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
NOVEMBER 2009
CELDT Testing for K/1 Students Since 1999, all English learners in the state of California have been tested with the California English Language Development Test (CELDT) to assess their English proficiency. The CELDT identifies students who are English learners, determines their level of English proficiency, and annually assesses their progress toward becoming English proficient. The CELDT covers four skill domains: listening, speaking, reading and writing. These domains are combined together to determine an overall proficiency level which are categorized into five levels: Beginning, Early Intermediate, Intermediate, Early Advanced and Advanced. In previous years, the Kindergarten and First Grade students were only assessed in the listening and speaking domains
of the CELDT. Beginning with the 2009-2010 school year, Kindergarteners and First grade students will be given the Early Literacy components of the test which include 10 reading and 10 writing questions that address the K-2 English language development standards. Students will be tested individually, by PUSD personnel who have been CELDT trained, for approximately 30-45 minutes. In 2009-10, the Early Literacy reading and writing scores will not be calculated towards the students’ overall proficiency level. They will simply serve as a baseline for comparison to the following year’s performance. Results from the CELDT are used by teachers and administrators to prepare appropriate instruction for English learners. Parents who have questions about how to read the
Instructional Coach Kimberly Triche-Harris testing Kindergartener Nancy Ortiz from Tanner School
CELDT Student Performance Level Report can contact their school sites. Additionally, each school site holds English
Students experience college firsthand at Summer Residential Program Throughout the school year, there are opportunities for students to visit various college campuses. These visits, though, are brief, simply introducing students to the layout of the school. However, this past summer, a dozen Paramount High School Senior Campus Pirates went beyond a quick tour and actually experienced college life. Sponsored by Upward Bound, twelve pirates from grades 9 through 12 attended the Summer Residential Program at Cal State Long Beach in which they spent six weeks living the life of a college student. For over a month, these Pirates attended classes, slept in the dorms, ate in the cafeteria and were only allowed to return home on weekends. Students took elective classes such as Career Planning, SAT II Prep, and Sociology of the Brain. At the end of the student’s chosen course, he/she earned ten elective credits . Students also attended seminars
where they heard from special speakers including Lisa Nichols author of Chicken Soup for the African American Soul and PUSD Superintendent Dr. Verdugo. A highlight of the program, according to senior Georgina Perez, “ ...were the field trips because we got to go to places we never thought of going.” These field trips included visits to the University of California, Irvine, Huntington Beach, an Angels’ baseball game, and Magic Mountain. There was also a talent show and multi cultural potluck in which parents were invited. Georgina also stated, “This
experience was challenging because I had to learn about time management. I had to choose between studying and spending time with friends who I just met. I thought I knew enough about college, but I realized there’s a whole other world out there.” Paramount students attending the Summer Residential Program were Vanessa Castro, 12th; Daniela Ponce, 11th; Jesse Vasquez, 11th ; Jessica Sandoval, 11th;Jose Aguilera, 9th; Antonio Sanchez, 11th; Alfredo Rivera, 11th; Georgina Perez, 12th; Ivan Pulido, 12th; Eric Hernandez, 10th; Stacey Moreno 12th ; Sara Aguilera, 11th.
Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC) meetings throughout the year to discuss the needs of all English learners. All parents
are invited to attend the ELAC meetings. Please contact your school site for a list of meeting dates and times.
MESA Pirates attend engineering camp at Cal State Long Beach
Paramount High School seniors Andrew Juhasz, Priscilla Figueroa, and sophomore David Velasquez, were selected by MESA (Math Engineering, and Science Achievement ) to participate in the summer Transportation Engineering Camp at Cal State Long Beach. This program, which was sponsored by Caltrans (California Department of Transportation), provided students the opportunity to spend the month of July living on the college campus where they attended classes taught by engineering professors who lectured on the basic fields of engineering including civil, electrical, mechanical, computer, and aerospace.
