November 2008 Archives
Wilson High School will hold its Fourth Annual International Baccalaureate Winter Reception in the Media Center from 3:15-5 p.m. Monday.
While everyone is preparing or enjoying their meal this morning for Thanksgiving, Nogales High School Noble Regiment Band is geared up and ready for their performance in the 82nd Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York.
The La Puente school band is one of only 10 bands taking part, and the only west coast school band. 140 student band members will be led by band director Brad Pollock performing "Mambo" from West Side Story.
The telecast of the parade begins at 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. in each U.S. time zone. The students practiced over 7,500 hours, about 312 days straight, to prepare for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
They were able to raise funds to fly the 140 students as well as transport cross country by semi-truck the more than 1,000 instruments, 140 uniforms, two ATV vehicles, and other supplies.
I have received a lot of feedback from this story that ran earlier this week.
Apparently the errors in elementary math books is also visible in school districts in Orange County.
A teacher e-mailed me to tell me that the publisher wants the district to take the time to point out all the errors.
But isn't that the job of the publisher?
Grandparents will be front and center at Los Altos and Palm Elementary Schools in Hacienda Heights. Both schools are holding Grandparents Day on Tuesday.
Los Altos will also have a special PTA fundraiser called Whip Cream the Teacher at 2 p.m. With this economy everyone has to chip in.
Kwis Elementary will hold its Student-of-the-Month Awards and College Spirit Day in the Cafeteria from 9:00-11:00 a.m.
Los Robles holds a " Kinder Thanksgiving Show," in the Cafeteria at 8:30 a.m.
Valinda offers a "Valiant of the Month" Assembly on the Blacktop at 8:05 a.m.
Workman Elementary will enjoy a performance by the "Tarradiddle Players" from Mt. SAC, Cafeteria at 9 a.m.
Katie Montemayor, 17, Glendora High School
I do believe the Thanksgiving spirit is alive and well. For me, not only do I experience this with my family and friends but with my community. Glendora is extremely generous to the less fortunate. Not only is this generosity exhibited in the local churches and schools but through the Glendora Police Department and local hospitals and furthermore by the local citizens who keep the warmth of love and community alive.
Derek Klena, 17, South Hills High School
I think that Thanksgiving is still well celebrated. Family members and college students from across the nation still come home for the traditional turkey and stuffing dinner. It is a occasion for gathering and for being thankful for all that we have and I think it is necessary for keeping our nation as well as our families united. People still and always will enjoy this family holiday.
Kasey Haas, 16, Glendora High School
Most people who celebrate Thanksgiving don't know how it really originated. Most people are under the common misconception that it was when the pilgrims and the Native Americans came together peacefully, gave thanks, and ate a large meal. In reality, Thanksgiving has nothing to do with that. The spirit of Thanksgiving isn't alive and well in today's world because the majority of people don't understand the true history behind it.
Amanda McCraven, 14, La Verne Lutheran High School
Yes, the spirit of Thanksgiving is still alive because we have things like the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade and other celebrations. Also, people still get together for Thanksgivng celebrations and to give thanks for what they have. Kids at school have feasts and dress up like Native Americans and pilgrims.
Nicholas Kuche, 16, Covina High School
What is the meaning of thanksgiving? Thanksgiving is a time when families come together, sometimes despite vast distances, to share a meal. This happens all over our nation. So I believe that the spirt and tradition of Thanksgiving is alive and well in our country.
Wedgeworth Elementary is holding a Beautification Day in the school gardens, from 9:30 a.m to noon. It will also have an E-Waste Collections Fundraiser in the parking lot from 9 a.m. to -3 p.m.
Nogales High School will hold a Parent Institute Graduation tonight from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Manor. The speaker is M. Michael Ortiz, president of Cal Poly, Pomona.
Police arrested a science teacher at La Puente High School after a gun was found in his classroom.
Vahe Khachatourian, 37, was arrested by Hacienda La Puente Unified School District Police Monday afternoon. Police dogs discovered the gun in a locked box.
District officials are mum about the investigation and won't release any details about Khachatourian. Students say he is a good teacher who likes to collect guns.
Khachatourian is expected to appear in court Wednesday morning.
Read full story here
The Los Altos High School Entertainment Unit will host its 40th annual field show tournament this Saturday, Nov. 15. This is one of the longest-running tournaments in the western United States.
In honor of the 40th anniversary, former band directors and booster presidents will be honored prior to the evening awards ceremony. All band alumni are encouraged to attend.
Past band directors Don Gunderson, Mark Gunderson and Rick Naylor are expected to attend. Past Band Booster Presidents Edna Moore, Laura Ceniceros, Margaret Barrera, Vince Solorzano and David Crain will also be present.
The competition takes place in the Patrick Mauch Memorial Stadium, located on the Los Altos campus at 15325 E. Los Robles Ave. in Hacienda Heights. The event begins at 11 a.m. and concludes with the final awards ceremony at 9 p.m.
