2024-01-262024-06-14Community Newsletter

HSArts Community Newsletter – Jan 26

San Francisco High School of the Arts Community Newsletter | Jan 26, 2024

FROM THE ADMINISTRATION

Important Dates
Feb 2-4 Starbound Dance Competition
Feb 8 Chinese New Year Family Dinner
Feb 16 'The Tempest' performance

Remarks from our Head of School

Spring is here, flowers are blooming, and our students are thriving! Seniors are receiving great news from colleges, setting the tone for an exciting season of competitions, performances, and a trip to Taiwan. Amidst the buzz, academic challenges like APs and PSAT await, but I look forward to a busy and fruitful semester ahead!

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

ACADEMICS

Academic News
by Ms. Erica Campbell

San Francisco High School of the Arts would like to honor three outstanding spellers and the skill they demonstrated in the 2024 Spelling Bee held last Friday in the school library. Congratulations to Ivy Vong, Emily Chen and Diego Donohoe. Way to go!!

The tournament was judged by Ms. Campbell and Ms. Wu, Mr. Randazzo, who also was our pronouncer, and Mr. Brandon Yu, the recordkeeper. We have exciting news that all three champions may register by February 1, 2024 for the next round of the Scripps Spelling Bee to be held in Washington D.C.! The next round will be the online testing platform. Students will have access to a study guide of words in order to prepare.

All of our students in grades 5-8 participated in the bee which was competitive yet fun. Congratulations to all of the students who participated and showed their passion for spelling and positive sportsmanship.

ARTS

Arts News

We are excited to announce the HSArts 2024 Spring Arts Exhibition will be held for the month of March 2024 at The San Francisco American Legion Veterans Gallery at War Memorial and Performing Arts Center! We showcase the incredible talents of our students, teachers and our artist community.

Highlights of the Evening include:
Student Mastery Artwork Showcase: the crown jewel of our artistic community – the exhibition of our finest collection of student artwork, our artist teachers and guest artists' work.
Art Competition Winners: Witness the unveiling of the Spring 2024 HSArts Art Competition winners' exceptional creations.

There is a Grand Opening Reception and Silent Auction on Friday evening 3/8: Bid on valuable art pieces in the reception area, and take home a unique masterpiece.
Live Music Performances at the reception: Immerse yourself in the enchanting melodies performed live throughout the evening.

ADMISSIONS

Admissions News
by Dr. Shalina Fung

College tours offer firsthand insight into the learning, living, and growth environment. Key aspects to focus on include academic setting, campus life, career services, and alumni connections. Early tours help students envision their higher education path, fostering exploration and achievement.

This Monday, UC Berkeley's College of Engineering thrivers and HSArts alumni, Joy and Sabrina, generously guided a personalized tour for our 7th-12th graders. Actively involved in professional student organizations, they exemplify success in academia and community contribution. HSArts students gain valuable insights into Cal's academic and social atmosphere through this tour.

As universities announce early application decisions this January, we extend congratulations to a senior for securing admission to the University of Southern California. We eagerly await more great news, celebrating the accomplishments and journeys of our students.

Embarking on these college tours and celebrating achievements contribute significantly to our students' academic and personal development. We support ongoing exploration and eagerly anticipate observing their future achievements.

College Counseling Office

As we interview priority deadline applicants and begin arranging interviews for regular deadline applicants, students impress with insightful questions, showcasing outstanding academic potential and diverse talents in the arts. While seeking a balance of scholastic and artistic aptitude, personal qualities play a pivotal role in our evaluations. For prospective students who are willing to take on challenges and work hard to achieve excellence, schedule a visit to our beautiful state-of-the-art campus, meet our teachers and students. As HSArts continues its search for exceptional students with great potential, we assess each applicant on an individual basis following the application deadline.

