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Frances Harper Junior High School
Welcomes Our Incoming 7th Graders and Their
Families!
This edition of the Harper Herald is being sent to all the Harper Families
including the incoming 2006-07 7th graders. We are already starting to plan
and prepare for next fall and we are pleased to be sending this newsletter to
all our current families as well as to the families of our students in the new
year to come! We hope you will enjoy reading the news about our school
courses, events, end of the year activities and information about next year.
Please note the dates for August registration as well as the events calendar
for the 7th grade WEB Orientation. (WEB is for every 7th grader and the 9th
grade WEB leaders.) Harper is a great place to be and we are looking forward
to you joining us next year!
* * * * *
FOR INCOMING 7th GRADERS & FAMILIES
GET CONNECTED WITH HARPER
The Harper PTO uses several communication tools to keep in touch with the parent community: the Harper
Herald monthly newsletter, the web site, and two e-mail listservers. The newsletter provides a
comprehensive update of school news, messages from school staff, and PTO activities. The web site,
http://www2.dcn.org/orgs/harperpto, which is maintained by volunteers and the generosity of the Davis
Community Network, serves as a virtual bulletin board that anyone can check 24 hours a day for school
information. The PTO listserver is a voluntary e-mail service that the PTO and school administrators use to
send urgent messages and announcements of upcoming events. The Daily Bulletin listserver sends out the
announcements that are read to the students each school day. All of these tools provide overlapping
opportunities to stay connected with your child's school.
The PTO invites all parents and guardians of current and incoming students to subscribe to the listservers.
Simply log on to the subscription site at: http://www2.dcn.org/mailman/listinfo/fhpto for the PTO
listserver, and log on to http://www2.dcn.org/mailman/listinfo/fhjh-bulletin for the Daily Bulletin listserver,
then follow the instructions. You maintain control of the e-mails you receive, and can change the e-mail
address or unsubscribe at any time.
The monthly newsletter is posted on the web site before the paper version is mailed out, and a listserver
announcement alerts subscribers that the newsletter is ready for reading. Parents have the option to forego
receiving the paper version of the newsletter in order to conserve limited resources. This option can
potentially save the PTO hundreds of dollars in printing and mailing costs that can then be spent on other
school programs. To opt-out of the paper version of the Herald requires two easy steps: (1) subscribe to the
PTO listserver, and (2) send an e-mail to harperpto@aol.com and ask us to remove your name from the
paper version newsletter mailing list. Be sure to tell us your name as well as your student's name. Please
note that you will continue to receive paper mailings from the school; this opt-out is just for the PTO
Harper Herald newsletter. If you have any questions, please send them to Jane Schafer-Kramer, PTO web
mom, at harperpto@aol.com.
YEARBOOKS
When you come to orientation at the end of the summer, you can save some money on your yearbook and
get a personalized cover too! But only if you buy early! Prices won’t be set until later, but you can count on
a cost of roughly $37. You won’t want to miss this wonderful memory book with pictures and stories of
you and your new Harper friends!
PUBLICATION (YEARBOOK) CLASS & CLUB
Incoming 7th graders, you're help is needed! The yearbook class produces the yearbook for the entire school
and needs you to help cover all the seventh grade events and get your experiences into the permanent
records of Harper! You can't take the class until you're an 8th grader, but you can come in at lunch or after
school to help. You’ll have a lot of fun as you interview people, write articles, take photos, design pages,
and use computer software to create the yearbook and other publications.
Contact Mr. McKim in room G-48, 757-5330 extension 348, or kmckim@djusd.k12.ca.us if you want to
help during lunches and after school.
* * * * *
THE PRINCIPAL’S CORNER
This has been a tremendous year. Harper grew from 530 to 650 this year and will go over 750
next year. The staff has really become a team and we are looking forward to more growth and
changes next year.
Our WEB program (Where Everybody Belongs!) includes more than 60 of our 9th grade student
WEB Leaders whose job it is to welcome and support all 7th graders at Harper. Through WEB we
promote a positive school climate and provide opportunities for our 9th graders to develop their
leadership skills. The three teachers who facilitate this program at Harper have recently been
recruiting our WEB Leaders for next year. It looks like we will have an excellent group of students
leading the WEB in 06-07!
The Harper PTO is looking for new members and officers for 2006-07. Joining and participating
with the PTO is the most important way that parents can connect and support our school. Each
year, the Harper PTO is very active hosting various events, fundraising for important school
needs and providing support for students and teachers in their daily routines. I encourage all
parents to join and attend the monthly meetings. (Dates and times will be posted in the
newsletter and sent out via email on the Harper ListServ).
