Oh the Weather outside is FRIGHTFUL

Warrior Weekly

December13, 2013

By: Devin Rader (with some help from Ms. Cooper)

Mads Sing for Alzheimers

Last Sunday, our Choir and Madrigal Group had the opportunity to sing for Alzheimer's patients. These people were very happy to have good tidings during the holiday season, with songs sung that invited Christmas and Hanukkah. The groups also did a few songs that were sung in the fall concert and All District Choral Festival. “It’s great to look back and see what we have done. It reminds us of a couple funny things that happened along the way,” said Nicolas Hutchins, who is in Madrigals and Choir, singing bass for both groups.   

One Act Plays

The Drama club had been working long and hard on the One Act plays that they had since early in the year. On Friday, the One Act plays featured all of our very talented performers. “Superhero Support Group” tells the story of a few superheroes that had enough of the world they lived in. A Doctor had promised them a solution to their problem, but at what cost? Full of wannabe superheroes, this one act was full of hilarity and tears. The next one act, named “Twitch” tells the story of Nancy and Don, a young couple from a small town. They lived a relatively normal life, when their neighbors suddenly disappear without warning, and are replaced by a strange new couple. Nancy detects something “off” about the couple, because she thinks that their new neighbors watch their every move. They act normal except for a twitch that happens sometimes with their new “friends.” Promised to confuse you till laughter, it was a great thing to see. The last one act was called “Promaggedon” and tells the story of four normal teenagers, Gil, Alexis, Dot, and Theo, who experience a nuclear war on their Junior Prom night. Trapped in the school’s basement, they have only each other too keep company. Secrets come out of all the teenagers, even some that have been kept for years. Soon they figure out that all of them aren’t as normal as they seem. These One Act plays were hilarious to watch, and we can’t wait to see what happens in the coming months with more Drama productions.

Matt Tortolani and Claire Rader in 'Twitch'

Winter Wonderful Concert for Band and Orchestra

Thursday, the Wind Ensemble, Jazz Band, and String Orchestra, had the opportunity to spread some holiday spirit of their own. With Mr. Pattison leading the way, the band and orchestra performed a variety of holiday magical songs. String Orchestra strummed out a very good four sets of songs. Following the Orchestra was our Wind Ensemble, which performed a group of great holiday favorites. Ending the Concert was the Jazz Band, which swung its way into the hearts with a group of songs that got everybody swaying. Special thanks to the groups for putting in the time and hard work to make this Concert a complete success. “It’s great! I love it! It’s always awesome to play in the band and hear how far we have come with the songs,” says Bassoon player McKenna Duncan. Thank you band and orchestra! Way to kick off the break!

Carols by Candlelight

Parents! Teachers! Students! Staff! Alumni! Come one; come all to the annual “Carols by Candlelight” event on Monday and Tuesday held in the Multi-use room. This event includes members of our Choir, Madrigals group, Dance 3 class, and a few feature soloists. Tickets are five dollars at the door or if you want a ticket early, they are on sale if you buy one from the members of Choir! They are still five dollars, but if you get in early enough, you can get great seats! It’s going to be a great Carols this year, so come to YV next Monday and Tuesday! Also as an added bonus to the alumni of Ygnacio Valley High School, please join us for the final carol of the night. If you went to Ygnacio Valley, and joined our Choir or Madrigals program at some time, you know exactly what the last song will be.

Warrior Cross Country Team Works for Walnut Creek Marathon
The Warrior Cross Country team was out on the streets of Walnut Creek Saturday, bright and early, to cheer on fellow runners at the Annual Walnut Creek Half marathon. They manned a water station and passed out water to runners as they cruised by. 

Education Academy Juniors Gear Up to Build a School
The Education Academy Juniors were just handed their large semester project and got straight to work- the task? In groups of four, you are to design a comprehensive high school. With a 90 million dollar budget, students need to come up with building plans and measurements, as well as the school vision, mission statement and staffing procedures. Good luck future educators! 

Health Academy gets a visit from an alum
 Daniel Rosso came into the Health Sciences class and talked to students about his decision to pursue a career in the health care field after graduating from Ygnacio Valley HS.  He talked about his experience as a Paramedic and encouraged many of the students to pursue a career as a Paramedic because of the opportunity that this career provides to help others.  

 Classroom Snapshot... Ms. Weintraub- Biology
This week Warriors in Biology class were fine tuning (knee slap) their microscope skills, learning how to handle the equipment and pull a microorganism into focus.A skill our budding scientists will indubitably use in the future!

Grad Night E-Waste Fundraiser
Wait!! Before you throw out that old tv, computer monitor, electronic toy... The Grad Night committee has put together an e-waste event at YV for March 1st- hold on to it and deposit your e-waste then! All proceeds go towards production costs for Grad Night 2014! 

It's beginning to look a lot like... WINTER.

Warrior Weekly News

December 6, 2013 

This week has been a good one for the Warriors, filled with events and celebrations, as well as hot cocoa and woolies. We welcomed everyone back from Thanksgiving break with freezing temperatures and smiles. 
Students took a moment of silence and the flag was at half mast for the passing of a great world leader, Nelson Mandela. 
May his teachings and example remain alive in all of us. 

