Making a Difference
When the students in Ms. Tanimoto’s Child Learning Lab class take a small walk across the street to Wirtz Elementary School, they take a giant stride towards their future. The Child Learning Lab class is an elective class offered at Paramount High School that serves the community while offering the students a unique vocational environment. This innovative program is designed to provide high school students with the skills needed to successfully pursue a variety of careers in education. After Ms. T’s classroom training in education theory and best educational practices, the students report to Wirtz Elementary School to apply their newly acquired knowledge to assist in the kindergarten through fifth grade classrooms. When these newly trained high school students enter the elementary school setting, they apply their knowledge and test themselves in a real-life vocational environment. These motivated and caring students become an important teaching resource for both elementary students and teachers. Consequently, these high school students become positive role models for their smaller, younger pupils. Mr. Cervantes
a kindergarten teacher said, “I always enjoy and appreciate the great assistance that our high school helpers bring to my kindergarten class. It is great to see how my students get to interact with the teenagers. They lookup to the high school helpers and learn to respect them as teachers. The High School students help prepare materials for my lessons. I feel confident giving them a small group of students to review and to practice simple concepts already taught. I value the creativity that the students contribute to my class by making bulletin boards, flyers, and art projects. Without Ms Tanimoto’s students and her support kindergarten would not be as fun. Thank you Ms. T”
In the six year history of this program, it has dramatically changed the lives of many Paramount High School students. Many students became interested in continuing their education after high school and many chose to study early childhood education; others wanted to become teachers, instructional aids and became interested in working with the special needs. Jose Ramirez, a PHS graduate and former Child Learning Lab student is currently at Cerritos College working on
a degree in child development. He currently works for the City of Paramount in their STAR (Success Through Academic and Recreation) program tutoring elementary students after school.
Ms. Tanimoto envisioned this vocational educational class to fulfill a growing need for wellqualified educators to teach and mentor our community’s youngest learners. Since the students are placed in an active learning they immediately apply their new skills to teaching, which reinforces their classroom training
and prepares for a new future.
Fernanda Soria, PHS senior, is a student assistant in Mr. Caruso’s 5th grade class, and Mr. Caruso states “Having teaching assistants from the high school is powerful in so many ways. Their ability to function as educators and role models for my students are just two of the ways these students are essential to my classes.” Fernanda’s participation in this class has given her a valuable opportunity to work with 5th graders on a daily basis. She typically works one-on-one with the students
reinforcing reading skills. She further comments, that being in Ms. Tanimoto’s class has helped her to learn patience when working with younger students. She states she enjoys working with her students and hopes one day to be an elementary teacher.
PHS Senior, Andreana Fager notes that she learned important job skills while creating and implementing class lesson plans. She has created age appropriate lessons for activities in arts and crafts, nutrition and health, language arts, science, and a variety of recreational activities. She graduated this June and will be majoring in early childhood with an emphasis on education. Andreana states, “I would not have made this decision without taking Ms. T’s class. She has been my mentor and a positive influence on my life.”
The Child Learning Lab class has proven to be a valuable asset to both the teachers and students at Wirtz Elementary School and the Child Learning Lab Class students. Through this vocational educational class, students have a brighter future as teachers, parents, and community leaders.
Aileen Tanimoto, PHS Teacher
Chivas Come to Mokler
A few months ago, representatives from the Chivas USA Soccer Organization came to Major Lynn Mokler School to help challenge students to read for 100 days. The event was organized to help motivate the students and included the arrival of the charismatic Chivas’ mascot “ChivaFighter”.
The rally was held on the basketball courts of Mokler School and every student cheered as the Chivas’ mascot, ChivaFighter, pumped up the students and staff by chanting songs and challenging them to soccer competitions. Several students and teachers were pulled from the excited audience to participate in the games. Fifth grader Rosemelly Jimenez said, “They had kids come out of the audience and play soccer with the Chivas ram. It was very exciting!”
Over 100 students met the challenge to read for over 100 days. Denise Garcia, 3rd grader, said, “We had to read a lot of books. We colored in the days that we read on a calendar. We needed to read for 100 days (at least 20 days a month).” For meeting their goals, students received a free ticket to a local Chivas soc-
cer game, would get to run with the players at the game and get a free jersey. Parents/guardians were able to purchase tickets at a reduced price.
