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Jean Dubinsky (Gasca)

Dave,

What an amazing career you had!  I love, love, love the roulette wheel and balancing the rulers on your nose!  I brought in an articles from the newspaper every few weeks (back when we had daily newspapers!) that mentioned percents, probability, statistics, or other math, and created a worksheet on the article for my kids to do as homework.  We got to discuss launches of the space shuttle, explosions in factories, endangered species of animals in the wild, election results, etc.

It sounds like you were very dedicated to improving your students' lives.  Bravo!!!  Kids need good teachers!

Jean Dubinsky (Gasca)

Sherry,

You are so right that we teachers never know how we have affected most of our students.  Sometimes we are lucky enough to meet up with a student long after they leave our class, and we hear that we had a positive inflluence on that student's life.  But most of the time, we do our job with the faith that when we do our best, we have given our students something important.    I know Tracy Dunning and Judy Cox were other teachers in our class.  Dan Gallup taught math at PCC.  You mentioned Ernie.  And Bill Cameron taught medical school students.  I wonder how many other PHS alums in our year were also teachers?

Mike Berg (Berg Mike)

Reading the posts of '68 PHS alumni who had teaching careers brings a smile to my face. I know that I was inspired by great educators at Willard, Wilson, and PHS, so my thirty-eight year career as a teacher and coach was pretty much inevitable. Best wishes to the Class of '68, and especially those who changed lives in the classroom.

Barry Chisholm

Hi Everyone,

So glad one of our classmates put that wonderful and timely book together!    I’m retired now, but teaching high school, mostly in the science dept, was my second career…a good gig for sure.  I’ve ordered Jean’s amazing book and will give it to my teacher contact at the local middle school down the road in Conway NH. 

Perhaps to Jean’s point, I think it might be hard to find a profession that doesn’t use math in some way.

Several decades ago, over a period of about 22 years, I was an aircraft navigator…my specialty was celestial navigation.  Math was/is a major part of that…spherical trigonometry is the math foundation of celestial navigation, and thank goodness most of those trigonometric calculations that help locate usable stars were figured out a while back!   Fortunately my part of that puzzle mostly involved the more mundane math functions and extracting data from “Sight Reduction Tables” that were the product of earlier calculations.  The payoff was finding the stars I needed in the aircraft’s periscope and taking timed observations of them.  Lots of fun except when the moon got in the way!

Back to current day math things…for about 20 yrs now, I’ve been an advisor for our high school’s Key Club.  A great group of motivated kids, excited and enthusiastic about doing service and fundraising projects.  Many of them are quite brilliant (I can brag about them since they aren’t mine).  But I’ve found something missing…might be called “number sense”?   Maybe a math teacher on this thread can help define that.  So many of the students today are tied to the calculators on their phone or laptop, and as a result they don’t have the experience of, for example, pencil and paper long division…painful though that might have been…and other math functions that we had to do in our heads.  Looking back, I’m glad now that we didn’t have calculators…our do-it-yourself calculations helped us to better visualize math concepts and number relationships. 

Thanks for reading, and warmest congratulations to Jean for publishing her book.

Michael Blumenfeld

So great to hear how you all did with your teaching careers. I loved math!

How about a simple problem like pictures with your children. Like an addition question. Next let's add grandchildren and for some of you lucky ones great grandchildren!

Stay healthy, stay well, and Clayton, we want to hear about great, great grandchildren!

Michael Blumenfeld

Michael Baker

It is great reading all your notes and catching up on your lives, families, and careers.  A lot of you went on to be teachers, a profession we all respect.  My 3rd career now is as a teacher - but for OLLI - Osher LifeLong Learning at UC Berkeley, Cal State, Auburn and others.  So teaching but for the older rather than the kids.
Best regards

Jean Dubinsky (Gasca)

Michael,  Thanks to you, I've discovered that there is an OLLI program within a half hour of me, at Cal State Long Beach.  I never knew anything about it.  I'm really excited to look find out about the courses -- signups start June 16.  Thank you!!! Jean

Barbara Bell (Dwyer)

I thought I'd add this to the teacher comments. I only spent three years as an elementary school teacher, but what a special experience those three years were. This past Saturday students from my very first class of sixth graders honored five former teachers, including me, at a luncheon get together in Culver City. You don't have anyi idea as a teacher how much you've impacted a child's life until they drive 2 1/2 hours to tell you what a difference you made for them. It was a wonderful day!

Jean Dubinsky (Gasca)

Barbara,

How special! Wow, most of us teachers don't get that kind of an extraordinary experience!  So nice to hear.  

