February 2011 Archives
ONTARIO - Erika Gonzales can't wait to get her hands dirty in teaching.
But before she gets her own classroom, the Cal Poly Pomona student last week had a group of fourth-graders from Creek View Elementary School searching for gold by using oval aluminum lids to sift through dirt and water.
"Students want to do this, they want a pan, they want to get dirty and they want to know how cold the water is. They don't want to just read about it," said Gonzales, 22, a multiple-subject credential student at Cal Poly.
Through a class at the university led by professor Gary Garfield - which focuses on learning strategies for teaching social studies and history - future teachers are able to bring exciting, engaging, hands-on lessons to elementary school students. In this case, it's Suzanne McDonough's fourth-grade class.
But before she gets her own classroom, the Cal Poly Pomona student last week had a group of fourth-graders from Creek View Elementary School searching for gold by using oval aluminum lids to sift through dirt and water.
"Students want to do this, they want a pan, they want to get dirty and they want to know how cold the water is. They don't want to just read about it," said Gonzales, 22, a multiple-subject credential student at Cal Poly.
Through a class at the university led by professor Gary Garfield - which focuses on learning strategies for teaching social studies and history - future teachers are able to bring exciting, engaging, hands-on lessons to elementary school students. In this case, it's Suzanne McDonough's fourth-grade class.
Continue reading Cal Poly students teach kids about Gold Rush .
Author: Neil Nisperos , Staff Writer
CHINO - As part of cost-cutting measures at the Chino Valley Unified School District, officials have unveiled a plan to provide early retirement incentives to classified and management employees, in addition to teachers.
Gail Beal, senior vice president of the Torrance-based financial services firm of Keenan & Associates, presented a report to board members on Thursday regarding the potential savings that could be achieved with early retirement.
Continue reading Early retirement at Chino Valley school district could save jobs .
Sen. Bob Dutton has introduced a bill that would save money for local school districts by creating a statewide pay scale for all substitute teachers.
Under Senate Bill 266, school districts could pay all substitutes the same wage, regardless of tenure, thus saving school districts millions of dollars per year, according to the Rancho Cucamonga Republican.
The bill would provide school districts with relief from substitute teacher pay requirements which are causing more teachers to be laid off and additional school programs to be cut, Dutton said in a news release.
Under Senate Bill 266, school districts could pay all substitutes the same wage, regardless of tenure, thus saving school districts millions of dollars per year, according to the Rancho Cucamonga Republican.
The bill would provide school districts with relief from substitute teacher pay requirements which are causing more teachers to be laid off and additional school programs to be cut, Dutton said in a news release.
Continue reading Level pay pushed for subs .
RANCHO CUCAMONGA - Students at John L. Golden Elementary School were in awe Wednesday when they found out how long it takes to become an astronaut - 10 or more years.
When they found out how far a space ship travels on a gallon of fuel - 42 feet - they let out gasps.
But their jaws dropped when they saw their first-grade classmates Ava and Jakob Armbruster - along with their stuffed animals Noodles and Sam - waving to them from Florida on a video-conference call.
When they found out how far a space ship travels on a gallon of fuel - 42 feet - they let out gasps.
But their jaws dropped when they saw their first-grade classmates Ava and Jakob Armbruster - along with their stuffed animals Noodles and Sam - waving to them from Florida on a video-conference call.
POMONA - Where products are delivered, where people shop and how far employers must go to work were some of Parris Glendening's key points during a forum at Cal Poly Pomona on Tuesday.
The former governor of Maryland discussed what other cities and states are doing to promote jobs and sustainable neighborhoods at a one-day conference.
The conference - led by Mike Woo, the dean of the university's College of Environmental Design - brought together about 30 top minds from the country and state who are elected and appointed public officials, business and community leaders, academic and land-use professionals to discuss the future of the two regions as well the economic growth of the nation.
The former governor of Maryland discussed what other cities and states are doing to promote jobs and sustainable neighborhoods at a one-day conference.