STUDENT LIFE

Highlights from the Winter Gala Benefit

Throwback to our Winter Gala Benefit. For videos of the performances and other pictures, visit our social media pages on Instagram and Facebook @hsartssf

Photos courtesy of our Media Dept.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Coming soon!
Feb 2-4	Starbound Dance Competition
Feb 8	Chinese New Year Family Dinner (full-time)
Feb 12	CNY Performance at Stratford
Feb 12	CNY Performance at Stratford
Feb 16	'The Tempest' performance by Theatre Program

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

1-26-2024

2023-12-082024-06-14Community Newsletter

HSArts Community Newsletter – Dec 8

San Francisco High School of the Arts Community Newsletter | Dec 8, 2023

FROM THE ADMINISTRATION

Important Dates
Dec 8 Winter Gala Benefit
Dec 15 Last day of fall semester (for full-time)
Dec 21 Last day of classes (for Young Artists)

Remarks from our Head of School
Congratulations to everyone on the highly successful Winter Wonder Recital and Artwork exhibition at the Herbst Theater! I was proud to see our students have accomplished so much during the Fall semester. Passion and hard work truly deliver success! Go Phoenix!

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

Pursuing our dreams: Supporting our student-artists

On December 1st, we hosted our Winter Wonder Recital and Arts Exhibition, an event that showcased the exceptional talents and creativity of our students. Those who attended can attest that it was an evening filled with performances and visual arts of exceptional quality. The event is a testament to the unwavering commitment of our school to provide a superior education.

At HSArts, we believe in nurturing not only their academic capabilities but also their artistic and creative talents. Now, we turn to you, our valued supporters, to help us continue this mission. Your support plays a crucial role in sustaining the high standards of education and artistic development that we aim to provide. Your generous contributions will directly impact our ability to offer diverse programs, maintain state-of-the-art facilities, and support the talented individuals who make our school community thrive.

You can contribute to our mission by making a donation in person or online. Every donation, regardless of its size, contributes to the success of our school and the fulfillment of our mission. Your support enables us to create an environment where students can excel academically and artistically, preparing them for a future of limitless possibilities.

To make a donation online, please visit our website at https://highschoolofthearts.org/giving/ or stop by our school in person. Thank you for considering our request, and for being a vital part of the HSArts community. Wishing you a joyful holiday season and a prosperous New Year!

Dr. Sherry Zhang
Co-founder and Head of School
San Francisco High School of the Arts

ACADEMICS

Academic News
by Mr. Qining Cai

The past and upcoming Thanksgiving and Christmas are annual seasons of abundance in Western culture, days filled with joy, gratitude, and reunions.

This theme has once again become a hot topic in Chinese classes for high school students. In order to further enhance students' listening and speaking abilities and deepen their understanding of the cultural comparisons between the East and the West, students actively organized classroom discussions. During these discussions, the focus was on the origins, meanings, and the continued significance of these major festivals. Drawing from their own life experiences and academic knowledge, students shared beautiful memories and stories with each other.

Simultaneously, activities related to the major festivals, such as Chinese word guessing games, were introduced. These games included pictorial word guessing and physical expression word guessing. In the former, a student would write a word given by the teacher on the whiteboard for others to guess. In the latter, one or several students would express the meaning of a word through body language for others to guess. The winners in both activities were those who guessed the most words correctly.

The enthusiasm of the students during the activities was high, and their active participation not only reinforced their acquired knowledge but also strengthened the bonds of friendship among them. After the class, everyone agreed that such intellectually stimulating activities should be held regularly, bringing not only joy to the mind and body but also elevating their proficiency in the Chinese language.
If you're interested in testing your Chinese proficiency, you're welcome to join our classroom games!

ARTS

Arts News - Music Department
by Mr. Brandon Yu

Theatre Arts students will be performing Shakespeare's last comedy: "The Tempest!" A comedy about magic and mischief, love and loyalty set on an island. Adapted in part by Craig Mason and Aimee Greenberg. Directed by Aimee Greenberg and Stage Managed by Brandon Yu.

After twelve years, Prospero is still trapped with his daughter on an island and seeks revenge. Having learned magic, he casts a storm to pull a ship of who betrayed him onto the island. Come and join us for an adaptation to Shakespeare's The Tempest filled with magic, mayhem, secret plots to become king, and young love. Brought to you by the HSArts Theater Department.

Join us on Friday, February 16, 2024 for an adapted version of Shakespeare's The Tempest. A deserted island with magic, betrayal, a shipwreck, comedy, and love.

We’re also having a musical production on Friday, May 17, 2024. Stay tuned for more details.

