Author: Mr.Brian

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Front Page news, Arts News, Newsletter, Young Artists News

Stars Abound at Starbound

March 10, 2023
Front Page News, Young Artists News
Ms. Ginnie Wu, Dance Competition News Specialist Reporter Extraordinaire

Our middle and high school dance conservatory students had another successful weekend at Starbound Talent Competition in Dublin, CA with 5 out of 5 entries receiving Elite Gold, three 1st Place Overalls, and three Judges’ Awards! 

In addition, several of our students have committed to Nationals for KAR and Starbound competitions in the summer.

Full-time middle and high school dance conservatory students received Elite Gold, 1st Place Overall in division, a “Precision” Judges’ Award, and Best Costume for their group dance, “Calligraphy.”

Andy Ispas and Abigail Wong received Elite Gold, 1st Place Overall in division, and a “Dynamic Duo” Judges’ Award for their duet, “Chasing Light.”

Andy Ispas received Elite Gold, 4th Place Overall in the age 11-12 division, and a “Powerhouse” Judges’ Award for his solo, “Courage.”

John Wu and Daphne Ng received Elite Gold and Top Winner in their division for their duet, “Sounds of Snowfall.”

Full-time high school dance conservatory students received Elite Gold for their group dance, “Butterflies.” 

Our young artists lit up the stage this weekend at Starbound Talent Competition in Dublin, CA! We took home five Elite Golds, three 1st Place Overalls, and two Judges’ Awards! In addition, all of our students qualified for Starbound Nationals in Tahoe, NV in July. 

Abigail Wong (10) received Elite Gold, 1st Place Overall in age 9-10 division, and 1st in the Folkloric Dance category for her solo, “Ode to Lotus.” She was also one of two dancers at the awards ceremony to receive a Golden Ticket, which allows her to take part in the opening number at Starbound Nationals in Tahoe, NV!

Abbie Tanabe (13) and Kylie Tang (12) received Elite Gold and 1st Place Overall in the preteen division for their duet, “Together We Stand.”

Isabelle Tseng (9) received Elite Gold, 2nd Place Overall in age 9-10 division, and an “Engaging Performance” Judges’ Award for her solo, “Paper Route.” 

Kylie Tang (12) received Elite Gold, and 6th Place Overall in the age 11-12 division for her solo, “Remembrance.” 

Madeleine Chan (9) received High Gold and 4th Place Overall in the age 9-10 division for her solo, “Teahouse Waiter.” 
Emilie Fu (13) received High Gold for her solo, “Dancing in the Rain.” 

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Community Newsletter

HSArts Community Newsletter – Mar 10

San Francisco High School of the Arts Community Newsletter | March 10, 2023

FROM THE ADMINISTRATION

Important Dates
Mar 14 Q3 Music and Musical Theatre Open Rehearsal
Mar 15 Q3 Music and Musical Theatre Showcase

 

Remarks from our Head of School

Greetings everyone!

Many of our high school students are excited as they will embark on their first trip to Taiwan next week! It is an arts and cultural exchange with Niao Song, an arts middle and high school in Taiwan. This trip marks the beginning of a long journey that we will embark on together, bringing traditional arts and universal values to the world. I cannot wait to see the endless possibilities that will come out of our joint efforts to promote creativity and cultural understanding.


– Dr. Sherry Zhang
Head of School
San Francisco High School of the Arts

Stars Abound at Starbound

Ms. Ginnie Wu, Dance Competition News Specialist Reporter Extraordinaire

 

Our middle and high school dance conservatory students had another successful weekend at Starbound Talent Competition in Dublin, CA with 5 out of 5 entries receiving Elite Gold, three 1st Place Overalls, and three Judges’ Awards! 
 
In addition, several of our students have committed to Nationals for KAR and Starbound competitions in the summer.
Full-time middle and high school dance conservatory students received Elite Gold, 1st Place Overall in division, a “Precision” Judges’ Award, and Best Costume for their group dance, “Calligraphy.”
Andy Ispas and Abigail Wong received Elite Gold, 1st Place Overall in division, and a “Dynamic Duo” Judges’ Award for their duet, “Chasing Light.”
Andy Ispas received Elite Gold, 4th Place Overall in the age 11-12 division, and a “Powerhouse” Judges’ Award for his solo, “Courage.”
John Wu and Daphne Ng received Elite Gold and Top Winner in their division for their duet, “Sounds of Snowfall.”
Full-time high school dance conservatory students received Elite Gold for their group dance, “Butterflies.” 

