September 2010 Archives
I have been informed the video has been taken down because of technical reasons and will be back up on Monday.
Watch it here: https://www.calchannel.com/channel/viewVideo/1768
The continuing state budget impasse has forced another delayed payment to the California Community Colleges for the new academic year.
This will leave campuses struggling without $840 million in operating funds and may threaten the ability of some colleges to make payroll and cover basic operating expenses for the 2010-11 school year, officials said Tuesday.
"In the months since the state budget deadlock began, the California Community Colleges have been forced to survive by borrowing, freezing purchasing, delaying vendor payments and other drastic steps," California Community Colleges Chancellor Jack Scott said.
Continue reading Budget stalemate forces community colleges to borrow money to keep open.
State university campuses plan to accept as many as 30,000 new students for the winter and spring terms after limiting the number of students due to budget cuts.
The 23-campus system did not accept applications for the 2010 spring term because of reduced state funding that also forced CSU to furlough employees and raise student fees.
The university expects to receive about 50,000 applications for its 2011 winter and spring terms and plans to start mailing out acceptance letters Monday even though lawmakers and the governor still haven't passed a state budget.
The 23-campus system did not accept applications for the 2010 spring term because of reduced state funding that also forced CSU to furlough employees and raise student fees.
The university expects to receive about 50,000 applications for its 2011 winter and spring terms and plans to start mailing out acceptance letters Monday even though lawmakers and the governor still haven't passed a state budget.
Continue reading CSU to admit new students for winter, spring terms .
MONTCLAIR - Six Ontario-Montclair School District campus will be awarded a grant to help support summer school programs thanks to the city.
The $89,251 grant - through the state Department of Education's 21st Century Community Learning Program - promotes opportunities for academic enrichment for students and schools to meet performance standards in core subjects.
Youth development activities including art, music, character education and recreation programs are also a part of the grants goal.
The city was awarded the grant to provide programs at Kingsley, Mission, Montera and Ramona elementary schools, as well as Serrano and Vernon middle schools.
The $89,251 grant - through the state Department of Education's 21st Century Community Learning Program - promotes opportunities for academic enrichment for students and schools to meet performance standards in core subjects.
Youth development activities including art, music, character education and recreation programs are also a part of the grants goal.
The city was awarded the grant to provide programs at Kingsley, Mission, Montera and Ramona elementary schools, as well as Serrano and Vernon middle schools.
Will Lester/Staff Photographer
Continue reading Grant helps Ontario-Montclair district support summer programs .
More than 200 San Bernardino County high school and college students, as well as adult, are expected to attend a Youth Empowerment event on Sept. 30 at Bob Murphy County Community Day School.
The event, which is filled to capacity with participants, will start at 5 p.m. at the school, 149 N. Arrowhead, Rialto.
The featured speaker at the event will be Jaiya John, founder of Soul Water Rising and author of "Reflection Pond," "Beautiful" and "Black Baby White Hands: A View From the Crib." John is a globally renowned speaker and presenter whose inspirational messages resonate with youth.
The event is for youth who are involved in the following San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools' programs: Foster Youth Services, Youth Empowerment Services Center, Children Deserve Success, Murphy County Community Day School and San Bernardino Valley College Valley Bound program.
For more information about the event, contact Bernadette Pinchback, manager of the County Schools' Foster Youth Services, at (909) 252-4501.
The event, which is filled to capacity with participants, will start at 5 p.m. at the school, 149 N. Arrowhead, Rialto.
The featured speaker at the event will be Jaiya John, founder of Soul Water Rising and author of "Reflection Pond," "Beautiful" and "Black Baby White Hands: A View From the Crib." John is a globally renowned speaker and presenter whose inspirational messages resonate with youth.
The event is for youth who are involved in the following San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools' programs: Foster Youth Services, Youth Empowerment Services Center, Children Deserve Success, Murphy County Community Day School and San Bernardino Valley College Valley Bound program.
For more information about the event, contact Bernadette Pinchback, manager of the County Schools' Foster Youth Services, at (909) 252-4501.
