Spring 2013

St. Timothy School

CONNECTIONSA publication for Parents, Alumni, Parishioners and Friends

2 Connections Spring 2013

This past fall, the St. Timothy School community welcomed its new principal Michelle Timmons. Ms. Timmons brings more than 10 years of experience in classroom teaching, instructional leadership and education management. In addition, she holds a Masters Degree in Organization and Leadership with an Administrative Services Credential from the University of San Francisco. To give Connections readers a better sense of who she is, Eighth Graders Jacob Hanna and Angelica Aguilar spoke with Ms. Timmons in her office.

Meet the Principal

Michelle Timmons

JH: After having been at St. Timothy School for almost a year now, what surprised you most?Ms. T.: I was at St. Anne School in San Francisco

for 10 years. I felt very much a part of that community. When I came to STS, I wasn’t sure how easy it would be to feel accepted into this community. I was surprised, and very happy, about how students, parents and staff made me feel a part of this team, right from the beginning.

AA: We have noticed a change in the morning prayer. Why do students lead the prayer now?Ms. T.: It is important that students see each other in prayer, so that we can pray as a community. This is your school. There will continue to be many opportunities for students to be leaders. The morning prayer is an opportunity for the Student Council to be visible to the rest of the school.

JH: Do you have any pets?Ms. T.: No, not now because I am away from home a lot, but I love dogs. Some day I would like to have one, an Australian Shepherd or Boston Terrier maybe.

AA: What do you like to do when you’re not here at school?Ms. T.: I love to do things outside! I like hiking and camping. Because my dad was in the Air Force, we moved a lot when I was growing up. That’s when I learned to explore new places. I like to take weekend trips all over California - I even like to explore fun places right where I live in San Francisco.

JH: What’s your favorite sports team?Ms. T.: Go Giants!

AA: What are you looking forward to in the next school year?Ms. T.: The teachers and I are developing so many exciting plans for next year. Of course we will concentrate on strengthening academics for all students. We will continue to integrate technology tools, like laptops and iPads into the classrooms. We are planning opportunities for students to learn in different ways, like group projects and alternative assignments. We will be utilizing the best practices in education to provide students with many ways to demonstrate what they’ve learned. I hope you can come back as alumni and see all of these exciting changes!

“This is your school. There will continue to be many

opportunities for students to be leaders.”

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Spring 2013 Connections 3

Literature Circle Selections

The Diary of a Young Girl, Anne FrankThe Outsiders, S. E. Hinton

The Magician’s Nephew, CS LewisCall of the Wild, Jack London

Treasure Island, Robert Louis Stevenson

School News

Seventh graders can be seen huddled together discussing how Anne Frank’s life experience differs from their own. It’s all part of the Literature Circles program directed by Junior High teacher Mr. Mark Lanza. This program inspires 6th and 7th graders to explore classic novels in an engaging way. All members of the Circle read the same book, with each student taking on an aspect of the novel: themes, characters, connections to the lives of the group members and vocabulary. Teachers and students alike are noting a greater appreciation for literature, an increase in vocabulary and the development of skills needed for structured discussion.

Germs in the Classroom?

Literature Circles

Valentines for Vets

This year, students crafted over 200 Valentine cards as a part of the San Mateo County “Valentines for Vets” Project. The cards were then delivered to hospitalized veterans at the San Francisco VA Medical Center at Fort Miley. Fourth grade student Rami Redman explained, “We wanted to show our troops that we have unity in our school and that, together, we are supporting them. We have freedom because of what they do for us.” Students discussed the importance of honoring veterans, especially those who are hospitalized. Eighth grade students will have the added opportunity to learn about the contribution of those in the armed services when they visit the California Vietnam Memorial and the California Military Museum in Sacramento.

Border art by Holden Curnow, Grade 1

As it turns out, the advice about washing your hands is worth some attention. The second grade class is convinced, after a visit from Dr. Juliet V. Spencer, Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Biology at the University of San Francisco. Dr. Spencer and Mrs. Lara Hansen, second grade teacher, transformed the classroom into a laboratory where students worked at different stations to do their research and analyze their findings. Students prepared their own slides and used microscopes

to view and document specimens brought in from Dr. Spencer’s lab. They applied a germ-revealing liquid to their hands to assess their hand washing effectiveness. The budding scientists also created their own agar plates in which they cultivated germs from their fingers, shoes and computer keyboards. The final station allowed the students to tie together all that they had learned by watching a video and taking a quiz on their iPads.The lesson was part of a broader effort to stimulate interest in the sciences.

4 Connections Spring 2013

The recent introduction of laptop computers and iPads into the classrooms offers a multi-dimensional learning experience for students. Through generous grants from two local foundations, students are utilizing specific applications for math, science, language arts, social studies and religion.