Harper also benefits from an active School Site Council and the School Climate Committee. Any
parent interested in joining either of these groups, please contact the school office for more
information.
Another phase of development to look forward to in 06-07 is building school spirit. Next year the
Harper staff and PTO will be emphasizing school spirit. We still need our Husky Mascot painted
on the gym floor and there are activities being planned to enable students to take pride in Harper
because of the unique qualities we share as a school.
Frances Harper Junior High is a wonderful school. We enjoy tremendous community support and
have the benefit of a strong teaching staff and supportive parents. I am looking forward to next
year and taking part in all the growth and learning that will take place for all of us.
* * * * *
CALENDAR OF EVENTS AND STUDENT ACTIVITES
THE MONTH OF MAY
May 5 & 6 – Spring Musical, Robin Hood, 7pm in the MPR
May 10 – All District Strings Concert, 7pm
May 13 - 17 2006-2007 ASB Elections (7th and 8th grade ONLY)
May 16 - WEB Leader Play Day during 7th & 8th periods
May 17 – Harper Spring Concert - Band, Choral & Art Auction, 7pm at the IPAB
May 23 - International Day (altered schedule, possible assemblies)
May 24 – Combined Junior High Strings Concert, 7:00 at the IPAB
May 25 - Harper/Elementary Band Concert, 7:30 at the IPAB
THE LAST WEEK OF SCHOOL
Mon., June 12 - 9th grade awards ceremony and dinner, 6pm at Harper
Tues., June 13 - Day on the Green - classes end at 12:30, fun and games until 3:30
June 14 - 9th Grade trip to Marine World
- 7th and 8th grade awards and BBQ/Activity Day
June 15: Last Day of School (minimum day schedule), 12:00 Dismissal
NEXT SCHOOL YEAR
Wed., Aug 23 – 7th Grade Registration, 9am-2pm
This will include registering for school and turning in emergency cards, as well as
other necessary forms. There will be things to purchase, such as planners, opportunities
with the PTO, and other information to receive.
Thurs., Aug 24 – 8th & 9th Grade Registration, 9am-2pm
This will include all registration, schedules and lockers.
Wed. & Thurs., Aug. 23 & 24 - WEB Leader Training, 8am - 1pm
Monday, Aug. 28 – 7th grade WEB Orientation, 8am - 12:30pm
This day is strictly for kids, NO PARENTS! It will be a fun all-morning
orientation with the WEB leaders from the 9th grade. On this day 7th graders will receive
their schedule and lockers.
PLEASE NOTE: 7th graders will need to come to school on Wednesday, Aug 23rd
AND Monday, August 28
Tuesday, Aug 29 - Classes begin for the 2006/2007 school year
* * * * *
STUDENT OF THE MONTH
CONGRATULATIONS
To March’s Students of the Month
C Gingerich M Mananquil R Martinez
M Moore Chloe Marr A Martinez-Horta
R Martinez C Totah P Utts-Smith
J Poilvez A Patel C Persons
K Shebloski A Sanchez K Sorenson
S Soto L Smith K Smith
K Sorenson J Adams L Baxter
B Brumer A Bridge E Bowers
J Boulware J Budwiser M Barlow
V Buhal L Weir A Wilson
L Wei E Pesis J Pexton
A Pytel I Pincilotti T Yount
H Raymond C Gingerich D Gunnell
S Stuart A VanDenBrink B Robertson
M Heard C Valcheck M Foster
G Flory V Herthel M Heard
Rt Rustad T Dill T Lyon
L Holtz J Liu
* * * * *
ART DEPARTMENT NEWS
Middle School Art Show at the Davis Art Center Now through May 26th.
Come and see the wonderfully creative and skilled works of students in Davis’s middle schools.
Harper Art Auction: Wed., May 17th during the Harper Spring Concert at the Davis High School
performing arts building.
Come support the Harper Art Program at our first annual silent art auction. Student paintings and
sculptures will be on display and ready for bidding. Artwork materials provided by the Davis
School Arts Foundation.
* * * * *
LIBRARY NEWS
Harper JHS staff is pleased to welcome Mrs.Christina Lanzaro as our new library
technician. She is a marvelous addition to our staff. She has a BA in English from UCD
and an MLS from the University of Houston. She lives with her husband and three sons
in Winters.
