Dean Wallace, Dublin High School Class of 2004 and Stanford University Class of 2009, stepped away from his role as Field Director on the Eric Swalwell for Congress campaign for a few moments to speak with OneDublin.org. Dean shares insights about how his time at Dublin High and Stanford University has helped prepare him for a life in politics.
Dean graduated from Stanford University in 2009 as a Public Policy major (which is a combination of Economics and Political Science), had his first experience in local politics during his senior year at Dublin High as the Student Representative on the Dublin Unified School District Board of Trustees, and worked as an intern for state and federal politicians during his time at Stanford. With a highly competitive presidential election year underway, Dean provides valuable insights for students interested in pursuing politics in college and beyond.
OneDublin.org: When sparked your interest in politics?
Dean Wallace: “I’ve always loved politics and my parents always talked about politics. My mother is from Mexico and my dad’s from Ireland. I was born in Ireland and we moved over to the U.S. in the early 1990’s, and to Dublin in 2000. I entered Dublin High School as a freshman.
“I became a citizen this past Fall, so this will be the first election I vote in on June 5. I’ve always been very involved in elections – getting people to register to vote, if they have the ability to. I was driven by the relationship with the country I lived in but, until recently, couldn’t vote in.
OneDublin.org: What are your memories of Dublin High School?
Wallace: “I remember taking a Speech and Debate course with Tim Sbranti [Dublin High teacher and Mayor – City of Dublin]. I was the only freshman in the course with juniors and seniors. That was a crash course in getting comfortable with myself, getting up in front of a class of juniors and seniors in a school I don’t know anything about. That experience got me involved in a bunch of things I wouldn’t have otherwise gotten involved in. I also took mock trial, and a bunch of the juniors and seniors took me under their wing. They gave me a hard time too – I was the only freshman in the class – but they took me under their wing. I was really nervous the whole time, every time I had to give a speech. I remember that fondly and that’s where Mr. Sbranti became my mentor for my high school years.”
Homeschooling. The mere mention of the term raises eyebrows and causes angst for some families. In reality, the concept has been alive and well for decades. By definition, it is a legal option for parents to allow them to provide their children with a learning environment outside of their local school site as an alternative to a public or private school.
This academic year, the Dublin Unified School District introduced a Homeschooling Program for families that wished to choose this option. While it might be intuitive to think that the District would wish to have its students learn in a conventional or classroom setting, the reality is that there are some families that require or desire other options. In its present form, the Homeschooling Program addresses the needs of students from Kindergarten through the Sixth grade. Subsequently, students may continue on through the Quest Program, which is independent study. Both of these programs are fully supported through the School District and continuous monitoring/evaluation is provided to ensure both guidance and compliance.
OneDublin.org recently met with District staff to learn more about what this program means to families who elect to choose a homeschooling path. Our first visit was with Bryce Custodio, Director of Student Services & Alternative Programs at DUSD.
OneDublin.org: Why do parents choose to home school their children?
Bryce Custodio: “In certain cases, families choose to be a part of their child’s education – beyond the traditional classroom. In some cases, they want to have a voice in the pacing of their child’s learning and, at times, there is a religious choice in their curriculum. We have also learned that there are some families whose children are on an amateur or professional track (gymnastics, pre-Olympic abilities, etc.) that may require extensive time commitments or travel. As a school district, we are committed to providing alternative programs to these students.”
OneDublin.org: As it relates purely to Kindergarten through 6th grades students, what resources are supplied to provide a ‘level’ experience to these students? Is there any benefit to the school district?
“University of Fallon” Helps Prepare Middle School Students for High School and College
Last year Adam Gelb and Michael Ruegg successfully created and implemented a project called the “University of Fallon at Dublin”. Students learn to write resumes, fill out applications, write personal statements, and interview effectively. The idea behind the effort is to prepare students early on for the rigorous college admissions process many will tackle as high school students.
Gelb explained, “College admissions has become increasingly difficult over the last decade. Not only is it tougher to get into college, it is tougher to pay for college. We want students to start thinking about their academic choices early.” Basically, the idea is to get students thinking about long term goals so they don’t find themselves low on options as seniors.