Admission is $8 for adults and $5 for seniors, children 6 and up, and students with ID.
Children under 6 are free.
More than 30 high schools will compete in divisions 1A to 6A. Local bands from Wilson, La Puente, La Mirada, Whittier, Baldwin Park, Rowland and Diamond Bar High Schools will participate.
The 140 members of the Los Altos Entertainment Unit will give an exhibition performance of their 2008 show titled "Echoes of Spain."
For information, call the Los Altos Band Office at (626) 934-5445.
More than 4,000 students from area high schools attended Career Education Day at the Autoclub Raceway in Pomona on Friday, Nov. 14. Students enrolled in the NHRA Youth and Education Services program learned about the importance of education as well as career opportunities in motor sports.
It's movie night in local schools. Grab some popcorn and enjoy some flicks with your kids.
Los Altos Elementary in Hacienda Heights will screen "Kung Fu Panda," in the cafeteria at 6 p.m.
Bixby Elementary will also have a Movie Night tonight in the Cafeteria at 6:30 p.m.
California Elementary in La Puente hosts a Family Night with activities for parents and students in the cafeteria at 6 p.m.
The Nogales Jazz Choir will perform in concert from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the Manor.
Workman High School Band will serve a "Thank You Dinner," in the Den from 7 p.m.- 9 p.m.
Earlier in the day, Candace Orozco presents a Parent Education Meeting: "Nutrition and Children," in the Baldwin Elementary School Cafeteria at 8:30 a.m.
Wedgeworth presents "Holidays Throughout The Year," performed by Grades K-2, in the Multipurpose Room at 8:30 a.m.
Collegewood
The fun event will be held in the Multipurpose Room. Teacher prep students from a
The college students design the centers to help parents get ideas on how to work with their children on Math skills in a fun and engaging way!
Things were rocking and rolling in the Hacienda La Puente Unified School District.
OK, maybe not rocking, but the students were rolling out of their classrooms as they all participated in the big Shakeout Disaster Drill this morning.
The district was using the drill to practice for the Big One. Even workers at the administration building participated by ducking under their desks.
The superintendent's office reported that every thing went well in the practice drill.
Special Education Department Invites Parents
to Attend an Evening Meeting
Individual Education Program
PREPAREDNESS--THE BASICS
5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 13
Rincon Intermediate School Cafeteria 5 p.m.-5:55 p.m Meet Staff Members: Enjoy refreshments, sign in, visit table displays, ask questions and learn about various school services offered by the Special Education Department.6 p.m. - 8 p.m. IEP Training Presentation (also Questions & Answers)
Presenter Aimee Delgado, Advocate Office of Clients Rights Advocacy
► Please call your district if you plan to attend. Give this information:
Name, Phone Number, Number of Adults Coming and Number of Children Who Need Childcare. Please tell us if you need an interpreter and which language is needed.
► CHILDCARE IS PROVIDED FOR AGES 3-10 ONLY, BY ADVANCE RESERVATIONS.
Hacienda La Puente USD parents call:
English: Christine (626) 933-6526; Español: Sandra (626) 933-6505
Rowland District parents call: Jan (626) 935-8412; Español: Ms. Escutia (626) 854-8343
Rowland High School Visual and Performing Arts Department will perform "Seussical, the Musical" for its fall production.
More than a 100 student actors, designers, and technicians have been working on the show since the beginning of September. Performances are Nov. 13-15 and 20-22 at 7 p.m. Matinee performances at 2 p.m. on Nov. 15 and 22.
Tickets can be purchased from the theater department for $10.
Because of the Veterans and Thanksgiving holidays, the Rowland Unified School Board will meet Wednesday, Nov. 12, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. in the board room at district offices.
The Closed Session begins at 6 p.m., with the Regular Business Meeting beginning at 7 p.m.
- 11-12-08 Board Mtg Agenda.pdf (155 KB)
Rowland Unified will offer Effective Parenting Classes tonight in the multipurpose room at Rincon Intermediate School in West Covina.
The class will be presented in English from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and in Spanish from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Come out and help needy families.
Los Molinos Elementary School in Hacienda Heights will hold a canned food drive through Friday, Nov. 21. Drop off your canned goods at the school cafeteria and help out a neighbor.
Join the discussion. Post a comment with your answer to this week's question.
Nicholas Kuche, 16, Covina High School
I think that this year's election was a historic moment on many occasions, the first being that the citizens of this country elected its first African-American president. This shows that America is able to look past the color of someone's skin and that this is truly the land of opportunity. I personally think that America made the right decision in picking Barack Obama as their new president.
Derek Klena, 17, South Hills High School
I believe that this is probably one of the most influential and impacting events in history. It is one that will not only affect the United States but the whole world. It proved that anything is possible. I feel grateful to have been alive to see this momentous occasion occur, for it could mean the start of a bigger and brighter future for all.