Author: Monica Rodriguez , Staff Writer
Superintendent Richard Martinez said last week the district is waiting for the arrival of the money, which can be used for purposes including hiring back teachers who lost their jobs at the end of last school year due to budget cuts.
The money is part of $1.2 billion the federal government allocated to California as part of an effort to save education jobs.
District administrators are in the process of calling back a majority of teachers who were laid off. More students enrolled this year than the district expected.
Continue reading Federal money heading to PUSD .
Author: Wes Woods II, Staff Writer
Council members on Tuesday will vote on an ordinance that would prohibit freshmen and sophomores at undergraduate colleges in the city from parking vehicles on campus. The ordinance would be added to the city's Municipal Code.
The council unanimously approved a first reading of the ordinance earlier this month.
"I'm very very pleased that it went through unanimously," Mayor Linda Elderkin said. "All of the council members supported it. This is a very long time coming and a very important change in our code."
Continue reading Parking to be curtailed at Claremont Colleges .
Continue reading State Superintendent Candidates faceoff at forum .
Author: Liset Márquez , Staff Writer
ONTARIO - Every year, the City Council sets aside more than half a million dollars from its general fund toward Ontario-Montclair School District programs.
Yet, Councilman Alan Wapner said, officials with the OMSD have yet to acknowledge it.
"I don't think they know how much funding we're providing, and we don't get the credit," he said.
To that end, Councilwoman Debra Dorst-Porada, a former school board member, has requested that city staff compile a report detailing exactly how much is given to the school district.
Yet, Councilman Alan Wapner said, officials with the OMSD have yet to acknowledge it.
"I don't think they know how much funding we're providing, and we don't get the credit," he said.
To that end, Councilwoman Debra Dorst-Porada, a former school board member, has requested that city staff compile a report detailing exactly how much is given to the school district.
Continue reading Ontario official suggests district help pay for crossing guards.
As the state budget impasse continues, California's cash-strapped colleges and universities will get some help from federal economic stimulus funding.
University of California and California State University systems are in the process of receiving $106 million while state community colleges will get $5 million.
The one-time funding is from the final round of dollars issued out from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which was signed into law by President Barack Obama in early 2009.
While officials continue to wait for the passage of the state budget that may or may not include restoration of some of the millions in funding cuts that higher-education schools sustained in the past three years, this round of stimulus monies will ease budget cuts and allow campuses to admit some new students for the next term.
University of California and California State University systems are in the process of receiving $106 million while state community colleges will get $5 million.
The one-time funding is from the final round of dollars issued out from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which was signed into law by President Barack Obama in early 2009.
While officials continue to wait for the passage of the state budget that may or may not include restoration of some of the millions in funding cuts that higher-education schools sustained in the past three years, this round of stimulus monies will ease budget cuts and allow campuses to admit some new students for the next term.
Continue reading Higher education to receive over $100 million in federal funding .
POMONA - About 3,000 to 4,000 students on Wednesday night attended the BroncoFusion 2010 concert event that also served as the debut of the Bronco Commons activity space.
As bass pounded through speakers from the performances on the outdoor stage area, students reacted positively to the venue.
"I think it has good architecture," said Julian Black, 20, a psychology major.
The Bronco Commons, a grassy lawn and courtyard area near the Residential Suites, was recently designated and includes three distinct zones, according to Cal Poly Pomona.
As bass pounded through speakers from the performances on the outdoor stage area, students reacted positively to the venue.
"I think it has good architecture," said Julian Black, 20, a psychology major.
The Bronco Commons, a grassy lawn and courtyard area near the Residential Suites, was recently designated and includes three distinct zones, according to Cal Poly Pomona.
Will Lester/Staff Photographer
POMONA - Caroline Truong can't wait to start her new life as a Cal Poly Pomona student.
At 17 years old, Caroline will transition from being a senior at high school and living with her parents in Arcadia, to being a freshman and living in the dorms at the university.
