EYE ON EDUCATION A Publication of the Paramount Unified School District
15110 CALIFORNIA AVE., PARAMOUNT, CA 90723 • TEL: 562-602-6000 • FAX: 562-634-6029
JUNE 2009
Paramount Unified School District Teacher of the Year 2009 Celebration District staff, members of the Board of Education, and community leaders joined in the celebration of each school site’s Teacher of the Year at the District Office on May 12, 2009 at 6:00 p.m. during the Board of Education meeting. The program was moderated by Assistant Superintendent Stella Toibin and the Board of Education Trustees awarded the recipients a plaque. Teachers don’t always realize the impact they have had or can have in the life of a student, but this recognition reinforces the positive effect teachers have on the lives of students each and every day. Each year, teachers at each school site are asked to select one outstanding teacher who will represent that school in the District-wide Teacher of the Year selection process. In making that selection, teachers are asked to consider the following criteria: a teacher who is committed to continued professional development training, one who supports his/her colleagues to improve their skills, a teacher who is involved in educational activities beyond the school, a positive problem solver, one who delivers a high quality instructional program, and a teacher who communicates positively with students and parents. Once the District-wide Teacher of the Year has been determined through a Selection Committee of teachers and administrators from across the District, the one District-level recipient has the opportunity to apply for the Los Angeles County Teachers of the Year competition. If the candidate is identified as a County winner, their name moves forward to the State level of competition. This year’s 2009-10 Teachers of the Year and their school sites are as follows: Early Childhood Education -Clauhdet A. Garnett Alondra School -Kimberly Kay Bardsley Collins School -Anne Bilek Collins School -Katie Shinyoung Hwang Gaines School -Maria Eterna de Oliveira - Le Compte Hollydale School -James M. Wulkowicz Jackson School -Carlos Sierra Jefferson School -Mercedes O. Batres Keppel School -Yvonne R. Cruz Lakewood School -Veronica M. Valdez Lincoln School -Christina Wolf-McMillin Los Cerritos School -Art R. Luna Mokler School -Jason Henry Gonzales Paramount Park School -Leilani Coco Roosevelt School -Gracie Diaz Tanner School -Christina Patterson Wirtz School -Maria Diane Childres Zamboni School -Stacy Aleta Willard Buena Vista High School -Lisa M. Ferrer Paramount High School West -Brent L. Rummell Paramount High School -John M. Teeples Community Day School/ Adult Education Center -Romichelle Ligot Del Rosario
This year’s District-wide Teacher of the Year is John Teeples, a chemistry teacher, from Paramount High School who has been teaching for nineteen years. He graduated as Valedictorian for the Paramount High School Class of 1984. As a young child, he conducted class in the front yard of his home and had a chalkboard, books and the best lessons ever written by a ten-year old. John shares that he loves those times in class when he does a demonstration for the students or they are working in lab and they have that moment which he refers to as suspension of a teenager, when they are truly excited by the experience and revert back to the wide-eyed child they were before they adopted the indifference characteristic of their age group. What keeps him going in spite of the challenges presented in education today is the knowledge that teachers do change lives and sometimes we’re lucky enough to hear about it. A student recently handed him a letter which read, in part, “The routine of walking
up the stairs into your class for two years was a routine that changed my life. Every time I walked through your door, I knew I would learn something. I knew I would be challenged and be expected to push the limits... Now that I am not in your class, it feels like something is missing, but those years of chemistry will stay with me forever.” This teacher expects his students to compete with students from any school and he works hard to give them the confidence to believe this themselves. He creates an environment where it is safe to be wrong. He doesn’t want them to be afraid to be wrong because making mistakes and learning from those mistakes is the best way to learn. This outstanding District Teacher of the Year on a daily basis provides an outstanding education with high standards for every student. Students in his class succeed in meeting the high standards he expects of them because along with his high expectations he provides a high level of support. In addition, John has been a teacher leader in the area of developing a Professional Learning Community at Paramount High School. He is a pioneer in implementing collaboration time believing that collaboration allows teachers to share strategies about how to keep standards high while moving more students to succeed. Together with his colleagues, he strategizes on how to close the gap between what students know and what teachers want them to learn. Congratulations to John Teeples, Paramount Unified School District’s Teacher of the Year!