More news and pictures of our Young Artists dancers at Starbound below!

ACADEMICS

Featured Academic News of the Week

Ms. Yoyo Zhang, Chinese Teacher

This week in our middle school Chinese Level II class, besides regular learning and reviewing, the students also watch an episode of the 3D cartoon show called Heaven Kid. Based on Confucianism theory, each episode tells a story to teach the students how to be a good kid. After watching the video, the students shared what they had learned from it, such as helping others when possible, encouraging and being happy for others’ progress, being nicer, not disturbing others when they are not feeling well, and working harder. Each student also shared what they wanted to improve on in the future, such as being less angry, helping others more, being nicer, avoiding jealousy, and working harder.

 

ARTS

Featured Arts News of the Week

Ms. Millie Hankinson, Fine Arts Teacher

The high schoolers in the visual arts program continue to expand their visual vocabulary while developing their core technical skills. Right now, they are putting the finishing touches on their third cast study this year and have learned to more capably measure proportions, render form, and interpret and simplify shapes. After their current drawings are completed, they will progress to quick sketches from life — both in the classroom and outdoors — in preparation for a multi-session portrait from a live model later this semester.

ADMISSIONS

Admissions News
 

HSArts will continue to provide private campus tours over the next several weeks giving all interested students and their families the opportunity to further explore our programs and offerings.  Please RSVP here to schedule your tour.
MSSONS

YOUNG ARTISTS

Young Artists News of the Week

Still Ms. Ginnie, with more to report!

Our young artists lit up the stage this weekend at Starbound Talent Competition in Dublin, CA! We took home five Elite Golds, three 1st Place Overalls, and two Judges’ Awards! In addition, all of our students qualified for Starbound Nationals in Tahoe, NV in July. 


Abigail Wong (10) received Elite Gold, 1st Place Overall in age 9-10 division, and 1st in the Folkloric Dance category for her solo, “Ode to Lotus.” She was also one of two dancers at the awards ceremony to receive a Golden Ticket, which allows her to take part in the opening number at Starbound Nationals in Tahoe, NV!

 
Abbie Tanabe (13) and Kylie Tang (12) received Elite Gold and 1st Place Overall in the preteen division for their duet, “Together We Stand.”
 
Isabelle Tseng (9) received Elite Gold, 2nd Place Overall in age 9-10 division, and an “Engaging Performance” Judges’ Award for her solo, “Paper Route.” Kylie Tang (12) received Elite Gold, and 6th Place Overall in the age 11-12 division for her solo, “Remembrance.” 

Madeleine Chan (9) received High Gold and 4th Place Overall in the age 9-10 division for her solo, “Teahouse Waiter.” 
Emilie Fu (13) received High Gold for her solo, “Dancing in the Rain.”

 

STUDENT LIFE

 

Spring Q3 Music and Musical Theatre ShowcasePlease join us on Wednesday, March 15th at 6 PM in Studio 2 for a night of vocal performances (featuring several solos and a group performance of Firework), musical selections from our instrumentalists, and a showing of All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten. Tickets are free, though there will be a goodwill offering basket at the door for anyone who is interested in donating to the Musical Theatre program. All funds raised will go towards our final performance of the 2022-23 school year, which will be announced very soon 🙂 Please RSVP using this link so that we have an accurate estimate of our audience and can prepare accordingly. We hope to see you all on March 15th!

Pi Day Celebrations: Monday 3/13What do you know about pi? Do you know that it is an irrational number, which means that the number never ever ever stops? Do you know that it is the ratio of the length around a circle to the length through a circle? Do you know that its applications are vast and robust: helping us to even estimate the volume of our entire universe? Well, whether you do or don’t, you are invited to celebrate one of the most exciting holidays with us this Monday! Our students will be competing in a school-wide endeavor to recite as many digits, in decreasing size order, of pi as possible. In case that is not exciting enough, we have sweetened the deal! The winner will be treated to boba, and anyone who can correctly list more than 31 digits of pi will receive 10 points of extra credit towards their next math test! Please encourage your child to set a goal of how many numbers they would like to memorize, and work on this endeavor this weekend. Some of our students are off to a head start and can already rattle off 50 digits! We are looking forward to sharing this giddiness around math on Monday, while feasting on pie, and celebrating our hard work. 

