PUSD EYE October 2008

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

OCTOBER 2008

Dr. Greg Buckner Joins the Crew at Paramount High School

He’s been a Viking, a Lancer, and a Coyote; but most importantly, now he’s a Pirate. Dr. Greg Buckner has taken command as the new principal of the Paramount High School Senior

planning the Master Schedule. However, he is quick to acknowledge his experience as a teacher.

In addition to his administrative experience, Dr. Buckner was a math teacher for ten years at Northview High School in Covina where he also coached cross country and track. He believes that being a teacher for ten years gave him a “…real chance to process the key things going on in instruction and learning in the classroom.”

According to Dr. Buckner, the transition to PHS Campus.

School in Fullerton and asDr. Buckner brings to sistant principal of Instruc- has been smooth-sailing.

Paramount High School tional Operations at Buena He stated, “Things have administrative experience Park High School in Buena gone really well here. Folks, from his positions as an as- Park. He has experience in including, students have sistant principal of Student various areas of education been very welcoming, very Affairs at Sunny Hills High from budget planning to polite. It has made it really

easy to transition in.” Furthermore, he commented on the maturity of the student population, “(Since the) first day of school, I’ve been very impressed with the students; there’s a maturity and responsibility of kids here.”

His plans for the future include improving test scores and challenging the student body with a rigorous curriculum offering more honors and advanced placement courses.

Dr. Buckner is a family man—married for 11 years with two young daughters, ages 6 and 8.

He has set his course at Paramount High School and plans to continue to in providing a quality education to those onboard.

6-8 Math Workshop for Parents

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ur proud Panthers at Paramount Park have proven themselves to be math scholars on the 2007-2008 CST, and what better way to continue on this path of excellence by starting off the new school year with a Math Workshop for parents! This seminar, created specifically for 6th, 7th, and 8th grade parents and their children, was the first of several family math activities scheduled to take

place throughout this year.

The goal of this event was primarily to garner and foster the mutual support between the school and our uppergrade parents, especially since continued student success depends upon this particular relationship as we prepare for reconfiguration next year.

Our small, yet powerful math team here consists of only two teachers—Mrs. Pardo in 6th grade Math, 8th grade Algebra Readiness

and 8th grade Algebra, and Mrs. Casdorph in 7th grade Pre-Algebra. This duo provided vital information to the parents and students about the relationship between 6-8 mathematics and the California High School Exit Exam. They helped clarify the differences between all of the math programs in 6-8 while expertly illustrating an example of the manner in which knowledge of 6th grade math concepts is extended in 7th grade Pre-

SAVE THE DATE! PIRATE FOOTBALL STADIUM GRAND OPENING PARAMOUNT HIGH SCHOOL

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17 PHS vs DOWNEY, 7 p.m.

Algebra, and further utilized in 8th grade Algebra. There were discussions about testing—both formative and summative—with focus on specific dates, so that parents could be aware of our district’s strenuous assessment schedule, and support their children accordingly.

Both teachers have accumulated many years of experience in their grade levels, and they have a unique understanding of the psychology of students at this stage of development. They were able to give tips as to what to look for and expect with math homework, and offer suggestions about the types of questions they could ask their children about school that would elicit the most

significant responses. Parents were then invited back to an October workshop during which they will receive in-depth explanation of CST scores, district benchmark assessment scores, and classroom formative assessment scores so that they will be empowered and prepared for meaningful Parent Conferences in November.

We would like to thank all of the parents and students who attended, helping to make our first middle-school math night a success. We look forward to seeing an even larger audience next time!

Leilani Coco 6/8 Academic Coach Paramount Park School

SCHOOL BOARD MEETING DATES October 14, 2008 – October 28, 2008 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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Putting on the Peace – A 9/11 Memorial Coffeehouse

Paramount High turned the Mary Lash Lane grass area into a very crowded coffeehouse at 3:30 on September 11. Members of Macaws, the school’s public-service club had set up a stage with a Paramount Fire Engine as its backdrop. They had baked dozens of homemade cookies which were set out next to a huge container of Starbuck’s coffee, generously donated by our own Paramount Pond Starbuck’s. Then hundreds of students, teachers, families and staff watched and listened as more than forty students shared poems, songs and dances at Paramount High’s 1st annual Putting on the Peace – A 9/11 Memorial Coffeehouse.

