Photos
The Lincoln High School Foundation Mocktails/Cocktails Fundraiser hosted by Santa Clara County Supervisor Cindy Chavez was May 13th, 2023 and we had a record turnout and a record amount of money was raised for the students of Lincoln High! Thank you to Cindy Chavez, Mike Potter, Omar Torres, Sal Pizarro, and all of the great friends and supporters of Lincoln High!
This is a video produced by the Lincoln High School Media Arts Department and Lincoln Teacher Daniel Resz thanking the Foundation for our support of their work:
The Lincoln High School Foundation Italian Festa Fundraiser at Palermo Italian Restaurant March 15, 2023 was a huge success! We had a wonderful evening with friends, alumni, Lincoln Faculty & Staff, and community supporters all to raise thousands of dollars for Lincoln High student programs. We look forward to seeing you at our next fundraising event!
By Lorraine Gabbert, San Jose Spotlight
March 3, 2023
Growing up, Helen Chapman was surrounded by acres of nature in Orinda. That’s when her passion for preserving open space began.
And now, as the chair of the Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority, Chapman is its steward and Coyote Valley is her crown jewel.
Being in harmony with the land is in her blood. Chapman’s German father and English mother grew up on farms and lived off the land. As a teenager, she found solace jumping a fence and going for a walk. She finds that same comfort in Coyote Valley.
“I come out here and see the land and immediately, I’m centered,” Chapman said. “Everybody should be able to have that renewal.”
Chapman, 63, was inspired by the strong women in her life. Her grandmother, an avid gardener, was a councillor in England and a nurse during World War II. Her mother was involved in Save Gateway Valley, a grassroots campaign to prevent a highway from plowing through the top of an East Bay hillside.
As a San Jose Parks and Recreation Commissioner from 2001-2007, Chapman was part of an effort to raise fees paid by developers to fund park projects throughout the city.
Chapman served as a member of the Coyote Valley Task Force, as board member of Green Foothills and now works as legislative policy advisor for San Jose Councilmember Sergio Jimenez, focused on environmental policies.
“It’s been a journey of following my passion for the environment,” she said, “and giving everyone access.”The Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority, a special district created by the state legislature in 1993, encompasses 28,000 acres of open space, watersheds, farms and wildlife habitat. The majority of its funding comes from a $24 per year parcel tax, which generates about $8 million per year, according to its website.
Chapman also oversees the group’s grant program to help fund projects like trails and community gardens to bring people closer to nature.
“Part of our mission is to conserve and protect, to encourage local food sources and to get people out in nature,” she said. “Having open space is intrinsic. You can’t put a value on it.”
Saved from development
Coyote Valley, which Chapman fought to preserve, is a critical wildlife corridor between two mountain ranges, the Santa Cruz mountains and Diablo range. Its aquifers provide groundwater for agriculture and its valley collects runoff, helping to mitigate flooding downstream. Coyote Valley Open Space Preserve is a recreational space for hiking, biking and horseback riding.
“To be able, 10 minutes from South San Jose, to come out here and hear the birds sing, breathe clean air, see the trees and the wildlife; we want everyone to experience that,” Chapman told San José Spotlight. “To be able to bring that to future generations is an absolute gift.”
Coyote Valley could’ve become housing. In 2002, a city plan proposed developing 25,000 homes and 50,000 jobs there. The recession and cost of infrastructure halted it in 2008.
Facing threats of development again years later, San Jose partnered to preserve the land for wildlife, farmland and climate resilience. In 2019, it allocated $46 million to conserve 937 acres of open space.
“She’s so good at uplifting other people and being the kind of leader that brings everybody along,” said Alice Kaufman, policy and advocacy director of Green Foothills. “Her work has really been instrumental in moving forward the open space protections that are so important.”
Andrea Mackenzie, general manager for Open Space Authority, said Chapman brings a sense of fairness, equity and community to board discussions.
“I’m extremely grateful for the strong leadership she brings to our board,” she said. “Helen is a consummate professional. She brings a lot of passion and dedication to everything she does, in particular improving the health of the environment and communities.”