He inspires all of us to do our best for the students and families
of the Paramount Unified School District!
El Camino College Course at Buena Vista High School This semester, El Camino College is offering a college course to Buena Vista High School students. The class meets at the BVHS campus every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday after school. Ms. Tracey Weiss is the instructor of the Art I: Art in Modern Life course. She says, “Hopefully this class will give students a better understanding of the expectation in college courses.” Students not only learn in a college-like atmosphere, but they earn credits that they can use toward high school graduation requirements. For students, enrollment in this course has been very rewarding. Senior Galeisha Ligons says, “I like art, and this class is showing me things that I need to know if I want to take
art in college.” Similarly, Darrius Thorne enjoys learning about the different types of art and comments, “It’s a more mature class.” Tiaira Heard explains, “It’s a great way to get college experience on our campus in a convenient way.” For Ms. Weiss, teaching high school students is somewhat different than teaching college students. She enjoys exposing students to completely new subject matter, and she now has an appreciation of the issues that both high school and college students face. Senior Jimmy Moo sums up the experience: “I really enjoy learning about how amazing art is.” Jean Law Assistant Principal
SCHOOL BOARD MEETING DATES June 9, 2009 - June 23, 2009 Board of Education meetings are held at 6:00 p.m. in the Boardroom at the District Office, 15110 California Avenue, Paramount, and are open to the public
E2
Eye On Education
Parents Attend Incoming 10th Grade Parent Orientation at Senior Campus
The Paramount High School Counseling department hosted this evening of events aimed at introducing parents of incoming 10th graders to the Senior Campus and all it has to offer in academics and extra curricular activities. The event began in the gym with introductions of the school’s administrative staff. From there, parents attended rotating sessions which included information on the following: CAHSEE, Athletics program, ROP & CTE, Cal SOAP, AP/Honors program, and clubs. There was also an informational fair in which representatives from various clubs, sports, and parent center in ad-
dition to counselors, and other leaders were available for individual questions. Over 350 parents and family members came to see all that PHS Senior Campus has to offer. The Incoming 10th Grade Parent Orientation fair is the brain child of counselor Ms. Jacobo who wanted to see parents exposed to the resources available so that they could start making connections with the school and staff. She commented, “It was great to see so many parents interacting making connections with counselors, club advisors, and club members. Tenth graders only have three years of high school, and my dream is for them to become involved as soon as step onto our campus.”
Career Exploration Day 09!
Eye On Education is a monthly Publication of the Paramount Unified School District Board of Education Sonya Cuellar, President Alicia Linden-Anderson, VP/Clerk Linda Garcia, Member Vivian Hansen, Member Tony Peña, Member District Superintendent David J. Verdugo, Ed.D.
Good things are happening in Paramount Schools
Eye On Education Editor-Nancy Smith Paramount Unified School District 15110 California Ave., Paramount, CA (562) 602-6000 • Fax (562) 634-6029
It’s never too soon to plan future success. Students at Mokler are exploring career options now. Mokler hosted its annual Career Day in April . Many students dressed to impress, wearing professional attire as if they were on a job interview. Students eagerly asked questions about educational requirements, salary ranges and skills needed for jobs. Students listened attentively as they heard from presenters who emphasized the need to learn all they can, pay attention in school, work hard to achieve and never give up on their dreams. Nothing is too hard if you try.
Presenters ranged in fields from Law Enforcement to Entertainment. Including Hollywood Actor Maurice Smith of Bruce Almighty and Verizon Commercial , Doctors, a Registered Nurse, Financial Accountant for Hurley, Counselor, Therapist, Musician, Disc Jockey, Locksmith Business Owner, Probation Officer, DEA Agent, CARE Ambulance, Fire and Police Department. Television and Comic Book Artist Adam Beechen made a special donation to the schools library. Mokler students are preparing for successful careers guided by their Pilot motto... “We are the best! We will succeed!”
