October 2008 Archives
Word is that more than 600 teachers are marching to the Covina Valley Unified School Board meeting on Monday. The teachers are entering their second year without a contract and demand a settlement now.
The teachers are assembling at Covina Park, 303 N 4th Street, around 6 p.m. Community members will be joining them.
Los Altos High School hosted its annual Academic Scholar Awards on Oct. 29.
This recognition ceremony was coordinated by Laura DeLadurantey, Assistant Principal of Instruction, and her secretary Penny Belair.
There were two levels of recognition. A District Scholar must achieve a 3.8 Grade Point Average (GPA) or above. A School Scholar must earn a 3.5 GPA lor above.
The awards were for academic performance by the present seniors, juniors and sophomores for last year.
Help fund scholarships for local students.
The Walnut Valley Women's Club begins its annual Scholarship Tree of Lights fundraiser on Friday, Oct. 31. The money will be used for scholarships for seniors at Walnut High School, Nogales High School in La Puente and Ron Hockwalt Academy in Walnut.
This year's goal is $10,000. The club offers sponsorships of ornaments for $10 and lights for $5 that will decorate the Christmas tree at Fire Station 61, on the corner of Lemon and La Puente Roads.
Except for Thanksgiving weekend, sales take place on Fridays and Saturdays through Dec. 6 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Fridays, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays outside the Vons supermarket located on the corner of Lemon and La Puente Roads.
Ornaments are hand-made by club members. Donations may also be sent to Walnut Valley Women's Club, P.O. Box 563, Walnut, CA 91788-0563.
Get your pumpkins out!
Bixby Elementary in Hacienda Heights celebrates its Harvest Festival on the playground, from 3-5 p.m.
Meanwhile, California Elementary hosts Family Night "Pumpkin Decorating," in the West Cafeteria at 6 p.m.
La Puente High School holds a District College Night in the gym from 6:30- 9:00 p.m.
Baldwin Academy in La Puente will celebrate academic achievement on the playground at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday.
Sparks Elementary will hold a Red Ribbon Week Banner March on the playground at 8 a.m.
Elsewhere in the Hacienda La Puente Unified, Valinda middle school hosts its Fall Festival, from 2:30-4:30 p.m.
South Pointe Middle School Drama Department will perform "Poe-Dunked," a comedy about the life of Edgar Allen Poe. The show begins at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 30, in the school's multipurpose room.
Tickets are $4 for adults and $3 for students. South Pointe is at 20671 Larkstone Ave. in Diamond Bar. For tickets and information, contact drama teacher Robin Wadsworth at (909) 595-8171, Ext. 57192.
If you see the California Highway Patrol outside Lassalette Middle School in La Puente don't get excited. The officers are special guests at a Red Ribbon Assembly at the school at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday.
Grazide Elementary in Hacienda Heights will present a "Magic Show against Drugs" The shows will be held at 8:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. in the cafeteria.
Later, Glenelder Elementary in Hacienda Heights will hold its Red Ribbon Assembly on the playground at 9:15 a.m.
Los Altos High holds its School and District Honors Assembly in the Gym at 7 a.m.
Wilson High School brings a little bit of "Broadway" to its Hacienda Heights campus with a choir presentation in the gym at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 28.
Join the discussion. Post a comment with your answer to this week's question.
Katie Montemayor 17 Glendora High:
Personally, I have not been affected in a noticeable way by the economy, thank goodness. However, it has affected my post-high school plans because now it is harder to receive funding from banks. I have to look into more scholarships, which are now more competitive and bogged down by applicants, making standing out extremely difficult.
Taylor Moncrief, 16, Diamond Bar High School:
The economic downturn hasn't really affected me, yet. My parents keep talking about cutting back on presents for the holidays, but they say that every year. College may be harder to get into, because people go back to school when economic hard times hit.
