Volume I Issue 2 ~ September 9, 2018
Photo by Tony LaBruno
Tyner's Top 10
Sea Kings,

This year we are introducing a new weekly newsletter called "Tyner's Top 10" in honor of our principal Dr. Tyner. Each week Dr. Tyner will focus on 10 things happening here at PVHS to highlight our students, staff, and all of the amazing things happening on campus. We will also show the upcoming week at a glance with information about any bell schedules or main events happening on campus.

Enjoy!
1. Academics Spotlight
Our science department is all about hands on activities and providing opportunities for our students to learn in engaging ways.

In Mrs. Munoz's Anatomy class, students got to draw on the lab tables the cycle and ways in which our body reacts in different functions such as cold or hot temperature.

Mrs. Maemoto's Biology students were able to participate in mule-worm races, measuring, and had to graph data to practice some of the necessary skills in science.
2. Athletics Spotlight
PVHS football has started 0-2 with losses to very strong Corona Del Mar and Narbonne teams. PV had their first home game, hosting Madison HS of San Diego on Friday.

Boys and girls cross country are each currently ranked first in CIF.

Girls Volleyball recently won the Silver division in the Dave Mohs tournament in Orange County. The team is currently 8-4 with wins over El Segundo and South this past week.

Girls Tennis open the season by winning the Golden State Tennis Classic at Stanford today! PV beat league rival Mira Costa 6-0 in the final. Congratulations girls!

Girls Golf has begun league play and looks to defend their league title.

Boys Water Polo is preparing to host their first ever tournament next weekend and has had a strong start to the season, beating Los Alamitos 14-7 on Tuesday.
3. Activities Spotlight
In honor of the first home football game, ASB hosted our annual "Pump Up Picnic" at lunch Friday. Students could play corn hole, spike ball, and other lawn games to get them excited for the game.

Freshmen elections were also this week. Any freshmen who still need to vote click here . Good luck to all of our candidates, winners will be announced next week.
4. Fine Arts Spotlight
Congratulations Tradewinds Literary Magazine staff & all who had entries published in 2018. NSPA critiqued the original pieces by slam poets, photographers & writers. We earned First Place award with Two Marks of Distinction in Writing & Editing & Photography, Art & Graphics. Great job Sea Kings!
5. College and Career Center
Over 50 students attended the UCLA college visit hosted by our College and Career Center. Students got to hear about specific programs that UCLA offers, the application process, and about financial aid.

The CCC Mini College Fair, focusing on out-of-state opportunities, will take place on Wednesday, September 12, at 6:30 pm in the MPR. Prior to the fair, a short presentation and introduction of each school will take place.
6. Triton Yearbook represents PVHS in North Carolina
Our Triton Yearbook class has spent the last couple of days representing PVHS at the Art Institute of Charlotte. Only a few schools in the nation are asked to attend the Invite-Only Design Conference, where a handful of student artists work side-by-side with industry professionals to reinvent the yearbook publication for the school community and for national competition.

The PV Triton Yearbook art team Caroline Turnbull and Sophie Walter, Senior Editor of Photography Judy Yamaguchi, Senior Editor of Design, Hana Meroth, Senior Editor-in-Chief, Sophia Kang, Junior Editor-in-Chief, and Adviser Ms. Susan Pavelka are proud to represent Palos Verdes High School at this exclusive creative workshop.
7. Student Spotlight
Savannah Scriven, junior at PVHS was named the "Daily Breeze Girls Athlete of the Week". Savannah runs for our cross country team and has since she was a freshmen. Savannah is leading our girls XC team who is currently ranked #1 in CIF division 3. For the full story click here .
8. School Site Council
Are you interested in serving on the School Site Council? We are looking for two parent volunteers. This Council provides importance guidance in the operations of our campus. If you are interested, please email Dr.Tyner at tynera@pvpusd.net by Thurs, Sept 20 th .
9. PTSA Update
The annual PTSA reflections contest theme this year is "Heroes among us". 14 Sea Kings were awarded through the Reflections program last year in music, film, photography, dance, and more. All students are encouraged to enter an original piece of art within a variety of categories. Click here for more information.

If you still need some Sea King Spirit gear stop by the PTSA merchandise table at any home football game or click here for a list of products.

Click here for a fast and easy way to join the PTSA. Thank you PTSA for all your support for us at PVHS!
10. Next week at a glance
Monday:
  • 4 different college visits in the CCC, make sure to check them out on Naviance

Tuesday:
  • Boys Water Polo vs. Agoura at 3pm
  • Girls Volleyball @ Mira Costa at 3pm
  • Girls Golf vs. West
  • School Safety Parent Info Meeting at 6pm in the Gym

Wednesday:
  • Senior Parent Presentation at 8:30am in the MPR
  • Girls Tennis @ Corona Del Mar at 3pm
  • College fair at 6:30pm

Thursday :
  • Girls Golf vs. West
  • Comedy Sportz match in the OAR at 7pm

Friday :
  • Home football game a 3pm versus Culver City
Health and Wellness

As parents, we are all concerned about the dangers of drug and alcohol use. Given all that is known, all the publicity, all the problems that teenagers are aware of, one wonders, Why do teens use? The reasons, of course, are complex, and there is no single answer. The unique development of the teenage brain sheds some light. We now know that it takes about 25 years for the brain to fully develop and mature. During the teen years, the pathways for physical coordination, sensory processing, motivation, and emotions have been well formed. However, the prefrontal cortex, which controls judgment, is not yet fully in place. This leaves teenagers as highly emotional, preferring lots of physical activity, and seeking high excitement and low effort tasks (any of your kids enjoy video games, for example). With judgment not fully formed, teens like high risk behaviors that stimulate them, and often do not think of safety or long term consequences, rendering the teenage years as quite vulnerable. That leaves the door wide open for experimentation with mind altering substances.

Teens experiment with drugs and alcohol because it is fun (at least at first) and because it makes them feel good. In a later column, I’ll address the biochemistry of what makes them feel pleasure.  Substance use is also used to deal with unpleasant feelings. Almost 60% of kids self- medicate issues concerning depression, anxiety, ADHD, bipolar, learning disabilities, and other psychological concerns. By numbing and distracting their feelings, they may experience temporary relief. However, as we know, the problems are not solved, but exacerbated by this tactic. Peer pressure, and peer acceptance is another factor for teens beginning to use. Striving for acceptance, or wanting to avoid being singled out, can often be a powerful influence, and wanting to be part of what is perceived as “the in crowd” can push someone to action. Today’s teenagers are experiencing a great amount of pressure, via social media and high expectations to achieve, and they often turn to drugs or alcohol as a way to relieve that pressure. For those who perceive themselves as falling short of expectations, in school performance, athletic performance, or other extra-curricular activities, substance use is often attempted to deal with feelings of low self-esteem. Alcohol and drug use can also be a misguided attempt to cope with life traumas, including loss, abuse, illness, and other serious family issues. Finally, there is a genetic component to substance use problems. If there is a family history of drug or alcohol dependence, teens must learn that their brains may be wired differently than others, and need to be even more cautious about the desire to experiment. Often knowing the risk factors is the first step to increasing awareness and developing a plan for recognizing and dealing with difficulties.

Remember, if you have issues you would like to see addressed, please email me at askdrgelbart@gmail.com .

Moe Gelbart, Ph.D.
Executive Director, Thelma McMillen Center
General Info
600 Cloyden Road, Palos Verdes Estates, 90274 ~ 310-378-8471 ~ pvhs.pvpusd.net