The conference - led by Mike Woo, the dean of the university's College of Environmental Design - brought together about 30 top minds from the country and state who are elected and appointed public officials, business and community leaders, academic and land-use professionals to discuss the future of the two regions as well the economic growth of the nation.
Continue reading Forum looks at jobs, growth .
RANCHO CUCAMONGA - What started as a hobby for twin 7-year-olds has turned into a mission to visit as many places in the universe as they can.
But they don't actually do the visiting.
On Thursday, Noodles and Sam - the alter-egos of Ava and Jakob Armbruster of Rancho Cucamonga - will be at Cape Canaveral, Fla., to "witness" the launch of the shuttle Discovery on its 38th, and last, flight into space.
Noodles and Sam are stuffed animals that the youngsters have been loaning to friends, family and basically anyone who doesn't mind taking pictures of a pink pig and a grey and brown dog while on their vacation or business trip.
But they don't actually do the visiting.
On Thursday, Noodles and Sam - the alter-egos of Ava and Jakob Armbruster of Rancho Cucamonga - will be at Cape Canaveral, Fla., to "witness" the launch of the shuttle Discovery on its 38th, and last, flight into space.
Noodles and Sam are stuffed animals that the youngsters have been loaning to friends, family and basically anyone who doesn't mind taking pictures of a pink pig and a grey and brown dog while on their vacation or business trip.
Continue reading Traveling by proxy .
ONTARIO - The Chaffey Joint Union High School District will not issue preliminary layoff notices in March to teachers as well as other certificated employees.
Superintendent Mat Holton attributed the lack of pink slips to pro-active leadership from union associations as well as prudent action taken by the district's board of trustees.
Chaffey Joint Union in the past two years has enacted significant cuts, including a reduction in positions among all employee groups, Holton said.
The district slashed about $12 million from its budget and eliminated 156 positions in 2010 and made about $14 million budget cuts and eliminated 111 positions in 2009, Holton said.
Superintendent Mat Holton attributed the lack of pink slips to pro-active leadership from union associations as well as prudent action taken by the district's board of trustees.
Chaffey Joint Union in the past two years has enacted significant cuts, including a reduction in positions among all employee groups, Holton said.
The district slashed about $12 million from its budget and eliminated 156 positions in 2010 and made about $14 million budget cuts and eliminated 111 positions in 2009, Holton said.
Continue reading Chaffey avoids layoffs .
ONTARIO - Ontario-Montclair School District's superintendent described the district's $13.2 million budget reductions in two words - gut wrenching.
"It is for so many reasons because it is personal to the people it is impacting, but, at some point, you have to establish a priority that is furthest away from the classroom and staff that still gives us the best possibility to deliver world class education for students," OMSD Superintendent James Hammond said.
"At the end of the day, you have to look at what is in the best interest of the students - but no cut is ideal."
"It is for so many reasons because it is personal to the people it is impacting, but, at some point, you have to establish a priority that is furthest away from the classroom and staff that still gives us the best possibility to deliver world class education for students," OMSD Superintendent James Hammond said.
"At the end of the day, you have to look at what is in the best interest of the students - but no cut is ideal."
news release
Morgan, who is a school board member with the Victor Elementary School District, was one of three applicants who had applied for the position. The First Supervisorial District includes many of the school districts in the High Desert.
Continue reading Morgan appointed to county committee on school district organization.
President Barack Obama's budget proposal that would cut $100 billion from Pell Grants and other higher education programs has some local university administrators concerned about how students will pay for their tuition.
Obama's 2012 budget recommends ending a policy that allows students to collect two Pell Grants - including one for summer school - in a calendar year and another that reduces loan subsidies for graduate and professional students.
Savings will keep the maximum Pell Grant award to $5,550, an administration official said.
Obama's 2012 budget recommends ending a policy that allows students to collect two Pell Grants - including one for summer school - in a calendar year and another that reduces loan subsidies for graduate and professional students.
Savings will keep the maximum Pell Grant award to $5,550, an administration official said.
