PUSD EYE May 2008

E YE ON E DUCATION

Association of California School Administrators

Awards Region 14 Superintendent

The Association of California School Administrators Executive Board recently announced the recipient of its annual Region 14 “Superintendent of the Year Award”. This year’s award recipient is Dr. David Verdugo, the Superintendent of the Paramount Unified School District. Dr. Verdugo was nominated and selected as Superintendent of the Year in Region 14 which includes the following School Districts: ABC, Bellflower, Downey, Beverly Hills, Compton, Culver City, Inglewood, Long Beach, Torrance, Norwalk-La Mirada,

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Lennox, Hawthorne and Palos Verdes.

Dr. Verdugo has served as the Superintendent in Paramount Unified School District for the past three years. The award is presented by ACSA Region 14 in recognition of administrative achievement and performance. Verdugo stated, “this is a great honor and it is truly a reflection of the “team effort” that we have established here in Paramount. This award could not be realized without all the great work taking place by all the members of our team. That includes our Board, our teach -

ers, our classified employees and our administrators”. In addition, Verdugo added that the great progress we have been witnessing in Paramount Unified School District is also a result of all the stakeholders who consist of our students, parents and City who truly desire to see a brighter future for our children.

A Celebration of Leadership reception was held in late April which was sponsored by The Association of California School Administrators Region 14 recognizing Dr. Verdugo for his work.

When Big Corporations and Schools Collaborate, Students Are The Winners!

Microsoft’s DigiGirlz Day is a one-day event designed to provide girls in grades 6 through 12 with a better understanding of what a career in technology is all about. The students have the chance to use cool Microsoft Technologies, learn about various careers in technology, and interact with Microsoft employees and executives to learn what it’s like to work in the dynamic world of Microsoft. Participants in DigiGirlz Day gain a better understanding of the various opportunities available in the hightech field of technology. They also gain a better understanding of how they can turn their current interests into a future career.

During spring break, twenty lucky girls of Howard Tanner School eagerly rode the bus to

not have to wait long.

Soon after exiting the bus, they ventured into the Envisioning Center where Microsoft staff member Brittany Ngo provided powerful demos and simulations of the life at Microsoft. Then

the lucky girls were provided with an internet safety workshop that helped them learn how to cautiously navigate the world wide web. This workshop was held in Microsoft’s state of the art conference room where students were able to conference via phone, video, and messaging to each other and the Microsoft staff members. As the students completed the first part of their day, Matt Kestian, the Director of Microsoft Technology Center, joined the group and spoke about the services the Technology Center provides to their clients while following up his presentation with an exciting guided tour. The interactive tour allowed him to better explain the process they follow as they service their clients. Students were also given a hands-on mini-lesson on computer software. Mr. Kestian concluded his presentation with an explanation of the various career opportunities available at Microsoft and the need for more women in the booming field of technology.

Through out the visit Mr. Kestian and Ms. Ngo remarked how excited they were to see the girls at Howard Tanner ask-

ing such insightful questions and taking full advantage of the day’s events to gain a better understanding of this career field. A few students were even recruited for volunteer work as “game-testers.” At the end of the day, students were provided with goody bags which included Microsoft software. Howard Tanner School’s “DigiGirlz” will be forming into teams and using their software to design websites for the middle school teachers.

The DigiGirlz program helped our female students explore the traditionally male-oriented field of technology. Many of our students left with a new found interest in technology and a desire to pursue a career in this fast growing field. Some young ladies have already begun inquiring and preparing for internship opportunities. Keep an eye out, because ten years from now the next software on the market may have been the idea of one of Howard Tanner School’s DigiGirlz!

Superintendent, Dr. David Verdugo is joined Board members Linda Garcia, Vivian Hansen, Alicia Anderson, Sonya Cuellar and his secretary Isela Preciado during the ACSA Region XIV Administrator Awards Recognition Dinner.

