Health Career Academy Students Volunteer at The Annual AIDS Walk
On Sunday, October 16th
Paramount High School Health Career Academy (HCA) students volunteered in the twenty seventh annual AIDS Walk - Los Angeles. Over 30,000 people participated in this grand event. Dressed in their maroon scrubs HCA students volunteered at the event as crowd control, handed out information and cheered on the participants. As part of the HCA program, students are exposed to the various careers in the medical field and are provided with hands-on training, certification and a sense of empowerment. HCA students
Coach Bob Witham Wrestling Room Dedication
In a ceremony held prior to the Varsity Football Homecoming game on October 14, 2011, the new Wrestling facility in the Field House east of the PHS Pirate Stadium was dedicated to the memory of wrestling coach Bob Witham, who passed away last February and was a teacher and the Head Wrestling Coach at PHS for more than 30 years.
Coach Witham created the Pirate wrestling program in 1963 and led it until his retirement in 1993. His daily classroom responsibilities were in the Social Studies department, but when 6th period began for Coach Witham and his wrestlers, no coach in PHS history was more demanding of– or dedicated to – his
athletes. Along the way, Coach Witham’s demanding and dedicated approach led to numerous individual CIF champions as well as the first team CIF championship in the history of the school. That 1974-75 CIF Championship squad was only one of many dominant teams carved in Coach “Stubby’s” image during his tenure: hardnosed, tough, disciplined kids who did not know the meaning of the word “quit.” One of the measures of the program’s success can be seen in the Pirate Gymnasium on the League Championship Wrestling banner, which lists the many league championships won during Coach Witham’s career.
Following Coach Witham’s retirement, he maintained ties with both Paramount High School and the wrestling program for another fifteen years, substitute-teaching at PHS almost every day and going up to the wrestling room after school. Only when poor health intervened did Coach stop coming to the school to which he had dedicated his career for 45 years.
Coach Witham was also posthumously inducted into the CIF-Southern Section Hall of Fame on October 20, 2011.
and Ms. Ortiz, which are HCA teachers.
Yvonne Lizarraga HCA student stated, “Participating in AIDS Walk Los Angeles was an exciting and enriching experience. It demonstrated the dedication and support we can offer the community.” One of the exciting moments for HCA students was the opportunity to meet and take a picture with Los Angeles Mayor Mr. Villaraigosa. He was impressed to see 102 young students dressed in the maroon scrubs volunteer for this event. As part of the program, HCA students
learn the value and importance of giving back to their community.
This is integrated in the HCA curriculum and on the job training. Gerardo Perez states, “For many students, this program is the lifeblood of their high school experience and the reason they remain in school and have hope for the future.” HCA teachers understand the importance of exposing students to these community events.
MESA Gets On Its Way
MESA students gather as they prepare for their trip to CSULB for an enriching and fun filled day.
On Saturday, October 15, the Mathematics Engineering Science Achievement (MESA) program kicked off in grand style as over 300 students and parents, as well as District and City representatives, attended the annual MESA Kick-Off celebration at Paramount Park. Students in the MESA program were treated to snacks and received a free MESA t-shirt,
courtesy of the City of Paramount. Following the kick-off event, students were bussed to California State University, Long Beach for an enriching and fun filled day of learning.
Manuel San Miguel Director Secondary Education & Alternative Education
are also required to volunteer in events like the AIDS Walk
Los Angeles. The group was led by Ms. Rodriguez, Mr. Bean
Patricia Jacobo, PHS Elizabeth Rodriguez, PHS
Pictured with Los Angeles Mayor Villaraigosa are students Kimberly Zepeda, Cristina Zaragoza, and Gerardo Perez
Board President Tony Peña and Vice President Linda Garcia unveil the plaque that will be displayed on the Coach Bob Witham Wrestling Room.
Board of Education members, District administrators, PHS Administrators and the Witham Family await the unveiling of the plaque that will be displayed on the Coach Bob Witham Wrestling Room.
Board Member Vivian Hansen is joined by City of Paramount Mayor Daryl Hofmeyer, Councilmen Gene Daniels and Tom Hansen as she addresses MESA students and parents.
