Diamond Bar High enters Vans Custom Culture contest

DBHS Vans

Five Diamond Bar High students are currently ranked top 10 in the Vans Custom Culture contest. They are looking for your votes to push them to the top.

 The national high school competition invites students to show off their creativity. Vans sent four pairs of blank white shoes to the first 3,000 schools that registered for the contest.

 “All my graphic design students participated in the design process,” explained teacher Jon Haprov.“The class then voted on their favorites to be made into shoes.”

The designs of Sophia Arnold – junior, William Chen – junior, Star Vasquez – senior, Mary Zhuo – freshman, and Connie Mach – junior, made the cut.

 “I love teamwork and being creative with a group,” Vasquez said about the design project.

 Students customized the popular kicks around the themes Art, Music, Action Sports, and Local Flavor. “Some students have different strengths and they pooled those talents together in the final stages of the process,” Haprov added.

Check out the DBHS designs and cast your vote at http://sites.vans.com/customculture/vote/. Voting ends on May 11.

“If everyone in Diamond Bar and Walnut cast one vote with their phone and one with their computer, that would be a lot of votes!” added Haprov.

The top five finalists will be flown to the finals, where a grand prize winner will be announced. The lucky winner will receive $50,000 for their high school art program and a chance for their designs to be sold in Vans’ retail stores. Runners up receive $4,000 towards their schools.

Maple Hill receives $1,000 for library books

Diamond Bar Friends of the Library President Chris Ko presented $1,000 to the Maple Hill library.

Diamond Bar Friends of the Library President Chris Ko presented $1,000 to the Maple Hill library.

By Walnut Valley Unified

Maple Hill Elementary’s Library Media Center will be getting lots of new books thanks to a generous donation from the Diamond Bar Friends of the Library. Board members from the non-profit presented a check for $1,000 to fund titles from the school’s “wish list” on April 17.

“We have established a new book fund that we are implementing for public schools in Diamond Bar,” announced President Chris Ko. Maple Hill received the first gift from the organization.

The wonderful new library that opened in late February was created from two connecting portables with fiction and non-fiction spaces.

“Just being able to continually add books to the collections is phenomenal and we appreciate this donation so much,” said Principal Nancy Stingley. ”It gives our students the incentive to read and nourishes their mind.”

A grassroots campaign funded new carpet, paint, furniture, ceiling tiles, and shelving for the library.

“It was all a school effort with lots of support from our parents and community,’ said Principal Nancy Stingley. The renovation wasn’t part of the school modernization plan.

Maple Hill 82-year-old grandfather and artist Cor Grieve painted vivid murals making the library a one-of-a kind reading sanctuary.  He’s added 10 paintings around the campus in the past two years.

Lions, zebras, and giraffes roam in the African Savanna depicted in the non-fiction room.

Across the library, fictional characters Clifford, Arthur, Winnie the Pooh, Little Red Ridding Hood, and Harry Potter decorate the walls.

“We wanted to make sure that when we did the library that it would be a fun place for students to come – and such a lively place they wouldn’t want to leave,” Stingley said. “That was our goal and I think we achieved that!”

“They don’t want to leave!” confirmed Tuyet Van Nguyen, the school librarian.

“It’s really a great place,” Diamond Bar Mayor Pro Tem and Friends’ Board Member Nancy Lyons commented during the tour.

Walnut Valley needs help on Citizens’ Bond Oversight Committee

The Walnut Valley Unified School District is looking for citizens to serve on the Citizens’ Bond Oversight Committee.

In November 2007, voters approved General Obligation Bond Measure S, the $64.6 million Academic Facilities Measure, and Measure Y, the $15.2 million Physical Education Facilities Measure.

In 2008, Series A was released and Walnut Valley schools began receiving needed repairs and upgrades.  Outdated classrooms are being modernized with new roofing, heating, ventilation and electrical wiring and advanced technology will continue to be sustained on every campus.  School playgrounds, athletic fields and performing arts facilities are being improved, and in some cases built new as with Chaparral’s Gymnasium and Walnut High School’s Band Building, as well as an Aquatic Center and Classroom Building, which took place at Diamond Bar High School.

An active oversight committee is part of the accountability and auditing process to ensure that a check and balance system is effective.  The Committee consists of seven members appointed by the Board of Trustees from a list of candidates submitting written applications, and based on criteria established by Prop 39.

In 2011, the District released Series B of Bond Measures S & Y which funded Cyrus J. Morris Elementary School’s modernization and Chaparral Middle School’s new Science Buildings.  These projects are ongoing.