Thank you!
-Mrs. Leddy

UPCOMING EVENTS
Coming soon!
Mar 14   
Quarter 3 Showcase Open Rehearsal
Mar 15   
Quarter 3 Music and Musical Theatre Showcase
Mar 17-April 1
Taiwan Trip
Mar 22-24 
Parent Teacher Conferences
Mar 27-31 
Spring Break
May 19   
Headliners Dance Competition
Communication is essential and we strive to connect with our students, parents, and families throughout the school year. We will continue reaching out to you with this weekly newsletter. We also encourage you to visit our website and follow our social pages including Facebook and Instagram for announcements, information, and celebrations.
 3-10-2023
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Student Life News, Academics News, Newsletter

Study Hall and Tutoring

March 3, 2023
Student Life News

Not quite clubs, but also happening during extracurricular hours, study hall and tutoring opportunities await you!

Looking for a quiet, focused place to do some homework or get some studying in? Each afternoon, there’s study hall! There’s a different teacher supervising each day, ready to answer any of your questions.

We also have a number of teachers available to go over homework, review subject material, or even do a bit of extra tutoring. You just have to reach out and ask!

So drop on by study hall or ask your local teacher about some extra tutoring. We’re all here for you, ready to help 🙂

Read more
Student Life News, Newsletter

TRYBE Show

March 3, 2023
Student Life News

TRYBE is a new sensational circus performance featuring the San Francisco Youth Circus and directed by Veronica Blair.  It’s about 3 young explorers who adventure in the Floridian Wetlands and discover a tribe of people living there.  They learn a lot through different circus acts and comedic bits. 

HSArts 7th grader Giovanni HunzekerHesed is in this show at Circus Center which is right around the corner.  HSArts students can get two for one tickets by using this discount code: 2FOR1.

CIRCUS CENTER

755 FREDERICK STREET

3/10 AT 7PM

3/11 AT 2PM & 7PM 

3/12 AT 2PM

For tickets or more information:  http://circuscenter.org/shows

Read more
Arts News, Newsletter, Student Life News

Featured Arts News of the Week

March 3, 2023
Ms. Hannah Ogden, Musical Theatre Director and Acting Teacher

The school year is truly flying by! Quarter Three already?! It feels like just yesterday that our Musical Theatre program was starting its first quarter ever in the fall of 2021, and now here we are, preparing to present the Spring Music and Musical Theatre Showcase over a year and a half later!  The musical theatre full-time and elective students have been working hard in the Acting classes to prepare a heartwarming production of All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten. This play is a compilation of short stories by Robert Fulgum, placed together to create a snapshot of the human experience. What happened to the confidence, creativity, and wonder of childhood? Why do we as humans sometimes lose our free-spirited nature as we age? This play seeks to explore what it means to be a person and asks the question “What is a legacy? What do I want my legacy to be when I leave this life?” Please join us on Wednesday, March 15th at 6 PM in Studio 2 for a night of vocal performances (featuring several solos and a group performance of Firework), musical selections from our instrumentalists, and a showing of All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten. Tickets are free, though there will be a goodwill offering basket at the door for anyone who is interested in donating to the Musical Theatre program. All funds raised will go towards our final performance of the 2022-23 school year, which will be announced very soon 🙂 Please RSVP using this link so that we have an accurate estimate of our audience and can prepare accordingly. We hope to see you all on March 15th! 

Read more
Academics News, Newsletter, Student Life News

5th and 6th Grade Field Trip with Mrs. Leddy

Academic News of the Week
March 3, 2023
Mrs. Darragh Leddy, Math Teacher and Field Trip Supervisor

This past Wednesday, the 5th and 6th grade math classes visited Randall Museum. In math class, we recently learned about ratios, proportions, and scale factors. To see the applications of scale factors we have been studying maps. Students had to print out a map that instructed them how to get from school to Randall Museum. I accompanied them, but did not give any direction; not even when they disputed whether they were going the correct direction or not. Students worked together, explaining clearly why their interpretation of the map was correct and were able to listen to each other and come to an agreement. We only went wrong once! We stopped at Corona Heights Park, climbed a huge rock (very carefully), and had clear panoramic views of the city. We played eye spy and had fun taking in the span of San Francisco. We could even see Mt Diablo, which some students learned was not LA. At Randall Museum, students toured other middle schoolers’ science projects that Randall Museum is displaying this month. Our students now have a greater understanding of what a science project entails, and have some great ideas for what they plan to test next year in their very own science project. We also visited animals that Randall Museum is rehabilitating. Students were particularly enamored with the raccoon. We look forward to more field trips, more time outside, and more ideas to test and share our results with our community!

Read more
Remarks from our Head of School, Newsletter

Remarks from our Head of School

Greetings everyone!