Continue reading Obama seeks Pell Grant changes .
FONTANA - East Heritage Elementary School students gave their hearts a jump start on Monday morning.
More than 600 students participated in the school's inaugural Jump Rope for Heart event and fundrasier. They spent about 45 minutes jumping rope to music and listening to facts about their hearts and heart issues.
"Did you know your heart is a muscle, and it pumps blood from your head to your toes every 60 seconds?" Principal Damita Walton said.
More than 600 students participated in the school's inaugural Jump Rope for Heart event and fundrasier. They spent about 45 minutes jumping rope to music and listening to facts about their hearts and heart issues.
"Did you know your heart is a muscle, and it pumps blood from your head to your toes every 60 seconds?" Principal Damita Walton said.
Continue reading Students jump rope for health .
Author: Monica Rodriguez , Staff Writer
POMONA - It started out as an invitation to have a conversation, and it developed into a faith-based group that will take on projects that benefit students.
The Superintendent's Faith-based Roundtable consists of more than 40 clergy and lay members of 16 different faith traditions, said Richard Martinez, superintendent of the Pomona Unified School District.
The initial concept was to meet informally to talk about the school district so the clergy could share the information with the members of their houses of worship, Martinez said. That was about nine months ago.
"It's grown into a lot more than I envisioned," Martinez said. "It's really about community and doing projects with a common goal."
Continue reading Schools get help from clergy .
SAN BERNARDINO - Four San Bernardino County Academic Decathlon champions will soon find themselves in another battle of the minds.
At the 28th annual decathlon awards banquet Thursday, the county superintendent announced not only will the first place winners Redlands High attend the state championships March 11-14 in Sacramento, but that the second, third and fourth-place winners will also be in attendance.
Trailing by 1,228 points was Chaffey High School, while Arroyo Valley High came in third and Chino Hills placed fourth.
At the 28th annual decathlon awards banquet Thursday, the county superintendent announced not only will the first place winners Redlands High attend the state championships March 11-14 in Sacramento, but that the second, third and fourth-place winners will also be in attendance.
Trailing by 1,228 points was Chaffey High School, while Arroyo Valley High came in third and Chino Hills placed fourth.
Continue reading Four Academic Decathalon teams advance to state championships .
CLAREMONT - With networking outlets like Facebook and Twitter dominating the way people communicate, it seems only natural the world of education jump on the social technology bandwagon to tell stories of what their students are learning and experiencing.
At an hands-on day-long boot camp Thursday at the Webb Schools, school administrators and teachers were introduced to social media and how to use it to build connections with their students, parents, faculty and alumni.
At an hands-on day-long boot camp Thursday at the Webb Schools, school administrators and teachers were introduced to social media and how to use it to build connections with their students, parents, faculty and alumni.
Author: Sandra Emerson Staff Writer
UPLAND - The sun was brightly shining on the students at Carden Arbor View as they stacked dozens of their favorite children's books on stage before their Friday morning assembly.
Families and teachers at the school began gathering up books to help the Daily Bulletin's sports editor, Louis Brewster, with a mission he had taken on to help the children of soldiers deployed overseas.
Brewster's son, Army Sgt. Bryan Brewster, was killed in 2006 in Afghanistan.
And through the Bryan Brewster Foundation, Louis Brewster is collecting books for the Army's United Through Reading Program.
Families and teachers at the school began gathering up books to help the Daily Bulletin's sports editor, Louis Brewster, with a mission he had taken on to help the children of soldiers deployed overseas.
Brewster's son, Army Sgt. Bryan Brewster, was killed in 2006 in Afghanistan.
And through the Bryan Brewster Foundation, Louis Brewster is collecting books for the Army's United Through Reading Program.
Continue reading Students at Upland school collect books for military children .
Author: Neil Nisperos Staff Writer
CHINO - Chino Valley Unified board members Thursday night explored new ways to make further reductions of the potential $28 million deficit the district will face by 2013.
