Enable Excellence at Dana Hills

Dolphin Force has partnered with Z Pizza and Yoohoot for a new fundraiser

2010-11-21T15:01:00.000-08:00

20% of all purchases will be donated back to Dolphin Force.
View our website for details www.dolphinforce.com or click here to download the iphone app.

Mother/Son Casino Night Recap

2010-05-18T11:05:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, May 8, 2010, Dolphin Force Foundation held its fifth annual Mother/Son Casino Night. It was attended by over 300 moms and sons. They enjoyed an evening of exciting games, desserts, silent auctions, and prizes. Best of all, each duo received a photograph to take home as a memento of the event.

Revenue generated from the event totaled over $6,000 and will be applied to future DHHS improvements, including the current technology upgrades campaign.

It takes an incredible amount of time and effort to organize an event of this size. We would like to take this opportunity to thank the committee of volunteers that made this entertaining event possible; Julie Hayward, Maureen Kennedy, Kris Vroom, Geri McCann, Donna Schwarm, Ellen Wilbur, Yvonne Albert, Kristen Robelotto, Connie Norland, Shani Moslehi and Martha McNicholas. As always, it takes a small army to orchestrate the event itself and we are indebted to the spouses of the committee who worked that night, as well as Mila Evanovich and the Be the Change Club students, the McNicholas family who did all the photography and the student volunteers who helped with set-up, clean-up and baking.

Of course, no event would be successful without the support of the community merchants of which there are too many to list here, however we are most thankful for their generosity. For a complete listing of community donors, visit blog.dolphinforce.com.

We are looking forward to another exciting Mother/Son event next year and hope to see you there, so mark your calendars for Saturday, May 7, 2011.

Thanks to local businesses for supporting Dana Hills

2010-05-17T11:03:00.000-07:00

Thanks to the following community businesses or supporting Dolphin Force and the recent Mother/Son Casino Night held on May 8, 2010:

A Restaurant &Market Newport Beach
Academic Coaching - College Counseling
Aveda Concept Salon & Spa
Avila’s El Ranchito Mexican Restaurant
Baja Fresh
Blow Salon & Spa
Bubba Kahuna
Cafe Maiz
Charisma Beauty Salon
ChickPita
China Moon
Custom Studios
Dana Kai
Dana Party Supply
Daniel Michael Salon
DHHS Baseball - Coach Faris
DHHS Football - Coach Melbon
DHHS Soccer - Coach Compean
Donna B’s Cookies
El Pollo Loco
Ellen’s Surf & Paddle Boarding
Fitness Elite
Flowers by Cina
Fratello’s Italian Restaurant
Fred’s Mexican Cafe
Future Focused
Gallileo Jewelry by Teri Tachibana
Generations
Golden Spoon
Hobie
Howie’s Game Shack
I Love Bagels
Jack’s Surf
Jamba Juice Ocean Ranch
Laguna Colony Company
Laser Quest
Mail Room, Camino del Avion
Marriott’s Shadowridge Resort, Palm Desert
Maryken Nails
Massage Envy
Math Tutoring by Laura Kaufmann
Monarch Market
NY Upper Crust Pizza
Olamendi’s Mexican Restaurant
Peet’s Coffee
Pick Up Stix
Planet Beauty
Plant Depot
Powell’s Sweet Shoppe
Pro Haircutters
Round Table Pizza
Sand &Sea Jewelry
Savannah Chop House
Smokey’s House of BBQ
Starbucks
Swim Lessons by Maureen Kennedy
Ted’s Place
Teen Road to Safety
Trader Joe’s
Yoga by Christina
Yogurtland

Savannah Chop House Wine Tasting Fundraiser a Great Sccess!!!

2010-03-19T08:30:00.000-07:00

Over 80 DHHS parents, teachers, and friends were in attendance for a wonderful California sunset, five tasty wines, and delicious cheese and fruits. Not a bad way to earn $1500 towards our Technology Upgrades campaign! Make your donation here.

Dolphin Force Foundation is extremely grateful to Savannah Chop House for donating the wine and appetizers, as well as the raffle prizes for the evening!