Derek Klena, 17, South Hills High School:
The downturn in our economy will have an effect on many people and their post-high school plans. College selection might be different because of the expenses involved. There most likely will be more people applying for scholarships and financial aid, which will make things even more competitive. In addition, high school and college graduates alike are having trouble finding jobs because of the countless layoffs and lack of hiring of struggling businesses.
Amanda McCraven, 14, La Verne Lutheran High School:
Since the economy has had a downturn, my plan for college has changed from going directly to a four-year university to attending a community college and then transferring because community colleges are more affordable and they offer the same quality education.
Nicholas Kuche, 16, Covina High School:
With the economy being in an extreme low, students are anything but anxious about leaving high school. Those who already have jobs don't have as many worries. But of the unfortunate majority who are unemployed, college might have to wait a few years after their graduation. The economy has made it extremely difficult for students to rent a house or car. And college tuition is extremely expensive, which can put a halt to some students' plans to go straight to a four-year college or university.
Kasey Haas, 16, Glendora High School:
Fortunately, my parents have been saving for college my whole life. But is has affected what I do for fun. My friends and I now have to seek for alternatives to what we used to do when everyone was more affluent. Our past times are becoming increasingly less expensive to correspond with the current economy.
Newton Middle School in Hacienda Heights continues Red Ribbon Week with a Narcon Drug Prevention Assembly in the cafeteria.
Meanwhile the students at Workman High School will enjoy a Renaissance Thrill Fest in the Quad Area from 12:24-12:54 p.m.
I took my dawg for a walk.
Are you a good speller?
La Puente High School will hold Spelling Bee Jeopardy 2008 from noon to 5:30 p.m. Saturday. Students in Grades 3-5 will compete in the competition for the Hacienda La Puente Unified School District.
Meanwhile, the good folks at Sparks Elementary School in La Puente will hand out free food at a Harvest Festival on the playground from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Wilson High offers its Golden State Field Classic (Band Competition) throughout the day.
The dance company is Mt. SAC's elite group of student performers who showcase the talent of this award-winning dance department. The troupe performs thought-provoking modern works and entertaining musical theater pieces along with ballet, jazz, hip-hop, and contemporary dance. Faculty and guest choreographers are highly acclaimed professionals with credits that include major dance companies, film, and television.
Tickets are $12 for general admission, and $9 for seniors, students and children under 12.
For tickets, call the Mt. SAC Performing Arts Box Office at (909) 468-4050.
Third-graders at Wedgeworth Elementary School in Hacienda Heights will present a play "Say No to Drugs" today at 1:30 p.m. in the multipurpose room.
California Elementary in La Puente will hold a Red Ribbon Assembly on the West Campus today at 1 p.m.
Students at Del Valle Elementary will join a Red Day Rally at 1:45 p.m.
Sparks Middle School holds an awards medal ceremony for the seventh grade at 1 p.m. in the cafeteria.
A Fall Festival will be celebrated at Baldwin Academy from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
La Puente High School will hold a big Homecoming and Renaissance Rally at 8:50 a.m. on Friday in the gym. Red Ribbon Week will also be introduced.
Meanwhile, Mesa Robles Middle School in Hacienda Heights will hold a Red Ribbon Assembly at 8:45 a.m. and 9:40 a.m.
Workman Elementary's Red Ribbon event will be held in the school cafeteria at 9 a.m. and 9:30 a.m.
Temple Academy will host a Parent Ed. Workshop on "Standard Base Instruction" in the cafeteria at 8:15 a.m.
A panel of guest speakers from education and business will discuss the present financial crisis, its background, and its implications in the long run. Speakers for the summit will include Dr. Rasool Masoomian, economics professor at Mt. SAC; Dr. Bryan Taylor, president of Global Financial Data; Thomas Nicholas, Alliance Sales Director for Accenture; and Dr. Lisa Grobar, economics professor at Cal State Long Beach.
For more information, call Dr. Amrik Singh Dua at (909) 594-5611, ext. 4612.
Red Ribbon week continues in the Hacienda La Puente Unified School district with an assembly at Los Altos Elementary on Wednesday.
