PRESTON PARENT BULLETIN - Preston High School

PRESTON PARENT BULLETIN
February 2012
THANK YOU! In reflecting on all of the events at school so far this year, it is wonderful to note the
tremendous support of parents and alum parents who are at the ready on every occasion. Whether demonstrated
in active participation in the Parent Association, in your support of our clubs and sports, special events,
fundraising, being there when we need an extra hand, whatever role you play to keep the spirit of Preston alive,
you are always promoting the mission of this school and that is no small thing. The focus of Catholic education
is the whole person—head, heart, and spirit. To manage the fast rate of growth during the high school years, it is
vital that such growth be accompanied by feelings of intellectual competency, personal confidence, and the
emotional intelligence that many consider the primary determinant of success. All of these rely on the
coordination of personal strengths at the core of one’s being. With faith at that center, our young women are
freed from unnecessary fear and readied for the marvelous journeys of mind and heart. As parents and teachers,
we are blessed to be part of this great venture!
Parent Association News
Mother-Daughter Brunch
Our annual brunch was held at the Marina del Ray
on Saturday February 11th from Noon – 4PM. We
are very grateful to all who helped, including
Rosina and Vinny Mandile (for securing our raffle
prizes), and to Lorena Valenti, Vinny Mandile,
Eddie Rivera, and Mark Maraminsky, all of whom
donated their time to help with this event. More
than 200 guests enjoyed a day filled with good food,
dancing, singing, and games. Preston Senior
Meghan Netterville and her mother Debora
welcomed everyone, Marianna Jankowski & her
mother Kathy gave the prayer, Angela and
AnnaRose Fragale & their mother Cristina
introduced the “Prom Dress Game,” Theresa
Mandile & her mother Rosina introduced the Senior
Rose Ceremony and Daniela Alba & her mother
Maristela welcomed our alumnae attendees. Senior
Daniela Alba sang Celine Dion's "Because You
Loved Me" for the moms.
The Westchester Bank presents Preston High
School’s 4 th Annual Golf Classic at Pelham/Split
Rock Golf Course on Friday, May 4, 2012. A copy
of the flier is enclosed. We are asking parents to
participate in some way at this event. There are
many opportunities to help: as a golfer, as a
sponsor (business sponsorships as well as Student
Stars are available), as a prize donor, or as a
volunteer at the event itself.
Parent Association Council
Believe it or not, it is time to consider serving on
the Parent Association Council for next year. At the
March Parent Meeting, we will accept nominations
for the 2012-13 school year. Please consider
submitting your own name or encouraging another
parent whom you feel would be a good leader to
submit his or her name. Our Parent Council assists
with the events run by the Parent Association,
serves as liaison to the Administration, and shapes
the activities of the Parent Association. Those who
participate enjoy both the experience and
camaraderie and model the importance of getting
involved for their daughters. Meetings are only
once a month and your daughter is the direct
beneficiary of your efforts. Please consider being
an active part of this group!
In remembrance of Preston alumna/staff member
Magie Donnelly, her family has established The
Margaret Donnelly Scholarship Fund. Anyone
wishing to make a donation to this fund is asked to
please make your check payable to Preston High
School & to indicate that the donation is intended
for this scholarship.
For information on any of the above topics, please
e-mail jgeideman@prestonhs.org or call (718) 863-
9134 x143.

Preston H.S. Upcoming Events:
The Luck o’ the Irish to You! Preston High School’s
Gaelic Society presents its annual Ceili on Friday,
March 9 th , from 7:00 – 10:00 p.m. in the school
cafeteria. Come and enjoy the live music and dancing!
And then, on Sunday, March 13 th , enjoy the Throggs
Neck celebration of St. Patrick, patron of the
Archdiocese of New York. The festivities begin with a
9:00 a.m. liturgy at St. Benedict’s Church, followed by a
free breakfast in the church hall. The parade begins
around noon and marches down East Tremont Avenue to
Harding. All are welcome to join the Preston contingent.
Music in Our Schools Month: Come celebrate music
with Preston at our annual Music in Our Schools
celebration on Thursday, March 22 nd at 5:30 p.m. Your
daughters, who have been practicing all year long, will
perform for parents, classmates, faculty and staff.
Preston Art Students’ works will be displayed at the
Citibank Art Show during the entire month of March,
with the awards ceremony at 3:30 on March 29 th . And
on April 26 th we will hold our annual Preston Fine Arts
Show here at PHS. A showcase, including art displays,
a performance by our music students & a reception will
take place from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00p.m on the 26 th . Please
join us!
Preston’s annual College Fair will also be held on
March 29 th . This event is mandatory for all 10 th & 11 th
graders and their parent(s)/guardian(s).
RECENT EVENTS
The annual Information Night for undecided 8 th graders
was held on Thursday, January 26 th . We had a large
turnout for this event which allowed prospective
students and their families who may have missed our
Open House in October to visit and speak with current
students, faculty and staff.
On January 19 th the PAS Auto School Driver
Education program conducted their orientation for the
Spring course which began on February 6 th .