SCHOOL BOARD MEETING DATES November 17, 2009 - December 8, 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
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One Ninth Graders Parent Education Academy Point of View One morning you wake up ready for a new challenge in life, called high school. You really want to make a good impression on your old 6-8 school friends, as well as new students, and most of the entire Paramount High School West Campus faculty. In this world of high school, you must be ready to meet new people and get along with others. If you are not prepared to meet new and different people, then I do not know how you are going to make it in high school. When I heard about the before and after school activities and programs, I knew that I needed to join something right away. I entered PHS West Campus with this mindset, because I came from another school district, and I wanted to meet people as fast as possible. When I learned about people being needed for Leadership, the student body organization that assists with making the ninth grade year more fun and safe for all, I knew it was something that I wanted to join. Also, it was an opportunity for me to meet new friends. I was also able to
join the baseball team, and I am very happy about this because baseball is my favorite sport. Believe it or not, I am at school for about 10 hours a day—now that’s a long time and teachers are still at school when I leave. The clubs at Paramount High School West Campus are already getting started. When I get to school in the morning, I enter Room 25 where the Leadership meetings are held wanting to help as much as I can to make the ninth grade experience better for all the students. As the year goes on, I will try to join as many clubs as I possibly can. I would like to remind the freshmen at the West Campus to make your high school years the best years in your life. So when it’s our turn to graduate, you will not have any regrets. Wishing the Class of 2013 good luck on the rest of your high school years,
Roger Silva Paramount High School West Campus—Ninth Grader
Changes at Theodore Roosevelt School Though many of us at Theodore Roosevelt School were saddened by the changes that took place from the last day of school in June and throughout the summer, we knew from experience that change is a good thing. June brought the end to an era for our school. Not only were eighth grade students preparing for a huge change in their lives, so were students in the fifth, sixth, and seventh grade as well as teachers in middle grade classes. As we see every year, eighth grade students were eager to face the new challenges of high school at the West Campus. There was talk of summer school, athletic programs, electives, and the opportunity to reunite with friends from previous schools or establish new friendships. While sixth and seventh grade students were looking forward to the opportunity to attend a school consisting of only middle school students, some of our fifth graders were a little apprehensive. Students were anxious about leaving an environment they had known for years to enter one of the unknown. Fortunately they had a familiar group of teachers who would be moving with them to the new setting along with
our former Assistant Principal, Mrs. Chavez. We spent the summer preparing for the changes that would take place within our school. Some grade levels were relocated to different areas on campus. Our kindergarten students would have their own playground area, which meant that our first grade students would be lining up on the backside of the school, out of view of their parents and families. This has been much easier on the children than the adults. Boxes and furniture filled our rooms until teachers returned to settle in and prepare for their incoming students. Little by little we have managed to sort things out and create classrooms that are taking on their own distinct identities. This school year we have changed the make-up of our school community and while we will miss those who have left, we are fortunate to have so many new students, families, and staff to create a new and successful learning environment where our mission is to maximize every student’s academic performance and personal responsibility. While change is good, we continue to believe dedicated staff and supportive parents make successful students.
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
In Paramount Unified School District (PUSD), parents have the opportunity to participate in decision-making at both the school and District level. Parent committees at the schools including School Site Council (SSC), English Learner Advisory Council (ELAC), and Gifted and Talented Education (GATE), meet regularly to discuss issues related to their students’ education. Representatives from those committees also meet regularly at the District Office with representatives from other schools to discuss issues on a District wide level. Those committees include District Advisory Council (DAC), District English Learner Advisory Council (DELAC), and GATE. Please speak to your school administration for information on parent committees and meeting schedules. Your participation is always welcome. In addition to simply attending meetings, parents are also provided with opportunities to increase their knowledge and understanding of current issues that their children are facing. Parents are surveyed and
programs are developed based on the responses. On May 29, 2009, Paramount Unified School District’s Educational Services Office provided a one-day parent workshop entitled, The Parent Education Academy. The workshop was attended by more than fifty parents representing schools throughout PUSD. The general keynote presentation was provided by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office on the topic of internet safety. Smaller breakout sessions included presentations on nutrition by the Dairy Council, gang awareness by Tony Ostos from GRIP, and technology and parent resources by Sam Plambeck, curriculum specialist for PUSD. (see attached photographs) Parents completed evaluations at the conclusion of the workshop. One statement written on an evaluation form seemed to summarize it best, “The information provided today is very useful to me as a parent because it helps me help my child succeed in school and in life, and what is more important than that.”
Wirtz Wonder Wizards!