The Chivas event is yet another example of how Mokler School involves the community in participating with staff to motivate students to achieve. Mokler is
proud of all of their students that took on the challenge, especially those students who read for over 100 days between February and May of 2011. Congratulations on your achievement!
Theresa M. Diaz, K-5 Instructional Coach Mokler School
School Starts August 24, 2011
The Superintendent and Board of Education recognized and congratulated the Paramount
the
TAG
Board of Education members and Superintendent recognized the first place and special recognition student award winners of the 13th Annual Traditional Artists Guild Show at a recent Board of Education meeting
PHS Class of 2011 Salutatorian – Ismael Mireles
Going into high school, I did not expect to be salutatorian, nor did I expect to be going to Caltech. I did not have any idea what college I wanted to be going to, let alone what I wanted my career to be. But four years later with the help of my friends, family, and teachers, I discovered my own potential and decided what I wanted to do in life. I want to be an astrophysicist and someday work for NASA. And I know that if I achieve my goal, it will not just be due to my own dedication, but to the support of all those that helped me realize my dream during my time at Paramount.
Congratulations Ismael!
Valedictorian – Andrew Juhasz
If you were to have asked me four years ago what my goals in life were, I wouldn’t have been able to give you a clear answer. I struggled to find my place in the world, wondering what career I would follow. I asked my peers what they planned to go into, I asked teachers for advice on career choices, and I asked my mother what she wanted for me in life. After a few persuasive influences, I realized that I would become an engineer. To become a successful engineer, I understand that I had to set myself apart from the crowd. I found myself asking, “How can I leave my mark on Paramount High School?” With the guidance of my mother and the support of my peers, I set out to make them proud, and become Valedictorian.
Congratulations Andrew!
2011 Polly Pirate – Illiana Yepez
Illiana believes that “by embodying the spirit, charisma, liveliness, and determination both academically and socially, one personifies who Polly Pirate should be”. Illiana has embodied this spirit by excelling in all areas of her life. Academically, she has loaded her schedule with demanding AP classes and has been able to maintain a 4.35 GPA. She has been actively involved in school, and she is a member of ASB. Illiana has excelled in sports as a member of the championship winning JV Tennis team. Illiana has also taken her Pirate spirit out into the community through her involvement in clubs. She was involved in Corsaires, Interact, the Paramount Summer Day Camp, and the STAR pro-
2011 Pete Pirate – Jorge Montoya
Jorge believes that Pete Pirate is a “well rounded individual who has participated in their school and community in many ways”. He has made it his goal to be a well rounded person by receiving good grades, being a great athlete, and being an active participant in school and city events. Being a member of the swim team since his freshman year, he has proved his athletic prowess by being recognized as Athlete of the Year and winning multiple MVP awards. His extracurricular activities have extended outside the pool and onto the stage as a member of the “Comedy Sports” drama club. Although he has been active in school activities and sports, he has also been able to maintain a 3.78 GPA. Outside of school, he has shown his love for
gram. Illiana exemplifies a Pirate who continually strives for excellence both academically and socially – she truly is a Polly Pirate.
the community by volunteering for the Halloween Carnival, Safe and Smart Fair, and at Saint Vincent de Paul. Jorge has proven that he is well-rounded and is the perfect Pete Pirate.
PHS Boys’ Swim 200 Yard Freestyle Relay Team
The Superintendent and Board of Education recognized and congratulated the Paramount High School Boys’ Swim 200 Yard Freestyle Relay Team for their first place finish in Division 4 CIF this year.
MESA Solar Cup Student Recognition
High School-West Campus students who participated in
2011 Solar Cup Boat Competition. Paramount High School West Campus participated in their first Solar Cup Boat Competition at Lake Skinner which is the largest solar boat competition in the nation. PHS West Campus ninth graders won first place in the Central and Bay Region for the sprint race.
The Board of Education members and Superintendent Verdugo recognized the MESA students from Paramount High School, Paramount High School-West, Alondra School, Paramount Park School, and Zamboni School on their successful performance at the regional competition held at California State University Los Angeles and USC.
