San Francisco High School of the Arts Community Newsletter | Sep 22, 2023
FROM THE ADMINISTRATION
Important Dates Sep 24 Cole Valley Fair Sep 29 Mid-Autumn Festival Celebrations
Remarks from our Head of School Part of HSArts' mission is to nurture in students the sense of civic duties so that they may positively contribute to the world. Our students have done volunteer work to help the communities. Volunteers, in turn, benefit in both mind and body: connecting with others, advancing their careers, and having fun and fulfillment in their lives. That's why 23% of the Americans volunteer. Let's roll up our sleeves and get down to business. Go Phoenix!
Dr. Sherry Zhang Head of School San Francisco High School of the Arts
🌕 Uncover the Enchanting History of the Mid-Autumn Festival! 🌕 By Mr. Brian, Autumn Appreciator, Mid-Autumn Enthusiast
The Mid-Autumn Festival, a cherished East Asian tradition, offers a glimpse into a rich history and cultural heritage. As we prepare for our school event, here are some captivating facts
to pique your interest:
1. Ancient Roots: This festival dates back over 3,000 years to China's Zhou Dynasty when it began as a harvest celebration, paying tribute to the moon goddess Chang'e.
2. Mooncake Mysteries: Mooncakes, a hallmark of the festival, played a clandestine role during the Yuan Dynasty. They were used to hide messages, contributing to a successful rebellion against
Mongol rule.
3. Lantern Brilliance: The festival dazzles with an array of colorful lanterns, symbolizing hope and guidance. Lighting them has become a cherished tradition.
4. Myths and Legends: The festival is enriched with mythical tales, including the story of Chang'e and her lunar abode, and the endearing Jade Rabbit residing on the moon.
As we prepare to celebrate our school's Mid-Autumn Festival event, join us in exploring the history, traditions, and stories that make this festival a source of wonder and cultural connection. Don't miss out on the magic of the Mid-Autumn Festival! 🌟
ACADEMICS
Academic News Ms. Ginnie Wu, Speech and Debate Teacher
Our middle school speech classes have been studying the transcript of a Ted-Ed video, "How To Practice Effectively…For Just About Anything." Students were told that they would be presenting excerpts of the script in class. Last week, students planned their presentation meticulously (7th/8th graders...one of your vocab words for Tuesday's quiz!), making notes on their transcript for eye contact, gestures, and movement across the stage. This week, half of our 7th/8th graders presented their speech on Friday, while the other half will present on Tuesday. 5th and 6th graders will be doing a mock presentation next Thursday.
When we discussed body language earlier in the school year, we watched a video with a surprising fact about body language and confidence: while being confident results in confident body language, the opposite is also true -- people who make the effort to display powerful body language will also feel more powerful as a result. This is a good reminder to our students to always carry themselves confidently, sit up straight, and raise their hands eagerly in class. 🙂
Field Trip - de Young Museum Ms. Campbell’s AP English class visited the nearby de Young Museum to reinforce the interpreting of theme, tone, and mood in different mediums and using art for inspiration for upcoming Bay Area Creative Young Artists competition. Here are some pictures from their trip:
ARTS
Arts News Visual arts starts with drawing and sketching, no matter the grade or age. This semester, all of our full-time art classes begin the year with a focus on the fundamentals of shapes, lines, perspective, and shading. While the subject may differ depending on the level, the concepts are similar, and reinforced through repetition and practice.
Our full-time students will also learn charcoal, painting, Chinese painting, handcraft, and media arts, amongst other artforms. However, a strong art foundation is needed to understand and excel. Keep up the hard work!
Even our after school art classes start with basic drawings, although their subjects lean more towards the cuter side. Here’s Ms. Vera and Mr. Mario working with the Thursday after school art class:
ADMISSIONS
Remarks from our Admissions Director Open House: Curriculum Preview and Q&A - October 14th, 2023
Our dedicated staff will be available to answer any questions you may have about our curriculum, extracurricular activities, and our commitment to providing a nurturing and enriching educational experience. It's the perfect opportunity to get a firsthand look at our school environment for full time grades 6-12 students.
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 This year, we’re excited to open a new Pre-Teen Dance Class! Led by Ms. Ginnie (and the occasional appearance by Mr. Brian), this class now sports 15 students, many of whom are just starting or have very little previous experience. Nevertheless, we’re confident they’ll be ready with their fan dance for our Winter Wonders recital, taking place at Herbst Theatre on December 1st. For now, here’s a picture of Ms. Ginnie leading the dancers in a "bearing" exercise, practicing how to flow their arm and hand movements:
STUDENT LIFE
Mid-Autumn Festival Celebration 2023 The Mid-Autumn Festival is next week! For more info and RSVP on ParentSquare: visit here. For non-ParentSquare users, please RSVP here.
Badminton Club Badminton is a fast paced and exciting sport, and it’s accessible to all. Every Thursday after school, enjoy a casual, easygoing rally or challenge our PE Teacher and badminton expert, Mr. David, to an intense olympic-esque battle. Everyone is welcome to join, as you can see in this picture: Basketball Club Come and join the basketball club, every Wednesday after school. Witness phenoms like Austin and William “ball it up” with crossovers and moves like this:
*Editor’s note: Shoelaces are recommended to be tied at all times to prevent injury.
Next month, our school will be challenging our neighbors, Stratford School, in our annual basketball exhibition match. Let’s get that W! Go Phoenix!
UPCOMING EVENTS
Coming soon!
Sep 24
Cole Valley Fair
Sep 29
Mid-Autumn Festival Celebration
Oct 9
Columbus Day (no school)
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
9-22-2023
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