October 2011 - Archbishop Riordan High School

1906
The Crusader
October 2011 Parent Newsletter

Activities, Alumni & Development, Athletics, Campus Ministry, Performing Arts, Academic Calendar
9am - Italian
Heritage
Parade @ San
Francisco
11am - Student
Study
Session @
Cafeteria
11am - Udovich
Scholarship
Luncheon @
Chaminade
Hall
Oct 2011 (Pacific Time)
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
25 26 27 28 29 30 1
10am - Open House
@ Gym,
Theatre,
Cafeteria
and School
Building
B Day A Day B Day - 12:00
A Day
B Day
Sports
Dismissal
1pm - Professional 7pm - Freshman Sports
8am - College Board
Development
4pm - Chevy's
Family Night
Cluster
7:15pm
Mtg
- BSU
@
Library
Parent Mtg
9am - Academic
Awards @
SAT
8am - High School
Financial Aid
@ Hickey
@ Room
Theatre
Form
2 3 4 Blvd. So. San
Francisco
5 207
6 7 Available
Online @
8
A Day
B Day
A Day - 1:20
B Day
A Day
Online Sports -
7:45am - Fall Spirit 7:45am - Fall Spirit
Dismissal
Sports @ Golden 7:45am - Fall Spirit Denim Day - Real
Homecoming
10am - Drama
9
Week
10
Week
6:30pm - CM
Praying
the Rosary
Evening @
Romm 222
Lecture
11
Gate
7:45am
Park
- Fall Spirit
Week
8am - Admissions
Office Parent
Tour @ Meet
at Main Office 12
Week
13
Men
Sports
Wear Pink @
ARHS Courtyard
10am - Fall Spirit
Rally
14
Booster
6pm - Homecoming
Work
Dance
Day @
Theatre
15
B Day
Hall A Day 12th Application B Day
A Day - Dismissal Sports
Fleet Week Band
Workshop
National Testing 10am - Achieve
following
Sports
Mass
10am - Achieve
16
Challenge
3pm - Academic
@ Golden
Gate
Council
Park
17 18
Day
10am
- 9th,
- Achieve
10th,
11th
College Tour
19
College Tour
20
10am - Achieve
College
11am - Mass/Dedica
Tour
tion - Chapel
and
Residence 21
College
4pm - Class
Tour
of '71
Reunion
6pm - Class
@
of '86
After
Reunion
football
@
game
San Mateo
in
Chaminade
Elks Club
Hall
22
B Day A Day B Day - 1:20
Mid-Terms Blocks 1 Mid - Terms Blocks 3 Sports
Dismissal
Sports
&
5:30pm
2
- Archdioces
&
Sports
4
10am - Drama
23 24
No Classes
Senior Portraits @
Riordan
8am - Make-up
Gym
Exams @
Academics
Office
A Day
3pm - Halloween
Decorations
25
B Day - 12:00
Dismissal
6pm - Achieve
Family
Meeting @
Riordan
Library
26
e Board of
Education
Committee
@
Residence 27
Hall A Day and
President's
Library 8am - Junior Unity
Mass
8am -
@
Sophomore
Theater
Retreat
2:45pm
@
- Student
Presentation
Senate
Center 5pm - MLC @ Room
111
28
B Day - 1:30
Dismissal
Sports
for Open
House
8am - Sophomore
Retreat
10am - Class
@
of '61
Presentation
Reunion @
Center
Lake Merced
Golf Course
Booster
5:30pm - President's
Work
Dinner
Day
@
@
Theatre
Lake
Merced
29
Golf
Course Sports
8am - Gold Diploma
Class of '61 @
Chapel and
Cafe
30 31 1 2 3 4 5
A Day B Day
9am - All Saints Day
Mass
4pm -
@
Exec Board
Theater
Meet-Lecture
Hall @
President's
Conference
Room, 2nd
floor
A Day - 1:20
Dismissal
Sports
8am - Admissions
Office Parent
Tour @ Meet
at Main Office
B Day
5:30pm - ARHS
Board
6:30pm
of
- Parent
Trustee
Drug
Meeting
Informatio
@
5:30
n Mtg
pm
@
Dinner
Room 207
- 6:
00 pm
Board
A Day
Sports
10am - Dracula Tech
Week Begins
@ Theatre
Sports
5:30am - Lodi Band
Review
8am - College Board
San
SAT
Ramon
10am - Dracula Tech
Week Begins
@ Theatre

