Dear CUSD High School Parents and Students,

JUNE is the LAST CHANCE to take the SAT or ACT this Spring!
Are you prepared?
Revolution Prep will help you get there!
Classes are filling up fast, so register now to guarantee your spot!

Revolution Prep has a mission to help EVERY student achieve their goals by offering the highest quality curriculum at a price you can afford. And if you need help, unlimited scholarships and financial aid are available! With classes at every Capo High School campus, there is a class near you!

Class schedules preparing for the JUNE SAT and ACT are listed below. REGISTER TODAY at www.revolutionprep.com

REVOLUTION PREP WILL BE HOLDING COMPREHENSIVE SAT AND ACT COURSES AT CAPO HIGH SCHOOLS!

SAT Courses prepping for the June 5th test date begins April 24th

San Juan Hills High School
Classes: Thursdays, 3:30pm – 6:30pm
Exams: Saturdays, 9am - 1pm at San Clemente HS- Upper Campus

Dana Hills High School
Classes: Tuesdays, 3:30pm – 6:30pm
Exams: Saturdays, 9am - 1pm at San Clemente HS- Upper Campus

Don Juan Avila Middle School
Classes: Wednesdays, 6:00pm – 9:00pm
Exams: Saturdays, 9am - 1pm at San Clemente HS- Upper Campus

Capistrano Valley High School
Classes: Thursdays, 3:30pm – 6:30pm
Exams: Saturdays, 9am - 1pm at San Clemente HS- Upper Campus

San Clemente High School /Upper Campus
Classes: Tuesdays, 6:00pm – 9:00pm
Exams: Saturdays, 9am - 1pm at San Clemente HS- Upper Campus

Tesoro High School
Classes: Wednesdays, 3:30pm – 6:30pm
Exams: Saturdays, 9am - 1pm at San Clemente HS- Upper Campus

ACT Courses prepping for the June 12th test date begins May 1st

Tesoro High School
Classes: Wednesdays, 3:30pm – 6:30pm
Exams: Saturdays, 9am - 1pm at San Clemente HS- Upper Campus

Don Juan Avila Middle School
Classes: Tuesdays, 6:00pm – 9:00pm
Exams: Saturdays, 9am - 1pm at San Clemente HS- Upper Campus


Revolution Prep’s group course includes:

• 200-point score improvement guarantee
• 6 three-hour classroom lectures and 5 full-length practice exams
• Engaging, knowledgeable instructors
• Personalized homework and feedback on essays

Financial aid is available for any student in need. Contact Revolution Prep for details.

To enroll, please call 877-REV-PREP or go online to www.revolutionprep.com.

In addition to group courses, Revolution also offers private tutoring as an option for students with extremely busy schedules and/or students who prefer 1-on-1 preparation.

If you have any questions about the testing timeline, Revolution Prep programs, or the SAT in general, please feel free to call Revolution Prep at 1-877-REV-PREP (738-7737).

Hello Hankey Families,

Carl Hankey PTA and 5th grade science camp are hosting another “MOM’S NIGHT OUT OF THE KITCHEN” event at California Pizza Kitchen! Our last event was a huge success, so let’s see if we can top it! Dine-in, take-out, lunch or dinner, it all works! We get a generous 20% of your total bill (that includes food and drinks!!!!) when you bring the flyer that is posted on the Hankey Website. (http://chhawks.schoolloop.com)

Give mom a well deserved night off! Bring your family and friends to the CPK located on Marguerite Parkway anytime on Wednesday March 31.
Don’t forget that CPK has a great curbside service, so if it’s too much to dine in, call ahead, place your order, drive up, and they’ll bring it out to you! Doesn’t get much easier than that!!!

*DON’T FORGET TO PRINT AND PRESENT THE FLYER SO WE GET CREDIT*
Happy eating! Yum!
Thanks to everyone for your support
Debbie Gecgil
Hankey PTA
Hankey 5th Grade Science Camp

Link: http://www.lightthenight.org

Sandy and Christian Barker

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Orange County/Inland Empire Chapter honored Gold Rush Cure, a top Light the Night fundraising team led by Laguna Niguel resident Sandy Barker, at a special dinner at the Anaheim Hills Golf Course on Feb. 5. Sandy's son, Christian, was lost to blood cancer. The team raised $5,675. The 2009 Light the Night Walk, held last fall, raised $927,000 for blood cancer research; planning is underway for the 2010 walk. For additional information about becoming involved in the 2010 walk, visit www.lightthenight.org or call Grace at (714) 481-5608.

Tomorrow is your last chance to purchase your Crown Valley 2009-2010 Yearbook! Please click here to access a flyer or email Amanda Stringer at stringer_de@yahoo.com. The cost is $25 per yearbook. The last date for purchase is March 31.


Anthony Bogle
Principal
Crown Valley Elementary School

Hello Hankey Families and Hawks,

Yesterday, one of our students was approached by a stranger. Feeling uncomfortable about being approached by the stranger, the student immediately reported the situation. School authorities followed through with reporting the situation to the Orange County Sheriff’s Department and an investigation lead to an arrest.

Thankfully, the student involved in this situation is safe and followed through promptly and responsibly in reporting this uncomfortable situation to a trusted adult as soon as possible.

We encourage you to talk to your own children about “Stranger Danger”. You can review tips on educating your children about stranger danger by visiting: www.mcgruff.org and clicking on the link for parents and educators.

Go Hawks!

Last Chance for Easter Dinner!

$95 Package
Serves 6-8
In-Store or Phone Orders Only

Easter is fast approaching... do you know what you're doing for Easter dinner?

We have an Easter feast in store for your family! Let us take care of the stress and mess, so you can spend your time where it matters most... WITH YOUR FRIENDS & FAMILY!



Our Easter Dinner Package easily serves 6 to 8 people and includes:

Boneless Baked Ham - This succulent ham (9 pounds average) is ready for you to bake and then slice for your family and friends. That juicy, rich flavor you remember in home-baked hams is here, along with easy preparation. And we've allowed for a generous ham so you will have leftovers for big sandwiches the next day.
Au Gratin Potatoes - Diced fresh potatoes bake in our delicious cheese sauce. Topped with crunchy, buttery cracker crumbs, this dish is beautiful as well as rich and tasty.
Home-Style Green Beans - Everyone loves these classic green beans with just a touch of onions and real, diced bacon. They cook on the stovetop in 15 minutes but taste like they've been simmering all day.
Yeast Rolls - Soft, yeasty rolls bake up in 6 minutes. Give them a quick brush with melted butter, if you want, for an added touch. (Dinner comes with 12 rolls.)
Chocolate Pecan Pie - Our special recipe for this holiday pie includes fresh pecans, flaked coconut and dark, rich chocolate.
** Very Limited Supply **
Orders must be placed by NOON on March 31st for pick-up between April 1st - 3rd.