Art Show Awards
Congratulations to the Class of 2011
Cal-Tech Questbridge Scholarship - $220,000
Ismael Mireles
Gates Millennium Scholar - $200,000
Jennifer Ramirez
Maureen McCarthey Foundation Scholarship for Teacher
Education
(5-year Teaching Scholarship to Cal-State Dominguez Hills)
$30,000 Tuition and Books
Adriana Navarro
Jasmin Flores
Coca-Cola Scholar - $10,000
Jennifer Ramirez
National Merit Scholarship - $10,000 – Renewable ($2500)
FedEx Freight Scholarship
Edison International- $10,000 – Renewable ($2500)
Daniel Pino
National Hispanic Recognition Merit Scholars
Daniel Pino
Vanessa Flores
Ismael Mireles
Dr. Sumie Imada Scholarship - $1000
Andrew Juhasz
Hugo Valverde
Jorge Alvarado
Pamela Payad
Dr. David Verdugo and Board of Education Scholarship - $1000
David Trevino
Sam Walton Community Scholarships - $3000
Jennifer Ramirez
African American Cultural Club $500.00
Tyna Colen
Ashley Mack
Russell L. Ball Family Memorial Scholarship - $1250
Michael Villanueva
Javier Uriarte
Lakewood Pan American Association - $500 Scholarship
Lance Welander
Jerome Richardson Memorial Scholarship - $600
Jennifer Duran
Tyna Colen
Young Women of Paramount Conference - $500
Jacqueline Martinez
Audrey Valdez
UC Irvine Chancellor’s Excellence Award – $6500
Enrique Gutierrez-Mendoza
UC San Diego – Chancellor’s Scholarship - $20,000
Enrique Gutierrez-Mendoza
UCLA Recognition Award - $5000
Enrique Gutierrez-Mendoza
Jennifer Ramirez
Biola University Award - $10.846 Scholarship
Daniel Frey
Randy Cantrell Memorial Scholarship
$1000 Scholarship
Andrew Juhasz
Pamela Payad
Ismael Mireles
Paramount Women’s Club Scholarship:
$400 Academic Scholarship
Guillermo Jimenez
Yesenia Diaz
$400 Vocational Scholarship
Jennifer Rodriguez
$200 Music/Art Scholarship
Luis Yamany Garcia
100 Black Men of Long Beach - $500 Scholarship
Luis Chavez
Paramount Lady Elks Scholarship $250
Susy Cuevas
Jennifer Ramirez
Adriana Banuelos
Friar Tux Shop Scholarship - $500.00
Luis Chavez
Rotary Club of Paramount - $500 - $1000
Yenifer Arellano
Adriana Banuelos
Clarrisa Campos
Luis Chavez
Susy Cuevas
Jennifer Duran
Luis Garcia
Paloma Ibarra
Guillermo Jimenez
Andrew Juhasz
Ismael Navarro
Ray Nunez
Angelo Payad
Pamela Payad
Daniel Pino
Genesis Pleitez
Jennifer Ramirez
Jessenia Rivera
Eduardo Rosas
David Trevino
Elk’s Student of the Month - $50
October 2010
Roberto Anaya
Iliana Yepez
November 2010
Ismael Navarro
Jennifer Castillo
December 2010
Bonnie Casillas
Jennifer Ramirez
January 2011
Andrew Juhasz
February 2011
April 2011
May 2011
Jessenia Rivera
Hugo Valverde
Ismael Mireles
Vanessa Gomez
Suzane Alvarez
Jacqueline Merida
Ana Godoy
Teacher’s Association of Paramount (TAP) - $500
Karina Mendoza
Bonnie Casillas
Susy Cuevas
Ana Godoy
Management Association of Paramount - $500
Bonnie Casillas
Vanessa Gomez
Lizandra Salcido
Worthy Student Award (OCTFU) - $500
David Leon
Rotary
Club Speech Contest - $75 Scholarship
Yenifer Arellano
Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership (HOBY) Conference (Sophomore)
Faviola Zuniga
Princeton Book Award (Junior)
Paola Ruiz
Mehr Family Peace and Social Justice Scholarship $1000
Denisha Webb