The library Book Club blog will remain active throughout the summer. Postings may be
delayed, however, when Mrs. Boston is away from her computer. Log on to the site
through the library page or by keying in
http://www.djusd.k12.ca.us/harper/library/blog/index.php
Remember you must be a registered book club member in order to participate.
Membership is always open and all you need to do to join is fill out the membership
application available in the library.
All library books are due on May 26th. Textbooks will be turned in during June
according to the teachers’ schedules. Please search your house, your car, your garage,
your Great Auntie Jane’s. If you find a library book or textbook belonging to Harper,
even if you have not received an overdue notice for it, please return it to the library post
haste.
* * * * *
"FORE SCHOOLS" Golf Tournament
The Davis Schools Foundation will host its annual "Fore Schools" golf tournament on
Friday, June 2, 2006 at Wildhorse Golf Course. The day starts with a 1:00pm shotgun and
includes a round of golf with prizes and awards for competitive and non-competitive
flights, Closest-to-the-Pin and Longest Drive (men and women). Other competitions will
be offered, including a National Golf League pairing. The day concludes with an awards
dinner that will be MC'd by Dan Kennedy of the Sacramento Business Journal. Costs are
$160 per player/$30 for dinner only guests. Through fundraisers like the golf tournament,
the Davis Schools Foundation was able to distribute $45,000 to DJUSD schools last year.
Come enjoy a day of golf and help build upon this success. For more information:
www.davisschoolsfoundation.org or call 530/400-8250.
* * * * *
FOREIGN LANGUAGE DEPARTMENT
A GREAT YEAR
Where did this year go? We have had such a great year with Spanish and French
students learning how to understand, speak, read, and write in the language and to
appreciate various cultures where these languages are spoken. In addition to studying the
language, French and Spanish students have also done special projects…artwork, little
books, music, maps, menus, book reports, powerpoint presentations, albums, and
fairytales. French students enrolled in the National French Contest and learned about the
French exchange program. The Latino Club and the French Club had various activities.
The last dance of the year, April 21 was co-sponsored by the Foreign Language
Department. Money earned went toward the food and entertainment for International
Day at school, May 23.
NATIONAL FRENCH CONTEST RESULTS
Please congratulate the following students for their success in the National French Contest:
French 1A:
2nd place - Sneha P, 3rd place - Michelle H & Sahana K, 4th place - Brandon H
6th place - Estela D, 9th place - : Noelle J & Braeden V, 10th place - Dustin C
French 1:
8th place - Ria D
French 1B (same test as French 1):
8th place - Brooke F & Mikaela L, : 9th place - Nicole M & Sara T
The Contest is a 70-point exam given nation-wide, half of which involves listening to questions on
a CD. The students have done a great job!
4TH QUARTER
As the year draws to an end, here is some important information. Semester final exams
for students in levels 1 and up will be held during the week of June 5-9. Classes will
spend time reviewing the material before the exams. After the finals, we will continue
with new material that helps with the transition to the next level of the language. When
the bookwork is over, there will be a time when each particular class will return its
textbooks to the library. If students have borrowed a workbook from the library, they
will need to return it too. Your child’s report card could be held if textbooks are not
returned by the end of the year. In the meantime, it is still important that students come
to school with expected school supplies. Please check with your child to see if they need
any supplies such as pencil, paper, eraser, etc. We continue learning until June 15.
We would like to welcome the incoming 7th graders and their families. We also wish the
9th graders lots of success at the high school and look forward to seeing all returning
students next year. Finally, we want to thank all parents and the PTO for their support of
our great foreign language program! Buenas vacaciones! and Bonnes vacances!
* * * * *
Greetings from the Math Department
We would like to thank all the parents and students who have helped
make this year a successful one. We have noticed over the year how hard
the students have been working in math. It has really made a difference to
have such supportive parents.
We would also like to thank the parents who donated so graciously to
our supply lists, especially in the area of tissues. Having the supplies we need
allows us to provide our students with the opportunity to learn at their
fullest potential.
With 2 more months of school, please make sure your child has the
following supplies in his/her backpack: pencil, paper, and a calculator just to
name a few items. We know as the year gets close to the end, some students
do not feel it is important to bring these items to class each day. We will be
teaching and assigning homework into June…..
Each math class will be administering an end of the year final. This
test is given to all students in the district and will be given during the week
of June 5-9. Each class will review before the final.
Finally, we would like to wish the 9th graders much success at the high
school, the 7th and 8th graders a relaxing summer and we look forward to
seeing them next year, and to the 6th graders coming to Harper next year,
we want to welcome you.
