“Thinking Beyond Tomorrow”
Early Saturday morning, October 25, 17 collegefocused, career-minded young PHS Pirates boarded a bus along with Ms. Christine Barboza (Honors/Language Arts II teacher), and headed for the 2 nd Annual “Young Women’s Empowerment Day”, organized and hosted by State Senator Alan Lowenthal, and held at Calornia State University, Long Beach. Senator Lowenthal was personally present, and participated during the day-long event. State Assemblywoman Betty Karnette was also present and addressed the young women. The theme of the day was “Thinking Beyond Tomorrow”.
The girls were a bit sleepy, but not for long, as they met up with Ms. Lori Chamberlain at the event (LA 4 Language Arts teacher), along with approximately 300 other young juniors and seniors from just about every local high school in Senator Lowenthal’s constituency. The special guest speaker of the day was Josefa Salinas, author and radio personality on “Hot 92.3”. She shared her own inspiring
story of success.
The day began with several introductions, breakfast, and gift bags stuffed with goodies, and progressed to workshops, featuring such topics as planning for college, pursuing your passion, healthy relationships, keeping a good budget, and self-esteem. The workshops were led by a wide variety of local women (and ONE brave man!).
During lunchtime, we were entertained by dancers from a dance studio in Downey, as we ate a delicious bag lunch provided by Chick-Fil-A. It seemed like everyone wanted to sponsor this event and empower the young women!
Verizon and SCE were among the corporate sponsors, handing out sixteen $500.00 scholarships to area seniors, based on a 250 word essay, and a letter of recommendation. There was another prize of a $1000.00 scholarship won by a lucky young girl, and then, the biggest prize of the day, a $1500.00 scholarship provided by Verizon, went to Paramount High’s own Issamara Hernandez!. Izzie was unable to attend
the day, due to her very busy schedule, which that day involved taking the ACT exam.
Ms. Barboza and Ms. Chamberlain were 100%
proud of our young ladies, future leaders of tomorrow!
They set a fine example of Pirate Pride, and came away filled with new ideas and fresh passion and vision.
Great work, ladies! Congratulations, Issamara!
Ms. Lori Chamberlain Language Arts Dept. Paramount High School
Red Ribbon Week – Students Reach Out
The Paramount High School, Senior Campus Advanced Theatre Arts Department presented two alcohol and drug prevention vignettes in powerful theatrical performances in recognition of Red Ribbon Week from October 21 through October 30, 2008. The French playwright Moliere wrote the play Liliom, with a character that dies but is given one last day to see those
he loved. This theme was explored by the Paramount High School Advanced Theatre Arts Ensemble, which courageously addressed the outcome of death in Ask Shawna.
Shawna, too, dies, though her fate is the result of her boyfriend’s drinking and drug use. “It was so moving,” Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Curriculum Specialist Debra Bolds stated.
The ensemble also presented Thirty-Five Sixty-Two. Ms. Bolds congratulated the ensemble, “It is difficult for students to take a stand to perform about drugs. The portrayal of the ensemble emphasized the risks in using
drugs.” The Performing Arts Theatre Advanced Standards related to acting were seriously presented to the audience of students, teachers, and guests. The final message addressed to the audience was a moving speech in alignment with the theme. Congratulations to The -
atre Arts Director Elizabeth Aldave and the Paramount High School, Senior Campus Advanced Theatre Ensemble for the serious and successful outcomes.
Julianne Kosareff Visual and Performing Arts Curriculum Specialist
Spotlight on Student Success!
Leona Jackson School was pleased to discover they had a published author right on their campus! Krystal Hopkins is an eighth grade student who has already had her writing published in two books. When she was in first grade, she entered her poem “My Shadow” in a school talent contest. Encouraged by its popularity, she entered it in a contest on the website poetry.com where it won Editor’s Choice Award from the International Library of Poetry. Soon afterwards, Krystal was contacted by Noble House who also wanted to publish “My Shadow.” Krystal’s’ poem appears in the books Into the Mystical and Theatre of the Mind. This eloquently written poem is about Krystal’s two year old brother, Kurtis, who copied everything Krystal did.
“My Shadow”
My shadow is such a bother to me Is yours the same to you?
Mine copies my every move
He does everything I do too!
I told him to stop following me
But he sticks to me like glue. I’ve tried to run away from him. I have even hid in my room.
But my naughty little shadow
Just knocked and knocked at my door. Begging me to please come out So we can play some more.
Yes, I have a special shadow That is like no other...