Iliana Yepez
Pepperdine Youth Leadership Conference (Juniors)
Armando Gonzalez
Marleen Ruiz
Cal-SOAP - $1000 - 2000
Daniel Pino
Karina Flores
Iliana Yepez
Stephanie Perez
Jocelyn Ochoa
Paramount PTSA Scholarship - $500
Jennifer Ramirez
Iliana Yepez
Susy Cuevas
Paramount PTA Council - $500
Andrew Juhasz
Pamela Payad
David Trevino
Luis Chavez
PEP Scholarship - $3000
Susy Cuevas
Gilbert Garcia
Luis Garcia
Ana Godoy
Edith Martinez
Jaqueline Merida
Ray Nunez
Don Chamberlain Engineering Scholarship - $500.00
Vanessa Flores
Paramount Tepic/Sister Cities Association Scholarship - $250
2010-2011 PHS Athletes of the Year
Pirate Male Athlete of the Year
Ariel Arguello and Antonio Lopez
Pirate Female Athlete of the Year
Melissa Yepez
Senior Male Athlete of the Year
Ma’ataua Brown
Senior Female Athlete of the Year
Ruby Aliimatafitafi and Mariah Richards-Maynard
Junior Male Athlete of the Year
Jesus Caporal
Junior Female Athlete of the Year
Shadona Hunter
Sophomore Male Athlete of the Year
Christopher Borrayo
Sophomore Female Athlete of the Year
Mariana Fraga
Freshman Male Athlete of the Year
Gerardo Zavala
Freshman Female Athlete of the Year
Breana Manning
Graduating with High Honors GPA 3.75 and higher – Class of 2011
Medallion Worn at Graduation Ceremony
Andrew Juhasz Valedictorian
Ismael Mireles Salutatorian
Pamela Payad
Iliana Yepez
Vanessa Flores
Daniel Pino
Vanessa Gomez
Angela Cuevas
Gilbert Garcia
Erika Alvarez
Jorge Aguayo
Ray Nunez
Luis Chavez
Jennifer Ramirez
Jocelyn Ochoa
Guillermo Jimenez
Karina Mendoza
Jessenia Rivera
Enrique Gutierrez-Mendoza
Lizbeth Figueroa
Sergio Garcia
Randy Gonzalez
Annalae Taitano
Ivy Lum-Rodas
Lizandra Salcido
Hugo Valverde
Gabriela Pedroza
Elvia Quintero
Michelle Corrales
David Trevino
Ismael Navarro
Alejandro Varela
Jasmine Martinez
Jorge Montoya
Perris Edwards
Claudia Rojas
Bonnie Casillas
Atenas Vargas
Tiffany Faye Zapata
Graduating with Honors GPA 3.50 –3.74 – Class of 2011
Gold Cord Worn at Graduation Ceremony
Ivette Moreira
Alexis Arzeta
Saul Ruiz, Jr.
Juan Barragan
Adrian Avila-Alvarez
Shanni Zamora
Denisha Webb
Melissa Padilla
Adriana Banuelos
Melissa Yepez
Dania Tapia
Gloria De La Torre
Jennifer Duran
Xitaly Loza
Jomely Arce
Jorge Ayala
Jasmine Acosta
Ivan Barragan
Clarissa Campos
Daisy Arce
Edgar Madrid
Jacqueline Tamayo
Wendy Vera
Sarai Tapia
Jennifer Castillo
Angelo Payad
Cassandra Montenegro
Nikita Szabados
Jacquelin ChavezLeon
Jacqueline Merida
Veronica Mora
Tania Arellano-Alvarez
Paloma Ibarra
Aileen Hernandez
Susy Cuevas
Jose Valenzuela
Pedro Preciado
Ana Godoy
Ciara Collins
Melissa Guiterrez
Sara Magallanes
Rosa Tapia
Belen Aguilera
Carrillo Griselda Rios Jacqueline Martinez California Scholarship Federation
Memberships Highest Honor 100 % Highest Honors (6 semesters) Bonnie Casillas Luis Chavez
Garcia Guillermo Jimenez
Juhasz Ismael Mireles
Annalae
New Rule... Tdap Shots Before School
Student MUST have the Pertussis (Whooping Cough) Tdap Booster Shot!
birthday, they have met the requirement. However, they will still need to show proof of the Tdap Booster. This requirement does not affect students enrolling in this years’ summer school program.