Jean

Dave Ungerer (Ungerer)

 When someone posted how their former students were doing, it made me feel sad.  The last 25 years of teaching I usually taught 2 or 3 periods of math and 2 or 3 periods of Avid.  At my high school I had most of these students for 2 or 3 years and a few for all 4 years. As an Avid teacher I had all of my students phone #, e-mails and are on facebook with many of them. My Avid students also had my phone # and e-mail.  These kids were first generation, low income, or minority students and would need help with their college applications and filling out their FAFSA.  Almost all felt more comfortable with me than their counselor. Over my teaching career I have written more than 1000 letters of recommendations; most of them were for scholarships and some for grad school.  Each year our school holds a college symposium, very similar to a college fair.  The main difference is that the people representing each college are actually our former students who will talk about their school and college experience as well as suggestions. Many staff members are also in attendance because they are interested how their old students are doing now.  Our AVid students also have a great opportunity to see universities in Northern California on our junior Avid trip.  With a charter bus we see colleges in the Bay area, as well as those near Sacramento and the central valley.  Our tour guides are usually our former students who take great pleasure and pride showing off their campus. Before my seniors graduate, I tell all of them: " Just because I am not your teacher anymore, that doesn't mean I won't help you."  I have attended many of their graduations and in a few cases their weddings. Thank you my fellow teachers and I'm sorry this was so long.

Ruth Klein (Gillmore)

It is wonderful to hear how many of us went forward to pursue a teaching career. I dedicated 40 years of my life teaching Life Skills to high school students. One of my goals was to assist students in becoming self sufficient individuals without having to depend on others for their own success. Class activities were designed to encourage students to become confident, knowledgeable and responsible individuals while developing a positive self-esteem. I maintain contact with many of my former students. How rewarding it has been to see how successful they have become. Two years ago, I was so delighted to be inducted into the high school Hall of Fame. I am honored to know that my dedication and innovative teaching programs have had a significant impact on students.

Ernest Posey (Posey)

Reading all the accounts from the teachers in the Class of '68 puts me in awe of what they have accomplished and the lives they have changed. One of my great regrets in life is that I never thanked the teachers who shaped my own life. In particular, Mr. Rubelcava prevented me from self-destructing and put me back on track. I’m truly embarrassed I never got to thank him.

Now, I’m trying to do my part in retirement by tutoring reading and math, though I’ve discovered my upper limit in math is the 3rd grade! Even that forced me to buy a remedial book just to learn all the new terminology.

Jean, I wish I had read your book in the 8th grade so I would have made a greater effort. And Sherry, you made me blush 70 years later!

— Ernie

Paul Adler (Adler)

Everyone,

Jean Dubinsky (Gasca)

PAUL,

Congratulations on your sobriety!  That is no small thing, especially 4 years' worth! My husband was an active alcoholic for probably 10 years or more, and it made a huge difference to our family when he got sober.  Keep it up, Paul, and welcome back.

Jean

Paul Adler (Adler)

Jean, your words mean a lot to me. I would like to catch up with folks on here. Been too long. 
with love, PHA (Paul Adler)

Anne Hassell (Nelson)

Paul, I am so proud of you for taking the courage to post your message. My mom had trouble with alcoholism when I was attending PHS. Years later, she became a helper for others and spoke at many AA meetings. Congradulations on your success! I missed seeing your posts, and now I know you are OK. 

Jean, I like hearing about your book. It has prompted many conversations from grads who became educators. I too had the proviledge of teaching 35 years to all levels. I miss the interaction with students, especially watching the light bulb go on in their face when they finally "get it!".

Jean Dubinsky (Gasca)

Anne, thanks for letting us know about your challenge with your mom's drinking during high school.  I think a lot of us were going through things at home that we never talked about.  I too lived in a chaotic household.  And YESSSSS!  Seeing the lightbulb go on in a student was the BEST! 

Paul Adler (Adler)

Anne, I thank you for your words of encouragement. Means a lot. I have a question for you. Do you remember going to cotillion? I had a crush on you when I was about 7 or 8. I kind of liked cotillion because I got to dance with girls. I think you were in it but not sure. I was very shy around girls. With David Fairs encouragement I mustered up the courage to ask Virginia Alderman to the 9th grade "senior" prom. Back then John Marshall junior high school was 7, 8, and 9th grade. I was terrified but I clearly remember getting off the bus in front of Don Benito elementary school, and a few moments later Virginia got off the bus. I was waiting for her. As she was stepping off the bus I blurted out "Virginia will you go to the prom with me?" I was shaking like a leaf. We ended up going to the prom (my mother drove us) so I guess she said yes but I really don't remember. One thing I clearly recall is when mom drove us home after the prom Virginia exited the car and I said see you soon. Then mom turns around and says "Paul, you walk Virginia to the front door." God it was so embarrassing. Oh well. Paul

Margo Feinstein (Connolly)

Dear Bulldog Classmates,

Hope you are enjoying your summer days.