We are excited about our new partnership which will include additional events, as well as an ongoing contribution of 10% of your dining bill back to Dolphin Force when you dine at Savannah Chop House or French 75 in Laguna Beach. Just let your server know you are from Dolphin Force (you can also write it on your check).

We encourage you to patronize these fine restaurants that are so supportive of our school.

14th Annual Father-Daughter Dance Raised $7,500!

2010-03-19T08:19:00.000-07:00

"The Disco Ball" took place on Saturday, February 27, 2010 and a good time was had by all! View photos at here.

Dolphin Force would like to thank the Co-Chairs: Jenn McKown and Celeste Woodhouse, and their team of Moms: Kathy Ferry, Patti Plouff, Monika Esseily, Cynthia Sloan, Kathleen Wetzel, Patrice White, Lori Galloway, Sandy Rinchik, Debbie Angle who pulled off the most exciting and successful Father Daughter Dance to date!!!

The winners of the dance contests were as follows:

Freshman: Meriah Long and her Dad Jim
Sophomore: Brianna Curran and her Dad Tom
Junior: Talia Fuentes and her Dad Ray
Senior: Brooke Browne and her Dad Doug

Best Costume Winners: Breana Dominguez and her Dad Robert

The prizes were beautiful gift bags with everything needed for another special Father Daughter Night out on the town with donations from:

Salt Creek Grill ($75 gift card)
Savannah Chophouse
Yogurt World
Its all about the Cake
Powells
Wallmart of Laguna Niguel
Several local families donated Movie Tickets, Popcorn Buckets, Wine for the Dads and Teddy Bears for the girls.

Technology Upgrades Update

2009-10-22T13:11:00.000-07:00

Dolphin Force has donated $34,000 dollars to purchase 35 new computers for the College and Career Lab at Dana Hills!

Thank you to all who have donated to our Technology Upgrades Fund!

Six computer labs need to be replaced. One down, 5 to Go!

Keep contributing to Dolphin Force Foundation! Make an online contribution here.

Get a Head Start on Your Holiday Shopping at Gigantic Sale!

2009-10-19T17:00:00.000-07:00

Thursday, November 19, 2009 / 5 PM to 10 PM
$5 Entry Fee ($10 per family max) / Tax-deductible contribution to Dolphin Force

Blowout bargains from Orange County's most popular boutiques featuring Men's / Women’s / Teen Designer Clothing -- up to 75% off from your favorite stores under one roof at Dana Hills High School. More details here.

Re-Register your Ralphs card

2009-10-19T13:14:00.000-07:00

Shop at Ralphs using your registered Ralphs Club card and Dana Hills receives $$$.

You must re-register your card at www.Ralphs.com every new school year.

Log in to “My Ralphs” and click on Community Contribution Program. Search for Dolphin Force (not Dana Hills) or use ID# 81536 to set up the link to Dolphin Force.

First Dolphin Force Fund-Raising Event a Successful Evening!

2009-09-25T13:00:00.000-07:00

Dolphin Force raised over $1300 from our first fund-raising event this year.

Thanks to Something Moore in Laguna Niguel who played gracious host to 25 Dana Hills moms and their friends in a dazzling evening.

Help Kick Off the 2009 Technology Upgrades Campaign!

2009-08-24T13:04:00.000-07:00

Replace outdated computers in the five computer centers serving academic credit recovery and alternative course programs, college and career planning, digital photo and media center labs.

Establish “Hot Spots” for wireless Internet access in different parts of the campus.

Click here for more details or to make a contribution online.

Coffee Importers Donates $1500 to Dolphin Force

2009-06-25T17:08:00.000-07:00

Coffee Importers donated over $1500 of the proceeds from their recent 30th anniversary raffle to benefit Dolphin Force and Dana Hills High School. Thank you, Jim Miller!

Coffee Importers Raffle

2009-05-15T17:54:00.000-07:00

Get tickets ($3 each) for the Coffee Importers (Dana Point Harbor) Raffle with proceeds to benefit Dolphin Force Foundation.

Tickets available at Coffee Importers or DHHS main office.

Drawing will be at 4 pm on Friday, June 12, 2009.