ADMISSIONS

Admissions News
by Dr. Shalina Fung

As we approach the priority application deadline for the HSArts Middle School and High School on December 15, 2023, we want to extend a warm invitation for Young Artists families to explore the full-time program offerings. We encourage you to arrange a private campus tour at your convenience to experience firsthand the stimulating academic and arts offerings that sets HSArts apart. There are also shadow day opportunities for students to experience what school is like from 8am to 4pm. We look forward to the possibility of welcoming your family into our extended community.

To our families with students in our middle and high school, your positive experiences are invaluable. You, having first hand knowledge of HSArts' academic rigor and culture, are the best people to help identify prospective students who will seamlessly fit into HSArts' curriculum. Your insights and support can play a crucial role in shaping the future of our community. We believe in the strength of our community, and your active involvement can help us continue to grow and thrive.

For families interested in a private campus tour, please find the registration form here.

Thank you for being an essential part of the HSArts family.

YOUNG ARTISTS

Young Artists News
by Ms. Ginnie Wu

Hello families,

Congratulations to our Young Artists dancers for a successful Winter Wonders 2023!

Just a reminder that the last day of fall semester for all Young Artists classes is Thursday, December 21st. There will be no classes on Friday, December 22nd.

If families will be leaving early for vacation and would like to schedule make up classes before the semester ends, please email enrollment@highschoolofthearts.org.

Thank you!

STUDENT LIFE

Winter Wonders Recap and Video link

For the full video playlist, Click Here!

In the meantime, here are some pictures from the evening. Enjoy!

*all video and photos courtesy of Qing, Sky, and our wonderful media team

CULTURE

Shen Yun Performing Arts is returning to the Bay Area!

Shen Yun is renowned worldwide for its breathtaking performances that weave together captivating storytelling, unparalleled choreography, and the rich tapestry of Chinese culture. This is an event that promises to transport you to a realm of beauty, grace, and wonder.

We've secured a special discount for our school community, ensuring that this extraordinary experience is not just within reach but even more enticing to explore together. It's an opportunity for us to come together, witness unparalleled artistry, and immerse ourselves in a cultural journey unlike any other.

Details:
Event: Shen Yun Performing Arts
Date: Jan 4th @ 2pm, Jan 5th @ 7:30pm, Jan 6th @ 2pm, Jan 7th @ 2pm
Location: War Memorial Opera House
Discount Code: HSArts
Discount: $8 OFF of Processing fee
Ordering site: Shenyun.com or via this link

We encourage you to share this fantastic opportunity with friends and family. Let's unite in experiencing the sheer beauty and artistry that Shen Yun promises to deliver.

----------

People’s Circus Theatre with Children’s Creativity Museum present “Reindeer Games!”

People’s Circus Theatre brings its unique blend of acrobatics and storytelling to the stage at Children’s Creativity Museum once again, after their hit production of The Secret Garden. This December, they are joined by Bay Area band The Vivants for a festive performance of circus, theatre, and live music that is not to be missed!
December 15 - 23 | More information at https://peoplescircustheatre.org/

Tickets start at $25. Friends of HSArts, use discount code HSArts for $5 off each ticket.
Tickets at https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/reindeer-games-2805489

UPCOMING EVENTS

Coming soon!
Dec 8	Winter Gala Benefit (6-9pm tonight!)
Dec 15	Last day of Fall Semester (full-time students)
Dec 21	Last day of classes (Young Artists)

12-8-2023

2023-11-102024-06-14Community Newsletter

HSArts Community Newsletter – Nov 10

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

FROM THE ADMINISTRATIO

Important Dates
Nov 11 School Open House
Nov 17 Teacher and Staff Appreciation Day
Dec 1 Winter Wonders Recital

Remarks from our Head of School

November is HSArts Kindness month. Being considered as a kind person is far more significant than being considered as simply nice. Kindness is genuine,where you're acting in the best interests of others, out of a sense of love, empathy, and compassion. It comes from the bottom of our hearts. Kindness is most powerful, and it can change the world if we can all practice it. Go Phoenix!

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

You are invited to join…. The “Kindness Project”
Let’s contribute to bringing more kindness in the world!