ACS CAN (American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network) volunteers have had a difficult year advocating to federal legislators to reinstate slashed cancer research funding. Many of us are tough survivors up to the challenge, and you can read about our recent victories—and our big losses--on my fundraising page by clicking the link below.

Thank you for your helpful donations to our Lights of Hope fundraising to support our cancer advocacy in past years!

I am not decorating or displaying the Lights of Hope bags this year, but I can send you bags if you donate and want to decorate your own.

If you do donate, please send me names of people you wish to honor, but divide them into  3 groups for me to list on the poster to go up at the Walnut Creek , CA  ACS Discovery Shop for 2 weeks beginning August 25^th:

In memory of--

In support of--(no last names for survivors, please)

In honor of--(doctors, nurses, caregivers, researchers)

Support for cancer breakthroughs should be a non-partisan issue. All of our families are at risk, so all of us benefit from medical progress. 

Let’s continue to fight for a cure for all types of cancer.

Most Americans are unaware of how much ACS CAN advocacy has affected healthcare legislation.

Please consider donating via the link which follows:

Thank you for your consideration—

Best--

Margo

Margo Connolly - Fundraising For American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network

Paul Adler (Adler)

Hi everyone!! I just want to wish everyone a very happy safe and sane 4th of July. One of the things I seem to do well at is being a comedian. So periodically I'll pass along an interesting anecdote or two. I also love trivia stuff. So killing two birds with one stone (apologies to any PETA folks), I can honestly say that I have once and forever finally found out who indeed did write the book of love. In fact I've actually got a signed first edition!! And for a small fee I'll pass the info along.

Live long and prosper 🖖, PHA

Janet Bettencourt (Owens)

I did not personally know Hugo Suarez, but noticed an obituary for him in the Sunday July 19th Los Angeles Times.  He was born in Bogota, Columbia and came to the US at age 15.  He graduated with us and attended University of Oregon and Stanford.  He had decrees in civil engineering and architecture.  He is survived by his daughter, son, and two brothers.  If anyone knew him and is interested, his service will be held Friday the 24th at 4PM, St Andrew Church in Pasadena.  My condolences to his friends and family.

Barry Chisholm

Janet, thank you for posting that remembrance of Hugo.  I don't remember him specifically but since he was, like others, a part of our PHS experience, his life and now his passing are meaningful to me.  Condolences to his family.

During these times of our lives and abundance of our years, I'm thinking about how Psalm 90 Verse 10 was composed thousands of years ago, and is still quite accurate today.  

C. Roberto Palma

Hugo Suarez and I were close friends at PHS. while in college we rode our motorcycles to yosemite. after harvard medical school and stanford university residency, while practicing plastic surgery in ft. lauderdale, fl, i had a meeting in san francisco and he came up from southern california and we rented harleys and rode from san francisco to lake tahoe. great trips. great memories. i lost touch with him in the last few years. i'm so sad about his passing. i was close to his family also while in high school. they had great parties at their house (hastings ranch?) with lots of cumbia dancing. i would love to contact his family and children but have not been able to find contact information. can anybody send it to me? thank you.     

Margo Feinstein (Connolly)

Dear Classmates,

 Many thanks to those of you who donated to ACS CAN (American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network) in 2026 and in past years!

From 8/25-9/8, I will put up a poster in the window of the ACS Discovery Shop in Walnut Creek, Ca, with lists of names of those honored or memorialized with donations via my fundraising page. I can include any names of honorees from donations made through 8/22.

We have had a rough year advocating to the federal government to reinstate slashed funding for cancer research.  Our passion across the aisle to end cancer must unite us!

 As part of our non-partisan CANCER VOTES advocacy, we ask all current candidates for Congress to sign THE CANCER PROMISE to

• Support robust investments in cancer research and prevention;
• Improve access to affordable, comprehensive health care;
• Ensure access to cancer prevention services and early detection services, including tobacco prevention and cessation programs.

We continue to advocate for all of you.  Please consider supporting our lifesaving work:

Margo Connolly - Fundraising For American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network

Best--

Margo

Jean Dubinsky (Gasca)

Thank you for all that you do, Margo!