March 2011 Archives
Press release
SACRAMENTO: Senator Bob Huff (R-Walnut) will host an Education Reform Summit
March 31 on the Citrus College Campus in Glendora.
March 31 on the Citrus College Campus in Glendora.
The Summit, which will feature a number of guest speakers, will focus on education options
and reforms that best serve the needs of California students.
The Education Reform Summit will be held at the Louis E. Zellers for
Innovation Community Room Cl 159, from 6 to 8 p.m. on the campus of Citrus College at
1000 Foothill Blvd. in Glendora.
and reforms that best serve the needs of California students.
The Education Reform Summit will be held at the Louis E. Zellers for
Innovation Community Room Cl 159, from 6 to 8 p.m. on the campus of Citrus College at
1000 Foothill Blvd. in Glendora.
Bob Huff
Continue reading Sen. Bob Huff to host Education Reform Summit on Thursday.
Author: Rebecca U. Cho , Staff Writer
When Paul Granillo took over last year as the head of a group aiming to improve the business environment in the Inland Empire, he faced a difficult path in the economically struggling region.
Granillo, formerly in charge of communications for the Diocese of San Bernardino and director of alumni relations at the University of Redlands, became president and chief executive officer of the Inland Empire Economic Partnership. The partnership is a 20-year-old organization that is self-described as the two-county region's voice for businesses.
Granillo said he saw a need to further unite small businesses in the area as the Inland Empire recovers slowly from a deep recession. The result was last month's announcement that the partnership was creating a business council made up of the counties' top businesses. Also, a political action committee would help the partnership support candidates and legislative efforts that support businesses and jobs in the region.
Granillo, formerly in charge of communications for the Diocese of San Bernardino and director of alumni relations at the University of Redlands, became president and chief executive officer of the Inland Empire Economic Partnership. The partnership is a 20-year-old organization that is self-described as the two-county region's voice for businesses.
Granillo said he saw a need to further unite small businesses in the area as the Inland Empire recovers slowly from a deep recession. The result was last month's announcement that the partnership was creating a business council made up of the counties' top businesses. Also, a political action committee would help the partnership support candidates and legislative efforts that support businesses and jobs in the region.
Continue reading Making I.E. the place for business.
Author: Monica Rodriguez , Staff Writer
POMONA - Bright Prospect is a Pomona-based non-profit dedicated to assisting low-income, high-achieving students enter and graduate from four-year colleges.
Bright Prospect assisted Pomona Unified School District get in touch with three of four college students who are district high school graduates and part of the Bright Prospect Scholar Support Program.
The college students are now appearing in a series of commercials airing on Time Warner cable television speaking about their experiences attending Pomona Unified schools.
Bright Prospect assisted Pomona Unified School District get in touch with three of four college students who are district high school graduates and part of the Bright Prospect Scholar Support Program.
The college students are now appearing in a series of commercials airing on Time Warner cable television speaking about their experiences attending Pomona Unified schools.
Continue reading Bright Prospect helps Pomona students achieve college dreams.
Author: Neil Nisperos , Staff Writer
CHINO - As the debate continues over the propriety of Bible literacy classes at public school districts, local students say their experience in the class has been useful to their English and history lessons.
The senior elective class was added to Chino Valley district offerings at the beginning of the school year at the behest of a number of congregates from the Calvary Chapel Chino Hills church, which also pledged to provide textbook funding.
"I took this class because it sounded interesting to learn about the Bible as a book and story rather than for religious purposes," said Chino High School senior Justin Gonzales.
The senior elective class was added to Chino Valley district offerings at the beginning of the school year at the behest of a number of congregates from the Calvary Chapel Chino Hills church, which also pledged to provide textbook funding.
"I took this class because it sounded interesting to learn about the Bible as a book and story rather than for religious purposes," said Chino High School senior Justin Gonzales.
Caption: Photo: Jaclyn Hyslop teaches the Bible literacy class at Chino High, showing the Bible's influence on literature and history.(Neil Nisperos/photographer)
Continue reading Learning its impact.
