nine students compete in the Solo & Ensemble Contest.  Five students received a rating of “Superior” and four received a rating of “Excellent.”  These are the students who performed:

Emily Gaub – 12th grade (Flute)
Rebecca Hursh – 9th grade (Flute)
Kirsten Kennedy – 9th grade (Flute)
Stasia Kulsa – 9th grade (Flute)
Victoria Lafferty – 10th grade (Clarinet)
Miranda Macdicken – 9th grade (Flute)
Chelsea O’Brien – 9th grade (Clarinet)
Lizzy Rice-Reynolds – 9th grade (Tenor Sax)
Catherine Tangen – 11th grade (Clarinet)

Also, congratulations to Lizzy Rice-Reynolds for being selected as 2nd alternate for state.

Special Olympics News:
Bonney Lake/Sumner Special Olympics basketball team takes the GOLD at the Winter Olympics Games!  The team went 3-0 against some tough competition to bring home the gold.  Our Individual Skills competitor, John Adams, also took home a silver medal.  Our peer coaches, Caleb Bernard and Adam Gordley, along with Sheila Cheatham and Kathy Arnold were amazing supports all year long.  The athletes are coached by Keith Ross, Lacey Hertlein, and Shena Mouring.  The team is made up of the following athletes from both high schools and transition programs:

John Anthony
Devin Pederson
Gloria Na
Cody Kuhlman
Kristina Heckard
Daniel Daily
Ally Frame
Andy Scott
Chris Friant

Drill Team – District Champions!
The Bonney Lake/Sumner Drill Team took home the WCD District 3 Title on March 10 in the 4A Military Category!  The team also placed 4th with their Pom routine at Districts.  The team traveled to Yakima on March 23 for the 4A State Competition (because the team has students from both Bonney Lake and Sumner High Schools, they have to compete in the 4A category).  The team scored their highest scores ever and placed 6th in the State with their Military routine and 7th in the State with their Pom routine!  Four team members were finalists in the Drill Down at State; Stephanie Bartlett, Katie Lasko, Alison Plunkett and Makenna Taylor.

Drill Team is a year-round activity and the team practices and trains very hard for their competitions.  The team exceeded their goals this year and is extremely happy with the 2011-2012 season! 

Tryouts for the 2012-2013 team are just around the corner.  A mandatory parent meeting will be held on April 30 at 6:30 p.m. in the BLHS Lower Lecture Halls.  Come to this meeting with a parent and get all the information and paperwork you will need to try out for the team!  Try out days are May 7-14 from 5:00 – 7:30 p.m. in the BLHS main gym.

Congratulations to the BLHS Drill Team for their most successful season to date!

WE’RE BONNEY LAKE, WE’RE BLACK AND TEAL!
Mark your calendar, cheer tryouts for the 2012/13 school year is just around the corner.  Tryouts will be held May 21-24, 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.  If you are interested in being a Panther Cheerleader there will be a mandatory information meeting May 14 at 7:00 p.m. in Lecture Hall A.  We will also hold an “open practice” on May 15, 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., for those who would like to see what being a cheerleader is really like.  Hope to see you there!  If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Coach Stacia Dorman at staciadorman@gmail.com.

End of Season Wrestling News:
The Bonney Lake wrestling team finished another great season.  It was a season of firsts for the team as they took home their first state trophy, 3rd at state!  They also had their first two-time State Champion, Andrew Cunningham.  Andrew beat the number four, three and one ranked wrestlers in the State to win his title.  They also had their first Women’s State Champion in Yodi Lawes.  Yodi just completed her second year of wrestling and is already a State Champ.  They had their first wrestler to make it to the State Finals in both his Freshman and Sophomore years in Colton Tracy.  Though he took 2nd this year he is determined to be on top of the podium next year.  They also placed a number of other wrestlers.  Sophomore Chili Sabin took 3rd at 160 lbs, Senior Jake Lueders took 5th at 170 lbs. and Junior Matt Yuste took 8th at 145 lbs.  Assistant Coach Jeremy Sabin was voted as the Regional Assistant Wrestling Coach of the Year.

With the placing this year, the BLHS wrestling family has placed 17 wrestlers including nine finalists and five champions in their six year history.  They would also like to mention that BLHS wrestling alumni Nick Bendon recently placed 6th in the Nation in JUCO Nationals!  Finally, they would like to welcome home another BLHS wrestling alumni Owen VanWyck from a yearlong deployment with the USMC.

Students at Risk When Drivers Do Not Comply with Traffic Rules:
Due to the unsafe situations and potential accidents, we need to remind parents that they need to use designated drop off and pick up areas when driving their students to and from school.  Please do not drop off students near the daycare.  This creates unsafe conditions for other drivers who may not see your student and are not prepared to stop.  It also creates traffic backups.  We would like to ask all drivers to comply with the 4-way stops as this helps with the flow of traffic and most importantly, the safety of our students.  Also, please do not park and wait for your student in areas that are not specified as waiting areas.  Currently, cars are parking and waiting for students in a two lane area which does not allow the traffic flow as it should.  One area of concern is the curb next to the Fastpitch field.  This could cause a potential head on collision because drivers are trying to go around the parked vehicles.  Please use the designated areas at the front of the building, the senior lot or an available numbered parking stall.  Safety for everyone is a concern here at BLHS.  Please help us keep your students and their families safe.

Healthy Kids are Better Students:
Research shows the positive effect of moderate to vigorous physical activity and fitness on academic performance.  To help students better manage their personal fitness, PE teachers are utilizing new curriculum Five for Life that focuses on the “five components of fitness,” which are:  cardiorespiratory endurance, muscular strength, muscular endurance, flexibility and body composition.

Fitness measurements in the five areas help students to evaluate their current fitness levels and set goals for how to maintain or improve individual fitness.  The result of these measurements is a personal fitness report which provides you with a snapshot of your student’s fitness status and the change in that status over time.

Five for Life will help students to understand how fitness affects general long-term health and will empower students to take charge of improving their personal fitness.

Please support your child’s fitness development by encouraging their participation in all aspects of fitness measurement at school and by joining them in physical activities and healthy eating at home.

Volunteer Application Now Online:
The Sumner School District has a new online volunteer application process.  All volunteers are encouraged to complete the online application before April 1.  The application is linked from our school Web page by clicking on Volunteer Information.

The process should take approximately twenty minutes.  To apply as a volunteer, please complete the following steps:

*Fill out the online application; please be sure to complete your profile and checklist.

*Complete the items in the checklist, including the mandatory disclosure.  A State Patrol background check is conducted on all volunteer applicants.

*Once approved, all volunteers must annually resubmit an application to volunteer.

If you need help scanning documents to upload or access to a computer, please call Human Resources at 253-891-6025, or stop by the school office for assistance.  Thanks so much for your willingness to serve the students of the Sumner School District.

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