Make a video that’s 15s or longer to showcase kind moments in our community to help inspire others to do the same.

We will showcase all qualified videos on Monday 12/11 during Assembly/Leadership class, and producers of the videos will be rewarded with a boba tea the same day.
Our media teacher Mr. John deGroot will help students with the kindness project in the media lab every Thursday afternoon between 4-6pm.

The videos can enter the Kindnessiscool contest by the Gan Jing World to compete for a grand prize of $10,000 and be showcased on Times Square Billboard.

For more information, visit: https://www.ganjingworld.com/channel/1f5deq5t37g7GolYLR2hHjM2z1t70c?tab=hashtags&ht=KindnessIsCool&stab=All

ACADEMICS

Academic News
by Mr. Lee Randazzo

There were lots of exciting things happening in history class this week. Remember that Mr. Randazzo likes to share not only about the wars and leaders in history, but also about the lives of everyday people around the world and our common humanity. This week the 5th and 6th grades had to prepare a traditional African folktale and tell it just like a Griot from West Africa. Friday’s storytelling performance was wonderful. Students incorporated acting skills, props, puppets, and even musical instruments into their stories.

And this week the 7th and 8th graders were preparing to write their first high school level DBQ (document based question) essay on the American Revolution. Most schools around the country wait until high school to teach these writing skills, but Mr. Randazzo knows that middle school students can handle the challenge. The class tackled their analysis of primary sources. Today they went over how to use and explain quotes in order to back up their thesis statements. And this weekend will be the big push to get the essay finished. Good Luck!!! And remember that Mr. R is always available to help after school.

The high schoolers (11th and 12th graders) just wrapped up a debate on the role of government using FDR’s New Deal programs as examples. Debate skills are highly prized in both education and citizenship. They also help us learn to understand one another and walk a mile in someone else’s shoes. We’ll have more debates this year. And now our high schoolers are in the middle of learning about World War II. That war changed not only our country, but how the entire world interacts with each other. Cool stuff.

Stay tuned for more highlights as the year goes by.

ARTS

Arts News - Music Department
by Mr. Ray Chen

Excitements are building up for a lineup of captivating musical performances. The ensemble takes center stage with five enchanting pieces, while our choir adds its harmonious touch to the Winter Wonder show at the Herbst Theater on 12/1, Winter Gala on 12/8, and the Winter Music Recital on 12/14. It will be an auditory feast for all attendees.

In addition, our beginner band has flourished since the fall, and is poised to ascend to the ranks of an intermediate band. The band, now boasting 16 members, has not only expanded its numbers, but has also embraced a new dimension by welcoming three talented string players. This metamorphosis has elevated the group to a concert band, promising an even richer and more diverse musical experience.

ADMISSIONS

Admissions News
by Dr. Shalina Fung

Dear HSArts Families,

As we embrace the fall season and witness the vibrant colors of change, we are thrilled to invite you to our upcoming Middle School and High School Open House events at HSArts—an opportunity to delve into the heart of our exceptional academic and artistic community.

Middle School Open House: Curriculum Preview and Q&A -- November 11, 2023
High School Open House: Curriculum Preview and Q&A -- December 2, 2023

While HSArts offers students a rigorous college-preparatory academic program, it is the person behind the grades who we care most about. Extensive research has illuminated the invaluable role of arts education in nurturing the healthy development of young minds. Discover how an education focused on cultivating artistic excellence at HSArts can profoundly benefit your student, both within and beyond our classroom walls.

Join our dedicated staff and learn more about our well rounded and high-achieving HSArts curriculum for middle school and for high school (36 honors and AP course selections), pre-professional training in the arts and our commitment to providing a nurturing and enriching educational experience. It is the perfect opportunity to meet school leadership, faculty and ask questions. Please RSVP via this link if you haven’t yet.

Calling All Art Enthusiasts!
If you know families with students who have a passion for the arts, kindly extend this invitation to them. The Open House is an ideal occasion for them to witness firsthand the unique blend of academic excellence and artistic prowess that defines HSArts.

If you’re interested in attending this event, or have any questions regarding the admissions process, please contact our Admissions Department.

