September 2008 Archives
Looking for some new designer jeans? Want to help the local band and choir programs at the same time?
Shop for your favorite designer brand jeans on Saturday, Oct. 4, at South Pointe Middle School in Walnut. Proceeds will be used to fund scholarships for the band and choir programs.
The school will get between $7 and $9 for each pair sold, depending on total sales for the event. Shop between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Dressing rooms will be available. Cash or credit cards only.
South Pointe Middle School is at 20671 Larkstone Drive. For more information, call (909) 595-1261, Ext. 31204.
Make someone happy, enjoy a concert
The Walnut High School choirs will perform their first concert of the year at 7 p.m. this Friday and Saturday, Oct. 3 and 4. The Cabaret Night features the Chamber Singers, Treble Choir, Mustang Singers and Rhapsody in Blue singers.
Director Lisa Lopez says the show will include such songs as "Pennies from Heaven," "Cabaret," "My Favorite Things," "Make Someone Happy," and many more.
The $5 admission covers the entertainment and dessert. The show will be held in the Walnut High School Multipurpose Room, 400 N. Pierre Road, Walnut.
Tickets may be bought at the door. For information, call Lopez at (909) 594-1333.
This week's question: "Do you agree with the new state mandate requiring all eighth-graders to take Algebra?"
These are the answers of the members of the Tribune student panel. If you're a student, tell us what you think. Post your answer in the comments field.
Derek Klena, 16, South Hills High School
"I do agree with this new mandate. I feel that all high school math classes require algebraic skills and that getting a head start on algebra while still in middle school would be beneficial to all students and their performance in further math courses and the California High School Exit Exam. Even if the student's previous performance level is below the grade standards, I believe all students should at least get the chance to better themselves and prepare for the future by getting a head start on algebra."
Katie Montemayor, 17, Glendora High School
"I agree that eighth-graders should have to take algebra. Math, especially algebra and calculus, are not among the favorite classes, but this is because they are extremely difficult for most people. If given more time to learn the fundamentals or given the same basics sooner with more practice, the courses will seem less challenging. This will result in higher test scores over all because there will be a better foundation to build upon, making the concepts easier to comprehend and retain."
Amanda McCraven, 14, La Verne Lutheran High School
"I do not agree that all eighth-graders should have to take algebra. I do not agree because some people work slower than others. I think that eighth-graders should take whatever math class fits their skill, whether that be pre-algebra, algebra, geometry, etc. They should not be forced to go a certain math class because some kids might be held back in math and others will be forced to algebra and not understand it."
Nicholas Kuche, 16, Covina High School
"I agree with the new state mandate requiring all eighth-graders to take algebra because taking algebra is required to exit high school. Taking it in middle school will help the students get the knowledge before they enter high school so they can move ahead easier and more efficiently than someone who did not take algebra in middle school. Knowing algebra will also help the students in passing the California High School Exit Exam, which will lead to improved state test scores."
Kasey Haas, 16, Glendora High School
"I don't agree with that. It shouldn't be expected for all eighth-graders to be at the algebra level. If they are forced to take that class without being ready for it, they will not be able to comprehend it. It would be very discouraging."
Taylor Moncrief, 15, Diamond Bar High School
"I have a hard time when anyone 'mandates' that all of any group must do something. Not all kids will benefit from taking Algebra. I think students and schools should establish programs that are good for each individual kid by emphasizing their strengths and interests while filling in areas that are life skills."
The Norwood Library in El Monte will offer a free workshop on how to apply for college from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 30.
Workshop speaker Wenli Jen, Ed.M., educational consultant and college counselor will touch on various subjects of the application process. Relevant books will also be available for check out.
Light refreshments will be offered, courtesy of the Friends of Norwood Library.
The library is located at 4550 N. Peck Road, El Monte. For more information, call John D. Ho at (626) 443-3147.
