Over the summer, grade 4 student Nathan Liu’s basketball team, Spartans, won the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) South Regional Championship. More than 100 teams competed at the event, held in Santa Cruz. The Spartans went on to win the 2015 AAU Summer Tournament Champion in San Carlos. Prior to that, Liu was voted by his National Junior Basketball League (NJB) teammates and coaches to be the NJB West San Jose All-Star candidate.
“Winning or losing is not the key point, the most important is to stay in the game and keep playing!” said Liu.
This article originally appeared in the fall 2015 Harker Quarterly.
The football team and the boys and girls basketball teams trained particularly hard over the summer to get into peak shape before school started, said Jaron Olson, head athletic trainer. “Girls volleyball team members were also in the gym, working on moves and staying fit for the season start.”
“I never really had a routine until postseason last year,” noted Satchi Thockchom, grade 10. “Before that the only time I was exercising was in the gym during practice. Last year I could only do arm exercises with 15s-17.5 lb weights, but now I’m ranging from the 20-27.5 lb weights. I think I’m much stronger mentally as well.”
Thockchom noted additional benefits to summer training. “Every offseason’s an opportunity. It’s also a great team-building environment for us to push each other and meet the incoming freshmen,” she said. “We had an open gym a few weeks ago, and I could see a huge difference from last year. I think a lot of that comes from staying active in the weight room.”
“Physical preparation in the weeks and months prior to the start of a sports season is critical to an athlete’s success regardless of skill level,” noted Olson. “In addition to the performance advantages, our goal with preseason strength training is to help reduce or prevent injuries.
“Student athletes who neglect to adequately prepare for the rigors of a sports season put tremendous strain on their bodies once practices commence. Essentially, trying to go from zero to 60 very quickly doesn’t always work out so well, making otherwise preventable injuries more likely. Hard work and conditioning during the summer also helps athletes acclimate to the heat before practices begin in August, which is often the hottest part of the year,” he noted.
Football had a robust summer program, training on the field as well as in the weight room in preparation for a new season with new coach Mike Tirabassi. About 25 football players trained almost daily over the summer. They were joined by more than a dozen basketball players and another dozen or so volleyball players, so there were about 50 students training several days per week, Olson said.
The athletic department hired two new people to help manage the athletes’ health. Garret Jones joined Harker this summer as strength and conditioning coach. He jumped right in, advising and directing athletes as they trained.
Jones, who has trained youth athletes to senior citizens, holds various personal and group training certifications. “My personal motto is movement quality before quantity!” he said. “Gaining strength and speed greatly reduces the risk of injury with all the acceleration and deceleration athletes must do. It is imperative to have strong muscles, joints and ligaments. Above the physical adaptions, training improves mental focus and confidence. We are teaching life skills in the weight room and every student would benefit from better quality physical activity.”
Jones is joined by Jon Marques, a certified athletic trainer, who was hired as an assistant athletic trainer. Meanwhile, Jenna Allen returns for her second year as an athletic trainer. All three work under Olson.
Having the athletic trainers will allow the department to provide better coverage for teams, particularly on the middle school campus. They will continue to address students’ needs across the spectrum from therapeutic and corrective exercises to strength training and performance enhancement, all critical elements to maintaining general health and building winning teams.
In addition, a kinesiology and sports medicine course, introduced last year and taught by Olson, will allow students who complete the course to work as athletic training student aides. They can practice taping and injury care skills on our athletes under the supervision of faculty athletic trainers.
The athletic department also added two sections of a strength and conditioning course during the school day.
“I have really enjoyed working with all the student athletes this summer,” Jones said. “The encouragement and camaraderie developed in the gym will carry over to the court or field. These athletes are going to be tough both physically and mentally, and I am really looking forward to watching them compete.”
This article originally appeared in the fall 2015 Harker Quarterly.
