What is National Signing Day? For student-athletes across the country, Wednesday February 6, 2013 was the initial signing date for many collegiate sports. Six Dublin High School student athletes, surrounded by their peers, coaches and family members, signed a binding National Letter of Intent for collegiate sports capping years of training, competition, exhilarating wins and painful losses all while being evaluated and ranked by college recruiters.

According to the NCAA website, “by signing a National Letter of Intent, a prospective student-athlete agrees to attend the designated college or university for one academic year … participating institutions agree to provide athletics financial aid to the student-athlete, provided he/she is admitted to the institution and is eligible for financial aid under NCAA rules.”

Meet the six Dublin High School student athletes, Alex Cappa, Andrew Chalker, Kendra Cheda,  Spencer Hollie, Hailey Zummo and Megan Zummo, who participated in National Signing Day at the Dublin High School Sports Complex and shared their thoughts with OneDublin.org:

Alex Cappa will continue to play football at Humboldt State University. Alex also plays baseball for Dublin High School:

“I’m really excited to go play football at a high level, but more importantly to get a good education. Humboldt State University has a great coaching staff and a unique environment that I am excited to join.”

Andrew Chalker will continue to play soccer at Dominican University of California:

“I am excited to sign with Dominican to play with their soccer program! I started visiting colleges my freshman year as a soccer recruit and had 3 criteria for selecting a college:

1. Student Population: I love Dublin High School and wanted a similar college experience at a small school.
2. Education: Dominican University offers an Ivy League quality education, small class sizes and a guarantee that I will graduate within 4 years.
3. Soccer: The Dominican soccer team has a similar playing style to mine which is possession oriented with fast paced attacking. Phil and Jon are wonderful coaches who successfully built up the soccer program in their move from NAIA to NCAA Division II.

“I am thankful to my Dublin High and Castro Valley United Soccer Club coaches, teachers and also my parents for all of their support and guidance in helping me to get me this far!”

Kendra Cheda will continue to play lacrosse at Adams State University:

“I cannot wait to continue my lacrosse career and study Nursing at Adams State University!”

Spencer Hollie will continue to play football at Southern Methodist University. Spencer also plays basketball for Dublin High School:

“My dad never pushed me to go to SMU because he went there and my mom just wanted me to go to the best school for me. SMU holds a lot of sentimental value, but at the same time I want to create my own legacy at SMU. I thank everyone for your support in my life and I will make you proud. All Faith, No Fear! – Go Mustangs!”

Hailey and Megan Zummo will continue to play lacrosse at St. Mary’s College of California. They are also both on the soccer team at Dublin High School:

Hailey Zummo, “It has always been my dream to be a Division 1 athlete. I can’t believe it’s coming true! For all the blood, sweat, and tears to pay off with a scholarship to Saint Mary’s is just amazing. I’m extremely proud and honored to be a Gael for life!”

Megan Zummo, “As a competitive soccer player from a young age, I always thought college soccer was in my future. When I got into high school I was introduced to lacrosse. At first I struggled and I didn’t like it, but eventually I fell in love with lacrosse and it became a competitive game that I considered to play in college. SMC is an amazing opportunity and I’m so glad our hard work through athletics has paid off. I can’t wait to be a Gael for Life!”

Dublin High School National Signing Day 2013

Dublin High School National Signing Day 2013 Spencer Hollie

Dublin High School National Signing Day 2013

While the first day of Spring is over a month away, the next big step towards adulthood is top of mind for Dublin High School seniors, including Dublin Unified School District Student Representative Alexandra Brown. In March, high school seniors will begin to receive notifications on the outcome of their college applications – the large envelope waiting on the kitchen table or an unread email waiting in a smartphone inbox. For all of them, deciding the course of the rest of their lives will really begin.

Over the years, we have written about many talented, motivated and hard-working Dublin students; Dublin School Board Student Representative Alexandra Brown is an exemplary addition.

Alexandra has attended all thirteen years of her primary and secondary education in the DUSD system. Her younger sister, Elizabeth, is a freshman at Dublin High School. Her father Tom has been a Research Scientist for years at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and mother Catherine is a First Grade Teacher at Frederiksen Elementary School.

In addition to being a student, Alexandra has taken advantage of numerous pursuits – within and outside of DHS. As a youth athlete, she continued her ambitions by competing for four years in both soccer and swimming at Dublin High. In alternating seasons, she plays club soccer for the Dublin Cobras and with the FAST Dolphins, respectively. A long time member of Girl Scout Troop 30986, she has taken on the designation of Ambassador Girl Scout, especially given the vast amount of her time dedicated to athletics. With a full slate of AP courses on her academic calendar, Alexandra plans on matriculating through a four-year college post-graduation (she is still waiting on college acceptance notices).

Last fall, Alexandra took on one more responsibility. She is the elected Student Representative to the Dublin High Unified School District Board of Trustees. The goal of this profile is to understand her experience at DHS and to help incoming families prepare for the environment at Dublin High.

OneDublin.org: What are your ambitions/goals following your tenure at Dublin High?

Alexandra Brown: “I will definitely be attending a four-year college after graduation, but I haven’t received decisions from any schools yet so I don’t know where. I have always planned to study chemistry and to work as a scientist, but after being on the school board and following the elections this past year, I am considering pursuing politics in college.

OneDublin.org: Tell us about your interest in science. Where did that come from?

Brown: “My interest in science was sparked from my father, Tom. He has worked as a Research Scientist for many years at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in Livermore. His area of specialization is in carbon dating and mapping isotopes.”

OneDublin.org: You mentioned an interest in politics – spurred on by your role on the School Board. How did this all come about?

Brown: “While I’ve been pretty active in school, I’ve never run for any elective office. Last May, the role of Student Representative to the Board was available as it would become vacated by Katelyn Haubert after her two-year term. I became interested and placed my name in the Dublin High ASB elections process and I was chosen.”

OneDublin.org: You are mid-way through your board term. As a student, what have you learned about serving through your term?

Brown: “It’s been really interesting. I’ve been able to witness presentations by many of the different school sites within the district. It has also been very interesting to learn about how Professional Learning Communities (PLC) practices are being employed at each different site. I’ve been really satisfied and appreciative of my current role.”

OneDublin.org: “Dublin High’s incoming Class of 2017 will be large with Fallon Middle School and Wells Middle School will be sending an unprecedented number of ninth graders into DHS. What advice do you give to these students and to their families?

Brown: “Simply, don’t wait for an invitation to become involved in extra-curricular activities. The clubs and organizations are very open to welcoming new members. However, each student should ‘make a place for themselves’ attitude as they roll through this four year journey. There is a mentoring program available where upper class students are linked in to incoming freshmen. Take advantage of this opportunity.”

OneDublin.org: On the academic side, what resources are available?

Brown: “High school is a bit different. The transition from middle school represents the need to learn to take care of oneself. The counselors and teachers are excellent at helping students to understand the importance of learning your schedule and their expectations. The assistance is readily available, but you need to pursue it. It is a great preparation for college life.”

How does Alexandra balance a full schedule of academic, athletics, leadership and community service? We met with Alexandra’s mom and Frederiksen Elementary School first grade teacher Catherine Brown to learn more from a parent’s perspective.

OneDublin.org: Given all of Alexandra’s commitments, what was your reaction when she announced to you that she was running for the DUSD Student Representative seat?

Catherine Brown: “My instant reaction was a bit of concern – given all of her other activities. However, I’ve known her to make very intelligent choices over the years. My only reservation was that if an added responsibility would encroach upon her other priorities, something else may fall by the wayside.”

OneDublin.org: Please speak to Alexandra’s experience while serving on the school board and what benefits has she experienced?

Brown: “This has really stimulated her interest in politics. We’ve had many dinner table conversations about a myriad of subjects. This has now prompted her interest in pursuing a potential double major in Chemistry and Political Science. At the end of the day, I’m just so proud of her. We’ve raised our children to both be community-minded and to always give back.”

To the incoming Dublin High School Class of 2017, look for mentors like Alexandra Brown to guide your experience. Take ownership of your high school experience: it is possible to find a balance between academics and extracurricular activities.