Roberto Anaya
Ray Nunez
Ashley Mack
Karina Flores
There is a new California law that requires students in 7th through 12th grades provide proof of a Pertussis (Whooping Cough) Tdap Booster shot before starting the next 2011-12 school year. This new school entry law was enacted to protect California’s youth against the recent pertussis epidemic. This requirement began July 1, 2011. If your student has received one dose of Tdap vaccine on or after the 10th
The Paramount Unified School District is recommending parents contact your family physician today, to get a whooping cough shot (Tdap) before the 2011-2012 school year begins. Immunizations may be given by your family physician or are available at the health clinics.
If you have any questions regarding this new mandatory immunization law, please contact you student’s school site today.
Superintendent’s Message:
New Principals
As we begin the summer holiday, I wanted to share some exciting news with our community and bring to your attention that there will be some new faces at our school sites when our students return to school in the fall. The changes I am referring to are new principals at various school sites across the District that have been selected.
Administrative changes for the upcoming 2011-12 school year:
School Principal
Alondra Lynn Butler
Collins Beatriz Spelker-Levi
Gaines Jeff Bowers
Hollydale Kevin Longworth
Jackson Lisa Nunley
Jefferson Yuki Mio
Keppel Linda Go
Lincoln Pamela Williams
Los Cerritos Connie Toscano
Mokler Michele Dutton
Paramount Park Topekia Jones
Roosevelt Susan Marilley
Tanner Patricia Brent-Sanco
Wirtz Kelly Williams
Zamboni Elizabeth Salcido
Buena Vista Jean Law
PHS-West Morrie Kosareff
PHS Greg Buckner
Adult Education Richard Morgan I wanted to make sure that we informed our parents and community of the changes that are taking place. I can assure you that the new principals will continue to focus on improving student achievement and will work collaboratively with staff, teachers and parents.
David J.
Verdugo,
Ed.D. Superintendent
Paramount High School MESA Calculus Team Wins 1st Place at USC
After advancing in the preliminary competition at California State University, Long Beach, our Paramount High School MESA Calculus team shined at the final’s competition. The three-student Calculus team participated under the moniker “Team Math Quest” recently won first place in the Los Angeles Regional MESA final’s competition at the University of Southern California (USC). The team consisted of PHS seniors, Hugo Valverde, Andrew Juhasz, and Ismael Mireles. “It was truly a team effort” recalled Andrew. “I was so excited. I jumped up and hollered when I heard Paramount being called as the winner.” He goes on to share that he was introduced to the field of engineering through his participation in MESA, and that he looks forward to majoring in Mechanical Engineering at UCLA in the Fall.
MESA which stands for Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement is a nationally recognized program that engages thousands of educationally disadvantaged students so they excel in math and science and graduate with math-based degrees. MESA partners with all segments of California higher education as well as K12 institutions. MESA students are provided training by college engineering students on a monthly basis at local universities while receiving weekly instruction at each school.
Hugo Valverde has truly been inspired to perform well academically through his
Paramount West Celebrates Student Excellence
On Thursday, June 2, 2011, over 250 students, parents and staff members from Paramount High School West Campus gathered in the gym to partake in our thirtieth annual Night of Recognition. The purpose of this gathering was to recognize some of our highest achieving, and hardest working students. The students in attendance were nominated for the various awards by their teachers. Each nomination was required to be accompanied by a submission of student work that demonstrated the academic achievement of the student. Each department examined and evaluated the student submissions and assessments to select each student. After much reflection and discussion, the recipient of each award was agreed upon. Each student was awarded a medallion and certificate which listed their accomplishment.
