Education Now for week of Nov. 8
Schools closed for Veteran's Day
The San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools office will be closed Thursday for Veterans Day and Friday because of a furlough day for employees.
Most schools will also be off those days and will resume their normal hours of operation on Nov. 15.
U.S. Education secretary talks about bullying
With all the news about bullying, U.S. Department of Education Arne Duncan went online to answer questions related to the issue.
The secretary answered questions from Facebook about stopping bullying, supporting innovations and improvements in preschool-12 school reform.
Go onto the Twitter account @DBEducationNow to find the link on Nov. 3.
CSU to discuss change of 'fees' term
California State University board of trustees will discuss changing the term "fees" to "tuition" at their meeting this week.
Officials will also meet to discuss a number of issues -- including fee increases -- Tuesday and Wednesday -- in Long Beach.
The CSU as well as University of California systems plan to make the change since the term "tuition" more accurately describes the use of revenue, which supports the basic needs of academic programs and student support.
The "fee" label has also caused problems related to federal financial assistance programs, most especially for veterans and the GI bill.
History brought to life for Bonita students
Students of the Bonita Unified School District area are getting a lesson in history with a program that brings it to life.
Shaunna Gygli, a former Bonita elementary teacher, developed the program Hands-on-History that coordinates many volunteers to help Bonita's fourth grade students experience history through simulations, food, games, music and more.
In the fall, all fourth-grade students take a step back in time for Indian Camp. These young time travelers make arrowheads, pictographs, shell necklaces and baskets.
They grind acorns, play games, paint their faces and learn about natural resources and artifacts used by California Native Americans.
"These opportunities enrich the curriculum outlined in the California state history social science standards and enable our students to experience history in ways no textbook is able to do," Gygli said. "Bonita students remember these experiences for the rest of their lives."
During February and March these same students will travel back in time to the Rancho Days at Palomares Adobe, which is an historical site, part of the original 15,000-acre Rancho San Jose land grant.
Students will learn how to spin and weave wool, make candles, throw a reata, make adobe bricks, sing songs, and dance the La Raspa. They will tour the adobe and see a blacksmith demonstration.
The day concludes with a lunch the children prepare of carne asada con naopales, beans and tortillas.
Finally in May, fourth-graders will fill their pokes at Gold Rush Days -- Eureka! Big Dalton Canyon in Glendora is where their claims will be staked.
They will try their hands at carpentry, games, songs and tin art. They will go on a nature hike to learn about native plants in the chaparral, oak woodlands, and the coastal sage communities.
State P-16 Council program to be cut
Due to budget cuts, the state Department of Education will have to dissolve its program that helps student achievement beginning in preschool.
The department has to absorb $5 million in cuts to general fund operations and one of the items slated to be eliminated is the P-16 Council, officials said on Friday.
The 44-member P-16 Council is charged with the development of strategies to better coordinate, integrate, and improve education for California students from preschool through college.
"The council has been successful in their work and closing the achievement gap," said Hilary McLean, CDE spokeswoman. "It's unfortunate that we're having to make these changes and others, especially when the themes and spirit of the department is closing the achievement gap."
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell announced the establishment of the P-16 Council in December 2004.
The members of the council represent a wide range of experts throughout California, including teachers, administrators, parents, business leaders, students and academics.
In addition, several of the statewide council members serve on regional councils as well.
The council first convened in May 2005 to immediately tackle O'Connell's call to add rigor and relevance to the state's high schools and better prepare students for careers or college. The council also works closely with the governor's Advisory Committee on Education Excellence to ensure all segments of California government are working toward building educational excellence.
In his second term, O'Connell asked the P-16 Council to focus on finding ways to close the achievement gap.
"Obviously the state and nation is in a budget crisis and it's affecting many people ... and it's unfortunate it's forcing us to make these difficult decisions," McLean said.
Information about the P-16 Council www.cde.ca.gov/eo/in/pc/.
CMC receive honor from Kiplinger
Kiplinger has ranked Claremont McKenna College seventh among top private liberal arts colleges that combine outstanding academic quality and affordability.
The honor was bestowed in the "Kiplinger 100: Best Values in Private Colleges for 2010-11." Schools making the top 100 this year were selected from a pool of more than 600 private institutions, according to a university news release.
"While Claremont McKenna College is consistently recognized for its excellence in educating future leaders, we are pleased with this recognition of the educational value we provide our students," CMC President Pamela Gann said. "The college's investment in faculty, student resources, and academics, and our financial aid program, including need-blind admission, enables us to provide high value for our students, as well as maintain our standing as one of the top liberal arts colleges nationally."
The annual, private school rankings will appear in the December issue of Kiplinger's Personal Finance.
For more information about the rankings, visit www.kiplinger.com/links/college.
Scholarship opportunity for high school students
High school students are being invited to participate in a oratorical speech contest.
The American Legion Pomona Post 30 are asking interested students in the ninth through 12th grades to submit a speech that shows their deeper knowledge and a appreciation of the Constitution of the United States.
Winner can win monies along the way -- first place in the national competition will win $18,000, second place winner gets $16,000, and third place gets $14,000.
Information: Cmdr. Karen Caddel 909-620-0943.
Students of the week
Alta Loma School District students are reaching for the stars.
Students of the week for the Rancho Cucamonga-based Vineyard Junior High<NO><NO1> School are Mia Bernal Nash and Jhordan Daniels.
Seventh-grader Mia was chosen for her outstanding effort and classroom performance, academic excellence.
Eighth-grader Jhordan was chosen for outstanding achievement and effort, academic excellence
Alta Loma Junior High's Warriors are the week are Lauren DeCosta and Keiane Mattson.
Laren was chosen for doing an excellent job with her art projects. She gives 100 percent effort to make each project her best work, while Keiane was chosen for being an excellent physical education aide and helpful to all students.
Education items
Here's a list of some key education items that happened Election Day:
- Assemblyman Tom Torlakson, D-Contra Costa, was declared the winner in Tuesday's election to become California's 27th state superintendent of public instruction.
- Eight local school board incumbents lost their seat in the elections.
- Both Claremont and Pomona Unified School districts bond measures lost on Election Day.
School board meetings
Below is a list of school board meetings this week:
Alta Loma School District Board of Trustees will meet at 6 p.m. Nov. 9 at the district office, 9390 Base Line Road, Rancho Cucamonga. Information: 909-484-5151.
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