In-Store or Phone Orders Only!

Mission Viejo / Laguna Hills
949.348.1122
Click below for our awesome...
April Menu
including a number of Signature entrees and customer favorites, including:

Eggplant Parmesan - A classic Italian baked Eggplant Parmesan casserole. Breaded eggplant slices layered with mozzarella, Parmesan, and our delicious marinara sauce.

Korean Style Pork Tenderloin with Sugar Snap Peas - Pork tenderloin marinates in sweet and zesty vinaigrette - simply outstanding. Top the grilled pork tenderloin and sugar snap peas with the simmered marinade for an easy and elegant supper.

Meatloaf Italiano - Lots of flavor and interest make this a to-die-for meatloaf. Ground beef is mixed with Parmesan cheese, garlic, balsamic vinegar and Italian herbs. Then it's topped with our delicious marinara sauce.

Pueblo Chicken with Chile Lime Butter - 100% all natural chicken breasts coated in a southwestern breading, lightly fried, and topped with a Chile Lime Butter Sauce.
Our Best Sale of the Year!
Spring Supper Club Sale

ONLY 2 DAYS LEFT!

Save up to $30 and lock-in our best pricing!

Plus get our new Savory Hot Pies
as a special FREE gift
(an additional $12.95 value)

We expect that our Supper Club pricing will be going up soon, so don't miss out.
Sign-up before March 31st, and you will receive a FREE Savory Hot Pie order plus a special discount off your first month's membership:

$15 Off a 6-Entree Plan
$20 Off a 12-Entree Plan
$25 Off an 18-Entree Plan
$30 Off a 24-Entree Plan

How does it work?

Supper Club is the best way to save money on your entrees every month ~ especially if you already buy at least 6 entrees from us!
Simply pick a plan that works for you!
SAVE $1.95 to $4.45 per Entree!
6, 12 , 18 or 24 entree plans
• Six regular entree plans as low as $13.00 per entree each plus ONE FREE SIDE each month!
• Twelve regular entree plans as low as $12.50 per entree each plus TWO FREE SIDES each month!
• Eighteen regular entree plans as low as $12.00 per entree plus THREE FREE SIDES each month!
• Twenty-four regular entree plans as low as $11.50 per entree plus FOUR FREE SIDES each month!
This is a tremendous 18% to 32% savings versus our retail Grab n' Go prices!
• Simply sign up for a once-a-month payment, and get all your meals at a great discount!
• Select from over 25 different entrees every month!
• Guaranteed FREE assembly!
• Your choice: Pick-up or Grab n' Go!
• Get your meals when YOU want throughout the month!
• Ability to "freeze" your membership!
• Ability to upgrade or downgrade at anytime!
• Low one-time registration fee of only $10!
SPECIAL SIGN-UP INCENTIVES END ON WED, MARCH 31st, SO HURRY IN!

Thanks so much for your business and friendship! Laura

Conveniently Located to Serve All of South OC!
Super Suppers ~ South OC
Open 7 Days a Week!
Regular Business Hours
Mon - Fri 10am - 7pm
Saturday 11am - 5pm
Sunday 12pm - 5pm
(next to Starbucks & WineWorks)
26342 Oso Parkway, Suite 102
Mission Viejo, 92691
949.348.1122

www.ssMissionViejoca.com
Owner: Laura Panichi
Team: Eric, Kim, Jamie & Lisa

Link: http://www.saltcreekgrille.com

Marcos Costas

Dana Point's 2009 Restaurant of the Year – selected a well-known South Orange County restaurant and hotel executive to head up its award-winning establishment on the corner of Pacific Coast Highway and Crown Valley Parkway.

Marcos Costas, a 20-plus year industry veteran who worked at the Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel, spent the last two years as general manager at the highly acclaimed Andrea Restaurant, The Resort at Pelican Hill's world-class signature restaurant. Costas was a key member of the resort opening team that successfully managed all phases of the spectacular resort's restaurant development. He was recently recognized as the "top" restaurant general manager by the Irvine Company for 2009.

A widely popular personality in the South County fine-dining scene, Costas has successfully managed operations at French 75 Champagne Bar & Bistro and Ti Amo Ristorante in Laguna Beach and Savannah Steak and Chop House in Laguna Niguel. He spent four years working at the Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel. In his free time, Costas is a longtime wrestling coach at San Clemente High School.

His arrival to Salt Creek Grille comes as the 13-year-old establishment continues to reinvent itself. Named the 2009 Business of the Year by the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce, the restaurant recently rolled out a new value-driven menu, just remodeled its two banquet rooms, and plans are underway to launch the second year of its successful "Sunset Cabanas at the Grille” patio promotion beginning April 5. Patrons can dine alfresco in one of the eatery's custom designed cabanas while enjoying $3 drinks, $4 appetizers and $5 martinis. Salt Creek Grille is also implementing a new team training program to ensure continued excellence in service.

Costas said he is extremely excited about his new post at the helm of Salt Creek Grille and looks forward to delivering the outstanding service, food, entertainment and ambiance Salt Creek Grille is known for to Orange County patrons.

"I am thrilled to be joining such a dynamic organization and am truly looking forward to welcoming all of my long-time dining friends to this remarkable restaurant venue. With South Orange County as my home for the past 15 years, this is a true homecoming for me."

Link: http://www.vanguardtickets.com

The Vanguard University Department of Theatre Arts presents

Bye Bye Birdie
A small town musical-comedy send-off for a rock and roll superstar

Book by Michael Stewart
Music by Charles Strouse
Lyrics by Lee Adams
Directed by Vanda Eggington

This delightful musical tells the story of rock and roll superstar, Conrad Birdie, who is about to be inducted into the Army. Conrad’s agent is thrilled about this opportunity to boost his client’s career with a huge publicity stunt, so he makes arrangements for one lucky girl to get a good-bye kiss from Conrad while being televised all over America on the Ed Sullivan Show. Complications arise when this lucky fifteen-year old girl and everyone else from her small town of Sweet Apple, Ohio prepare for the once-in-a-lifetime event. “There is something infectiously and rampageously lively about it." —Time Magazine

Audience Rating: Suitable for all ages.

