Sports Clippers vs Warriors
Education Chalk Talk, page 2 - 3
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Vol. 55, No. 01
Serving the San Gabriel Valley Since 1966
January 10, 2018
Golden State Foods Foundation Helps Baker Elementary Students by Staff, Contributing Writer El Monte
Shortly before 5:30 pm on the 13th day of December, the Board of Trustees filed into the Board Room of the Union High School District, sat down, and Board President Carlos Salcedo called the meeting to order. The air was filled with energy as was evident by the shuffling of feet and shifting in seats by members of the community in attendance. Some were happy, some were disappointed, but all were filled with hope for the future of all seven schools in the El Monte Union High School District. A couple of cleared throats and the Meeting of the Board of Trustees recognizing the accomplishments of outgoing board members and swearing in of new board members began. Superintendent Dr. Zuniga, as Secretary of the Board, began by thanking all who attended and expressed his appreciation of the community then moved on to recognizing outgoing member of the Board and the outgoing President. Certificates of Recognition were presented to all three outgoing members by Dr. Zuniga, Supervisor Hilda Solis, Assemblywoman, Blanca Rubio, El Monte City Mayor Andre
Quintero and Council Members Victoria Martinez and Jerry Velasco. The most emotion was reserved for the recognition Outgoing Board Member Esthela Torres de Siegrist who lost the seat in a tough battle in November. Mrs. Torres de Siegrist has committed her life to service and education and was wrapping up her second term as a Board Member. The
first membership was served from President, Clerk, county representa2007 – 2011. tive. Incoming Board Members FlorenAfter a few requirements of procio Briones and David Diaz were intocol and regulations, long time El stalled into their new positions by SuMonte resident with a family that pervisor Hidla Solis and after a few boasts three generations of El Monte words of gratitude and appreciation, Union High School Graduates, Mrs. it was time to nominate and elect a Maria Morgan graciously accepted new Board of Trustees President and positions of the Board including Vice Golden State Foods continued on page 8
California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress Tests Now Available by Staff Writer California
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson announced today 2017 scores for the online California Assessment of Student Perfor-
mance and Progress (CAASPP) tests in English language arts and mathematics remained steady and retained the strong gains students made in 2016. This is the third year of the computer-based tests, which use California’s
challenging academic standards and ask students to write clearly, think critically, and solve complex problems, just as they will need to do in college and 21st century careers. Torlakson said he was pleased that students maintained the progress they have made since the initial year of testing and urged students, teachers, and parents to continue to aim high. “I’m pleased we retained our gains, but we have much more work to do. We need to work diligently to narrow achievement gaps and make sure all students continue to make progress,” he said. “It’s important to remember that these tests are far more rigorous and realistic than the previous paper and pencil tests. We are asking more of our students, but for a good reason—so they are better prepared for the world of college and careers.” For the third year in a row, less than 1 percent of students did not take part in the assessments due to a pa-
rental exemption, a figure that is far less than in other states where similar tests remain controversial. Torlakson thanked educators, parents, students, and community leaders for the high participation rates. “The high rates of participation showcase the California Way, which involves working together for positive change in education,” said Torlakson. “They also show strong support for using one common yardstick to measure the skills of all students.” California State Universities and many community colleges consider high marks on these tests for eleventh grade students a reliable sign of readiness for college-level work. This year’s results indicate 59.76 percent of grade eleven students are ready for credit bearing college work in English language arts and 32.14 percent ready for credit bearing college work California Testing continued on page 8