At the February 9th, 2023 Lincoln High School Foundation board meeting students from the English Language Learners classes wanted to say “Thank you” to the Foundation for their classroom grant. Here is a description of the grant:
This year SJUSD has created a new English class for 9th and 10th grade English Language Learners (ELLs) who have been in this country for longer than four years. It is an A-G approved English class called ELA with ALD (English Language Arts with Academic Language Development). This course amplifies students’ reading, writing, listening & speaking skills with focused instruction while providing protected time for Designated ELD instruction. We currently have five sections across two grade levels and those classes are being taught by Gordon Papalias, Michelle Quarneri and Liz Neely. The goal of this course is to have students be reclassified as English Language Proficient by the end of year. The largest determining factor in earning this distinction is the student’s ability to read at grade level. Generally speaking, the average reading levels in any of the classes can vary from as low as a second grade reading level to early middle school at the high end. As a result, very few students (if any) have access to novels at that they can read independently at our site. We are asking the Foundation to supply additional books to three classroom libraries for the three staff teaching this class. It is important that students have a variety of high interest/low level novels in these classrooms. This grant would give ALL of our students access to not only grade level novels but high nterest/low level novels, also. These are novels students can read independently while applying strategies and skills successfully; ultimately getting them one step closer to closing the achievement gap. Like with anything, practice makes perfect. If students read they will grow. Lincoln currently has the largest number of English Language Learners in the district. Following San Jose High, we fall 2nd in the district if you look at the percentage of ELLs in our population. This has been the case for many years and is unlikely to change. Simply put, these books will serve not only our students this year but all the students in the years to come.
Lincoln High School teacher Daniel Resz’ students learn how to create and produce objects in 3D using a 3D printer purchased from a grant from the Lincoln High School Foundation!
You can help the students of Lincoln High by donating to the Foundation and/or attending a fundraising event! We look forward to seeing you there!
Lincoln High School teacher Daniel Resz received a Lincoln High School Foundation grant to replace three studio cameras that are more than five years old, with three new studio cameras to accompany our live production switcher. Here is Mr. Resz’ description of his request: “These cameras and lens accessories are in desperate need of an upgrade for our system. A live production studio event is essentially a production of what you, the viewer of a Monday Night Football game, would experience from your living room. What you don’t see are the dozens of camera operators, switchboard operators, sound mixers, engineers, talent, and director working together to capture the experience for the audience. Now that we are truly back to a routine that has students in the classroom and on campus all day long, I would like to revive this aspect of Lincolns Media Arts program. On any given event you would see 10 – 12 students getting hands on real world experience. In the classroom setting this equipment would engage every student in both beginning and advanced. Lastly I would like to mention that we used to air these productions on cable television CreaTV. Its my goal to reestablish this relationship with CreaTV and possibly connect Lincoln students with these industry professionals.” The attached video is Mr. Resz’ students recording a soccer game using cameras purchased through the Foundation grant. Attached are two videos of students using the equipment. This makes a difference in how our students learn!
Donations to the Foundation benefit all Lincoln High students!
The 2022 Lincoln High School Foundation Holiday Party was hosted by Aaron and Nicole Lilly. We had a great time celebrating a successful year for the Foundation! The Lincoln High School Choir gave us a great performance to complete the festive holiday atmosphere.
The Lincoln High School Foundation‘s Wine Tasting Fundraiser was November 2nd, 2022 at Joseph George Wines in San Jose. Thank you to Bert George for hosting us and allowing us to raise thousands of dollars for Lincoln High School student programs. We had a great time sampling excellent wines with alumni, Lincoln staff, SJUSD officials, and many other friends and supporters of Lincoln High!
The Brats & Beer Fundraiser at the home of Ken & Bunny Martz September 29th, 2022 was a huge success and everyone had a great time.
The Lincoln High School Foundation End of the Year Celebration was June 17, 2022 at the home of Marla and Gary Lenz. Many thanks to Marla for hosting the event. President Rachel Bata announced the winners of the 2022 Educator/Classified Staff of the Year award in addition to thanking the members and supporters of the Foundation. It was a great event to celebrate another successful year!
Bonnie Thompson Memorial Scholarship Ceremony at the Lincoln Center May 25th, 2022. Many thanks to Janet Akin for organizing the event. Thank you to Mary Prevost for your donation to the Lincoln High School Foundation. Thanks also to Janet Owens, Principal Joe Heffernan, Aaron Lilly, and Helen Chapman.