Friday, April 9 ......................... 8:00 pm
Saturday, April 10 .................... 2:00 and 8:00 pm
Sunday, April 11 ...................... 2:00 and 8:00 pm
Thursday, April 15.................... 8:00 pm
Friday, April 16 ........................ 8:00 pm
Saturday, April 17 .................... 2:00 and 8:00 pm
Sunday, April 18 ...................... 8:00 pm

Go to www.vanguardtickets.com to purchase tickets online

General admission -- $17.00
Seniors age 60 and older -- $14.00
Children age 12 and under -- $14.00
Groups of 10 or more -- $14.00
VUSC Faculty / Staff -- $14.00
VUSC Alumni -- $14.00
College Students with ID -- $14.00

All shows are presented at the Lyceum Theater located on the Vanguard University campus off Newport Boulevard.

Call the Vanguard University Theatre Department box office at 714-668-6145 for more information.

Link: http://www.williamjordanassociates.com

William Jordan

William Jordan Associates (williamjordanassociates.com) formerly The Sentinel Group, announces the addition of four new services to its Laguna Hills office. The wealth management firm known for investment, retirement and high net worth charitable giving strategies, now offers: tax preparation and planning headed by Mark Currier, CPA; estate and trust planning managed by Dawn Stark, Esq.; residential real estate services managed by Zen Ziejewski, Realtor; and personal finance community outreach programs headed by nationally recognized author, Lisa Horczi Markus. In addition, Vice President Tiphanie Jordan has earned her registered life planning (RLP) designation to enhance the firm's life planning services, and President William Jordan has been named a Five Star Wealth Management Professional.

This year only the top three percent of professionals in their field earned
the Five Star award in Orange County, California.

To hold the new services and managers William Jordan Associates has expanded its office space at 23332 Mill Creek in Laguna Hills. "This is a time of significant growth for our firm," William Jordan says. "Most personal financial groups lost revenues in 2009. Last year we actually increased revenues and assets under management."

Link: http://www.marionmeyergallery.com

DÉJÀ VU Biennale

Marion Meyer Contemporary Art | MMCA presents a solo exhibition by international artist Eileen Chan

DÉJÀ VU

March 27 – May 2, 2010

Opening Reception: Saturday, March 27, 5-8 PM ~ RSVP
Gallery Open House: April 1, 6-9 PM

Marion Meyer Contemporary Art is excited to announce ‘Déjà Vu,’ renowned international artist Eileen Chan’s solo exhibition with a special opening reception Saturday, March 27, 5 8 PM by RSVP.

‘Déjà Vu’ features Chan’s exquisite Chinese ink paintings and an installation of recent works from her highly celebrated “Bottlemania” collection.

Chan –residing and creating in Hong Kong– recently garnered acclaimed attention in Florence, Italy where an installation of 300 painted bottles from her “Bottlemania” collection was exhibited at the Biennale of Contemporary Art.

Chan describes her paintings as “intricate, pensive lines while the brush spreads and brings ink to life. My Western upbringing deepens my musings on Eastern culture. The mix of East and West adds unique elements, as I seek constant breakthrough in my subjects and forms.”

The inspiration for Chan’s bottle art occurred over dinner with friends. “What was left in the empty glasses and bottles — the lingering taste of wine, or our hopes and memories, our tears and laughter? Those scattered moments echoed in my mind, like my sighs over the abandoned bottles and the end that came too soon. At a moment of revelation I saw the truth — of my love for art, friendship and life. My bottle art is a recapturing of such love. The memories of life resound and carry on to the future, just as the finesse of wine is preserved. The story of the bottle is the story of us.”

Chan’s ‘Déjà Vu’ show runs through May 2. Gallery Open House April 1, 6-9 PM. Marion Meyer Contemporary Art is located at 354 N. Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, 949 497-5442, www.marionmeyergallery.com.

Link: http://www.ocean-institute.org

Spirit of Dana Point

The Ocean Institute is pleased to offer a Stargazing and Sailing Parent-Child overnight adventure beginning Saturday, April 17, 5:30 p.m. and ending at 12:30 p.m. the following day. Children must be a minimum age of 8, and be accompanied by an adult.

In the evening, participants will explore the night sky with JPL scientist Ron Buning and other local astronomers at the Lazy W Ranch Campground, located in the Cleveland National Forest. Learn how sailors used stars to sail the seas, discover constellations using telescopes, and play a campfire solar system game. In the morning, participants will travel to the Ocean Institute for a sail aboard the Spirit of Dana Point where they will take part in the ancient art of maritime navigation.
Cost: adults, $120 (members: $110); children: $100 (members: $90); parent/child combo: $200 (members: $180). For additional information, please visit www.ocean-institute.org or call (949) 496-2274.

Founded in 1977, the Ocean Institute is a non-profit organization dedicated to ocean preservation through education, setting the standard for educational excellence and serving as a leading resource for universities, museums, teachers and all others seeking to increase their knowledge of the ocean. The Ocean Institute is open to the general public on weekends, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Cost: $6.50 adults, $4.50 children (ages 4-12), Ocean Institute members free. Unique maritime and ocean-themed items are available in the Chambers Gallery everyday, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Institute address: 24200 Dana Point Harbor Dr., Dana Point. Website: www.ocean-institute.org. Phone number: (949) 496-2274.

Link: http://www.myclubmylife.com

The Laguna Beach Breakers Keystone Club attended the 2010 National Keystone Conference in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania from March 12th-15th. Imagine this; the Pittsburg Hyatt hotel taken over by over 1,300 teenagers from all over the county, including Keystone Clubs from military bases in Japan and Germany, spilling out into the city of Pittsburg. To many, this may seem closer to a nightmare; however that was not the case. Theses are motivated and dedicated teens. They brought with them inspiration, infusing the city of Pittsburg with an unmistakable positive vibe.