By: Alexandra Stassinopoulos (Wells Middle School 8th Grade Student)

Alexandra Stassinopoulos

Eighth-grade students from Wells Middle School are currently visiting the Washington D.C. area for a five-day whirlwind trip of our Nation’s capital. Wells Middle School student Alexandra Stassinopoulos is chronicling for OneDublin.org some of her experiences over these five days. Students landed in Washington D.C. on Saturday evening, and on Sunday afternoon visited Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.

Let’s just say that when you have a tour guide who claims he can teach you what West Point teaches in four years in three minutes, you know you’re going to have an interesting day. Don, our tour guide, did just that; not only did he teach us a strategy to help us win 99% of all fights (If you’re doing a frontal assault, something is wrong- attack their flank!), but he also explained why fighting shoulder to shoulder isn’t quite as suicidal as Hollywood makes it seem.

We met up with Don after viewing the National Gettysburg Museum’s stunning cyclorama reenactment of the Battle of, you guessed it, Gettysburg. The cyclorama was so stunningly accurate that it was hard to tell which cannons were real and which cannons were just painted. The most eerie thing about the panoramic painting though was the life-likeness of the soldiers. We found out after the presentation that the head painter and one of his aides had painted themselves into the cyclorama; talk about one’s image being forever eternalized. Of course, an experience like that isn’t the same without a good introduction, so before we saw the amazing painting, we watched a short movie that set the scene perfectly. The film was complete with heart-stopping cannon fire and the re-reading of the ever popular Gettysburg Address.

In Morgan Freeman’s compelling voice, we also learned about how our now much beloved President Lincoln was heartily despised by the South. He was so hated in fact, that before he was even inaugurated, seven states seceded from the Union and formed their own sovereign union which, in only a matter of months, would be involved in the bloodiest war in U.S. history- the Civil War.

Don’s tour of the actual battlefield was a little more unorthodox. To teach us about fighting shoulder to shoulder, he had us line up and do a very visual and hilarious demonstration. Due to gunpowder used, the soldiers’ muskets caused so much smoke that it was impossible to see a foot in front of you. That meant that if you strayed from your line, you had about as much a chance as being killed by friendly soldiers as you did by the enemy. Apparently, you couldn’t just shout, “Hey you, what side are you on?” to a figure in the smoke; for some reason it was frowned upon in a “civilized” fighting environment.

Our next stop was Little Round Hill, the place where the brave Gen. Strong Vincent fell as he motivated his troops to win the most decisive battle of the war. It was finger freezing cold, but even in our almost hypothermic state, we were still able to appreciate his insane devotion to his country and the bravery that helped make the United States what it is today.

Related Articles:

• Dublin High Grad Monica Moorjani on the 57th Presidential Inauguration
• A Living History Tour of The Capitol with Congressman Eric Swalwell
• Dublin High’s Ron Rubio on the History of Elections as the 113th Congress Begins

Gettysburg Tour Guide Don Leads Wells Middle School Students

Gettysburg Cyclorama

Gen. Strong Vincent Marker

Gettysburg National Military Park

For many students, Valentine’s Day was an entrée into the four-day Presidents Day long weekend. At Valley High School, Valentine’s Day was radically different and one that would impact many of them for many days to come. After months of meticulous planning and fundraising, the vast majority of VHS students experienced a day that would test the bounds of their intellectual and emotional boundaries – all in view of their classmates and strangers, alike. Last Thursday was the presentation of Challenge Day. This all-day assembly represented an experiential workshop that demonstrated the possibility of love and connection through the celebration of diversity, truth and full expression.

The Challenge Day organization is based in Concord, CA and provides programs for middle and high schools throughout the continental United States and Canada. Their mantra is “Be the Change” as they work towards fostering a culture of acceptance and service to respective campuses. Students at Valley High School are enrolled for a myriad of reasons. As it is the continuation school for the Dublin Unified School District, Valley High exists as an option for students who need may an alternative to the program provided at Dublin High School.

It is difficult to articulate what occurred during these 6-1/2 hours and what it meant to those that participated. Media was allowed access at both the front and back ends of the event. OneDublin.org was fortunate to receive an invitation to attend by VHS Counselor, Liz Buckley.

The Challenge Day event was not a surprise to the students. They were notified well in advance. However, what could not possibly be explained was what they might be exposed to and how they might respond to some of the workshops. Before all of this could occur, Ms. Buckley approached community sponsors to make this happen. A generous donation was received from the Dublin Partners in Education (DPIE). Further, a successful grant was funded by ValleyCare Health System. Additionally, about a dozen and a half adult volunteers were secured in order to facilitate this event.

Challenge Day Leader Schan Baker

The program started at 8:30 AM. All students funneled into Stager Gym with raucous music playing in the background. The participants seated themselves in a semi-circle. Challenge Day Leaders Schan Baker and Berenice Meza provided an introduction into what was ahead for this group. What followed was a full day of small and large group exercises which “challenged” all of the participants to question their own biases, beliefs and assumptions. The presumptive goal was to tear down what one may think about themselves and others. To not adhere to long held assumptions and to reach out to others, when you may not have considered it before.

In the afternoon session, Leader Schan asked all participants to “Cross the Line”. In other words, acknowledge the decisions that everyone has made in their lives – right or wrong – but know that you’re not the only one that has done so. When one has the crossed the line, there is an army of others in that room that have done the same. You are not alone and you’re not the only one that has had a similar experience. It resembled a revival meeting as all participants were cheering and were on their feet.

We sought out feedback from Valley High School Principal Rinda Bartley to help us understand the importance and impact of Challenge Day.

OneDublin.org: As a site administrator, why is it important to host an event such as this?

Rinda Bartley: “At Valley, we are so aware that a student’s success in school requires a fluid interplay between the mind, the heart and the body. Therefore, academic success depends upon a sound academic program and high quality social, emotion and behavioral support. What Challenge Day does so powerfully is to give students and adults a way to see that those differences do not need to be barriers between people and in fact we are not so different from each other. Participants are challenged to imagine a school culture which truly values and supports each individual.”

OneDublin.org: Why has VHS elected to employ Challenge Day as a specific vendor to conduct this enterprise?

Bartley: “The Challenge Day organization has a long and rich history of running programs in schools, and is nationally and internationally recognized for excellence. They know how to do this work. Liz and I have had very positive experiences with them in the past.”

OneDublin.org: What feedback can you share from the student’s experience?

Bartley: “Students were very articulate about the new insights that they gained about the need for them to support each other, and to recognize artificial barriers for what they are. Students talked about their intentions to do things differently and to stand up for the right things. They will not allow bullying or abuse of any kind and will have the courage to speak up when they see it.”

In the last hour, all participants were asked to fill out a note card to a loved one – whether alive today or to one that has left us. Leader Schan asked “Tell the one that is closest to you why you love them. Apologize if you have let them down in the past. Why do we have to wait for their funeral to say what we feel? Tell this person every reason how they have changed your life for the better.” In this brief moment, we observed laughter, contemplation and tears. For the students, staff and volunteers at Valley High, this was a Valentine’s Day like no other. OneDublin.org would like to thank Valley High School, Dublin Unified School District and community partners for making this a very memorable day.

For more information go to: http://www.challengeday.org/

Berenice Meza – Rinda Bartley – Liz Buckley – Schan Baker

Valley High School Challenge Day Poster

Valley High School Challenge Day

Valley High School Challenge Day

Valley High School Challenge Day

By Kerrie Chabot (Enthusiastic and Proud Parent of Camille – Dublin High School Senior, Varsity Competition Cheer Team Captain and twice National Champion, and City of Dublin Young Citizen of the Year 2012)

“Hey ‘9-4-5-6-8’ Who Do We Appreciate? Cheer Moms and Cheer Dads: Yay!”

10 days ago we spent 3 minutes watching 24 girls give 100 percent to a routine they spent 4 times per week for 11 months to perfect.

We’ve been called a clique.

We’ve been called a mob.

We’ve been called crazy.

We call ourselves Proud Parents of National Champions.