WHAT’S INSIDE
THE CRUSADER
October 2011 Parent Newsletter
! Principal’s Welcome – A September to Remember
! Dean of Academics – Prepping for Mid-Terms!
! Dean of Students – Notes about Tardies, Shaving and Student Issues
! Finance Office – New Online Financial Aid Application Process
! Campus Ministry – Liturgies, Retreats and How to Pray the Rosary
! Drama – Dracula is in full swing, Volunteer Opportunities and More!
! Student Activities – Dances, Frosh Elections and Senior Portraits
! Counseling – NATIONAL TESTING DAY IS OCTOBER 12
! Athletics – Crusaders Win, New Traffic Patterns and a New Partnership
! Band News – Around Town with the Band
IMPORTANT DATES FOR OCTOBER 2011
10/3 – 10/7 Homecoming Week
10/4 – Family Event: “How to Pray the Rosary”
10/4 – Latino Parents Meeting (6:00 PM)
10/8 – Homecoming Football Game and Dance
10/9 – Marching Band @ the Italian Heritage Parade
10/10 – Marching Band @ US Marine’s Band Challenge Competition
10/12 –National Testing Day
10/15 – Drama Booster Work Day
10/16 – Mid-Term Student Study Session
10/20 and 10/21 – Mid-Term Exams
10/21 – Senior Parent College Talk and Coffee with Mr. Anastasio
10/24 – Senior Portraits
10/27 – Junior Unity Mass
10/27-10/28 – Sophomore Retreat

FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Dear Family and Friends of Archbishop Riordan High School,
It is hard to believe that we are already in October. As we conclude the last days of
September, I want to congratulate our students and staff for an eventful month. Here
are a few highlights:
• One of our annual events is the AIDS PENNY DRIVE. As always, the faculty,
staff and young men of Archbishop Riordan were incredibly generous in
providing financial support to the AIDS Emergency Fund, bringing in 572 pounds
of change.
• Our Director of Admissions, Mr. Derek Tate, and his ambassadors have visited
more than 10 schools and spoken about the “Brotherhood” of Riordan. We have
also had about 40 8th grade students visit our campus as “Crusaders for the
Day.”
• The football and cross country teams are also in full swing. Let’s go Crusaders!
• The Dracula cast has been chosen and daily rehearsals are occurring in the
theatre.
• And I must not forget the Music program. Our band members have already
performed at a home football game and competed in the Antioch Band Review.
Last but not least, faculty, staff and alumni facilitated the Fall Kairos, with more than 30
senior participants. In each of these areas, I want to say, “GREAT JOB CRUSADERS!”
I could not be more proud of the faculty, staff, students and community of Archbishop
Riordan High School. You are AWESOME!
As I take a peek at the activities scheduled for October, it will be an equally busy month.
On that note, I invite parents, alumni and members of the Archbishop Riordan family to
get involved (check the calendar for upcoming events!), and continue to support our
young men as we prepare them to be future leaders of our community.
Peace,
Kevin R. Asbra
Principal

ACADEMICS
The school year is in full swing! Please note the following important upcoming dates:
Mid-Terms
Mid-Terms are quickly approaching! Please encourage your son to begin organizing his
materials. Students should also pay attention to any missing or absent work. If a
student needs help in a particular class, he should plan to attend an Academic
Resource Centers (ARCs) for extra assistance. They are available after school on a
drop-in basis.
Mid-Term exams will be administered on Thursday and Friday, October 20 and 21
from 7:45 a.m. to 12:00 noon. There is no lunch service on either day. Make-up exams
will be given on Monday, October 24th and administered only to those students whose
absences have been verified and excused by both the Attendance and Academic
Offices. An excuse is defined as a medical illness or emergency from a physician. First
Quarter report cards will be mailed on Wednesday, November 2.
The Academics Office will be hosting a Student Study Session on Sunday, October
16 from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm. For four hours the cafeteria will be available for students
to prepare for their exams. Parents and other adult volunteers will be available to
provide limited assistance to the students but also to maintain a positive learning
environment. Ten students may register for every adult volunteer. Adult volunteers do
not have to have the ability to tutor students in particular subject areas. Parents and
students may register by contacting the Academics Office at 415-586-8200 ext. *249.
Sign-ups are on a first come first served basis. Please pack/bring a lunch. Parents can
also receive volunteer hours by providing snacks.
National Testing Day
Wednesday, October 12 is National Testing Day and an important day for
students. For freshman, sophomore, and junior students, the standardized test
provides data to Riordan and colleges and programs who offer student scholarships and
opportunities. Encourage your son to get a good night sleep and eat a healthy
breakfast! Please see the Counseling section in this newsletter for more information on
this important day.
Colleen Eagleson
Dean of Academics