Perfect Attendance Award:
Lizbeth Aguilera, Isamar Arce, Samantha Bejarano, Oscar Cabrera
Bernie Carbajal, Irving Catalan
Steven Gonzalez, Joshua Graham
Kadie Gurley, Izamal Juarez
Michelle Lopez, Karina Macias
Eduardo Maldonado, Gabriel Marroquin
Donovan Norwood, Lydia Parra
Moises Perez, Oscar Reyes
Leonardo Silva, Kenneth Teeples
Hibed Valencia, Jorge Valencia
Maria Valles, Nancy Vasquez, Sonia Zavala
Counselor Award:
Leah Barker
Sabrina Lares
Daniel McLean
Leonardo Silva
Sportsmanship of the Year:
Jose Armenta
Lesley Chavez
Athletes of Year:
Briana Manning
Gerardo Zavala
Maroon & White Award:
Margarita Borrayo
participation in MESA. He shares that he is most proud of the fact that as a ninth grader he was enrolled in an Algebra 1 class but set personal goals and dedicated himself to improve academically and advanced to AP Calculus by the time his senior year arrived. In the Fall, he will be the first person in his entire family to attend college when he arrives at the University of California, Irvine; where he will major in Chemical Engineering. Ismael Mireles shared that he has also benefited from his participation in MESA. He adds that “it’s fun! I realized that I really like math, and that I am really good at it.” He is slated to study Astro-Physics at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) in the Fall on a full academic scholarship. Other PHS MESA teams also performed well during the competitions. Our PHSEngineering team was challenged to build a car that would be solely powered by a mouse-trap. After the car was created, students were judged on the actual car design, and on accuracy. They won first place for design and third place for accuracy. Of the thirty total Paramount High School students that attended the preliminary competition at California State University, Long Beach, twenty five brought home ribbons and medals, meaning they placed first, second, or third. Great job Pirates!
Kevin Reed, MESA Club Advisor
Academic – Fernando Rodriguez
Pirate – Ignacio Gonzalez
Pirate – Abel Rivera
English Language Arts Awards:
Excellence – Lizbeth Bugarin
Outstanding – Mary Carmen Arroyo
Academic – Jessica Maldonado
Pirate – Maria Estrada
Pirate – Natalie Lopez
English Language Arts Honors Awards:
Excellence – Korena McLaurin
Outstanding – Johanna Basurto
Academic – Maria Rivera
Pirate – Dominique Hill
Pirate – Leslie Lopez
Mathematics-Algebra Awards:
Excellence – Chester Ocampo
Outstanding – Margarita Lizarraga
Academic – Jessica Partida
Pirate – Arlex Bolaines
Pirate – Destiny Burton
Pirate – Muhammed Junaid
Pirate – Kadejah Majied
Pirate – Kevin Montes
Pirate – Irving Ramos
Mathematics-Geometry Awards:
Excellence – Monica Cruz
Outstanding – Kenneth Teeples
Academic – Patricia Sais
Pirate – Sasha Mangram
Pirate – Nestor Rodriguez
Science- Integrated Awards:
Excellence – Jose Zarate
Outstanding – Kevin Montes
Angel Cuellar
Jeanette Mercado
Alejandro Quintero
Spanish Language Award: Kenneth Teeples
Karina Martinez
Career Technical Education – Engineering
Emmanuel Andrade
Career Technical Education – Media
Samantha Bejarano
Career Technical Education – Medical
Luis Flores
Visual & Performing Arts Awards: Art – Mareeya Tongkul
Band – Maria Escareno
Choir – Gladys Chacon
Dance – Sandra Gutierrez
Orchestra – Ian Leon
Theater – Diana Martinez
Student Government Award: Lorena Romero
English Language Development Awards:
Excellence – Brenda Martinez
Outstanding – Julisa Acosta
Academic – Brian Zepeda
Pirate – Kevin Lopez
Pirate – Diana Torres
Science-Biology Awards:
Excellence – Kenneth Teeples
Outstanding – Maria Rivera
Academic – Sevyn Johnson
Pirate – David Perez
Pirate – Patricia Sais
History-Social Science Awards:
Excellence – Maria Rivera
Outstanding – Korena McLaurin
Academic – Patricia Sais
Pirate – Matthew Botello
Pirate – Pricilla Perez
Principal’s Honor Roll: Annajoy Floresca
Kadejah Majied
Korena McLaurin
Stephanie Morales
Angel Reyes
Maria Rivera
Patricia Sais
Daniela Sanchez
Kenneth Teeples
Mareeya Tongkul
Maria Valles
Principal’s Award