Keystone members are not your average teenagers; these are the elite, cream of the crop teens, who dedicate countless hours to their Clubs, communities and their own academic and future success. For example, all the attending Keystoners spent their entire Saturday engaged in community service projects to support the people of Pittsburg as well as beautify the city. Projects included feeding the homeless, throwing a St. Patrick’s Day party for seniors, putting together book packages for inmates, writing letters to our soldiers, cleaning animal shelters, recycling projects, and cleaning vacant lots and littered roadways. The Keystone members also visited local colleges and businesses as their ongoing commitment to their, (ultimately our), futures.

The National Keystone Conference provides Keystoners a positive leadership experience, allowing teens to network with peers and reinforces Keystone’s three focus areas: academic success, career exploration and community service. However, it is also an extremely fun and social event. Keystoners were treated to performances by Ne-Yo, Young Jock and Ken Ford, a Keystone favorite (if you don’t know who he is, look him up!). Keystoners were inspired with speeches by April Holmes, 2008 gold medalist Paraolympian and fastest woman on one leg, achievement specialist, Dr. Crystal Kukendall, eight-time All-Star NBA great Bob Lanier, and listened to an amazing live one-on-one interview with Hip-Hop artist, Nas, during the conference’s Hip-Hop Summit. Every night Keystoners were treated exciting evening activities that included karaoke, huge dances, carnival games, inflatable challenges, art projects, Wii, pool, ping-pong, fooseball and every other king of Club game tournament, dominoes, late night card games, photo booths and every teens favorite, FREE FOOD! The Laguna Beach Keystone Club, true to Laguna’s artistic spirit, spent their free time at the Andy Warhol museum, which is a seven story, single artist museum.

The Breakers Keystone Club worked hard all year to raise the money to attend the conference by selling food during Club events, entering national contests, recycling every bottle and can within the Club as well as selling breakfast during the summer. When it looked like they wouldn’t’ have enough funds to go, community members like Will and Catherine Rappaport and the Club’s Board members generously boosted the Breakers Keystone fund and make the conference a reality for five truly amazing teens.

Check it out yourself! Go to myclubmylife.com and click on the “2010 National Keystone Conference: Beyond All Limits” link to see pictures of the conference, community service projects, career and college experiences, evening night activities and Keystone-lead interviews with performing celebrities.

Dear CUSD Community,

The Capistrano Unified School District (CUSD) and Capistrano Unified Education Association (CUEA), which represents certificated employees including teachers, have been involved in contract negotiations since June, 2009.

The Board of Trustees and negotiating teams have worked continuously, up to this point, through this process. Specific information regarding the negotiations process can be found on the district¡¦s website at www.capousd.org.

We now find ourselves at a time of year when some of our most important work with students lies before us. Trustees have reflected on where we are, what lies before us, and feel it is in the best interest of our district to move forward with finalizing the negotiations process.

At its meeting on Wednesday, March 31, the Board of Education will consider the adoption of a resolution to unilaterally implement limited provisions from its pre-impasse proposal which:
Maintain class size
Preserve teachers¡¦ jobs
Provide a balance of temporary and ongoing financial savings
Recognize concerns of the CUEA bargaining team

The advisory recommendations included within the fact-finding report were utilized to modify the provisions of the pre-impasse proposal as outlined below.
Provisions of the resolution include:

2009-10 (current school year)

Reduce CUEA unit members¡¦ paid work year by four days including:
The last day of the unit member¡¦s contract (non-instructional day)
The Friday before Memorial Day
Two additional student instructional days to be determined collaboratively with CUEA
There is no mention of a retroactive 10% pay cut
2010-2011 School Year
Reduce the CUEA unit members¡¦ paid work year by five days (three non-instructional/two student days)
Maintain district contributions to Health Benefits at the 2010 (HMO Plan) or 2009 (POS Plan) levels as follows:
HMO Employee $4,901.90
Employee +1 $10,132.40
Employee +family $14,412.20
POS/PPO Employee $5,840.70
Employee +1 $12,111.10
Employee +family $17,241.80
There is a desire to maintain a high quality affordable health plan for certificated employees and their families
Suspend salary increases due to Step & Column movement for one half of the 2010-2011 school year (a temporary provision)
Reduce CUEA members¡¦ salaries by 3.7% beginning July 1, 2010

As closely as possible, the resolution implements the recommendations of the neutral fact-finding report released to the public on March 17th. With a spirit of compromise, the district has worked diligently to balance its fiduciary responsibility to the community with the educational needs of our students and the high value we all place on our certificated employees.

The same fact-finding report indicated that CUSD has the ¡§inability to pay¡¨ at current levels and recommended a 10.32% concession in total compensation. The breakdown of savings over the 2009-2010 and 2010-2011 school years is as follows:

4 Furlough Days (2009-2010) 2.16%
5 Furlough Days (2010-2011) 2.70%
3.7% Salary Reduction 3.70%
Health & Welfare 0.81%
Step & Column Suspension 0.74%
10.1%
We expect these unprecedented financial difficulties to negatively affect our budget for the next three years. The above delineated compensation concessions required of teachers and other non-management certificated personnel represent the necessary CUEA share to balance the 2010-2011 budget, which has a projected deficit of $34 million. Negotiations are still in process with other employee groups.

Sixty percent of California¡¦s actual budget cuts came from public education. We have to make difficult decisions which require valued employees to make personal sacrifices. This is in no way reflective of the high respect and regard we hold for the certificated employees of our district, but rather an outcome of the unprecedented turmoil in our global, national and state economies.

We hope for better times and working together to continue to provide and take pride in the award winning, high profile programs and services CUSD teachers and support personnel ensure for our students and their families.

St. Anne School Eighth Grade students attended the 11th Annual Holocaust Art and Writing Contest on Friday, March 5. Chapman University and the “1939” Club, one of the largest and most active Holocaust survivor organizations in the United States, proudly hosted the contest and awards ceremony.

In prose, poetry and the visual arts, St. Anne students demonstrated a profound respect and sensitivity to their interpretations of the theme: Memory & Meaning. Lindsey Valentine, of Dana Point, took first place with her poem, Worn Threads. Megan Lo, of Laguna Niguel, was a finalist with her artwork, entitled Through Her Eyes.