YOUNG ARTISTS

Young Artists News
by Ms. Ginnie Wu

Just a reminder that our second dress rehearsal will take place on Wednesday, November 15th from 3:30-6:30pm.

Students should be ready with hair and costume by 4:00pm to participate in the rehearsal for curtain call.
Please have students prepare all their dance supplies the day before. We had several students forget shoes and hair supplies last time.

Students who only have dances in the first half of the rehearsal will be dismissed at 6:00pm. Students with dances in the second half will be dismissed at 6:30pm. We will send out the final rehearsal order early next week.

Parent volunteers for Nov 15th will receive assignments early next week. Thank you sooo much for your help!

Thank you!

STUDENT LIFE

Special Guest Speaker to the Dance Department

An award-winning ballet dancer and current Stanford freshman, Andrew, addressed our dance students on November 3. As a protégé of Mr. Dongsheng Wei, our esteemed artistic director, Andrew generously shared insights from his remarkable journey. His talk covered crucial aspects such as enduring pain during stretching, managing performance pressure, and balancing a rigorous schedule that includes over 20 hours of dancing per week alongside multiple AP classes.

When asked about the essential qualities of a ballet dancer, Andrew eloquently expressed, “I think a good dancer is also a good person, like a dancer is just a student, but in the arts. So I think you should be humble, determined, curious, open to learning, and a nice person. Don’t put down other dancers. So, just be a good person; that is a good dancer.” These values, instilled in him by Mr. Wei, his favorite ballet teachers, have shaped Andrew’s approach to both dance and life.

Despite a challenging academic load of seven classes at Stanford, Andrew continues to excel in dance and even finds time for sports. His dedication serves as an inspiration to our students, emphasizing the importance of determination, curiosity, and kindness in the pursuit of excellence in the arts.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Coming soon!
Nov 11	School Open House
Nov 17	Staff and Teacher Appreciation Day
Nov 20-24	Thanksgiving Break (no school)
Dec 1	Winter Wonders Recital

11-10-2023

2023-10-272024-06-14Community Newsletter

HSArts Community Newsletter – Oct 27

San Francisco High School of the Arts Community Newsletter | Oct 27, 2023

FROM THE ADMINISTRATIO

Important Dates
Nov 1 Dress Rehearsal for Recital #1
Nov 4 Performance at Stonestown
Nov 5 Daylight Savings end

Remarks from our Head of School

Last week was HSArts’ spirit week. What is the HSArts spirit? The answer lies in our mascot Phoenix, a symbol of rebirth, resilience, and renewal that embodies the spirit of HSArts. With fire in our hearts and the spirit of the phoenix, we are ready for what the future holds. Go Phoenix!

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

Exciting News! Our Phoenix Mascot has Risen!

We are thrilled to show off our mascot design: the Phoenix, a mythical bird known in cultures worldwide for its representation of regeneration and immortality. It is designed by our new visual artist teacher Mario Su.

Mr. Mario talked about his concept of design: “I illustrate this phoenix design with the essence of rebirth, renewal, and grace. The phoenix's wings and tail feathers are often long and graceful, flowing like a vibrant, fiery trail. They are designed to represent fire and renewal. The color palette of this phoenix design incorporates rich, fiery colors like orange and gold. These colors create a visually stunning and emotional portrayal of the phoenix. This phoenix design is a compelling symbol of transformation and hope, making it a potent choice for our school’s representations.”

Just as this majestic creature emerges from the ashes, HSArts has continually grown and adapted to new challenges. In Chinese culture, phoenix (鳳凰) appears only during time of peace and prosperity.

The phoenix perfectly symbolizes our commitment to progress, transformation, peace and a brighter future!

ACADEMICS

Academic News
Mr. Ray Chen, Computer Science Teacher

Our high school Integrated Science class has been working hard on the periodic table with Dr. Sherry. In the meantime, they’re having fun on the JavaScript conditional repetition with Mr. Ray. Students are using “for loop” and “while loop” to build their first sort app utilizing the “bubble sort” algorithm. The sort app will sort the user's input from least to greatest and/or alphabetical order. Everyone is looking forward to exploring more algorithms.