In 2014, Vejar Elementary School’s lunch shade structure was complete as well as Maple Hill Elementary School’s ball wall.

The District is now seeking applications to fill the expiring terms of seven committee members.  The new members will serve a two-year term.

Applicants must meet at least one of the following criteria:

  • A representative of the business community located in the District
  • A representative of a senior citizens’ organization
  • A representative of a bona fide Taxpayers’ Organization
  • A Parent/Guardian of a Child Enrolled in the District
  • A Parent/Guardian of a Child Enrolled in the District AND active in a parent-teacher organization (Ex: Community Club or School Site Council)
  • Two representatives with other expertise, (i.e., architecture, engineering, construction, law, educational administration, financial management, real estate/development, construction management, public administration)

 

A copy of the bylaws and an application form may be downloaded from the District’s website at www.wvusd.k12.ca.us.  They are also available by email or fax.  Anyone interested in obtaining an application may call Danielle Amaya-Martinez at (909) 595-1261 ext. 31329All completed applications must be received in the Superintendent’s Office by Thursday, May 11, 2015, before 4:00 p.m.

Laker legend, UCLA dean celebrate tea at Newton Middle School in Hacienda Heights

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By Newton Middle School

On April 10, Newton Middle School, in Hacienda Heights, hosted their annual “Tea of celebration” that honored their GATE (Gifted and Talented) students for all of their hard work and dedication as they strive to give their best, academically, each day.

The school has 183 sixth through eighth grade students in the GATE program. This year’s tea included AC Green, former Los Angeles Lakers legend and Luz Herrera, Assistant Dean at UCLA’s School of Law.

As Green entered the school’s cafeteria, he was greeted by the students, staff,and parents who were all very eager to hear his message for the day. The students and staff sprung to life with excitement, cheering, and genuinely star-struck as he made his way to the front of the room.

Green spoke about building character, strong bodies, strong minds, winning and losing with dignity, teamwork and sacrifice. He concluded his motivational speech by giving a high five to a student, answering questions, and making sure he reiterated that the “decisions you make today, directly impact your tomorrow.”

Herrera, the event’s second keynote speaker, also shared with the students two powerful messages of how important it is to excel in both academics as well to develop social relationships with others. She also stressed the importance of selecting a peer group that will be a supportive and positive influence in one’s life.

Overall, it was a very fun, engaging, and educational event enjoyed by all, followed by an array of light refreshments, served by the staff.

Palomares Academy of Health Sciences awarded ‘Distinguished’ status

DISTINGUISHED

Pomona Unified’s fledgling Palomares Academy of Health Sciences has joined the elite ranks of schools awarded the prestigious “Distinguished” designation by the National Academy Foundation, a recognition of the strength of the school’s program for preparing students for success in college and careers.

Just seven of National Academy Foundation’s network of 667 schools were added this year to its roster of “Distinguished” campuses for a total of 28 – less than 5 percent. It is the foundation’s highest level of achievement, based on an annual assessment that showed “exceptional fidelity” to its educational model.

Palomares, which opened a scant seven years ago as a grade 7-12 academy, is graduating its second class of seniors this June. Last year, 100 percent of its first senior class was accepted to four-year universities.

“This is a tremendous honor that recognizes not only the forward-thinking approach Pomona Unified takes to provide students with educational opportunity, but one that stands as a proud testament to the dedication, talent and determination of our educators,” said Board of Education President Andrew Wong.

The foundation’s system focuses on preparing underserved populations for college and careers in specific industries – finance, hospitality and tourism, information technology and health sciences. Under the model, students take rigorous, career-focused courses tied to real-world opportunities with business professionals.

Palomares provides an education focus on health sciences for a community that is primarily English learners, socio-economically disadvantaged students and students with disabilities. The school features project-based learning and a rigorous STEM curriculum. Students attend workshops at Western University of Health Sciences, work at Pomona Valley Hospital and showcase their skills at health fairs.

“Our experiences have borne out the promise that if you provide students with curriculum that is rigorous and focused on their field of interest, and give them the opportunity to succeed, they will shine,” said Palomares Principal Dr. Camille Ramos-Beal. “I am so proud of our team and our students for achieving this milestone.”

Palomares Academy will be recognized at “NAF Next,” NAF’s annual professional development conference in Anaheim in July.

