July 2010 Archives
Author: Neil Nisperos , Staff Writer
For McLeod, the theory has paid off.
The recent Cal Poly Pomona liberal arts valedictorian attended Country Springs Elementary School in Chino Hills when it opened in 1994 under the direction of then-Principal Sue Roche.
Roche instituted a multiple-intelligence-based learning program at Country Springs Elementary.
Starting in September, McLeod, 22, will teach at Oxford Preparatory Academy, a new charter school where Roche will be executive director and where multiple intelligence-based learning will be implemented.
Continue reading Oxford Prep rejects 'one size fits all' .
Author: Neil Nisperos , Staff Writer
More than 30 school board seats are being contested at the Inland Valley school districts of Central, Alta Loma, Chaffey Joint Union High School, Chino Valley, Cucamonga, Etiwanda, Fontana, Upland, Mount Baldy, Mountain View, Ontario-Montclair, and the San Bernardino County board of education.
Continue reading Candidates vie for school board seats .
Author: Sandra Emerson , Staff Writer
POMONA - Cal Poly Pomona officials on Monday announced the university had received the largest endowment in California State University history.
The W.K. Kellogg Foundation awarded $42 million to the university in honor of the 150th birthday of its founder W.K. Kellogg.
Cal Poly will use the money to increase access to educational opportunities for emancipated foster youth, military veterans and first-generation college students.
The university will receive $10 million in August and $8 million a year for the next four years. The foundation specified how the money should be used.
Continue reading Cal Poly Pomona receives $42 million endowment .
Author: Neil Nisperos , Staff Writer
In a letter posted on Chino Valley Unified's website, Superintendent Wayne Joseph expressed shock over the "regrettable circumstances" regarding the recent sexual misconduct arrests of science teacher John Hirsch, 40, and band director Justin Wallin, 30. They were arrested in June and July, respectively.
Hirsch has since resigned from the district, and Wallin is on unpaid administrative leave.
Continue reading Be on guard, parents told; school caveat follows arrests .
Author: Wes Woods II, Staff Writer
During his tenure from 1969 to 1991, Pomona's endowment increased from $24 million to $296 million, faculty grew from 130 to 156 and 15 major buildings were built.
"The extraordinary thing that stood out in my mind is that David had an encyclopedia grasp of issues," said Richard Fass, Pomona College vice president of planning who arrived at the college when Alexander did in 1969.
Continue reading Pomona College ex-president dies .
CLAREMONT - The Friends of the Claremont Library presented their monthly poetry reading Sunday dedicated to the Japanese verse form of the haiku.
Attendees at the Claremont Library on Sunday heard readings of the special focus on haiku and related forms, featuring poets Deborah Kolodji and Naia.
Both poets are known for their English-language poetry in the Japanese style. They are thoroughly involved in local, national, and international organizations promoting the composition and appreciation of haiku, tanka, haibun, senryu, and other Japanese forms.
"Reading poetry is one thing, but hearing someone recite poetry is another - at root poetry is a performance art, and it was like that at the days of Homer," said Ken Austin, a member of the Friends of the Claremont Library.
"There is writing behind it, but to experience the poetry by hearing it read is the best way to get the experience."
Friends of the Claremont Library's next program will feature poets Lois P. Jones and Russell Salamon at 2 p.m. Aug. 22 at 208 Harvard Ave.
Information: 909-621-4902.
Attendees at the Claremont Library on Sunday heard readings of the special focus on haiku and related forms, featuring poets Deborah Kolodji and Naia.
Both poets are known for their English-language poetry in the Japanese style. They are thoroughly involved in local, national, and international organizations promoting the composition and appreciation of haiku, tanka, haibun, senryu, and other Japanese forms.
"Reading poetry is one thing, but hearing someone recite poetry is another - at root poetry is a performance art, and it was like that at the days of Homer," said Ken Austin, a member of the Friends of the Claremont Library.
"There is writing behind it, but to experience the poetry by hearing it read is the best way to get the experience."
Friends of the Claremont Library's next program will feature poets Lois P. Jones and Russell Salamon at 2 p.m. Aug. 22 at 208 Harvard Ave.
Information: 909-621-4902.
Author: Wes Woods II, Staff Writer
The three-year agreement, which is retroactive to the 2009-10 school year, includes an $800,000 contribution that district officials said they needed from the union.
Continue reading Claremont union teachers to vote on three-year deal .
Author: Wes Woods II, Staff Writer
The Claremont Unified School District has approved the placement of a $95 million bond measure on the Nov. 2 election ballot.
School district officials said the bond was necessary to update aging classroom facilities and improve classroom technology.