Putting on the Peace not only gave PHS students a chance to honor and thank members of our local Fire and Police Departments for all they do to keep us safe, but it served as a reminder of how important it is to bring peace to our city, country and world.

After PHS JROTC members presented the colors and Cynthia Ramos sang our national anthem, members of the Pacific Islander Club performed a welcome dance. Macaws President Elizabeth Rios and Vice-President Gabby Robles then presented the fire and police departments with their own big and fluffy, stuffed macaws, one dressed as a fireman, the other as a police man. Cheers went up from the entire audience. This was followed by a smooth flow of students, some presenting original works and some sharing the works of renowned writers and musicians to an audience happily munching on sweets and sipping on Starbucks. The coffeehouse ended with a parting dance by the Pacific Islanders and a quick and thorough clean-up by Macaws.

Nancy Himel Paramount High School

Eye On Education is a monthly Publication of the Paramount Unified School District Board of Education Vivian Hansen, President Sonya Cuellar, VP/Clerk Alicia Linden-Anderson, Member Linda Garcia, 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

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Eye On Education

Class Size Reduction at Los Cerritos Thanks to QEIA Funds!

Superintendent’s Message: Dear Community, Measure AA Projects Update Paramount High School Pirate Stadium Grand Opening

Los Cerritos School is excited about the addition of two new 4th grade and two new 5th grade classes. These classes were formed with the funding from the Quality Education Investment Act (QEIA). Signed into law in 2006 as Senate Bill 1133, QEIA has far-reaching implications and clearly demonstrates California’s commitment to helping students who need help the most. About 500,000 students in 488 schools across the state will get extra resources. Los Cerritos School was chosen as one of the schools to receive these funds.

When asked how QEIA was affecting her instruction, Cecile Kim, fifth-grade teacher, enthusiastically replied, “The smaller class sizes allow me to give more individualized student attention and allow me to get to know my students’ needs faster. This enables me to differentiate my instruction to best fit

their needs.”

QEIA funds help reduce class size in 4th -8th grade. This year, Los Cerritos was able to implement a reduction in class size in grades four and five.

Students and staff are excited about the smaller classes, which allows for more individualized instruction. In 4th grade classes average 18 students and 20 students in 5th grade. We are looking forward to the resources from QEIA making a big difference for our students.

Jesus Robledo, a 5th grade student is very excited being in a smaller class.

Having come from a larger class last year in 4th grade, Jesus said, “5th grade is great! There aren’t a lot of students in my class and my teacher can help all of us right away.”

Jill Hammond, OCR Coach Los Cerritos School

Don’t Forget – Fill Out Your Student Meal Benefits Application The Student Nutrition Services Department encourages all families who have students enrolled in Paramount schools to complete a new 2008-09 meal benefits application and immediately return the application to school.

A new meal benefits application must be filled out each new school year.

Families only need to fill out one family application even if they have children at more than one school. Your student’s current lunch/breakfast pin number will continue to work in the 2008-09 school year, whether they stay at the same school or transfer to another Paramount school.

Meal Benefit applications for 2008-09 will be included in the student information packet students receive on the first day of school. The cafeteria manager will be glad to answer any questions or assist with filling out the application. School meal benefits are offered to all families who qualify.

If you have any questions or need assistance in completing the application, please contact Student Nutrition Services at 562-602-6031.

Remember to make healthy food choices.

Chris Stamm, Director - Student Nutrition Services

CAPA Alignment Study Two of our teachers from the Paramount High School Severely Handicapped class attended the CAPA Alignment Study team July 30-31, 2008. The team met in Sacramento for two days to help align the Science portion of the CAPA test with the content standards. Human Resources Research Organization (an independent non-profit organization conducting the research) facilitated the study.

If you visit or live near Paramount High School, you can see firsthand the rapid pace and construction of our new Paramount High School “Pirate Stadium”. In fact, the Grand Opening for the new stadium will be held on Friday, October 17, 2008.

We are planning a grand opening that includes fireworks and our very own Pirates of Paramount taking on the Downey Vikings at 7:00 p.m. in the first league game. I want to encourage everyone to come to the big event.

When I arrived as Superintendent in our District just over four years ago, the Paramount Unified School District Board of Education had made a commitment with the Measure AA Bond proceeds to modernize and construct vitally needed new buildings and facilities at Paramount High School as well as establish plans to enhance various school sites throughout the District.