“The success of our program at Palomares validates our approach to transforming Pomona Unified into a model for 21st century learning – a place where students can find their path to the future regardless of any challenges or barriers,” said Pomona Unified Superintendent Richard Martinez.

 

Diamond Bar High goes “Into the Woods” for musical production

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By Walnut Valley Unified

The Diamond Bar High School Theater Arts Department will be performing “Into the Woods” on April 23, 24, 25, 30 and May 1 and 2. All shows begin at 7 p.m.

“Into the Woods,” a musical with book by James Lapine and music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, takes a grown up twist on several Brothers Grimm fairy tales, including Red Riding Hood, Cinderella, and Rapunzel, intertwining the plots of several stories with the original story about a baker and his wife, their wish to begin a family and their interaction with the witch who has put a curse on them.  The plot depicts consequences of the characters’ wishes and actions.

“My favorite part of the production is definitely the musical score. The music is so fun and catchy, and I’m having a lot of fun working with the cast to perfect it,” said DBHS student Will Nazareno, who not only plays the role of Rapunzel’s Prince but is also Assistant Music Director.

As is the practice in the DBHS theater program, students involved with the musical, take a production class and work as a company on every element of production including production management, acting, stage-craft, set design, makeup design, publicity, fundraising, house management, box office, concessions and music.  The musical features live music played by DBHS’ Grammy Award winning orchestra conducted by Steve Acciani.

The visually stunning set was designed through collaboration between staff and DBHS Theatre Performing Arts Academy students.  The idea of using books to represent each story came from a set design project by senior Marissa Kummerman and the basic lay out and idea to use trees for all the structural set elements came from a design by senior Emily Beard who also designed and built Milky White, the prominently feature cow in the show.

“The aim of the program is to give students real world experiences and skills that will give them a really strong base for college and career,” said Beatrice Casagran, DBHS Theatre Arts teacher.

“I’m very excited to be a part of this production. We’ve been putting in a lot of work to make it great, and I can’t wait to put it on for an audience,” said Amelia Anijielo, who is playing the Witch.

Though only a freshman, Anijielo has been wowing those who experience her strong, warm mezzo voice and magnetic stage presence.  She recently won an award for her acting at the Fullerton High School Theater Festival as part of the DBHS team.

Tickets may be purchased online at www.seatyourself.biz/dbhsdrama or at the door. Ticket prices vary depending on seating section, starting at $12 for students and $15 for adults.  The Diamond Bar High School Theater is on 21400 E. Pathfinder Road in Diamond Bar, CA.

Mt. SAC Students Named to State Academic Team

By Mount San Antonio College

Mt. San Antonio College students Candice Handjojo and Andrew Pastor are two of the 92 community college students throughout the state recently selected for the 2015 All-California Academic teams, chosen by Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), the international community college honor society. 

These students represent some of the best of the 2.8 million students enrolled in California’s community college system. 

Handjojo and Pastor, both students in Mt. SAC’s Honors Program, received medallions during the Community College League of California’s awards ceremony held on April 7 at the Sheraton Grand in Sacramento. Selection for the academic teams is based on grades, leadership, and community service. 

Handjojo, 20, is a sociology major and carries a 3.94 GPA. She was selected for the All-California Academic Third Team. A West Covina resident, she volunteers as tutor for Schools on Wheels tutoring that provides tutoring services for homeless children and also tutors second-grade children in English, science, and math through Top Kids in Walnut. In addition, she volunteers as a score keeper for National Junior Basketball for area youth.

She sang as a member of Mt. SAC’s concert choir and sings with her church choir in West Covina. She plans to transfer to UC Berkeley or UC Irvine as a sociology major, and eventually become an educational counselor. 

Pastor, 20, is a public health major and carries a 4.0 GPA. He was selected for the All-California Academic Third Team. A San Dimas resident, he served as president of the Honors Ambassadors for PTK on campus.

He is a member of the Caduceus Club and the Native American Intertribal Student Association (NAISA) at Mt. SAC, and is a tutor at the college’s Learning Assistance Center. Off campus, he is a percussion instructor at San Dimas High School and is serving an internship with UC Irvine’s Medical Center.

He plans to transfer to UC San Diego, UC Berkeley, or UC Irvine as a public health/microbiology major. He eventually plans to become a physician and work as a global health coordinator. 

There are 30 first-team, 31 second-team, and 31 third-team winners. 