Call us a clique? Fine. We are a clique of parents who share their talents and time for our child’s team success. For these girls we transform into taxi drivers and nurses, chefs and fundraising specialists, hair dressers and make-up artists, mediators, on-site tutors and human ATMs. We have even helped mend a broken heart or two.

Call us a mob? Whatever. We are a mob of moms, dads, grandparents, neighbors and friends, who travel hundreds of miles to rally for the teams and watch our girls perform at competitions and Dublin High School community send-off events. We’ve been known to recruit parentals who don’t even have kids on the team!

Call us crazy? Perhaps. Are we crazy to invest thousands of dollars in our child’s passion for this competitive sport? Crazy to invest 11 months for a 3-minute routine? It’s debatable.

Kerrie Chabot and Rodelyn Coppock

Even if we had been handed a Parental Packet 101 during our first year of cheer, nothing could have prepared us parents for the journey on which DHS cheer led us. Cheer parenting isn’t always butterfly kisses, cheers of rah rah and beautiful moments of bonding between us mothers and daughters. Summer cheer camp, for example, in many ways as primitive as our mommy-daughter Girl Scout camp memories, sure is tough. That experience should earn the chaperones some “Brownie Points” for those 48 hours helping dozens of girls practice their stunts and social skills and even refine a few attitudes. Oh, and all of this “child’s play” was in 100+ degree weather. By the end of the weekend I would say we were ready to teach the first chapter to that Cheer Parent 101 course- and perhaps qualify for a Girl Scout Golden Mommy Award for dealing with the major PMS (Poms, Moms, and Stress)!

“I love that Cheer brings Dublin together to support our girls. My daughter has been cheering competitively for over 10 years, and Dublin High School has been the best program. The coaches, parents, and cheerleaders are all so dedicated. The reward of being named National Champs makes it that much sweeter.”, Sherry Loebrich, parent of Senior Varsity cheerleader Alex.

This past year we have seen much athletic sport success at Dublin High School. Yes, cheerleading is a sport. This sport is constantly pulling at its athletes’ time management, physical ability, mental concentration, and social skills. It’s a rollercoaster ride of feel good moments and let downs. So, even though we were never issued a Parental 101 guide, after years of experience, we are now AP- skilled in the meanings of poofs, scorpions, bobbles, dumps and “sticking it”. Do these cheer terms sound painful? Well, at times they are. But if competitive cheer were easy, then it wouldn’t hold any value. From learning to perfect the art of the perfect pony, to being the weekend-savior for remembering to bring nail polish remover, each parent contributes a skill or a role to the success of these teams.

Paula Holman

“I love our Dublin High School Cheer program and all the positive things that it brings out in our girls. Not to mention how proud I am of our 2 time National Champion Varsity team and JV winning their first National title!”, Paula Holman, volunteer team treasurer and parents of two Varsity Cheerleaders, Maris and Taylor.

We have parents such as Rodelyn Coppock known for their cheers and initial shout- out “Bring It!” Or Marcelo Ablao, fruit-providing extraordinaire, who spoils the girls with beautifully carved melon at practices and returns as our team mascot with a blue dyed Mohawk haircut before each National competition. We also have triple threat dads who step up and gave their best game singing and dancing to Beyoncé at the Warriors half time show vs. the Kings in 2012. Our team could not survive without our volunteer treasurer Paula Holman and her precise accounting skills. And of course, there are parents who were recruited by Kristine Cousins to coach. Thanks to Colleen Carrion, Anne Marie Madera, Mia Teetsel, and Kim Watson we now have a phenomenal JV and Fallon middle school program. These volunteer “cheer moms with poms” are all also parents of DHS Varsity competition girls!

Dublin High Cheer Parents

Yet even with all of our parental talents we can feel helpless. For example, just one week before our National competition, Faith A. broke her foot. The team had to come together physically and emotionally to work double time and re-choreograph the routine. Although none of us could make Faith’s foot heal faster, our dedicated Faith attended Nationals in Las Vegas and the team insisted she go on stage during the championship performance and when they accepted their first place award.

“Traveling with the Dublin High School Cheer moms, I was quickly caught up in the excitement of the Nationals Cheer Competition. Watching the girls perform live on the Arena stage was surreal; I had tears of awe running down my face. I could feel every emotion – the joy, the ambition and the pain of the hard work they had put in to get here. You could have easily mistaken me fo one of the moms with all of the cheering and fist-pumping that was going on in front of the stage! And then hearing both the JV and the Varsity teams announced as National Champions and joining in their celebrations was the absolute icing on the cake!!! Fabulous trip – enjoyed meeting other DHS moms and the food, the drinks, the shopping and the ambiance that is Vegas – can’t wait until next year…”, Mita Hartland, one of our dedicated fans who doesn’t have a daughter on the team.

Going Through Security

National Competitions in Las Vegas and Disneyland may sound glamorous. But it was not always a glamorous road getting there. The Mommy Mob and Dad Delegation had to attend numerous qualifying competitions along the way. Our most memorable rite of passage is traveling in 105 degree weather to Turlock to watch our girls in a non- air conditioned gymnasium. But no matter what the venue, this gang of girls, parents, and recruited fans always leave an impression.

What happened in Vegas sure didn’t stay in Vegas! DHS was told to “Bring it!” and they did! They brought the National title all the way home to the 9.4.5.6.8. And not only did they bring home the gold, they also brought home lifetime memories. As did the parents who shared rooms, rides, ranting, raving, and ridiculous fun.

Some critics of this over- zealous clique of parents may see the adults as trying to relive their own high school years through their kids. And this crazy mob enthusiastically responds, “So what if we are!” Nothing beats the feeling of school spirit in a dedicated school. After all, as someone once said “You don’t stop playing because you grow old. You grow old when you stop playing”.

Thanks, DHS for letting me be with you while you “BRING IT”!

Note: This Friday the team will celebrate their victories with friends of the program at 7pm at the DHS Student Union. RSVP to Kristine_Cousins@yahoo.com.

Related articles:

• Dublin High School Cheer Work Ethic Leads to JAMZ Nationals Trophies in Las Vegas
• Dublin High School Cheerleading – Much More Than Pom-Poms and “2-4-6-8!”
• Dublin Dads Join Dublin High and Fallon Cheerleaders for Warriors Halftime Show
• Congratulations Rachel Cooperstein – Dublin High Homecoming Queen 2010

Dublin High School Varsity Performance – JAMZ Nationals 2013

Dublin High School Competition Cheer Team

Dublin High School Competition Cheer Team

Dublin High School Cheer Teammates

Dublin High School Cheer Parents

Dublin High School Competitive Cheer Mascot Marcelo Ablao

Dublin High School Competitive Cheer Team

Dublin High School Competitive Cheer in Action

DHS Cheer Coach Kristine Cousins and Camille Chabot

Dublin is in for a treat this Saturday (Feb. 23) as Fallon Middle School will be hosting over 45 of the finest Winter Color Guards and Percussion Ensembles from throughout the Bay Area, including units from Dublin High School, Fallon Middle School and Wells Middle School. This is a great honor as Fallon is the only middle school in the California Color Circuit to host such an event. The event also includes four World Guards.

If you live near Fallon Middle School, just follow the sound of percussive practice to the event. Percussion Ensemble and Winter Color Guard competitions are very entertaining to watch – if you haven’t experienced an event like this before, now is a terrific time to start. The Percussion Ensemble and Winter Color Guard performances combine music, choreography, dance, theatre and the discipline of competition. The middle and high school students that compete at these events take their performances very seriously – investing hours after school and on weekends to prepare for competition.

• $10.00 all day pass covers both Percussion and Color Guard performances (children under 5 are free)
• Percussion Doors Open: 11:30 A M
• Percussion Starts at: 12:00 PM
• Color Guard Doors Open: 4:30 PM
• Color Guard Starts at: 5:00 PM

Percussion Ensemble Competition Schedule

Winter Color Guard Competition Schedule

Note: Schedule subject to change (http://www.theccgc.org/CCGC/schedule2013.htm). 

