ABC Unified School District District Digest

ABC Unified School District

District Digest

District Digest District Digest September/October 2012 - Volume I

BER 2012 - VOLUME I

SEPTEMBER 2012 - VOLUME I

www.abcusd.k12.ca.us www.abcusd.k12.ca.us

“Back to School Convocation “Back to School Opens New School YearConvocation in ABC” Opens New School Year in ABC”

District Digest “Back to School Convocation Opens New School Year in ABC”

Board Members

ABC Unified School District opened the 2012-2013 ABCwith Unified School DistrictConvocation opened the 2012-2013 Olympia Chen - President school year a Back to School on school year with a Back to School Convocation onCelia Spitzer - Vice President Tuesday, September 4, 2012. Over 1,000 teachers and www.abcusd.k12.ca.us SEPTEMBER 2012 - VOLUME I

Tuesday,filled September 4, 2012.HS Over teachers and Sophia Tse - Clerk administrators the Cerritos Gym1,000 in the administrators filled the Cerritos HS Gym in the morning to meet and hear from Dr. MaryConvocation Sieu, the new Lynda Johnson - Member tohear School morningof to“Back meet and from Dr. Mary Sieu, the James new Superintendent the ABC Unified School District.

ABC Unified School District opened OpensofNew School ABC” Kang - Member Superintendent the ABC Unified Year School in District.

Maynard Law - Member Her story ofthe her 2012-2013 humble beginnings resulted school year within aa Her ABC story of School her humble beginnings resulted in a2012-2013 Unified School District opened the Back to Convocation on Tuesmoving standing ovation from the audience. Later, she Armin Reyes - Member moving from to the audience.

Later, she on day,standing September Over 1,000Convocation year ovation with4,a2012.

Back School outlined theschool Dr. Mary Sieu - Superintendent outlined the ight: James Kang, Dr. Mary Sieu, Olympia Chen, Mayor teachersplan anddirections administrators filled the Tuesday, September 4, 2012.

Over 1,000 teachers and five major strategic for the District Left right:Sophia James Tse, Kang, Dr. Mary Olympia Chen, Mayor uBois, RaytoGaer, Mayor MikeSieu, Gomez, Lynda five major strategicGym planindirections for the District Cerritos the morning to DuBois, Ray Gaer, Sophia Tse, MayorMayor Mike Lyndathe activities administrators filled the Cerritos HS Gym in the

DianeLaw,

Celia

Valencia

Mayfield,

Gomez, and that HS were aligned with each goal. , Maynard Spitzer, Jim

and the activities that were aligned with each goal.

Johnson, Maynard Law, Celia Spitzer, Valencia Mayfield, Mayor Jim meet and hear from Dr. Mary Sieu, the s morning to meet and hear from Dr. Mary Sieu, the new Edwards new Superintendent of the ABC UniofMayor the ABC Unified School r presenters included included Olympia Olympia Chen, President of the Board ofBoard Education, Jim Edwards with District.

Other presenters Chen, President ofSuperintendent theSchool of Education, Mayor fied District.

Her story ofJim herEdwards with ity of Cerritos; Mayor Mike Gomez with the City of Hawaiian Gardens and Mayor Diane Dubois Her story of her humble beginnings resulted in a the City of Cerritos; Mayor Mike Gomez with the Cityhumble of Hawaiian Gardens and Mayor Diane Dubois beginnings resulted in a movBack to School . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 he City of Lakewood.

Each commended the great work of the teachers and leaders in the schools moving standing ovation from the audience.

Later, with the City of Lakewood. Each commended the great of the teachers leaders in the schools she ingwork standing ovation from and the audience.

Partnership with g these communities.

Ray Gaer,Ray President of the ABC Federation of Teachers announced the 40th th outlined Later,Federation shethe outlined five major straserving these communities.

Gaer, President of the ABC ofthe Teachers announced the 40 Administration and Labor . . . 2 Left to right: James Kang, Dr. Mary Sieu, Olympia Chen, Mayor ersary of ABCFT Charter asSieu, partOlympia ofashis presentation.

Sergio President of the ABCMA five major strategic plan directions for ABCMA the District tegic planGarcia, directions forPresident the District anniversary of the ABCFT Charter part of his presentation.