Author: Neil Nisperos , Staff Writer
The debate over the Bible-centered curriculum at Chino Valley Unified School District mirrors a national debate that has divided those who believe a secular study of the influential holy book is constitutional and those who think the offering of such curriculum is religiously motivated.
In the past school year, Chino Valley Unified School District adopted "The Bible and Its Influence," as the textbook for its new Bible literacy course. The decision has drawn some criticism over the necessity of a course at a time of deep cuts, while it's earned praise from members of the Calvary Chapel Chino Hills church and other Christian groups.
Calvary Chapel Chino Hills was a major group that lobbied for the class and is providing textbook funding.
In the past school year, Chino Valley Unified School District adopted "The Bible and Its Influence," as the textbook for its new Bible literacy course. The decision has drawn some criticism over the necessity of a course at a time of deep cuts, while it's earned praise from members of the Calvary Chapel Chino Hills church and other Christian groups.
Calvary Chapel Chino Hills was a major group that lobbied for the class and is providing textbook funding.
Continue reading National debate continues over Bible education in public schools.
Author: Rebecca U. Cho Staff Writer
POMONA - Defense corporation Boeing, telecommunications firm Neustar and utilities company Southern California Edison may operate in different businesses, but representatives from all three were at Cal Poly Pomona this weekend to support the next generation of cyber security talent.
Companies from a variety of industries were on site as sponsors at the Western Regional Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition, highlighting the widespread and growing need for professionals who can help protect companies' data.
Companies from a variety of industries were on site as sponsors at the Western Regional Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition, highlighting the widespread and growing need for professionals who can help protect companies' data.
Continue reading Net security: Some faux hackers test cyber defenders.
California's high school principals report their campuses are providing less time and attention and fewer quality programs for their students as a result of continuous deep cuts to education, according to a study that UCLA's Institute for Democracy, Education and Access released this week.
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson also released a report that shows 2 million state students - or 30 percent of pupils - attend a financially troubled school.
"The bottom line is the schools are suffering cuts that profoundly affect students day in and day out," Torlakson said in a conference call Monday.
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson also released a report that shows 2 million state students - or 30 percent of pupils - attend a financially troubled school.
"The bottom line is the schools are suffering cuts that profoundly affect students day in and day out," Torlakson said in a conference call Monday.
Continue reading Study shows effects of state budget cuts on school districts .
Press release from CSU
At today's California State University Board of Trustees meeting, university officials reviewed a series of initial strategies to address the governor's proposed year-to-year reduction of $500 million in state funding for the 2011-12 fiscal year.
The CSU will actually need to address a $550 million total gap in funding once $50 million in mandatory costs, including increased energy and employee health premiums, have been factored in.
Author: Neil Nisperos , Staff Writer
CHINO - The Chino Valley Unified School District is one of nine school districts that have been recognized for dropout prevention efforts and improving attendance by the State School Attendance Review Board.
The districts were recognized for working with the community to implement programs to improve regular attendance and high school graduation, said Tom Torlakson, the state superintendent of public instruction.
The districts were recognized for working with the community to implement programs to improve regular attendance and high school graduation, said Tom Torlakson, the state superintendent of public instruction.
Continue reading CVUSD effort honored .
Author: Neil Nisperos Staff Writer
CHINO - The Chino Valley Unified School District board approved a staff recommendation Thursday to deny a petition for a new charter school, based on a number of deficiencies in the petition.
The Champions Arts and Entrepreneurial Academy would be a K-8 charter specializing in arts and business education, and would be located in Chino.
The Champions Arts and Entrepreneurial Academy would be a K-8 charter specializing in arts and business education, and would be located in Chino.
If approved by the board, the district will serve as a chartering agency and oversee finances as well as provide special-education services to the charter's students.
Continue reading School board denies charter petition .
Earlier last week, iPoly students and staff relished in the fact their school broke ground on their $20 million, two-story, 21-classroom building.
Since its founding in 1993, iPoly has operated out of portable buildings on the Cal Poly Pomona campus.
The new building will be built on 1.5 acres on the campus, adjacent to where the portables are located on Lot K, which is at Temple Avenue and University Drive.
However, for some, it was a bittersweet moment.