In recent weeks, the school board has already approved cuts amounting to $23.3 million in savings from that deficit.
On Thursday, the board discussed another $708,000 in spending reductions, though did not make any final decisions.
In recent weeks, the school board has already approved cuts amounting to $23.3 million in savings from that deficit.
On Thursday, the board discussed another $708,000 in spending reductions, though did not make any final decisions.
Author: Sandra Emerson , Staff Writer
UPLAND - The Options for Youth Upland Charter is now reviewing its own options, after the school district's board of trustees Tuesday decided not to renew the organization's contract.
The board decided not to renew the charter after 15 years for several complicated reasons, said Wes Fifield, board member.
"They want to continue to expand beyond their current footprint and we find it more and more difficult to be the oversight of their expanding operation," Fifield said.
The board decided not to renew the charter after 15 years for several complicated reasons, said Wes Fifield, board member.
"They want to continue to expand beyond their current footprint and we find it more and more difficult to be the oversight of their expanding operation," Fifield said.
Continue reading Upland school district denies Options for Youth charter renewal.
Author: Debbie Pfeiffer Trunnell , Staff Writer
SAN BERNARDINO - County Schools Superintendent Gary Thomas envisioned a future where students thrive in schools that are open 24 hours a day in his annual State of Education speech Wednesday.
In that future world, based on the book "Edutopia" by author Alvin Toffler, different kids arrive at different times, teachers work with non-teachers and technology is infused into every aspect of the environment.
"We are a populace in transition and our students live in a different world," he told the crowd gathered at the California Theatre of the Performing Arts. "Let's envision the future of what public education can be and what it can do."
In that future world, based on the book "Edutopia" by author Alvin Toffler, different kids arrive at different times, teachers work with non-teachers and technology is infused into every aspect of the environment.
"We are a populace in transition and our students live in a different world," he told the crowd gathered at the California Theatre of the Performing Arts. "Let's envision the future of what public education can be and what it can do."
Continue reading San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools voices concerns.
RANCHO CUCAMONGA - Seasoned with garlic, salt, pepper and cumin, anything has the potential to taste great - even crickets.
As part of Los Amigos Elementary School's Reading 180 workshop that talks about eating right and nutrition, fourth- and fifth-grade students ate seasoned crickets prepared by their instructor.
One hundred crickets were served on Tuesday, and all 40 students in the program ate them up.
As part of Los Amigos Elementary School's Reading 180 workshop that talks about eating right and nutrition, fourth- and fifth-grade students ate seasoned crickets prepared by their instructor.
One hundred crickets were served on Tuesday, and all 40 students in the program ate them up.
Continue reading Los Amigos students sample bugs for nutrition.
press release
University of Phoenix, the largest private University in North America, today announced that it has awarded 30 full-tuition scholarships to be used in pursuit of an undergraduate degree at University of Phoenix. This marks the fifth year of the University's Paying It Forward® Scholarship program which, to date, has awarded 150 full-tuition scholarships.
"Americans are struggling to make ends meet, ending the dream of a college education for many," said Dr. William Pepicello, University of Phoenix President. "University of Phoenix has proudly set aside millions of dollars in scholarships to help give more students access to the quality education they could not otherwise afford."
Continue reading Ontario resident selected for a full-ride scholarship.
Author: Debbie Pfeiffer Trunnell , Staff Writer
White went on to hold several other jobs with the San Bernardino City Unified School District, most recently serving as deputy superintendent.
"She has done so many things for this district, it would be impossible to name them all," Tillman said.
On Monday she will take the next big step in her career, when she takes over as superintendent of the Moreno Valley Unified School District.
Continue reading Official at SB City Unified moving on .
Author: Wes Woods II, Staff Writer
CLAREMONT - The Claremont Unified School District search for an interim superintendent has produced an interview for one candidate with two more planned in coming weeks.
But the search took an odd twist Thursday night when board member Steve Llanusa continued his complaints about the potential length of time an interim superintendent would serve and the slowness in finding a candidate.