Harry Wirtz Elementary School celebrated their students’ success Friday, 10/2. With proud parents looking on, Principal Kelly Williams introduced students from kindergarten through fifth grade that made excellent academic achievement during the month of September. Each student received a certificate of achievement, a special coupon from In N Out, and a gold medallion on a ribbon to proudly wear around their neck indication their special achievement and school name. All students proudly wore their medallion throughout the day. Each month during the school year Harry Wirtz Elementary teachers select their highest achieving and most improved students to be recognized at the special monthly event. Congratulations to our star students and to their supportive parents for ensuring they do well in school. Heather Tompkins 2nd Grade Teacher
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Celebrating STAR Success at Park Middle School
September 24, 2009 marked the celebration of the hard working Paramount Park Middle School students. The office displayed pictures of every student who scored Proficient or Advanced on BOTH the Language Arts and Mathematics portion of the STAR test that was administered in the spring. Each student was given the opportunity to write about the factors that contributed to their academic success. The testing tips and motivational quotes were placed on the STAR celebration wall to help encourage all students to strive for academic excellence. During Back –to-School night, an overwhelming sense of pride was felt as the students walked their parents to the main office to point out their picture on the STAR wall. Although all students were recognized for their efforts and achievement, the three students that scored a perfect 600 on the math portion of the test were provided a special recognition. Jesus Cervantes (7th grade), Daniel Lopez (6th grade), and Ivan Madrigal (6th grade) were given the “Joe Zavala Dodger Baseball Achievement Award”. This special recognition was provided by Dr. Jim Parker, in memory of his father-inlaw, Joe Zavala. Mr. Zavala’s life proved that through hard work and determination, success in life could be accomplished despite life’s obstacles.
Superintendent’s Message: “Habits of Mind” Dear Parents, Students and Community, I recently had the opportunity to attend a special Cerritos College/K-12 Partners in Education meeting. This meeting is designed for school districts like Paramount Unified School District and Cerritos College to exchange ideas, discuss how to assist our students who are interested in the community college program and to solidify relationships. One particular program that was highlighted and one important message that I came away with was the “Skills” or “Habits of Mind” that are essential for success and allow students to achieve their goals whether that is completing a certificate, a degree or preparing to successfully complete and obtain their high school diploma. Those skills that are important for all students to practice can be broken down into six practices: FOCUS Successful students focus on the work to be done. They are academically self-disciplined, spending appropriate amounts of time studying. They come to class on time and prepared. They complete all assignments and turn them in on time.
The award consisted of two tickets to a Dodger game. The students were excited about the opportunity to attend a baseball game in celebration of their effort in school. In the hallway of the main office you will see an individual 8x10 picture of each recipient holding the tickets. Congratulations to all of our hard working Paramount Park students. We are proud of you. Let the accomplishments of Jesus, Daniel, and Ivan be the example to all of us. We can do it; we are Paramount! Nancy Manning Instructional Coach
ADVANCE Successful students advance by always improving. They embrace life-long learning. They understand that subject expertise requires a long-term commitment, and commit to ongoing development of thinking skills and learning skills. LINK UP Successful students link up with the school and community. They get involved. They get to know their teachers, study in groups, surrounding themselves with focused students and men-
tors. They use school resources and programs to help with their learning. COMPREHEND Successful students study for comprehension. They seek to understand course content rather than simply complete requirements. They ask questions to gain understanding, reflect on what they are learning as well as if they are learning. ORGANIZE Successful students are organized. They plan to succeed. They have an educational goal. They focus on their educational purposes, maintain a specific education plan, and choose classes and subjects with an intentional learning purpose in mind. NEW IDEAS Successful students embrace new ideas. They are curious, seeking out new perspectives and skills. They transfer concepts to new contexts in order to solve problems. They integrate concepts and knowledge to form a greater personal understanding. Remember, successful students practice these skills and use them to help achieve their dreams of a bright and productive future. Thank you students, parents, and our entire educational community for your support. David J. Verdugo, Ed.D. Superintendent
