Hanna Happening - Hanna Center

1. FEBRUARY 2015 New Technologies Help Boys Keep Academic Pace F ostering the emotional health of every Hanna resident has always been a top priority. In recent years, that quest has extended increasingly to academic achievement that helps foster our boys’ sense of mastery and self-esteem. We see clearly today how classroom success reinforces boys’ emotional development, helping them chart a future that the entire Hanna family is committed to helping them create. college prep classes, but also in the vocational education programs that we’ve also been upgrading. We don’t need every Hanna boy to go to college, but we want every one of them to leave here fully prepared for the next phase of their lives.” Bilberry serves on the school’s technology committee, which meets monthly to monitor projects and goals that will capitalize on Hanna’s unique blend of educational and residential life. The most recent effort is proceeding in phases, the first one of which has brought eight new computers to every Hanna class—a mix of desktops and laptops. Since Hanna’s average class size is 11, that means ongoing computer access is now the norm during the school day. Phase II of the program will place computers into the boys’ residential cottages, along with wi-fi access and the increased bandwidth to accommodate it. Additionally, a pilot program is currently underway that has installed a wireless projector system with state-of-the-art speakers into Bilberry’s and fellow teacher Mario Alioto’s classes, allowing for high- “We’ve got a lot going on in classrooms here, and the kids can feel it.” Students Jessie and Taray with teachers Mario Alioto and Ron Bilberry. quality audiovisual presentations. “We’re getting the kinks out now before we make the system school-wide,” says Bilberry. Along with the technology itself has come increased commitment to keep teachers on pace with enhanced classroom technology. As this version of Hanna Happenings was going to press, seven of Hanna’s 21 teachers were slated to attend a Google-sponsored conference in Napa to help them better understand and use apps in the classroom. “We’ve got a lot going on in classrooms here, and the kids can feel it,” Bilberry says. “One of them said recently, ‘You won’t let me fail, will you?’ He meant we truly care about him and will do everything possible to see him succeed. He was right.” HANNA HAPPENINGS|FEBRUARY 2015|1 And so it is that Hanna staff, with the generous support of far-sighted donors, has been able to continually upgrade the educational technologies that help our boys keep pace with the emerging world. Last year’s gift of 15 iPads by an anonymous donor was just the beginning of a concerted technology upgrade effort that has continued into this year, says Ron Bilberry, a 15-year Hanna teacher who is playing a central role in the multiple continuing upgrades. “The school component of Hanna has been growing by leaps and bounds, and so have the expectations and demands we’re placing on the boys. And the boys are rising to meet the challenge—not only with our

2. FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR BRIAN FARRAGHER Trying Our Best   is a steep climb; they need to walk before they can run. We are proud of the effort that we began a new strategic plan- ning process at the beginning of the second academic quarter. While our grades are not in yet, all of us here at Hanna—the board and staff—want this enterprise to be the very best place to give and get care. We will spend the coming year assessing how we can best serve our boys and deepen our impact. We are grateful for all the help and support we receive for this important mission. When you ask us, “Is this your best work?” we always want the answer to be a resounding, “Yes!” My wife, Anne, recently shared this quote with me: “You don’t have to be sick to get better.” Hanna is already a wonderful and special place, serving wonderful and special young men. And we are all working hard to get even better, and be our very best. Last month our principal Dennis Crandall and I had the pleasure of distributing the second quarter report cards to our students. Regardless of the grades they received I asked each boy, “Is this your best work?” Many said they worked really hard and this was the first time they have ever been on an honor roll. Others said they could have worked harder in math, science or English. Still others indicated they had not worked very hard, and their grades often reflected that assessment. While A’s and B’s are great, what we most hope for is that everyone does his best. For many of our boys, just getting back to school and committing themselves to learning they put in to get back on track, “When you ask us, ‘Is this your best work?’ We always want the answer to be a resounding, ‘Yes!’” but we want them to be proud of themselves, too. That starts with a commitment to doing their best. Organizational life can mirror the lives of our boys. It so happens New Learning Specialist’s Art of Going One-on-One Krissy Brady, Hanna High School’s first-ever credentialed learning specialist, arrived at Hanna in August and immediately set about establishing a carefully constructed program and approach in working individually with Hanna students. She also dramatically enhanced a volunteer program that now sees four volunteers offering additional one-on-one tutoring on a regular schedule. One of those volunteers is a retired reading specialist, another a bilingual Spanish speaker and teacher herself. All of them are devoted to the cause of assisting Hanna students who need an extra dose of individually tailored instruction. Like most teachers, part and parcel of Brady’s technical expertise is the gift of boiling complex matter down to readily digestible pieces. As in: “Most of what I do is teach students how to be students. That means sitting down with a pencil to start, and figuring out what that student needs in order to match his learning style.” She offers her own example of being visually oriented. “If you give me oral directions to your house, I’ll never make it there,” she says. “I have to write it down; that’s how I process information. Many of our boys are the same. So one thing I teach them is how to ask for help in the way that helps them succeed. I’m teaching them not just what to learn, but how to learn.” Brady says that 5–10 percent of the general population has a specific learning disability, while estimating that figure at above 30 percent for the Hanna student body. But her and her volunteers’ efforts are not limited only to students with a learning handicap. “We see any boy who’s struggling for whatever reason. Our goal is to do very targeted interventions, working closely with the regular classroom teachers, to give kids exactly what they need. We want to get them so aware of how they learn and what they need to do so that I work myself out of a job.” Krissy Brady working with Ulices. 2|HANNA HAPPENINGS|FEBRUARY 2015