By: Alexandra Stassinopoulos (Wells Middle School 8th Grade Student)

Alexandra Stassinopoulos

Eighth-grade students from Wells Middle School are currently visiting the Washington D.C. area for a five-day whirlwind trip of our Nation’s capital. Wells Middle School student Alexandra Stassinopoulos is chronicling for OneDublin.org some of her experiences over these five days. On President’s Day the students visited Arlington National Cemetery. They toured the cemetery and laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Alexandra’s first article covered the Wells visit to Gettysburg.

“When soldiers march,” begins Abe, our bus driver/guide, enroute to Arlington National Cemetery. “They march in straight lines. And that is why, in death, they rest peacefully in straight lines.” True to Abe’s word, as soon as you walk into Arlington you see row upon row of white tombstones. So many that they soon become waves, swelling over the hills.

As we walked up the main path, Abe told us stories about some of the grave sites. The very first story was about Cpl. Larry E. Smeldley, who, at eighteen, is the youngest soldier buried at Arlington. Smedley joined the army to fight in Vietnam for the simple reason that his buddy joined the army. But, don’t take that simple reason for enlisting as a sign of lack of dedication. Days after beginning his tour of duty, he sacrificed his life for his unit, becoming a fallen military hero who was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor AND the Purple Heart. For me though, the most impressive part of this hero’s story is that those guys in his unit he sacrificed himself for, he knew them for only two weeks.

We continued up the path and as we get near the top of a hill, Abe told us another story. This story was a little different, instead of being about a fallen soldier; it was about Thurgood Marshall, a civil rights leader. Marshall was one of those prodigies you hear about. He graduated from college when he was nineteen and applied to Maryland State University to earn his law degree. But, they wouldn’t let him in for one really stupid reason: because he was an African American. So, he went to the Howard School of Law instead, but he didn’t forget what Maryland State did to him. In fact, the first case he ever argued in front of the Supreme Court was Brown vs. The Board of Education and won – the first of many cases in defense of civil rights. During his career as a lawyer, he would in fact become the person who argued the most cases in front of the Supreme Court and eventually the first African American justice. Upon his death, Marshall requested to be buried at Arlington where he rests peacefully today.

After we visit Marshall’s grave, we continued up the hill, which is dominated by a house reminiscent of Mount Vernon (the home of George Washington). Near Arlington House, as it is called, is the grave of one of the two presidents buried at Arlington; President John F. Kennedy. Buried with many family members at his favorite spot at Arlington, Kennedy’s grave also includes an eternal flame that symbolically demonstrates the ever-lasting remembrance of Kennedy and his ideals.

However, the part of our visit to Arlington that I found more moving than the stories and the president’s grave, was the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the ceremony where Wells got to lay a wreath at the tomb. Nobody has any idea of who is buried in any of the three graves, but yet we give them the highest military order. Everything the Old Guard does in honor of these soldiers is in reference to the twenty-one gun salute. He takes twenty-one steps down the map and direction he faces, he faces for exactly twenty-one seconds. In the U.S., Unknown Soldier is pretty much completely synonymous with hero.

Our group was lucky to witness the changing of the guards, an exact and very impressive ceremony preformed every time one guard is relieved of duty. After the guard is changed comes the wreath laying ceremony. The four students chosen to lay the wreath solemnly walk down the steps from the amphitheater and hand the school wreath to a guard who places it in front of the grave. Everybody stands silently, with their hands over their hearts as taps is played. One of the people who got to lay the wreath, Karyn Utsumi, said “It was a once in a lifetime honor to be able to lay the wreath and I was really, really glad I got to do it but, it was also super cold.”

Wells left the cemetery at sunset, the most beautiful time of day. Beautiful because of the way the red light curved around the trees and hills, profiling them against the heavy sun. But it is also a reminder, because as the final burst of light flares out, it reflects off the white stones of each grave, highlighting everyone in turn as far as the eye can see. You can see so many graves which belong to someone’s brother, sister, father, or son and it is driven home to you, the fact that freedom wasn’t free. You can see just how many brothers, sisters, fathers, and sons have given their life for our country.

Related Articles:

• Living History in Gettysburg Through the Eyes of a Wells Middle School Student
• Dublin High Grad Monica Moorjani on the 57th Presidential Inauguration
• A Living History Tour of The Capitol with Congressman Eric Swalwell
• Dublin High’s Ron Rubio on the History of Elections as the 113th Congress Begins

Wells Middle School Trip to Arlington National Cemetery with Tour Guide

Wells Middle School Trip to Arlington National Cemetery

Wells Middle School Trip to Arlington National Cemetery

Wells Middle School Trip to Arlington National Cemetery – Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Wells Middle School Trip to Arlington National Cemetery

By: Alexandra Stassinopoulos (Wells Middle School 8th Grade Student)

Alexandra Stassinopoulos

Eighth-grade students from Wells Middle School visited the Washington D.C. area for a five-day whirlwind trip of our Nation’s capital. Wells Middle School student Alexandra Stassinopoulos chronicled for OneDublin.org some of her experiences over these five days. This is her final article capturing a visit to Washington National Cathedral. Alexandra’s first article covered the Wells visit to Gettysburg, and her second article covered a tour of Arlington Cemetery.

You don’t usually hear the words “gargoyle” and “Darth Vader” in the same sentence – unless, of course, you’re standing outside the National Cathedral in Washington D.C.

When people visit the National Cathedral, the one thing most people remember is none other than the gargoyles. Traditionally, gargoyles are supposed to ward off evil spirits, but as far as I can tell, they scared off the spirits centuries ago and nowadays, their job description mostly involves gargling. Yes, that’s right, gargling. As in what you do after you brush your teeth. When it rains, the water flows through pipes on the roof, preventing the water from pooling, and come out of a gargoyle’s mouth making a gargling sound, hence the name.

The National Cathedral’s gargoyles aren’t just any gargoyles. Neither are they grotesques. Grotesques are often mistaken for gargoyles, probably because most are similarly hideous, even though they never gargle. These grotesques, like gargoyles protect the building from water, only without spouting water. Instead of being scary or having eternal constipation, the National Cathedral’s gargoyles and grotesques are, well, let’s say… unique. The Cathedral didn’t want normal gargoyles – we are in the United States after all – so they let their stonemasons have some fun. But I do have to warn you, unless you fully understand the extent of stonemasons’ bottled up imaginations, you should probably avoid giving that instruction in any other circumstance.

When you visit the Cathedral, if you look carefully enough, you can see all sorts of things hanging out on the Cathedral’s ornate exterior. Now famous, these grotesques and gargoyles include carvings of giant bugs, any one of Noah’s menagerie, Rosa Parks, Medusa, the Minotaur and maybe, if you’re lucky, one of the stonemasons themselves. However, the most well known grotesque, and the only one I was able to find personally, was a carving of none other than Darth Vader.

Besides enjoying the illustrious carvings on the outside walls, the other thing that the struck me were the beautiful stained glass windows. These windows depict colorful intricate designs as well as scenes from the Old and New Testaments of the Bible and scenes from the Book of Genesis. My favorite window was pretty special though, as far as windows go, because it included a piece of the moon. Imbedded in the center of the window, a piece of moon rock brought back by the Apollo 11 mission is surrounded by dark blue glass, through which strains of yellow trace various circles, giving the window an appropriately “out of this world” feeling. Near this window, is one of the Cathedral’s three rose windows. Rose windows are circular stained glass windows, and are usually intricate. The Cathedral’s are infinitely stunning.

Moon Rock Window

Now, you might have noticed that I said that some of the windows contained scenes from the Old and New Testament of the Bible. That’s because even though it is the National Cathedral of the United States it’s also technically the Episcopal Cathedral Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul… and a symbol of religious freedom. Even though the National Cathedral is an Episcopal church, it’s the exact opposite of exclusive. Anyone in the world can come in, attend services, take a tour, pray or light a candle, regardless of their own faith and beliefs. This is in stark contrast to other parts of the world. In some places, even today, people are murdered, wars are started, families are torn apart, and countries are destroyed – just because somebody cannot bear to think that the person sitting next to him doesn’t believe in the same God as he does, or doesn’t have the same practices as he does. So, keeping that in mind, tell me, how many other places can you find where religious freedom is basically stamped on its doorstep?