Our 7th/8th middle schoolers have been working on their calculator app for weeks. Their calculator not only can do 4 basic functions (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division) but also power and root. Our next enhancement is going to add “pi” & “e” buttons along with “Ans”. Their implementations of power and root are deeply dependent on their mathematical understanding of exponents and radicals. All of those 7th/8th students are in my Algebra 1 or Algebra 2 classes. They all graded high on chapter 8, Exponents and Radicals. You can ask your kids to share their apps to your cell phone. Have fun playing and debugging for us.

ARTS

Arts News
In Drawing Fundamentals, the high schoolers have been reviewing the basics of form and light before moving on to the more complex planes of the human head. We just had our first model visit of the year, with more planned in the coming months, and everyone is excited to spend more time sketching from life!omposition and ensembles: this year’s new additions to our Music Conservatory program. Ms. Bai, our theory and composition teacher, expands the digital side of music with both the Music Composition and Production classes. Students learn to use computer software to create their own music compositions, producing the tracks in Garageband using MIDI keyboards.

For ensembles, while not entirely new, this year we’re excited at the new combinations of pairings and groups our students can form with each other! This includes new students Luciano and Daniel with a violin and piano duet, violist Cristal partnering with flutist Olivia, and even Diego and Eric with four hands on one piano. Not only that, Mr. Ray is personally leading a beginner brass band with some of our 5th and 6th graders. Can’t wait to see it all come together in our December Music Concert and Winter Gala Benefit! Stay tuned for more information.

Fashion Designer workshop offered by Christiane Parker, a pattern maker and designer in San Francisco. Ms. Parker talked about style, fabrics, techniques, and fashion illustration with students. Students then had some time to illustrate their own designs and came up with very interesting concepts.

ADMISSIONS

Admissions News
Middle School Open House: Curriculum Preview and Q&A -- November 11, 2023
High School Open House: Curriculum Preview and Q&A -- December 2, 2023

While HSArts offers students a rigorous college-preparatory academic program, it is the person behind the grades who we care most about. Research has shown that arts education is a critical part of healthy development of young minds. See how HSArts can benefit your student within and beyond our classroom walls.

Join our dedicated staff and learn more about our well rounded and high-achieving HSArts curriculum for middle school and for high school (18 honors and 20 AP course selections), pre-professional training in the arts and our commitment to providing a nurturing and enriching educational experience. It is the perfect opportunity to meet school leadership, faculty and ask questions. Please RSVP via this link if you haven’t yet.

If you’re interested in attending this event, or have any questions regarding the admissions process, please contact our Admissions Department.

STUDENT LIFE

Spirit Week Recap
Last week, we had a wonderful spirit week, with unusual outfits and exciting activities. Our student council and Ms. Anne put in a lot of hard work in preparation and everyone had lots of fun! Here's a preview to each day of Spirit Week, with more pictures to be found on our Instagram:

Monday - Casual and Comfy Day

Tuesday - Twin Day

Wednesday - Wacky Day

Thursday - Formal Day

Friday - Class Colors Day, Basketball Game, and Ice Cream Social

UPCOMING EVENTS

Coming soon!
Nov 1	Dress Rehearsal for Recital #1
Nov 4	Performance at Stonestown Galleria
Nov 5	Daylight Savings ends (fall back)
Nov 11	School Open House

10-27-2023

2023-10-102024-06-14Community Newsletter

HSArts Community Newsletter – Oct 6

San Francisco High School of the Arts Community Newsletter | Oct 6, 2023

FROM THE ADMINISTRATION

Important Dates
Oct 9 Columbus Day (no school)
Oct 16-20 Spirit Week
Oct 20 Basketball game vs Stratford

Remarks from our Head of School

HSArts is getting more recognized in the international community after our highly successful Taiwan trip in the spring break of March 2023. We have had visits from 12 Taiwanese school principals and directors from Taipei in the past weeks. We have a scheduled visit from the Incheon Metropolitan city office of education at the end of this month and another group of principals from Taiwan in December. Our high schoolers may go on another cultural exchange trip to Taiwan school again this coming spring. Go Phoenix!

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

Winter (Wonders) is Coming
By Mr. Brian, son of Sen, first of his name, Breaker of Legs, The Un-unburnt, etc.