Taylor Moncrief, 16, Diamond Bar High School
Wow! The election was pretty exciting. Everybody at school talked about it and I called my Grandma in Mississippi. She was so happy she was crying. Maybe I can be president someday! I'm biracial and my mom's father was Indonesian! I never thought about it before Nov. 4.
Katie Montemayor, 17, Glendora High School
I am extremely pleased with the results of the presidential election. I agree that change is w<MD>hat we need. And besides change, it was time to put some new policies into Washington, D.C. I think that the election, being over and so historical, will help to reunite a semi-divided nation and strengthen the bonds that hold our nation together so that "Yes We Can" can stay "Yes We Did."
Amanda McCraven, 14, La Verne Lutheran High School
My thoughts on the election is that it is good that so many people voted in this election and some high schools got involved by holding mock elections at their school. I also think the Americans made their choice known by electing President Obama. Hopefully, he will be able to make some of the changes he promised during his campaign.
Kasey Haas, 16, Glendora High School
I'm very satisfied with how the elections turned out. It's so surreal to be living through such a historical event. I have full faith in Obama to do what is best for the country. He will be an admirable president.
Glenelder Elementary School in Hacienda Heights celebrates student achievement with a big awards ceremony to at 1:15 p.m. in the school cafeteria. Congratulations to our great students.
Palm Elementary will also toast its top students in an awards assembly from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. in its cafeteria.
Later, Baldwin Academy holds a sixth grade literacy night at 6 p.m. in the cafeteria.
And the award goes to
Wedgeworth Elementary in Hacienda Heights will hold an Awards Assembly in the Multipurpose Room at 8 a.m. Friday.
Lassalette Middle School in La Puente will host a Parent Education Meeting at 8:30 a.m. Candace Orozco will talk about "Communicating with Your Child's Teacher."
California Elementary will hold a Patriotic Assembly on the West Campus at 9:30 a.m.
The elections are over, but you can still help Fairgrove Academy "Celebrate America." The second graders will perform their tribute at 6 p.m. in the cafeteria in La Puente.
Elsewhere, Baldwin Academy in La Puente is hosting a fifth-grade literacy night in the school cafeteria at 6 p.m.
If you're hungry, why not join Los Molinos Elementary, which is holding a family fundraiser at the Hacienda Pizza Company in Hacienda Heights. Come out and enjoy your favorite pizzzzzzza pie from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Yum!!
Candace Orozco will offer a parent workshop on "Nutrition and Children," at 8:15 a.m. Thursday in the cafeteria at Kwis Elementary School in Hacienda Heights.
Meanwhile, Ed Monteilh will discuss standards based education at a parent education academy at Wedgeworth Elementary. The presentation will be made in the Multipurpose Room from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. in Hacienda Heights.
Palm Elementary School in Hacienda Heights will hold a Parent Education session on "Standards Based Instruction." Ed Monteilh will present the program in the school library from 8:15-9:30 a.m. Wednesday.
California Elementary in La Puente will hold an Academic Celebration for Grades 3-4 in the West Cafeteria at 1 p.m.
The Board of Trustees at Mt. Sac approved a Use of Force policy for its public safety officers at an October meeting.
The officers will be allowed to carry pepper spray and batons.
They currently do not carry any weapons.
Join the discussion. Post a comment with your answer to this week's question.
Taylor Moncrief, 16, Diamond Bar High School
No. The way the law is now I won't be able to take a date to the movies until my third month of college! Kids work and have lives outside of their home and schools. Driving gives you independence and is part of the growing-up process.
Katie Montemayor, 17, Glendora High School
I do not necessarily think the driving age needs to be raised, but the guidelines need to be stronger: a longer learner's permit period, more driver's education classes and the like. Instead of raising the age, I think that the laws should be stricter for the younger drivers and that the parents of the young drivers need to hold their children more accountable.
Kasey Haas, 16, Glendora High School
Experience not maturity makes a safe driver, I say "No." First-time drivers need experience and time behind the wheel. Currently, parents monitor and spend time practicing and developing driving skills, and minors do have driving restrictions, such as who can be in the car.
Derek Klena, 17, South Hills High School
Personally, I disagree with raising the driving age. Students and teens look forward to getting their driver's license as their 16th birthday approaches. And I believe the safety issue may not change if the age bar is lifted. Even though 17- and 18-year-olds may have a couple more valuable years of life under their belt, judgement and maturity differ with everyone. The common risks of the road will always remain. It's up to each individual to respect the privilege of having a license.
Amanda McCraven, 14, La Verne Lutheran High School
No, I don't think California should raise the driving age to 17 or 18. I think they should just enforce all the laws that are already in existence. If they raise the driving age, people are going to still be inexperienced when they start driving. The issue of tickets and accidents is not so much about being a teen, but about being an inexperienced driver.