While last year the project was a two man effort, this year fellow 7th grade teachers Steven Chapman and Amy Jones completed the project. On taking part in the project, Chapman stated, “It has really helped the students reflect on who they are and what they do.” Many students have found that they might want to streamline their after school activities, while others have found that they need to be more involved.
The capstone of the project is a personal statement in which the students utilize the language arts skills they have learned to express themselves in writing. At the beginning of the year, every 7th grader writes a personal narrative about an important time in their life. During the 4th quarter, they write their college project personal statement, and will be able to compare who they were as students at the beginning of the year to who they are presently. It is a powerful way for students to begin the transition to high school, and eventually the adult world.
The Boy Scouts of America is one of the most venerable institutions in this country. Founded in 1910, the initial mission was to form a youth-based developmental program that would promote the concepts of building character, citizenship and personal fitness in young men. Today, over 2.7 million youth members and over one million adult volunteers serve in this organization. Traditionally, boys from 7 to 11 years begin in Cub Scouting and then graduate into Boy Scouting through the age of 18.
OneDublin.org is pleased to share that multiple scouts in Dublin are pursuing their Eagle Scout projects in the month of April, specifically in BSA Troop 905. Troop 905 has been in operation in the Tri-Valley for over 25 years and has a membership of over 100 scouts. We had the recent opportunity to visit with two such scouts, Ken Ainslie and Nicholas Oto, two students at Dublin High School. To gain an appreciation of this commitment, one should understand what it means to be a Boy Scout. From day one, all scouts must adhere to this commandment. The Scout Oath says it all:
On My honor I will do my best To do my duty to God and my country; To obey the Scout Law; To help other people at all times; To keep myself physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight.
For some Boy Scouts, the pinnacle achievement during their tenure is to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout. According to the Boy Scouts of America website (read more…) approximately 5% of active scouts achieve the rank of Eagle. The process begins early, but also includes the requirement to earn 21 mandatory merit badges and the progression of five successive ranks. Some of these merit badges include: Citizenship in the Community, First Aid, Environmental Science and Personal Management. In addition to these standards, the individual scout must then plan, develop and provide leadership to a community or school project. This project must be conducted in conjunction and in cooperation of an Eagle Scout board of review. We will now follow the two Eagle Scout projects completed by Dublin High School students Ken Ainslie and Nicholas Oto.
OneDublin.org: Please tell us about the process for submitting your Eagle Scout project. How did you come up with your concept?
For many, 1980’s electropop icon Thomas Dolby is most widely known for hits like “She Blinded Me with Science” and “Hyperactive!”. Dolby has enjoyed a varied career that includes a return to music with his most recent album “A Map of the Floating City“, a decade-long role as the Music Director for TED.org and a lengthy detour into Silicon Valley where he founded Beatnik (the company that created the synthesizer shipped in over 3 billion cellphones, and the source of Nokia’s most popular ringtone).
Thomas Dolby was recently in San Francisco for a sold out stop on his Time Capsule Tour and spoke with OneDublin.org editor James Morehead on how the music industry is evolving, the role of music education in schools and what he’s learned raising a ‘rainbow family’.
James Morehead: How did you get started in music – did you take formal lessons or were you self-taught?
Thomas Dolby: “I sang in a choir when I was 10 or 11, and learned to sight-read single lines, but other than that I don’t have a formal education. I picked up the guitar initially, playing folk tunes – Dylan – then I graduated to piano when I got interested in jazz, listening to people like Oscar Peterson, Dave Brubeck, Bill Evans, Thelonious Monk, and so on. The first electronic instruments started to become accessible in the mid-70s and I got my hands on a kit built synthesizer and never looked back.”
Morehead: At what point did you realize music was your passion? More than a hobby?
Dolby: “I think I knew that from 15 or 16 really. But I was very fortunate because the way the music industry was in those days, it wasn’t enough to be talented, you had to get noticed by the record industry or else the public never got to hear you. There was only one game in town. There was only a small percentile of people who got through that obstacle course. I think things are much better these days because every 17 year-old believes the public is going to hear them and fall in love with them, and today that is possible whereas when I was young it wasn’t. I consider myself very lucky.”
Morehead: How did your parents react? Were they supportive?