More details here.

"Be the Change"

2009-04-29T17:10:00.001-07:00

Support the student-led Be the Change coin drive.

Collection cans have been placed in all classrooms.

-- OR --

Drop your change in our virtual can here.

Even $1/week/student can make a tremendous difference.

Let SMALL CHANGE become BIG DOLLAR$ for Dana Hills.

Mother/Son Casino Night

2009-04-23T12:05:00.000-07:00

You're invited to the 4th Annual Mother/Son Event -- Casino Night:

Saturday, May 9, 2009

7-10 pm

Dana Hills High School Mall

What better gift for Mother's Day than for Mom to have a fun evening with her son(s).

Check details here and order tickets by mail or online by May 2.
(A limited number of tickets may be available at the door, space permitting.)

Dolphin Force Meeting - Tuesday, April 14

2009-04-13T09:35:00.000-07:00

TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2009 in DR. NYE'S OFFICE:

5 pm -- Sports Management: Jeff, Rob, Athletic Directors

6 pm - General Meeting: ALL welcome.
See draft agenda. Forward any other agenda items!

Volunteer needed now for Dolphin Walk order form data entry (2-3 hours).
Volunteers also needed for Registration Days in August.

7 pm - Save the Gym Task Force: Update
Donna will attend the school board meeting on Mon 4/11/09.

Please forward reports if you are not attending.

CUSD Board to Vote on Gym Renovations

2009-04-12T15:54:00.000-07:00

The CUSD Board of Directors will be meeting on Monday, April 13, 2009 to vote on the updated proposal to fund replacement of the 35-year-old Dana Hills High School gym floor and bleachers.

Initial discussion and request for an updated proposal took place on March 9, 2009 (see below). Funding for this project will come from the district's deferred maintenance budget.

CUSD Board Meetings are held the second Tuesday of the month at the CUSD offices in San Juan Capistrano at 7 pm. Full agenda (34 items, 330 pages) is posted on the CUSD website.

CUSD Board Meeting - Audio

2009-03-15T22:51:00.000-07:00

Listen to late night (after 10 pm) discussion on agenda item #40 from the CUSD Board of Trustees Meeting on Monday, March 9, 2009. Meeting started at 7 pm.

Download MP3 file (6.4 MB).

CUSD Board to Review Proposal for Gym Renovations

2009-03-06T14:41:00.000-08:00

There is a proposal for review before the school board trustees on MONDAY, MARCH 9, 2009 to approve funds for replacing the floor and bleachers; the funds are available in a deferred maintenance budget.

THEY NEED TO HEAR FROM YOU. Please don't think someone else will do it. Letter/calls should come from parents and students.

Students, parents, coaches, please write/email/fax or phone the board members BEFORE MARCH 9.

Help us in soliciting the Board's support and overwhelm their email boxes and the school district's fax machines in support of this proposal. WE NEED YOU TO ACT TODAY.

A listing of the Board member's email addresses can be found below. A sample letter is also included below from which you can cut/paste for your message. Please send your EMAIL or FAX today.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Capistrano Unified School District
33122 Valle Road
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
(949) 234-9200 Phone
(949) 493-8729 Fax

CUSD Trustees:
Jack Brick
Sue Palazzo
Mike Winsten
Anna Bryson
Ken Maddox
Ellen Addonizio
Larry Christiansen

TO: eaddonizio@capousd.org

CC: mwinsten@capousd.org; ljchristensen@capousd.org; jbrick@capousd.org; abryson@capousd.org; kmaddox@capousd.org; spalazzo@capousd.org; rlebs@capousd.org

To: Ellen Addonizio, President and Members, Board of Trustees Capistrano Unified School District

On behalf of the Dolphin Force Foundation, supporting the entire student body at Dana Hills High School, I am requesting that you approve the proposal before you on March 9, 2009, to replace the floor and bleachers in our gymnasium.

Please allocate the necessary funds promptly, as there are significant lead times for the delivery of materials and installation before the beginning of school in September. As the single gym in continuous use, any renovations can only be done during the summer.