- Event: At "Play for Peace," we will have music performances by local groups in addition to signed bands. The concert will also have refreshments, public speakers, interactive booths for kids, a silent auction, raffles, and merchandise for sell.
- Date: Saturday, Sept. 27, 2008
- Time: 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Where: Creekside Park in Walnut
- Cost: Free
- Who's organizing: You-manitarians, a non-profit organization funded and maintained by students of Walnut High School.
- For more information, call: (626) 780-6057
With the state budget finally getting an approval, schools and university's now know how much funding they will receive.
The CSU system is still getting the same funding from the state but it's not quite enough for its operational needs.
This just in from CSU:
"The new state budget provides the California State University system with essentially the same level of state support as last year. The final CSU budget consists of $2.97 billion from the state General Fund and $1.5 billion from student fee revenue. The budget is $215 million below CSU's operational needs for 2008-09, according to the inflation and enrollment growth calculations by the Governor's Department of Finance.
"We are appreciative of the Governor and Legislature for keeping intact our budget as presented in the May Revision, in spite of a worsened fiscal condition in the state," said CSU Chancellor Charles B. Reed. "Although we still face a serious funding gap, the CSU is committed to preserving academic quality and academic programs that are of high priority for the social and economic well being of California."
Continued Growth, Strained Funding
The budget provides no funding for enrollment growth intensifying a trend that began in 2005-06, in which student enrollment grows faster than state funding. In response, CSU campuses have increased class sizes when possible, and opened more course sections with temporary faculty appointments. To protect educational quality in the face of these funding challenges, CSU campuses will slow down enrollment growth by closing the freshmen application period for Fall 2009 earlier in the cycle."
Here is your panel:
Nicholas Kuche (Covina High School)
Hi, my name is Nicholas Kuche. I'm a junior at Covina High School. I am heavily involved in our school's drama program and for the past two years I have participated in two murder mysteries and one spotlight performance. My interests include drama/acting, magic tricks, and just hanging out with my friends. One of my short-term goals is to graduate from high school and move to Cal State Fullerton, where I hope to earn a degree in journalism/communication. After that I hope to someday become a TV journalist. Another one of my goals is to be in my school's production performance where we will be performing in front of a paying audience. I also am one of our school's mascots that perform at every football game. GO CARDINAL & WHITE.
Katie Montemayor (Glendora High School)
My name is Katie
Montemayor. I am 17 years old and a senior at Glendora High School
[Class of 2009!]. I was born in Illinois, moved to California when I
was 3 and a half, and have lived in Glendora ever since. I am the
youngest of five children. I live with my parents, my father is an
accountant for an aerospace company and my mother, whom I look up to,
is a registered nurse and works for the Glendora Unified School
District. Personally, I enjoy
reading, writing, running, photography, spending time with friends
and family, teaching Sunday school and tutoring. On the other hand my
passions are music and volunteer work. I play the cello, piano, sing
and hope to learn guitar. At the moment my favorite artists are Jon
Foreman and Chris Botti. I am also a Glendora Police Explorer
Sergeant; I have been an Explorer for almost four years and love every
minute of it.
My goal is to be a Glendora police officer with a double major in
forensic science as well as become a member of the FSET, or regional
SWAT, team. My personal goals include traveling to Europe and South
America, to start a music program for those who do not have access to
musical education in addition to raising awareness of domestic
violence and the help for those who are victims.
Kasey Haas (Glendora High School)
My
name is Kasey Haas. I am 16 years old. I am currently a junior at
Glendora High School. I love playing tennis. I am a singles player on
my school's tennis team. I also play at the Claremont club. I also am
on my school's swim team. I love art. It's one of my passions. I am in
the advanced placement art course. I am the most skilled at sketching
but I love all forms of art. Some of my favorite artists are Picasso,
Dali and a more contemporary one, Banksy. After high school I want to
enroll in an art school in Southern California. I also really enjoy
English because of the reading and writing. I mostly read new fiction
books or anything that's recommended to me. I'm looking forward to my
junior year.