FROM THE DEAN OF STUDENTS
Dear Parents,
It has been a relatively quiet year so far in the Dean’s Office, which is always a good
thing. I recently met with the Freshman class to remind them that my job is to make sure
that they have a good learning environment and that if there is anything that is making it
difficult to learn, they need to let me know.
As always, there are just a few reminders I want to share.
1) One of the most valuable life skills I try to instill in the students is punctuality. I
fully understand that, occasionally, something will come up and a student will be
late. This should not be the regular pattern. Students who are late to block one
or the block after lunch (third or fourth, depending on the day) receive an
automatic detention. Students are allowed three excused tardies for block one.
This means that a note must be signed by the parent/guardian and turned in to
Mrs. Alvarado so that the student will not receive a detention. After the third
tardy, a note must still be turned in, but a detention will still be issued.
2) Students must come to school clean-shaven. I have had a few students who,
when asked to shave, complain that they cannot use the razors we provide. For
students with extremely sensitive skin, it is extremely important that they shave at
home. I completely understand the issue and am sympathetic. However, I cannot
make exceptions to the rules. Please make sure that your son shaves at home.
3) At times, situations arise between students. If you become aware of any
incident that occurs (i.e. bullying, teasing, fighting, etc.), please let me
know immediately. As much as I try to be around the building, it is impossible
for me to see and know everything that is going on. I can’t stop situations unless I
know about them.
Please, always feel free to stop by and talk to me or send me an email if you have any
questions or concerns. I am happy to assist you in any way I can.
Respectfully,
Miguel Martinez ‘95
Dean of Students

STUDENT NEWS AND UPDATES
BART Student Fare Cards
Bart Cards for students are available at ARHS. The tickets hold $32 worth of fare, and
can be purchased for $16. Interested students can purchase the BART cards from Mr.
Swan in Room 207. Checks should be made payable to ARHS. Students will be able to
get a full ride using their student BART card, even if there is only 10 cents left on it.
BART cards are available everyday, maximum four per month. If you have any
questions, please contact Ken Swan at kswan@riordanhs.org
Riordan Ping Pong
Congratulations and thanks to Bradley Clark, Rafael Guerrero, Young Lin, Martin
Schmaltz, Michael O’Brien Smith, Tony Wang, Joe Zheng, and Stephen Zhu who
represented Archbishop Riordan and District 7 in the Mayor’s city-wide ping pong
tournament on September 18. Riordan Ping Pong is on its way!
Parent Drug Information Evening: November 3
Alcohol and drug abuse accounts for many tragic accidents among adolescents who are
under the influence. Each year, ARHS offers an informational evening for parents to
learn about drug and alcohol abuse in adolescents, the effect on the adolescent body
and how they impair judgment. At this meeting there will be an emphasis on the abuse
of alcohol and marijuana, and some of the signs to look for, as well as techniques on
how to approach your son regarding this topic. This semester, the evening will be
held on Thursday, November 3 at 6:30 pm, in Room 207. The evening will be
moderated by Ken Swan. If you have any questions, please contact Ken at
kswan@riordanhs.org
FROM THE FINANCE OFFICE
New Financial Assistance Process Now Available
Dear Archbishop Riordan Parents and Guardians,
We are pleased to announce that TADS has been selected by the Archdiocese of San
Francisco to conduct financial need assessments on behalf of families attending
Archbishop Riordan High School. The application process is fair and confidential, and
highly efficient.
As you know, financial aid grants do not carry over from year to year, and families
currently receiving assistance need to re-apply each year to be considered.
The TADS system requires that all applications be submitted online. Before you begin
the application, we recommend that you complete the enclosed financial aid application
worksheet. This will help you gather all of the necessary information and expedite the

