Community News page 8
Chalk Talk Community Events, page 2 - 3
The Community Paper of Record
Vol. 56, No. 14
Serving the San Gabriel Valley Since 1966
July 10, 2019
Early Academic Language Summer Program Supports ELL by Staff Writer El Monte
Mountain View School District’s Sobrato Early Academic Language (SEAL) Summer Bridge Program for Pre-K through 3rd grade students packed a tremendous amount of instruction, hands-on learning and projects into the 10-day program geared to develop students’ language and literacy skills. Teachers implemented Common Core and English Language Development standards in the classrooms, as well as collaborative conversations between pairs of students to develop oral skills, charts labeled with words to build vocabulary, fun songs and chants incorporating language sequencing and frequent writing assignments. Throughout the 10 days, high level, rich, expressive language was used to create an environment where academic vocabulary came to life. The vibrant and enriching classrooms were adorned with studentproduced work based on the grade level themes of ocean and fossils as students explored sea life, fossils and
Courtesy Photo
relics from the Paleozoic, Mesozoic and Cenozoic eras. Walking into a kindergarten/1st classroom felt like you were under the sea with octopus, krill, fish and crabs adorning the walls, the 2nd /3rd grade classrooms showcased
fossils and relics from the Paleozoic, Mesozoic and Cenozoic eras. “I liked doing the art projects and learning about the ocean,” said Brandon, a 1st grader in Baker’s SEAL summer program. For Thayli and Isabella, two 3rd
grade Junior Paleontologists in Twin Lakes’ Summer SEAL program, excavating fossils was their favorite part of the program. “We learned a lot and did so many things,” said Thayli. “It was a lot of Summer Program continued on page 15
There’s Nothing Better Than Being A Volunteer by Julie Carlson, Contributing Writer El Monte
Helping people in need is very important to Theresa “Tess” Velasco. At 86 and living with chronic pain, she doesn’t let that stop her from doing her volunteer work. Volunteering in the El Monte community, that Velasco has made home for 60 years, has been second nature to her. In 2007, she received the Citizen of the Year award and was given the honor of Woman of the Year in 2017. The Greenbay, Wisconsin native and a friend came to Los Angeles after World War II. She was able to transfer with her job at Commercial Credit Corporation. Later, she met her husband, Henry, and they set-tled in El Monte in 1957. “We joined Nativity Church and got involved in the church,” Velasco said. “My husband was on a couple of commissions. But then he was asked to run for City Council and you become involved in a lot of orga-nizations.” Velasco recalled that when Proposition 13 was enacted, in 1978, it affected various services being cut from the library. So, a group of
ladies, including Velasco, decided to start a Friends of the Library pro-gram at the El Monte Library to show appreciation and awareness of how libraries affect their communities. Velasco was their first President. “What we did mostly was put books away, helped at the counter. They are more restrictive now,” she said. “We also had book sales in the parking lot.” Throughout the years, Velasco has been and remains a member of several clubs and groups. One such organization is the Women’s Club of El Monte of which she’s been a member for 23 years. She also belongs to the Woman of the Moose, the American Legion Auxiliary, and Nativity Women’s Council in which she was the President. “Whatever they need, I’m here for,” Velasco said. She is active as a Director of the El Monte Museum Board and a Director of the Rio Hondo Redevelopment Association. She’s also made many friends along the way. One of the aspects Velasco loves about El Monte is the friendly spirit of its residents. The first people she met 60 years ago, she remains close friends
with to this day. What she loves about volunteering? “The satisfaction that you helped somebody and meeting people.” On Thursday, June 20, Velasco received the Citizen Volunteer of the Year Award from the El Monte/ South El Monte Chamber of Commerce. The Annual Installation & Awards ceremony Breakfast of Champions was held at the South El Monte Community Center. Also, she was awarded citations from various local congressional and senatorial dignitaries, including from the City Council of South El Monte. “Tess is simply an unselfish, giving member of our community,” said Ken Rausch, Executive Director of the El Monte/South El Monte Chamber of Commerce. “We sincerely thank her for all of her countless hours of service.” Velasco stressed sometimes people are not sure how they can contribute, especially monetarily, but she noted there are many ways you can contribute to help. “It was a nice breakfast,” Velasco said. “I thanked the Chamber for my award and said there’s nothing better
than being a volunteer.”
Courtesy Photo by Julie Carlson