Related Articles:

• Arlington’s Fallen Heroes Through The Eyes of a Wells Middle School Student
• Living History in Gettysburg Through the Eyes of a Wells Middle School Student
• Dublin High Grad Monica Moorjani on the 57th Presidential Inauguration
• A Living History Tour of The Capitol with Congressman Eric Swalwell
• Dublin High’s Ron Rubio on the History of Elections as the 113th Congress Begins

Plaque Marking Helen Keller and teacher Anne Sullivan tombs

Washington National Cathedral

Washington National Cathedral Rose Window

Young Citizen of the Year Nominees

One of the great traditions in our community continued last Wednesday at the Shannon Community Center. On this evening, the City of Dublin hosted their annual program to honor a Young Citizen, an Organization and an Adult Citizen for their service in 2012. It is a special evening where a lavish dessert buffet and champagne are served. City dignitaries, families, neighbors and residents from every walk of life were in attendance. Mayor Tim Sbranti welcomed the crowd promptly at 7:00 PM and the event was under way.

In order to be considered for any of the categories, written nominations were submitted and compiled for the judging committee. As in the past, the judges have no association with the city of Dublin and they frequently are residents from surrounding towns. The nomination criteria for both the Citizen and Young Citizen of the Year awards are based on the Dublin Pride – Integrity in Action Program’s ten characteristics. They are: Responsibility, Respectfulness, Caring, Giving, Positive Attitude, Trustworthiness, Cooperation, Doing One’s Best, Honesty and Self-Discipline. Under any set of circumstances, this is a very high bar for anyone to attain.

In inverse order, the Citizen of the Year is Janet Lockhart. Ms. Lockhart provides leadership to the Dublin Partners in Education (DPIE). The Organization of the Year is the Tri-Valley Youth Court. TVYC is a voluntary diversion program for teenage offenders of misdemeanors. Completion of the program erases an incident from a juvenile’s record.

Finally, there were three nominees for Young Citizen of the Year –  Dublin High seniors Ms. Alexandra Brown and Ms. Camille Chabot, and Murray Elementary School 5th grader Ms. Vy Nguyen. In the end, the award was bestowed upon Ms. Chabot by City of Dublin Council Member David Haubert. Camille is a high performing student at Dublin High, has danced with the McGrath Irish Dance Troupe for 12 years, serves as a tutor to 2nd graders at Green Elementary School and is one of the varsity captains of Dublin High School’s competitive cheer program.

To learn more about the youngest of the nominee’s, OneDublin.org sat down with Ms. Nguyen’s nominator, Denise Fisher, a 5th grade teacher at Murray Elementary School. Through Denise we met a vibrant, caring and ambitious nominee. The following are excerpts from the nomination letter:

Murray Elementary Teacher Denise Fisher

“…She has always stood out as a leader modeling responsibility in our small elementary school. As a member of our Student Leadership Team, she has spent the last five months organizing members at meetings to make sure that tasks are accomplished well and on time. Vy volunteers almost weekly, giving up precious Friday afternoons to help sell ice cream to raise funds for our free breakfast and weekend lunch program, The Caring Café.

“…This year we welcomed a new student to our class. It was his first time in a regular classroom and like many students, the change was challenging. Before I knew it, Vy had stepped up to take care of our new friend. She helps him to organize assignments, encourages classmates to include him in projects and games, and rushes to his side during frustrating times – often helping him before I have even recognized that he was unhappy.

“…This is how I learned what worthy volunteerism and citizenship really is about. It was watching Vy show me in tiny and meaningful ways that it is our responsibility to look out for others, every day.”

OneDublin.org: Beyond your narrative, what motivated you to nominate Ms. Nguyen for this honor?

Denise Fisher: “I nominated her because I try believed that she embodies all of the character traits they were looking for and she models them on a daily basis. I wanted her to see that what she does for her school and community is recognized and appreciated.”

OneDublin.org: YCOY candidates are frequently high school seniors and juniors. How and why did you think that Vy was notable for this honor?

Fisher: “This is definitely a biased answer coming from 17 years of teaching elementary school. Because they are young and because they have nothing to gain – no scholarships in the works, no committees to impress – the acts of kindness that I see from elementary students must come from the heart. It’s that intrinsic kindness that I wanted to recognize but also wanted other people to see.”

OneDublin.org: Ms. Nguyen’s behavior and attitude is probably a reflection of her family and upbringing. How has her family influenced the young lady that she is today?

Fisher: “I have known Vy and her family since second grade. They have always struck me as not just hardworking, but more that it is your responsibility to your family and community to work hard, to do your best and to give back. Vy’s mom had a “shop” at our Holiday Boutique. Shop owners paid a fee to rent a table. The money raised was to support our free breakfast and lunch program. At the end of the evening, she game me all of the money she had earned to donate to the program. All of it.”

OneDublin.org: This may not be the last time that she is nominated for this award. How do you personally project her future as a student and citizen?

Fisher: “I’ve told her that I she would change the country one day and that I could see her becoming President. My thought was that she would set the standard for how we, the citizens of the United States, are supposed to treat one another all of the time. She is also going to be an amazing student.”

High praise and a very high bar. However, now that South Korea has inaugurated its first female President, do we dare challenge Ms. Fisher’s projections? OneDublin.org congratulates all of the nominees and winners of the Volunteer Recognition Event. You contributions to the quality of life in Dublin are priceless.

City of Dublin Young Citizen of the Year Nominee Vy Nguyen with family and friend

City of Dublin Young Citizen of the Year Nominee Alexandra Brown and family

City of Dublin Young Citizen of the Year Winner Camille Chabot and family with Valerie Deam

According to the UK-based news organization Sky News, a 2013 survey revealed that a majority of parents are confused by the methods schools use to teach mathematics. The poll results included responses from over 2,000 parents. Nearly one third of the respondents admitted that they lacked the confidence in their own numeracy skills to help their children with their primary school math homework. Furthermore, parents were asked to complete a test related to mathematics usually taught to their eight to twelve year-olds. Only 5% answered all ten questions correctly.

There can be many explanations for these results. Whether a parent is 30 years old or 50, it has been probably decades since they’ve been tasked with elementary school fractions, geometry and other mathematics concepts (here is a sample California Grade 5 Mathematics Standards Test). The convenience of utilizing a calculator or programs like Excel, have negated the need to do these tasks manually. However, younger students need to understand the rudiments of math in order to gain mastery to succeed in geometry, trigonometry or calculus.

“Studies have shown that if parents help their children with homework, they are more likely to succeed at school,” according to presenter Carol Vorderman. “It’s imperative that children are given the opportunity to learn math in a way that is fun, accessible and engaging, both at home and in the classroom.”

So, what does this mean in the Dublin Unified School District? At least at Dublin Elementary School, the administration and staff have taken a very proactive stance in terms of their student population. It’s a position that will give their students every possible way to achieve as they promote up to middle school. OneDublin.org was fortunate to meet with the “driver” of this initiative at Dublin Elementary School, Fifth Grade Teacher Ms. Krystal Shaw. A Family Math Night event was hosted at Dublin Elementary last Thursday evening.

Krystal was essential in making this event come together. She clearly has a passion for mathematics and was responsible for previous events at the former Nielsen Elementary School. Her primary motivation for moving this program forward was to share her love of math. More importantly, she wanted to help parents understand some of the new strategies that were being employed district-wide so that they could be equipped to help their children with their homework. While this evening was treated as a “trial run”, the hope is that this will become an ongoing program at Dublin Elementary, perhaps at other elementary schools, as well.

OneDublin.org: As this was the first family math night in recent memory at Dublin Elementary, what were your expectations for parental turnout?

Krystal Shaw: “I was just hoping that people would show up. I really wanted everyone who came to take away with them that math could be FUN! I was completely overwhelmed by the turnout. We had about 40 parents who sat through a two-hour parent academy learning about addition, subtraction, division and fractions. We also had over 80 students who participated in math activities.”