Now that the high school stadi-

um project is nearing completion, I am happy to announce that we are in the early phases of moving forward with three new projects. They are a new two-story classroom building at Keppel School, a new library at Paramount High School and a new Field House at Paramount High School.

We anticipate that these projects will begin construction during 2009.

This is very exciting and clearly continues our Board of Education’s desire and goal to provide the best facilities for the students and teachers of Paramount Unified School District.

Thank you all for your continued support.

PHS to Honor ‘88 CIF Football Champs As preparations build for the opening of the new Pirate Stadium in October, another milestone is rapidly approaching - the 20th anniversary of Paramount’s memorable Division III football championship in 1988.

Paramount High School will honor the ‘88 champs with a dinner for the players and coaches of both 1988 and 2008 in the Pirate Gym on Thursday, October 23. The following night, Paramount will play Warren in a San Gabriel Valley League game, and the ‘88 championship players and coaches will be introduced at halftime. Pirates past, present, and future are urged to come out to Pirate Stadium on October 24th for this special event.

The new Paramount water polo program kicked off the Fall season on September 8th with a scrimmage at St. John Bosco, and the other fall sports worked towards their nonleague openers during that week.

Pirate football opened at Long Beach Cabrillo on Sept. 12; scheduled home games against Norwalk (Sept.

26), Whittier (Oct. 3) and possibly Bell Gardens (Oct. 10) will be played at Warren High School in Downey.

JV and freshman games are being played at Alondra School until the new stadium is ready to go. CrossCountry is practicing at Paramount

- West, while Lady Pirate volleyball and Lady Pirate tennis are able to practice and play at their regular venues.

As the new stadium approaches completion, the athletic department at PHS would like to thank the myriads of people who have helped keep the program functioning during the construction process - from Superintendent Dr. David Verdugo to Jaime Pace of McCarthy Construction, from Patti Cummings to Cindy DiPaola, Roger Ramirez, and the rest of the Operations staff, from Asst. Superintendent Michael Bishop to new Student Services Director and former PHS principal (and ‘88 CIF championship coach) Jim Monico, from PHS Asst. principal Rick Evans to PHS-West principal Morrie Kosareff, from the administrators at Alondra and Wirtz schools, respectively, to trainer/equipment manager Roy Ward - the list could go on and on of people who have worked diligently to insure that Pirate athletics would continue as seamlessly as possible during this amazing time. We’re grateful for all of your efforts, leadership, and flexibility.

Mark Kemp, Athletic Director Paramount High School

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Eye On Education

Mark Keppel’s Puma Café

Paramount Unified School District School Administrators School Alondra School Capt. Raymond Collins School Wesley Gaines School Hollydale School Leona Jackson School Jefferson School Mark Keppel School Lakewood School Abraham Lincoln School Los Cerritos School Major Lynn Mokler School Paramount Park School Theodore Roosevelt School Howard Tanner School Harry Wirtz School Frank J. Zamboni School Paramount High School Paramount His School West Buena Vista High School Adult Education Center Community Day School

Students welcomed the start of the new 2008-09 school year with a new dining experience – the newly remodeled KEPPEL PUMA CAFÉ. The cafeteria had its grand re-opening at the end of last school year on June 17th. Invited guests were treated to a lively mariachi as they celebrated the cafeteria’s new “look”.

The cafeteria remodel was designed around a “nature” theme. As students enter the dining area to enjoy their nutritious breakfast and lunch, they walk through a giant twelve foot waterfall, which flows into a beautiful stream which runs across the length of the cafeteria. Students are then directed to the salad bar area by puma paw prints on the ground. As they sit and eat, they can gaze at wooded scenery, nature trails, and Mark Keppel pumas. If students want a “different” view, they can gaze at one of two flat screen televisions (showing enjoyable entertainment).

The cafeteria also comes equipped with

a state of the art sound system, which will enhance our student assemblies, parent meetings and ever-popular student dances!

We cannot fail to mention that along with the fantastic remodel, Mark Keppel students also have new lunch benches/ tables. These benches and tables easily convert to comfortable seating with backrests!

The newly remodeled Keppel Puma Café has been a complete success!!

Thank you to all who were involved in this remodel. A special thank you goes to Maria Lopez, Cafeteria Manager, Chris Stamm, Director of Student Nutrition Services, Cindy DiPaola, Director of Maintenance and Operations, Dr. David Verdugo, Superintendent and all the Board Members (Alicia Anderson, Sonia Cuellar, Linda Garcia, Vivian Hansen and Tony Peña) – we know that this would not have been possible without your support.