Learning aid for students“Since I have been using the iPads” says Mrs. Lara Hansen, second grade teacher, “I have noticed an increase in student understanding of class material, and an improvement in test scores.” These new tools address students’ individual needs for alternative learning methods: visual, auditory, and tactile. After new class material is presented, iPads may be used to reinforce learning, stimulate higher levels of thinking, or expand awareness of the subject. iPads and laptop computers are useful learning aids because they are accessible to students, easy to use, and allow for differentiated and cooperative learning.

Assessment aid for teachersStudents are using a number of applications, each having multiple features. One of the most valuable features is the assessment tool. This tool allows teachers to assess the students’ learning immediately after they complete their work. The teacher can also identify class trends that indicate additional review may be necessary. The Language Arts application, for example, organizes information regarding reading comprehension, vocabulary and grammar for each student and for the class as a whole.The Technology Plan includes expansion of the use of laptops and iPads, ensuring that St. Timothy School students are able to use technology in ways that will prepare them for their future study and eventually careers.

INNOVATIVE L E A R N E R S

Laptops and iPads come to the classrooms

Spring 2013 Connections 5

Class Notes

’96 Jonathan Sibug and his wife Faith are both teachers at Woodland Christian High School

in Woodland, CA. Jonathan is also a staff pastor at The Father’s House, a non-denominational church in Vacaville.

’98 Jennifer Dentoni was married to Brad Whitney on September 3, 2011 at Sts.

Peter and Paul Church in San Francisco. Joining in the celebration were St. Timothy School alumni Brenda Gonzalez Beegle, Jessica Brown, Danielle DeFriese and Pam Satwatcharaphone, all from the Class of 1998.

’99 Chris Aquino has been appointed

the Executive Chef at Viognier Restaurant in San Mateo. “When I cook, I’m just trying to do right by the bounty that is blessed to us as Californians.”, says Chris.

’03 Jenny Glynn is studying to complete her nursing degree.

’04 Timothy Allen graduated from the University of the Pacific in May 2012 with a

degree in English, and minors in History and Gender Studies. He currently attends McGeorge School of Law in Sacramento.

’04 Hanna Malak graduated from Menlo

College in May 2012 with a bachelors degree in Business Management. He is currently working for the Northern California Blood Region of the American Red Cross.

’07 Matthew Allen is attending Santa Clara University, majoring in Electrical Engineering and

Chemistry.

’08 Jana Cadiz graduated with

honors from Notre Dame High School, Belmont. While at NDB, she continuously served in student government and in her final year, was Senior Class President. She was also President of the Worship, Advocate, Volunteer and

Empower Team (WAVE) and a member of the California Scholarship Federation, National Honor Society and Ambassadors Club. Upon graduation, Jana was awarded the St. Julie Billiart Achievement Medal for Religion and the Campus Ministry Discipleship Award. She is currently attending UC San Diego, studying engineering.

’08 Adriana Sciutto graduated from Notre Dame High School, Belmont in 2012. She is

currently a student at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in San Francisco.

’08 Janna Sweidan graduated from Mercy

High School in Burlingame. She received the Sister Mary Gabriel Award for Excellence in Sportsmanship. This award honors the senior who exemplifies team spirit and

loyalty to team members. Janna is currently attending the University of Arizona.

’66 Members of the Class of 1966 joined with fellow classmates in July, 2012 in Portland Oregon to enjoy the company of old and

dear friends. All class members are invited to this year’s reunion in Lake Tahoe, July 12-14, 2013. The main meeting place will be the Cedar Glen Lodge. Activities are designed so alums can participate in one day, or the entire weekend. For more information, contact Debbie Rutkowski-Hines (debbiesthemes@gmail.com) or Phyllis Steckel (psteckel@charter.net).

Debbie Rutkowski-Hines, Camille (Nutley) Bohanan, Kathy Krentz, Barbara Cashion and Christine Nutley in Portland.

Mark your calendars! St. Timothy School Auction - February 22, 2014

6 Connections Spring 2013

Thank you

St. Timothy School, Donors January 2012 - March 2013We would like to thank the many generous donors who have helped St. Timothy School continue to provide a

Catholic education for the children of our parish and neighboring communities.