Dublin High School Class of 2011 graduate and University of Nevada, Reno freshman Summer Benavidez has been selected to participate in the 2012 Miss Teen San Francisco pageant competition. The 2012 Miss Teen production provides one of the most professional, well-organized and rewarding pageants that are available to young women. Ms. Benavidez was selected based on her application submission and interview session conducted last week in Dublin.
As a lifelong Dublin resident, Ms. Benavidez attended Murray Elementary, Wells Middle School, and is a 2011 graduate of Dublin High where she was enrolled in AP and Honors courses. Ms. Benavidez is a firm believer that participation in sports, community service, and other activities while growing up in Dublin have enhanced and expanded her experience as a student. Among her achievements, she lettered in women’s lacrosse at Dublin High, receiving the honor of “Most Inspirational Player” two years in a row. While serving as team co-captain her senior year, the Dublin High School women’s lacrosse team received its first NCS eligibility ranking.
Living in an era of rapid expansion during the dot-com period and through a period of significant consolidation of major employers throughout the Bay Area, it is highly unusual to meet an individual that has dedicated her professional life to one organization over a period of 40 years. This June, Kathie Hammer will complete a career at John Knox Cooperative Preschool that began in 1972. Kathie is currently the Director of John Knox (as well as a teacher) and also serves on the Las Positas Advisory Board and the Dublin Unified School District Advisory Board. Kathie will begin to enjoy a well-earned retirement after investing four decades of her life into this Dublin institution. John Knox Preschool is a Christian-based, non-denominational pre-school that is located adjacent to the former Nielsen Elementary School. John Knox is currently runs and is authorized to operate three classrooms of up to 24 students.
In the early 1970’s, Kathie Hammer simply needed a pre-school option for her young son, Michael. A piano teacher serving their family told them about John Knox in Dublin and Kathie investigated this possibility.
OneDublin.org: After your initial visit, you stated that “you loved it.” What impressed you about the school?
Kathie Hammer: “At John Knox, part of the arrangement is that parents/guardians are expected to provide five weeks of their own time into the classrooms as well as contribute to the overall maintenance of the facility throughout the school year. I immediately knew that I loved the environment at John Knox. The children are like little sponges and I enjoyed helping them with creating small crafts. What I’ll always love is giving the children a hug. When that occurs, their feet ‘dance’. You cannot replace the honestly of a child. I’ve accepted that this environment is the first one that they have outside of their internal family.”
OneDublin.org: Of the many titles that you hold, you are currently a member of the Dublin Unified School District Advisory Board. How has this position translated into a material effect with John Knox and Dublin High School?
Dublin Pride Week 2012 – Volunteers Needed
The City of Dublin recently announced the dates for this year’s “Dublin Pride Week” event (Saturday, April 28th through Saturday, May 5th) and is seeking volunteers to assist with several activities planned for this year. Dublin Pride Week is an annual event that seeks to demonstrate ways in which individuals or groups can act to improve the community and to work to improve the world through environmental awareness and volunteerism.
In 2011, approximately 350 volunteers assisted on projects throughout the community, ranging from helping seniors with household maintenance and yard work, to elementary and middle school beautification projects, such as painting and landscape work. Additionally, volunteers participated in a number of clean up projects around the City.
“Dublin Pride Week is a great tradition that speaks to the very character of our community,” said Mayor Tim Sbranti. “This program demonstrates that, through volunteerism and environmental stewardship, residents can truly impact and make a difference in the City.”
The program encourages youth participation and hosts an annual poster contest to engage youth in the event. This year’s Dublin Pride Week posters will feature the artwork of Farhan Karuvally, a 2nd grader at Dougherty Elementary School (Dougherty was also recently named a California Distinguished School), whose artwork is titled – “Planet Dublin, Heaven is a Place on Earth.” Additionally, several faith-based groups and service organizations will assist in providing volunteers and support for the event.
Residents and groups interested in volunteering can visit the Pride Week website at www.dublinprideweek.com or call (925) 833-6650.
For the Dublin Unified School District, the Transitional Kindergarten (TK) program announced during a School Board meeting several months ago has recently evolved into the Developmental Kindergarten Academy (DK). Last fall, OneDublin.org reported on the changes to this program and its ultimate impact upon incoming kindergarten students for the next school cycle.