"I'm excited and ready to start school," said Caroline, who joined a little more than 2,000 freshman at Cal Poly beginning classes Thursday.
"I'm happy I'm not at home. I'm now independent so you don't know what to expect."
At 17 years old, Caroline will transition from being a senior at high school and living with her parents in Arcadia, to being a freshman and living in the dorms at the university.
"I'm excited and ready to start school," said Caroline, who joined a little more than 2,000 freshman at Cal Poly beginning classes Thursday.
"I'm happy I'm not at home. I'm now independent so you don't know what to expect."
Author: Neil Nisperos , Staff Writer
CHINO - The College Park housing development in the heart of this city will be sold today in a public foreclosure auction.
The sale was necessary after the community's developer, Irvine-based SunCal Companies, defaulted on a $76 million loan for the land.
Chino officials said they expect College Park's financial lender, New York-based iStar Financial, to be the winning bidder.
"The sale involves assets of the overall master-planned community, but does not include property that is owned by homeowners or lots that have been sold to homebuilders," SunCal spokesman Joe Aguirre said.
The sale was necessary after the community's developer, Irvine-based SunCal Companies, defaulted on a $76 million loan for the land.
Chino officials said they expect College Park's financial lender, New York-based iStar Financial, to be the winning bidder.
"The sale involves assets of the overall master-planned community, but does not include property that is owned by homeowners or lots that have been sold to homebuilders," SunCal spokesman Joe Aguirre said.
Continue reading College Park land in foreclosure sale .
SAN BERNARDINO -- Despite a decline in three key areas, San Bernardino County schools have continued to show signs of progress.
While the data for the 2009-10 school year have not been released by the state Department of Education, preliminary enrollment compiled by the county school offices show student enrollment has dropped 1 percent, or from 420,325 students to 415,549.
Also, the new school year began with six fewer schools and 529 fewer teachers.
"These are unprecedented declines, and, combined with the tough economic climate, it is creating exceptionally challenging times for our county schools in meeting their fiscal responsibilities," said county Superintendent Gary Thomas at a media briefing on Tuesday.
Gabriel Luis Acosta/Staff Photographer
Continue reading S.B. County supe says all is fine.
RANCHO CUCAMONGA - Local advocates urged the West End Gangs and Drug Task Force on Monday to take a broader, comprehensive approach to combat increased youth substance abuse and gang violence in San Bernardino County.
"We need to take the next step. We need to get to the root of the causes, how the economic causes are a factor and look at youth development as solutions," said Diana Fox, executive director for Upland-based Reach Out.
The strategic planning session on Monday comes when gang membership has soared 47 percent in the last three years in the county.
"We need to take the next step. We need to get to the root of the causes, how the economic causes are a factor and look at youth development as solutions," said Diana Fox, executive director for Upland-based Reach Out.
The strategic planning session on Monday comes when gang membership has soared 47 percent in the last three years in the county.
Continue reading Gangs and drugs task force set goals for the next year .
Author/Byline: Neil Nisperos , Staff Writer
A class studying the Bible as literature in three Chino Valley district schools has drawn criticism from parents who questioned the necessity of the class.
Chino Hills High School parent Lisa Greathouse asked the school board recently why district officials are continuing to operate the class at her school with only 12 students while other overcrowded classes could use an additional teacher for relief.
"While it might have been feasible in past years to keep an elective open with a handful of students, in today's economy, our district does not have the luxury," Greathouse said. "How can you possibly justify expending resources to keep this class instead of splitting up core classes that are outrageously overcrowded?"
A class studying the Bible as literature in three Chino Valley district schools has drawn criticism from parents who questioned the necessity of the class.
Chino Hills High School parent Lisa Greathouse asked the school board recently why district officials are continuing to operate the class at her school with only 12 students while other overcrowded classes could use an additional teacher for relief.
"While it might have been feasible in past years to keep an elective open with a handful of students, in today's economy, our district does not have the luxury," Greathouse said. "How can you possibly justify expending resources to keep this class instead of splitting up core classes that are outrageously overcrowded?"