Sergio Garcia, of the Leftthe toDuBois, right: James Kang, Dr. Mary Chen, Diane Ray Gaer, Sophia Tse, Mayor Mike Gomez, Lynda News Mayor Diane DuBois, Gaer, Sophia Tse, Mayor Mike Gomez, medwelcomed everyone back to Ray school behalf theMayor in the the District. and the activities activities that were werealigned alignedwith each

Johnson,

everyone

on

Mayfield,

leadership and that goal.Around the Maynard Law, Celia Spitzer, Valencia back to school onofbehalf of Jim the leadership in the District.

In This Issue

District . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5 Adult School . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Convocation closed with an iMovie, produced

by Valencia Mayfield, Assistant Superintendent of Jim Edwards Other presenters included Olympia President of the Board Assistant ofincluded Education, Mayor with Technology . . . . 3 The Convocation closed with an iMovie,Chen, produced

by Valencia Mayfield, Superintendent of Information Other presenters Olympia emicAcademic Services and David Franklin, Program Specialist, describing the District’s progress in Services and David Franklin, Program Specialist, describing the District’s progress in the City of Cerritos; Mayor Mike Gomez with the City of Hawaiian Gardens and Mayor Diane Dubois 1:1 iPad Pilot at Niemes . . . . 4 Chen, President of the Board of Education, Mayor Jim Edwards with the City of Cerritos; menting thethe new Common Core and theGardens work ahead with new inwith curriculum, Business Services News . . . . 5 implementing the Common Core Standards and work ahead with new changes in curriculum, with City ofnew Lakewood.

Each commended thethe great of thechanges teachers andthe leaders in the schools Mayor Mike Gomez with theStandards City of Hawaiian and work Mayor Diane Dubois th ction and assessment. instruction and assessment. serving communities.

Ray Gaer,the President of the Federation Teachers announcedNew the Teacher 40 City of these Lakewood.

Each commended great work of ABC the teachers and of leaders in the Orientation . . . 6 schools serving these communities.

President of the ABC Sergio Federation of Teachers anniversary of the ABCFT CharterRay as Gaer, part of his presentation.

Garcia, President of theEmployee ABCMASpotlight . . . . . . . . . 7 was Back the first Back to School Convocation forCharter all the teachers andofadministrators thatSergio included was This the first to School Convocation for all teachers and that included civic civic of the ABCFT asadministrators part his presentation. announced the 40 th anniversary welcomed everyone back to school on behalf of leadership in the District. leaders, the Board of of Education and administrators. district administrators.

The to Convocation all the teachers rs, the Board ofPresident Education and The Convocation welcomed all the teachers Garcia, the district ABCMA welcomed everyone back school on welcomed behalf of the representing 30 schools in the District, along with teachers from the Preschool/Child Development leadership in the District. senting 30 schools in the District, along with teachers from the Preschool/Child Development The Convocation closed with an iMovie, produced by Valencia Mayfield, Assistant Superintendent of the first Back to School This was and Adult School. amsPrograms and Adult School.

Convocation for all teachers and Academic Services closed and David Program Specialist, describing the District’s progress in The Convocation withFranklin, an iMovie, produced

by Valencia Mayfield, Assistant administrators implementing Common Core and the workSpecialist, ahead with new changes in curriculum, that included civic Superintendentthe of new Academic Services andStandards David Franklin, Program describing the the Back toConvocation School Convocation in the morning, everyone returned toschool their school sites to get the Board of Education wingFollowing the Back to School in the morning, everyone returned to their sites to get leaders, District’s progress in implementing the new Common Core Standards and the work ahead instruction and assessment. th.Sept. 6th. for the opening of school on Thursday, for ready thewith opening of school on Thursday, Sept.

6 and district administrators. The new changes in curriculum, instruction and assessment.

Convocation welcomed all the This was the first Back to School Convocation for all teachers and administrators that included civic teachers representing 30 schools in leaders, the Board of Education and district administrators. The Convocation welcomed allthe theDistrict, teachers along with teachers from representing 30 schools in the District, along with teachers from the Preschool/Child Development the Preschool/Child Development Programs and Adult School.

Programs and Adult School.

Lynda Johnson, Maynard Law, Celia Spitzer, Valencia Mayfield, Edwards Mayor Jim Edwards

with each goal.

Following Following the Back to School Convocation in the morning, everyone returned to their school sites tothegetBack to School Convocation in the morning, everyone ready for the opening of school on Thursday, Sept. 6th. returned to their school sites to get ready for the opening of school on Thursday, September 6th. »

from Nixon Superintendent, Sieu welcoming Superintendent, Dr. MaryDr. SieuMary welcoming back teachers Teachers from NixonTeachers Academy Teachers of Multimedia from Nixon Arts Superintendent, Dr. Mary Sieu welcoming back teachers in the District. in the District.