$10,000+The BASIC FundThe Robert S. and Helen P. Odell FundThe Outrageous FoundationArchdiocesan Family Fund

$2,500 - $9,999Agnes & Mark DeOcampoMicole & John DoyleThe Carl Gellert and Celia Berta Gellert FoundationThe GuardsmenAi & Roy NelsonSharon PisaniTrust Funds Incorporated

$1,000 - $2,499AnonymousGaylyn & Jason BollingerMonica & Thomas ChewCheryllyn & Eymard DeOcampoGenentechNational Catholic Community FoundationSt. Paul the Shipwreck ParishRowena & Joe TotanesJacqueline & Joel Yujuico

$500 - $999Dr. James Chen, OrthodonticsCisco SystemsCity National BankColdwell Banker, Haneen HayderJatinder & Sahaya DasaanHulita & Ben FolauAida & Stephen KraemerAndrea & Derek KudziaDr. Jonathon Lee, Pediatric DentistryPatricia LynchLitiana & Lisiate MakoniMerrill Lynch, Tim Fiacco

Gina & Kevin MortonJanet & Isaac RuizSusan StickelSt. Timothy Parish Bingo and Nav MehtaRosemary & Al StuebingDr. Laleh Vakili, Pediatric Dentistry

Up to $499AnonymousLiz AguilaVanessa AlcantarKaren & Mark AndersonSamah & Bashar AsmarErika & Harold AtkinsColleen & Kevin BanasCheryl BatisteStella & Stephen BissettFrank BriskiAgnes & Russell BuenavistaGloria and John BurrAnn CarliGale CarliPat CarliMeronig & Perry CarterMichele CurnowJaleh & Michael DaleSuzanne & Philip DeardorffMichelle & Vince DefrieseHelen & Nick DeZubriaGina DyLori & Ashruf EdamEmpower FitAkesa FakavaHeather & Jamie GlennNancy & James GoganLara HansenHaneen HaderNadia & Sarmad HermezEmily & Truong HoMaricela & Steven JauriguiLisa & Brian JoachimJay & June JordanFather Kieran McCormickBianka & Christopher McGuiganVandana & Nav MehtaMicrosoft Corporation

Tom MooreGinny & Scott MoyerKatie NatwickVanessa NickelMaria Elisa & Rodolfo ObiasOracleJanine PascualVivan & Renato PascualPacific Gas and Electric CompanyHelen & Eric PlettNicole Po’oiShinta & Adrianus PromonoJoel RebelloGrace and Michael RedmanFrank RicoRichard RussellDeborah Rutkowski-HinesDespina & Suheil SahouriaAna & Adrian SarnoMichelle & Ken SchrumHarold SchuetteLynn SchuetteTony SharronMouna & Fadi SoudahCarol StarelliLynn & Brian StarelliCarmen & Jim StickelEdna & Paul TaitChristina & Cy TanoJennifer & Valentino TantiMichelle TimmonsTracy & Arthur Webb

Marilyn & Nelson YoroJulie & Manuel ZancanellaSana & Ziad Zumot

Memorial GiftsGloria and John Burr, in memory of G. Tex Freemon, Rose Moreci, Antoinette Paterson and Richard St. Claire.

Monica Chew, in memory of Dean Dioso, Wai Fun Fong, Mele Green, Chue-Lun Kwan, Kwock Lam, Bicky Lee, Alice McNesby, Frances Piazza, Siaosi Po’oi, Cynthia Vartan and Chung Yat-Tsang

Katie Natwick, in memory of Ivanna Callo and John R. Doran.

Elsie and Rudy Obias, in memory of Nicasio Sison Javier.

School Board President, Pat Lynch and her husband Bill enjoy the auction - A Night In Monte Carlo.

We have made every effort to include all of our contributors. We apologize for any errors or omissions.

Spring 2013 Connections 7

3 Bees Coffee31st Union8 Vini Wine MerchantsAces UpAcqua PazzaAll American Self StorageAmici’s East Coast PizzeriaAnn Miller Art PrintsArmadillo Willy’s BBQAstaria RestaurantB Street & VineB Street Music

Bay Area Discovery MuseumBay Area Martial ArtsBaywatch RestaurantBBC, Icecream and RocawearBe Happy. Grow StrongBel Mateo BowlBliss Beauty CenterBlossoms Flower ShopBowlmorBrightStarBuck’s WoodsideBuild A BearBundy OpticalByington Winery & VineyardCalifornia Great AmericaCamellia Inn Campo Di Bocce of Los GatosCartoon Art MuseumCheeky Monkey ToysChildren’s FairylandChoice LunchChristina’s Art Adventure CampCity PubCommunications on the MarkThe Counter Burger Creekside InnCrowne Plaza Burlingame

Crowne Plaza Foster CityCrystal Springs Golf ClubCynthia Beck HypnotherapyDisneylandDr. James Chen, OrthodonticsDr. Jonathon Lee, Pediatric DentistryDr. Laleh Vakili, Pediatric DentistryDucky’s Car WashEagle Vines Golf Club