Continue reading Concern raised over Bible class enrollment .
POMONA - Despite not having an approved state budget, Cal Poly Pomona's President Michael Ortiz remains optimistic about the new academic year.
In his 2010 fall State of the University address on Monday, Ortiz highlighted the work and accomplishments of Cal Poly's faculty and staff while acknowledging the struggle and reality of funding the university system is dealing with.
"The fact is that future funding for public higher education in California remains uncertain and the trend is not positive," Ortiz said Monday in his speech.
"The California economy can no longer fully support the breadth of our state agencies and programs. Unfortunately, I don't expect that to change. While we have, and will continue to make, a compelling case for support, I cannot foresee us ever getting the same level of funding per student that we received ten years ago."
In his 2010 fall State of the University address on Monday, Ortiz highlighted the work and accomplishments of Cal Poly's faculty and staff while acknowledging the struggle and reality of funding the university system is dealing with.
"The fact is that future funding for public higher education in California remains uncertain and the trend is not positive," Ortiz said Monday in his speech.
"The California economy can no longer fully support the breadth of our state agencies and programs. Unfortunately, I don't expect that to change. While we have, and will continue to make, a compelling case for support, I cannot foresee us ever getting the same level of funding per student that we received ten years ago."
Jennifer Cappuccio Maher/Staff Photographer
Continue reading Cal Poly welcomes new year with a little more optimism .
Author/Byline: Neil Nisperos , Staff Writer
The Chino Valley Unified School District is celebrating student proficiency growth at the majority of its schools in the 2009-10 school year, while it's also keeping an eye on three schools where test scores have fallen.
Overall, Chino Valley Unified students at schools in Chino, Chino Hills and Ontario increased their Academic Performance Index score to 812 in the 2009-10 year, up 13 points from the previous year.
The students' performance made Chino Valley Unified the top scoring unified school district in San Bernardino County, officials said.
The Chino Valley Unified School District is celebrating student proficiency growth at the majority of its schools in the 2009-10 school year, while it's also keeping an eye on three schools where test scores have fallen.
Overall, Chino Valley Unified students at schools in Chino, Chino Hills and Ontario increased their Academic Performance Index score to 812 in the 2009-10 year, up 13 points from the previous year.
The students' performance made Chino Valley Unified the top scoring unified school district in San Bernardino County, officials said.
Continue reading Chino Valley Unified celebrates score growth, assesses drops .
Cutting coupons, looking for back-to-school deals and shopping at the Dollar Tree are just a few ways teachers are making the most out of their money.
As school districts tighten their belts on spending due to the downturn of the economy, teachers continue to spend hundreds of dollars from their own pockets to pay for classroom essentials.
A study by the National School Supply and Equipment Association reported public school teachers in the United States spent more than $1.33 billion out of pocket on school supplies and instructional material in the 2009-10 school year.
"Times are tough for us too, we find ourselves shopping at the 99-cent store instead of Office Depot for supplies," said Patrick Garcia, eighth-grade algebra teacher at Ray Wiltsey Middle School in Ontario.
"A lot of these kids come from broken homes or parents working two jobs and they can't even buy stuff from the Dollar Tree for their kids."
As school districts tighten their belts on spending due to the downturn of the economy, teachers continue to spend hundreds of dollars from their own pockets to pay for classroom essentials.
A study by the National School Supply and Equipment Association reported public school teachers in the United States spent more than $1.33 billion out of pocket on school supplies and instructional material in the 2009-10 school year.
"Times are tough for us too, we find ourselves shopping at the 99-cent store instead of Office Depot for supplies," said Patrick Garcia, eighth-grade algebra teacher at Ray Wiltsey Middle School in Ontario.
"A lot of these kids come from broken homes or parents working two jobs and they can't even buy stuff from the Dollar Tree for their kids."
Jennifer Cappuccio Maher, Staff Photographer
Continue reading Teachers still spending their own money on classroom supplies .