Enjoy your vacation and we will see you next year.
Thank you,
Ms. Marlow, Mr. B, Dr. B, Mrs. Hopper, Mr. Gill and Mrs. Shaffer
* * * * *
SITE COUNCIL NEWS
The Council is continuing the process of reviewing updates to the 2004-
05/2005-06 School Level Plan and implementing school-improvement goals for the
coming year. As part of Harper’s intervention plan for at-risk students, the Site Council
allocated $12,000 in school-improvement funds to help support a Learning Center at
Harper next year. Primarily funded by Title 1 federal funds, the Learning Center will be
available to at-risk students during three periods of the day and will be staffed by one
teacher and two para-educators. About eight students will be scheduled per period to
receive intensive support and assistance; other teachers may also refer students who need
help on specific projects and assignments.
Council meetings are held on the third Thursday of each month. The next one is
on May 18 from 7:30 to 9:00 am in Room G49. All interested parents and students are
welcome to attend and make comments.
A special invitation is extended to parents of next year’s seventh graders to
consider serving on the School Site Council. If you are interested, please contact
Harper’s principal, David Inns, to learn more about how the Council acts as a school
governing body and how to submit a ballot statement. Mr. Inns can be reached at
dinns@djusd.k12.ca.us. Parent representatives will be elected in the fall at Back to
School Night.
* * * * *
DRAMA CLUB NEWS
THANK YOU
Many thanks to the Harper Site Council for the generous grant to the drama program. We were
able to build 20 "flats" to be used as backdrops for plays. Their generous donation also bought
us a circular saw of our own and fabric for costumes. Thank you
ROBIN HOOD
Come visit Sherwood Forest on May 5th and 6th in the Harper MPR. Join Robin
Hood (YEAH), the Sheriff of Nottingham (BOO!), Little John, King Richard, and others for a
musical version of ROBIN HOOD.
Show time is 7 pm and tickets are a bargain at $5.00. Tickets will be sold at the door!
* * * * *
Jazz N’ Pops Choral Concert
Treat yourself to the last performance of the 2005-2006 DHS Jazz Choir and Combo! The “Jazz n’ Pops”
concert will be on Saturday, June 10th at 7:00 p.m. in the IPAB at the high school. They will be performing
alongside the high school’s Concert Choir, both under the choral direction of William Zinn. Having just
returned from their Disneyland performance, this choir is ready to strut their stuff! Please come join us for
a fun-filled evening enjoying the musical talents of these wonderful young musicians/performers, This will
be your last chance to hear some unbelievable talent as many members of these choirs will move on to new
endeavors. Tickets will be available for purchase downtown at Carousel Stationary on B St. $8.00 presale
or $10.00 at the door.
* * * * *
SCIENCE DEPARTMENT
Goodbye Mrs. Watterson!
Though she loves the job, and has educated so many Davis students in the past years, Mrs.
Peggy Watterson has notified our department that she is retiring as of the end of this academic
year. She started her approximately 22-year-long teaching career in Wisconsin. In 1980 she
began teaching at Emerson, and then came to Harper for the 2005-2006 year. Mrs. Watterson
will be greatly missed by students, parents and colleagues. Thanks for all the help throughout the
years and have a great time traveling and visiting your family! If the easy life doesn't suit you,
we'll always have room for you here!
Astounding Support!
In a world so full of superlatives, how can we adequately describe your generosity? We asked for
a few dollars to spend at the National Science Teachers Association conference in Anaheim, and
what did we receive? Individual donations ranged from a very heartfelt $1 gift from one student's
lunch money to a whopping $500 from a single family. Our total? $4,525 and still counting!
At the conference we learned some very cool science and found some wonderful heart, eye, and
molecular models to order. We brought back some neat "quick demonstration" toys and have
shared those with our students already. We also found some outstanding science books which
will help us build our own department's student library. In addition, we found some interesting
technology we might try. We now have the welcome problem of spending the money. Thank you
so much! Look for more updates on individual teacher websites.
A sizeable portion of gratitude goes to the Birt family for their donations of prepared slides for the
8th grade and 9th grade programs. They are also working on some engraved signs for the prep
room!
Giant thanks to the Kado-Fong family for all their help with prep room shelves and organization!