submission process. To begin the application, go to www.riordanhs.org and click on the
TADS link at the bottom of the home page. You will be connected to the TADS site and
guided through the application process.
The deadline for applications for financial aid for the 2012-2013 school year is
January 31, 2012. All applications must be submitted online by that date using the
TADS system.
If you have any questions regarding the financial aid process, please contact the
Riordan Finance Office at 415-586-8200, and ask to speak with Dona Edlund at
extension *227. We will send periodic updates via email about this process.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Sincerely,
Roxanne Kovacich
Director of Finance
CAMPUS MINISTRY AND COMMUNITY SERVICE NEWS
Liturgies
Our annual Junior Unity Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, October 27, 2011 at
8:00 am. Junior parents are invited and encouraged to attend this upperclassman
initiation. The mass will be held in the morning, at which time the juniors will receive a
gift and their class ring (if ordered). Milk, juice and doughnuts will follow. Please check
your email for more information from Mr. Dan Baer, the Junior Divisional Moderator, in
the upcoming week.
AIDS Penny Drive
The “Every Penny Counts Campaign” ended on September 16 th and the Senior Division
beat out all the other divisions--collecting 572 pounds! When we have the official tally
with cash and coins, we will be sure to notify the ARHS community regarding how much
was actually collected. Thank you all for donating to this worthy cause.
Denim Day-Friday, October 7, 2011
We are in the midst of our “Denim Day Drive” which raises money for breast cancer
research. In exchange for a $5 dollar donation, students have the privilege of wearing
jeans to school on Friday, October 7th. Those students who have paid will have a
group photo for the yearbook.

Marianist Family Event-“How to Pray the Rosary”, Tuesday, October 4 th , 7 PM,
Room 222
Campus Ministry is hosting an evening on the topic of “How to pray the Rosary.” All
ARHS families are welcome to attend. Everyone who attends will receive a rosary and
you will also receive one hour of Parent Volunteer Hours. Light refreshments will be
served.
Community Service Hours/Opportunities
A big thanks goes out to Mrs. Guevel who has been tracking your son’s hours since the
beginning of the school year. We have a number of opportunities posted in Campus
Ministry—please have your son stop by for more information. If you have any questions
regarding your son’s hours or need to check your son’s status, please contact her at
kguevel@riordanhs.org or call (415) 586-8200 ext. *262.
Retreats
The sophomore and junior retreats are approaching quickly. Our Sophomore Retreat
will take place on October 27-28 at the Presentation Conference Center in Los Gatos.
Our Junior Retreat will take place on November 20-22 at the CYO Center in Occidental.
Please register online at riordanhs.org. Please call Mr. Alex Datoc at (415) 586-8200
ext *221 or email adatoc@riordanhs.org for more information.
Marianist LIFE Community (MLC)
The LIFE Team will hold their third MLC of the year. This is an opportunity for your son
to meet other student from ARHS, as well as other schools in the nearby area.
Encourage your son to come out on Thursday, October 27th from 5:00 – 7:00 pm to
share Faith in Room 111.
God bless and continued blessings,
Alex Datoc
Director of Campus Ministry
DRAMA NEWS
DRACULA is now in full swing, with the stage crew meeting after
school on Wednesdays, and rehearsals taking place three or four
days a week under the helm of Mr. Fern in his ARHS directing
debut. There are six females, and the following Riordan students, in
the cast: seniors: Devin Ampola, Alex Ruiz, Bradley Galliani,
Jowy-Jhan Curameng, Sergio Martins; juniors: Amisone
Tualaulelei and Joseph Sanchez; sophomores: Justin Wallis,
Matthew Dusanic, Marvin Velasco and Rob Negrete and freshman Jose Angulo.
The show opens November 11 th , and donations collected after each performance of
Dracula will benefit Blood Centers of the Pacific.