Llanusa then brought up a request he'd made before - his wish that board meetings would be held on Monday nights to accommodate him.
Continue reading Claremont Unified continues search for interim chief .
Author: Neil Nisperos , Staff Writer
CHINO - Chino Valley Unified officials have decided to open the school district's Bible-influenced elective to high school juniors.
"The Bible as Literature and History" was expanded after about 40 underclassmen submitted a petition to the district expressing an interest in enrolling in the class.
Juniors can start taking the class - which had previously been open to just seniors - next fall.
The district's decision to offer the class has been criticized in recent months, for reasons such as it being a mismanagement of funds.
"The Bible as Literature and History" was expanded after about 40 underclassmen submitted a petition to the district expressing an interest in enrolling in the class.
Juniors can start taking the class - which had previously been open to just seniors - next fall.
The district's decision to offer the class has been criticized in recent months, for reasons such as it being a mismanagement of funds.
Continue reading District expands Bible studies.
Author: Neil Nisperos Staff Writer
The school board, in closing a $28.5 million gap projected for the 2012-13 school year, has already cut $14 million in recent weeks. Budget shortfall
The Chino Valley Unified school board is in the process of closing a projected $28.5 million shortfall by the 2012-13 school year.
Author: Debbie Pfeiffer Trunnell Staff Writer
SAN BERNARDINO - Susan Campos hasn't seen her 17-year-old granddaughter since she ran away from home six months ago.
At night the San Bernardino grandmother and other family members dream about the missing teen. As more time goes by they all fear the worst.
Campos' sad story was one of many San Bernardino City Unified Superintendent Arturo Delgado heard during Thursday's district-wide effort to get truant students back in school.
At night the San Bernardino grandmother and other family members dream about the missing teen. As more time goes by they all fear the worst.
Campos' sad story was one of many San Bernardino City Unified Superintendent Arturo Delgado heard during Thursday's district-wide effort to get truant students back in school.
Continue reading San Bernardino school officials visit homes of truant students .
ONTARIO - Officials of the Chaffey Joint Union High School District are being to plan their 2011-12 budget that hinges so much on California voters approving an extension of tax increases in June.
At the district's Tuesday meeting, board members were updated with the governor's proposed budget and what they may face in the coming months.
"It's hard for us to budget for the next year because we don't know how much money we're going to be receiving," said Don Bertucci, assistant superintendent of business.
At the district's Tuesday meeting, board members were updated with the governor's proposed budget and what they may face in the coming months.
"It's hard for us to budget for the next year because we don't know how much money we're going to be receiving," said Don Bertucci, assistant superintendent of business.
Author: Debbie Pfeiffer Trunnell Staff Writer
SAN BERNARDINO - Parents of children who miss too much school could soon face steep fines and jail time.
The strict state law being enforced by the San Bernardino City Unified School District starting Feb. 15 is one of many new interventions the district has in place to crack down on truancy.
"We are in the business of educating kids for a better society, so we need to have all these kids in school," said Ray Culberson, director of youth services for San Bernardino schools.
The law, which took effect Jan. 1, states that parents or guardians of chronically truant students in kindergarten through eighth grade can face fines of $2,000 or a year of jail time.
The strict state law being enforced by the San Bernardino City Unified School District starting Feb. 15 is one of many new interventions the district has in place to crack down on truancy.
"We are in the business of educating kids for a better society, so we need to have all these kids in school," said Ray Culberson, director of youth services for San Bernardino schools.
The law, which took effect Jan. 1, states that parents or guardians of chronically truant students in kindergarten through eighth grade can face fines of $2,000 or a year of jail time.
Continue reading San Bernardino school district cracks down on truancy.
Author: Monica Rodriguez Staff Writer
The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles has backed away from a plan to add 20 days to the calendar for its elementary schools.
Cardinal Roger Mahony announced last week that the archdiocese would become the first school system in California to move to a 200-day academic year. Mahoney said the idea was to improve student performance.