Counselor & Parent Meeting – Bullying
The Dynamic Duo of counselors at Paramount Park Middle School—Silvia Flores and Maureen Melgaard—kicked off the new school year with an intense, thought-provoking parent meeting. Dozens of parents filled an entire classroom to hear the presentation on the topic of bullying. What followed was a lively discussion during which several parents shared their children’s own experiences with all forms of bullying and intimida-
tion. This issue has become increasingly more prevalent, due in part, to the continuous development and accessibility of technology, and the anonymity that it provides to today’s bullies.
Parents were seated in groups and given specific questions about their perceptions of what bullying actually is, who the perpetrators and victims are, what parents can do to comfort their children, and what roles school admin-
istrators—and even bystanders—have in these situations. The responses were shared out by a representative for each group, with plenty of follow-up questions and commentary from the audience.
Some of the concerns involved student safety on and around the campus, and possible retaliation for reporting a bully. Counselors affirmed that each campus in the district is monitored and patrolled by teachers and support staff during all snack breaks, lunch breaks, passing periods, and even before and after school. Additionally, several campus security personnel are visible right outside of the middle schools and the high school campuses to help monitor and ensure the students’ safe transit from school to their homes. Counselors also gave the assurance that it is a districtwide practice to maintain the anonymity of anyone who makes a complaint or provides information about bullying.
In order to fully combat this problem, which often has devastating effects on its victims and their families, all adults must carry out their responsibilities as protectors and educators of all children
involved. We can begin by practicing the following:
• Teach your children to celebrate differences in themselves and others; doing so creates an environment of mutual respect and appreciation.
• Model appropriate behavior—most of the time, kids just copy your actions and words, even when you don’t realize it. Emphasize the qualities that your child has, and this will help build his/ her self-esteem and confidence.
• Encourage your children to speak up about harm that has been done to them, or anyone else they may have heard about. Teachers and staff must also follow their site-determined protocol in taking action in response to claims and witnessed incidents of bullying.
Collectively, we as adults must form and support a united front of tolerance, compassion, and fortitude so that the real power is not in the hands or the words of a bully, but in the hearts of our children.
Lincoln Lions Love Learning 833 API – 5 Point Gain is Great! Lincoln Lions Roar! We met our goal!
At Lincoln, we are incredibly proud of our students as they continue to excel on state standardized tests. Our school wide API of 833 reflects an increase of 5 points, which demonstrates our students’ consistent academic growth. It is not only the hard work of our teachers and staff, but also the support of our Lincoln families that contributes to our high levels of student success! Working together, Lincoln continues to be a high performing school where ALL students can learn!
Last year, in recognition of our school’s success, Lincoln was awarded the Title I Academic Achievement Award by the California State Department of Education. In addition to this award, Lincoln also received the Honor Roll “Star Schools”
Vivian Hansen,
Award from the California Business for Education Excellence. This award is given to outstanding public schools for increasing student achievement and reducing the achievement gap.
As part of our school wide celebration of success, Lincoln received a well-deserved “face lift”. Our school office building was repainted to visually demonstrate to our school community not only our Lincoln pride, but also our commitment to academic excellence.
Our continued success is testament to our Lincoln School motto, Lincoln Lions Love Learning!
I look forward to another wonderful year at Abraham Lincoln Elementary School!
Mrs. Pamela Williams, Principal – Lincoln School
Topekia Jones, Principal Paramount Park Middle School
Pictured are Superintendent Dr. Verdugo, Board Member Sonya Cuellar, Lincoln School Principal Pamela Williams, former Lincoln School Principal Linda Go and Lincoln School Instructional Coach Michael Naruko at a recent recognition reception honoring Lincoln as a Title 1 Academic Achievement School.
REPTILE MENAGERIE INVADES WESLEY GAINES ELEMENTARY
Some people think that a school is a wild and crazy place. At Wesley Gaines Elementary on October 6, 2011 things did go wild and crazy, at least from 9:00a.m- 10:00a. m. That is when the Gaines PTA hosted a reptile assembly. Wildlife Conservation was the group that brought a variety of creepy crawly things from their reptile rescue sanctuary all presented by the informative “Mr. Ricky”.
The assembly was an hours worth of jumping, crawling and slithering fun. The entire school was treated to fascinating information about tree frogs and lizards. Students learned that you can determine the age of a tortoise the same way you do a tree- by counting the rings on the shell and that the tortoise can weigh as much as twohundred pounds. They learned that the really large iguanas eat insects and have very sharp
claws, but can be petted like a cat.