8TH GRADE SCIENCE UPDATE:
Mr. O'Brien, Mr. McKim, and Mrs. Salim's 8th graders successfully dissected sheep hearts and
sheep eyes during their investigations of the many body systems. The school year ends with a
thorough look into heredity, DNA, and human genetics. We've had a great 8th grade year and
want to thank all the students and their families! Have a wonderful summer!
7TH GRADE SCIENCE UPDATE:
Mr. Dimond’s and Mr. O’Brien’s 7th grade science classes finished up their study of the universe
and are ending the year with a bang by studying chemistry. We will investigate atoms, chemical
and physical changes to matter and the periodic table. Look forward to some great activities as
we finish off our year.
BIOLOGY UPDATE:
Students have been working hard on gaining understanding of the workings of DNA and protein
synthesis. They have risen to the challenge! The remainder of the year still has much in store
for Biology. From applications of biotechnology to dissection of fetal pigs, many great lab
experiences are still to come. Many thanks to our principal David Inns for funding the fetal pig
dissections.
Great Gratitude, Communication and Welcome Incoming 7th graders!
We look forward to meeting new families next year and to maintaining strong relationships with
current Harper families. We invite parents and students to check out the websites of our science
department to get an idea of how we all communicate and what courses might look like. If you
have specific questions about curriculum or department needs, feel free to email the Science
Department Co-Coordinators, Ingrid Salim at isalim@djusd.k12.ca.us and Ken McKim at
kmckim@djusd.k12.ca.us.
We encourage current and future families to look at our websites for more information and check
out our wish lists. So as you go about spring-cleaning, keep us in mind.
Some of our department members maintain websites:
http://teacherweb.com/CA/FrancesEllenHarper/Salim
http://teacherweb.com/CA/FrancesEllenHarper/MrDimond
http://teacherweb.com/CA/FrancesEllenHarper/MrMcKim
http://www.djusd.k12.ca.us/harper/jobrien/
* * * * *
Industrial Technology Takes off at Harper
In the April 17th edion of Time Magazine, the cover article presented a special report on
education focusing attention on the things schools can do to help students develop a
real world understanding of how academic subjects such as math and science can be
applied. The article stresses that this understanding has a direct impact on student
academic success and self confidence. Listed as number four in the reports top 5 list of
things that schools can do to support student learning is "Support Vocational Education".
With two exceptional Industrial technology facilities and a modern Home-Ec program,
Harper offers students the opportunity to develop a solid foundation in vocational
education. As stated in the report, vocational courses are valuable for all learners,
whether they wish to pursue college or move from high school into vocational trades.
The engineering technology lab at Harper presents students with opportunities to
explore a wide range of technologies that include robotics, computer numerically
controlled machining (CNC), video production, computer modeling, computer aided
design (CAD), lasers, mechanisms, electronics, aerospace, aerodynamics, graphic
design, pneumatics, hydraulics and alternative energy systems.
Complementing the engineering technology lab is a new shop facility which offers
students a chance to learn with their head and hands. Students are given opportunities
to design and build a wide variety of projects that they get to take home. To date we've
built everything from bent laminated wood skateboards and archery bows to large size
cabinets, games and inventions. And this program is not just for the boys... We have a
great mix of boys and girls taking the classes.
During the past year the Industrial Technology program has benefited by the generous
support of several organizations and individuals. The PTO provided funds for us to
purchase some exciting new 3D computer aided manufacturing software. Site council
has funded the purchase of materials to construct a much needed storage shed . Klein
Educational systems, a local company owned by Chuck Klein, a Harper parent, played
the key role in securing a major software gift for Harper from Autodesk Corp. In addition
to financial and equipment support, our program has benefited from the generous
volunteer assistance of many students and parents. In particular, students Wyatt Travis,
Randy Barber, Joyce Pexton and Jake Harris provided invaluable support as TA's.
Shelby Rodgers, whose son Brandon attends Harper, devoted an entire quarter helping
out in the shop and also constructing some great shop fixtures for use by the students.
We also had a number of engineering student interns from UC Davis including 6 interns
from UCD's Theta Tau co-ed enginering Fraternity who are working with us this final
quarter.
As the industrial technology teacher, I want to thank all of the students who have come
to class with a great sense of enthusiasm and imagination. I look forward to working
with the incoming 7th graders and the current group of 7th and 8th graders who will
return for a semester long class. I will really miss the 9th graders who will be moving on
to the High school. They have been an incredible group of students.