Grades 6-8 Art and Music Planning Grades 6-8 Art and Music Teachers gathered on Thursday, October 8, 2009 to plan Winter Evening Concerts (Music) and the Traditional Art Show (TAG). Guest Presenter Grades 4-5 Music Teacher Lorie Higgins presented ideas for planning a Winter Evening Concert. Traditional Art Guild Show (TAG) Community Advocacy Member John Nowlin brought information and presented art exhibited ideas for the Traditional Art Guild Show. Art Teachers began their series of collaboration meetings by planning their students’ participation in the Paramount Traditional Art Guild (TAG) Show, which
culminates in February/March 2010. The Art Teachers decided to also present art exhibits at the grades 6-8 schools during Open House in March, 2010. The Art Teachers will continue planning how best to display art at the next Music and Art Collaboration on November 12, 2009. The Music Teachers will continue planning their Winter and Spring Evening Concerts with PHS Senior Campus Teacher Sandra WilsonEspinoza. Julianne Kosareff Visual and Performing Arts Curriculum Specialist (562)602-6037
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Latino Heritage Celebration
There was a wonderful turn out for Howard Tanner School’s Hispanic and Latino Heritage Celebration. This annual event is meant to bring the community together and celebrate the cultural diversity that Hispanic and Latino students bring to the campus. Starting the afternoon’s festivities was Howard Tanner’s own Victor Mendoza who showed up with his band Aflicción
and made the event festive with their lively Latin melodies! With the band playing, students, parents, and teachers enjoyed the Taco’s El Pueblo’s authentic street-style tacos. The Tanner School PTA also served pizza, nachos, tamales, and other snacks. Two school buildings displayed student art work that centered on the accomplishments of the Latino community. Parents enjoyed looking
at the beautiful pieces created for our Hispanic Art Gallery. Committee Chairpersons Mrs. Eunice Castaneda and Mrs. Jissell Juarez could be found all over campus meeting and greeting parents, former students, and current students. Our PTA President Mrs. Martinez, Treasurer Mrs. Venegas, and many other faithful PTA parents were on hand to help make this event a
big success. Our Parents, and even our Principal Mrs. Brent-Sanco livened up the festivities by engaging in traditional dances with willing participants to the delight of the crowd. Fun was had by all and we look forward to next year’s annual celebration. By Kimberly Triche-Harris and Kirsen Veith
Jackson School’s PE Program adds a Pep to their Step!
The staff and students at Leona Jackson School are abuzz with excitement! The middle school students are dressed to impress during P.E. in their new uniforms. During summer, the boy’s and girl’s locker rooms were installed, complete with individual lockers. Now, during PE time, all students change out into their PE attire and put their belongings in fancy new lockers. When asked how the new uniforms have affected
student performance, Shayla Johnson, a PE teacher at Jackson stated, “PE uniforms have really increased student motivation. In addition, they’ve provided cohesiveness among the students. The uniforms make students feel like they are part of a team.”. Students are also fans of the new garb. Ashley Ruelas, an 8th grade student stated, “The uniforms allow for greater flexibility, which lets me be more active in the sports.”. Ruth
Rodriguez, another 8th grader chimed in, “The uniforms make me feel more comfortable and you don’t have to worry about your parents being mad because you got your clothes dirty!”. Next time you drive by our school,
slow down and take a quick peek at our students working hard and having fun during PE in their new uniforms. By: Kristin Britz Literacy Coach
Early Returns for Paramount Fall Sports Are Positive Several weeks into the new school year, Paramount High’s fall teams are enjoying some success in their non-league and early league schedules. October and early November will tell how the programs fare when it comes to CIF playoff competition. In Cross-Country, the Pirate boys won the first league cluster meet on Sept. 24 while the ladies held their own against the defending champs from Warren. In the meantime, Paramount runners have been competing in invitationals in Chino, Irvine,
Dana Point, and even Fresno. Paramount football started fast with convincing home victories over Cabrillo and Bellflower but came back to earth while falling on the road to Norwalk and Whittier. The Pirates have one big non-league game remaining at Bell Gardens before opening league play at Lynwood on October 16. Lady Pirate tennis knows they are in a tough fight to repeat as league champs after falling to Downey on Sept. 29. But the ladies have built a strong founda-
tion and have fared well against non-league competition. The last two matches against Downey, as well as always tough Gahr, will determine if the ladies are able to bounce back. Girls Volleyball has played very well and had several long matches against the likes of John Glenn and Bell Gardens. They open league play against Lynwood on October 6 before taking on perennial league leaders Downey and Warren. If the ladies are to duplicate or improve on their 3rd place finish from last year, they will have
some serious “gut-check” games to win. Boys’ water polo, in its 2nd season, is making progress in small steps: what were blowout losses last season are now losses by 2-3 goals. The Pirates are playing tough non-league opponents and tournaments to test their mettle before opening league play with Whitney on October 6. All the best to Paramount’s fall teams and coaches as they continue to compete in league play through October and early November.