The Red Ribbon event will be held in the school cafeteria at 9 a.m. in Hacienda Heights
In other district news, Baldwin Academy will hold a First Grade Family Math Night at 6 p.m. Wednesday.
Meanwhile the Cedarlane Middle School football team plays rival Sierra Vista Middle School at 3 p.m. on its home field.
Sparks Middle School - Awards Medal Ceremony, Grades 8, Expo Center, 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Don't be a victim of cyberbullying.
Wilson High School in Hacienda Heights will teach parents how to prevent "Cyberbullying," in a special session on Tuesday, Oct. 21.
The meeting will be held in the Media Center from 7-8:30 p.m.
Don't be a victim!
Join the discussion. Post a comment with your answer to this week's question.
Taylor Moncrief, 15, Diamond Bar High School
I think it's very important for high school kids to watch the debates, ask questions about the issues and to s<MD>tudy how our elections actually work. Most teenagers just go along with the political leanings of their parents, but we're at an age when we need to start making our own decisions and those decisions should be based on facts.
Nicholas Kuche, 16, Covina High School
I believe that it is very important for students to participate in the election process even if they can't vote yet. If schools could hold fake elections, it will give the school and the community a view on what the high school population thinks about the candidates.
Katie Montemayor, 17, Glendora High
I do believe that high school students need to participate in the election process because at some point all high school students will be voters. To get the early experience with the election process will help students to know how to make informed decisions later in their lives.
Kasey Haas, 16, Glendora High School
Yes, I think it is important for students my age to participate in the election process because whoever becomes president will make decisions that affect everybody, including high school students. Also, by the next election most high school students will be eligible to vote, and the new president will most likely run for their second term and the voters will need to make an imformed decision.
Derek Klena, 17, South Hills High School
I think it is very important for high school students to participate and discuss the presidential election process. Even though we are not exactly voters, we should be exposed to others' opinions and ideas regarding the issues and debates. Since we are the future, i believe that it is important that we know who the next leader will be and the concerns that our country is dealing with.
Amanda McCraven, 14, La Verne Lutheran High School
Yes, I think it is important for students my age to participate in the election process because whoever becomes president will make decisions that affect everybody including high school students. Also, by the next election most high school students will be eligable to vote, and the new president will most likely run for their second term and the voters will need to make an imformed decision.
Yeah! It's Red Ribbon Week in the Hacienda La Puente Unified School District.
Wedgeworth Elementary in Hacienda Heights kicks off the big week with a Red Ribbon Assembly featuring Officer Mesta. The assembly will begin at 1 p.m. Monday in the Multipurpose Room.
Nearby Los Molinos School will hold its "Student Success" Assembly in the school cafeteria, at 8:30 a.m.
It's a tough drive on some of the holes at the Mountain Meadows Golf Course in Pomona. But it's an important fundraising drive for Mt. SAC's Fire Academy on Friday, Oct. 24.
The firefighting students are trying to raise $30,000 to refurbish three old fire engines as well as buy some much needed equipment.
Fire Chief Jerry Austin notes that some of the equipment is older than many of the students. "If we have outdated equipment, it doesn't train our candidates to be at the level they need to be," Austin said.
The tournament offers a four-person scramble format with checkin at 10:30 a.m. A putting contest will begin at 11:30 a.m. A $5 entry wins $125.
A shotgun start is set for 1 p.m., with dinner at 5:30 p.m. and awards at 6.
A single golf entry is $125, which includes green fee, cart, dinner and awards. For more information, call (909) 594-5611, Ext. 5148.
Mt. SAC will present a free guitar concert on Friday at 8 p.m. in the Music Recital Hall.
Guitarists Matthew Cahow and Aaron Spoor join guest artist Sylvia Tu in a performance of classical works for guitar solos, duos, and trios.
If you love the arts, if you adore crafts, why not combine the two at an Arts and Crafts Night being held at Grandview Elementary School in Valinda. The event will be held in the cafeteria at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 16.