We had our Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) mid-cycle visit last week. The visiting committee (consisting of two experienced Heads of School) was highly impressed with our school’s progress in the past three years. We have accomplished a lot amidst the pandemic.  Let’s be proud of our achievements!

– Dr. Sherry Zhang
Head of School
San Francisco High School of the Arts

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Front Page news, Newsletter

March is Respect Month

Front Page News
March 3, 2023
Mr. Brian Nieh, Back in Action, Back at it again, Back pains

R. E. S. P. E. C. T.
Find out what it means to HSArts and our community.

In the comments below!
For me, as an elderly man, I would hope for some of that classic “respect for your elders”. I try my best to live up to that ideal everyday when I talk to other adults, patiently listening to what they have to say even if I’d rather be sleeping or eating or desperately need to use the restroom. 

I’ve also grown up on the “Golden Rule”, which says to treat others how you want to be treated. When you show someone respect, be it respecting their privacy, respecting their personal space, respecting their thoughts and opinions, etc. it’s something you should do and hopefully that garners a similar respect from the other person.

What about you? Share what you think “respect” means (down in the comments below), such as what kinds of respect should people show to each other or how you show respect to those around you in your everyday life. Respect, kindness, empathy… these are all things we all could use more of and we should share with each other whenever we can.

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Community Newsletter

HSArts Community Newsletter – Mar 3

San Francisco High School of the Arts Community Newsletter | March 3, 2023

FROM THE ADMINISTRATION

Important Dates
Mar 3-5 Starbound Dance Competition
Mar 14 Q3 Music and Musical Theatre Open Rehearsal
Mar 15 Q3 Music and Musical Theatre Showcase


Remarks from our Head of School

Greetings everyone!

We had our Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) mid-cycle visit last week. The visiting committee (consisting of two experienced Heads of School) was highly impressed with our school’s progress in the past three years. We have accomplished a lot amidst the pandemic.  Let’s be proud of our achievements!


– Dr. Sherry Zhang
Head of School
San Francisco High School of the Arts

March is Respect Month

Mr. Brian Nieh, Back in Action, Back at it again, Back pains

R. E. S. P. E. C. T.
Find out what it means to HSArts and our community.

In the comments below!

For me, as an elderly man, I would hope for some of that classic “respect for your elders”. I try my best to live up to that ideal everyday when I talk to other adults, patiently listening to what they have to say even if I’d rather be sleeping or eating or desperately need to use the restroom. 

I’ve also grown up on the “Golden Rule”, which says to treat others how you want to be treated. When you show someone respect, be it respecting their privacy, respecting their personal space, respecting their thoughts and opinions, etc. it’s something you should do and hopefully that garners a similar respect from the other person.

What about you? Share what you think “respect” means (down in the comments below), such as what kinds of respect should people show to each other or how you show respect to those around you in your everyday life. Respect, kindness, empathy… these are all things we all could use more of and we should share with each other whenever we can.

ACADEMICS

5th and 6th Grade Field Trip with Mrs. Leddy 

Mrs. Darragh Leddy, Math Teacher and Field Trip Supervisor

This past Wednesday, the 5th and 6th grade math classes visited Randall Museum. In math class, we recently learned about ratios, proportions, and scale factors. To see the applications of scale factors we have been studying maps. Students had to print out a map that instructed them how to get from school to Randall Museum. I accompanied them, but did not give any direction; not even when they disputed whether they were going the correct direction or not. Students worked together, explaining clearly why their interpretation of the map was correct and were able to listen to each other and come to an agreement. We only went wrong once! We stopped at Corona Heights Park, climbed a huge rock (very carefully), and had clear panoramic views of the city. We played eye spy and had fun taking in the span of San Francisco. We could even see Mt Diablo, which some students learned was not LA. At Randall Museum, students toured other middle schoolers’ science projects that Randall Museum is displaying this month. Our students now have a greater understanding of what a science project entails, and have some great ideas for what they plan to test next year in their very own science project. We also visited animals that Randall Museum is rehabilitating. Students were particularly enamored with the raccoon. We look forward to more field trips, more time outside, and more ideas to test and share our results with our community!