Author/Byline: Neil Nisperos , Staff Writer
CHINO - Chino Valley Unified school board members have decided to open applications for candidates interested in filling a recently vacated board seat.
Interested candidates may start applying to the Chino Valley Unified School District beginning Tuesday. Applications will be held open for two weeks until Oct. 5.
A selection will be provided to San Bernardino County prior to a 60-day deadline to fill the empty seat, which was set for Nov. 5, three days after the election.
Facing a projected $30million budget deficit, the board on Thursday unanimously decided to reject holding a special election at an estimated cost of about $460,000.
CHINO - Chino Valley Unified school board members have decided to open applications for candidates interested in filling a recently vacated board seat.
Interested candidates may start applying to the Chino Valley Unified School District beginning Tuesday. Applications will be held open for two weeks until Oct. 5.
A selection will be provided to San Bernardino County prior to a 60-day deadline to fill the empty seat, which was set for Nov. 5, three days after the election.
Facing a projected $30million budget deficit, the board on Thursday unanimously decided to reject holding a special election at an estimated cost of about $460,000.
Continue reading School board to appoint new member .
ONTARIO - An Ontario-Montclair school board member and the teachers union president took time out of Thursday's school board meeting to criticize each other, again.
Rick McClure, president of the Ontario-Montclair Teachers Association, requested that board member Paul Avila apologize to every teacher in the district for two e-mails he sent out in August.
The e-mails were sent by Avila after he and other school board candidates were invited by the teachers union to meet with them for the purpose of endorsements. Avila is up for re-election Nov. 2.
"Mr. Avila thinks that it is OK (in his e-mails) to invite executive officers and the teachers association that represent Ontario-Montclair teachers to kiss his 'royal butt on both cheeks,' " McClure said during the meeting's public comment session.
"You think it is OK to disrespect them in the most childish of ways and the work that they do. All I can say is shame on you. For shame."
McClure called the e-mails written Aug. 17 "extremely rude, disrespectful and demeaning to teachers and frankly, downright bizarre."
Rick McClure, president of the Ontario-Montclair Teachers Association, requested that board member Paul Avila apologize to every teacher in the district for two e-mails he sent out in August.
The e-mails were sent by Avila after he and other school board candidates were invited by the teachers union to meet with them for the purpose of endorsements. Avila is up for re-election Nov. 2.
"Mr. Avila thinks that it is OK (in his e-mails) to invite executive officers and the teachers association that represent Ontario-Montclair teachers to kiss his 'royal butt on both cheeks,' " McClure said during the meeting's public comment session.
"You think it is OK to disrespect them in the most childish of ways and the work that they do. All I can say is shame on you. For shame."
McClure called the e-mails written Aug. 17 "extremely rude, disrespectful and demeaning to teachers and frankly, downright bizarre."
Continue reading Union leader takes on candidate's e-mails .
Author/Byline: Wes Woods II, Staff Writer
CLAREMONT - It's not hard to figure out why Scripps College was ranked No. 4 in a recent ranking of the world's most beautiful campuses, students and officials said.
"This sounds a little corny, but the campus has been developed with a great deal of love, really," said Judy Harvey Sahak, assistant director of the libraries for the Claremont Colleges
"The trustees, architects and administrators on campus have been passionate about making sure the campus maintains that wonderful quality of simplicity and beauty."
Forbes.com released its rankings of "The World's Most Beautiful College Campuses" earlier this month.
CLAREMONT - It's not hard to figure out why Scripps College was ranked No. 4 in a recent ranking of the world's most beautiful campuses, students and officials said.
"This sounds a little corny, but the campus has been developed with a great deal of love, really," said Judy Harvey Sahak, assistant director of the libraries for the Claremont Colleges
"The trustees, architects and administrators on campus have been passionate about making sure the campus maintains that wonderful quality of simplicity and beauty."
Forbes.com released its rankings of "The World's Most Beautiful College Campuses" earlier this month.
courtesy photo
Continue reading Scripps gets top five nod for beautiful campuses .