Cardinal Roger Mahony announced last week that the archdiocese would become the first school system in California to move to a 200-day academic year. Mahoney said the idea was to improve student performance.
Author: Monica Rodriguez Staff Writer
DIAMOND BAR - For the second time in about three weeks, Pomona Unified School District board members authorized administrators to issue layoff notices to a small group of employees.
The notices, which were mailed out Thursday, will go to a group of 10 employees who work in the district's child development offices.
However, another request, which involves a much larger group, teachers and other certificated employees, is expected to be made later this month.
The notices, which were mailed out Thursday, will go to a group of 10 employees who work in the district's child development offices.
However, another request, which involves a much larger group, teachers and other certificated employees, is expected to be made later this month.
Continue reading Pomona school board lays off 10 employees with more on the horizon .
RANCHO CUCAMONGA - Raymond Martinez has a goal - to drop 20 pounds in six weeks.
To do that, the Cucamonga Middle School seventh-grader is getting fit by joining the school's boot camp, which is part of the campus free after-school sport clinic.
"This is a really cool way to get fit, it's fun and it keeps you busy after school," said Raymond, 12.
He said the after-school boot camp program, which began last week, has already taught him new stretches and different ways to work out.
To do that, the Cucamonga Middle School seventh-grader is getting fit by joining the school's boot camp, which is part of the campus free after-school sport clinic.
"This is a really cool way to get fit, it's fun and it keeps you busy after school," said Raymond, 12.
He said the after-school boot camp program, which began last week, has already taught him new stretches and different ways to work out.
Continue reading Rancho Cucamonga middle school students are getting fit .
Montclair High School is holding an online library fundraiser to provide students and teachers with resources they need for reading, research and curriculum.
The drive - launched at www.funds4books.com - has a goal of raising at least $1,000 by March 21.
"We need to update some of our non-fiction sections, especially our social science section, which is 20 years out of date. And legal cases and some science books are also 20 years out of date," said Julie DuVall, one of the school's two library media technicians.
The drive - launched at www.funds4books.com - has a goal of raising at least $1,000 by March 21.
"We need to update some of our non-fiction sections, especially our social science section, which is 20 years out of date. And legal cases and some science books are also 20 years out of date," said Julie DuVall, one of the school's two library media technicians.
Continue reading Montclair High raising funds to buy library books.
As a bipartisan group of U.S. senators begins to revamp the federal No Child Left Behind education law, some local educators hope it isn't modeled after one of President Obama's favored, but often criticized, school reform grants.
The president has called on lawmakers to speed up the overhaul of the Bush-era No Child Left Behind - or the Elementary and Secondary Education Act as it was originally labeled - and has suggested that Race to the Top be used as a model.
Race to the Top was described by Obama during last week's State of the Union as the most meaningful reform in U.S. public schools in a generation, prompting a wave of education reforms, with states passing new teacher accountability policies and lifting caps on charter schools.
The president has called on lawmakers to speed up the overhaul of the Bush-era No Child Left Behind - or the Elementary and Secondary Education Act as it was originally labeled - and has suggested that Race to the Top be used as a model.
Race to the Top was described by Obama during last week's State of the Union as the most meaningful reform in U.S. public schools in a generation, prompting a wave of education reforms, with states passing new teacher accountability policies and lifting caps on charter schools.
Continue reading Obama plan a failure? .
In his weekly video address sent to the campus, as well as alumni and friends, Cal Poly Pomona President Michael Ortiz sounded a dire note about the university's financial realities.
The governor's proposed budget cuts of $500 million to the California State University system, coupled with the potential for additional reductions, could ultimately force Cal Poly to redefine its educational model, affecting the number of students served and the quantity of courses offered, Ortiz said.
Broken down, Cal Poly would be responsible for eliminating about $25 million of its budget even in the best-case scenario, he said.
With multiple reductions Ortiz worries the university may have to consider eliminating what it holds "near and dear."
Continue reading Cal Poly president warns of financial reality in weekly address.