Catholic Schools across the Archdiocese were proud to
join in the “Feeding our Neighbors: A Catholic School
Response” campaign. From January 22 nd to the 29 th
schools and parishes in the Archdiocese, in partnership
with Catholic Charities, engaged in activities to help
alleviate hunger in the greater New York area. Preston
High School, under the direction of Mrs. Margaret Damo
and her Compassion Connection club, donated the
proceeds from our most recent Food Fest Friday
collection and 20 cases of nonperishable packaged soup.
In addition to the food drive, students prayed daily for
those suffering from hunger and learned more about the
scope of this problem.
Junior Advisement Day was held on Monday, January
30 th to give rising seniors the opportunity to learn about
their senior course choices. The day began with a
presentation on conducting an effective college search.
This was followed by an overview of the many elective
courses available to Seniors in ’12-’13, and time for
Juniors to hear department chairpersons & senior
teachers elaborate on course descriptions and answer
students’ questions. All students had the opportunity to
be interviewed by science teachers to ensure that those
hoping to major in science would choose appropriate
electives for their Senior year. Juniors were also invited
to pose for the photos that will be integrated into their
Ring Night ceremony (which is scheduled for Friday,
March 16 th , at 7:00PM). A follow-up with Junior
parents was held on February 14 th . Remember, your
daughter will need you to sign off on her course choices,
so please discuss these important decisions with her. The
last date for all students to return their registration
forms for academic year 2012-13 is March 1 st .
Princeton Review will be conducting an SAT Prep
course at PHS beginning March 8 th . If you are
interested in registering your daughter for this class,
please contact Ms. Eutilia Ruggiero at 800-273-8439,
ext. 5666.
This year’s Scholarship Hospitality day once again
celebrated the achievements of those 8 th grade students
awarded merit scholarships to attend Preston next fall.
They were treated to a breakfast, a panel discussion with
students and faculty and a brief taste of this year’s
production of “Guys & Dolls.”
Parents/Guardians may schedule a meeting with
teachers at any time, but Report Card
Distribution/Parent/Teacher Conference day, held on
February 9 th , provided them with the opportunity to
speak with all of their daughter’s teachers on the same
day, with the report card in hand. Too often parents and
teachers meet or speak only when the student has a
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problem. How great it is, on this day, to listen to some
of the wonderful things about their daughters as well. If
you missed this opportunity, please do take the time to
contact your daughter’s teachers by phone or e-mail to
discuss her academic performance. If you haven’t
picked up your daughter’s report card yet, you may stop
by the Main Office or write a note requesting the report
card. Even if the report card is being held because of
financial issues, you can find out which subjects she
struggles with, if any, and contact those teachers
directly.
Congratulations to…
All students named to the Honor Roll,
We are very proud of your diligence and achievement, BRAVA! BRAVA!
To view the list, log onto www.prestonhs.org and click on Academics and then Honor Roll.
…to Kachael Stocks, who has been named a Finalist
in the National Achievement Scholarship Program
for 2012 by demonstrating outstanding academic
performance and potential for future success.
…to Diana Singh, winner of this year’s New York
Yankee Council Youth Leadership Award.
… On the evening of January 18 th , The National
English Honor Society held its Induction
Ceremony. Amid blue and gold decorations (the
Society’s colors), 24 new members were formally
presented with their membership certificates, pins,
and a traditional white carnation. Requirements for
membership include maintaining an A average in
English classes and a B+ average overall. In
addition, members must show commitment to the
ideals of leadership, character, and service, in
keeping with both Preston’s mission and the motto
of the Society: Gelast Sceal Mid Are which is Old
English for “Duty Goes With Honor.” New
inductees include seniors Tammam Ahmed and
Kelly Simpson; juniors Laura Acciarino, Genesis
Cancel, Akua Donkor, Katarina Epino, Anjanette
Jacob, Lennysha Jorawar, Giana LaBanca, Janine
Leotta, Vincenza Lucciola, Shena Marshall, Laura
Mastropietro, Alicia Musa, Annisa Raghunath, Lisa-
Marie Serrone, Amber Vargas and Emelina Virga;
and sophomores Mikaela Busante, Arjeta Cosaj,
Nicole Kibler, Donna Grace Moleta, Yanette
Rosario and Natasha Sanchez. Society events,
coordinated by current NEHS offices (President
Elizabeth Roche, Vice-President Deanna Ibrahim,
Secretary Cassidy Liz, and Treasurer Brittany
Deering) will include a book drive, poetry café,
celebration of Shakespeare’s birthday, and other
service-oriented opportunities.
…to the following Students of the Month, who were
recognized for their Uniqueness that Makes Her
Special: Freshman Dichell Zapata, Sophomore
Savannah Williams, Junior Christina Eberhart, and
Senior Angela Blandino.
…to our Preston Players who wowed us once again
with their acting, singing, and dancing feet to
provide what theatergoers call “fierce”
entertainment. During the first week of February,
the Preston Players presented Guys and Dolls to
sell-out crowds for four outstanding performances.
The successful run was due to the collaborative
efforts of many members of the Preston community
and would not have been possible without the talents
of faculty, staff, alumnae, and friends of Preston.