Author/Byline: Wes Woods II, Staff Writer
CLAREMONT - The school district has reversed a decision to charge recently retired teachers and certificated employees each month for their health benefits.
The amount paid by retirees would have offset the cost to Claremont Unified School District by $125,000.
The school district started to require retirees to pay from $115 to $215 a month for their health benefits after getting the benefits in the past at no cost.
Claremont Faculty Association President Joe Tonan on Sept. 9 criticized the school board's decision and said it was a "clear violation of the contract."
CLAREMONT - The school district has reversed a decision to charge recently retired teachers and certificated employees each month for their health benefits.
The amount paid by retirees would have offset the cost to Claremont Unified School District by $125,000.
The school district started to require retirees to pay from $115 to $215 a month for their health benefits after getting the benefits in the past at no cost.
Claremont Faculty Association President Joe Tonan on Sept. 9 criticized the school board's decision and said it was a "clear violation of the contract."
Continue reading Claremont Unified rescinds benefits ruling .
POMONA - Take a good look at the pointed iconic building on the campus of Cal Poly Pomona.
In a few years, it's likely to be gone.
The California State University Board of Trustees are expected to address a proposal at their Tuesday meeting to demolish the 17-year-old student services and administrative building and replace it with a new facility elsewhere on campus.
Since its completion in 1993, the CLA complex has taxed operational budgets and personnel due to a number of construction flaws and mechanical system failures.
In a few years, it's likely to be gone.
The California State University Board of Trustees are expected to address a proposal at their Tuesday meeting to demolish the 17-year-old student services and administrative building and replace it with a new facility elsewhere on campus.
Since its completion in 1993, the CLA complex has taxed operational budgets and personnel due to a number of construction flaws and mechanical system failures.
Mediha Fejzagic DiMartino, Staff Photographer
Continue reading Cal Poly Pomona may demolish iconic building .
Local colleges and universities are distributing funds to students to cover a delay in financial aid and grant funds withheld because of the state budget impasse.
The University of La Verne, Cal Poly Pomona, and Pomona and Pitzer colleges are advancing money needed by new and returning students.
La Verne, a private university, has distributed the funds necessary to 700 students.
"Here at La Verne, we have always been a university that puts the students first. The decision to support these students as they further their education upholds our institutional mission and affirms our core values," university President Steve Morgan said on Tuesday.
The University of La Verne, Cal Poly Pomona, and Pomona and Pitzer colleges are advancing money needed by new and returning students.
La Verne, a private university, has distributed the funds necessary to 700 students.
"Here at La Verne, we have always been a university that puts the students first. The decision to support these students as they further their education upholds our institutional mission and affirms our core values," university President Steve Morgan said on Tuesday.
Continue reading Colleges plug funds gap .
Author/Byline: Sandra Emerson , Staff Writer
UPLAND - Students can start planning to sleep in another four extra days this school year.
Upland Unified's Board of Trustees on Wednesday approved an agreement with teachers to cut the school year by four days in order to address budget constraints.
The cut school days cut are Dec. 17, March 18, April 22 and May 27.
The school district and the Upland Teachers Association agreed to cut days that typically have less instruction time, said Sherri Black, district assistant superintendent of human resources.
UPLAND - Students can start planning to sleep in another four extra days this school year.
Upland Unified's Board of Trustees on Wednesday approved an agreement with teachers to cut the school year by four days in order to address budget constraints.
The cut school days cut are Dec. 17, March 18, April 22 and May 27.
The school district and the Upland Teachers Association agreed to cut days that typically have less instruction time, said Sherri Black, district assistant superintendent of human resources.
Continue reading Upland Unified School District cuts four school days .
Chaffey Joint Union High School officials may be pleased with the the district's performance on state academic achievement tests, but that could change in a few months.
The district scored a 747 on the 1,000-point Academic Performance Index in 2009-10, up two points from the previous year, according to the state Department of Education's Accountability Progress Report. The current state goal is for all California schools to have at least an API of 800.