Drama Booster Work Days
Work off volunteer hours by joining us in the theatre. On Saturday, October 15 th and
November 5 th we will be in the theatre starting at 10:00 am. If you are interested,
contact Ms. O’Riordan or simply show up any time before 5:00 pm. We can use your
help with concession work, set/prop/costume building, hair/make-up, box office, ticket
sales, and tech week meals to feed 55. We are hoping for some sponsorships too, so
that we can have pizzas and continental breakfasts donated.
Parent Volunteer Opportunity
Another way to work off volunteer hours is to bring in goodies for the run of the fall play.
We welcome all donations the week of October 31 st and ask you to label the goodies
with your name, your son’s name/grade, and a phone number. By class level, here’s
what we are looking for:
Freshman: 12 oz cans of soda, as below, or cases of 16oz bottles of water.
Sophomores: 12 oz. cans of diet and regular Coke, Pepsi, and Sprite/7 up ONLY.
Juniors/Seniors: Cookies (3 in kind from Costco/Safeway); candy bars (2oz size only)
If in doubt bring pots or cut flowers, to decorate the lobby or cases of water (16oz
bottles) the week of 10/31.
Wish List
Do you own/run a deli or Starbucks or pizza joint, or know someone who does? We’re
hoping to get sponsored this year and need continental breakfasts, lunches and dinners
for all workdays and Tech Week (see dates below). For DRACULA we are looking for
plywood, paint/supplies, gaff tape, turn-of-the (last)-century photo locket, doctor’s bag,
rosary with large crucifix, photo frames hand mirror, hanging birdcge, white men’s dress
shirts, men’s duster coat, couch sofa, old violin or fiddle (doesn’t need to work) violin
bow, brass hand-held telescope. Our General Wish List items include: someone to
order/pick up our meals for workdays and tech week, wireless Clear Com system,
professional video system, wheeled costume racks, heavy-duty rubber casters, (12)
Source Four lighting instruments.
Drama Club
All students are welcome to join our Open Mic Mondays and Thursday
Improv Workout in the theatre lobby during lunch. To become a member
of the Drama Club, your son must first earn 10 “Star Points” by
participating in one or more of the following activities: attend meetings,
improv workouts, audition for shows, join stage crew, attend theatre
outings and improv workouts.
Contact Drama Director: Ms. Valerie O’Riordan at 415.587.5866 or
voriordan@riordanhs.org

STUDENT ACTIVITIES
CLUBS: Clubs are in full swing and even if your son missed sign-ups, he can still join a club by
contacting the moderator of that group. The schedule of club meeting times is posted below. If your son
is looking for a way to get involved in student life, this could provide a great opportunity.
DANCE: Our first dance of the year was held on September 9 th and was a huge success with more than
600 students dancing the night away in Chaminade Hall. Thanks to Mr. David Elu, Student Government
Moderator, and the dance committee for their hard work, organizing this fun event. A special thanks also
goes to the faculty/staff members and parents who assisted by chaperoning this event.
HOMECOMING WEEK: This year’s homecoming week begins on October 3 rd and ends with our varsity
football game against Sacred Heart Cathedral on Saturday, October 8 h at Riordan. The annual
homecoming dance is scheduled for Saturday evening, from 7:00-10:00 pm in the school cafeteria.
Tickets for the homecoming dance will be available at Riordan only, and will be sold in the cafeteria
during lunch.
SENIOR PORTRAITS: On Monday, October 24 th (a school holiday) seniors will take their senior portraits
in our gym. An appointment time and general information about picture packages has been mailed to the
homes of all seniors. All seniors are required to take a yearbook photo at no cost. A set of proofs will be
sent to your home, and then you can make the photo choices you desire. Prestige Photos provide a cap
and gown and a tuxedo for the photos, but for any other poses, all other clothing or accessories need to
be provided by the student. We ask that he be on time for his appointment as we attempt to service the
entire senior class in one day. Any senior who is unable to have his picture taken on October 24, or who
misses the photo, will need to make arrangements to set up an appointment for make-ups in the
Redwood City studio. More information will be given to each senior during homeroom. If you still have
questions after you study the information you receive, call (888) 898-GRAD and a Prestige representative
can help you.
“Like” us on Facebook for all the latest updates – Search for Archbishop Riordan High School Activities
The following list represents most of the upcoming activities for October:
October 7 Denim Day for Breast Cancer Research
October 3-7 Spirit Week & Rally for Game against SHC on Saturday, October 8 th
October 8 Homecoming Dance (7:00-10:30 – school cafeteria)
October 24 Senior Portraits

