Week of October 27, 2008

A Music Program to be Proud Of
I am quite proud of our orchestra and marching band, as well as all the students in our music programs. To sit and listen to the orchestra play their stringed instruments is very impressive. Their hard work leading up to the annual Autumn Serenade certainly paid off. Under the direction of Pam Aucutt, the students are demonstrating their love of music as well as ability. With more performances to come, I encourage you to attend one of their future performances.

The marching band performed their first field show of the year last Friday night in Rankin Stadium at Granite Hills during the MHS JV football game half-time break. The patriotic tribute to Veterans was fitting given Veterans Day is just ahead of us. The band presented itself with honor despite the certain feeling of nervousness inside. The company front, a very difficult line formation marching forward in unison while playing their song, was well done. The dedication of the students in band and color guard, under the direction of band director Jillian Calvao and Monica Guerrera advisor, is obvious. Mr. Adams, the MHS band director, visits the Sequoia campus once a week providing that added touch and incentive for our band members. Our next field show is November 7. Come out and join us.

NASA News
The NASA Lunar Family Night will be held on Thursday, November 6, 2008. NASA representatives will be on hand for three days that week visiting classrooms, conducting lessons, and assisting with the family night. The astronomy evening is designed for family participation and exploration among the stars.

As part of our effort to provide all our students with interesting and challenging project-based, problem-solving courses, the NASA Explorer School program provides students with many opportunities for science exploration and experimentation. Schoolwide, there are four elective classes each semester for students. It was in one such class that a student micro-gravity project was created. The experiment has been selected by NASA to be conducted onboard a NASA test flight later this year. Take a look at your calendar and make every effort to attend the Lunar Family Night. It’s more than fun- it’s full of wonder.