Welcome to the twenty-second edition of
Panther Press,
a biweekly electronic newsletter sent to families and friends of
San Joaquin Memorial High School
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San Joaquin Memorial High School is almost one month into the new semester and our staff, students and faculty continue to meet and exceed the challenges posed by virtual learning and COVID-19. This issue covers some of that success, the hard work of our students, and more. |
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Students, Teachers Excel at Online Learning
Voluntarily, Hyeongjun Lee wakes up at 1 a.m., turns his computer on and logs on to class. His instructors’ faces fill the screen early in his morning, beaming all the way from San Joaquin Memorial. Hyeongjun, who also goes by Edward, decided to attend his Zoom classes at SJM live all the way from South Korea. He’s just one example of how SJM’s students and staff have adapted to online learning.
Senior Faith Rosky (pictured above right) is another student who is readily adapting to online learning. Her mother Hope said Faith, who is new to SJM, has been impressed with the quality of online learning this semester and is adapting to the experience.
“She is having a positive experience with online learning,” Hope said. “Like my daughter, many students see today’s learning culture to be somewhat obtuse. What is important to consider is our teachers are working diligently to make each online session meaningful. I am fortunate enough to be in the home and listen to valuable lessons being taught by the outstanding Panther teachers. They are doing a wonderful job utilizing breakout sessions and the students are having thought-provoking meetings.”
Teachers have also had to adapt to the challenges and opportunities posed by continued virtual learning. For English and Religion teacher Carlie Frye, this has meant working to make every single lesson as engaging and interactive as possible. Her sophomore students came up with the creative idea to utilize Zoom backgrounds to do mini-skits (pictured at top). Frye also gives students creative leeway in assignments. Her students in her AP Lit and World Lit courses have had the chance to illustrate quotes collected from their summer reading. For her Religion class, she leads guided meditations and prayers. She also has a theme song for each class and offers “brain breaks” where students can listen to soothing music.
SJM has stepped up to the plate when it comes to online learning. It seems that, so far, this semester has been a home run.
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Online Mass Offered for SJM Community
Campus Ministry is hard at work creating a space for faith and reflection while virtual learning continues. This includes a regular live-streamed Mass. Wednesdays from 9-9:30am have been designated each week for a time of recollection for the student body, faculty and staff. Recollection, as understood in respect to the spiritual life, is a time for the soul to focus on the presence of God. Offerings will include Masses and other prayer opportunities, including a monthly Prayer at the Fountain. The third Wednesday of the month will host a mandatory schoolwide Mass, which the entire student body will attend virtually from their Block 5 class zoom session. The first, second, and fourth Wednesdays of the month will host an optional Mass or prayer service. The plan is to live-stream all these events to offer a more personable and interactive experience.
“Hosting the live-streams is important because it's presently the best forum we have to connect our students to one another while faith opportunities are hosted on campus,” said Clarissa Myers, Director of Campus Ministry. “It offers a communal experience for the student body and faculty while being limited to virtual communications.” The Masses are live-streamed to the SJM YouTube. Click here to visit the YouTube.
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FACTS and Google Classroom: Your Guide
This semester, as part of a move toward more effective and efficient classroom and grade management, SJM has transitioned from PowerSchool to FACTS. FACTS is a web-based student information system that provides a collaborative environment for parents, teachers and students to work together in preparing 21st century learners for the future.
FACTS provides portals for teachers, parents and students to handle attendance, grading and assessment reporting, just to name a few features.
Parents of freshmen and transfer students will receive their FACTS access ID and password at the orientation parent meeting and will then need to set up their parent portal account.
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Many Dreams, One Mission: Support our 43rd Annual Auction
Help SJM celebrate our 75th anniversary with our 43rd annual auction! The auction will be held completely online on November 7. We are currently looking for items for our Silent Auction.
If you are interested in donating an item, please contact one of our Silent Auction Chairs:
You may also contact the school at [email protected], (559) 475-5831, for more information.
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Emilio Carvalho Competes in Texas
SJM’s resident USA Shooting Junior National Team Member, Emilio Carvalho, 11th grade, just competed in Kerrville, Texas. Our Panther took the 3rd place finish, in the Men’s final. After medaling in March 2020 in the Junior category of the Olympic Trials in Tuscon, AZ, he was supposed to represent USA Shooting at the Junior World Championships in Germany over the summer.
With the COVID-19 pandemic hitting the world hard, that event was canceled by the International Shooting Sports Federation.
Let’s continue to cheer our fellow SJM Panther on as he leaves to compete in September for the Colorado Junior Olympics and Nationals.
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Yearbook Now Available
The 2020 Yearbook is still available for pickup through the end of August! It is available for purchase in the Panther Den on campus. Students or parents can bring a check or cash to Natalie Clark in the Panther Den. Contact Natalie at [email protected] or (559) 268-9251 ext. 116.
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Virtual College Night
Fresno County College Night 2020 will be offered free online! This is a free live streaming event being made available to all high school students on September 9, 2020 from 5-8:00pm.
Registered students will have access to all information sessions and one-on-one “virtual booths” to chat with college representatives from around the state and the nation. Student registration is open now.
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Front Door Policy
Those visiting campus are required to enter through the front door on Fresno Street. Other entrances to campus are closed. This is a part of new safety measures. Visitors are asked to check in at the front office and are asked to wear a mask.
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Alumni Contact Update
Panther Alums, even though your time here at Memorial has passed, this is still your home! Please stay connected with us so that you can be part of our exciting engagement opportunities such as our sporting event tailgates, alumni mixers and so much more! To stay connected please fill out this form.
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Join our Parent Guild or Booster’s Club!
Interested in getting involved at SJM and supporting the school? Join our Parent Guild or Booster’s Club! Contact Shirley Boujikian for more information regarding the Parent Guild at [email protected], (559) 475-5831 and [email protected] for more information on the Booster’s Club.
Click here for the application forms:
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