OneDublin.org: By offering a classroom setting for parents/guardians, what benefits were you hoping to convey to them?

Shaw: “We were in the classrooms for two reasons. #1: I needed the technology to teach these lessons. #2: It also gave the parents a feeling of a normal school day. They were able to see an authentic environment.”

OneDublin.org: As the State of California moves towards adopting Common Core Standards in the fall 2014, please explain how and why an event like math academy will make a material difference in the way that you and your colleagues approach teaching both Mathematics and ELA.

Shaw: “The common core brings a new set of standards to California. With this comes different ways of teaching. The strategies covered during the parent academy fall in line with the common core standards. These strategies teach multiple methods and a deeper level of understanding. These strategies are teaching number sense and math reasoning skills that go way beyond memorizing an algorithm.”

For another perspective on this story, we sought out feedback from Dublin Elementary School Principal Ms. Lauren McGovern.

OneDublin.org: As a site administrator, what were your goals/outcomes by hosting this event?

Lauren McGovern: “We wanted an opportunity for students to celebrate learning. Further, we wanted to promote problem-solving and critical thinking skills. Additionally, we wanted to demonstrate the California’s transition from state standards to the Common Core Standards in mathematics.

OneDublin.org: Many parents/guardians have a latent or an outward fear of mathematics. How is your program endeavoring to break down some of these fears or barriers for parents?

McGovern: “We wanted to provide multiple methods of problem solving and to also demonstrate classroom practices that will assist with homework. We also wanted to show methods for locating additional resources and information.

“We enjoyed the opportunity to visit with families and to celebrate the great learning and thinking at Dublin Elementary. Thanks to Ms. Shaw and to her team for running the evening. Our staff looks forward to organizing more of these activities in the future!”

Parents: Your child will succeed in mathematics – in no small part to your participation in Family Math Nights and other events, such as the one conducted at Dublin Elementary School. As Ms. Shaw stated, “Let’s make math fun!” OneDublin.org salutes teachers, such as Krystal Shaw, for making this a priority. For further information, please contact your respective Principals at www.dublinusd.org.

Dublin Elementary School Family Math Night

Dublin Elementary School Family Math Night

Dublin Elementary School Family Math Night

Dublin Elementary School Family Math Night

By Brooke Legins (Fallon Middle School 8th grade student)

Fallon Cheer Team Members

The time had come. All of our hard work had finally come down to this one important day: Junior Nationals 2013. It sure takes a lot to get a team of 30 girls ready for such an event. Not only does it take countless hours of warm-ups, conditioning, jumping, stunting, and full run-throughs of our routine, but you can’t forget the blood, sweat and tears that go along with each practice. Mental preparation is equally important as physical preparation for each competitive cheerleader. Our coaches always remind us how each individual plays an integral part to the success of the entire team. Without one another, we would not have the strength to achieve our goal of giving the best performance each and every time.

Disneyland, what a great place to have a cheer competition! The weather was great, the parks were fun and the cheer spirit was high. Teams from all over California, Arizona and Nevada had come with the same goal, Junior National Champions. It was fun running into teams that we had met and competed against in the past and also meeting new cheerleaders and sharing experiences. It was exciting to be in the “Happiest Place on Earth” doing what we love with the support of our family and friends. What could be better?

Sunday, competition day, started out with an early morning team bonding and words of encouragement from our wonderful coaches and inspirational past Fallon cheerleaders. Butterflies began fluttering in the stomachs of not only the newest members to the team, but also to those who had experienced a national competition before. As we said goodbye to our family and friends, we headed out the door together to begin a long and nerve-wracking day.

First to compete was Fallon’s five person stunt team. With a near flawless routine, our expectations were high. With the news that the stunt team came in first place, the stunt team took their positive energy and confidence back to the team who was now warming up for their chance to compete. After giving one the best performances of the entire year, we clinched a spot in the top 3 of our division. This news only made our climb to the top that much closer. Now, all we had to do was focus, keep our nerves in check, and deliver another amazing performance. That is just what we did.

With our heads held high, we proudly took home the third place trophy in our division realizing the amazing talent of our competitors. The hard work did pay off as we all gave our best. Along with this good news came the surprising announcement that Fallon’s stunt team had received the top score of the day and was rewarded with the title, Grand National Champions! What a way to end the season. We couldn’t be more proud of ourselves for the effort and dedication we put forth as a team…together!

I feel truly blessed to be part of such an amazing group of girls who are not only talented cheerleaders, but are friends who are like family to me. I will remember these moments as a Fallon Middle School cheerleader for the rest of my life.

Fallon Middle School Cheer Team

Fallon Middle School Cheer Team

Fallon Middle School Cheer Team

Fallon Middle School 7th grader Gary Yang was recently notified by the National Geographic Society that he qualified to compete as a semifinalist in the 2013 California National Geographic Bee, sponsored by Google and Plum Creek. The 2013 California National Geographic Bee will be held in Sacramento at Cosumnes River College on Friday, April 5, 2013.

Gary Yang, “My interest in geography started back in the 5th grade at school in Tennessee. I had never been in a geography bee before, but when the time came, I realized that I was actually pretty good at naming places, countries, borders, bodies of water and whatever else. I started studying, memorizing facts, playing games, and ended up going to the state competition in Nashville. As a school representative, I placed just out of reach of the final round, but since then, the experience has taught me a lot about myself. Or how I could do better next time. A few times I’ve stumbled on an easy question, but I just have to learn to pick myself up, and sometimes, to calm myself down. I’ve learned that you don’t need to impress people by answering questions as fast as you can. In the end, your goal is to take the time to give your most accurate answer.

“When it comes to the competition, you need to focus. You give your best answer, and you try to think straight. There isn’t much need for cramming the night before. Try to relax, and make sure you don’t panic. If you think you might have heard something wrong, ask the moderator to repeat the question (just don’t ask too often- you only have 2 opportunities for a repeat).

“Geography is about memory. Just keep on studying, and you’ll go far. We learn from our mistakes. However, I still think that geography deserves to be a more important part of our education. If more kids were interested, then maybe we could send an even more qualified student (I try my best to be modest) to state next year, or the year after. According to Stephen Cunha, this year’s coordinator, two thousand schools competed for this year’s state bee. Only the top one hundred and nine students received a spot in the state contest, so if you get as far you should already have some confidence in your knowledge. Geography is a game. You just have to learn how to play it.”

This is the 25th anniversary of the Bee. Bees were held in schools with fourth through eighth-grade students throughout the state to determine each school’s Bee winner. School-level winners then took a qualifying test, which they submitted to the National Geographic Society. In each of the 50 states, as well as the District of Columbia, the Department of Defense Dependents Schools, and the U.S. territories, the National Geographic Society invited the students with the top 100 scores to compete at the state level.

The state winner will receive $100, the “Complete National Geographic on DVD,” and a trip to Washington, D.C., where he/she will represent Michigan in the national finals at National Geographic Society headquarters, May 20- 22, 2013.  The first-place national winner will receive a $25,000 college scholarship and lifetime membership in the Society. The national winner will also travel (along with one parent or guardian), all expenses paid, to the Galapagos Islands. The winner will experience geography firsthand through up-close encounters with the wildlife and landscape of Galapagos.

National Geographic Channel and Nat Geo Wild will air the final round of the 2013 National Geographic Bee, moderated by Alex Trebek, on Thursday May 23.

Dublin High School, Fallon Middle School, Wells Middle School, St. Raymond’s Catholic School and Valley Christian School all participated on behalf of their schools and the City of Dublin at the Alameda County Science and Engineering Fair last Saturday (March 9). Dublin High School led the way with more participants than any other school at the fair – over 60 Dublin High School students participated representing 37 different projects earning 4 first place, 1 second place, 5 third place, and 5 fourth place awards. Fallon Middle School also secured a first place award, and Wells Middle School and St. Raymond’s Catholic School also took home awards. More important than the awards, however, was the effort by all participants to apply the scientific method to real world problems. In all hundreds of students from schools across Alameda County participated in the event.