Not only did two 8th grade students win awards for their entries, St. Anne alumni won honors as well. Porter Hahn, a sophomore at JSerra Catholic High School in San Juan Capistrano, took First Place in the Poetry division for his poem entitled 69-9-27. Case Takata, a sophomore at the Orange County High School of the Arts in Santa Ana, took first place in the essay division with his work entitled Intertwined.

Lindsey, Porter, and Case were awarded an all-expenses paid trip with their English teachers and a parent to Washington D.C. in June. They will also receive VIP seats to a session of Congress, among many other special activities.

Take some time to read Lindsay’s poignant poem and view Megan’s artwork and it will become very apparent how this tremendous part of the St. Anne curriculum has impacted our students, and will continue to touch their lives in the years to come.

Congratulations to all our student winners! We are so proud of your accomplishments.

Worn Threads
First Place Poetry Division
Lindsey Valentine, Eighth Grade
Survivor Testimony: Barbara Gerson

Last memories, fade the fastest
Gone forever, only the scarf left.
Connected to your family by a piece of cloth.
Good memories and happiness woven into each thread.
Wandering along trying to find the way.
Walk on the streets, violent sights.
A yellow star sets you apart from the others.
Hatred and dirty stares, too much to bear.
The world you knew is gone forever.
One-by-one, the worn threads unravel.

Forced to live where you were told.
Enclosed and confined like animals.
Laborious tasks too traumatizing for words.
As your heart starts to tear, so does your scarf.
Day-by-day, waiting for someone to see the truth.
Living scarcely and barely getting by.
Death and abuse wherever you turn.
You hold on tight for there is no turning back.
One-by-one, the worn threads unravel.

Hope and Courage gets you through
Grasping tightly to the scarf and old memories.
Go and hide, the only chance you’ll get
Hear the footsteps, death approaching.
Feel your pulse racing faster and faster.
Surprise and relief rushes through your body.
Freedom rings in your ears.
Liberation has come, no longer a victim.
Now you must pick up the scraps of the scarf you once had.
Intertwine the new and old; persevere
One-by-one, the worn threads are slowly coming together.

Lindsey Valentine and Barbara Gerson.

Megan Lo
Artist’s Statement
Survivor Testimony: Elisabeth Mann
Through Her Eyes
"My drawing, Through Her Eyes, is inspired by Holocaust survivor Elisabeth Mann. The Star of David in the pupil of the eye symbolizes Elisabeth’s religion and proud heritage. The tear in red represents her struggle to survive and the loss of her entire family. Not only is Elisabeth Mann a survivor, but she is also a talented artist who paints scenes from Auschwitz despite the pain it causes her. Through the eye of Elisabeth’s memory she teaches a lesson: never forget."

Elisabeth Mann and Megan Lo.

From the Travelzoo Newsdesk:

LOS ANGELES--MARCH 30, 2010-- Released today, Virgin America's newest sale cuts nonstop fares from Los Angeles, San Diego and Las Vegas to as low as $49 each way. This is up to $100 off regular prices on this award-winning airline.

The sale is valid April 12 - June 20, when flying on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday. Travel on other days for $20 more, each way.

Sample fares from Los Angeles (each way):
- San Francisco ... $49
- Seattle ... $99
- Boston ... $119
- Washington, D.C. ... $119
- Fort Lauderdale ... $119
- New York ... $129

All of these routes are nonstop flights from LAX. Fares from Las Vegas and San Diego are also on sale.

Book 14 days before traveling. The sale ends April 5.

Virgin America's upscale in-flight experience has earned it the title of "Best Domestic Airline" from Conde Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure magazines.

To book tickets through Virgin America, click below:
http://www.travelzoo.com/newsflash/60318285-781345/

---
About Newsflash:
Travelzoo sends a Newsflash email with newsworthy offers to our subscribers just as the deal is released.

Sign up for our free Top 20 Newsletter and Newsflash alerts:
http://top20.travelzoo.com/newsflash/

Publisher: Ben Jennings

April 3-4, 2010 Easter

Want to help make a child SMILE in Iraq????

Christi Kids Club and Clubhouse are collecting small, gently used, stuffed animals to send to a team of US Army Corps of Engineers stationed in Kirkuk, Iraq. The toys will be distributed to the schools, orphanages, hospitals and to homeless children found on the streets. So take a look at your toy chests and see if maybe one or two of your small-ish cuddly friends might want to take a trip to the arms of a child in need of some warmth and love. Please wash and dry your donations, please, nothing larger than 10", then drop them off at the drop box by the Good Shepherd room. Christi Kids will wrap and write notes on each donation before sending them forth on their travels abroad. Thanks! Any questions, please contact peggyarmenta@corpuschristialisoviejo.org (949) 389-9209

Calling all high school students….April HAVEN is right around the corner…
HAVEN is the place for you grow in your relationship with God and other Corpus Christi teens! Our next HAVEN meeting will be NEXT Saturday, April 10th, beginning with the 5:00 pm mass. After mass we will enjoy dinner, music, and then explore our meeting theme “Blessed Are Those Who Have Not Seen, but Believe: Putting an End to Being a “Doubting Thomas”. We will analyze ways we can relate to “Doubting Thomas” and explore St. Thomas Aquinas’ Five Proofs. We will end the evening with our free-choice reflections stations: art, music, deeper discussion, prayer, drama, and reading. Contact Linda Palomino at palomino6@cox.net or 290-3424 if you have any questions or would like information about how to register for HAVEN.

Will you be a high school student in 2010 – 2011? Are you interested in becoming a Corpus Christi Youth Leader?
Youth Leaders are high school students who attend a summer Youth Leadership Summit (to be held this year August 16 – 20th at the amazing Irvine Outdoor Education Center) to learn and practice skills such as small group facilitation, peer helping, large group presenting, and more! We also learn more about our Catholic faith and strive to grow in relationship with God and each other. The Youth Leadership Summit is just the beginning though, as Youth Leaders will serve the parish throughout the year as volunteers in our JAMS middle school youth ministry, in HAVEN high school youth ministry, at parish special events, and more…while continuing to build their leadership skills. If you are interested in joining the amazing youth leadership team, or just learning more about it, please join us at the Parent and Teen Youth Leader Information Meeting on Thursday, April 15th from 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm. All current youth leaders who desire to continue in youth leadership should also attend with a parent to find out what’s new for 2010-2011. Questions? Contact Linda Palomino at palomino6@cox.net or 949-290-3424.