Derek Klena (South Hills High School)
I'm Derek Klena and I am a senior at South Hills High School. I am currently the senior class president and have been a member of ASB for
three years. I am a four-year letterman in baseball and also president of
the Baseball Club.I am looking forward to another great season in the
spring. I have been involved in musical theatre ventures within my school
and beyond, and can also be seen singing the National Anthem at school rallies
and events throughout the community. I am a member of the National Honors
Society and have high hopes of attending UCLA or another UC school in
the fall of 2009. I am proud to be representing South Hills
Huskies and honored to be apart of this panel of students.
Amanda McCraven (La Verne Lutheran High)
Hi. My name's Amanda McCraven. I go to La Verne Lutheran High School and I am in the ninth grade. I am on the varsity cheer squad. I want to go to Azusa Pacific University (APU) and become a psychologist or a teacher. I love listening to music and hanging out with my friends. My all time favorite band is the Jonas Brothers.
Taylor Moncrief (Diamond Bar High School)
* My name is Taylor D. Moncrief. I was born in the city of La Habra and moved to Diamond Bar in 1996. I'm part Dutch, Indonesian and African American. I've traveled to Holland several times and I love heading to Mississippi for my Grandma's cooking. I'm a junior attending Diamond Bar High. I play both football (linebacker) and baseball (outfielder). I just bought my first car (with my own money I've saved since I was seven), now I guess I should get my permit. I love music and I've become a text-aholic. My dream is to attend Cal State Fullerton on a baseball scholarship. My more realistic goal would be major in the culinary arts (I love to cook!). After college I would like to eventually settle down start a family and open my own restaurant.
Montebello Unified School District officials are mum over an article that came out today.
The district is suing Director of Classified Personnel Jeff Josserand claiming that he breached his contract when he became acting director of the personnel commission for the San Bernardino City Unified School District.
Employed by Montebello since May 2006, Josserand worked for San Bernardino from July 2007 through April 2008, according to the court documents.
Not only would the school district not share any information with me but the most interesting things about this is, it took officials days to tell me that there is a lawsuit pending that was filed in July!!
When I e-mailed the District Spokeswoman Alisha Rosas on Sept. 11 and asked if there was a lawsuit, I never received a response back from her.
When I asked School Board Member Gerri Guzman if there was a lawsuit she said, "We are still investigating but we might be considering a lawsuit."
I can not imagine that a school board member and a district spokeswoman had no idea that the school district filed a lawsuit months ago.
Baldwin - Back-to-School Night, Cafeteria, 6:00 p.m.
California - Red Cross Blood Drive, East Cafeteria, 1:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.
Grandview Middle School - Back-to-School Night, Cafeteria, 6:00-7:45 p.m.
Grazide - Back-to-School Night, Cafeteria, 5:45-7:00 p.m.
La Puente High School - "Rachel's Challenge" Parent Night, 5:30-6:30 p.m.; Back-to-School Night, Classrooms, 6:30- 8:00 p.m.
Lassalette - Back-to-School Night, Classrooms, 6:00 p.m.
Los Robles Academy - Back-to-School Night, Cafeteria, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Mesa Robles - Back-to-School Night, Cafeteria & Classrooms, Grades K-5, 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Palm - Back-to-School BBQ, Patio & Cafeteria, 5:30 p.m.; Back-to-School Night, Classrooms, 6:30 p.m.
Sparks Elementary - Back-to-School Night, Cafeteria & Classrooms, 5:00-7:00 p.m.
Sunset - Back-to-School Night, Cafeteria, 5:30 p.m.
Wedgeworth - Back-to-School Night, Cafeteria, 6:30- 7:30 p.m.
Wing Lane - Back-to-School Night, Classrooms, 5:30 p.m.
Workman Elementary - Back-to-School Night, Cafeteria & Classrooms, 6:00 p.m.