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of Redondo Beach, Manhattan Beach, Lawndale, Wiseburn,

Microsoft Technologies in Irvine, California. They were anxious to explore the career opportunities they had heard of in class but had not seen in action. Fortunately, they did

Caroline Lopez Counselor Tanner School

PHS Students Travel to New Orleans

On March 19th-21st, 2008, eighteen talented and excited 11th and 12th grade Paramount High School students embarked on a journey into the world of medical wonder in the enchanted city of New Orleans, Louisiana. This splendid opportunity is owed to Ms. Lorraine Grey, Director of the Opportunity Health Careers enrichment program for Charles Drew University. She is also the ROP Medical Assistant instructor for Paramount Unified School District. Ms. Grey was persistent in guaranteeing 20 Paramount High School students a spot at the 22nd Annual Symposium on Career Opportunities in Biomedical Sciences and Health professions. Ms. Grey held several meetings with the parents and students regarding the conference, rules, policies, student needs and expectations. These meetings were held on the campus of Charles Drew University.

This Annual Symposium is sponsored by the Association of Minority Health Professions School, Inc. (AMHPS), hosted by Xavier University of Louisiana, College of Pharmacy. In the words of Wayne T. Harris, Ph.D. Vice President of AMHPS, Professor and Dean of College of Pharmacy at Xavier University of Louisiana, “Our nation has a serious need to increase the participation of underrepresented groups in the biomedical sciences in order to address the myriad challenges that we face, including the problem of health disparities.”

At this symposium, students were introduced to some of Ameri-

ca’s leading physicians, dentist, biomedical scientists and health profession educators. It is our strong desire that they will stimulate student’s interest in the health professions and biomedical research.

On a personal note, I truly applaud the parents of these students. They attended each meeting but even more, these parents put trust in their children to be responsible young men and women. They also entrusted their children to our care. For many of these students, this trip was their first time away from home, the first time going out of the state and/or the first time on an airplane!

Once at the Conference, the students received a special treat! They were greeted by Dr. Verdugo-Superintendent of Paramount Unified School District. Dr. Verdugo was the keynote speaker on Friday during the general session. According to the 11th grader Gabriela Robles, “It was especially exciting to see our very own Dr. Verdugo speak at the symposium. Listening to Dr. Alice Coombs and Dr. Verdugo gave me a feeling of hope and re-assurance knowing that they both came from similar communities and became successful.” Senior, Celten Carmouche used his networking skills and landed himself a tutoring position in the Saturday Science Academy held at the Charles Drew University Campus.

Our students were so excited and are looking forward to next year’s symposium.

Gwen Yates Assistant Principal Paramount High School

6th Grade Students From Collins School Go To Camp!

During the last week of spring vacation ten 6th grade students and two teachers went to Thousand Pines Outdoor Science Camp. For some, this was their first time away from home. During their 5 day stay at camp, they had the chance to meet new friends from different schools, rock climb (in which all students successfully climbed the wall and overcame any fears), swim in a lake, have a “sparkle” party, learn about the constellations and go on hikes throughout the wilderness. These experiences are just a few of the things that occurred during the fun filled week.

Miss Rivera, one of the teachers whom accompanied the students to camp, stated that this was a wonderful opportunity to see the students experi-

ence nature first hand and to see them mature and grow while away from home. According to the campers, they learned how to work together, make new friends, and take three minute showers. They stated that they really enjoyed this camp and would love to do it again.

The 6th grade students at Collins School had a wonderful time and really appreciated everyone who made their camp experience possible. Our 6th Graders participated in competitive, relaxing, creative, and challenging activities; there was something for everyone at the Thousand Pines Outdoor School.

Pirate Spring Sports in Full Swing

As construction continues for PHS’s new athletic facilities, the Spring sports season is half over and Pirate teams are in the thick of league races as they make the turn for home. The next few weeks will determine whether “spring is in the air” come playoff time in May, then it will be time to say goodbye to the class of ‘08 and prepare for an eventful summer.

Paramount Baseball, under 4th year coach Cameron Chinn, is enjoying a healthy, banner season. Ranked #11 by the LA Times and #4 by the Long Beach Press-Telegram, the Pirates are undefeated in league play at 5-0 and 134 overall. This success is a tribute to the players, Coach Chinn, and his staff, as the team has had to play home games at a variety of venues due to construction: Paramount/West, Blair Field in Long Beach, and Downey High School. The veteran club, led by 2007 league MVP Eddy Magallon and Most Outstanding Pitcher Ivan Niebla, is getting great pitching, timely hitting, and strong leadership on and off the field. A second straight league title and strong showing in the CIF playoffs seem definitely to be in the cards.

