Paramount Park Middle School’s MPR Grand Opening
Great things truly are happening in Paramount! Our newly renovated Multi-Purpose Room here at Paramount Park Middle School was recently unveiled to school personnel and students. The Grand Opening took place on Thursday, February 6, 2014 with a lively ribbon-cutting ceremony. Upon entering the building, students and staff were instantly transported to the lush, tropical jungle habitat of our beloved mascot, the Panther. The room is swathed in wall-to-wall murals, intricately festooned with whimsical renditions of the vegetation and wildlife one would expect to encounter in such a landscape.
Joining us for this celebration of renewed Panther Pride were the artists and technicians from Arete Digital Imaging, the company which brought the vision of a jungle setting to fruition. This particular motif is visible all around our campus on basketball backboards, archways, and handball walls. We were especially proud to welcome our Maintenance Director Cindy DiPaola and our Director of Nutritional Services Chris Stamm, both of whom were instrumental in the success of this remarkable campus renovation, from the planning and the logistics, to the actual funding. Among the other esteemed guests
from the district office were our Director of Human Resources Rosemary Green, our Vice President to the Board Alicia Anderson, and Board Members Tony Peña and Linda Garcia. Even our school
mascot slinked out of its den to join a select group of distinguished Panthers representing our student body. This group included student council, MESA, and the athletes from our site’s sports teams.
As difficult as it can be to impress middle school students, the excitement was evident in all of our Panthers’ faces as they took the opportunity to experience their new surroundings. These additions
PHS Choir Does it Again
have helped to build school spirit and morale amongst teachers and students. As many of us spend a great amount of time on campus, we are fortunate to have such a bright, vibrant location to enjoy.
Upon competing in the annual Southern California Vocal Association (SCVA) festival, the Paramount High School Advanced Choir earned a grade of “A” for the third consecutive year at Glendale High School. The PHS Choir impressed the judges with songs being delivered in English and Samoan languages. The all girls choir (Corsaires) also performed well in earning a “Superior” rating for the second consecutive year, while competing at Lake Forest High School.
During the SCVA, each high school choir attends on a different day, at different locations, and are judged for their performance in both a classical and an educational setting. Choirs are required to select and perform music from a variety of time periods and cultures ranging from early Medieval to current cultural music. Participants are required to utilize live, unplugged instruments (pianos, percussion, etc.), and are encouraged to sing A Cappella in a foreign language.
The choirs are judged by professors that have extensive backgrounds in choral and international music. They are specifically trained to grade with the same standards regardless of location or experience level of each choir, in which all choirs are graded on choral tone, intonation, musicality, interpretation, diction, and appearance.
Sandra Wilson-Espinoza, PHS Choir Director
Alondra Middle School-“Springtime Serenade”
The music students at Alondra recently performed their “Springtime Serenade” concert. The audience was able to see how these students have blossomed into excellent musicians! We had several hundred parents and community members brave the almost-90 degree heat to watch Alondra’s four ensembles.
The Beginning Band consists of 68 students who play woodwind, brass or percussion instruments. They performed with controlled strength and audible precision, varying their volume and articulation with ease in each
piece. They have learned how to play their instruments very well, transforming them to true music-makers. The journey through a student’s first year in band is triumphant, indeed, and it only gets better as we near the end of the school year! The Advanced Band gave their best performance of the year (and they perform a lot!). They played three incredibly challenging and varied pieces with accuracy and profound expression. Their performance was breath taking!
The 7th and 8th grade Dolphin Choir sang their hearts out, capturing their audience’s at-
Wirtz Elementary School Receives Great Community Support
Wirtz Elementary school has been the beneficiary of great community support over the past several months. Both individuals and businesses have graciously made donations in support of our student body.
In February, Paramount High School Senior, Juan Hernandez presented our most improved students for second quarter with a recognition certificate and a coupon for a free menu item donated by Del Taco. He said he wanted to pay forward the support he has received from teachers and help motivate students to work hard. He, along with his teacher, Aileen Tanimoto, visited classrooms to present students with their certificate and coupon.
In March we received donations from local businesses, Living Spaces, Walmart, Acapulco restaurant and Paramount Petro-
leum (in partnership with AltAir). Our first donation was brought to us by Wirtz parent, Luis Camargo, along with his employer, Living Spaces Furniture. They donated boxes filled with basketballs and soccer balls for our students to use during P.E. and recess time. Next, Walmart and Acapulco restaurants graciously donated stationary items and student recognition/free menu item certificates, respectively, to be used as student incentives. Lastly, Paramount Petroleum and AltAir each donated $500 to support our ‘Read Across Wirtz Day’. We were able to purchase a book for each student to take home as part of our celebration of Dr. Seuss’ birthday.