Taco Tuesday Fundraiser May 10, 2022. Thank you to our hosts Nicole & Aaron Lilly, event organizer Oreen Gernreich, David Gomez, President Rachel Bata, and everyone who came out to support the students of Lincoln High!
The Foundation recently funded a Classroom Grant for Deana Thai’s Visual Arts Department class. Here is the requested grant description:
“I’m requesting a refresh of textbooks for my classroom use where 150 students will benefit annually. The last edition of textbooks have been in used for the last 15 years. I would love to be able to get an updated version to use. The funds would be used to purchase a class set of “Focus on Photography” and a class set of “Communicating Through Graphic Design”. Both sets will include a complimentary teacher’s edition and instructional support bundles.”
The total amount provided by the Foundation: $5049.
Your donations support all Lincoln High School students!
Mr. Gomez working with Lincoln students using the new Yamaha Harmony Director 300 that was purchased from a Lincoln High School Foundation grant. Here is a Mr. Gomez’ description of the Harmony Director 300: “This device that looks like a small Casio keyboard is used to help the students play in tune, with good intonation, and better time. The device is capable of creating pure tones for the students to match by ear. It can also be used to demonstrate various chords and chord qualities. This device allows me to adjust the tuning to various Hz (Hertz) and tuning systems such as just intonation and equal temperament.” Donations to the Foundation help all Lincoln Students!
Bonnie Jean Thompson May 25th, 1932-Jan. 6th, 2022
On January 6th, 2022 our family, friends and community lost our lovely Pink Lady, Bonnie Jean Thompson. Bonnie was born on May 25th, 1932 in Escalon, CA. She was the youngest daughter of George and Edna Thompson of Escalon, CA. She had two sisters, Helen Polhemus and Betty Applequist. As a young girl Bonnie had what she described as an idyllic life in Escalon. She always felt loved and cherished by her parents, her two sisters and family. She will be deeply missed by all those who loved her including the many students and teachers she mentored throughout her life.
More than anything Bonnie loved making those around her happy. She had an infectious smile that lit up any room she entered. She loved spending time with family. When her parents were alive, she enjoyed taking them on trips. Bonnie loved riding her pink motorcycle. She also loved to travel and had many wonderful stories to share. Bonnie was very private about her faith, but had a deep abiding faith in God. She would often keep a list of people to pray for near her bed.
It is hard to pay tribute to a woman who gave so much of herself to so many. She was humble and most likely would not like much fuss being made about her, but here is a brief story of her professional life.
Bonnie attended grade school and high school in Escalon, CA. She received both her BA and MA from the College of the Pacific (Stockton CA) in Education and Psychology. She went on to receive her certification as a psychologist. She also studied at Stanford University and did continuing education at San Jose State University.
Bonnie’s first teaching job was at the Burwood Elementary School, Escalon CA. She then became a teacher and school counselor for Oakdale Elementary School. In 1959 Bonnie was asked to be the Dean of Girls at Hughson Highschool (Hughson CA); a job she loved.
In 1962 Bonnie left Escalon to take a position in San Jose, CA, at Lincoln High school. She was the Dean of Girls, and then Vice Principal until 1975. She was a proud Lincoln Lion until her last days. Many lives were changed during her tenure at Lincoln. She always had a jar of jelly beans on her desk!
Bonnie’s other school positions in San Jose included Principal at both John Muir Jr. High and Leland High school. She was also Principal at the South Peninsula Hebrew Day School in Sunnyvale, CA.
Bonnie’s contributions to San Jose State University are too numerous to write here but a few are: preparing and mentoring student teachers and administrators; authoring a student handbook for secondary education students; and as a lecturer in the school of Education. Many young teachers’ lives where molded and changed by this incredible woman.
Bonnie’s last professional position was at the San Jose Unified District Office. She was employed by the teacher’s union as a liaison. She was a source of tremendous knowledge of district history and her contributions there were invaluable.
Bonnie is predeceased by: her parents; her sister Helen and her husband Harold Polhemus; her niece Patti Santini; and brother-in-law Marvin Applequist.
Bonnie is survived by: her loving sister, Betty Applequist; nephew, Marvin Applequist II (Peggy); niece Jo Ann Crouch (Bruce); nephew Peter Applequist (Pam); niece Estella Lougman (George); nephew Ron Polhemus (Clyta); nephew Bill Polhemus; niece Patti’s husband, Bill Santini; and numerous great and great-great nieces and nephews. Each person was her “most favorite”.