 

Kaiser Secrets Assembly

This year marked the first time in a long time that we have had Kaiser Permanente's Education program come in and present their outstanding production of 'Secrets', a straight shooting play that approaches sexuality and its realities and risks. Reintroducing HIV to everyone's minds, as well as the other STI's (Sexually Transmitted Infections) that are so common and so well hidden. Students were divided into two groups, the senior and junior class attending first, then the sophomores and freshman. The students were silent and engaged as the cast approached these topics on their level, and questions were allowed at the end. Kaiser stuck around during lunch and had information, games and prizes, and it was an outstanding educational day for the Warriors. Thanks to Corissa Stobing for arranging the production, and YV Alum Jared Randolph (Class of 95) who is in charge of the education program for Kaiser. 

Cast of Kaiser's 'Secrets'

 Spring Musical Reveal

Mr. Carter and Ms. Cooper held an interest meeting on Tuesday about this year's spring musical production, and had the best turnout to date of actors, singers and dancers interested in participating. The musical title was announced- 'Legally Blonde'- a hilarious adaptation of the movie following Elle Woods as she sets out to pursue her true love all the way to Harvard Law School..."What, like it's hard?" Dates for auditions have been set, and a Master class for students interested in audition getting tips from a professional in the industry has been set up as well. Gia Solari-Welch has toured with the National Company of 'Evita', and is the former creative director for the Diablo Theatre Company. She won a Shellie Award for her production of Legally Blonde with DTC in 2011 for best direction and best production, a show Ms. Cooper had the pleasure of working with her on as a featured dancer and Delta Nu. 

Look for more information to come!  Auditions and master class will be held in January.

 

Diablo Theatre Company's Legally Blonde (photo courtesy of Ben Krantz)

 Gatorade kicks off 'G' Week

Winter Sports Athletes were treated to a week's worth of Gatorade product as a 'G' Week promotion, with Gatorade Rep Christy Samson talking to the athletes about priming, hydration and recovery techniques. Athletes have been trying the energy chews, protein shakes and of course Gatorade powder as part of the practice regimen. Thank you Gatorade for your support and generosity! 

    

Warriors join with the Marines for 'Toys for Tots' program

Sargeant Yang of the Local Marines Recruiting office came to talk to several groups on campus about the 'Toys for Tots' program, and we are off and running in collecting new or very lightly used toys for children. Renaissance Leadership, ASB Leadership, Sports Medicine, and Winter Sports are all collecting toys, competing to collect the most for bragging rights, all in good fun of course and for the greater cause. Students were excited to do their part for kids in need, and toys have already been coming in. Contact Ms. Cooper if you would like to donate, collection boxes are in the Leadership and SportsMedicine classrooms. (cooperk@mdusd.org) 

Warrior Jam celebrates "Afternoon Madness" 

Because Midnight Madness is past our bedtimes... The 8th Annual Warrior Jam introduced the Boys and Girls Varsity Basketball teams, and featured free throw contests, basketball trivia, and the Staff vs Students Basketball game. After a three-year run as champions, the staff fell to the students 41-40. Staff players included coaches from Football, basketball, baseball, softball and soccer, as well as teachers Mr. Pattison (instrumental music), Ms. Cooper (dance and sports medicine) and Mr. Galvan (Health I and II). Mr. Macaluso (Biology) served as a referree. 

 Warriors Lead Off the Walnut Creek Christmas Parade

Our Golden Warrior Marching Band and Cheerleading Teams led off the Annual Walnut Creek Christmas Parade, which culminates in the Broadway Plaza tree lighting and Santa visit. Chilled to a wintery 23 degrees, the Warriors decorated their instruments with LED's and wore Santa Hats, making YV proud as they marched the streets of Walnut Creek. 

  

Rock Band, 'Neo-Geo' visits YV 

The Warriors were entertained on Friday at lunch by the band, Neo-Geo, presented by Skool Live, a promotion company that brings up and coming bands into the schools. The band was well received, even in chilling conditions, and we were excited to have them! 

Dance Program Takes in the Ballet

YV's Dance program had a wonderful opportunity to preview Ballet Joyeaux's presentation of, 'Once Upon a Christmas' at the Lesher Theater, thanks to the generosity and outreach of program director Jennifer Perry. Ms. Cooper brought 125 students to the Lesher to see the production rich in classical ballet, many seeing the genre for the first time. The students loved it, and were excited for the opportunity. Thank you to Laureen Fender's Ballet School!   

The Week in Sports

It was a great week for Winter Sports, with the Girls Soccer team handedly beating Hercules High 14-0 on Tuesday, Boys VA Basketball edging over Albany 42-40 that evening, and Boys Soccer winning over Las Lomas 3-0 on Thursday. Congratulations Warriors, and keep it up! 

Improv Team hosts First Show of the Year

YV's Improv Team hosted their first show Friday night to a great audience of staff, parents and alums. The team entertained the audience with games, splitting into two teams led by seniors Nic Hutchins and Devin Rader. Games at the end invited audience participation, with star alums like Dante Comstock and Jamaal Smith jumping up to participate. It was a great night showcasing our dedicated and talented actors. Don't miss the next one! 

Morgan, Nick and Bryan building a snowman in 7 seconds or less

Team 2 led by Devin Rader

Nic Hutchins introducing one of the night's games