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
SEPTEMBER 2009
Update on the District’s Student Wellness Policy For several years, the Paramount Unified School District’s Student Health Advisory Committee has worked diligently to promote student health and wellness throughout schools and the local community. A few years ago, this committee consisting of teachers, administrators, parents and community members, developed the district’s Student Wellness Policy. This policy is a commitment to building a coordinated school health system that advocates comprehensive health education, physical education, nutrition services and a safe and healthy school environment for children and for the community. The committee meets throughout the school year to monitor the implementation of the Wellness Policy. Last year the committee identified areas within the policy that should be addressed immediately. These included: providing healthy snacks in vending machines, cleaning school drinking fountains, dispersing California Healthy Kids Survey data to various stakeholders and promoting family involvement regarding health-related issues. Chris Stamm, the Director of Nutrition Services, has worked with schools to ensure that all food and drinks distributed in the snack machines at school sites throughout the district meet certain nutrition standards. The
Maintenance and Operations department also has worked to ensure that drinking fountains at schools are routinely maintained and the drinking water is clean. The California Healthy Kids Survey is administered every other year to students in grades 5, 7, 9,
and 11 as a means of assessing the needs of students in order to develop a more targeted and meaningful prevention education. This year data from the survey was shared with teachers, administrators and parents participating on various committees at both the
district and site level as a means of enhancing the communication of these results. Additionally, committee members determined ways to advance family health in the community by reinforcing the home-school connection through the provision of additional lit-
erature and parent informational sessions. The District will continue to monitor the implementation of the Student Wellness Policy in its effort to advance healthy living and awareness among students in both school and in the home.
MESA Students Visit Washington, D.C.
Roosevelt School MESA students in front of the Washington Monument: (front row, L to R) Valerie Castillo, Julio Jimenez, Christopher Garcia and Mark Andrade, and (back) Ulises Reyes. 8-10 Five middle grade students from Roosevelt School spent the first week of their summer vacation visiting their nation’s capitol and bringing the workings of their government and its history to life. Valerie Castillo and Christopher Garcia, 6th grade, Ulises Reyes, 7th grade, and Julio Jimenez
and Mark Andrade, 8th grade, accompanied by math and science teacher Jeff Kiesel, spent six days visiting Williamsburg, Virginia, a restored colonial town; the Washington Monument; the Jefferson Memorial; the Viet Nam Wall; Arlington National Cemetery; Ford’s Theater, where
President Abraham Lincoln was shot by John Wilkes Booth; the Capitol Building and the White House, as well as numerous other displays, visitor’s centers and monuments. The last morning of the trip was spent at the Air and Space Museum, where Charles Lindbergh’s famous plane, the Spirit of St. Louis, the Wright Brothers Flyer and Apollo 11, the spaceship that took Americans Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin to the Moon twenty-five years ago, were on display. Early in the school year, Mr. Kiesel, Advisor for the MESA Program at Roosevelt since 2004, offered the opportunity to go on a guided tour of Washington, D.C. and Williamsburg to the MESA group. The five students who ended up going spent the months leading up to the June trip collecting and saving up the tour’s cost. Parents, relatives, friends and teachers contributed dollars, and their generosity re-
sulted in what the students all agreed was a great field trip. Organized by the Worldstrides Company, the tour included air travel out of LAX, five nights of hotel, “travelers choice” meals at food courts in and around the Capitol, travel by luxury tour bus, and guided tours of all of the main attractions the Capitol has to offer. Mr. Kiesel reported that the students were on their best behavior from start to finish and represented their families and Paramount with distinction. Valerie, who will be joining most
of her former Roosevelt classmates, including Ulises and Christopher, at Paramount Park Middle School in the fall, said: “I had a really great time in Washington D.C. and I’m glad I got to spend it with the group I was in! I learned so much! Someday, maybe I’ll go back there, when I have more time, and explore some more.” Julio and Mark will be at West Campus this school year, where they will no doubt have some good stories to tell their friends about how they spent their summer vacation.