Hey Middle Schoolers--- Our next JAMS meeting is April 18th from 5:45 pm – 8:00 pm. Join us as we reflect on the new growth that comes with spring and how you, too, have grown since last spring! Natural signs of spring tie in well to our spiritual side of spring as we celebrate the Easter season and the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This time of year is about new life in many ways, and it’s a great time for us to do a little self-check of our own. Middle school is a huge time of growth. It’s not just your shoe sizes that are growing…your tastes in things are maturing and changing, your attitude is changing, and you’re learning a lot more about the world. So come and join us as we explore these topics. As usual, we’ll start with dinner, some time to socialize, music, and then dive into the evening’s theme. Questions? Contact Linda Palomino at palomino6@cox.net or 949-290-3424.

Congratulations!
Corpus Christi Catholic-Christian Community proudly welcomes the following individuals (adults and children) who were received into the Church on Holy Saturday night at the Easter Vigil: Jordan Baksic, Kameron Baksic, Christina Bays, Casey Buchert, Katherine Ferriers, Haley Howard, Boris Jocoy, Ayla Kumano, Jackie Leeman, Danielle Logan, Linda McLeer, Samantha Muniz, Jennifer Myers, Cammi Phillips, Farhad Solati, Clint Stalker, Julia Van Grol, Deja Whitney, Brad Anderson, Cole Anderson, Julia Anderson, Jerry Beck, Susan Bialek, Holly Jocoy, Haleigh Klem, Rebecca Regalado, Ryan Spicer and Michael Allen.

Heartprints/First Saturday Men’s Fellowship are going on a FIELD TRIP to the LA Cathedral!!!

Come join the women of Heartprints and the men of First Saturday Men’s Fellowship on Saturday, April 10 for a tour of the beautiful Cathedral of our Lady of the Angels (www.olacathedral.org) in downtown Los Angeles. Lunch at the Original Philippes will follow. We will leave from Corpus Christi by carpool/caravan no later than at 8:30 a.m. for the 10 a.m. tour. After we leave the Cathedral, we’ll move on to lunch – because what is a Corpus Christi event without food? – at the Original Philippes, a casual and very reasonably priced restaurant that is the birthplace of the original French-dipped sandwich and an L.A. institution since 1908. This day is open to all men and women of the parish, whether you regularly attend Heartprints or First Saturday Men’s Fellowship meetings or would like to learn more about either group. we’ll likely be back to Corpus Christi by mid-afternoon. Maps will be provided for drivers. Carpool drivers are welcome…and needed…with passengers expected to help compensate for gas. Please e-mail or call Russell Bell at russellav2004@yahoo.com or 439-8600 by this Wednesday, April 7th, if you plan to attend or desire more info.

Our thanks to Brian Brassil and Corpus Christi’s First Saturday Men’s Fellowship for their FESTIVE and effective pouring of the Irish Holy Water of a few weeks back. Thanks guys, you made it look easy…and you seemed to get happier and more Irish as the morning progressed!
KIDs THEATER is coming to Corpus Christi this summer …
Hey Kids! Let’s put on a show!!! SAVE THE DATE – for our very own Corpus Christi Summer Theater Camp!! Two weeks have been scheduled: – July 26 to 30 for elementary level and August 2 to 6 for middle schoolers. M-F, 9 am to 1:00 pm., each week will include theater games, music, bible study, lunch… all focused on producing a final performance for family and friends. Registration forms are available on the concierge shelves and in the Good Shepherd room. (Maximum participants is 100 per week, minimum required is 25 participants per week) For further information, contact Peggy Armenta at (949) 389-9209 or peggyarmenta@corpuschristialisoviejo.org.

Are you presently CIVILLY married but have never had your marriage blessed by the Catholic Church? Then perhaps our Late-Spring Marriage Blessing Event on Sunday, June 13h is for you!? In order to participate, the following requirements need to be understood:
1. Both persons have NEVER been married before (this is a first marriage for both) and at least one spouse needs to be Roman Catholic.
2. If one or both persons have been married previously (in any manner or capacity) the prior marriage(s) need to have ALREADY been annulled by the Roman Catholic Church (or the previous spouse is deceased.)
3. The couple needs to be already REGISTERED and participating within Corpus Christi as of March1, 2010. (Sorry, this is not available for extended family or friends who are not already REGISTERED Corpus Christi parishioners.)
4. Both spouses need to attend a preparation meeting on Sunday, April 18 at 2:00 p.m. in the Grand Hall. This is an adult-only meeting, please arrange to leave all infants, toddlers and children with sitters.

All necessary paperwork will be explained at the April 18h meeting, no documents need to be brought with you at that time. Please call our Front Office Receptionist, Susie Hays, at 389-9008, and let her know of your plans to attend.

Adult Confirmation for those ALREADY 18 and Registered…
Are you an Adult (over 18) who is a Baptized Catholic and who has received your First Reconciliation and First
Eucharist…BUT….have never received the Sacrament of CONFIRMATION? Well,
the VIGIL OF PENTECOST is coming (May 22nd to be exact), and on that occasion, Bishop Tod authorizes parishes to offer the Sacrament of Confirmation to ADULTS who are our own parishioners. So, if you are a REGISTERED ADULT, 18+ here in
Corpus Christi (sorry, no outside family or friends who are not already registered and participating here at Corpus Christi) as of March 1, 2010, and would like to be CONFIRMED on Saturday, May 22nd …please contact Shawn Wehan at 949-297-8516 for information and the Adult Confirmation Prep schedule. Thanks. (P.S. We will eventually need a copy of your Baptismal Certificate and a copy of Your First Communion Certificate so you may want to start scrounging around for them.)