Continue reading iPoly students urge officials to retain teachers.
Author: Wes Woods II Staff Writer
CLAREMONT - The Claremont Unified School District nutrition services department has combined nutritional programs with mouth-watering foods to please district administrators and students.
A few of the numerous programs and foods include a Meatless Monday program at the district's elementary school sites; Fresh Food Fridays where food such as lemon herb chicken, seasoned ground beef with rice, barbecue chicken, and other items are made from scratch; and chickens fed organic feed, cage free and produce eggs that are used in their nutrition programs.
A few of the numerous programs and foods include a Meatless Monday program at the district's elementary school sites; Fresh Food Fridays where food such as lemon herb chicken, seasoned ground beef with rice, barbecue chicken, and other items are made from scratch; and chickens fed organic feed, cage free and produce eggs that are used in their nutrition programs.
RANCHO CUCAMONGA - More than 150 middle school band students from the Etiwanda School District performed earlier this month with the San Diego-based brass chamber ensemble Presidio Brass.
Presidio Brass and the students performed to the music from the movie "Pirates of the Caribbean" on March 10 at Los Osos High School in Rancho Cucamonga.
Members of Presidio include Bill Owens on trumpet, Sean Reusch on trombone, Mike McCoy on horn, Ray Nowak on trumpet and Scott Sutherland on tuba.
Presidio Brass and the students performed to the music from the movie "Pirates of the Caribbean" on March 10 at Los Osos High School in Rancho Cucamonga.
Members of Presidio include Bill Owens on trumpet, Sean Reusch on trombone, Mike McCoy on horn, Ray Nowak on trumpet and Scott Sutherland on tuba.
Continue reading Etiwanda band students play with professions .
Author: Neil Nisperos , Staff Writer
CHINO - Students and a teacher have expressed their disapointment with a recent decision to cut Chino Valley Unified's lone woodshop class at Don Lugo High School.
Don Lugo High shop teacher Ernie Vasquez said the class has served as a valuable resource for many students who translate what they have learned into marketable skills.
The class has also attracted additional enrollment to the high school. The new students - and the state funds that come with them - are important to Chino Valley Unified as it deals with financial challenges from state revenue shortfalls, Vasquez said.
Don Lugo High shop teacher Ernie Vasquez said the class has served as a valuable resource for many students who translate what they have learned into marketable skills.
The class has also attracted additional enrollment to the high school. The new students - and the state funds that come with them - are important to Chino Valley Unified as it deals with financial challenges from state revenue shortfalls, Vasquez said.
Continue reading Last woodshop class to close in Chino Valley school district .
Author: Neil Nisperos , Staff Writer
CHINO-The local school board will consider a recommendation on Thursday to deny a new charter school's petition after a number of deficiencies were noted in the document by Chino Valley Unified officials and an attorney for the district.
Issues raised by the assessment include: The charter school presents an unsound educational program; the petitioners are unlikely to successfully implement the program described in the petition; and the petition does not contain the number of signatures required by the education code.
Chino Hills resident Nessa Herron, who according to the petition is the founder and executive director of the charter school said, "we will clarify anything that's pointed out by (the Chino Valley Unified School District)."
Issues raised by the assessment include: The charter school presents an unsound educational program; the petitioners are unlikely to successfully implement the program described in the petition; and the petition does not contain the number of signatures required by the education code.
Chino Hills resident Nessa Herron, who according to the petition is the founder and executive director of the charter school said, "we will clarify anything that's pointed out by (the Chino Valley Unified School District)."
Continue reading School board to consider denying charter petition .
Author: Monica Rodriguez , Staff Writer
POMONA - More than 200 teachers, parents, students and administrators gathered in front of the school district Education Center on Tuesday afternoon to rally in support of education.
The rally was one of several held around the state in which participants wore red to show their support for education and called on California legislators to invest in schools.
People at the Pomona Unified School District rally carried signs that read, "Cuts Hurt Kids."
Others held signs that said, "Let Voters Decide." The signs referred to Gov. Jerry Brown's proposal to place a measure on the June ballot to extend the life of some taxes. The money from extending the taxes would go to education and avoid billions of dollars in additional education cuts.