Brian Donnelly Department Chair, Industrial Technology
* * * * *
NEWS FROM THE BAND BOOSTERS
Music Festival for Davis Junior High Bands was a great success
Our Band Directors, Jeff DuPertuis and Clyde Quick, conceived, designed and
executed an outstanding music festival, the first Davis Bands Festival, which was held at the
DHS Instructional Performing Arts Building on March 25, 2006. Eight bands from Holmes,
Emerson, and Harper Junior High schools each played three music selections and “site-read” one
new selection. Two judges provided immediate feedback to the musicians with their constructive
reviews. The judges also served as guest conductors for each band and provided additional
musical guidance. Finally, the students took part in short instrument clinics given by numerous
local music teachers. By all accounts, the music festival was deemed a huge success. Both
band directors saw marked improvement in the students’ enthusiasm and musicality when they
returned to class the following Monday. Mr. Quick also added that it was “a joy to see everyone
enjoying music together for a day and learning in the process.” We couldn’t agree more.
BRAVO!
This successful event would not have been possible without the tremendous level of
support from band parents. The three Band Boosters organizations from Holmes, Emerson, and
Harper worked together to fund and to organize the day-long event. With the help of 37 Harper
parent volunteers and many more from the rest of the Davis School District, instruments were
transported and moved into place, signs were prepared and posted, snack food and lunch items
were made available on site, and chairs and music stands were moved and rearranged
throughout the day to suit each performance group. Next year’s event is scheduled for March 17,
2007. All families are invited to attend this free event. Get involved in the music festival – it’s a
pleasant and rewarding experience for all.
Many thanks to our generous band families and our community benefactors
As the end of the school year approaches, we are proud to look back upon a productive
year. In addition to the purchases of several large instruments, sheet music, and supplies, the
Harper Band Boosters have provided both logistical and manpower support to the Band Directors
for Band concerts, our first Solo & Ensemble Recital, and the school district’s first middle school
music festival for Bands.
The lion’s share of funds donated to the Harper Band Boosters comes from you, the band
families – we can’t thank you enough for your willingness to support the band program. We also
benefited from those of you who directed your grocery purchases through the Nugget Market
scrip program (over $1,000 in just 12 short months) and pizza purchases on the second
Tuesday of each month from Papa Murphy’s Pizza. Please continue to use your Nugget
Markets scrip card and purchase Papa Murphy’s pizza on the second Tuesday throughout the
summer months ahead. Contact a Band Booster if you have any questions about these ongoing
fundraisers.
Finally, we could not have purchased four important instruments (a baritone saxophone,
a gong, a tuba, and bongo drums) without the additional support of Harper’s PTO and the
discounts of several thousands of dollars provided by Watermelon Music. Their discounts
allowed us to stretch our budget and receive maximum benefits from your thoughtful
contributions. Thank you, Watermelon Music!
Contact Information
To learn more about the Band program, sign up for the listserve
(http://www2.dcn.org/mailman/listinfo/fhjhbb) and receive email notices from the band directors
and information on band events from the band boosters; visit our website
(http://www2.dcn.org/orgs/harperband); or contact one of our active members: Marja Koivunen
(757-1559), Joyce Hamaguchi (jhamaguchi@sbcglobal.net; 757-6336), Madeline Brattesani
(madeline@dcn.org, 753-4105), Claire LeFlore (leflore@cal.net), Debbie Finley (dfinley@dcn.org,
756-4996) or Cliva Mee and Paul Harder (clivamee@aol.com, 297-7359). Join us in supporting
the Harper Band program.
Calendar of Spring Events
Monday May 1, 7:00 p.m. Band Boosters meeting: The Harper Band Boosters strive
to foster communication between parents, faculty, and the school administration. Join us at the
next Band Boosters meeting where Principal David Inns and the Music Directors will
present the 2006-07 Band class offerings for the growing Band program at Harper. We will
meet in the Harper Music room. We welcome all parents of 7th, 8th and 9th grade band students to
this important meeting. We strongly encourage the parents of incoming 7th grade band students
to attend this meeting as well.
Wednesday May 3, (4:15 p.m. til dark) at the Carousel at the Davis Farmers’ Market:
Yes, it’s another fundraising opportunity – and it’s a fun one! Come on out to the Farmers’
Market at Central Park on May 3rd and enjoy time with our community’s little ones while they
enjoy a ride on the Carousel. Take the opportunity to work out a bit on the cycle that drives the
Carousel and help the Band program as well. To volunteer, Harper students and/or parents
should sign-up for their preferred time slot (forms to be handed out in the band classes). The
Carousel is ours to run until 8:00, so we will operate it until we run out of volunteer power or
sunshine, whichever comes first. Contact Joyce Hamaguchi with your questions or your RSVP
(jhamaguchi@sbcglobal.net or 757-6336).