Mt SAC ‘Puttin’ on the Hits’ for scholarships

For the 17th year, Mt. San Antonio College will have the only stage in the world where you can see stars such as Dean Martin, Judy Garland, Queen, David Bowie, and Pharrell Williams together in one show as the Mt. SAC Faculty Association sponsors its annual scholarship fundraiser, “Puttin’ on the Hits.” Show times are Friday, April 24, at 7:30 p.m., and Saturday, April 25, at 3 and 7:30 p.m., in the Clarke Theater. 

 Mt. SAC professors, managers, staff, and students in authentic costumes will impersonate famous celebrities and lip sync their hit tunes. The program showcases several styles of music, including country, swing, R & B, hip-hop, and rock ‘n’ roll. 

Last year, the Faculty Association provided over $15,000 for student scholarships. Over its history, “Puttin’ on the Hits” has raised more than $125,000 for scholarships. 

Tickets are $25 and up for general admission and $15 for students with student ID. 

For tickets and more information, call the Performing Art Box Office at (909) 274-2050. Tickets may also be purchased online atwww.tickets.mtsac.edu. 

Sen. Bob Huff of Diamond Bar authors education reforms

 Senate Minority Leader Bob Huff (R-Diamond Bar) is authoring a number of education reforms designed to give California students the best possible education that the state can deliver. His education reform agenda includes measures that address problems highlighted by the recent Vergara v. California ruling and other measures designed to put students first.

“Our children deserve the highest quality education we can give them,” said Senator Huff. “These modest reforms help deliver on this promise. These are educational reforms that provide better choices for parents and a top notch public education for students — no matter where they live.”

Senator Huff’s education reform bills include the following measures:


  *   SB 279 – Teacher Evaluation Study<http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=201520160SB279&search_keywords=>: This bill would require the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) to develop recommendations for the Legislature on how to evaluate certificated employees by using multiple measures that also include student achievement.  This report will be due to the Legislature by January 1, 2018.


  *   SB 381 – LIFO Exception<http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=201520160SB381&search_keywords=>: Senator Huff’s legislation seeks an amendment to the Education Code to allow for an exception to the Last In First Out (LIFO) hiring rule. This includes, but is not limited to, those who teach career pathway/Career Technical education courses or any course necessary for the Local Education Area to implement its Local Control Accountability Plan.


  *   SB 597 – District of Choice<http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml>: Extends the 22-year running School District of Choice program, which fosters public school choice by allowing parents to transfer their children to participating school districts without a transfer agreement.


  *   SB 416 – Ensuring Local Control in Schools<http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=201520160SB416&search_keywords=>: This bill removes sections of law in the Education code that were made obsolete from the enactment of local control funding reforms. In order to ensure California closes the chapter on “strings attached” education funding, it is critical these antiquated laws are omitted.

“The California Constitution establishes a fundamental right of every child to a basic education and equitable opportunity to learn,” said Senator Huff. “Yet special interests continue to push for laws that are not in the best interests of children. California student performance on achievement tests consistently ranks near the bottom in elementary and middle-school reading and mathematics, and our high school graduation rates are mediocre at best. My reforms will improve our public schools and, more importantly, student achievement.”

L.A. County Supervisor Hilda Solis joins Principal for the Day program

Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda Solis

Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda Solis

By Richard Irwin, Staff Writer

Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda Solis joined business and community leaders Wednesday in the Principal for the Day program in the Bassett, Rowland and Hacienda La Puente school districts.

“My home is actually about 10 minutes from here, where my mother still lives,” Solis said. “I’m a proud (La Puente High) Warrior,”

Growing up, Solis never expected to have the opportunities she has had.

“All I can tell you is that at a tender age I was once told not to dream, not to dream too big, to go along, get along,” Solis said. “Maybe just be a secretary … but I never thought I would receive a call from the White House to become the Secretary of Labor.”

PHOTOS: Hilda Solis joins Principal for the Day program

She credited local schools with giving her a good start.

“There were people in the school system that helped to direct me, to motivate me but also to give me the inspiration to go on,” Solis said.

After graduating from Cal Poly Pomona, Solis earned a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from USC. Solis worked for President Jimmy Carter in the White House Office of Hispanic Affairs. Later, she became a management analyst in the Civil Rights Division.

“I know there are students we are honoring here,” Solis said. “Follow your dreams, don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t be or do what you want to do, because I know you can.”

Ten high school and two adult education students received scholarships for their outstanding achievements.

Solis called adult education and Regional Occupational Programs very important to the economy.

“It’s about the economic development, about education and continuing to open up a career path for all of us,” Solis said.

Read more in Rich Irwin’s story PRINCIPAL