E3
Eye On Education
What A Spring - What a Year With the exception of playoff competition, early May completes the regular athletic year for Paramount High. The successes of PHS’s spring programs topped off a magical 2008-2009 for Athletics in general. For example: - Paramount opened its brand new football/soccer/track and field stadium in October. We hosted the inaugural Paramount Relays in March and the San Gabriel Valley League Prelims and Finals the first week in May. The first league championship won in the new Stadium was by boys’ soccer in February. - The new “ballpark at Paramount” opened in March - and Pirate baseball accentuated the first season by winning a 3rd straight league title. - In 2008-2009, Paramount High fielded 21 athletic programs (both genders). Of those 21, eighteen won San Gabriel Valley League championships and/or qualified for CIF playoff competition. - “Breakthrough” programs were Paramount girls’ and boys’ volleyball teams, both of which qualified for the playoffs, the ladies for the first in time in nine years, and the boys for the first time in the history of the program. The Pirate boys won their first-ever playoff match on May 13 against Holy Martyrs and, as of this writing, were still in the playoffs. - Pirate girls’ (fall) and boys’ (spring) tennis teams swept to league titles together for the first time in school history. The boys were victorious in their opening playoff match against Lompoc and were moving on to the 2nd round as of this writing. - Pirate Track and Field teams, boys’ soccer, baseball, and boys’ swimming added to consecutive league title streaks, the longest of which is five (boys’ track, boys’ soccer). Boys’ cross-country has won 11 of the last 12 SGVL titles.
- Four Pirate student-athletes Ebony Armstrong (basketball - UC Riverside), Devonte Elliott (basketball - Nevada), Julio Cuevas (soccer - Cal Poly Pomona), and Eddie Magallon (baseball - Long Beach State) - earned Division I athletic scholarships, the highest number of signees at Paramount since 1991. The successes enjoyed by Paramount’s athletic programs in 2008-2009 are a testimony to the dedication of our student-athletes and the coaching staff. Even the nascent boys’ and girls’ water polo programs were competitive and placed Paramount players on all-league teams. Veteran coach Chris Barboza was chosen California Coaches’ Association Girls’ Track and Field Coach of the Year and coached 19 more PHS track athletes into the Division I Prelims on May 16, in addition to coaching eleven athletes to SGVL individual titles. Finally, as the new facilities become a part of the Paramount landscape, goodbyes to long-time Pirate coaches provided a somber note. Long-time trainer Roy Ward retired in January and was feted by nearly 200 former athletes and coaches in March at a local restaurant. And in June, lifelong Pirate student, athlete, and coach Tony Cantu will hang up his whistle for the last time. Coach Cantu has been part of PHS since he enrolled here as a freshman in September 1960, graduated in 1964, and came back to Paramount to teach and coach for 30 years. PHS won’t be the same without Coach’s presence in the gym and afternoon strolls through the main office. But golf tee times and enjoying the benefits of retirement beckon, and Coach Cantu will always be a part of Paramount history. Good luck coach! Dr. Mark Kemp Athletic Director
A Good Neighbor Policy
The Paramount Elks and Lady Elks, Paramount Petroleum, Paramount Women’s Club, and Paramount Friends of the Library, all indispensable contributors, have once again lent a hand to our school district and community. Recently, in an effort to promote literacy district-wide, our indispensable contributors decided to help their community and Harry Wirtz School, by donating 93 dictionaries to our 3rd grade students. The students were excited to receive their new educational tool and eager to put them to good use. They gathered under the lunch shelter to greet our wonderful contributors and then they eagerly opened the new dictionaries and shared the information they discovered with each other and their teachers! Also we would like to acknowledge
Paramount Petroleum, who went above and beyond normal neighborly duties, and has graciously donated all the monies for our 8th grade students here, at Wirtz, to be able to attend Disneyland as part of their 8th grade end-of-theyear activities. Our 8th grade students will be able to earn their ticket through Perfect Attendance during the STAR Testing period as well as by giving back to their neighborhood through Community Service. We here at Wirtz have realized the importance of community and greatly appreciate the contributions that Paramount Petroleum has given our school! Paramount Petroleum is truly a Community Partner! Carlos Jauregui Teacher- Wirtz School