If math is more your thing, try Baldwin Academy in La Puente, which will hold a Kinder Family Math Night at 6 p.m.
In other schools in the Hacienda La Puente Unified School District, Del Valle will hold its Monthly Awards Assembly for Grades K-4 in the cafeteria from 8:15-10 a.m.
Palm Elementary in Hacienda Heights is offering Parent 1:1 Laptop Training in the school cafeteria at 8:15 a.m.
Worried about your kid on the internet?
Parents can get "Internet Safety" from a STAR Deputy on Wednesday at 8:30 a.m. in the cafeteria at Grandview Elementary School in Valinda.
Baldwin Academy in La Puente will hold a Fifth Grade Family Math Night at 6 p.m.
Back-to-School Night will be held at Valley High at 5 p.m.
Amanda McCraven, 14, La Verne Lutheran High School
Public libraries are good for finding books and materials and also for kids to join reading programs. But now high school students usually use computers to do research for projects and homework because computers are faster and easy to use. You can find all the information you need for a report on the Internet without leaving your home.
Kasey Haas, 16, Glendora High School
Unfortunately, students think it is unfashionable to be seen at the school and public libraries and take it the libraries for granted. Students prefer the convenience of the Internet, which is available 24/7, especially if they're involved with sports and club activities.
Derek Klena, 17, South Hills High School
I believe that students my age find the school and public libraries useful. It is a quiet and convenient place for a student to go and either do homework or to study. It is also inexpensive and gives students my age a place to gather resourceful books and access to the internet practically free of charge.
Katie Montemayor, 17, Glendora High School
At this point, students my age see the usefulness of the library but prefer the Internet because it is much easier to get to. Yes, the school libraries are close to school campuses, however, most of the information is available online, which for most students is in their home. So students my age see the library as useful but inconvenient.
Nicholas Kuche, 16, Covina High School
I can't speak for all students, but I believe that most students regard the Public Library as a last resort. Students think of the library as a last resort because they have other resources such as the internet which provides them with most, if not all the information they need.
Taylor Moncrief, 15, Diamond Bar High School
Most students my age only use the school and public libraries for school-related activities. The new books that students read in their free time are not in stock in the library. The school and local libraries should have newer books in order to attract the younger students.
Want to become a more effective parent? Then come attend one of the effective parenting classes being held at Rincon Intermediate School in West Covina. Classes will be offered in both English and Spanish. For more information, check the Rowland Unified Web site below.
- 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM: Effective Parenting Class - English
- 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM: Effective Parenting Class - Spanish
- 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM: Board of Education Meeting
Every year, a special private performance for kids is held on the Thursday preceding the Industry Hills Pro Rodeo. This year's Community Kids Day on Thursday, Oct. 10, will welcome 5,000 students in grades 3-5 from 12 local school districts.
Before the event, the students study special booklets about the history of the West as well as rodeos.
A Rodeo Dance will be held on Saturday, Oct. 11, at 8 p.m., immediately following the Rodeo. Tickets are $5 per person. Music will be provided by Raining Horseshoes. Music and dancing will continue until midnight.
<WC1>For information, call (626) 961-6892. For full details, visit www.industryhillsprorodeo.org.<WC>
It's never too early to plan for your child's college education. And Wedgeworth Elementary School in Hacienda Heights wants to help!
It will hold a parent education academy on "College Planning Now" from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Thursday in the multipurpose room.
Meanwhile, Los Molinos Elementary will hold a Move-A-Thon from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. on the school blacktop.
Palm Elementary will offer Volunteer Reader Training in its new Wonder of Reading Library from 8:15 a.m. to noon.
Baldwin Academy hosts its Fourth Grade Family Math Night at 6 p.m.
Last but not least, the school board will meet Thursday in the district office. The closed session begins at 7 p.m. followed by the public meeting at 7:30 p.m.
A parent education meeting will be held at Palm Elementary in Hacienda Heights. The meeting will be held in the library from 8:15-9:30 a.m. Wednesday.