Because this special little shadow Is my baby brother!
Currently, Krystal is submitting another poem she wrote as a homework assignment for her Prentice Hall writing class entitled “My Twin.” Reflecting on her inspirations, Krystal commented, “I love to make up poems about everything.” Krystal has already decided that she would like to attend U.C.L.A. and become an R.N. In addition to her outstanding accomplishments, she also found the time to focus on her school work by achieving honor roll and becoming student of the year in the seventh grade! Remember the name Krystal Hopkins; we predict much success in her future!
Kathleen Mackinnon - 5th Grade Teacher
Hollydale Students: Focused on Learning
Hollydale School is a community of stakeholders focused on student learning and committed to the development of the whole child. We are proud of our students and all that they have achieved.
On Tuesday, October 14, 2008, Hollydale School presented representative student work to the Board of Education at the 6:00 Board meeting. Student Council President Miguel Rosales, Vice President Jordyn Johnson, and Secretary Kristina Rivera presented a wide range of student work to the Board including different genres of writing, math and science concepts reflected through art, and story sequencing using technology. Principal Susan Marilley shared pictures of various school events such as “Snow Day”, “Dr. Seuss Day”, and “International Day”. She also applauded the parents and community of Hollydale for
playing an active role in the life of the school via school committees, the PTA, and volunteering in the classrooms. Student Council teacher advisor, Mrs. Sandra Montemayor, also attended the event as did Assistant Principal Alejandro Verduzco.
At the conclusion of the Board presentation, the Student Council officers presented the School Board members and Superintendent Dr. David Verdugo with hornet pins and invited them to visit Hollydale to experience all of the great things that are happening at the school.
Thank you to the Board of Education for all that they do to support our children and for providing an opportunity for our students to “shine”.
Susan Marilley Principal, Hollydale School
Jackson State Pre-school & Wirtz Special Day Class Pre-school Country Fair
The Jackson State Pre-school and Wirtz Pre-school hosted a Country Fair for students, parents and staff during the week of October 31, 2008. The Country Fair is an annual event that the Jackson State Pre-school teacher, Beverly Diane Ewing has been organizing for 17 years. The theme is country western with in-
teractive activities. Various activities are provided such as, milking the cow, home made lemonade, hay rides, dunking for apples and a penny in the hay stack. Parents volunteer their time in planning and providing supervision at the activity stations. The Country Fair is an event that is enjoyed by all.
Jefferson School Celebrates Constitution Day
Constitution Day was celebrated on September 17th. On this day, we commemorated an important document: The Constitution of the United States of America. The Constitution signifies the democratic ideals that our forefathers created for us. It is the highest law of the United States of America. It establishes the rules and principles of our nation, the structure of the powers, duties of our government, and guaranteed rights to the people. Our Constitution is a well-respected document throughout the world.
Jefferson School honored this special day by inviting all of our students to wear red, white, and blue colors and join together in our first school-wide blacktop assembly! Selected students from first through eighth grade did an excellent job reciting excerpts and informative details from the Constitution during the assembly. Jefferson students
participated in a fundamental expression of the importance of our Constitution and in celebrating this important day in history. The following students practiced their public speaking skills as they shared about the Constitution: Aron Uriarte, 1st grade; Jaime Morales, 2nd grade, Alejandra Morales, 2nd grade; Carolina Bernal, 2nd grade, Raymond Rosales, 3rd grade; Jai Wright, 4th grade; Samantha Flores, 5th grade; Gabriela Aldrete, 5th grade; Jasmine Calderon, 6th grade, D’Ana Perez, 7th grade; Remal Thomas, 8th grade, and Rosemary Gonzalez, 8th grade.
It was very exciting to see so many students and staff wearing their patriotic colors, listening carefully to their peers, and understanding the true meaning of being a PROUD AMERICAN!
Dolores
Barrios School Counselor
Harvest Day Celebration
The Preschool students (ages 4 and 5 year olds) at Wirtz and Gaines Schools celebrated Harvest Day on October 29th. What looked like fun was actually learning experiences.
The children had opportunities to milk a cow, make butter, squeeze fresh lemon aide, explore cut pumpkins, find pennies in hay stacks, bake cookies and
make harvest art projects. They also were entertained by special western folk lore dancers.
Children and the numerous parent volunteers all had a wonderful time.
Nancy Kelly-Kuhn Director
Spooky Read Night A Frightful Night of Fun!
On Thursday, October 30th, Mark Keppel held its annual Spooky Read Night. From ghosts and goblins to witches and zombies, Mark Keppel students and parents showed their support and made the night a true success.