Dublin High School’s young scientists were also awarded two Best in Category awards, for “Helping Handicapped Kids Play Basketball” and “The Efficiency of a Spectrophotometer”. The students that created “Helping Handicapped Kids Play Basketball” earned partial funding to attend the California State Science Fair (CSSF) in Los Angeles later this year. Congratulations to these young scientists and the teachers that support their efforts.

Related articles:

• Science Fair Project Primer – ‘Tis the Season for the Scientific Method
• MythBusters Adam Savage and Kari Byron on the Art of Science and Experimentation
• UC Berkeley’s Madeline Girard on Becoming a Scientist and Researching Animal Behavior
• Harvey Mudd College President Maria Klawe on Women in Science, Math and Engineering
• Heather Knight and Social Robotics: The Intersection of Storytelling and Technology

Below is a complete list of entrants from Dublin’s middle and high schools:

Dublin High School Entrants

Dublin Middle School Entrants

Parade participants, early risers and those seeking a green pancake breakfast awoke Saturday to thick fog in many parts of Dublin. By the time the parade was signaled to start, promptly at 9:30am, the fog had lifted and the streets of downtown Dublin lined with families. The parade featured entries from schools across Dublin, marching bands, color guards, cheer teams, dance troupes, martial arts demonstrations, dogs, motorcycles, Shriner clowns scooting across the street, horses, bagpipers, veterans, local businesses, boy scouts, girl scouts, and more.

The parade also featured Congressman and Grand Marshal Eric Swalwell, Citizen of the Year Janet Lockhart, Young Citizen of the Year Camille Chabot and Organization of the Year Tri Valley Youth Court.

Notably absent was City of Dublin Mayor Tim Sbranti who is, appropriately, currently in Dublin, Ireland enjoying St. Patrick’s Day festivities with mayors from cities named Dublin from throughout the world.

St. Patrick’s Day festivities continue Sunday with the Shamrock 5K Fun Run & Walk and day 2 of the St. Patrick’s Day Festival featuring carnival games, booths, food and drink, and the McGrath Irish Dancers. Details on all events are available here.

Part of the charm of Dublin’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade is the unique local content. One example was Mr. Lucky, a creation of Dublin 14 year-old student Dustin Richardson (currently attending Fame Charter School). Dustin was previously profiled by Patch as a local “Whiz Kid” (read more…). For the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Dustin appeared as a silent film character named ‘Mr. Lucky’ to entertain parade viewers. According to Dustin’s father, “Dustin has a passion for silent films, especially Charlie Chaplin. After the 2012 Dublin St. Patrick’s Day festivities, Dustin created Mr. Lucky and has made several shows since then, including a Halloween and Christmas special. He created this video to celebrate his honored appearance in the Dublin St. Patrick’s Day parade. Dustin has always aspired to be a film maker. You can follow Mr. Lucky on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/TheMr.LuckyShow“.

Downtown at the City of Dublin St. Patrick’s Day Parade 2013

Horsing Around at the City of Dublin St. Patrick’s Day Parade 2013

Wells Middle School Principal Kevin Grier at the City of Dublin St. Patrick’s Day Parade 2013

Pageantry at the City of Dublin St. Patrick’s Day Parade 2013

Dublin High School Marching Band at the City of Dublin St. Patrick’s Day Parade 2013

Fallon Middle School Marching Band at the City of Dublin St. Patrick’s Day Parade 2013

Wells Middle School Marching Band at the City of Dublin St. Patrick’s Day Parade 2013

More photos from the parade are available here.

Fallon Middle School has been chosen to host the California Scholarship Federation (CSF) Conference for the Central California Coast region. CSF is a community service organization made up of high-achieving students that want to make a difference in their communities through volunteering and fundraising. The middle school version is CJSF – California Junior Scholarship Federation. Dublin High School hosted a CSF / CJSF conference in 2011 (read more…).

The CSF Conference for the Central California Coast region will take place at the Fallon Middle School Campus on Saturday, March 23^rd. The theme of the conference is “Believe, Relieve and Achieve, through Mind, Body and School.” The conference will have a number of workshops involving the theme.  Fallon is anticipating approximately 200 educators, administrators and students in attendance.

Fallon CJSF student members and advisors have been working diligently to encourage local businesses to donate gift certificates, cash or “swag” items to help the conference be a success. There is still much to do and Fallon Middle School would like to let the community know of their needs. If there is any way you can help the conference through donations please contact a CJSF Advisor at Fallon Middle School and let them know how you can help:

• Terri Sharbach  mrssharbach@fallonschool.com
• Kelly Zummor  kellyzummo@fallonschool.com
• Lorrin Harris   msharris@fallonschool.com

(Back row, left to right) Kelly Zummo, Christopher Song (treasurer), Terri Sharbach, Lorrin Harris (Front row, left to right) Amy Peng (vice president), Ishan Saha (president), Anatasia Mabini (historian), Kathleen Attendido (secretary)

Almost five years ago, Measure L, the parcel tax proposed in Dublin passed with an overwhelming 72% acceptance rate. A two-thirds majority of ballots cast were required to pass this into law. The Measure was designed to support high academic achievement in math, science, reading, writing, and technology; to attract and retain highly qualified teachers; maintain small class sizes; and to provide ongoing teacher training. Additionally an independent citizens’ oversight committee was committed to ensure that no monies for administrator salaries were earmarked here and that all dollars were to stay in our community to maintain a high quality education. What has occurred since that vote?

OneDublin.org explored and was pleased to report that tangible benefits are occurring. Specifically, the 2012/13 academic year has yielded a new Science coaching program that is currently benefitting all elementary schools across the District. The program is completing its first year and should provide positive benefits for all our primary students next year as they begin to matriculate into their respective middle schools. As an ancillary outcome, we uncovered a science program unique to Murray Elementary School that should inspire future scientists of all ages.

As a direct outcome of Measure L and their corresponding funds, the Dublin Unified School District contemplated many options. With the confluence of increasing academic achievement in all subjects and with the horizon of the movement towards Common Core Standards in 2014, a decision was made to capitalize upon this opportunity at the primary education level. Specifically, a District-led committee focused in on how science engagement could be enhanced across all grade levels. Traditionally, under the CST model, all California students have been measured under testing provided in the fifth, eight and tenth grades. While this has not changed, the measurement has. The evaluation of Science under Common Core Science has moved under the umbrella of English/Language/Arts. What does this mean? While scientific evaluation has not altered, it is the student’s ability to articulate a theorem that has moved to the forefront. In other words, it is not enough to identify a complete circuit, but to explain it, in plain English. Again, this is all being driven by the new state standards which will be implemented shortly in California.

OneDublin.org had the opportunity to visit Murray Elementary School to explore the innovations under a new program. Veteran 5th Grade Teacher Shellie Wilmott has been tasked with leading the initiative of developing a core competency science curriculum for all elementary schools. She has worked in concert with Science Coach, Judie Greenhouse.

OneDublin.org: Your current role is to not only to educate students, but to also “absorb” a portion of the teacher’s science load. Please help us understand your role.

Shellie Wilmott and Judie Greenhouse

Shellie Wilmott: “By virtue of this role, Judie and I are able to implement an active laboratory experience in fifth grade classrooms across the district. Additionally, we are constructing a core guide that can supplement their weekly curriculum. We supply the materials and the content. It’s been a great experience to move these students towards the expectations in ultimately fulfilling the Common Core Standards.”

OneDublin.org: Even if a student does not ultimately choose to pursue a future in the sciences, why should this subject be important to them?

Wilmott: “Regardless, it encourages students to think outside of the box. The skills attained are multi-dimensional: They are hands-on and force one to figure things out. It requires experimentation and for one to express oneself. It would apply to any type of career.”

OneDublin.org: What was the student’s response to the Pi Day held last week, on 3/14?

Wilmott: “The students definitely came in with more energy and excitement. Every class that experienced a 45-minute session left a new excitement about science. We employed some of our 5th grade students to serve as peer advisors to the younger students. They took it seriously and gained great benefits from this process.”

OneDublin.org: Lastly, how would you assess the success of this program?