Pirate Track and Field, with veteran coach (and 2006-07 PUSD Teacher of the Year) Chris Barboza at the helm, is making the best of a challenging situation as the program practices every day at Alondra School and has no home meets this spring. Our Pirate boys face

a tough road in repeating as league dual meet champs, but Coach “B” will certainly have a number of athletes in the CIF Prelims and Finals next month.

Pirate Swimming is also poised to take an unprecedented step of, perhaps, challenging for the first boys’ league title in the PHS history. Coach Roberto Guerrero has built a powerful program of dedicated swimmers of both genders and, with the return of water polo on the horizon next year, will be assured of an even stronger tradition built over the next several years. Thanks to the PUSD Board of Education and Superintendent David Verdugo for their support in reinstituting water polo at PHS after a 12-year absence.

Other Spring sports include boys’ tennis, which is challenging for a playoff spot under 4th-year coach Curtis Mu; boys’ volleyball, which, under veteran Coach Jimena Vargas, has its most athletically-talented group in years taking the floor each match for the maroon and white; Lady Pirate softball, led by new head coach John Guggiana, seeking a return to playoff form in 2008; and Pirate golf, which is making strides in league play under 3rd year coach Jason Sewell.

The best of success to all of our Spring sport athletes as they strive for the CIF playoffs this spring!

Bonnie Slater Teacher, Collins School

Mark Kemp Athletic Director

Who Knew? Achieve Now!

Achieve Now Science made a visit to Harry Wirtz School this March for our Science Night at Wirtz. Ran by Richard Blagden, the company specializes in school science assemblies, science nights, and science fairs with the purpose of making science both fun and accessible.

And fun it was. Science Night at Wirtz consisted of approximately twenty stations set up by the Achieve Now Science group and supervised by the school’s staff. The interactive stations were not only user-friendly, but the activities spanned a wide range of ages. The youngest students were able to grasp the tasks, while the eighth grade students appeared anything but bored. After all, how can you get bored when trying to figure out how to cut a hole in an index card big enough for your whole head (yes, the small size index card)?

Never fear, however, quality learning was taking place. Ms. Williams, a fourth grade teacher, was showing students how to make paper plate gliders. Ms. Kelly, our Math Coach, was instructing Wirtz Wizards on how to light their wands, err...bulbs, using wire and the Laws of Electricity. Mrs. Canning and Mr. Cervantes were utilizing Ber -

noulli’s Law to make items such as cereal “float” and beads “rain” upwards. “Twenty eight,” said Valeria Vazquez, a third grade student in Ms. Hartel’s class, “Twenty-eight pennies.” At first I thought she was asking me for change for the nachos Ms. Childres and her devoted students were selling. Instead, she was referring; rather, to the number of pennies it took to sink a cup. The Science Night at Wirtz was a hit with her. The evening was a hit with parents as well. Kindergartner Ritchie Velez’s father told me, “It’s good for the parents to cooperate and participate in the children’s programs.”

Confetti in bottles? Polyester rubbed on PVC? Straws shoved into potatoes? What are you talking about? Although these sound like things you may find in your garage or maybe behind a drawer, in your refrigerator that you haven’t cleaned in months, these are some of things that can teach kids science in fun and cool ways. Who knew?

For more information: www. achievenow.com

Stacy Hartel Teacher, Wirtz School

Paramount High School Leadership Team

Superintendent’s Message:

California Day of the Teacher and Classified Employee Week

Annually during the month of May, we in the Paramount Unified School District pay tribute to teachers and to our classified employees who provide the support needed for our students to succeed in and out of the classroom.

On behalf of our Board of Education members, President Vivian Hansen, Vice President Sonya Cuellar, members Alicia Anderson, Linda Garcia, and Tony Peña, I want to thank and recognize the notable contributions of the Paramount Unified School District teaching staff. Our teachers are skilled professionals who provide valuable instruction to our students. They rank among the best in the State and they truly positively enhance the lives of our students.