Harker’s business and entrepreneurship students stayed busy over the summer, participating in the SOAR (Strategy, Operations, Action, Research) program at Harker, held in partnership with the Wharton School of Business, from late July to early August. The program featured an intensive series of workshops and field trips designed to teach students about key business principles.
One exercise had teams of students simulate the process of starting a box-selling business and keeping it running for five months (condensed to a single day) while they considered factors such as demand, marketing and financial management. Students started by purchasing the materials to make the boxes, such as paper, glue and scissors, while coming up with a wage to pay the people building the boxes, which they would then sell to a buyer. With the money earned, the students are able to upgrade the technology they use to build the boxes by purchasing stencils. However, the stencils come at a high cost, so students must decide whether to keep production costs low or aim for higher quality. Later, the box makers are notified that their customer has hit a rough patch and is only able to purchase a certain number of boxes. This challenges the teams to come up with ways to keep earning profits when demand for their products is in a downturn. Finally, the teams must compete against one another when the buyer announces that only a certain total number of boxes will be purchased. Students must devise a way to entice the buyer by coming up with new pricing structures and advertising.
In another simulation, teams of students are charged with managing a car manufacturer that must close one of its divisions. Over a period of four months (each shortened to about an hour), the teams focus on improving performance based on a series of metrics. Each team member performs a highly specialized task. For the first “month,” teams focus on production and sell cars at various prices to a buyer, who purchases the cars based on appearance and performance. The students then decide on how to approach production and whether to emphasize quality, volume or cost. In the final stage of the exercise, the students are no longer restricted from performing different tasks on the production line, allowing for new production strategies to increase profit.
The first of three field trips during the SOAR program was to the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, which accounts for approximately 20 percent of the U.S. economy. Students first visited the vault, where they watched reserve staff count, sort and shred currency. According to the tour guides, the San Francisco Federal Reserve Bank shreds $56-75 million each day. At the Fed Center, the students learned about the various functions of the Fed via guided tours and displays. Visitors can even purchase a bag of shredded U.S. currency as a souvenir.
During the next trip, the students headed to Wharton’s San Francisco campus. The students received a tour of campus facilities, including its breathtaking view of the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge. As a bonus, the students also attended a presentation on venture capital in Silicon Valley, conducted by adjunct professor of management Doug Collom.
On their visit to the KeyPoint Credit Union, one of the largest credit unions in the country, the students played a game in which they used magnets to come up with product ideas, and heard from KeyPoint’s chief operating officer on how marketers are constantly competing for the attention of students with buying power. They also learned about the operations of human resources departments, how financial institutions leverage technology and received a crash course in finance.
Back at Harker, the students participated in an accounting course held by Color Accounting, which teaches fundamental accounting principles using unique methods. This particular exercise had students grouping different types of financial statements by color and process transactions for a fictional business.
In the Entrepreneur in the Classroom course, students broke off into teams and drew up a full business plan. Wharton professor Keith Weigelt guid- ed the teams and taught skills in a variety of areas, including sales, marketing, budgeting and presentation skills. Various activities and simulations were also used to teach the principles used by the students in the development of their plans. Completed business plans were presented by the students at the end of the SOAR program session.
This article originally appeared in the fall 2015 Harker Quarterly.
Last spring, a new two-building design for the athletic and performing arts complex on the Saratoga campus was announced during Harker’s Night on the Town gala, following the strong response from the community in meeting the Rothschild Challenge. In addition, a second inspirational match was offered by a generous Harker family who wishes to remain anonymous. With these two historic gifts, plans have been confirmed to break ground in spring 2016. Construction on the complex will begin while the school is in the midst of raising the final $7 million to meet the capital campaign’s goal. The exact completion date will be influenced by the ability to reach that goal. Should the objective be met, a ribbon-cutting ceremony will be planned for fall 2017.