COUNSELING
Please note the following events and dates (for parents and students) for the upcoming
semester.
Wednesday, October 12th, National Testing Day and Senior Application
Workshop - MODIFIED SCHOOL SCHEDULE
National Testing Day will be on Wednesday, October 12. Most high school students
across the nation will be taking standardized tests, which will be used to identify
academic strengths and areas of concern. These exams are also important because
they help students prepare for the SAT and the ACT college entrance exams. There
is no lunch service on this day.
ALL 9th, 10th, 11th graders will be tested at ARHS. They should report to their
homerooms by 7:45 AM
Freshmen: EXPLORE test, a 9th grade cademic progress exam from ACT
Sophomores: PLAN test, the preliminary ACT college entrance exam
Juniors: PSAT, the preliminary SAT college entrance exam. High scores will qualify
students for National Merit Scholarships.
The students will be dismissed as their tests are completed which will be
approximately 11:00 AM
Seniors: Seniors should report to the theater by 7:45 AM. Seniors will not be tested,
but will participate in college application workshops. If a waiver form is completed and
signed by a parent/Guardian and Mr. Anastasio, seniors will not have to attend the
workshop. The Seniors will be dismissed between 10:00-11:00 AM
College Visits (Ongoing)
Colleges visit Riordan's campus and other locations in the Bay Area throughout the
school year. All visits are listed on our Naviance website. You can sign up for the
Riordan visits through the Naviance site: http://connection.naviance.com/arhsca
Hosted by Mrs. Udovich and Mr. Anastasio
San Francisco City College Parent Series - FREE
All Meetings held in new building on the corner of Ocean and Phelan Room # MUB255
All meetings start at 7:00 PM
For more info please call 415 239-3172
October 6 - Transitions from High School to College - Essential Tasks for Parents of
Older Teenagers
October 13 - Teaching Your High School Student About Money
October 20 - Financing Your Child's College Education

Friday, October 21st 7:45 PM NEW EVENT Senior Parent College Talk and Coffee
with Mr. Anastasio
Drop your son off for his midterm exam and come up to the lecture hall to meet with Mr.
Anastasio. Senior parents will have a Question & Answer session about the latest
college and application info.
Monday, December 9th, COLLEGE DAY - Alumni College Fair
Classes will have College Topic discussions. During lunch there will be a college fair in
the lecture hall open to all students. Alumni currently enrolled as well as recent grads
from various colleges will visit and answer questions about their college experience.
Hosted by Mr. Anastasio
Tuesday, December 13th, 7:00 PM, Financial Aid Information for Senior Parents
Location: Lecture Hall
PARENT BOARD UPDATE
There is a lot of buzz in the community about Archbishop Riordan High School and our
Boarding Program. As we head toward the Thanksgiving holiday I would like to remind
you that we have students new to our country who would love to celebrate their first
Thanksgiving with a Riordan family. If you are interested in sharing your family
tradition with one of our young men please contact me and I will be happy to direct
your information to Tina Sheng or Tony Payne, our managers of the program.
Save The Date: Saturday, April 28 th is the Mother-Son Dance. This event is open to
all grade levels. It is a great night for Moms and Sons to spend a little quality time out on
the dance floor. This event sells out every year so be sure to mark you calendar and get
your reservation in early when they become available. Grandmas and aunts welcome!
Thank you to those who joined us for our annual Chevy’s Night—it is always a great
excuse to get the family together for a great dinner. Twenty-five percent of your food bill
comes back to ARHS which will help support many of our programs here.
Net proceeds from our events support student programs, including the student tuition
assistance program. As you are all well aware, with these uncertain financial times
more and more families are in need of support. We want to be sure that our young men
get the very best education – and that’s ARHS! The Parent Association is proud to
support our young men.
“Spring Is In The Air – Even In the Fall”
The Purple and Gold “Spring Fling” Committee invites you to join them to begin work
on the biggest fundraiser of the school year taking place on Saturday, April 21, 2012.