The “essential pieces of the puzzle” that continue to provide instruction, guidance, encouragement, and care to the students of Paramount Unified School District are the employees of this outstanding District.

Thank you teachers, counselors and classified employees for making our students the number one priority.

David J. Verdugo, Ed.D. Superintendent

In addition, our classified employees provide valuable services and support to more than 16, 000 students and the 21 schools in Paramount Unified School District. Through their loyalty and service they contribute to the overall positive climate of Paramount Unified School District.

Eating History

Eighth grade history students at Alondra School got a taste of history when they decided to bring their study of the Civil War to life and eat one of the staples of old-time military life. Last summer when their teacher, Ms. Nelson, went on vacation and toured several Revolutionary War and Civil War sites, she purchased a piece of hardtack, a hard, virtually non-perishable bread. Ms. Nelson brought the bread to show the students what a soldier might carry with him while on maneuvers to eat when he might not be able to cook. It might loosely be compared to taking an energy bar along on a bike ride or other activity in today’s time. The students were so intrigued by the hardtack

that they wanted to try some themselves. They then researched it and found that hardtack was used in the Revolutionary Way, the War of 1812 and the Civil War. It was also used aboard old-time sailing ships where it was known as pilot biscuits. Cowboys also used it and carried it in their saddlebags. The next best thing to eating the hardtack was discovering the recipe which they found in their very own history text. The line from the recipe that made this something they had to try was: “Store up to ten years.” (See test: The American Journey, p. 478.

Margaret Nelson Teacher Alondra School

The Board of Education and Superintendent recognized the Paramount High School Leadership Team and Elsa Reynoso, Activities Director, for their service to the school. Superintendent Verdugo complimented Ms. Reynoso and the students for their dedication to quality services and activities for Paramount High School students.

Some of the students who baked hardtack were: Jasmin Acevedo, Gladys Estrada, Lilliana Martinez, Jose Martinez, Daniel Maldonado, Dominique Roberts (in Civil War uniform) and Pablo Ulloa.

Paramount High School Students Run for the Challenge

On Sunday March 2, seven Paramount High School students woke up at 4:00 a.m. to take-on one of the biggest challenges of their young lives. Additionally, this day would bring about an end to the journey that these young men embarked upon six months earlier. The challenge was to run the 23rd annual City of Los Angeles Marathon, as part of Student Run L.A. (SRLA)

In mid-September, under the guidance of Coaches Carolyn Croxton, Michelle Ignash, and Rafael Lugo Paramount High School’s 25 member SRLA team began its journey to complete the L.A. Marathon. The first couple of months, SRLA covered anywhere between 2-7 miles per practice. Practices consisted of stretching, push-ups, sit-ups and other fun activities. Roberto Anaya said, “At first it was challenging, but after a while I felt more confident.”

As the weeks went by, the distances and the time required to practice increased. Between November and January SRLA runs started at the West Campus traveled south to Alondra and headed east to the San Gabriel River. Once at the river, the group headed north for one mile to Rosecrans and then back to PHS-WC. All this running in preparation for a nine mile race at Cabrillo Beach, and two half marathons in Irvine and Newport Beach respectively.

With the increase in time and mileage it became apparent that some students were determined to accomplish their goal and reap the benefits. Freshman Richard Heng said, “I lost approximately 30 pounds.” At the same time others reported feeling stronger, faster, and more confident.

February was extremely challenging for the entire SRLA family including the coaches. On Super Bowl Sunday, Paramount’s runners tested their hearts and conditioning in the 18 mile Friendship Run at the Hansen Dam in San Fernando. This run was marked by heavy rains, strong winds and cold temperatures. “It was raining sideways!” exclaimed Jesse Vasquez. Despite the obstacles, Paramount’s runners represented themselves and their community well by finishing this grueling race.

On marathon morning, Paramount High School’s SRLA team was ready to face any challenge. “The night before the race I felt nervous, but at the same time I knew I could finish it,” proclaimed Marathon Finisher Alfredo Rivera.