Wednesday, May 17, 7:00 p.m. All Harper Spring Concert for Band and Chorus:
The finale of the school year will be held at the DHS Instructional Performing Arts Building (IPAB).
Thursday, May 25, 7:30 p.m. Concert Band Performance: The 7th Grade Concert
Band will perform with Harper’s incoming 7th grade band students at the DHS IPAB. All are
welcome to attend.
Thank you, Shirley Gee
Shirley is one of the insightful parents who formed the Harper Band Boosters
organization in January 2005. Thanks to her dedicated work, our band students now benefit from
a truly enriched music curriculum. In just 16 months, the Band Boosters have become a well-
organized and goal-directed 501(c)(3) non-profit, public-benefit corporation. As we bid Shirley a
fond farewell, we thank her for excellent leadership in creating an effective parent support group
for the band program at Harper Junior High.
We look forward to a great finish of a wonderful school year!
Joyce Hamaguchi, Treasurer & Marja Koivunen, Vice President
* * * * *
YEARBOOK NEWS
Harper's second yearbook is still available for advance sale but may sell out! 550 books were
ordered for our 640 students! Approximately 410 of those books have already been purchased!
That means that if you wait until the end of the year, you may not receive a book! Get a form
from the office or room G-48 and pay $40 for your own copy.
Wow! 60 students signed up to take the publications class next year! That means we'll need to
weed it down to 30 or so. No less than four of our 20 current students chose to repeat the class
as editors! Thank you for supporting our program! Publications students are not lazily resting now
that the yearbook has been sent off to be published! We are producing three different slide shows
to be shown at the end of the school year to each of Harper's grade levels. Students are hard at
work covering the events that fall too late in the year to make it into this year's yearbook. They will
be included in the following year's book. If you have photos, stories, details of end-of-the-year
events, please submit them to Mr. McKim in room G-48, at
kmckim@djusd.k12.ca.us or contact the office.
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HUSKY SPORTS
Soccer
The Lady Huskies had a remarkable season. They came in 1st place in league
play with an undeafeted record, winning 8 games and tying 2. In the YCAL tournament
they placed 3rd, winning 2 games and losing 1. With just one loss in the entire season
the girls scored 53 goals, gave up only 4 goals and amassed 9 shutouts.
Congratulations Huskies!
Track & Field
Track and Field is the last sport for the school year and is currently underway.
The remaining meets are Thurs., May 4th against Holmes at Davis High, Fri., May 12
against Lee at Davis High and Thurs., May 18 against Emerson & Winters at Emerson.
They all begin at 4pm. The end of season YCAL meet begins at 1pm at Lee JH in
Woodland.
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Harper PTO Board Nominations: Positions still available!
In the last newsletter the PTO nominations committee outlined the various opportunities to serve
on the PTO Executive Board. Each of the positions was summarized and is also available on the
PTO website.
Perhaps you are interested but maybe have little or no experience on a PTO Board. Or you may
wonder what the time commitment really is. The current Board members are more than willing
to assist incoming members with direction and support in carrying out the duties of each position.
For example, the 1st Vice-President position comes with a binder which includes all the letters
that are sent out and a checklist of items to be accomplished for the Frances Fund. The 2nd Vice-
President is in charge of the membership and volunteers and has established a format for
collecting that information.
All the current Board members can provide an overview of specific responsibilities for each job
and offer suggestions on how best to fulfill the duties of each position.
The time commitment varies for each position. Each officer should plan on attending the PTO
meeting once a month (usually the second Tuesday of the month from 7:00 to 8:30 or 9:00). If
you share a position you can alternate months as well as share job responsibilities.
The 1st Vice-President (Fundraising) is busiest from September through November with the
Frances Fund but after that it is up to the person whether they want to take on more fundraising.
The 2nd Vice President is busiest with membership and volunteers in September and October
(average of 15 hours during that time) The Secretary takes minutes at the meeting and types
them up and distributes them at the next meeting (2-3 hours/month). The Treasurer may spend
more time during the fundraising period and less time later in the school year. (Average of 4-6
hours per month). The Historian really doesn’t have to attend every meeting but does attend
certain school events and turns in a written/photographic record at the end of the year. (Our
current Historian has turned this job into a mother-daughter scrapbooking project!) The
Parliamentarian is on hand at the meetings to make sure everything is done in order and by the
book. The Auditor should be available to audit the books once a month (10 minutes/month) as
well as the major fundraising receipts.