Property owners would have to pay about $45 per $100,000 of assessed value, which would be based on the price of a home when it was first purchased.
School district officials said the bond was necessary to update aging classroom facilities and improve classroom technology.
Property owners would have to pay about $45 per $100,000 of assessed value, which would be based on the price of a home when it was first purchased.
Continue reading Bond set for ballot in Claremont .
RANCHO CUCAMONGA - Alta Loma School District board members directed staff to apply for a waiver that would allow the district to increase kindergarten class sizes next school year.
District officials were given the OK at a board meeting earlier in July to apply for a waiver through the state Department of Education. The waiver would allow an increase in kindergarten class sizes to 33 students per teacher without penalties.
The district is applying for the waiver because there is an overlap of students between morning and afternoon kindergarten classes that could potentially bring a penalty without the waiver, said Jim Ashton, district associate superintendent of administrative services.
"Nothing has changed, this is just a technical thing so that the district doesn't get a penalty," Ashton said. "Teachers, parents and students won't notice any difference in day-to-day instruction."
State law requires kindergarten class sizes be no more than 33 students per class and a district average of no more than 31.
Because of the number of kindergarten students in the district, and the cost of hiring additional teachers late in the year to reduce the teacher/student ratio, the districtwide average for kindergarten in the 2009-10 school year rose to just over 31, Ashton said.
In order to avoid potential penalties, a waiver must be granted by the Department of Education.
If approved, the waiver will include the past school year as well as 2010-11.
District officials were given the OK at a board meeting earlier in July to apply for a waiver through the state Department of Education. The waiver would allow an increase in kindergarten class sizes to 33 students per teacher without penalties.
The district is applying for the waiver because there is an overlap of students between morning and afternoon kindergarten classes that could potentially bring a penalty without the waiver, said Jim Ashton, district associate superintendent of administrative services.
"Nothing has changed, this is just a technical thing so that the district doesn't get a penalty," Ashton said. "Teachers, parents and students won't notice any difference in day-to-day instruction."
State law requires kindergarten class sizes be no more than 33 students per class and a district average of no more than 31.
Because of the number of kindergarten students in the district, and the cost of hiring additional teachers late in the year to reduce the teacher/student ratio, the districtwide average for kindergarten in the 2009-10 school year rose to just over 31, Ashton said.
In order to avoid potential penalties, a waiver must be granted by the Department of Education.
If approved, the waiver will include the past school year as well as 2010-11.
Author: Sandra Emerson , Staff Writer
The employees, which include the superintendent and assistant superintendents, are taking the cut to address $15 million cuts for the next two years.
The district is negotiating the same cuts with the teachers union.
Continue reading Upland school district cuts work years for seven employees by 7 days .
Author: Wes Woods II, Staff Writer
CLAREMONT - A July 29 fact-finding conference could bring a conclusion to contractual strife between the Claremont Faculty Association and the Claremont Unified School District.
Officials from both sides said they hope the conference provides for a resolution that has been elusive since the fall.
Negotiations between the two sides will continue until the conference.
"The idea going into it is you keep working on it until it happens," said Kevin Ward, director of human resources for the district and a member of its negotiating team.
Officials from both sides said they hope the conference provides for a resolution that has been elusive since the fall.
Negotiations between the two sides will continue until the conference.
"The idea going into it is you keep working on it until it happens," said Kevin Ward, director of human resources for the district and a member of its negotiating team.
Continue reading Claremont school district, union to present argument to 'fact finder' .
MT. BALDY - A coiled and hissing rattlesnake set the tone this week at a Mt. Baldy School science camp.
Just as a camp group started their mile-and-a-half expedition along a shrub- filled trail, an instructor pointed out the sun-bathing, elongated reptile.
"Why do snakes need to sit in the sun?" instructor Jay Colombo asked.
"Because he's cold- blooded," yelled a student.
Just as a camp group started their mile-and-a-half expedition along a shrub- filled trail, an instructor pointed out the sun-bathing, elongated reptile.
"Why do snakes need to sit in the sun?" instructor Jay Colombo asked.
"Because he's cold- blooded," yelled a student.
John Valenzuela/Staff Photographer
Continue reading Students get close look at science.
RANCHO CUCAMONGA - When Donna Libutti talks about Central School District her voice goes an octave higher.
She said her excitement stems from having a rich and dedicated staff, a forward-thinking board and, of course, being named the new superintendent of the school district.
"Oh my gosh. I can't stand it," said Libutti, the district's former deputy superintendent. "Of course, wow - what an honor. It's so humbling and what an opportunity."
Libutti, 47, started as superintendent on July 1. She replaced Sharon Nagel, who retired after 39 years with the district.