This year the event will be held on campus and many hands are needed to build, sew,
wrap, tie, lift and move, all while enjoying the company of many great, creative people.
Items such as themed baskets (Mexican fiesta, ice cream sundae, wine & cheese,
family fun); tickets (sporting events, the ballet, the opera, theatre); sports memorabilia
and more are needed for our silent auction. If you can’t put a basket together, bring in a
few items and our cracker jack basket team will work their magic.
Our Live Auction is always fun. Items such as vacation homes, airline tickets, personal
chef for a day and hotel stays in far away places are just a few of the items needed to
get the bidders on their feet.
Sponsorships are a big part of the event and help to make this event a financial
success. If you know of anyone who might be interested in supporting this event as a
sponsor please contact Sharon Udovich (ext. *217).
Each month in the Parent Newsletter there will be an update and suggestions on how
you can help. Don’t be shy – your help is needed. Don’t know what to do? Believe me
there is plenty of work for everyone!
Sharon Ghilardi-Udovich
Director of Special Events and Parent Association Liaison
sudovich@riordanhs.org
(415)586-8200 x *217
ATHLETICS
Congratulations to Coach Sweeney and our Varsity Football team on their first win of
the season over St. Mary’s College High School. Our Junior Varsity Football Team
cruised to their second win of the season over St. Mary’s College High school with a 60-
10 final score. Our entire freshmen football team and our freshmen football coaching
staff are still continuing to work hard so that they too can secure their first win of the
2011 season. We are looking forward to our WCAL league opener vs. Valley
Christian on Saturday, October 1 (4:00 pm JV/7:00 pm Varsity).
A profile of junior varsity football captain Kyle Weideman was featured on Cal High
Sports. In case you missed it, you can watch it on YouTube:
http://youtu.be/MT9gx5fTvkE I thought it was an excellent piece about dealing with
adversity, and really represented Riordan Athletics well.
I want to thank Irman Arcibal in the Art Department and the entire Art Club who
volunteered their time and efforts to “Crusader”-ize on our press box. It looks great and
it can be seen all the way from Ocean Avenue.
We will be having the Ronald Reagan Centennial Celebration National Football

Coin Toss here for our Homecoming Game vs. Sacred Heart Cathedral on October 8.
The Coast Guard Color Guard will be on hand to perform the coin toss. The Varsity
game starts at 2:00 pm that day. The following week we are at Bellarmine, and are
planning to have Bill Blanchard attend the game. Bill was paralyzed during football
practice on August 31, 1970. His Class of 1971 will also be celebrating their 40 th
reunion that same evening and are looking forward to seeing him.
We will be experimenting with changing the traffic flow into our back parking lot for
Junior Varsity / Varsity football games on Saturdays ONLY. Please watch closely for
the new signs that will be posted. Only the visiting team bus and visiting team
personnel will be allowed to enter through our back gate off of Judson Avenue.
Pedestrian traffic through our back gate off of Judson Avenue will continue to be
allowed.
Our main entrance for the JV/Varsity football games will now be reversed. We will
enter where we are now accustomed to exiting the back parking lot. Season Pass
holders and anyone with a handicap placard or license plates will enter where we would
normally exit. Take the road between CCSF’s reservoir parking lots and Riordan High
school. Those with season passes will be allowed access into our back parking lot.
Those who don’t have passes will be directed to park in CCSF’s parking lot. You must
pay $3 for parking or risk being ticketed.
Recently, we hired David Siracusa to run our soccer program. He is a graduate of
Riordan and was a member on Riordan’s last championship soccer team. He is also a
member of Riordan’s Hall of Fame. Coach Siracusa brings a wealth of knowledge from
the collegiate level where he excelled as both a player and as a coach. We are very
fortunate to have him leading our soccer program.
Coca-Cola ! is very excited to be partnering with us. Several Coca-Cola !
representatives have toured the campus recently and have been impressed with school.
We are finally getting new fountain machines in our snack bars for our after school
events. Coca-Cola ! will also be providing us with several new vending machines and
recycling bins that will be located throughout the campus.
There is as always, lots more happening in Riordan Athletics. We had our Athletic
Booster meeting last Thursday, and we are getting ready to unveil a new athletic web
site in the very near future. You will be able to upload videos, pictures, booster
volunteer sign-ups, schedules, scores, player bios, and a whole lot more.
With thanks,
Pete Russell
Director of Athletics