Students and family members were greeted at the front gate with a trick-or-treat bag and ghostly sounds over the loud speaker. Students and family then entered one of our classrooms to hear a spooky story read to them by teachers and staff.
After hearing a ghoulish story, students were invited to go “trickor-treating” to various classrooms around the campus. Many sweet treats were handed out! A costume parade quickly followed! The evening ended with our spooky carnival full of fun games and prizes. We know a good time was had by all who attended!
A big thank you to Christie Martin, our Spooky Read Night Coordinator, and to all of the students and teachers that volunteered their time and worked extra hard to put this event together. They helped to make our 2008 Spooky Read Night a night to remember!
Superintendent’s Message:
A New
Year Will Bring New Changes to Paramount Unified School District
As we approach a new year, it is very common for us to make important new commitments that will improve our lives. We, as a school district, believe that strong professional learning communities should also make changes that will help produce schools that are genuine engines of hope and achievement for all schools.
Beginning in January 2009, PUSD will begin work to examine how we can clarify and communicate the new Mission, Vision, Values, Beliefs and Goals of our organization. We must bring together all of our education community stakeholders if we expect to truly create a collaborative process that will result in both the commitment to continuous improvement and the focus on results that are critical
to the success of our students and schools. This will require that we work together in partnership toward this goal.
Our Board of Education believes strongly in the power of educators to impact the lives of others because our own lives have been enriched by teachers and educational leaders who have served as our mentors and role models.
On behalf of our Board of Education, I want to wish everyone a blessed holiday season and a prosperous new year.
David Verdugo, Ed.D.
Fun Friday at Lincoln School
A tea party, scary stories, making homemade chocolate candies, outdoor sports, handmade ornaments and free dress. These are just some of what comprise the Fun Friday for Lincoln School’s 6-8 grade students. All students who show consistent good behavior are eligible. Teachers, Staff and Parents come up with fun and creative activities for the students to experience. Each middle school student enjoys the freedom of signing up for any one of the scheduled activities. Teachers report that they enjoy teaching something different and fun after a whole day of academic instruction.
One of last month’s events was a tea party. Real China teacups were used along with traditional foods such as scones, finger sandwiches, and petite chocolates. Proper table manners and etiquette were taught, along with
the setting of table. Another activity to highlight was the chocolate candy making activity taught by parents. Students enjoyed the luxury of making different chocolate suckers in time for Halloween.
On another occasion a teacher who had spent a year in Italy shared her experiences. She brought in Italian food and she exposed the students to some Italian phrases.
These are just a few examples of the delightful activities that the students have enjoyed. An added bonus is the satisfaction that the teachers receive from sharing their knowledge and passion. It sure has proven to be a very worthy addition to the Lincoln school activities.
Maureen Melgaard Counselor
Foster Youth Services Program Doing Good Things!
The Paramount Unified School District’s Foster Youth Program‘s (FYP) goal is to provide services to students and families that are eligible for foster youth services.
Students are offered a variety of services: Tutoring in Language Arts and Math is offered by tutors trained in these programs. This year the FYS Program, jointly with Cerritos College Foster and Kinship Care Education is offering a series of parent workshops at Paramount’s Jefferson School. The first two workshops held addressed “Avoiding Power Struggles” and “Raising Drug-Free Children”. Two additional workshops are scheduled this year: “Character Counts” on November 20th and “Understanding Gang Involvement” on December 4th. An additional nine workshops, covering a variety of topics, will be offered between January and June, 2009. At the end of each workshop, participants receive a Certificate of Completion.
The workshops are open to all PUSD parents, guardians, and employees at no cost. Spanish translation is available. Free childcare is available for children who are toilet trained and over the age of 3 and requires pre-registration one week in advance of the workshop (call 562-860-2451, ext 2548 to pre-register).
These services are not only for foster youth placement students, but to any student who lives in an out-of-home placement or, in other words, any student not living with either of their birth parents. The student might live with any of the following: a foster parent; a relative or non-relative guardian; or a blood relative who has obtained a District Guardianship for school placement.
Last year, the Foster Youth Services Program funded additional services. Our FYS eligible 7th -12th graders had the opportunity to attend college field trips to UCLA and Loyola Marymount College. Open Window Entertainment provided assemblies at our K-8 schools which were open to all students. Even some FYS eligible seniors were assisted with expenses for senior activities.