Mokler School Welcomes New Principal Mrs. Beatriz Spelker-Levi is the new principal at Mokler School! She is an experienced administrator of eleven years and comes to Mokler from Jefferson. She has worked in Paramount Unified School District as a teacher, literacy coach, assistant principal and principal.

A long-time member of the Paramount community, Mrs. SpelkerLevi attended Los Cerritos School for elementary and graduated from Paramount High School. She proudly describes herself as “a product of Paramount” both in education and in career experience.

Teachers, staff, students, and parents have warmly welcomed Mrs. Spelker-Levi into the Mokler School community. “Our new principal is cool because she speaks Spanish and it’s good for my mom,” says Valeria Barboza, sixth grader. Students and parents alike appreciate her approachable personality. Teachers and staff have also welcomed Mrs. Spelker-Levi. Shelley Monroe,

math and science teacher, added, “Mrs. Spelker-Levi shows that she has confidence in her staff, and has brought a calm and positive spirit to Mokler.”

Mrs. Spelker-Levi is excited to be the new principal at Mokler School.

She considers the students, staff, and parents to be welcoming and very dedicated. Her hope is to sustain the professional learning community already established at Mokler School, and to continue using the state education standards as our focus to make sure that all students achieve by the end of the school year. “When I walk around at recess I hear all their [the students] laughter and it’s so enjoyable. I can see from the dedication of the teachers, and the class walkthroughs I’ve done, that it’s such a dedicated staff. It’s exciting to be here to watch our kids learn.”

Theresa M. Diaz, Math Coach Mokler School

Principal Carolynn Butler Pamela Houston Linda Harju-Stevens Susan Marilley Lupe Hernandez Yuki Mio Connie Toscano Alvaretta Baxter Linda Go Elizabeth Salcido Beatriz Spelker-Levi Topekia Jones Michele Dutton Patricia Brent-Sanco Kelly Williams Valanitta Richard Greg Buckner Morrie Kosareff Steve Makin Richard Morgan Richard Morgan

Telephone 602-8004 602-8008 602-8012 602-8016 602-8020 602-8024 602-8028 602-8032 602-8036 602-8040 602-8044 602-8052 602-8056 602-8060 602-8068 602-8048 602-6074 602-8073 602-8076 602-8080 602-8080

Attendance Counts Dear Parents, Students usually begin each new school year with excitement and enthusiasm, even if they don’t show it to adults. The anticipation of new classes, new friendships and renewing old friendships provides real motivation for daily attendance at school during those first few weeks.

Unfortunately, after a brief time some students, particularly those in the middle school grades and those who are having difficulty with lessons, become careless about regular attendance. Missing a few classes does not seem to be a big “deal” to them. Sometimes it might seem insignificant to parents as well.

However, regular attendance at school is important for every student. It is difficult for young students to learn if they are not in class. The teaching/learning process builds upon itself-each lesson presented to students is based upon or related to the lessons that were taught

earlier. Just as we can never regain a moment of time wasted, the child who misses a day of school also misses a day of education that cannot be retrieved.

Indeed, all research shows that those children who attend school regularly are more likely to be successful during their school years.

From experience, most educators know that students’ success in their school years is directly related to the importance that parents attach to education. When parents believe that consistent attendance is important and communicate that belief to their children, unnecessary absences from school will be drastically reduced.

Students should attend school everyday, unless illness or emergency prevents them from doing so. Please encourage your children to attend school and actively participate in the learning opportunities provided in their classroom.

WALKING SAFELY These student safety guidelines were developed early last year by Paramount Unified School District. Please review the following safety precautions with your children as soon as practically possible: • Do not speak to strangers.

• Do not walk alone, particularly in isolated areas not intended for walking, especially along the railroad tracks.

• Use the appropriate dismissal gates, ones where there is supervision.

• Walk in areas where you can be seen by others.

• Travel in groups whenever possible.

• Report any suspicious behavior to school authorities and the Paramount Sheriff Station at (562) 220-2002, Lakewood Sheriff Station at (562) 623-3500, Long Beach Police at (562) 570-7260 (Collins and Lakewood Schools) or South Gate Police at (323) 563-5400 (Hollydale School).

Please remind your children to be careful and constantly aware of their surroundings.