The race began at 8:15 a.m. to the tune of “I Love L.A.” Throughout the 26.2 mile run each runner endured hours of sweat, pain, and fatigue, but all continued running. By 3:30 p.m. all seven Paramount High School students had completed their six month long journey. “After the race I felt proud to see that all of our hard work paid off. Also, I loved how our team bonded throughout the season,” said Coach Carolyn Croxton.

Although, the L.A. Marathon has already passed Paramount High School’s SRLA team is still running and looking for new members. SRLA is not just about running, it’s about setting goals and accomplishing them through hard work, determination and team work.

Rafael Lugo

Opportunity Teacher/ SRLA Coach PHS-West

California College Tour

The Upward Bound Program at California State University, Long Beach sponsors an annual Northern California College Tour for Upward Bound participants. Sara Gonsalves, Michele Polido, and Alejandra Santos, three Paramount High School juniors, attended this threeday tour of Northern California Colleges. Upward Bound students had the opportunity to visit Cal Poly San Luis Obispo; California State University, Monterey Bay; Stanford; University of California, Berkeley; and California State University, Eastbay.

The Upward Bound Program pro-

Five Years Perfect Attendance Inspires all at Paramount Adult Education Center

Long time Paramount resident, Mary Osnaya, has had five years perfect attendance as an Intermediate Clerk at Paramount Adult Education Center (PAEC). At the end of this month she will have been employed by PAEC for twelve years. Not only has Mary accomplished this triumph at PAEC, but she was also rewarded for dedication and service at previous jobs.

Mary’s explanation for her perfect work record is simple, yet affective: “I don’t get sick very often. I walk a lot, and stay healthy.”

She thanks God for her health and states that her dependability comes from her desire to meet both her personal and professional goals. “I like my job because I do all different things; every day is different.” Not only is she a conscious employee, but also respectful of and respected by her co-workers. “If I call in sick,” she points out, “other people in the office have to do my work.”

the ‘Bracero Program.’”

Mary has wonderful childhood memories in Paramount of her father’s garden, full of tomatoes, chilies, avocados, nopales, guavas, carrots, squash, onion, corn, and strawberries She also had memorable childhood moments with her mother, a wonderful cook and caregiver to nine children, watching her in the kitchen as Mary helped with her many younger siblings.

“My father always worked construction when I was a child,” Mary recalled. “Even on the weekends, he worked all day as a gardener or in our garden.” Mary’s eight siblings also follow in their father’s work ethic and do not miss any days of work, either. Mary credits the energy she has to keep up her perfect attendance to working both a.m. and p.m. shifts. This allows her time to take her walks, knit, crochet, and needlepoint. She even spent two years needle pointing the Last Supper!

vides fundamental support to participants in their preparation for college entrance. Services are offered to students year round and curriculum emphasis is placed on reading, mathematics, laboratory sciences, composition and literature, computer application, and foreign language. Additionally, career exploration, work experience and mentoring are an integral program component to assist students in deciding on potential college majors and career options.

If you would like more information on the College Bound Program, please call 562-985-5520.

Mary was born in San Juan Capistrano and moved to Paramount at age five. She received all of her schooling in the same neighborhood that she works in today, attending elementary school at Our Lady of the Rosary then Paramount High School. She has seen Paramount change a lot over the years, and speaks very fondly of her father, who passed away in 2000. He lived a very full life, inspiring his daughter to be a dedicated worker and accomplish her goals. “My father was the most influential person in my life. He demonstrated for my family the rewards of hard work. He lived in this community a long time. He came here from Mexico with no job and no English skills, working as a farm worker with

PAEC staff have taken Mary out to lunch and presented with a certificate for her efforts. She positively impacts students through her warmth, her fluency in their native language, and her ability to put people at ease. “I like helping them,” she says. Students look at Mary and the other office staff as role models of what they can accomplish after graduating from PAEC. She feels that anyone can do what she has done.

We at PAEC are very thankful to have such a dedicated, hard worker.

Thanks for everything, Mary!

Kristen Waters Teacher Paramount Adult Education Center