Please join us for April Book Club THIS Monday, April 5, at 7:00 P.M. in meeting room 4 for discussions of South of Broad by Pat Conroy and Fallen Skies by Phillipa Gregory. Both promise to be good books, but reading only one is all you need for a good discussion

‘La Cena’ (Lah…Chain…Ahhhh) is coming!
‘La Cena’ is coming on Saturday, July 17th and again on Saturday, August 14th. Check out the flyers on the Concierge Shelves or the outdoor poster! Each evening will commence following the 5:00 p.m. Mass. Pre-paid advance reservations will be required but in a nod to everyone’s tightened budgets the tiered pricing for each evening will be only $25 per adult (15 and up), $15 for children (10-14) and only $10 for wee-ones (2-10), infants under 2 are free. This being a fund-raiser we are of course looking for whatever donations of food, beverage or supplies we can obtain that will cut down on our initial costs. If you know of any generous suppliers of quality sausage, pasta, bread, salad fixings or good vino…please make contact with either Lisa Aguirre (lisa-a@cox.net) or Georgina Yacap (gyacap@cox.net.) Thanks….or as they might say in Italy…. Ringraziarla molto!

Even Mary and Joseph participated with a census….
Every ten years America counts her inhabitants to ensure all are fairly represented. It is important that you and all your family members are counted. In order to achieve an accurate assessment of the number and location of the people living within the nation’s borders, the U.S. Constitution mandates a census of the population every 10 years. The U.S. Census Bureau is legally bound not to share survey information collected wit7h other governmental agencies. The Diocese of Orange HIGHLY encourages everyone to participate and complete the simple Census form.

Please note that Fr. Ken Rudnick, S.J. will be celebrating the 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. Masses NEXT weekend. Please note as well that Bishop Brown will be joining with our Corpus Christi Community for our HAVEN Confirmation Mass on Saturday, April 24th at 5:00 p.m.

Thank you to everyone who contributed blooms and blossoms so that our Grand Hall could SPRING to life in honor of our Easter celebrations. As always, your generosity is awesome and a reflection of your love…THANKS!

Link: http://ocie.mwoy.llsevent.org

Kelley Peeden of San Juan Capistrano and Nichole Chambers of Dana Point. Chambers is Executive Director of the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce and a candidate for Woman of the Year.

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Orange County/Inland Empire’s (LLS) held the kick-off for its 2010 Man & Woman of the Year Campaign at the Aston Martin, Newport Beach dealership on March 25. The campaign features 14 community and business leaders raising money for 10 weeks for blood cancer research. The top fundraisers earn the title of 2010 Man or Woman of the Year. For additional information or to support a candidate, please visit http://ocie.mwoy.llsevent.org/ or call Julia Cohen at (714) 481-5609.

Link: http://greennowanhs.webs.com/apps/photos/album?albumid=8583592

As part of an ongoing effort to make Aliso Niguel High School a model of environmental leadership and sustainability, students and faculty have created a school garden. This garden will bring many benefits to the school, but above all, it will serve as a reminder to students about the importance and worth of what we are trying to protect: our environment. It is a project of the Green Now club, but it is to involve many different groups on campus and benefit all students. The garden will involve students in its growth and maintenance, fostering a greater sense of personal responsibility as well as a sense of pride in their school and community.

Going along with our environmental theme, they are filling the garden with native plants. Native plants help conserve water, reduce mowing costs, provide habitat for birds, butterflies and other wildlife, protect the soil and save money on fertilizer and pesticides. Also, as Lady Bird Johnson said, native plants "give us a sense of where we are in this great land of ours." Having native plants therefore serves our two major motivations for this garden: to teach sustainability and to enhance our sense of community. For most students, however, the garden will simply be a pleasant, gentle reminder during hectic schooldays of our connection with nature and the world around us.

The garden is located next to the library windows in the large planter area that was barren, leaving room for future expansion should they decide in the future to extend the garden. The set-up day was Sunday, March 28. Both student and parent volunteers assisted in the set-up and planting of the garden. Among the 75 plants are Festuca californica (blue/gray tuft grass), Heuchera (Coral bells flowers), Iris douglasiana, Mahonia aquifolium compacta (Oregon Grape), Muhlenbergia rigens (Deer Grass), and Woodwardia fimbriata (Giant Chain Fern).

Link: http://www.sealifeus.com

Aquarium Becomes First in So Cal to Feature Scalloped Hammerhead Shark, Opens two new Shark Shows

A 3 1/2-foot long scalloped hammerhead pup joins the more than 50 sharks at SEA LIFE™ Aquarium making it the only Aquarium in southern California to have one on display. The Aquarium, located next to LEGOLAND® California also added two new shark-themed shows – “Shark Talk” and “The Shark and Ray Adventure” adding to the Aquarium’s interactive guest experience.

“We are all very excited to have this very unique species in our collection,” said Bob Burhans, Displays Curator for SEA LIFE Aquarium. “I have no doubt this shark will quickly become a visitor favorite.”
The hammerhead is a young male or “pup” and has the potential to grow up to 12 feet long. The name scalloped hammerhead comes from his most distinguishing feature – a scalloped ridge on the front of its broadly arched or hammer-shaped head.

“Our guests are really going to enjoy these new shows,” said Shawn Greiner, Entertainment Supervisor for LEGOLAND California Resort. “I am especially proud of ‘Shark Talk’ – we have had an absolute blast creating these new characters and I know our young guests will have fun interacting with them.”
The two new shows are running daily in the Aquarium. “Shark Talk” is a hilarious and interactive multimedia puppet talk show where guests are part of a live studio audience for a faux late night TV talk show hosted by Jay Octo and featuring movie star Hammie the Hammerhead. In “The Shark and Ray Adventure” young guests see if they have what it takes to become marine biologists studying the sharks and rays of the Ray Lagoon.
SEA LIFE features more than 50 sharks from 14 different species including zebra sharks, black tips, white tips, grey reef sharks, white spotted bamboo sharks and Port Jackson sharks.

In April, the Aquarium is launching a third show, “The Daily Dive,” an interactive underwater dive show. For more information and a show schedule, visit www.sealifeus.com.

THANK YOU LAGUNA NIGUEL ROTARY

The 3rd graders of Crown Valley Elementary wish to express their appreciation to the Laguna Niguel Rotary Club. At this morning's Flag Salute, members of the Rotary presented each 3rd grader with a small tree, a Toyon (A.K.A. Hollywood). The presentation was made in honor of Arbor Day. Thank you to the Laguna Niguel Rotary for their support. This organization donates books, supplies, dictionaries and other items to the students of Laguna Niguel.

OPEN PTA POSITIONS FOR NEXT YEAR

Looking for a way to support your child's education next year? Why not join the CVES PTA Executive Board? The CVES PTA is vital to each and every student's school career and working along with the PTA you will have a direct impact! The following positions are needed; both jobs require very little time.