As you know, the original gym floor and bleachers have deteriorated beyond repair. This is the time to replace them and it is our sincere hope the board will approve this proposal to do so in a timely manner.

As the only high school in the district with one gym, we have been at a competitive disadvantage. Practice times for athletic teams can be limited or cancelled. They often run to 10:00 pm, and interfere with academic studies.

Injuries are more likely on the uneven surfaces of the floor. The bleachers are splitting, have no railings and many sections are unsteady. As a safety risk are not only all our students (PE classes, pep rallies, testing, award assemblies and intramural programs), but also attendees at school events.

The Dolphin Force Foundation, http://www.dolphinforce.com/, has supported many site improvements at DHHS, including new PE lockers, sound systems in the mall and gym, and entry flooring. This year our major effort is fundraising to “Save the Gym”, we are also supporting the fine art classroom with display cases for student work, and an outdoor amphitheater for science studies. Many families and businesses have contributed funds for "Save the Gym," but our efforts alone are insufficient.

The CUSD board must approve this allocation of funds from the deferred maintenance budget to maintain a safe environment for our students.

Thank you for your consideration.

Donna Rajeckas
President, Dolphin Force Foundation
(and Parent Volunteer)

Save the Gym Task Force - March 16

2009-02-28T23:14:00.000-08:00

Please join us for the next STG Task Force Meeting at Dana Hills High School, Media Center (2nd Floor) at 7:30 pm.

The agenda includes a review of the following:

Overall contributions to date
CUSD commitment
Alumni drive
Local business programs
"Save the Gym" Day
Local press publicity
City participation (Dana Point and Laguna Niguel)
Student Coin Drive ("Make the Change")
Other issues

We need your new ideas on how to get this campaign to the next level!

Join us at the next meeting, or send email to Excellence@DolphinForce.com.

Support Dolphin Force when you shop at Amazon.com

2009-02-22T15:41:00.000-08:00

Point your browser to www.dolphinforce.com for a referral link to Amazon.com. Dolphin Force will receive 4-15% of your purchase at Amazon, if you enter Amazon through our special link.

Just another great way to support us with NO EFFORT! Just shop as usual, but remember to come to DolphinForce.com for the "key" to Amazon.com. You can also bookmark the Amazon.com home page (http://www.amazon.com/?5F&tag=dolpforcfoun-20) once you have entered through the Dolphin Force link for easy future purchases.

Additional details are also available on the SUPPORT US link from the Dolphin Force homepage. There are a number of other local merchants who want to contribute a share of their new business, as a result of referrals from Dana Hills and Dolphin Force.

Click on SUPPORT US from the home page or point your browser to www.DolphinForce.com/Support.

Orange County Register News Article

2009-02-12T10:27:00.001-08:00

Read the news article and view an online slide show published by the Orange County Register on February 11, 2009.

See also front page Dana Point News article on "Fundraising Force" on February 12, 2009.

Save the Gym Task Force Meeting 2/23/09

2009-01-26T23:13:00.001-08:00

Mark your calendars!

Monday, February 23, 2009
7:30 pm
Dana Hills High School
Library/Media Center -- 2nd floor

Save the Gym Task Force Meeting 1/26/09

2009-01-20T23:00:00.000-08:00

Next meeting of the Save the Gym task force will be held:
Monday, January 26, 2009
7:30 pm
Dana Hills High School
Library/Media Center - 2nd floor

Local businesses team with DF to "Save the Gym"

2008-12-14T18:59:00.000-08:00

Visit the Dolphin Force website and click on SUPPORT US.

You will see many new options to help contribute to Dolphin Force with virtually no effort.
Just by buying groceries, shopping online, buying or selling a home, getting auto or home insurance or voice and data business services -- you can help contribute to Dolphin Force.

Remember Dolphin Force in your end-of-year giving

2008-12-08T12:00:00.000-08:00

As we approach the end of 2008, you may want to consider the tax consequences of donating to Dolphin Force before the end of the year. As you know, 100% of your donations go to the parent-run foundation to help ensure excellence at Dana Hills High School.

Dana Hills families were sent this letter in the mail today.

Help us move forward in reaching our goal to "Save the Gym!"