Archbishop Riordan Athletic Mission Statement:
Archbishop Riordan strives to be the finest high school athletic program in San
Francisco.
We are a family that inspires young men to be the best that they can be in all
areas of life.
We are committed to excellence in all that we do—both on and off the field.
We believe that the sports fields and courts are just extensions of the classroom,
where one's work ethic, pride, confidence, commitment, loyalty and character are
all uniquely developed.
We strongly believe, through these team building and competitive arenas, that
our student athletes will be better prepared for the what may come in life.
We understand that sportsmanship and respect for our opponents, teammates
and our elders supersedes all.
Our strong athletic tradition may have begun many years ago, but it is the
responsibility of every current Crusader to maintain.
FROM THE BAND
Stand up and be proud to be called a Crusader!
The Band’s 2011-12 school year began before the official start of the school year and is
going strong. With the addition of new staff Mr. James Dumlao, Assistant Band
Director, and Mr. Rob Mills, Percussion Instructor, and the continued efforts of Mr. Scott
Souza, Director of Bands, and Mr. Mark Lieuw, Colorguard Instructor, the Band
promises to be better and stronger than ever.
Independence Day Parade, Washington, DC
The Crusader Marching Band was one of two California Bands to participate in this
year’s Independence Day Parade in our nation’s capital. Their performance in high
humidity and in a fast-paced parade earned the Band high acclaim from the national
audience. In addition to performing in the parade, the five-day trip included sightseeing
at many of the nation’s monuments and museums, the laying of an official wreath (in the
name of Archbishop Riordan) at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, as well as capping
off the 4 th of July with a spectacular fireworks show on the Mall with the Washington
Monument as a backdrop.

Pistihan Festival & Parade
A “Most Outstanding Performance” award was presented to the Band as they marched
in early August in the Pistihan Parade in San Francisco.
Raider’s Half-Time Show
On August 11, the Band performed the half-time show at the Raider’s pre-season
opener! The Band proudly marched on the football field and performed 4 songs to
thousands of Raiders fans.
Antioch Preview of Champions Band Review - September 24
The Crusader Band started their competition season with a terrific first time score of
88.2, the highest score received by a Riordan Band this early in the season. The Band
and Guard both earned Second Place trophies for the outstanding performance. Check
them out on YouTube! Drum Major Abe Go earned an 88, placing him 6th in the field of
Mace Drum Majors. The Riordan Drumline earned their highest score to date on their
first outing with a 75.7. Once again, the Riordan Band shows their Riordan Pride with
Purpose through Performance.
Fundraising Efforts
The members of the Bands will be begin a fundraising drive this month through the first
of December. Efforts include; We Care Coffee, See’s Candies, Holiday Wreaths and
our Annual Christmas Concert and Holiday Boutique. Please see any member from any
Band class to support our Riordan Bands.
We encourage Crusader Families and Friends to come out and support the Band at the
following upcoming events:
Sat, Oct 1 - Del Mar Band Review.
Sat, Oct 8 - Pep Band will perform at Homecoming Football game v SHCP
Sun, Oct 9 - Marching Band will perform in the Italian Heritage Parade
Mon, Oct 10 -Marching Band will compete in the US Marine’s Band Challenge
Competition at Golden Gate Park’s Band Shell as part of Fleet Week
Festivities
Sat, Oct 15 - Pep Band will perform at Football game v Bellermine
Sat, Oct 22 - Pep Band will perform at Football game v Serra
Sun, Oct 30 -Marching Band will perform during Open House for prospective Crusaders
Next Band Boosters’ Meeting is Tuesday, October 11, at 6 pm in Chaminade Hall
Save the Date: Holiday Concert & Boutique will be on Sunday, December 11!
GO CRUSADERS!

RIORDAN IORDAN BAND AND BOOSTERS OOSTERS
WREATH REATH SALE ALE
THE HE DELUXE ELUXE EVERGREEN
VERGREEN HOLIDAY OLIDAY WREATH REATH
It’s that time of year again for the Band Boosters to offer their popular Deluxe Noble Evergreen
Fir wreath. Each wreath is mixed with berried juniper, princess pine and more. A large bow
tops it off. Each wreath costs $40.00 and benefits the Riordan Band program. The order will be
available for pick-up the week of December 5th after school and again on Sunday, December
11th during the Annual Holiday Boutique from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 and again from 4:00 p.m. to
6:00 p.m. The Holiday Boutique is closed for the Band’s Holiday Concert 1:30 - 4:00 p.m.
If you wish to place an order, you should return the order form below with your check attached
no later than November 28th to the main office. Your check should be made payable to ARHS
Band Boosters.
If you have any questions, please contact Scott Souza at ssouza@riordanhs.org or 415-586-8915
******************************************************************************
Please detach at the dotted line and return with check payment to the Riordan Main Office or the Riordan
Band Office
Please include your check payable to the ARHS Band Boosters and return to the Riordan Main
Office attention Scott Souza.
Name:
Phone No.:
Band Student: _______________________________________________
Number of Wreaths ______ x $40.00 = $_________ (Total)