ARTS

Featured Arts News of the Week

Ms. Hannah Ogden, Musical Theatre Director and Acting Teacher


The school year is truly flying by! Quarter Three already?! It feels like just yesterday that our Musical Theatre program was starting its first quarter ever in the fall of 2021, and now here we are, preparing to present the Spring Music and Musical Theatre Showcase over a year and a half later!  The musical theatre full-time and elective students have been working hard in the Acting classes to prepare a heartwarming production of All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten. This play is a compilation of short stories by Robert Fulgum, placed together to create a snapshot of the human experience. What happened to the confidence, creativity, and wonder of childhood? Why do we as humans sometimes lose our free-spirited nature as we age? This play seeks to explore what it means to be a person and asks the question “What is a legacy? What do I want my legacy to be when I leave this life?” Please join us on Wednesday, March 15th at 6 PM in Studio 2 for a night of vocal performances (featuring several solos and a group performance of Firework), musical selections from our instrumentalists, and a showing of All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten. Tickets are free, though there will be a goodwill offering basket at the door for anyone who is interested in donating to the Musical Theatre program. All funds raised will go towards our final performance of the 2022-23 school year, which will be announced very soon 🙂 Please RSVP using this link so that we have an accurate estimate of our audience and can prepare accordingly. We hope to see you all on March 15th! 



ADMISSIONS

Admissions News

HSArts will continue to provide private campus tours over the next several weeks giving all interested students and their families the opportunity to further explore our programs and offerings.  Please RSVP here to schedule your tour.
MSSONS

YOUNG ARTISTS

Young Artists News of the Week


We have another dance competition, Starbound, coming up this weekend, starting tonight! Let’s all cheer them on and wish them good luck!

STUDENT LIFE


Study Hall and Tutoring
Not quite clubs, but also happening during extracurricular hours, study hall and tutoring opportunities await you!
Looking for a quiet, focused place to do some homework or get some studying in? Each afternoon, there’s study hall! There’s a different teacher supervising each day, ready to answer any of your questions.
We also have a number of teachers available to go over homework, review subject material, or even do a bit of extra tutoring. You just have to reach out and ask!
So drop on by study hall or ask your local teacher about some extra tutoring. We’re all here for you, ready to help 🙂

TRYBE Show

TRYBE is a new sensational circus performance featuring the San Francisco Youth Circus and directed by Veronica Blair.  It’s about 3 young explorers who adventure in the Floridian Wetlands and discover a tribe of people living there.  They learn a lot through different circus acts and comedic bits. 


HSArts 7th grader Giovanni HunzekerHesed is in this show at Circus Center which is right around the corner.  HSArts students can get two for one tickets by using this discount code: 2FOR1.


CIRCUS CENTER

755 FREDERICK STREET

 

3/10 AT 7PM

3/11 AT 2PM & 7PM 

3/12 AT 2PM


For tickets or more information:  http://circuscenter.org/shows



UPCOMING EVENTS

Coming soon!
Mar 3-5 
Starbound Dance Competition
Mar 14   
Quarter 3 Showcase Open Rehearsal
Mar 15   
Quarter 3 Music and Musical Theatre Showcase
Mar 17-April 1
Taiwan Trip
Mar 22-24 
Parent Teacher Conferences
Mar 27-31 
Spring Break
May 19   
Headliners Dance Competition

Communication is essential and we strive to connect with our students, parents, and families throughout the school year. We will continue reaching out to you with this weekly newsletter. We also encourage you to visit our website and follow our social pages including Facebook and Instagram for announcements, information, and celebrations.
 3-3-2023
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Young Artists News, Arts News, Newsletter

Young Artists News of the Week

February 24, 2023
Ms. Hanna Zhang, Young Artists Director and Teacher

Another successful competition weekend at Applause Talent Dance Competition! We took home five 1st Place Overall awards and the Highest Score of the Day studio award. Here are a few pictures from the competition. A full award breakdown can be found here!

Abigail Wong (10) from our Young Artists Program received 1st Place Overall and an Elite Platinum award in the First Call Junior division for her solo “Ode to Lotus” and was crowned the Junior Applause title winner!

Emilie Fu (14) from our Young Artists Program received 1st Place Overall and a Double Platinum award in the First Call Teen division for her solo “Dancing in the Rain,” as well as a Special Judges’ Award for her amazing lines.

Abbie Tanabe (13) and Kylie Tang (12) received 1st Place Overall and a Double Platinum award in the First Call Teen division for their duet “Together We Stand.”

Kylie Tang (12) from our Young Artists Program received 3rd Place Overall and Double Platinum in the First Call Junior division for her solo “Remembrance”!

Ms. Hanna received the Best Choreography Award  for her masterpiece “Calligraphy” among 200+ entries from all studios!

HSArts received the Highest Score of the Day award as the dance institution that accumulated the greatest number of points in the First Call competition level!

Next stop on the list — we will be heading to @starboundcomp in March! Stay tuned!

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