The report, which was released Monday, provides results from API as well as the Adequate Yearly Progress and Program Improvement test, a federal accountability system. API and AYP are based on the statewide Standardized Testing and Reporting program and the California High School Exit Examination.
The district scored a 747 on the 1,000-point Academic Performance Index in 2009-10, up two points from the previous year, according to the state Department of Education's Accountability Progress Report. The current state goal is for all California schools to have at least an API of 800.
The report, which was released Monday, provides results from API as well as the Adequate Yearly Progress and Program Improvement test, a federal accountability system. API and AYP are based on the statewide Standardized Testing and Reporting program and the California High School Exit Examination.
Photo by Neil Nisperos, reporter
Continue reading Chaffey Joint scores higher .
With more schools narrowing the achievement gap, state education leaders are thinking of raising the bar even further.
With 46 percent of all schools in California being proficient in reading and math, state Superintendent of Instruction Jack O'Connell suggested Monday that it was time to have a "serious discussion" about raising target goals for student proficiency.
"California schools are made great by hardworking students, teachers, administrators, educators, school board members, and parents," O'Connell said. "I know that they could meet this challenge by keeping up the momentum and helping even more students reach higher levels of success."
With 46 percent of all schools in California being proficient in reading and math, state Superintendent of Instruction Jack O'Connell suggested Monday that it was time to have a "serious discussion" about raising target goals for student proficiency.
"California schools are made great by hardworking students, teachers, administrators, educators, school board members, and parents," O'Connell said. "I know that they could meet this challenge by keeping up the momentum and helping even more students reach higher levels of success."
Continue reading State school chief looking to raise students achievement.
President Barack Obama last week delived his second Back to School address in Philadelphia today.
The president spoke for about 20 minutes to the students of Julia R. Masterman Middle-High School, and the speeech was aired nationwide.
Obama addressed urged students to ignore bullies and treat each other with kindness and respect, saying part of the beauty of life "lies in its diversity."
Obama acknowledged that school is tough and that it can be made even tougher by the presence of classroom bullies who make fun of students and try to make those who are different from them feel bad.
"What I want all of you, if you do take away one thing from my speech, I want you to take away the notion that life is precious, and part of what makes it so wonderful is its diversity," he said.
Continue reading President hosts his second annual Back to School address.
ONTARIO - Chaffey Joint Union High School District buses may look the same from the outside, but the way they are able to travel around the district has changed.
During the summer break, Chaffey Joint Union installed a compressed natural gas fueling station for their buses at the district's maintenance yard at Vine Avenue and Fourth Street.
The station and other upgrades at the yard cost $1.9 million. The money came from a $128 million school bond to improve a number of facilities. The bond passed in 1998.
During the summer break, Chaffey Joint Union installed a compressed natural gas fueling station for their buses at the district's maintenance yard at Vine Avenue and Fourth Street.
The station and other upgrades at the yard cost $1.9 million. The money came from a $128 million school bond to improve a number of facilities. The bond passed in 1998.
Continue reading Chaffey Joint buses driving more efficiently to cut down on emissions .
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell applauded the achievement of 21 California public schools named this morning by U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan as 2010 National Blue Ribbon Schools.
The schools were among 304 schools nationwide to receive the prestigious award during the announcement this morning in Washington D.C.
"I congratulate these outstanding schools and celebrate this accomplishment made possible by hard work, commitment, and a determination to provide a rigorous education that is helping their students reach their full potential," O'Connell said. "I hope other schools will be able to follow their lead and turn struggle into success."
Continue reading California schools receive National Honor.
A $20,000 check has been given to the Alta Loma School District courtesy of Alta Loma Educational Foundation at its last board meeting
ALEF, a nonprofit group of community members and staff, donated the money to support arts and enrichment educational at the district's 10 schools.
Elementary schools will use the funds for their choral music programs, while junior high schools will provide arts assemblies for students.
courtesy photo
Continue reading Alta Loma School District gets money for arts.
In less than 140 characters, the Chaffey Joint Union High School District is staying connected to its students and families.