The reptilian adventure came to a close in a really big way. Banana the boa constrictor joined the fun and gave some students and staff members a hands-on experience to remember. Mr. Ricky told us about the size and weight of boas and how they capture and crush their prey by wrapping their thick body around animals before they squeeze. So imagine being one of the students or staff members that then held on to Banana as she wrapped her tail around you or looked you in the eye.
We are happy to report that no one became banana’s lunch on this day and that all the students really enjoyed themselves and learned some things about reptiles as well. We would like to thank PTA members: Manuel Rodriguez, Emmy Sandoval, Araceli Macias, and Gladys Garcia.
Captain Rays Corral is a Peoples Garden
The school garden at Captain Raymond Collins School is now officially recognized as a USDA National People’s Garden.
We are able to hold that title because our purpose is to teach the local community how to grow healthy food. We do this by teaching students how to prepare soil, start seeds, nurture seedlings, care for mature plants by trellising, pruning, and organic pest control, and when to harvest. The students in turn teach their families. Garden Club membership has nearly doubled since last year.
Parents of the gardening club students have joined in the effort by preparing nutritionally rich meals from produce in the garden such as bok choy soup, zucchini lasagna, fruit salad with garden watermelon,
Superintendent’s Message:
Thanksgiving Wishes
Dear Parents and Friends of Paramount Unified, On behalf of our Board of Education Tony Peña-President, Linda Garcia-Vice President, Alicia Anderson, Sonya Cuellar, and Vivian Hansen, I wanted to take this opportunity to extend to everyone our best wishes for a Happy and Healthy Thanksgiving Day.
At this time of Thanksgiving, we can all pause to count our blessings. Thanksgiving is incomplete without a moment of reflection. One of the joys of Thanksgiving is the opportunity to reflect and rejoice on our good fortunes by showing one’s gratitude for life’s little blessings during these difficult and challenging times.
I particularly want to express my sincere appreciation for your confidence and loyalty to our School
District, our teachers, school counselors, administrators, classified employees, and the countless others who make Paramount Unified School District the special place it is. Our best wishes for a Happy Thanksgiving!
David
J. Verdugo, Ed.D. Superintendent
Roosevelt Families Enjoy “Spooky Read Night”
The families of Theodore Roosevelt School were treated to a special night of fun, games, and spooky stories on Thursday, October 27th.
At 4:30 p.m., Principal Susan Marilley facilitated our annual Title 1 Parent Meeting which was well attended. Parents were informed about ways in which they could support their child at home and about the different programs we have in place at school to support student learning. Parents were encouraged to be actively involved in the life of the school by participating in school committees such as PTA, School Site Council, and English Learner Advisory Committee.
At 5:00 p.m., teachers and parent volunteers enthralled children with Halloween
stories. The readers created a spooky atmosphere with scary music and the magic of their words. Principal Mrs. Marilley was on hand just in case anyone became overwhelmed with fright!
From 5:30 – 6:00 p.m., the school cafeteria was abuzz with games, prizes, contests, and lots of fun for all who attended. The cafeteria was filled with little goblins, beautiful princesses, and even a monster or two!
Thank you to everyone who made our “Spooky Read Night” such a resounding success and for all of their support in making this year’s event the best ever!
Susan Marilley, Principal Theodore Roosevelt School
PHS FHA Wins Gold
Superintendent Verdugo and the Board of Education recognized and presented Paramount High School FHA members, Jessica Casillas, Stephanie Trejo, and Kimberly Velez with a Certificate of Achievement for their recent Gold Medal win at the FHA/FCCLA’s 2011 National Leadership Conference competition. Their Gold Medal victory came in the Chapter Service Project Manual event.
tomato and basil sandwich bites, quesadillas with garden herbs. Students are sent home with produce (when available) to prepare at home. Bok choy was the most recent harvest.
Our school cafeteria has served watermelon from the garden and carved the rind into a beautiful basket to serve berries. Pumpkins grace the school offices.
Exposure to agriculture reminds our school community where food originates, gives us taste and health benefits of organically grown fresh fruit and vegetables, and teaches environmental stewardship.