Parents too played a significant role in making sure
everything ran smoothly. Special thanks go to Taryn
Serra-Cruz, Angel Cruz, Irene Purcell, Ada Caban,
Rose Pacifico, Mia Rodgers, Marilyn Adorno,
Cristina and Peter Fragale, Lisa Socia, and Salesian
Moms Melissa Cortese & Phyllis Pisacano.
The cast and crew, a true cross section of PHS
students, came together to put on one heck of a
show. The Preston Players bid adieu to its senior
members: Sonandia Azcona, Briana Baez, Angela
Blandino, Elaina Blasone, Traci Buchanan,
Stephanie Ashley Caban, Melissa Chillak, Patricia
Mia Diaz, Deanna Ibrahim, Sneha Jose, Cassidy Liz,
Kelly Page, Anna Prestopino, Taylor Purcell,
Alexandra Quillen, Qiana Solomon, Sharon Rau,
Analise Rios, Chanel Rios, Elizabeth Roche, and
Elizabeth Vacca.
Other Preston Players include orchestra member
Christina Condon; costume crew members Alyssa
Blasone, Jenna Brady, Amanda Cristo, and Carly
Zerbo; lighting crew members Nadia Mushib and
Nhi Nguyen; and running crew members Alexis
Salkey, Melissa Scott, and Alis Urena.
Complementing the efforts of their sister students
behind the scenes, the following ladies shined in
their onstage performances: Elvira Acciarino, Laura
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Acciarino, Anelis Acevedo, Priscilla Adorno, Krystal
Alicea, Victoria Alvarado, Kaylanie Ayala, Quori-Tyler
Bullock, Angelina Claudio, Gabrielle Cruz, Kayla
Figueroa, AnaRose Fragale, Angela Fragale, Janine
Leotta, Ashley Maymi, Melissa McKay, Lucia Pacifico,
Julissa Pichardo, Jayline Rivera, Christina Sassone,
Dena Singh, Diana Singh, Amanda Socia, and Amanda
Weinbuch.
SPORTS PROGRAM:
Our Competition Cheerleaders brought home some trophies this year, too, and advanced to Nationals held at
Disney World in Orlando, Florida last weekend, where they acquitted themselves well and did PHS proud!...
The JV and Varsity Basketball Teams enjoyed good seasons and both teams ended their seasons as Division 2
Bronx/Westchester Champions; over the next week both Varsity & JV teams will play in the quarter finals and
hope to advance to the finals. We wish them luck & continued success…The Senior game, held on February
15 th , allowed us an opportunity to give special thanks to Seniors Kelly Simpson and Nora Kilkenny
(Basketball); Maria Alvino, Angela Blandino, Christina Boyer, Brianna Finelli and Analise Rios
(Cheerleading) for their dedication and commitment to their teams.
FYI- Our Athletic Department is running a lottery fundraiserto support our sports program. For more
information, please contact Jamie Skrapits, our Athletic Director, at 718-863-9134, ext 199 or 718-710-8849.
GOOOO, PANTHERS!!!
Looking Ahead
• Monday, February 20 President’s Day – No Classes in Session
• Tuesday, February 21 2012-2013 Registration Forms distributed to students in HR
• Friday, February 24 Spanish Club Valentines Dance
• Thursday, March 1 2012-2013 Registration forms due back to HR mentors
• Friday, March 2 Herff Jones – Final Ring payment due
• Wednesday, March 7 Registration Day for the Class of 2016.
• Friday, March 9 Ceili, 7:00 p.m.
• Saturday, March 10 SAT only
• Sunday, March 11 Daylight Savings Time Begins
Throggs Neck St. Patrick’s Day Celebration: Liturgy at St. Benedict’s Church, 9:00
a.m., followed by breakfast in Father Albert Hall below the church; the parade
line up is at 11 am, and the march begins at noon. The viewing stand is situated
on East Tremont and Harding Avenues.
• Wednesday, March 14 Interim Report Distribution
• Friday, March 16 Junior Ring Night, 7pm (Dress Down & 2pm early dismissal for Juniors)
• Saturday, March 17 Feast of St. Patrick
• Monday, March 19 Feast of St. Joseph - No Classes in Session
• Tuesday, March 20 Vernal Equinox
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PRESTON HIGH SCHOOL
4thAnnual
GOLFCLASSIC
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PrestonHighSchool
GolfClassic
2780SchurzAvenue
Bronx,NY10465
www.prestonhs.org
Friday,May4,2012
Pelham/SplitRockGolfCourse
Bronx,NY
7:00am -Registrationandhotbufetbreakfast
8:00am -Modifiedshotgunstart
4personscramble
1:00pm -CocktailReceptionandAwardsLuncheon
Breakfast,Golf&Luncheon@ $180perperson
Luncheononly@ $60perperson
YourEntryFeeIncludes:
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Hotbufetbreakfast
Golf
AwardsLuncheon
ExtraActivitesInclude:
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Sponsorshipopportunitiesareavailable!
Ifyouhaveanyquestions,pleasecal(718)863-9134x143ore-mailjgeideman@prestonhs.org