All items donated are greatly appreciated by all students and staff and serve as a great example of how, as a community, we can work together to support our schools.
tention with interesting harmonies, impressive lyrics (English, French and Latin!), captivating smiles and, of course, beautiful voices.
The concert ended with the sixth grade students who have music as their elective for only one quarter so they can experience all that Alondra has to offer. In that one quarter, they learn correct singing technique, ear-training and how to read music, but once they get on stage all that really matters is their enthusiasm and wonderful singing. This quarter did not disappoint! Spring is an excellent time of year for music programs, as students are
becoming very good performers, reading the music is becoming easier, and their technique has caught up to the level of songs they want to sing or play!
These concerts are an exciting way to culminate the process of learning a piece of music. The work that the students put in every day in the classroom is what really makes them musicians. They are back at it, and will be performing again before the end of the school year!
Jenna Krakower, Music Teacher
Paramount High School Honor Roll Ice Cream Social
On Friday, March 21st, 321 students were honored for doing well in their classes for the fall semester. If students earned a GPA of 3.5 to 3.74 on the last semester grade report, they each received a special Honor Roll Invitation for an “Ice Cream Social” held during lunch in Pirate
Plaza. PHS Counselors and ASB students were on hand to help serve up the ice cream treat. Students were able to build their own sundaes with several different choices in toppings.
Erik Lindshield – PHS Counselor
PHS senior, Juan Hernandez, and PHS teacher Aileen Tanimoto displaying certificates he presented to our Wirtz students.
Pirates Visit the 15th Annual Black College Expo
Recently, 30 students from Paramount High School Senior Campus, West Campus and Buena Vista High School had the opportunity to attend the 15th Annual Black College Expo in Downtown Los Angeles at the L.A. Convention Center. The Black College Expo is a college fair that showcases over 50 Historic Black Colleges and Universities, as well as local California State Universities, and colleges within the University of California system. In addition to speaking with college recruiters, students also attended college preparatory seminars such as “How to Write Essays to Get into your Dream
College”, “How to Get Higher Scores on your SAT and ACT”, and “Preparing for College/Stay Ready 4 Success.”
Some PHS students were afforded with the opportunity to apply for scholarships and to also seek admission into the Universities, while receiving immediate acceptance. Senior Leah Barker was accepted to a few universities while at the Expo; Lincoln University in Missouri, Miles University in Louisiana, Norfolk University in Virginia, as well as receiving a conditional acceptance to Alabama A&M.
Brittany
Dotson, Teacher
I Made It!
Adult School Students Become Citizens
Have you ever heard Lee Greenwald sing “God Bless the USA?” Have you heard him boom it out as thousands of brand new American citizens sit in front of a huge American flag? As they turn in their green cards and file back to their seats, a river of people of all shapes and colors and sizes and ages wearing outfits from all around the globe, four abreast, for 5 minutes, then ten, then fifteen? Then they’re all back in their seats, and a recording of the President congratulates them and welcomes them to our country. Have you been there? Have you done that?
Well, two Paramount Adult School (PAS) students recently did. They were among the crowd. Both of them were being sworn in. They didn’t know each other, and in fact have yet to meet. But each of them swelled with the same pride, the same fulfillment of a dream. It’s a long way from Michoacán, Mexico to that amazing moment in Los Angeles. Even farther from Belize to that same room.
PAS student Diana Torres said that she and her husband came to Long Beach from Michoacán years ago. Then they started a
family. Later, she moved to Paramount and began studying at our adult school. “I’ve always wanted to make something of myself,” she said in Spanish, “to become an American and move forward. Y lo logré. I made it.”
George McKoy, now studying GED in the evening at PAS, made it, too. He was born in Belize. Once in this country, his wife and four children pushed him all along the way. “It’s a dream for almost all of us to get to this point,” he said. “It’s a big accomplishment in life.”
More words of wisdom from these two very accomplished people: find out what is holding you back from your dream—study if that’s what you need to do, make the financial sacrifices necessary if that’s what you need to do. Just don’t forget the ultimate reward…to be able to answer the question, “What’s your citizenship?” with “I’m an American.”
It’s worth it, they both say. The sacrifices and effort and waiting and hassles pay off. One look into their eyes, into their beaming faces, tells you that’s very true indeed.