New Two-Building Design
The two-building design will include outstanding facilities for learning and allow for plenty of green open space, enabling the buildings to integrate seamlessly with the rest of the campus. In addition, a central quad has been added where students can gather during the day, adding to the already collegiate feel of the school. This new feature will help preserve the current amount of parking spaces and allow Harker to push the parking toward the back wall facing Interstate 280, helping to increase the safety of students walking through campus as well as minimizing noise pollution.
Currently, upper school athletes and performing arts students need to be shuttled to the middle school’s Blackford Avenue campus – and even off-site to larger theater venues – for games and performances. The new design is a necessary step toward planning for the eventual transition out of the Blackford Avenue campus lease, so that upper school students have facilities on their own campus.
Athletics Building
The planned two-floor athletics building has features including a training room, fitness room, hydrotherapy room, team and locker rooms, and a regulation-size gymnasium. An added benefit to the redesign is the close proximity of the athletics building to Davis Field and the Singh Aquatic Center. Students will no longer have to walk across the parking lot from the locker room to other athletic facilities. The new gym will also cultivate school pride as students can go and watch sporting events happening right on campus.
Performing Arts Building
The new performing arts center incorporates much-needed features such as a fly loft and larger professional stage, which will allow students to produce higher quality performances worthy of their skill and ability. The center also includes an orchestra pit, a large rehearsal space, medium and large vocal rooms and a scene shop. A unique element of the performing arts center will be a gallery space to showcase students’ visual arts pieces.
Together, ‘Let’s Make It Happen!
The new performing arts and sports complex is a much-needed addition to the upper school campus. Not only will it serve performing art and student athletics, but also other schoolwide and public events, including the research symposium, Harker Speaker Series, and business and entrepreneurship programs.
Last fall, a historic $10 million challenge from the Rothschild family was announced. This gift matched any contributions made to the capital campaign for the new performing arts and sports complex.
Recently a Harker family, who had already given $3 million to help Harker meet the Rothschild Challenge, was inspired by the response of the school community to the challenge. In addition to their first gift, the family decided to make an inspirational matching pledge of $7 million. They wanted to go a step above and inspire other families to join them, and now they want to provide additional families with the same opportunity to double the impact of their capital gifts.
Families who did not have the opportunity to increase their support during the limited six month period that the Rothschild Challenge was in effect will now be able to do so. This might include families who are new to the school or who have decided to make an additional gift to the capital campaign now that the complex is set for construction and the benefits are in sight.
“As they sat down to complete the paperwork for their contribution, the father could not contain his excitement and exclaimed, ‘Let’s make it happen!’ – so we are calling this last appeal for this campaign the ‘Let’s Make It Happen’ phase,” explained Joe Rosenthal, executive director of advancement.
How Does the Campaign Work?
For any family who participates in the annual campaign, and also makes a gift to the capital campaign, the donor will match the amount of the capital campaign donation, dollar for dollar up to $7 million. Contributions will have a positive impact now and for the future of The Harker School, further solidifying its place among the finest independent schools in the nation.
For updates and information about giving to the capital campaign, please visit www.harker.org/giving/capital-giving.
Beginning in June 2016 Harker launched two new state-of-the art building projects on the upper school campus, the result of a $45M capital campaign. The 33,000 square-foot athletic center, opening August 2017, features a 12,000 sq.-ft. gym, athletic training room with advanced hydrotherapy unit, and spacious team rooms. The Rothschild Performing Arts Center, opening spring of 2018, features a 450-seat theater with fly loft and hydraulic orchestra pit, a state of the art scene shop, vocal, instrumental, theater/musical theater classrooms and dressing rooms. For more information visit the news and video links below or contact communications@harker.org
This article originally appeared in the fall 2015 Harker Quarterly.
Junior Edward Oh, a cellist with The Harker School Orchestra, spent late June and early July touring Europe with the San Francisco Symphony Youth Orchestra, performing in amazing venues in six cities including Milan, Berlin and Amsterdam. “We were extremely privileged to play in the Berlin Philharmonie and the Amsterdam Concertgebouw,” exclaimed Oh.