The rally was one of several held around the state in which participants wore red to show their support for education and called on California legislators to invest in schools.
People at the Pomona Unified School District rally carried signs that read, "Cuts Hurt Kids."
Others held signs that said, "Let Voters Decide." The signs referred to Gov. Jerry Brown's proposal to place a measure on the June ballot to extend the life of some taxes. The money from extending the taxes would go to education and avoid billions of dollars in additional education cuts.
Continue reading Rally touts schools.
Author: Monica Rodriguez , Staff Writer
POMONA - The third- and fourth-graders at St. Madeleine Catholic School didn't know it but on Monday morning they helped kick off a series of assemblies that are part of the Pomona Unified Peace Project.
The project is an anti-bullying and anti-violence initiative being carried out by the Superintendent's Faith-based Roundtable, which consists of more than 40 clergy and lay members representing 15 different faith traditions within the Pomona Unified School District and beyond.
As part of the project Roundtable members will conduct assemblies throughout the week at more than 30 schools - public, parochial and charter - to talk with students about bullying.
The project is an anti-bullying and anti-violence initiative being carried out by the Superintendent's Faith-based Roundtable, which consists of more than 40 clergy and lay members representing 15 different faith traditions within the Pomona Unified School District and beyond.
As part of the project Roundtable members will conduct assemblies throughout the week at more than 30 schools - public, parochial and charter - to talk with students about bullying.
Continue reading Clergy help spread anti-bullying message in Pomona.
It's going to be another tough year for Inland Valley school districts as they continue to shrink staffs and increase class sizes due to the bleak financial condition of the state.
Area districts have indicated they will send out more than 600 pink slips to teachers and staffers, letting them know they may not be able to afford their services come the next school year.
Districts have until Tuesday to send out the preliminary notices informing teachers, counselors, nurses and other certificated personnel that they may not have a job in the fall.
"This is really tough because these are real people that we really do care about," said Rick Carr, superintendent of Ontario-based Mountain View School District.
Area districts have indicated they will send out more than 600 pink slips to teachers and staffers, letting them know they may not be able to afford their services come the next school year.
Districts have until Tuesday to send out the preliminary notices informing teachers, counselors, nurses and other certificated personnel that they may not have a job in the fall.
"This is really tough because these are real people that we really do care about," said Rick Carr, superintendent of Ontario-based Mountain View School District.
Continue reading Districts send out notices .
LA VERNE - Ontario-Montclair School District students are not just hearing about what college is like - they're experiencing it.
Hundreds of middle school students and their parents on Friday visited the University of La Verne as part of the district's GOT College? program.
The program is designed to get students and their families thinking about college as well as creating a plan to get there.
"I think in this wide world this is a good program to have because it explains college and that's important if you want to go there," said Paola Torres, an eighth-grader at Vernon Middle School in Montclair.
Hundreds of middle school students and their parents on Friday visited the University of La Verne as part of the district's GOT College? program.
The program is designed to get students and their families thinking about college as well as creating a plan to get there.
"I think in this wide world this is a good program to have because it explains college and that's important if you want to go there," said Paola Torres, an eighth-grader at Vernon Middle School in Montclair.
Continue reading Ontario-Montclair students visit University of La Verne .
Some union leaders are blasting an education reform bill introduced in Sacramento that would base teacher layoffs on performance rather than seniority.
State Sen. Bob Huff, R-Walnut, proposed the bill to give school districts more flexibility to retain top educators.
Senate Bill 355 also mandates that school districts establish a rigorous and fair evaluation system based partly on student test scores for teachers as well as principals.
Seniority protects teachers from unfair terminations based solely on a district's financial interest, said Joe Tonan, Claremont Faculty Association president.
State Sen. Bob Huff, R-Walnut, proposed the bill to give school districts more flexibility to retain top educators.
Senate Bill 355 also mandates that school districts establish a rigorous and fair evaluation system based partly on student test scores for teachers as well as principals.
Seniority protects teachers from unfair terminations based solely on a district's financial interest, said Joe Tonan, Claremont Faculty Association president.
Continue reading Union blasts state bill for teachers .