She said her excitement stems from having a rich and dedicated staff, a forward-thinking board and, of course, being named the new superintendent of the school district.
"Oh my gosh. I can't stand it," said Libutti, the district's former deputy superintendent. "Of course, wow - what an honor. It's so humbling and what an opportunity."
Libutti, 47, started as superintendent on July 1. She replaced Sharon Nagel, who retired after 39 years with the district.
Will Lester/Staff Photographer
Continue reading Libutti looking forward to opportunities at Central School District .
RANCHO CUCAMONGA - Central School District board members have approved a one-time salary reduction of 6 percent for three administrators.
The superintendent, assistant superintendent of business services and assistant superintendent human resources and safety preparedness agreed to the voluntary reduction for the 2010-11 school year. The cuts are expected to generate a saving to the district of $28,466.
This is the first year those holding the three posts have agreed to a salary decrease. In the 2009-10 school year, district staff accepted five furlough days, while teachers accepted three.
The fiscal crisis hasn't been kind to districts statewide, Central being one of them. The quaint district has been struggling with declining enrollment for six years, and the continuous lack of funding from the state has forced officials to lay off a number of employees and increase class sizes.
"We're finding every little tiny place to tighten," said former Superintendent Sharon Nagel said.
The superintendent, assistant superintendent of business services and assistant superintendent human resources and safety preparedness agreed to the voluntary reduction for the 2010-11 school year. The cuts are expected to generate a saving to the district of $28,466.
This is the first year those holding the three posts have agreed to a salary decrease. In the 2009-10 school year, district staff accepted five furlough days, while teachers accepted three.
The fiscal crisis hasn't been kind to districts statewide, Central being one of them. The quaint district has been struggling with declining enrollment for six years, and the continuous lack of funding from the state has forced officials to lay off a number of employees and increase class sizes.
"We're finding every little tiny place to tighten," said former Superintendent Sharon Nagel said.
Continue reading Central School District's top three take trims .
RANCHO CUCAMONGA - Sharon Nagel looks at retirement as the next step in her life.
The former superintendent of the Central School District not only spent 39 years in education, she spent them in the same district.
"I'm looking forward to a slower pace, having more control of what my day looks like," said Nagel, who retired July 1 from the Rancho Cucamonga-based district.
"From my perspective I don't feel sad. I wasn't counting down either."
Nagel, 60, has already planned her first year of retirement, which includes auditing classes at the Claremont Colleges, volunteering one day week in her granddaughter's kindergarten class at Valle Vista Elementary, looking for a community organization to volunteer for and trips to Paris, Machu Picchu and the Galapagos Islands.
The former superintendent of the Central School District not only spent 39 years in education, she spent them in the same district.
"I'm looking forward to a slower pace, having more control of what my day looks like," said Nagel, who retired July 1 from the Rancho Cucamonga-based district.
"From my perspective I don't feel sad. I wasn't counting down either."
Nagel, 60, has already planned her first year of retirement, which includes auditing classes at the Claremont Colleges, volunteering one day week in her granddaughter's kindergarten class at Valle Vista Elementary, looking for a community organization to volunteer for and trips to Paris, Machu Picchu and the Galapagos Islands.
Jennifer Cappuccio Maher/Staff Photographer
Continue reading Nagel exits after 39 years with Central School District .
Author: Monica Rodriguez , Staff Writer
The item was pulled off Wednesday's Board of Education agenda after a district lawyer determined a public hearing on the item had not been properly noticed, Superintendent Richard Martinez said.
The district had inadvertently failed to publish a notice in a local paper that the hearing would take place, but arrangements were being made to have an announcement published by Monday at the latest and schedule a school board meeting for early August, Martinez said.
Continue reading PUSD's decision on tax measure delayed .
Author: Monica Rodriguez , Staff Writer
POMONA - While some students are enjoying the summer, a small group of graduate level students are approaching their first month in a new intensive, one-year program at Western University of Health Science.
The group of 25 students makes up the charter class in the university's master of science in medical sciences offered through its Graduate College of Biomedical Science.
The program is designed to prepare students for admission into various health careers, said Jodi Olson, director of the program.
Most students have a science background, but some may not have the type of science courses professional schools would like applicants to have to gain admission to their programs, she said.
Continue reading Western U program aids student transition .
Author: Neil Nisperos , Staff Writer
CHINO - Michael Calta will step down from the Chino Valley Unified school board in the next few weeks. Calta, a board member since 2004, will be moving with his wife and three children to be near family in Texas.
He announced his intentions to leave the board at Thursday night's school board meeting.