Mrs. Deogracias, Teacher Garden Moderator
Grading Goes Digital in Paramount Unified School District
School districts across the state and nation are adopting paperless grading systems that streamline classroom efforts for teachers and provide parents access to information on student progress. This year, all elementary schools in Paramount Unified will launch a completely digital report card in grades K-5. For the first time, teachers will record students’ grades electronically, printing out a paper copy for parents. In addition, the District will begin a pilot program for middle and high schools. This program will focus on providing teachers an electronic gradebook in
which they store grades for students using a consistent program in grades 6-12. A parent portal feature will also be part of the pilot program in order to give parents of middle and high school students the ability to view their grades and attendance on line.
With this new development, parents will have access to a password protected web page that allows them to support and monitor their own child’s progress in school.
Durrell Jackson Curriculum Specialist, District
Paramount High School Teenage Scientist Wins Award
Teenage scientist, and recent PHS class of 2011 graduate, Xavier Brooks recently won third place honors at the 92nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Pacific Division meeting which took place in June at the University of San Diego. The Pacific Division includes more than 30,000 AAAS members from California, Hawaii, Idaho, western Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, the Canadian provinces of British Columbia and Alberta, and all other countries bordering or lying within the Pacific Basin, with the exception of mainland Mexico south to Panama.
Xavier is affiliated with the dental school through the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI)/UCLA School of Dentistry Pipeline Program for Dentist-Scientists. Xavier has been a participant in the Howard Hughes Medical Institute for a total of two years, in which he attended classes at the UCLA School of Dentistry twice a month on Saturdays during his junior and senior
years at PHS.
Xavier’s award-winning poster was presented and judged within the Oral Biology and Dental Medicine Section. Non-UCLA scientists judged the students’ posters and the Division’s Student Award Committee, composed of scientists from across the Western States and Canada, and made the final decisions regarding the prizes. Along with five of his team members, Xavier Brooks presented his poster on the Combined Effects of TGF-beta1 and TNF-alpha on Dental Pulp Stem Cell Differentiation. His team was selected for a third place finish and earned Student Awards of Excellence recognition out of all of the HHMI student participants.
We are proud to report that Xavier recently entered the University of California at Riverside as a freshman and will study Bio Mechanical Engineering.
Greg Francois, PHS Assistant Principal
Jackson Knights Rocked the STAR Test!
The Jackson Knights kicked off STAR testing week last spring with an exciting “Rock the STAR” pep rally. Students got pumped up for the two weeks of grueling testing and they delivered! Students burst through the modest goal of attaining a 5-point gain on the Academic Performance Index by racking up a 45-point gain instead. Students were also successful in meeting the Adequate Yearly Progress proficiency targets.
In order to reward and promote these academic gains, it was the school staff’s turn to deliver. In partnership with the City of Paramount’s after school STAR Program, Jackson School celebrated its academic success by putting together a “We Rocked the STAR” party for the 429 students who scored proficient or advanced on the 2011 STAR test in Language Arts or Math. Students had a great time playing games such as Just Dance, Mario Kart, and Grand Slam Tennis during
PHS Remembers Bob Witham; Fall Sports in Full Swing
With all the commotion swirling around the opening of the new athletics Field House, continued construction on campus, and Fall sports going full tilt, Paramount High took time to remember and honor one of its greats at a special ceremony on October 14. Long-time wrestling coach Bob Witham, who passed away last spring after learning he would be inducted into the CIF Hall of Fame, was remembered as the new wrestling facility in the Field House was dedicated to his memory. On a night when Paramount football opened San Gabriel Valley League play with a hard-fought 23-9 victory over previously unbeaten Gahr, a stellar mixture of past and present Pirate coaches, faculty and staff mingled with the Witham family, Board members, and other dignitaries in the new “Bob Witham Wrestling Room,” enjoying food, refreshments, and a wonderful DVD put together by Julia Fulton commemorating Coach Witham’s great career. Names that have not been heard around the halls of PHS for a while now - Rittenger, Roudebush, Cheeks, Weisenburger, Castillo, Sutch, and many more - were on hand to honor the man called “Coach Stubby” by the students, athletes, and colleagues who revered him. Following the ceremony and the unveiling of a plaque that will stand in the wrestling facility for many years, a number of guests stayed on the Field House west plaza to enjoy the game and each other’s company. It was a special night made possible by the Paramount Unified School Board of Education, Dr. Verdugo and PUSD administration, PHS administration and ASB, and PUSD food services, and many others. It was a special night.