Superintendent’s Message: Congratulations Paramount High School Class of 2009 On behalf of our entire Board of Education, President Sonya Cuellar, Vice President Alicia Anderson, members Linda Garcia, Vivian Hansen and Tony Peña, I would like to extend our sincere congratulations to the Paramount High School Graduating Class of 2009. I have had the distinct pleasure of witnessing a senior class of over 600 students successfully complete their high school experience. Their individual and group accomplishments in academics, activities and athletics is an outstanding example of young people who have prepared to take the next step towards a bright and fulfilling future. I have no doubt that the Class of 2009 will carry that special “Pirate
Pride” into their future careers and lives. They are also not likely to forget the work and dedication of the devoted staff, counselors, coaches, teachers and administrators who provided the support and skills they will require to reach their dreams. Congratulations to the Class of 2009, the Class with Class! David J. Verdugo, Ed.D. Superintendent
2009 Rotary Scholarship Recipients
This year a total of twenty-eight Paramount High School Senior Campus seniors received a monetary scholarship from the Paramount Rotary Club. Students accepted their scholarship at the annual Rotary scholarship luncheon held at Progress Park. Joining in the celebration were family members, friends, and other distinguished staff. $1000 Academic California Financial Services Forge Systems Heath Machine Heath Machine Heath Machine Weber Metals, Inc
Bun, Molly Robles, Gabriela Trejo, Mary Gonzales, Jonathan Rodriguez, Noe Santos, Jose
$1000 Vocational Heath Machine Heath Machine Heath Machine Heath Machine Heath Machine
Medina, Jacob Villa, Mildred Mendez-Mojica, Jennifer Villa, Reyna Hernandez, Dania
$500 Academic Cal Tex Daryl & Barbra Hofmeyer Jay Wilbur KIS Computer Center KIS Computer Center KIS Computer Center LPA Architects Norma Long N.E.C. Electric R & S Processing South Bay Heating & Air Conditioning Teri Mouren-Laurens West Coast-Accudyne, Inc. Heath Machine Heath Machine Heath Machine Heath Machine
Ascencio, Adriana Ybarra, Aaron Perez, Oswaldo Bernaldino, Gabriela Cardona-Lopez, Ana Ramirez, David Cuevas, Rita Kaur, Gurdeep Lopez, Nidia Barragan, Nataly Yepez, Hugo Cervantes, Victor Salcedo, Victor Pino, Nancy Hernandez, Issamara Munoz, Angelica Castro, Vanessa
E4
Eye On Education
PHS Seniors Place in Congressional Arts Competition
Three Paramount High School Senior Campus seniors placed in the 2009 High School Congressional Arts Competition, which was sponsored by Congresswoman Linda T. Sanchez. Brenda Zambrano was awarded second place; Elizabeth Collazo, third place; and Alfonso Pena, honorable mention. This annual competition, also known as “An Artistic Discovery,” is a nation-wide opportunity for students to compete; the overall winner’s artwork will be displayed in the Washington D.C. Capitol for one year. For the contest, students submitted their work of art, which was reviewed by a panel of art experts.
Hollydale Honors School Volunteers At Hollydale School the partnership between home, community, and school is essential to the success of our students. We encourage our parents and community members to become active participants in the life of the school by becoming involved in our various school committees and councils as well as by volunteering in the classroom setting. On Friday, June 5, 2009, a special Volunteer Breakfast was held to honor our school volunteers for all that they do to support our students. Each volunteer was presented with a certificate and a special gift in recognition of how special they are to us: the former kindergarten teacher who volunteers in a first grade classroom several days a week and helps our struggling readers acquire the skills to become fluent; the recently retired Hollydale teachers who support in a variety of ways from testing first grade
students on their high frequency words to decorating the school bulletin boards; the parent who comes early in the morning before work and staples papers for the teacher; the community members who supported our “Read Night” in the fall by reading spooky stories to the children; the PTSA for the many events they sponsor to enrich the lives of our students. Each of these volunteers and many more do so much to ensure the success of our students in their journey to reach their highest potential as students and as productive citizens. On behalf of the Hollydale teachers, students, and staff – thank you to our school volunteers for all of your hard work and support. You are a valued member of our community. Susan Marilley, Principal Hollydale School
PHS Senior Campus Students Participate in Biomedical Symposium
A Tribute to Lincoln PTA Parent Volunteers