In its original incarnation, Senate Bill 1381 was approved in 2010 to provide a two-year transitional program for all newly enrolled California kindergarten students. Previously, any incoming enrolled student must be at age five as of December 2, 2012. SB 1381 was originally developed to incrementally advance the entry (birth date) of incoming kindergarteners up through September 2 over a three-year period starting in 2012-13. However, the ongoing uncertainty of the CA state budget, coupled with the prospect of a mid-year revision by Governor Brown, resulted in the withdrawal of funding for this program. This led to a dilemma: supporting an initiative passed into law, but without the required funding. This led every school district in the state scrambling to find a solution that would fit their needs in the next fiscal year.
Dougherty Elementary Principal Catherine Ward-Mikes
To gain clarity on the direction that DUSD chose for this very important subject, we sat down with Catherine Ward-Mikes, Principal of Dougherty Elementary School. Ms. Mikes obtained a B.A. in Business Administration with an emphasis in Organization Leadership from Chapman University. Subsequently, she earned a M.S. in Education from the same institution. Over the past 15 years, Catherine has worked as a both a classroom teacher and administrator – most recently joining DUSD in July, 2011 from Newark Junior High.
OneDublin.org: You have served multiple capacities on the Transitional Kindergarten (now the Developmental Kindergarten) committee. But funding from the state has been the “wild card”. Where are we today?
Catherine Ward-Mikes: “Unfortunately, there has been a lot of back and forth as it relates to funding sources for this program. We continued our committee work knowing that there was no certain “clarity” coming from Sacramento. When funding was ultimately pulled by Governor Brown, we sought to find a way support a program that we knew would ultimately serve our students. At the same time, I would like to applaud both Superintendent Hanke and the Board of Trustees for creatively finding a way to give every student the opportunity to succeed and to allow this program to move forward.”
OneDublin.org: So let’s talk specifics – how does this change the dynamics/enrollment for kindergarten enrollment for 2012-13? What does this mean for the students?
The John Green Elementary School PFC teamed with Green Elementary student scientists, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), UC Berkeley, the Spectrum of Science Foundation (SOS), Dublin High School Academic Ambassadors and Green staff to host a science fair last Thursday. The goal was to encourage students to wonder, explore and discover new things, new ideas and new knowledge. The fair featured displays and interactive presentations by students and included LLNL’s Fun with Science program hosted by Nick Williams, UC Berkeley’s Pioneers in Engineering (PiE) robotics demonstration and Spectrum of Science interactive displays. Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and UC Berkeley also recently supported the Dublin High School Engineering and Design Academy Open House featuring MythBusters (read more…).
UC Berkeley’s Pioneers in Engineering (PiE) is a non-profit robotics competition run by UC Berkeley engineering students and designed to encourage interest in science, math, and engineering amongst Bay Area students. Spectrum of Science brought anamorphic art and optical illusions to John Green. SOS’s mission is to provide hands on science for all elementary students using fun and interactive techniques. John Green Elementary School was recently named a California Distinguished School (read more…).
LLNL’s Nick Williams and the Fun with Science program featured hands-on experiments to enrich and dazzle students including:
- Elephant Toothpaste – A chemistry experiment using H2O2 (Hydrogen Peroxide), dish soap, food coloring and KI (Potassium Iodide)
- Air Pressure – Several experiments, using a small vacuum pump and vacuum chamber, balloons, tin cans, lead bricks, shaving cream, containers of water
- Liquid Nitrogen (LN2) and Carbon Dioxide CO2 experiments
- Electricity experiment using a Tesla Coil – conductors and insulators (with students as the conductors)
The highlight of the event was the display of science projects by Green Elementary students (a few are showcased below). Parent volunteers Carolyn Caballero, Vijji Suryadevara and Houda Bourouha organized the event supported by John Green parent volunteers, PFC and school staff, three Dublin High School Academic Ambassadors and four 5th graders from the Green Leadership program. Dublin Councilman Don Biddle helped interview the students about their science projects. The event was sponsored by Green Elementary School’s PFC (Parent Faculty Club), along with volunteer time from LLNL, PIE, and SOS.
Below are just some of the student projects that filled Green Elementary School’s multi-purpose room:
Read more…
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