RANCHO CUCAMONGA - Alta Loma School District officials approved a report saying it may not be able to meet its financial obligations over the next three years.
Board members approved their second interim financial report as "qualified" Wednesday night due to postponement of funds by the state. Districts must submit this report to the county Superintendent of Schools Office by Tuesday stating its financial condition.
"The reason why we have to do this is not our fault," said Caryn Payzant, board president. "It's not because we made decisions or created situations that made this choice.
Board members approved their second interim financial report as "qualified" Wednesday night due to postponement of funds by the state. Districts must submit this report to the county Superintendent of Schools Office by Tuesday stating its financial condition.
"The reason why we have to do this is not our fault," said Caryn Payzant, board president. "It's not because we made decisions or created situations that made this choice.
Continue reading Alta Loma District blame state for school financial condition.
Montclair High School teachers Amahl Thomas and Fabian Martin might just be the next dynamic duo - instead of fighting crime, they're drawing attention to students and education.
Thomas, who teaches U.S. history and ethnic studies, and Martin, who teaches economics, have not only raised more than $45,000 for homeless students on their campus with their Miles for Montclair program, they also started a club on the campus called The Brotherhood Academy, which promotes academics, civic responsibility, leadership and personal growth.
They're also scheduled to be the keynote speakers for the Ontario-Montclair School District college preparation program "Got College?" at the University of La Verne at the end of this week.
Co-hosts of the radio program "Thinking Outloud" Amahl Thomas and Fabian Martin talk to Tina Barhorst (center) on March 6, 2011. (Gabriel Acosta/staff photographer)
Continue reading Montclair High teachers host weekly radio show.
Author: Wes Woods II, Staff Writer
CLAREMONT - Claremont Unified School District's new interim Superintendent Gloria Johnston watched the school board vote 4-1 to approve her contract on Thursday.
"I'm delighted of course my contract was finalized," Johnston said on Friday. "I've met so many wonderful people. I'll enjoy working in Claremont."
Board member Steven Llanusa voted against Johnston's contract on Thursday night.
Continue reading Claremont school district hires interim superintendent .
Author: Neil Nisperos , Staff Writer '
CHINO - The Chino Valley Unified school board on Thursday approved an interim budget that puts it in the black for the current and following school years, but projects a shortfall by the beginning of the 2012-13 school year.
The district projects a $2.3 million shortfall by then, which may grow to as much as $19 million in the 2013-14 school year.
"I know that the board has made a lot of difficult decisions that have affected people's livelihoods by making tough decisions to bring our budget back in line," said Sandra Chen, the district's assistant superintendent of business services.
Continue reading CVUSD eyes future cuts for budget .
Author: Neil Nisperos Staff Writer
At Thursday's Chino Valley Unified district board meeting, the elementary school parents - many clad in the red T-shirts of both schools - spoke emphatically against principals being replaced.
The parents said changing administrators midyear would have a negative impact on school morale and student performance, and would be a potential disruption to what they described as a positive learning and teaching environment.
Continue reading Parents oppose school leadership changes .
Stephen Nasser shared his story of survival from the Holocaust at a recent assembly at Colony High School.
As Hungarian-Jews, Nasser and his family in 1943 were taken from their home in Budapest, by Nazis.
Nasser was only 12 years old.
For years after that Nasser was separated from his mother, watched his aunt and infant baby cousin be massacred in front of him, was tortured and held his brother's body as he died in his arms.
As Hungarian-Jews, Nasser and his family in 1943 were taken from their home in Budapest, by Nazis.
Nasser was only 12 years old.
For years after that Nasser was separated from his mother, watched his aunt and infant baby cousin be massacred in front of him, was tortured and held his brother's body as he died in his arms.
Author: James Rufus Koren and Canan Tasci , Staff Writers
Javier Hernandez, a Chaffey College student who attended Wednesday's rally with hun dreds of other people, said more funding for community colleges is vital.
"We don't have as many classes as we used to," he said. "We find ourselves in a campus with more students but not enough funding to accommo date all these students."
Continue reading Students rally to extend taxes protesting Brown's cuts.