Glenelder Elementary will offer Parent Laptop Training in the cafeteria at 8:15a.m. and 5:45 p.m.
La Puente High School takes up Rachel's Challenge in two assemblies at the football stadium at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m.
Temple Academy holds its Back-to-School Night from 5:30-7 p.m.
Workman High School hosts its Back-to-School Night from 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Back to school events continue tonight in the Rowland Unified School District. Here's today's list with the Web links.
- 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM: Farjardo Back-to-School Night
- 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM: La Seda Back-to-School Night
- 6:30 PM - 7:45 PM: Killian Back-to-School Night
Brigitte Benchimol, author of Jadyn and the Magic Bubble, will be the guest author for the Wonder of Reading assembly on Monday at Villacorta Elementary School in La Puente.
Benchimol will visit the school from 8:15 a.m. to 2:20 p.m. Copies of her books have been donated by the Wonder of Reading organization for all the classroom libraries.
What a beautiful day for a picnic!
Cedarlane Middle School in Hacienda Heights will enjoy a Family Barbecue on Saturday. Yummm! The fun picnic will be held on the blacktop from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Meanwhile, California Elementary in La Puente will hold its own Welcome Back-to-School Picnic at their West Campus from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.
Have fun!
"Rachel's Challenge" continues today with a parent meeting in the gym at Los Altos High School from 4 to 5 p.m. in Hacienda Heights.
The high school assemblies yesterday were very inspiring, according to the students. Most said they were up to the challenge of making Los Altos a kinder place. See the full story in an upcoming edition of the Hacienda Heights Highlander.
Los Molinos Elementary School will also have a kick off assembly for its Move-a-Thon from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. in the cafeteria.
Looking for a challenge?
The students at Los Altos High School in Hacienda Heights are. They've decided to accept "Rachel's Challenge" on Thursday morning. The moving assemblies will be held in the gym, from 9:07-10:05 a.m. and 10:12-11:09 a.m.
Students will accepts the challenge of Rachel Scott to start a chain reaction of kindness and compassion. Scott was the first person killed at Columbine High School on April 20, 1999. Her acts of kindness and compassion coupled with the contents of her six diaries have become the foundation for one of the most life-changing school programs in America.
Many schools will hold their back to school nights today:
Del Valle, Cafeteria and Classrooms, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Grandview Elementary, Cafeteria, 5:30-7:00 p.m.
Kwis, Cafeteria and Classrooms, Grades K-2, 5:30-8:00 p.m.
Los Molinos, Classrooms, 6:00- 7:30 p.m.
Nelson, Cafeteria, 5:45-7:00 p.m.
Valinda, Cafeteria, 6:30 p.m.
Wedgeworth will hold a Character Education Assembly in its multipurpose room at 10:30 a.m.
Regular Board of Education meeting will be held Thursday night, with a closed session at 7 p.m., followed by the public meeting at 7:30 p.m.
- 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM: Jellick "Back-to-School" Night
- 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM: Villacorta Back to School Night (Grades K-3)
Wednesday night band classes begin Wednesday and continue every Wednesday for the rest of the school year in the Rowland High School Band Room. Beginning musicians meet from 6-7 p.m. while advanced players meet from 7-8 p.m.
For more information, contact the District Elementary Division.
Other activities in the Rowland Unified School District includes some back-to-school nights as well as the bond oversight meeting. Click on the links below for more information.
- 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Hurley Fall Back-to-School Night (Grades K - 2)
- 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Wednesday Night Band Classes Begin
- 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM: Oswalt Back-to-School Night Grades K-3
- 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Citizens' Bond Oversight Committee Meeting
Yep, it's back to school night for many schools in the Rowland Unified School District.