"It's a mixed emotion again on a personal level but the confirmation of it was so clear though prayer that it's offsetting the loss," Calta said. "It is a loss for me personally. I love this district. I've invested in this district and I care about this district."
Continue reading Chino Valley Unified school board member to step down.
ONTARIO - Kelly Trejo's primary language is Spanish, but that may change in a couple years.
Kelly, 6, was among hundreds of Ontario-Montclair School District students who were tested Tuesday on their English-language skills as part of the California English Language Development Tests.
The test assesses each student's skills in English to assist their teachers when classes begin next month.
"It was easy," said Kelly, 6, who will attend first-grade at Lehigh Elementary School in Montclair in a few weeks. "I was asked to point to a letter."
Kelly, 6, was among hundreds of Ontario-Montclair School District students who were tested Tuesday on their English-language skills as part of the California English Language Development Tests.
The test assesses each student's skills in English to assist their teachers when classes begin next month.
"It was easy," said Kelly, 6, who will attend first-grade at Lehigh Elementary School in Montclair in a few weeks. "I was asked to point to a letter."
Will Lester/Staff Photographer
Continue reading First-graders take English skills exam .
Author: Monica Rodriguez , Staff Writer
POMONA - A proposal to place a parcel tax on the Nov. 2 ballot will go before the school board tonight.
If the Pomona Unified board decides to place the matter on the ballot, then it will be up to the district voters in Pomona and part of Diamond Bar to decide if they wish to tax themselves.
The proposal would require the approval of two-thirds of those voting to raise about $4million annually for four years.
"We would basically be using (the funding) across the system," said Superintendent Richard Martinez said.
If the Pomona Unified board decides to place the matter on the ballot, then it will be up to the district voters in Pomona and part of Diamond Bar to decide if they wish to tax themselves.
The proposal would require the approval of two-thirds of those voting to raise about $4million annually for four years.
"We would basically be using (the funding) across the system," said Superintendent Richard Martinez said.
Continue reading Parcel tax may be put on PUSD ballot .
Author: Wes Woods II, Staff Writer
CLAREMONT - Love and teaching defined Barbara Shyer, even though her friends say she spent much of her career following her own direction. "She wasn't your standard teacher," said Claremont resident and family friend Phil Elderkin. "If there's a book that teachers are supposed to go by, I think she threw it away and went with her instinct and her love of people and ability to get kids to trust her."
Shyer, a founding member of the First Church of Christ, Scientist in Claremont for 61 years, died on Saturday.
She was 79.
Continue reading Longtime teacher remembered for following own path .
MONTCLAIR - Animated movies took on a whole other dimension to a group of local students on Monday.
With the help of Ontario-Montclair School District GATE parents, students were treated a day of summer science enrichment activities with a lecture by Cal State San Bernardino biology professor Stuart Sumida..
"I thought that you just drew pictures, but I didn't know that you needed any science and math to do it," said Haley Kurz, sixth-grader at Buena Vista Arts-integrated Elementary School.
With the help of Ontario-Montclair School District GATE parents, students were treated a day of summer science enrichment activities with a lecture by Cal State San Bernardino biology professor Stuart Sumida..
"I thought that you just drew pictures, but I didn't know that you needed any science and math to do it," said Haley Kurz, sixth-grader at Buena Vista Arts-integrated Elementary School.
Haley Kruz, center, and Mika Searight, both 10 and students at Buena Vista Elementary, raised their hands to answer a question from Cal State San Bernardino professor Stuart Sumida on Monday at the home of Mia Searight in Montclair. A group of parents of GATE students created Parents Like Us, or PLUS, and have organized a series of enrichment activities for students at the district's two magnet schools.
Will Lester, Staff Photographer
Continue reading Program teaches youngsters about science, art connection .
Author: Neil Nisperos , Staff Writer
Hernandez, a NASA engineer and astronaut, was the featured speaker at the Chino Preserve Community Center on Monday. Dozens of children, enrolled in the city's youth summer camp program, were able to watch a video of his 2009 shuttle and space station mission and ask him questions about what it's like to live and work in space.
One of the questions from the youth was whether Hernandez had ever walked on another planet.
Continue reading Chino youth encouraged to reach for the stars .
The filing period for candidates in the Nov. 2 begins today.
More than 70 Inland Valley seats will be up for grabs in the general election.
The filing period ends at 5 p.m. Aug. 6, but will be extended to 5 p.m. Aug. 11 for any race in which an incumbent fails to file.
"This is going to be a big election," said Kathy Payne, elections analyst with the San Bernardino County Registrar of Voters.
