VOL. 63, ISSUE 6
the Page www.laslomaspage.com
May 2, 2014
After just two years at LL, Baldwin leaves behind a legacy by Ben Kirsebom Editor-in-Chief Las Lomas has gotten used to associate principals coming and going over the years. So Matt Baldwin’s departure for Novato High School, where he will become principal next year, might be fairly ordinary, but the man who is leaving is anything but ordinary. “I never thought I would be an administrator,” Baldwin said, which was odd considering he looked like a natural in his armchair. After teaching social studies for a few years in Southern California, he decided that shifting to a career in administration would help him make an impact on a broader scale. “I started to realize that I could make a bigger change as an administrator than with the 200 kids I had each year,” said Baldwin. “I completely acknowledge the fact that I was providing a good service, and I thought that I was a pretty good teacher, but I thought I could really make an impact as an administrator.” Social studies teacher Jennifer Nickl thinks that Baldwin’s strength as an administrator stems from his background in the classroom.
C. Baloue
“He remembers what it’s like to be a teacher,and that teachers are doing the very best they can every day,” said Nickl. “Not perfect, not always spot on, but we’re trying really hard, and he’s always supported the teachers in that.”
Baldwin misses the relationships he had with students as a teacher and joked that disciplinary action is the worst part of being associate principal. He used to be the fun teacher, he said, not the “henchman giving out Friday
schools.” Baldwin will be remembered at Las Lomas for his work with the athletics programs and as a staunch advocate of the new Common Core curriculum. Principal Matt Campbell has
been impressed by Baldwin’s work in implementing the new statewide standards smoothly. “I think that Mr. Baldwin brought with him a really strong vision for instruction,” said Campbell. “He doesn’t like when I say this, but I think he is one of the experts on Common Core and how it needs to be implemented into the classroom.” Nickl has been equally impressed and feels that Baldwin has encouraged teachers to try new things in the classroom, which has fostered an open and safe environment for teachers at Las Lomas. Everyone knew that Baldwin would leave for greener pastures eventually, but it still leaves a bit of uncertainty on campus for next year. Associate principal Amanda Renno, a close friend of Baldwin, welcomes change but she will miss the little things. “I love his facial expressions,” she said. “You can really read his emotions quickly on his face, and so it’s just funny to see his reactions in different situations, like when he’s surprised, or when you said something stupid and he lets you know it—the raise of the eyebrow, I guess. Those are what I’ll remember.”
Measure A voting headed into final days LL takes on new safety measures by Alison Taplin Co-News Edior Measure A, a renewal of a current parcel tax on the May 6 ballot includes a new no sunset clause. The current parcel tax, a voter approved extra assessment applied to individual homes above the normal assessment, will expire in
June 2015. The Measure A parcel tax renewal will create a $112 tax that will never expire. The Acalanes Union High School District decided to campaign for a non-expiring tax to eliminate the need for future campaigns. “The parcel tax gives us stable funding that the state no longer
Sophomore Becca Bain volunteers at Sunday’s phone bank.
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provides,” said Walnut Creek Yes! on Measure A campaign representative Tricia Murray. The Contra Costa Times did not endorse Measure A, contrary to their previous support of he current parcel tax. “In the case of Acalanes, we feel it is failing to responsibly pay its debts, specifically its obligations to fund the employees’ retiree health program,” said Dan Borenstein, a Contra Costa Times staff columnist. But state funding has dropped 20 percent since 2008, and the parcel tax would help fill the gap. The parcel tax “brings in $3.9 million dollars in revenue for the district that helps bridge the gap that occurred when the state slashed the budgets of schools in California,” said Murray. Measure A requires a 2/3 majority to pass. Without it, the district will have to make detrimental cuts. “A loss would take away advanced programs in math, science and technology,” said Murray. “It would take away 40 highly qualified teachers from the district.”
by Sarah Cole Staff Writer Starting next year, Las Lomas and Northgate High School will each have a School Resource Officer, a law enforcement officer whose main goal is to provide safety and support to staff and students within the school community. The SROs will also be responsible for the other schools in Walnut Creek. Walnut Creek Police Chief Tom Chaplin said that SROs will handle any calls for service. “They will also serve as a resource to focus on problems at the schools including crime, safety, traffic, and other issues that may occur,” he said. The SRO will collaborate with the school officials from different sites to see when it is essential for them to be on each campus, serving as a liaison between the WCPD and the LLHS administration as well as the district office, according to Associate Principal Matt Baldwin. Baldwin’s main concern is safety.
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“It doesn’t matter how great the school is, and how wonderful the instruction is on a school campus,” said Baldwin. “If the students and staff do not feel safe, it all goes out the window.” Chaplin expects the SRO to be a positive influence on students. “I am hoping that students feel comfortable approaching them and talking to them about any concerns they may have,” he said. In addition, Chaplin anticipates that the SROs will work towards developing meaningful programs in the schools. “I want to ensure that we are available to help prevent students from making bad choices, especially with regards to alcohol, drugs, bullying, social media use and distracted driving,” said Chaplin. Principal Matt Campbell said that having an SRO will help the school’s engagement in awareness programs. “He or she can help with setting up programs along with Leadership and other students,” said Campbell. “They may also be able to give presentations in classrooms.”
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SPORTS
Boys Lacrosse rakin’ in the wins