Auditor - The auditor conducts an audit of the financial books and records twice a year. It takes about 3 hours to complete an audit and involves running through a checklist and making sure the financial records are in order. People that have held this position in the past have not always had a financial background and have had no problem fulfilling the job requirements.

Parliamentarian - This position is fairly simple and involves keeping and becoming familiar with the bylaws of the Crown Valley PTA; assisting the president in keeping order of the meeting, motions, votes, etc.; and overseeing the nominating committee.

Please contact Ann Garrett at anngrrtt@yahoo.com for further information.

YEARBOOK PICTURES WANTED

Do you have pictures of your child's classroom this year you would like to share? Perhaps the pictures would make a good addition to the Crown valley yearbook! If you have a few, please email them to Amanda Stringer at amanda_de@yahoo.com

FLAG FOOTBALL
Flag Football - For 3rd, 4th and 5th grade students who are interested in playing flag football this spring, please contact Joe Bonner at josephcbonner@yahoo.com to get more information. Joe is the father of a new student at Crown Valley this year, and brings with him many years of youth coaching experience. He has signed up his son in a coed community league and would like to recruit some interested players from the school to join in on their team and have some fun! Sign ups are going on now, so if you are interested you should contact Joe quickly to learn more about this program.

Co-Ed Flag Football Sign Up Extension- 3rd grade – 5th grade ONLY

We will be extending our sign up deadline for flag football to this Friday March 12th. You may sign up at the South Coast YMCA or down at the Crown Valley YMCA. Practices will be held on Friday’s starting next week at 2:05pm- 2:45pm and 30 minutes before the game starts. If your child is interested please call and sign up your child today. 949-495-3776

Summer Time- As another school year is beginning to wind down many of you are looking for a safe, friendly, and fun environment for your child to spend their summer days. Here at the Crown Valley YMCA we are here for you and your child M-F 6:45am-6pm with daily and weekly themes, walking fieldtrips, exciting water days, and weekly bus fieldtrips. We currently have spaces available through the rest of the school year and are accepting enrollment for the summer. Save Money $$$ Register and Start your child by June 1st and avoid the summer add on fee (grades K-5). Incoming kindergarteners Register by June 1st and Start your child July 1st and you too can avoid the summer add on fee.

For the first time we are offering a monthly rate for 3 days a week and also for a few dollars more our monthly rate for 5 days a week. For more information and a tour of our facility, please contact Louisa at 949-495-3776.

CAMP OAKES~ July 17th - July 24th, 2010

Camp Oakes is a YMCA resident camp that is located in the San Bernardino Mountains near Big Bear Lake. At Camp Oakes your child will take part in a week full of life altering experiences as they overcome challenges, make lifelong friends, and experience a variety of fun and exciting activities that include: canoeing, archery, high and low ropes courses, rock wall, horseback riding, stargazing in the observatory, crafts, swimming or relaxing by the pool, teambuilding, hiking, singing, laughing, the list goes on!!! Camp Oakes is open to ages 8-17! Financial Aid IS Available.

Apply online now at YMCAOC.ORG or contact~ Staci Chambers at schambers@ymcaoc.org or Dorain Cassell at Dcassell@ymcaoc.org

Contact Information -

Louisa Villegas

949-495-3776

lvillegas@ymcaoc.org

FEATURED ARTICLES
Thousands rally for O.C. schools
More than 2,300 parents, teachers and students demonstrated against state school budget cuts Thursday afternoon, waving signs and urging cars to honk horns at different sites throughout Orange County. About 400 demonstrators gathered in Laguna Hills, 200 in Westminster, 150 in Santa Ana and 50 to 60 in Buena Park. Events were held at eight different sites in Anaheim, making it hard to estimate numbers -- though they topped 500. The gatherings are being staged as part of a national Day of Action, with events also being held in other California communities and in other states.
http://www.ocregister.com/news/cuts-237484-school-state.html

Donated car a labor of love for auto students
After her fiancé died of a heart attack, Mary Fisher donated his 1978 powder-blue Lincoln Continental to the San Clemente High School Auto Academy, where it has become a sort of mascot that the students plan to fix up.
http://www.ocregister.com/news/car-237689-fisher-pastorak.html

Gas-tax bill holds schools harmless
With teachers and college students taking to the streets to protest budget cuts on Thursday, Democrats in the Legislature took a step toward restoring $900 million of the more than $2 billion that Gov. Schwarzenegger has proposed to cut from K-12 schools and community colleges. They did so, largely along party lines, in passing a variation of the “gas-tax swap” that Schwarzenegger proposed. That’s the sneaky plan to eliminate the 6 percent sales tax on gasoline and replace it with a 17.3 cent excise tax on gasoline. Doing this will free more than $1 billion for the general fund, because there were tighter restrictions on the use of the sales tax revenue. Schwarzenegger hasn’t said whether he would sign the bill.
http://educatedguess.org/blog/2010/03/04/gas-tax-bill-holds-schools-harmless/

O.C. school cuts: $352 million and counting
Orange County's 28 public school districts have identified $352 million in budget cuts for the 2010-11 school year, and are planning on eliminating at least 571 jobs. These are the latest estimates as of Monday from local districts that have also been targeting furloughs, a shorter school year, the elimination of music and arts, and cuts to other programs and services. Those budget cut totals are expected to grow throughout the week as school boards continue to meet to identify other budget cuts ahead of March 15, the deadline for notifying teachers who face layoffs, and the last day to submit detailed financial plans to the county.
http://www.ocregister.com/news/school-238225-cuts-districts.html

322 Capo Unified educators face job losses
Seeking to close an anticipated $34 million budget deficit, Capistrano Unified trustees on Tuesday authorized notifying 322 educators they could be out of a job at the end of the school year. The proposed terminations would increase class sizes in the fourth through 12th grades by one student each next fall, as well as increase first-grade classes by about five kids each, mirroring the size of classes in other primary grades. In middle and high schools, some courses might be eliminated or consolidated, including foreign language classes and other electives.
http://www.ocregister.com/news/school-238446-teachers-board.html

QUOTE OF THE WEEK
"Whoever I am, or whatever I am doing,
some kind of excellence is within my reach."

Anthony Bogle
Principal
Crown Valley Elementary School