SCHOOL BOARD MEETING DATES September 8, 2009 - September 22, 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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Adult Education Class Lights the Way If you happen past the open door to room A-50 at the Paramount Adult School, expect a treat — a treat of learning in action. It may be accompanied by the smell of cut wood or the bustle of a team on a workshop floor or 30 sets of eyes glued to the teacher whose lone voice is coaxing out answers about Ohm’s Law. Welcome to an electrician class that would fit into any of the best adult schools in California. Under the direction of instructor Segundo Calderon, this series of classes has become the hit of the campus since its inception in the spring of 2009. Waiting lists are long, inquiries are common, and even staff members are tempted to sign up for themselves or for someone in their family. “People can envision themselves doing this,” Principal Richard Morgan recently said in a discussion of the classes’ popularity. “They believe they can become part of this profession—and the dynamic, handson approach makes them believe it all the more.” Teacher Calderon previously taught these courses in Orange County, Los Angeles and his home country of Ecuador,
where he earned his engineering degree. His power of persuasion and enthusiasm are contagious. Students volunteer their time and efforts outside of class to support the projects, they are proactive in helping the program grow, and they recently gathered to thank both the school and the staff for “helping us change our lives.” Calderon works full-time as a staff electrician in Compton Unified School District. Four nights a week he swings by PAS to teach the classes. And on the weekends he invites pairs of students to help with residential or commercial electric jobs. Where does he get all that energy? “I love what I do,” Calderon responded. “It’s my passion. I like more than anything helping my students get ahead.” Oh, and what was he doing when he first proposed starting these classes last year? Studying English as a Second language here at Paramount Adult School. There are currently two electrician classes, Basic and Intermediate. Both run 9-10 weeks and cost between $75 and $175. After passing these two courses, learners have obtained enough theory and hands-on
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 2009-10 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 2009-10 school year, whether they stay at the same school or transfer to another Paramount school. Meal Benefit applications for 2009-10 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 SNS
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
practice to earn $12-$14 in the field. After about a year’s worth of experience, they are invited to return to PAS for the Advanced course, which will be dedicated to preparation for the state license exam. “When you pass that test to get your license,” Calderon recently said, “it would be against the law for you to be hired for less than $28 per hour.” So, if you would like to join this vibrant team of learners, of professionals-to-be, stop by Paramount Adult School and enroll. The
next time a student throws the switch on one of their 110v circuits, it might be you. Or, if you’re in the Intermediate class, the 4 x 8 foot mockup of a house or commercial floor plan—circuit breakers, conduit, 220v outlets, strings of bulbs and all—will flash and function and give rise to the rousing cheer: another successful step on your path to becoming a professional electrician. Jerry King Teacher on Special Assignment
Math, Science and Engineering Achievement in Paramount’s Schools
The Paramount Unified School District provides students with an exciting program to learn about the field of engineering. MESA stands for Math, Science and Engineering Achievement, which is a class offered to students beginning in middle school. This class gives students the chance to apply skills from algebra, geometry, technology and physics to the creation of projects that include building model bridges and inventing a miniature car powered by a mouse trap. In creating these projects students work in teams, requiring that they work effectively with others to apply academic skills to hands on learning. Students from K-8 schools and Paramount High School have participated in MESA activities as an after school enrichment program. However, beginning in fall, 2009, ninth grade students at Paramount High School West Campus will have the chance to take MESA as an elective during the school day. Students will spend the year learning and applying pre-engineering concepts in preparation for a MESA competition that includes schools from throughout the area, held at California State University, Long Beach each year. For more information on the MESA Program, parents and students can go to the following website: http://mesa.ucop.edu/staff/Staff%20Only/ MESA_Brochure_2008.