Wilmott: “I think that most of the teachers are excited. We recognize that this has the potential to move beyond the subject of Science and can move into the ELA/Math model. But, I also feel that we’ve gained respect from our teaching peers and respective administrations. We’re not done, but we’ve accomplished a lot in a short time.”

Yes, the Murray students finished off their week with a slice of pie. Fifth grade teacher Denise Fisher should be commended for planning and executing much of Pi week. There were nine science stations awaiting all of their students during their respective sessions. OneDublin.org recognizes any and all that were responsible for making this event a scientific success!

Pi: (n) a transcendental number, fundamental to mathematics that is the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter. Approximate value: 3.141592…

Murray Elementary School Pi Day Science Event

Murray Elementary School Pi Day Science Event

Murray Elementary School Pi Day Science Event

Murray Elementary School Pi Day Science Event

Murray Elementary School Pi Day Science Event

Tuesday March 26 is National Epilepsy Awareness Day, also known as ‘Purple Day’. Epilepsy is the fourth most common neurological disorder. Epilepsy is the general term used for the over 40 types of seizure disorders or syndromes. Seizures affect 1 in 10 individuals during their lifetime. An estimated 2,000 individuals are affected by seizures in the Tri-Valley. It can be overwhelming to receive a diagnosis of a seizure disorder / epilepsy for the individual afflicted as well as their loved ones. Often medications taken for seizure disorders or the seizures themselves can affect cognition for students. Diagnosis of epilepsy is more common in children and seniors: however can begin at any age.

Pleasanton-based Eric’s Corner offers resources, knowledge, support and education to help ease the isolation and lack of awareness surrounding epilepsy. Eric’s Corner volunteer educational events tend to need a minimum of one hour and there is no charge to the participants as outreach and education are an essential part of the Eric’s Corner mission. Last year, Eric’s Corner hosted an Educational Awareness Event for the Rotary Club of Dublin. Eric’s Corner volunteers can also provide assistance for families to communicate the needs of their child with seizures to the schools, by providing a well drafted individual Seizure Action Plan, and help to shed some light on the process for requesting appropriate accommodations or modifications within the public school system. Eric’s Corner Support Group and Social Outings offer community while living with an often isolating condition.

On March 26 help the volunteers of Eric’s Corner and honor those in our community living with seizures by wearing purple. Please email photos of your participation to kim@ericscorner.org or eric@ericscorner.org.

If you or someone you know would like to host an Epilepsy Awareness Event (EAE), Eric’s Corner would be glad to coordinate an educational experience. Learn more about epilepsy / seizure disorders and how to respond to a seizure.  Community outreach is essential to the growth of epilepsy awareness. The Eric’s Corner Support Group meets the third Thursday of each month from 6:30 – 8 p.m. at 5725 W. Las Positas Blvd. suite 270, Pleasanton. Meetings are open to the public, including individuals of all ages and a variety of seizure types, as well as family friends and care givers.  New comers are always welcome.

For the third year in a row, Fallon Middle School and Dublin High School took center stage in the Oracle Arena during the Golden State Warriors half time show. They were cheered on by a sold out crowd of Warriors basketball fans and hundreds of Dublin residents who took a Wednesday night road trip to cheer on the teams. The Cheer programs in Dublin schools have expanded dramatically in recent years, due in part to the inclusive policy put in place by Dublin High School Cheer Coach Kristine Cousins (who started her Dublin Cheer career at Fallon Middle School). The Cheer program is split into multiple Spirit Teams and the selective Competitive Cheer Teams. All Cheer participants have to maintain academic standing and follow a code of conduct to participate and compete.

Earlier this year in Las Vegas, both the Dublin High School Junior Varsity and Varsity Cheer Teams won JAMZ Nationals in competition.

For those that couldn’t get a ticket to the sold out event, here is HD video and photos from court side:

Related articles:

• Dublin High School Cheerleading – Much More Than Pom-Poms and “2-4-6-8!”
• Sticking It: Life as a Dublin High School Competitive Cheer Parent
• Dublin High School Cheer Work Ethic Leads to JAMZ Nationals Trophies in Las Vegas
• 2012: Dublin Dads Join Dublin High and Fallon Cheerleaders for Warriors Halftime Show
• 2011: Dublin High and Fallon Middle School Cheerleaders Rock Warriors Halftime Show

Dublin High School Cheer Team – Warriors Half Time Show

Fallon Middle School Cheer Team at the Oracle Arena for the Warriors Half Time Show

Dublin High School Cheer Team in flight at the Warriors Half Time Show

Fallon Middle School Cheer Team at the Warriors Half Time Show

Fallon Middle School Cheer Team Backstage at the Oracle Arena for the Warriors Half Time Show

Fallon Middle School Cheer Team in the Warriors Half Time Show

Dublin High School Cheer Coach Kristine Cousins

Dublin High School Cheer Team Backstage at the Oracle Arena for the Warriors Half Time Show

Dublin High and Fallon School Cheer Teams after the Warriors Half Time Show

John Green Elementary School’s annual science fair inspired hundreds of student science fair projects, and brought the community together for an evening of math, science, technology and engineering (STEM) exploration. The event also provided an opportunity for the Dublin High School Gaels Robotics Club, UC Berkeley’s Astronomy Department and parent volunteers to show off their love of science while entertaining at the same time. Schools from across Dublin recently performed extremely well at the Alameda County Science and Engineering Fair, and Green Elementary’s event will likely help continue that trend.

• UC Berkeley’s Astronomy Department demonstrations included a solar telescope, an infrared camera and other cosmic fun activities.
• Dublin High School’s award-winning Gaels Robotics Club included members of the Space Cookies all-girls robotics team demonstrating a VEX Robot, along with the newly elected officers of the club. Dublin High Gaels Robotics recently won in statewide competition and is heading to world championship this spring.
• Brian Fogel and Garrett Fogel hosted a  fun math, science and physics activity station .
• Green parent Mark Berschens entertained with R2B5, the “brother” of R2D2 from Star Wars. Mr. Berschens shared with students how he built the robot.

• Dublin Schools Win Awards at the Alameda County Science and Engineering Fair
• GoldieBlox Founder Debbie Sterling’s Social Mission to Inspire More Female Engineers
• UC Berkeley’s Madeline Girard on Becoming a Scientist and Researching Animal Behavior
• Harvey Mudd College President Maria Klawe on Women in Science, Math and Engineering
• Heather Knight and Social Robotics: The Intersection of Storytelling and Technology

UC Berkeley Astronomy Department Demonstration

Dublin High School Gaels Robotics Club Volunteers with Science Fair Organizers

Star Wars Robot Creator (L) with Principal Keith Nomura and Volunteers

John Green Elementary School Science Fair Projects

Dublin High School VEX Robot vs Star Wars Robot

Fun with Math and Science Demonstration

The City of Dublin, Dublin Unified School District and Alameda County Board of Education today announced that a prestigious Bay Area university has selected Dublin to expand its campus. The new campus will enable an increase in enrollment after a record number of applicants in recent years.

The new campus, scheduled to break ground on June 21, 2013 with convenient access to Highway 580, will leverage cutting edge, immersive, virtual reality technology and traditional classrooms to provide students a state-of-the-art learning experience.

The campus will initially provide expanded access for students pursuing degrees in Science, Liberal Arts and Engineering.

According to a statement issued by the university, “We selected Dublin after a rigorous analysis of Bay Area School Districts. Dublin Unified School District not only provides an outstanding college prep education for all students, but also delivers a diverse visual and performing arts, athletic and extracurricular experience so critical to inspiring the critical thinkers of tomorrow. “

The premier and oldest university of its kind, Emeryville-based Monsters University takes pride in its “tradition of academic excellence, ground-breaking research, development of the next generation of leadership, and the relentless pursuit of monster potential.”

Over time the Dublin Campus, to be situated near the Regal Cinemas complex at Hacienda Crossings, will expand to include all of Monsters University’s schools including: School of Scaring, School of Engineering, School of Liberal Arts & Monstrosities, School of Science, and School of Business.