Jerry King, Assistant Principal
Collins Students Recognized
Superintendent’s Message:
Paramount Unified School District (PUSD) is participating in the Smarter Balanced Field Test (SBAC), a practice run of computer-based tests in grades 3-8 and 11 in Mathematics and ELA. In PUSD, the assessments started on April 22, 2014 and will continue through June 6, 2014, though most schools will complete testing by May 16, 2014.
On the first day of testing, 671 students completed the ELA section and 321 completed the Math section. As we reach the end of our first week of testing we have run into very few glitches on SBAC and overall had a great start. Students have been able to successfully interact with the technology interface to complete testing.
Part of the goal of the field test this year is to determine how well individual questions allow students to demonstrate what they know and still need to learn. We are also taking this opportunity to see how well our technical capabilities meet the demands of computer-based assessments and to see what resources our teachers and schools may yet need.
Student Achievement
Recognized through West Campus’ Day of the Scholar
On February 26, Paramount High School West Campus held its annual Day of the Scholar event to recognize ninth graders who earned a 3.0 grade point average for the fall semester. Over 45% of the student body (567) participated in the spring activity on the West Campus field. These students were excused from their fourth period class to have fun hanging out with friends and enjoy a deejay playing the latest hits, which included hip hop and merengue music.
All students enjoyed a delicious lunch that included Domino’s Pizza, cookies, snacks, and drinks. Students were also given a Pirate Scholar t-shirt in school colors of maroon and white with our motto “Once a Pirate, Always a Pirate.” Each attending student received a raffle ticket, which gave them a chance to win grand prizes including PHS Pirate gear, tickets to the Aquarium of the Pacific, Knott’s Berry Farm, and Magic Mountain as well as gift cards to Starbucks, Subway, Mc Donald’s, Jamba Juice, and See’s Candy. Students also had a great time playing a
variety of carnival games such as football, basketball, and baseball throw in addition to favorites like the balloon blow up, ring toss, ball tick tack toe, and the strong-man hammer slam. Upon winning a carnival game, students were given a ticket; and they had a choice of redeeming the tickets for prizes or putting the ticket into a box for the grand prize drawings.
According to Activity Director, Frank Bignami, the highlight of the day was seeing over 50 ninth graders line dancing on the softball diamond to a variety of songs including the “Cha Slide.” Once the bell rang to signify the end lunch, students were heard commenting to Mr. Bignami, “The carnival games were awesome!” while other students stated, “This was so much fun; are we doing this again for our grades for second semester?”
A big thank you goes out to the ASB students and ASB adviser Mr. Bignami for ensuring that the Day of the Scholar was a day filled with fun celebrating the success of West Campus student achievement.
Healthy Living Week at Howard Tanner School!
With warm temperatures and spring in full bloom, it was the perfect time for Howard Tanner School to kick off their Healthy Living Week sponsored by our PTA. Our school’s parent and administrative team dedicated time to improving health and lifestyle habits by creating exciting educational activities that would help promote healthy living for students and parents for many years to come.
The festivities kicked off with a visit from Ronald McDonald on Friday afternoon. During the assembly, Ronald McDonald enchanted the audience with a magic show, a rowdy game of pass the ball, and student-led exercises to show off ways to get moving.
The show geared Tanner students up for the Healthy Living writing prompt assignment. Students used either a Thinking Map or illustration to describe how they stayed healthy and fit. During the week, students worked on curriculum provided by the Dairy Council. The
Healthy Living Week wrapped up with a Fresh Market Fair sponsored by The Paramount Student Nutrition Services Department and Sunshine Produce Company. Families had direct access to high-quality fresh fruits and vegetables, during Open House, and were served complimentary fresh fruit cups. They were also given healthy recipes and information on preparing healthy meals at home.
This exciting week has helped our school take action toward better health on both a personal and community level. It has informed students and parents alike that by exercising and choosing a variety of nutrient-rich foods as the foundation of what you eat, it can help you live a longer, healthier life.
Go Tigers!
Cindy Tsang
Dairy Council curriculum highlighted tips on how to make the best diet and exercise choices.
Dai’Yonah Hendrix and Erick Casillas, students at Collins School recently participated in the California Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom Imagine This story writing contest. It is an annual writing contest for grade 3-8 students. Both Dai’Yonah and
Erick’s essays were named as two regional winners from across the State of Califoria. The Board of Education and Superintendent Mendez presented Dai’Yonah and Erick with a certificate of achievement for their accomplishment.
Roosevelt Students Participate in “College and Career Day”
The importance of ensuring that students are college and career ready is one of the key components of the Common Core initiative. In order to be successful and competitive in the global economy, it is critical that our students are exposed to all that is available to them after high school, including college opportunities and career choices.