Oh, who has been playing the cello for more than a decade, looked back on the trip fondly and expressed gratitude at having such a unique opportunity. “The tour itself was a tremendous opportunity for me to not only perform in grand venues, but to also gain an invaluable amount of experience in orchestral playing,” he said.
When they weren’t rehearsing or performing, members of the youth orchestra enjoyed sightseeing.
“A trip to Europe is something some people can only hope to dream of and I am eternally grateful to my parents and mentors for assisting me,” Oh added.
This article originally appeared in the fall 2015 Harker Quarterly.
In August, pianist Andrew Semenza, grade 10, spent two weeks at the Beijing International Music Festival and Academy (BIMFA), where he took part in a master class, received private lessons, played with a chamber music group and performed in numerous concerts.
Semenza was asked to apply for the camp by his private piano teacher, who recently joined the BIMFA faculty. “The festival was not only an opportunity to learn intensively in two weeks, but also a successful cultural exchange where I was able to visit many historical sights and explore the city,” said Semenza. “Overall, it was a very enriching and enjoyable experience musically and culturally.”
This article originally appeared in the fall 2015 Harker Quarterly.
In mid-August, Nathan Liu, grade 4, and Tiffany Zhao, grade 9, traveled to Germany to play piano at the Sulzbach-Rosenberg Interna- tional Music Festival.
During a student concert held in the town hall and open to the public, Liu and Zhao played a duet (a Brahms waltz) together, in addition to doing solo performances. Liu had the distinction of being the youngest musician invited to the festival.
While in Germany both Liu and Zhao were able to learn skills from many top international musicians, as well as spend time at a historic music school which was remodeled from a medieval castle.
“I learned how to cooperate with other musicians, as well as train my ear to listen to other people and play accordingly. It was also a great experience to mentor a younger musician,” Zhao said.
Liu concurred: “I learned a lot from the more experienced musicians. Overall, it was an unforgettable two weeks!”
To view their duet: https://youtu.be/ HUXzL16Fg9M.
This article originally appeared in the fall 2015 Harker Quarterly.
Members of the JV and varsity dance troupes had a very successful run at United Spirit Association’s summer dance training camp at University of California, Santa Cruz, this summer. The group earned the highest ranking, a superior, for its choreography and performance skills, and was awarded the Hardest Working Team plaque by camp instructors. Hazal Gurcan, grade 11, and Liana Wang, grade 10, were named All-Americans and were invited to perform in the London New Year’s Day Parade, and Ankita Sharma, grade 12, earned an invitation to perform at Disney World’s Spirit Spectacular in recognition of her leadership and teamwork skills.
This article originally appeared in the fall 2015 Harker Quarterly.
Once again the Harker community will come together in celebration of the fall season and the opening of school at the 65th annual Family & Alumni Picnic, the Harker Harvest Festival. We’re bringing back old favorites and introducing some thrilling new ones. From top-notch student performances in the Harvest Hoedown to exciting games and fabulous food, the picnic offers a day of delights for all ages!
Come Celebrate Fall-o-Ween!
On this day, faculty and staff come together to put on a fantastic day of fun for Harker families. Take part in some old-fashioned fun with field games like sack races, spoon races and more.
Or challenge your favorite teachers to Ping-Pong, foosball or basketball in the Teachers’ Clubhouse (located in the gym). Guests of all ages will enjoy a variety of fun carnival games.
In recent years we’ve added laser tag and Witch’s Flight, the 300-foot zip line. This year challenge your friends to a Hamster Dash (yes, you guessed right: try to run in a hamster ball!). Tickets may be purchased online.
Everyone loves a pumpkin patch, the place to pick out a perfect Halloween decoration for your house. Ours will again be located right next to the dedicated preschool area, which will have age- appropriate games and activities for our youngest picnic-goers.