On February 17, 1897, PTA founders Alice McLellan Birney and Phoebe Apperson Hearst stood before 2,000 people from across the country that gathered for a convention of the National Congress of Mothers. The crowds eagerly listened as philanthropists and educators spoke out on behalf of children and their families. This meeting was the beginning of the PTA, the largest and oldest non-profit organization dedicated to the education, health, and welfare of children. Over a century later, the National Parent Teacher Association has grown to 6.5 million members and has 26,000 local chapters in all 50 states. Their efforts have included the introduction of kindergarten into the school system, the promotion of a nationwide school lunch program, and the support of automotive safety restraint systems for children. At Lincoln School, we are privileged to have dedicated PTA parents that continue with the founding commitment to a better education for our children. Each year, active PTA
members volunteer hundreds of hours tirelessly planning and working at the many school-wide events such as the Lincoln’s Harvest Festival, Family Movie Nights, Family Read Nights, Schoolwide Fund Raising Events, Book Fair, Teacher and Staff Recognition Events, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day Breakfasts, STAR Testing Snacks and Ice Cream Incentive Program, Grade Level Year-End Picnics, 8th Grade Promotion Party........ A unique student incentive program that PTA supports is the very popular Lincoln Dollar Store. Students use their hard earned Lincoln dollars for academic efforts and good behavior to shop at the store stocked with enticing goods. Students count their money with pride as they pick their favorite items. They also learn how to save and budget. Dedicated PTA parents ensure that the store is well-stocked during student shopping days. The dedicated PTA parents often work after dark to ensure that next day’s event will run smoothly. Christie Olmos, the PTA President says, “It is all worth it if it helps our students succeed.” Indeed she is right as research at Johns Hopkins University has shown an increase in student success when parents and family members are involved with their child’s school. As the school year begins to wind down, the staff and the Lincoln School community would like to recognize the efforts of dedicated parents. This year, we especially want to thank Christie Olmos, Martiniana Martinez, Judy Diaz, Leticia Rivera, Karmen Zong and Louis Meza for helping good students become future great leaders.
Fifteen juniors and seniors attended the 23rd Annual Biomedical Symposium on Career Opportunities in Biomedical Sciences and Health Professions in Louisville, Kentucky. This annual symposium was sponsored by the Association of Minority Health Professions Schools, Inc. (AMHPS) and hosted by Howard University College of Medicine, College of Dentistry, and College of Pharmacy, Nursing and Allied Health Sciences, of Washington, DC. The purpose of this national symposium is to expose underrepresented minority and other high school and undergraduate students to the variety of career opportunities that are available to them in biomedical sciences and health professions fields. During this two and a half day event, students attended educational workshops, interactive sessions, and browsed exhibits which were aimed at motivating them to consider pursuing a career in biomedical science. In addition, the event also provided students with the opportunity to interact with well-known minority professionals regarding a career in the biomedical sciences and health professions. Paramount High School senior campus students visit was arranged by former ROP instructor Lorraine Grey who is a program director at Charles Drew University of Medicine and Science. Ms. Grey had fifteen available spots for students whose GPA was 3.0 and above and who had an interest in the medical
field were invited to attend. The entire event including transportation, room and board was free to students paid for by AMHPS. Students also had the option of applying to become a presenter at the exhibit hall. Senior Leticia Sandoval applied by submitting an abstract regarding public health and was accepted to present her research before medical professionals and student attendees. Leticia’s presentation was on high fructose corn syrup and its effect on diabetes. Attending the symposium provided Leticia and the other attendees hands-on knowledge of various opportunities in the medical field. “I was able to talk to different people--mainly professionals-and found out what it takes to go into medicine.” stated Leticia. Attending the conference were the following PHS Senior Campus students: Carlos Aguirre, 11th Molly Bun, 12th Doreen Cabrera, 11th Everardo Cuevas, 12th Kevin Del Castillo, 11th Juan Carlos Espinosa, 11th Laura Garcia, 11th Xavier Ibarra, 11th Nelly Ochoa, 11th Hector Pena, 11th Tatiana Ramirez, 11th Tanya Rodriguez, 11th Leticia Sandoval, 12th Mary Trejo, 12th Hugo Yepez, 12th