Here's a short list:
- 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM: Ybarra Back To School Night
- 5:15 PM - 7:30 PM: Yorbita Back to School Night
- 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM: Northam Back-to-School Night
- 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM: Oswalt Back-to-School Night Grades 4-7
- 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM: Board of Education Meeting
The Hacienda La Puente Unified School District will offer one on one training for parents on Monday, so they can learn about the laptop computers being given out to each student.
The parent education training will be held at Baldwin Academy in La Puente at 8:30 a.m. and 5:45 p.m. Monday in Room P-20.
Lassalette Middle School in La Puente will hold its Back-to-School Night at 6 p.m. Monday.
The Pasadena Star-News and the San Gabriel Valley Tribune are seeking local high school students to participate in a weekly student panel. Students who attend schools in the Tribune coverage area should contact Pia Abelgas Orense, weeklies editor, at (626) 962-8811, Ext 2669, or e-mail at pia.orense@sgvn.com.
Students who attend schools in the Star-News coverage area should contact Caroline An, education reporter, at (626) 578-6300, Ext. 4494, or e-mail at caroline.an@sgvn.com
The state released the Academic Performance Index (API) scores and the federal Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) reports yesterday. See story at Rowland Heights Highlander.
Rowland Unified sent the following email about the scores in their district.
Rowland Unified continues to outperform the state with the number of students proficient or above in English Language Arts and Mathematics.
"I am proud of our quality instructional programs and work by our teachers and school support staff that are showing academic growth at our schools," said Rowland Unified Superintendent Dr. Maria Ott. "We are especially excited to see the growth in our 4th and 7th grade writing scores that increased by 38 and 40%."
Seven schools in Rowland had API scores above 800 and many made double digit growth gains, such as Shelyn Elementary gaining 23 points and Hurley Elementary with 22 points. The two schools that received the highest API scores were Blandford Elementary with a score of 910 and Oswalt Academy with a score of 888. For the District as a whole, the District API is 764.
"Our mission at Rowland Unified is much broader than test scores," said Dr. Ott. "It is important to use these data, but we will also focus on the whole child. We will continue to provide our students with broad opportunities where they can excel. Our high schools both offer our innovative Career Pathways Program and the prestigious International Baccalaureate (IB) Program. We are now embarking on the (IB) Primary Years Program at several of our elementary schools, and remain committed to offering enrichment programs in the arts and technology."
For more information regarding the state 2007-08 Accountability Progress Reports, you can visit http://www.cde.ca.gov/nr/.
The Rowland Unified School District is proud to serve 17,500 students at 23 elementary and secondary schools in the communities of Rowland Heights, Walnut, La Puente, City of Industry, and West Covina. For more information about Rowland Unified, call (626) 965-2541 or visit www.RowlandSchools.org.
Many Hacienda Heights schools will host back to school nights Thursday.
Bixby Elementary's will be held in the cafeteria at 6 p.m., while Kwis Elementary's will be from 5:30 to 8 p.m. in the cafeteria and classrooms.
Wilson High School hosts its Back-to-School Night in the gym at 6 p.m.
Rowland High School has its back to school night from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Looking for a good tuba?
Tonight's the annual band night when local music stores come to Rowland High School to allow students to purchase or rent musical instruments.
The event will be held from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the gym.
Students can also enjoy a performance by the Rowland High School Band.
Instrumental music classes will begin at Rowland Elementary Schools next Monday, please check your school for exact schedules.
Wednesday night band classes will also begin on Sept. 10 and continue every Wednesday at Rowland High School Band Room. Beginners meet from 6-7 p.m., while intermediate and advanced students rehearse from 7-8 p.m.
Nearby Mesa Robles Middle School in Hacienda Heights will hold its Back-to-School Night today.
The event will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the school's cafeteria and classrooms.
Fairgrove Academy Middle School in La Puente will hold its curriculum nights over the next three days.
The second grade will meet from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, followed by the third grade from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The fifth grade will meet at 6 p.m. Wednesday, followed by the fourth grade at 7 p.m.
The first grade will gather from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, followed by kindergarten from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