You also won’t want to miss our super silent auction. Along with the fantastic teacher packages, vacations and more, we will have sign-ups for the lower school sleepover (a popular tradition). This year all bidding will be online, and we’ll be opening the auction three weeks before the picnic to give you plenty of time to place your best bids!
Costumes Welcome
With our “Fall-o-Ween” theme, this year’s event wouldn’t be complete without cute and creepy costumes. Wear your favorite and take part in our spooktacular costume parade, right after the student performances. Prizes will be awarded at the end of the picnic.
Feast” Your Eyes (and Taste Buds)
In addition to favorites such as grilled items, pizza, Brown Chicken Brown Cow and Arka Indian cuisine, this year you can enjoy food from an authentic taqueria. Food trucks will offer ice cream, gourmet hot dogs and other American classics. Save room to sample all the goodies!
Don’t “Leaf” Anyone at Home!
Admission for adults and children 3 and older is $10 each if purchased online by Oct. 2. Children younger than 3 and grownups over 75 are free. Admission is $15 at the entrance on picnic day. Admission includes the Harvest Hoedown, field games and activities in the Teachers’ Clubhouse.
Our Awesome Alumni In Autumn
Our alumni barbecue luncheon has become a tradition all its own, drawing record numbers each year. This gathering takes place from noon to 1 p.m. in the shady alumni grove following the Harvest Hoedown and welcomes Harker alumni young and old. More information on admission and activities for alumni is available on the picnic website: www.harker.org/picnic.
Harvest Hashtag
Calling all Twitter and Instagram users! Hashtag your Harker Harvest Festival Facebook and Instagram posts #harkerharvest and everyone will have access to a great collection of photos and comments from this fun event!
Everything Online this Year
New this year are the pre-sale family packages; we offer a variety of packages to choose from to ensure a fun-filled day for the whole family. These packages, along with individual admission passes, carnival tickets, T-shirts and laser tag tickets are available for purchase online at www.harker. org/picnic until Oct. 2. These items (except T-shirts) will also be available for purchase the day of the event.
Our exciting silent auction also will be online this year; we will open the bidding three weeks before the picnic. This means that you’ll be able to set your maximum bid on items and will be notified on your mobile phone if you are outbid. And if you can’t be at the picnic when the auction closes, you can still participate in the final bidding using your phone. Check the picnic website for information about registering for the auction.
Thanks to Our Harvest helpers
We want to recognize our devoted picnic committee members, teachers and staff who have helped to create an event that appeals to our entire community. We are grateful for their hard work, amazing creativity, dedication and team spirit!
This article originally appeared in the fall 2015 Harker Quarterly.
In July, 20 middle school Spanish language students embarked on their biennial two-week immersion trip to Costa Rica, absorbing the country’s rich culture and natural beauty while bolstering their Spanish language skills.
On their trip to La Carpio, a neighborhood made up primarily of Nicaraguan immigrants, the students assisted the Costa Rican Humanitarian Foundation with painting a house. Other students played with the local children. “It was touching to see how naturally our group used their Spanish to communicate with the children and how sad all of them were to say goodbye,” said middle school Spanish teacher Julie Pinzás, who accompanied the students on the trip.
On another day, the group spent the day learning some staple Latin dance moves. “Our instructor, Jason, taught us how to do the Bachata, Merengue and some fun ways to turn your partner,” Pinzás wrote. “He was impressed on how enthusiastic our students were and their level of understanding.” The next day, they returned to La Carpio, where one group of students helped set up a pop-up library and another visited a preschool, where they helped the children prepare for entry into Costa Rican schools.
The group traveled to the town of Sarchí on Wednesday, known for the Pan-American Highway that connects Central and South America. “Sarchí is also renowned for its colorfully painted oxcart wheels and beautifully hand-carved wood furniture and crafts,” said Pinzás. The students spent the day painting their own wheels, learning the basics under the tutelage of a local artist.