The idea of taking on the responsibilities of a board position may seem daunting; the commitment
to attend a monthly meeting may seem arduous or tedious. There is an upside! The meetings are
very informative and lively, and active PTO board members and participants are influential in the
decisions on fundraising targets and program objectives. The energy that is put into the school is
rewarded many times over!
If you have more questions or would like to consider a position or sharing a position please
contact the nominations committee (Leslie Baroody and Wendy Allen) at harperpto@aol.com or
756-8067.
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Welcome Harper 7th Grade
Parents!
Dear Parents,
We would like to take this opportunity to welcome
you to Harper Junior High. This year at Harper your
child will have many new and exciting experiences,
one of which will be our program called WEB. There
are three WEB coordinators, myself, Patty Marlow,
Scott Thomsen and Heather Ulrey.
WEB, Where Everyone Belongs, is an orientation
program linking 9th graders with the incoming 7th
graders. The idea behind the program is to have the
9th graders mentor the incoming 7th graders. The WEB
Leaders, 9th graders, will help their WEB Buddies,
7th graders, transition into junior high. Each WEB
leader is paired up with 4 to 5 WEB Buddies. The
WEB Leader will keep in contact with their WEB
Buddies throughout the year.
The first time the WEB Buddies will meet their WEB
Leaders will be at Orientation which will take
place on Monday, August 28 from 8:00am to 12:30pm.
During this orientation, the WEB Leaders and WEB
Buddies take time to get to know each other. It is
very important that all the students participate.
It will be a time to bond with their WEB leaders
and other WEB Buddies. In the Team Sessions portion
of the orientation, the WEB Leaders will conduct
team building exercises, give a tour of the campus
and let the 7th graders know how to seek out help
and advice.
All 9th graders will attend a two day training to
become WEB Leaders. On the Evening before
Orientation, the WEB Leaders will contact your
child. This phone call is to let your child know
how excited they are to meet your child and remind
them of the orientation. If for any reason you
would prefer not to have the 9th graders contact
your child please let us know. During the summer,
Scott, Heather or I can be reached at our email
addresses at the bottom of this letter.
We look forward to seeing your child on August 28th.
You can drop them off at 7:50am or so and pick them
up at 12:30pm.
Sincerely,
Patty Marlow, Scott Thomsen and Heather Ulrey
pmarlow@djusd.k12.ca.us
sthomsen@djusd.k12.ca.us
hulrey@djusd.k12.ca.us
* * * *
COUNTY OF YOLO
HEALTH DEPARTMENT
April 17, 2006
Dear Parent or Guardian:
There have been a few cases of Pertussis (“whooping cough”) in the Davis
secondary schools this year. Immunized children who are exposed to Pertussis
may come down with the disease because the protective effect of the vaccine
decreases greatly with age. Antibiotics are recommended for persons with close
contact to someone who has been diagnosed with Pertussis. This will prevent
them from beginning the symptoms themselves and kills the Pertussis bacteria
before it develops the toxins that result in the coughing.
Pertussis is spread through the air when people cough. The symptoms are long
coughing spasms often followed by a crowing sound, and can result in the adult or
child coughing to the point of vomiting, gagging, choking, or turning bluish in the
face. Pertussis often starts as if it were a common cold, with a runny nose, mild
fever, and a small dry cough, which worsens over 1-2 weeks and is not calmed or
relieved by over-the-counter cough medications.
A medical provider must evaluate children who have Pertussis symptoms and
those who have been exposed to a confirmed case of Pertussis. Children who have
no symptoms of Pertussis and who are contacts to a case should take the
antibiotics and they may immediately return to school.
If your child has symptoms of Pertussis, he/she must stay home and seek medical
care. If a diagnosis of Pertussis is confirmed, 5 days of antibiotics must be
completed before returning to school.
There is now a vaccine approved for adolescents and adults: Tdap (Combined
Tetanus, Diptheria, and Pertussis). BOOSTRIX is a brand used for persons aged
10-18 years. ADACEL is approved for persons aged 11-64 years. Please ask your
healthcare provider about this vaccine.
If you have any questions, call Lynne Foster, RN, PHN III at (916) 375-6380.
Sincerely,
Bette G. Hinton, M.D., M.P.H.
Director-Health Officer
“INVESTING IN OUR COMMUNITY’S FUTURE”
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