Bonnie is also survived by daughter of her heart Mary (Crabb) Prevost (Ron), and their daughter, Bonnie E. Hart, Bonnie’s namesake.
A memorial scholarship fund has been established in Bonnie’s memory at the Lincoln Highschool foundation. The scholarship will go to students pursuing teaching degrees. Please mail checks payable to: Lincoln High School Foundation, 555 Dana Ave, San Jose, CA 95126 and write-in “In Memory of Bonnie J. Thompson” or donate using the Donate button at: http://www.lincolnhighfoundation.org and write-in “Notes” In Memory of Bonnie J. Thompson.
A Celebration of Life for Bonnie will be held at a future date. May 25, 2022 would have been Bonnie’s 90th Birthday. Wear Pink in her honor.
Wine Tasting Fundraiser 2021
November 11, 2021
Joseph George Wines, San Jose
This annual fun event was another success for the students of Lincoln High! Many thanks to Bert George for hosting us and allowing us to get together for a great evening.
Lincoln High School Foundation End of the Year Celebration 2021
June 9, 2021
Hosted by Gerry and Susan DeYoung
Congratulations to Margaret Iseid and Katherine Batti, Outstanding Educators of the Year!
Congratulations to new Foundation President Rachel Bata and Vice President Helen Chapman!
Thank you to Principal Matt Hewitson for your outstanding leadership and dedication to the students of Lincoln!
The Taiwan Dinner fundraiser October 11th, 2020 was a huge success. We sold 165 dinners and raised a record amount for this event. It was the biggest fundraiser for 2020. We want to thank Oreen Gernreich, Janet Akin, Matt Hewitson, Rachel Bata, Helen Chapman, Dan Chapman, Aaron Lilly, Paul Kanter, and Wayne Zang, owner of the Taiwan Restaurant. We hope to see you at the virtual Wine Tasting in November!
June 3rd, 2020 is the official Lincoln High School Graduation Day and hundreds of our grads were able to visit our campus and pick up their personalized graduation pennants. This wonderful opportunity was thanks to the amazing efforts of Teacher of the Year Liz Neely and with the financial support of the Lincoln High School Foundation.
October 20, 2019
Hosted by Santa Clara County Supervisor Cindy Chavez, Santa Clara County Supervisor Susan Ellenberg, and San Jose City Councilmember Dev Davis at Cindy Chavez’ home in San Jose. This was a huge success and we raised a record amount of money for the students of Lincoln High! Thank you to Sal Pizarro from the Mercury News for being our “Mix Master”. We had a lot of fun for a great cause!
Day in the Redwoods 2019
August 24, 2019
Bowden Residence, Aptos
Lincoln High School Foundation End of the Year Celebration
June 12, 2019
Craig & Debbie Travis were hosts to a great event to cap another successful year for the Foundation. Thanks to President Craig Travis and Foundation secretary Cecily Zazueta for your dedicated service to the students of Lincoln High! We look forward to a great summer! Come out and the support Lincoln High by attending a fund raising event! See you then!
“Mexican Fiesta” Fundraiser hosted by Craig & Debbie Travis
May 18, 2019
English teacher Liz Neely’s students designed, organized and currently maintain the “Garden of Growth” project located near the Lincoln High School athletic fields. The Garden of Growth project was the winning project for the “Thinkin Lincoln” contest in 2018. Thinkin Lincoln is sponsored by the Lincoln High School Foundation to encourage students to recommend projects anywhere on the Lincoln campus that will improve life for all students. LHS Foundation board member Richard Nguyen has been organizing the contest since it began several years ago.
Spring Dinner
March 24, 2019
Taiwan Restaurant
Brunch & Silent Auction
February 10, 2019
The Villages Clubhouse
Lincoln High School Foundation
Holiday Party
December 5, 2018
Big Bone Bash 2018
November 23, 2018
Day In The Redwoods 2018
October 13, 2018
Bowden Residence, Aptos
Winetasting 2018
October 5, 2018
Many Thanks to Janet Akin & Malcolm Thompson for allowing us to switch venues at the last minute. Thank you to Bert George for donating the wine and your $1500 donation to the Foundation! We will be back at Joseph George Wines next year! Please purchase wine at Joseph George!
Lincoln High School Foundation 