On top of city, school, water and special districts, there will be state propositions and perhaps in some cases city measures to vote on.
More than 70 Inland Valley seats will be up for grabs in the general election.
The filing period ends at 5 p.m. Aug. 6, but will be extended to 5 p.m. Aug. 11 for any race in which an incumbent fails to file.
"This is going to be a big election," said Kathy Payne, elections analyst with the San Bernardino County Registrar of Voters.
On top of city, school, water and special districts, there will be state propositions and perhaps in some cases city measures to vote on.
Continue reading Filing period starts today .
With the help of school officials, a small group of local parents is getting involved in their children's education.
About eight parents of GATE students in Ontario-Montclair School District formed Parents Like Us, or PLUS, and have organized a series of enrichment activities for students at the district's two magnet schools - Buena Vista Arts- Integrated elementary and Vina Danks Middle School.
"I think one of the most rewarding things is to have the opportunity to get together with kids at (my son's) level and to experience and see things through their eyes," said Meena Duguay, a PLUS parent.
About eight parents of GATE students in Ontario-Montclair School District formed Parents Like Us, or PLUS, and have organized a series of enrichment activities for students at the district's two magnet schools - Buena Vista Arts- Integrated elementary and Vina Danks Middle School.
"I think one of the most rewarding things is to have the opportunity to get together with kids at (my son's) level and to experience and see things through their eyes," said Meena Duguay, a PLUS parent.
Continue reading Parents help run children's activities .
Author: Neil Nisperos , Staff Writer
CHINO - The animals they cared for were spray painted, set free and one pregnant dairy cow was nearly strangled after being tied up to the school flag pole.
The apparent senior prank at Don Lugo High School shortly before the end of the school year last month could have seriously cost some students in terms of the hard work and money spent on raising the sheep and cows prior to showing and auctioning off the animals at the Chino Fair this past week.
Don Lugo High agriculture student Justin Santana, who was showing a sheep named Jack Black at the fair, was saddened by the prank.
Continue reading Ag students, their animals recover in time for Chino Fair .
Author: Wes Woods II, Staff Writer
CLAREMONT - School district officials have settled with former Danbury School nurse Cindy Estep-Tonan for about $75,000 over her dismissal late last year. Settlement terms were recently released by the Claremont Unified School District after a California Public Records Act request was made for the agreement, which was reached in a settlement conference and signed May 5.
Estep-Tonan said she had no comment on the settlement. Her husband, new Claremont Faculty Association President Joe Tonan, also would not comment.
Continue reading Claremont Unified settles claim with terminated nurse .
POMONA - Getting a buck off a sandwich at Cal Poly Pomona can be as easy as recycling a couple of cans and bottles.
The university is now the home to two Internet-connected recycling Dream Machine kiosks that offer recyclers a chance to get rewards every time they decide to go green.
"I think just because of the technology, the students are really going to like it," said Paul Storey, executive director of the Cal Poly Pomona Foundation.
The university is now the home to two Internet-connected recycling Dream Machine kiosks that offer recyclers a chance to get rewards every time they decide to go green.
"I think just because of the technology, the students are really going to like it," said Paul Storey, executive director of the Cal Poly Pomona Foundation.
Continue reading Cal Poly gives students extra incentives to go green .
POMONA -- While some students were at the beach getting that base tan, Cal Poly Pomona student Shawn Irvin was making history.
The 20-year-old computer information systems major from Apple Valley has created an iPhone application called Cal Poly Pomona Central that provides users with a campus map, the latest news, a list of places to eat and more.
It can be found on iTunes for free. Although the app is not endorsed by Cal Poly, it is the only California State University system school to have an app.
Individual apps on a hand- held device are downloaded by a user to obtain information about specific subjects.
John Valenzuela, staff photographer
Continue reading Cal Poly student creates app to help people get around campus.
RANCHO CUCAMONGA - Michael Whisenand is taking the next step in his education career, and it's going to be a step on ground he knows well.
Whisenand, 56, was unanimously appointed last week as superintendent of Alta Loma School District - which he attended as a boy.
"Alta Loma has been such a home for me," said Whisenand, who was the district's assistant superintendent of human resources.
"What's been important to me is the relationships I've developed over the years. It really is what makes this organization special - it's worth sticking around."
Whisenand, 56, was unanimously appointed last week as superintendent of Alta Loma School District - which he attended as a boy.
"Alta Loma has been such a home for me," said Whisenand, who was the district's assistant superintendent of human resources.
"What's been important to me is the relationships I've developed over the years. It really is what makes this organization special - it's worth sticking around."
Photo by Thomas R. Cordova
Continue reading New leader starts at Alta Loma School District .