The high school district's superintendent and principals are now using the online social media network Twitter to provide real-time happenings, acknowledgments and information regarding their high schools and the district.
"I think that part of being involved with a high school student population is that you have to understand what they're into and how they communicate. And that's rapidly changing," said Chaffey's Superintendent Mat Holton.
The high school district's superintendent and principals are now using the online social media network Twitter to provide real-time happenings, acknowledgments and information regarding their high schools and the district.
"I think that part of being involved with a high school student population is that you have to understand what they're into and how they communicate. And that's rapidly changing," said Chaffey's Superintendent Mat Holton.
Continue reading Chaffey district stays connected through Twitter .
ONTARIO -- The Ontario-Montclair Teachers Association president will have to wait almost two weeks to publicly read what he says are demeaning e-mails sent by school board member Paul Avila.
Rick McClure, president of the teachers union, decided not to read the e-mails as he had intended during the public comment period of Thursday night's board meeting because Avila had left the room.
McClure described the e-mails as "extremely rude, disrespectful and demeaning to teachers and frankly, downright bizarre."
Continue reading Teachers union delays reading Avila's e-mails.
Below are the two Ont
ario-Montclair School District's letter in question by the union president.
First letter
Editor's note: This e-mail was sent Aug. 17 to Ontario-Montclair School District union president by school board member Paul Avila, who is up for re-election in November.
Subject: Re: Interviews with the Ontario Montclair
TeachersAssociation/Regrets/
Dear Mr. Vice President,
Yippy-gi- yea, Gee whiz, I feel so humble and spiritually
uplifted to grand heights of Mt. Baldy. I am extremely overwhelm with
mixed emotions, flooded with infinite flowing tears streaming the down
my facial cheeks by this unexpected invitation to part-take in OMTA's
interviews.
It staggers the imagination of this non-hidden agenda forum can
represent such a visible, glowing, and spectacular like gauntlet
process where contestants are unilaterally bestowed a vail of
transparent crown of cheer and pomp. the amazing part, is that, your
fraternal organization ask nothing in return? You and thine are true
generous benefactors of selfless charity.
Continue reading E-mails by Paul Vincent Avila.
POMONA - Deep fried frog legs - got it. Download Map: L.A. County Fair Map Guide Deep-fried Twinkie - check.
Deep-fried Klondike bar dipped in a thin pancake batter - no problem.
These are some of the many Chicken Charlie items fair-goers can sink their teeth into at the L.A. County Fair that begins today at Fairplex.
"You get a cold and soft inside with a hot and hard outside - it's a combination of flavors that will make your brain go crazy," said Chicken Charlie's owner Charlie Boghosian of the Klondike dessert.
Deep-fried Klondike bar dipped in a thin pancake batter - no problem.
These are some of the many Chicken Charlie items fair-goers can sink their teeth into at the L.A. County Fair that begins today at Fairplex.
"You get a cold and soft inside with a hot and hard outside - it's a combination of flavors that will make your brain go crazy," said Chicken Charlie's owner Charlie Boghosian of the Klondike dessert.
Jennifer Cappuccio Maher, Staff Photographer
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell today issued the following statement regarding the latest results of the voluntary Early Assessment Program tests that were recently released by the California State University:
"The CSU's Early Assessment Program test results show a five-percentage-point increase in the number of California students in grade eleven who demonstrated that they are on track to be college ready in English upon graduation from high school," O'Connell said.
"This is the first significant increase in this indicator in five years of testing."
Continue reading Student prepare for college using early assessment test.
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell today thanked the state Legislature for passing Senate Bill (SB) 847.
The bill, coauthored by Senate President pro Tempore Darrell Steinberg and Assembly Speaker John Perez; Assembly Bill (AB) 185, authored by assemblyman Joan Buchanan, and urged Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to quickly sign both measures so urgently needed federal stimulus funds can be disbursed to California schools.
"I want to thank the state Legislature for taking action to approve measures that will allow the California Department of Education to send these federal funds to local school districts," said O'Connell.