On Thursday, March 6th, from 8:45 – 11:30 a.m., students at Roosevelt School participated in our first annual “College and Career Day”!
All students in grades K-5 had the opportunity to listen to guest speakers from throughout the community as they presented information on a range of career choices as well as the college experience. The guest speakers brought a variety of resources to share with the students in their presentations including handouts, college brochures, even “walking sticks” from the El Dorado Nature Center!
Breakfast and “thank you” gifts were provided for the guests prior to the presentations as a token of the school’s appreciation for the time they took from their busy schedules to support the school.
The students asked questions of the speakers following the presentations and
took notes which they transferred to a Thinking Map and writing once they returned to their classrooms.
Among the guest speakers who presented on “College and Career Day” were: Deputy Mike Abbot and Deputy Ariana Hernandez, PUSD school resource officers from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department; Paramount High School 2014 Salutatorian, Darlene Spicer; former Roosevelt and Paramount High School student and current UCLA Bruin, Nataly Barragan; Boeing engineer, Jose Cardoza; electrician, Lee Warren; PUSD nurse, Danielle Sawyer; Cerritos College Advisor, Jazmine Navarro; Coach sales manager, Eileen Sorrells; naturalist Donnie Haigh from the El Dorado Nature Center; and school principal, Susan Marilley.
Students, teachers, presenters, and parents had wonderful things to say about this opportunity for Roosevelt School and plans are underway to have “College and Career Day” continue next year. Several of the presenters have already “signed up”! Thank you to everyone who helped to contribute to the success of the event!
Susan Marilley, Principal
A Pirate to be a Hurricane
Spring sports are well underway and the Paramount High School athletic department has reason to celebrate! On March 6, 2014, senior athlete, Joe Brown celebrated his commitment to play football at the University of Miami on a full athletic scholarship at a ceremony held inside the PHS gymnasium. Matt Howard, head football coach was the catalyst connecting the University of Miami coaching staff with Joe Brown and his skill set on the football field. In the heartfelt words that Coach Howard shared with the attendees, it is evident that Howard’s passion for the game of football and all of the student athletes in the school’s football program was felt by fans, players and especially Joe.
Brown’s official recruiting trip to Miami, Florida included a 5-hour plane flight that marked his first ride on an airplane. Joe was elated with the experience, the connection with coaching staff, and all that the university had to offer. His family members were thrilled that Joe’s commitment to his academic studies paid off as he now is afforded the opportunity to play the sport he loves while pursuing his college degree in Psychology and Sociology at a major Division I University.
Dozens of people from the community
attended the high-spirited ceremony including teachers, coaches, teammates, friends, family, administration, and PUSD board members including Alicia Anderson, Linda Garcia, Vivian Hansen, and Tony Peña. Joe shares that “I was excited to hear my name being called as my family and friends yelled and cheered for me. It felt good knowing that my sacrificing the fun time to focus on my studies had paid off.”
PUSD superintendent, Mr. Herman Mendez, and PHS principal, Dr. Greg Buckner, expressed words of great pride in the Paramount High School commitment to support NCAA-bound athletes and their families. The green and orange University of Miami school colors decorating the ceremony were one reminder that the hard work and determination of athletes, coaches and counselors can blossom into a future of fulfilling the dream of pursuing a college education through athletics. The PHS community is incredibly proud of Joe Brown as he transitions from being a Paramount Pirate to becoming a University of Miami Hurricane. Congratulations Joe Brown and GO PIRATES!
Anna Yasuhara, PHS Co-Athletic Director
Media Pathway Gets Behind the
Camera for Teachers and Parents
Each year our community comes together to celebrate the work and contribution of our parents and teachers. For this we express our appreciation in a number of ways, in School Board meetings, banquets, certificates and speeches. Another way that we show our thanks is through media. The PTA Honorees are given a portrait photo. The Teachers of the Year are given a collage combining both studio and classroom images and photos.
Thanks to the efforts of teachers
Ernesto Jacobo and Jason Sewell and administrator Dr. Damon Dragos, this year students in the Paramount High School Media Pathway provided their
expertise and skill to help honor our parents and teachers. Students took portraits and helped to prepare dozens of images using programs such as PhotoShop and Illustrator- the industry standards for image correction and design.
The Career Tech Education Pathway in Media Services aims to give Paramount High School students marketable skills and future candidacy for both college and career. Similar to a major in college, students take a sequence of courses that to prepare them for their future. Currently, Paramount High School offers Pathway programs to support engineering, medicine, and media.
Former Roosevelt student Nataly Barragan with students