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Superintendent’s Message:
“WE ARE PARAMOUNT” First and foremost on behalf of our Board of Education, our Executive Cabinet and myself, I sincerely hope that all of you have had a relaxing and enjoyable summer holiday with family and friends. As we prepare for the new school year, I have absolutely no doubt that each of our parents, students, and community members would agree that the statement “We are Paramount” has never been more important than now. There are numerous examples of our belief in that statement and clearly multiple collective accomplishments that we can all be very proud of. For example, the outstanding work by a wide variety of Paramount stakeholders who for the first time in our Districts history led to the adoption of a new District Mission and Vision. The mission of our district is to ensure learning and success for each student by providing a quality education. The new vision describes what we hope to become – an exemplary district. The contributions of every employee, parent and community member are needed to accomplish our vision. This year every school will be working on developing collective commitments, actions that will be implemented to achieve that mission. I take great personal pride in telling the story of the success that has taken place in 2008-09. The following are examples of the outstanding work
that “shouts out” and tells everyone in Los Angeles County: “We are Paramount”. Our preliminary Spring 2009 CST Results in English/Language Arts: • PUSD 4% more students’ proficient in English/Lang. Arts than last year, • 29% more students proficient in English/Lang. Arts than in 2001, • Our proficiency gain in 2009 was 1.5 times as great as Los Angeles County, and • Proficiency is now higher than Los Angeles County in grades 5-8 and our percentage. And how about Mathematics: • PUSD 5% more students proficient than last year, • 36% more students proficient than in 2002, • Proficiency gain in 2009 was twice as great as L.A. County, and • Proficiency is now higher than Los Angeles County in grades 3, 4, 7, and 8th grade Algebra and our percentage of students. Congratulations to the following schools who met AYP schoolwide and AYP for all their sub groups: Gaines, Hollydale, Jackson, Jefferson, Keppel, Lakewood, Los Cerritos, and Lincoln A special shout-out to Gaines for achieving an API score of 828. All of you are making it possible to celebrate student achievement and improving student learning throughout the district. We have seen gains in API points in virtually every school. Alondra 744, Mokler 745, Paramount Park 746, Roosevelt 751, Zamboni 751, Los Cerritos 773, PHS 685 .. just to name a few. And the reason for celebration does not stop there. More MESA student award winners. 30 students attending and participating in the National Medical & Biology Schools Conference in Atlanta, Georgia. Adult School Reform, Buena Vista increasing their attendance rates from 83% to 88%. Our counselors creating and installing new strategies on how to best reach and assist our students. The great work our Community Day School Teachers, the largest graduating class in the history of PHS. Much to celebrate. I continue to believe that we have accomplished more in 4 years than most
districts accomplish in 10. And it continues: Arts for All partnership. I am excited to announce that PUSD has been invited by the L.A. County office of Education and the L.A. County Arts Commission to partner with Arts for All in a new program to further support and advance our work to provide a high quality sequential arts education for all K-12 students. In fact, PUSD was chosen as only one of five selected out of 34 Arts for Al school districts. We were chosen because of our commitment to arts education and because it serves as a model for other school districts. A special thanks to our Board of Education who have supported this endeavor and to all of you who recognize the importance of high quality arts education. “We are Paramount” can also be recognized on the athletic fields and courts. For example, 5 consecutive track and field league championships competing in what many consider the finest new high school stadium complex in the area. A varsity baseball team who has entered CIF post-season competition 4 years in a row. A swim team, water polo, ladies volleyball, men’s and women’s tennis league champions. Thanks to the dedicated men and women of this school district and our community who believe that Academics, Arts and Athletics go hand-in-hand. Our Maintenance & Operations personnel who make sure that our schools look and operate at their very best. Our Food Services personnel who provide the nutrition our students need daily. “We are Paramount”. And what about our long-range Master Facilities plan. Thanks to Bond Measure AA Campaign for Kids, we remain on course with our new construction including a new PHS library, two-story building at Keppel, new kindergarten village at Mokler, new science wing at Hollydale, new PHS science and Career Tech facility, new PHS-West gymnasium to name a few. A new and exciting journey to middle schools to better prepare our students for the high school experience has also begun. Reconfiguration that has a focus on motivation and student engagement where meaningful tasks are completed in a pleasant respectful
environment. One of the most important and courageous ventures that a district can focus on is becoming a Professional Learning Community; one that works together to improve student achievement through common formative assessments, collaboration, time and systematic interventions. All of us answering the following three questions will continue to be the focus in the 2009-10 school year. 1. What do student need to learn? 2. How are they learning? 3. What do we do when they do not learn the content and also what do we provide for students who have learned the content? It will be important that all teachers are provided with time to collaborate with colleagues to assist each other in improving instructional delivery and working together (not in isolation) to improve student achievement. And finally, the statement “We are Paramount” has never been more important than now and in the years to come is due to the State’s budget crisis that we all realize will have a profound impact on school districts throughout the State. The unprecedented and draconian cuts imposed by our State legislators will cause lasting harm to our students and to our States ability to compete and succeed in the future. During these difficult economic times, it is vital that we communicate in a timely and effective manner with all the varied PUSD stakeholders. I plan to keep everyone apprised of the financial difficulties that lie ahead due to the State’s Budget Crisis. In closing, I want to emphasize that our district’s vision delineates the importance of a high quality, engaging instructional program that results in high levels of student learning. This will continue to be the center of attention even in these most difficult financial times. The core education of our children is an investment we cannot afford to jeopardize. I am very proud of the contributions and hard work that each district employee has accomplished and also proud to be the Superintendent of Paramount Unified School District. Remember proudly, “We are Paramount”. I look forward to another great year in 2009-10.