Electronic ArtsEmpowerFit Boot CampEPIC - Edgewood Partners Insurance CenterEquinox GymFine Arts Museum of San FranciscoFish MarketGarden Court Vincci HotelGeoffreys JewelersGolden State WarriorsGoProGuittard Chocolate CompanyGumbinger Avram ArchitectsGym PrecisionHaneen Hayder and Coldwell BankerHarmony Dance CenterHidden Talent Art StudioHillbarn TheatreHiller Aviation MuseumHillsdale Shopping CenterHonda Dealership – Redwood CityIl FornaioInterior SolutionsJennifer Giles PhotographyJosua Ets-Hokin PhotographyJunior Gym

Just BlingedK1 SpeedKathy’s Kreative KakesKerns Fine JewelryKids Posh PartiesKirkpatricks School of DanceKona IceKumon, San MateoLe Amis – Salon et SpaLegarza Basketball CampLegolandLevi StraussLimo5StarLumina SkinMakeup By AudreyMalibu Grand PrixMarcos and Marcos, DDSMarriott SFO – Hangar SteakMax’s Opera CafeThe Melting PotMollie Stone’s MarketsMontemaggiore WineryMoorpark HotelMountain Campside WoodsideMusic Lessons By ReneeNola RestaurantNothing Bundt CakesOakland A’sThe OfficeOsteria CoppaPaintball Tickets.comPatco Precision, Inc.Peninsula Jewish Community CenterPeninsula Pet ResortPeninsula Swim SchoolPerbacco RestaurantPink Shutter Photo BoothsPlanet Granite - BelmontPutnam LexusRainbow ChefsRedwood City Elk’s LodgeRhonda Giedt PhotographyRipley’s Believe it or NotRobust Network SolutionsRosewood HotelA Runner’s Mind Sabrina Alfin InteriorSam’s Chowder HouseSan Francisco 49ersSan Francisco GiantsSan Mateo K9 Social Club

San Mateo OrthodonticsSara Atkins PhotographyScherzo Music StudioSchuette FamilySchumacher PhotographySerra High SchoolSF MOMAShark Sports & EntertainmentShark’s Ice at San JoseSheraton Palo Alto HotelThe Shops at TanforanSibby’s CupcakeryThe Skin Care ClinicSkin SpiritSnap FitnessSofa OutletSonySous KitchenSpiedo RistoranteSpinnaker SailingSports BasementSt. Timothy Parish Bingo and Nav MehtaStack’s RestaurantStarting Line Up BaseballState Farm Insurance - Jerry SelvitellaSteelhead Brewing CompanyStella Alpina OsteriaStella and Dot – Tricia MillerSusieCakesSwiftwater CaféTim Fiacco, Merrill LynchTouchstone ClimbingTown RestaurantUndisputed Boxing GymVanity Day SpaVault 164Vertical Pursuit Executive CoachingThe Walt Disney MuseumWax Museum at Fisherman’s WharfWine Country BalloonsWinterlodge Ice SkatingYoga at ChangeYosemite Mountain Sugar Pine RailroadYvonne Yeh Gee Photography

2013 Auction In-Kind Donors

Auction chairs Rowena Totanes and Tammy Debord (not pictured, Ai Nelson)

St. Timothy School1515 Dolan AvenueSan Mateo, CA 94401Phone: (650) 342-6567

www.sttimothyschool.org

CONNECTIONSis published by the

Development Officefor the families and friends

of St. Timothy Schooland Parish.

PastorRev. Francis Garbo

PrincipalMIchelle J. Timmons

Development DirectorRosemary Stuebing

PhotographyJames Rohrbach and the

yearbook staff

NON-PROFITORGANIZATION

U. S. PostagePAID

San Mateo, CAPermit No. 419

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

Parents of AlumniPlease forward this newsletter if your son or daughter no longer maintains a permanent address at

your home. To update an address, click on “Alumni” at www.sttimothyschool.org. Thank you.

St. Timothy Church

Tigers Take League Championships

The Girls 7th Grade Volleyball Team defeated Our Lady of Angels School to become the PPSL champions. The girls

were coached by Mr. Truong Ho. Back: Victoria Nicolson, Viviana Garcia, Evangelica Ong, Mr. Ho, McKenna Anderson Front: Ariana Zamora, Katherine Ho, Malia Esteban

Coached by STS alumnus JJ Sweidan, the 7th Grade Boys Basketball Team battled their way to become

PPSL League Champions.Back: Hulu Ahoia, Ben Makoni, Patrick Nunn Front: Raymond Redman, Nick Galliano, Andres Atkins and Elijah Jarrow, Not pictured: Michael Collom