The Foster Youth Program Coordinator Jim Monico and Curriculum Specialist Judy Morrison responsibilities are to make sure eligible Paramount Unified students have access to all Foster Youth services and to follow-up on any proposed legislation, changes in the law, and available local services and resources.
If you believe a child in your home is eligible for services, please call Judy Morrison, Curriculum Specialist, at 562-602-6048.
WALKING SAFELY
These student safety guidelines were developed early last year by Paramount Unified School District. Please review the following safety precautions with your children as soon as practically possible:
• Do not speak to strangers.
• Do not walk alone, particularly in isolated areas not intended for walking, especially along the railroad tracks.
• Use the appropriate dismissal gates, ones where there is supervision.
• Walk in areas where you can be seen by others.
• Travel in groups whenever possible.
• Report any suspicious behavior to school authorities and the Paramount Sheriff Station at (562) 220-2002, Lakewood Sheriff Station at (562) 623-3500, Long Beach Police at (562) 570-7260 (Collins and Lakewood Schools) or South Gate Police at (323) 563-5400 (Hollydale School).
Please remind your children to be careful and constantly aware of their surroundings.
ESL Student Turns Entrepreneur
Eli O. Poroj Elia, a former English as a Second Language (ESL) student at the Paramount Adult Education Center (PAEC) is now the owner and manager of the popular Donut World in Long Beach.
Eli came to the United States in September 1998 from Guatemala seeking greener pastures and to pursue his American Dream—“To become a successful businessman,” as he puts it.
Life was hard for Eli at first because he didn’t know a single word of English, and it seemed that nobody could help him out. Then he decided to enroll in a free ESL class at PAEC and take every opportunity to learn to speak the language.
From the ABCs to answering basic questions, participating in structured conversations, and other educational activities with his teachers, classmates, friends, and co-workers, Eli saw great changes in his life. Learning and practicing English led him to first get a job as a clerk. He found his job easy, interesting, and exciting.
As Eli gradually advanced to a higher ESL level, he felt the challenge of getting a better job. He was hired as a cashier. Although his new job demanded greater responsibilities and presented a conflict with his school schedule, he didn’t regard these as hindrances toward reaching his goal.
Instead, he continued ESL learning through research work at public libraries during his days off and switching day and night classes as necessity demanded. He pursued higher education at East Los Ange-
les College by taking industrial and commercial electricity courses.
Learning English also paved the way for Eli to obtain his US citizenship, as well as him petitioning to legalize his family in the USA. It played a vital role in him assuming managerial duties at a Winchell’s donut shop and finally becoming owner and manager of Donut World.
To date, Eli is a holder of a travel agent certificate, a tax preparer certificate, and a real estate license. His dream for the future is to open an insurance agency.
Looking back, Eli is reminded of his key to success: English. ESL was the solid foundation for the realization of his dream.
Know someone who needs to learn English? Help make their dream come true. Send them to PAEC, the home of quality teachers, quality students, and progressive community leaders.
Instructor
Pirate Girls’ Tennis and Girls’ Volleyball Enjoy Banner Seasons
The closing of the Fall 2008 PHS athletic schedule brings both sighs of relief as well as congratulations to several programs for a job well done. Led by league championships in Girls’ Tennis and Boys’ Cross Country, Fall athletes competed well during a stressful time. The Lady Pirate tennis program, coached by Curtis Mu, enjoyed the best season in the sport since 1995 as both the Varsity and JVs swept to league titles while dealing with the dust and distractions of the construction project. In fact, the program lost only one match the entire regular season in 36 total contests. Great job by coaches Mu and Rosa Castaneda and their players!
Pirate Boys’ Cross Country also ran to Varsity and JV league titles; for Coach Joe Peterson and the Varsity, it was the 11th SGVL title in the last 12 years.
In addition, Lady Pirate volleyball captured a playoff berth for the
first time since 2000, finishing 3rd in the tough SGVL - Coach Anna Yasuhara did a great job in raising the level of play to qualify for that playoff spot and place 3 players on the All-League team.
In its initial season, Pirate boys’ water polo played competitively and won two league matches, over Gahr and Artesia, as Coach Eduardo Osorio starts to build a program that, down the road, can compete for a playoff spot.
Finally, while ending the season disappointingly, Pirate football notched its highest victory total since 2005 with four wins and a never-quit attitude. The program showed great flexibility while practicing and playing in different venues until the new campus stadium opened on October 17. Now begins the important off-season in building Pirate Pride for 2009!
Mark Kemp, Athletic Director Paramount High School
Teresita Bautista, PAEC