Discover a world of splendor at HSArts' Winter Wonders 2023. All of our students have been working incredibly hard this semester, and despite the truncated preparation time (we’re short 3 weeks compared to other years), we have an exciting slate of programs and collection of artwork that we’re excited to share with everyone!

Tickets are on sale now at City Box Office!

ACADEMICS

Academic News
Ms. Lona Lou, Academic Director

During our academic meetings, the main topics are always how to help our students improve their academic performance. Identifying the main reason for a student's imperfect academic performance can be complex and may vary from one student to another. However, we found out two very common reasons, one is students sometimes lack motivation in learning, another is they haven’t formed good study habits yet. I want to share some solutions about motivation today.

As teachers, we will try different ways to motivate students’ learning, for example, let them see the relevance or importance of what they are learning by real-world application; incorporate current events and news stories into lessons to illustrate how classroom concepts relate to the world outside; take students on field trips to see the practical applications of what they are learning; assign projects that require students to research and address real issues or create something tangible.
Parents can play a significant role in this issue too. Here are some strategies parents can use to motivate your children's academic learning:
1. Show genuine interest in your child's classes by asking about their school day and coursework.

2. Recognize and celebrate their achievements, no matter how small.

3. Share stories of your educational journey and the benefits of education.

4. Help your child explore potential career paths related to the subject matter, encourage them to think about their personal goals and how the subject matter can help them achieve those goals.

When children can see a direct connection between what they are learning in school and their future aspirations, they are more likely to be motivated and engaged in their studies.

ARTS

Arts News - Music

Composition and ensembles: this year’s new additions to our Music Conservatory program. Ms. Bai, our theory and composition teacher, expands the digital side of music with both the Music Composition and Production classes. Students learn to use computer software to create their own music compositions, producing the tracks in Garageband using MIDI keyboards.

For ensembles, while not entirely new, this year we’re excited at the new combinations of pairings and groups our students can form with each other! This includes new students Luciano and Daniel with a violin and piano duet, violist Cristal partnering with flutist Olivia, and even Diego and Eric with four hands on one piano. Not only that, Mr. Ray is personally leading a beginner brass band with some of our 5th and 6th graders. Can’t wait to see it all come together in our December Music Concert and Winter Gala Benefit! Stay tuned for more information.

ADMISSIONS

Admissions News
Open House: Curriculum Preview and Q&A - October 14th, 2023

Join our dedicated staff and learn more about our well rounded and high-achieving HSArts curriculum with 18 honors and 20 AP course selections, pre-professional training in the arts and our commitment to providing a nurturing and enriching educational experience. It is the perfect opportunity to meet school leadership, faculty and ask questions. Please RSVP via this link if you haven’t yet.

If you’re interested in attending this event, or have any questions regarding the admissions process, please contact our Admissions Department.

YOUNG ARTISTS

Young Artists News

Our students had so much fun performing at the local Cole Valley Fair last month, performing a variety of classical Chinese dance and ballet pieces to the hundreds of boisterous bystanding audience members! Here’s a few pictures from the event.

A big shoutout to Ms. Anne for organizing the event, Ms. Hanna for managing the performance, Mr. Brandon for hosting, and all the parents and staff who volunteered their weekend time to make the event a success! Great job everyone!

STUDENT LIFE

Coming Soon: Spirit Week
Come one, come all! Show your school spirit during Spirit Week, October 16-20. Our Student Councils have exciting plans, including themed dress up days, BBQ in the park, games and activities… all culminating in our annual exhibition basketball game against Stratford!

So get your twin outfits, school colors, and your best cheering ready next next week!

New Club Alert! Coding Club with Mr. Ray
Inspired by our resident STEM expert, Mr. Ray, and his amazing computational and computer skills, some middle school boys were moved to action to form a Coding Club! Fridays after school, Dylahn and friends will work out their fingers with Mr. Ray, room TBD, tentatively 208. All are welcome to join!

Yearbook Sale!
Pre-order yours today for the early bird special 😀

UPCOMING EVENTS

Coming soon!
Oct 9	Columbus Day (no school)
Oct 16-20	Spirit Week
Oct 9	Columbus Day (no school)
Oct 25-27	Parent-Teacher Conferences

10-6-2023