3. The Fountain of Youth At 70 A Fond Farewell to Winter Grads Eight boys moved on from Hanna to the next phase of their lives in December, enjoying an intimate graduation observance that was tucked into Hanna’s Annual Open House festivities. Class rings and blessings were dispersed, followed by a lovely dinner hosted by longtime Hanna supporters Caroline and Michael Price. The Prices also presented each boy with a digital camera (the better to send photos Francisco, where he will study for a career as a firefighter. Juan Pelayo: Juan was also on the soccer team and the Fairmont internship crew. He has returned home to Petaluma to seek employent. Luis Quintero: Luis was planning to attending SRJC and work to help support his family. He was a starting player on our championship soccer team this year and an active member of his group home. Those who follow human aging have been noting the longer life- spans and zest increasingly on display among those in their senior years. Hanna Boys Center is pleased to be part of the same trend in maintaining the tremendous vitality of its programs while also sporting a lovely new exterior on many parts of the campus. Much lies ahead in the coming year as we prepare to celebrate the 70th Anniversary of Hanna’s founding in 1945. Please consult future issues of this newsletter and our website at hannacenter.org for news about the various observances and activities that will note this milestone year— along with plans for how Hanna will continue to renew itself over the next 70 years and beyond! December Hanna graduates at the Price home, l-r: back Javarri, Dr. Norman, Mr. and Mrs. Price, Sean Sitton, Jordan Gilliam, Luis Quintero, Brian Farragher, Mario Alioto (teacher) Dennis Crandall (principal), front l-r: Brad La Bass (Follow-On), Wesley Trujillo, Osvaldo Dagio, Angel Campos, Juan Pelayo. Javarri McClay: Javarri’s Hanna activities included interning at Jack London State Park, jobs at Imagery Winery and at Hanna, and a working trip to Nicaragua with the group Seeds of Learning. He is now enrolled at Sierra Junior College in Rocklin. Sean Sitton: Sean was very active in the Hanna Ag Program, raising and selling a lamb at the County Fair. He also interned in Hanna’s Information Technology Department. He is now working on a horse ranch in Kentucky. Wesley Trujillo: Wesley enjoyed a fine athletic career at Hanna, on the baseball, soccer and weightlifting teams. He was also a summer intern at the Fairmont. He is now enrolled in Diablo Valley JC in the East Bay. back to Hanna depicting their future adventures). This year’s graduates, to whom we offer the heartiest congratulations: Angel Campos: Angel was a star soccer play and coach who also served an internship at The Fairmont Mission Inn & Spa. He is already in classes at City College of San Francisco. Osvaldo Dagio: Osvaldo was a soccer player, Ag Club member, a Sonoma vintners scholarship recipient, and worked in the Hanna maintenance department. He is enrolled at Santa Rosa Junior College. Jordan Gilliam: Jordan played baseball at Hanna and served as an intern at the Fairmont Mission Inn. He is bound for City College of San Putting the finishing touches on the chapel in 1949. HANNA HAPPENINGS|FEBRUARY 2015|3

4. This newsletter is published by Hanna Boys Center and is sent to our friends four times a year. Fed ID#94-1156478. Hanna is a non-profit, tax exempt organization—a 501(c)(3) non-profit under 509(a)(1) of the IRS Code—in full compliance with State and federal regulations. Hanna is supported through the generosity of individuals, businesses and foundations. Hanna does not seek funds from government agencies or the Catholic Church in support of its mission. Calendar OF HANNA EVENTS   9th Annual “Evening with the All-Stars” Saturday, April 25, 2015 5:30–11:30 p.m. Dine, dance and make merry under the stars at this premier annual fundraiser for Hanna. Includes silent and live auctions and other surprises. 17000 Arnold Drive PO Box 100 Sonoma, CA 95476-0100 hannacenter.org (707) 996-6767 Info: Leslie Petersen @ 707-933-2555 or lpetersen@hannacenter.org Spring Open House, Car Show & Alumni Carnival Sunday, May 17, 2015 • 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Special Mass with Graduation Ring Ceremony begins 10 a.m. Alumni kids’ carnival, chili cook-off, car show, art show, live entertainment, campus tours and refreshments. MORE EVENT INFO: hannacenter.org Like us on Facebook Facebook.com/hannaboyscenter.1945 Follow us on Twitter @hannaboyscenter Hanna Duo Completes Ecology Center Internships “It’ s a comprehensive and demanding program, and we’re really proud Kyle and Reilly saw it through.” Two boys still early in their Hanna careers managed to pick up some invaluable experience through the fall semester, completing intensive five-month paid internships with the Sonoma Ecology Center’s EnviroLeaders Program. Kyle Griffith, 16, and Reilly Javier, 15, worked in almost every aspect of the center’s wide-ranging program, which includes education, research and hands-on activities devoted to environmental restoration and sustainable agriculture. “They helped grow and sell the center’s produce from a community garden and also got a good orientation on the business, habitat restoration and educational sides,” says their cottage supervisor, Liz Mortensen. “It’s a comprehensive and demanding program, and we’re really proud Kyle and Reilly saw it through. It’s not only a great learning experience, but it will also be impressive on their resumes when they look for employment.” Sonoma Ecology Center is a longtime community partner of Hanna Boys Center. We are pleased to help them in their mission of working with the community to enhance and sustain ecological health in Sonoma Valley, and happy to see our own boys both benefit from and extend that mission in such a meaningful way. Kyle and Reilly. 4|HANNA HAPPENINGS|FEBRUARY 2015