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 school 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.
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Active Involvement in Preschool
Young children learn by doing and there is plenty to do and learn in Preschool.
The preschool programs in Paramount Unified School District help children make a successful transition from home to preschool and then on to school. Through active involvement,
children attempt to make sense of the world around them. They learn by observing what happens when they interact with materials and other people. They engage in activities such as block build-
Welcome Class of 2013 An Open Letter the New Pirate Freshmen I am Angelica Lopez, former West Campus student and a member of the Class of 2012. First, I would like to welcome you all to Paramount High School - West Campus as incoming ninth graders. Beginning high school, you may be wondering how you are going to handle all your classes and homework. The basic idea is to set your priorities straight and organize your time so that you have enough time for homework and are not pulling all-nighters, which eventually do happen when you get behind. Also, be sure to turn in all assignments even if they are late—turning in something is always better than nothing. Even though, my advice may have started to annoy you—you need to study! Exams are a big part of your grade, and every test you take matters. Although grades and homework are a big part of school, you should get involved in school activities. There are various clubs and sport teams you are able to join. Some of the clubs available at the West Campus are Archery, Unity, and the Green Club. There are also different sports you are able to join like soccer, swimming, track and field, football are among a few. Even if you do not plan on joining any sport teams you are encouraged to go support your fellow Pirate athletes. For example, this past year we had the grand opening of our new stadium. I was able to attend this event; and so many people showed up, not only from our school but from others as well, to admire our new Pirate Stadium. This year, I was also able to take part in Leadership at the West Campus. Leadership holds activities during lunch, which are fun participate in or to watch. We also hold a special lunch after first semester where students who have a 3.0 grade point average or higher have an hour lunch and are able to join fun activities, which includes jumpers and a DJ. Overall, if you get involved and make new friends you will have a great year. Your fellow Pirate, Angelica Lopez
ing, painting, or dramatic play, adding pieces of information to what they already know and thereby generating new understandings. Children learn simple concepts and then use the concepts to grasp more complex ideas. In preschool children are encouraged to talk and to listen, to tell about their experiences and ideas, to play with words, to experiment with rhymes and alliteration, to hear and repeat stories and songs and poems, including nursery rhymes. The preschool program focuses on promoting phonological awareness and building alphabetic skill-letter
identification. The program provides a wealth of literature experiences, including visiting the Paramount Library with their family and getting their first Library Card. There are opportunities for letter play, letter identification, and there are plenty of opportunities to write and plenty of opportunities to learn while playing and having fun. For more information about the Preschool Programs, please contact the Early Childhood Education program at 562.602.6900 or stop by the office at 7340 Jackson Street in Paramount 90723.
WALKING SAFELY These student safety guidelines were developed by Paramount Unified School District. Please review the following safety precautions with your children: • 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 school authorities and the Paramount Sheriff Station at (562) 220-2002, Lakewood Sheriff Station at (562) 623-3500, Long Beach Police at (562) 570-9800 (Collins School) or South Gate Police at (323) 563-5400. Please remind your children to be careful and constantly aware of their surroundings.