Pirate football’s win over Gahr was a beacon hanging over what’s been a trying early season. Paramount lost four games by two, four, seven, and eight points, but it all seemed to come together against the visiting Gladiators at Homecoming. As of this writing, Paramount now faced three league road
games - at Lynwood, Downey, and Warren - that would determine if the Pirates will be a playoff contender.
Lady Pirate tennis has had a solid season and came into league play as one of the favorites. A first-round loss to Warren was avenged on October 13, setting up, barring an unexpected upset, a winner-take-all showdown with the Lady Bears on October 25. Coach Curtis Mu’s strong doubles teams give the Lady Pirates a great opportunity to add to the league championships won during coach’s tenure. Pirate boys’ water polo was undefeated in league play as of this writing heading into a showdown match with Downey on October 18. Coach Eduardo Osorio has kept his team focused despite some tough early season defeats.
Lady Pirate volleyball is looking for a strong second-round showing to challenge league powers Warren and Downey. A tough four-game setback against Gahr - every game was decided in tiebreakers - pushed our ladies into must-win situations in the second round. With both Downey and Warren coming to PHS late in the season, Coach Anna Yasuhara will be pushing her young team hard to rise to the occasion, and the squad has gained some momentum with victories over Lynwood and Dominguez. Finally, Pirate crosscountry is working to get back to the peak it held for many years earlier this century. Veteran coach Joe Peterson has a young squad that is in tough competition each cluster meet against the reigning league power Warren; our runners are finishing in the top group which is keeping PHS in a position to challenge the league leaders. But it will take time and more numbers to reclaim our former position.
All the best to Pirate fall teams as they turn for home in league competition and try to qualify for the CIF playoffs.
One Ninth Grader’s Point of View
When summer ended, I was excited to start a new journey in my life—high school. I knew that this year would be great because I had already joined both marching band and ASB. I remember the day I got the call that I was accepted into ASB. While coming home from a long day at band camp, I checked my voicemail and saw that I had a new message. The message was from Ms. Humble, the West Campus ASB Advisor. She explained that I had been chosen for ASB. I started to jump up and down; I was so excited to have been accepted. This made me feel like my freshmen year was going to be a great one.
their lunch time in the Multipurpose Room. To top it off, each student was treated to an ice cream sundae topped with whipped cream, hot fudge, and sprinkles.
“Jackson School is a great school and always emphasizes the academic progress of its students. This type of event definitely encourages students to keep striving for their best and to see that hard work always pays off,” explained Karina Gallardo, Jackson School’s after school STAR program coordinator. “It was inspiring to see so many kids there and it reminds us about why we are here,” commented Ina Campos, counselor at Jackson School. After such a motivating start, students and staff are inspired to kick off yet another successful year of academic gains at Jackson School.
Rebecca Perez Language Arts Coach
On the morning of the first day of school, I woke up at 5:00 AM to get ready. I couldn’t eat breakfast because I was so anxious for the day to begin. The first day went pretty well, but I was most excited about getting to fourth period, which is my ASB class. In this class, I had already made a lot of really good friends. Marching band, my zero period, has also been a great experience. I really enjoy participating in the band and have also made a lot of new friends. Even though it is a zero period, and the class is early, I really enjoy it. It is a great way to start the day.
ASB and marching band have made me a more responsible student because I always have to balance my time. There is so much to do at Paramount West Campus, so I have tried to participate in other ways as well. I have signed up for clubs on campus and also volunteered for the Wacky Olympics, a tradition here at Paramount High School West Campus. I would really like to join a sport, but I have to also be sure to focus on my classes. High school should be fun, but you can’t forget about your education—that comes first.
This year, I hope to have as much fun as possible while making sure that I don’t forget about my academics. I would like to encourage the Class of 2015 to do the same: have fun, but stay focused on your classes. Hopefully, by the end of the year, we will have all had many wonderful new and different experiences. Good luck, Class of 2015!
Mark Kemp, PHS Athletic Director
Your fellow pirate, Stefanni Sanchez West Campus Freshman