Under Principal Edna Moore, Palm is a great school with many interesting programs for the kids. Be sure to ask about visiting dairy cows. But that's an utter story.
Baldwin Academy will hold a First Grade Family Literacy Night at 6 p.m.
Del Valle offers Parent 1:1 Laptop Training in the cafeteria from 8:30-10:30 a.m.
Katie Montemayor, 17, Glendora High School
"I really do agree. Having taken the exit exam, I felt like it covered material that was below what the requirements are. I also think that because it is given in 10th-grade it is not an accurate portrayal of what was learned later in high school, specifically junior year, which to most colleges is the most important."
Derek Klena, 16, South Hills High School
"I feel that the high-school exit exam does not need to be harder. Even though the majority of students pass the test the first time, there are still students who struggle. I think the true indicator of whether a student is ready to graduate or not should not depend solely on a test, but rather their achievement in the classroom with passing grades."
Taylor Moncrief, 15, Diamond Bar High School
"The high school exit exam is perfect at a 10th-grade level. It is easy enough to ensure that people who have worked hard throughout high school will graduate. It is also easy enough for most struggling students to graduate as well."
Kasey Haas, 16, Glendora High School
"No, I do not think the high-school exit exam should be more difficult. Students take different courses in the 11th and 12th grade year than they do 9th and 10th. For example, many students do not even take a math course senior year because it is not a graduation requirement. The exit exam should only be as difficult as the courses required to graduate. If the exit exam is altered to become difficult, the graduation requirements and courses needed should taught at the difficult level as well in preparation of the exit exam."
Nicholas Kuche, 16, Covina High School
"I think that the California High School Exit Exam should be harder and taken at the 12th-grade level. This test that California schools use to judge a student's ability in math and English should be taken at a 12th-grade level so that it will provide an accurate view of what the students have learned and accomplished during their time in high school. Being a harder test will better prepare students for the challenges ahead in college."
Amanda McCraven, 14, La Verne Lutheran High School
"I think the exit exam should not be harder because high school students already have enough tests. Also, if the test is more difficult, more students will fail it the first time and they will have to spend more time studying for the exit exam. As a result, they will take time away from other academic subjects. I think students should be judged for their overall academic achievements."
Come on, read to your kids.
It's good for them, and it's also a lot of fun.
Baldwin Academy will holds it Kinder Family Literacy Night at 6 p.m. Tuesday.
Instill a love of reading early on and your child will have enjoy literature the rest of their lives. It also helps them develope a good vocabulary.
Orange Grove Middle School will hold an Awards Assembly in the cafeteria at 6:30 p.m.
In this stage adaptation of Masters' classic, the curtain rises on a long-forgotten cemetery and the spirits of the former residents of Spoon River. Through a series of monologues and vignettes, over 70 different characters from all walks of life reveal their secrets, disappointments, passions, and loves. Exemplifying both the hard and humorous sides of human experience, this play is not about death, but about life. Susan Boulanger directs this Mt. SAC production.
Tickets are $12 for general admission, $9 for seniors, students, and children under 12.
For tickets and information, call the Mt. SAC Performing Arts Box Office at (909) 468-4050.
Fifth-grade student Jasmine Castro will perform special folklorico dances Friday at Wedgeworth Elementary School in Hacienda Heights. Castro will dance at 8 a.m. for students in the kindergarten through fifth grades.
Glenelder Elementary will hold its Monthly Awards Assembly at 1:15 p.m. in the cafeteria.
Palm Elementary will hold two award's assemblies in the cafeteria. The best students will be recognized at 1 p.m. and 1:30 p.m.
It's murder, it's a mystery, it's a murder mystery dinner at Wilson High School in Hacienda Heights. The drama students will perform "The Magician's Retirement" in the Little Theater at 7 p.m. Thursday.
Grandview Elementary will offer one-on-one laptop training for parents in Room 43 at 8:15 a.m.
Baldwin Academy will hold a Sixth Grade Family Literacy Night at 6 p.m. today.