Productions. back teachers in the District.

ABC Unified School District 16700 Norwalk Blvd. Cerritos, CA 90703 Phone: 562.926.5566 FAX: 562.404.1092 ed School District 16700 Norwalk Blvd. Cerritos, CA 90703 Phone: 562.926.5566 FAX: 562.404.1092

ABC Unified School District 16700 Norwalk Blvd. Cerritos, CA 90703 Phone: 562.926.5566 Fax: 562.404.1092 Web: www.abcusd.k12.ca.us

embers will participate eu, vide in the Hidden Keys workshop s. Dr. Mary Si President pro A SE C on s, O ia cto ac be M d r l15 e an , 20 h 12 ic hy .

M ecca notewort pport for this is su d an ip h rs e Future workshops will inc o for this year tt o m r u O lude topics such as: The .

State ul partnership of Technology in our Scho ols; Dealing with Difficult ” e. ic rv Se ss Cla People:ntan son, n HixM d SuTisame anagement. A PAL II rintende , Dr. peCo istants ss Su , A l eu advisory Si ca y ri ias, ar le ac M un C M r. cil d D , ca co an ec mp s eb ris e R ed , ri of classified employees creta ss esources Se e R , 2 cc an 1 u 0 S um 2 H , , al 8 ha n 2 of s been o e establisMhe Director acdedoto assist with the planning Keys to Pers o n d e en d an m id lo l H Fi o , o Dr. Mary Sieu, Superintendent, Dr. Susan Hixson, Director of A e of the staff ed th developHuman aney, Sch President CSE mentResources, oppoRebecca rtunitMacias, CSEA, Filomeno Macedo

by Carol Ch ies. President t rs d Ple Fi e as d ls e vi o co o ro nt h p ac t Dr. Susan Sc p Hixson at (562) 926-55 hmhuonity Relations Specialist, from shthoep participants 66 extension 21102 for further information. ng this work s ri u ip D sh n o . ti n la io re n b yU he-jo w specific on-t through insight into ho ta role in achieving persolenal. TsuheccAessBC District ing by examp District Digest ate in the wtork and lead rs will particip e b m e m f af St e Classified SEPTEMB 5, 20I 1 2. r 1UME ctob-eVOL PAGE 2 een Keys workshop onERO2012 www.abcusd.k12.ca.us e at St e h T : as ics such d will include top Difficult re workshops ; Dealing with ls o o h Sc ry r u o PALDisII adviso chnology in The ABag eis A ool C Un t. ifie n d e Sch m e tric t and an n California e M es, has beethe loye p ple: and TimSch m ool e Em d plo e yee fi s Ass si oci atio as n and Ch f sed of cl g of the stafapter #24 (CSEA) nniner uncil, comprihav laeth e uni p ted e tog th h it in w a Parn assist ntact Dr. Susa tne rsh ip wit h co ablished to Adm e inis as trat le ion P and Lab s. or (PAL furt r r high quality toheoffe portunitie 02 for II) 11uni elopment opstaf n 2ort o f dev si elo n pm ent te x opp e 6 sanuniHt ixson, ties 6 5 to SuSA all r. CE AB 6-5 C D t, nxts ) 92mb n e d n te n ri e p son at (562me u S Sieu, ABC USD Superinten ersy. SDr. , ry ieuMa r. Mar den t acias, . D n io a M at cc e rm b and o e Reb R s ecc s s, a MicDistrict e e The ABC Unified School hel rc -Ma u and the California cias , so CSE e A R President provide an Hum of and rAssociation ctoers the irelead hip SchoolD Employees and #24this (CSEA) supChapter por t for not do rthy and AB eewo nd have united Mac o tto n e succes together in atne Partnership with Administration m sful ilo par F , rsh C Unified School Distric A ip.

E Ou S r C mo t for this year is eII)nto offer high quality staff development t sidCla reorld P“W 16700 Norwalk Blvd. Ce and Labor (PAL rritos, CA 9 ss Ser vice .” t s r

r o b a L d n a n io t a r t dminisPAL II = Partnership with Administration and Labor

PAL II = Partnership with Administra

tion and Labor

opportunities to all ABC CESA unit members. Dr. Mary Sieu, ABC USD Superintendent and Rebecca Michel-Macias, On Jun 28, 2012, Secretaries and CSEA Presidente provide the leadership and support for l Assistants Clerica attendedandthe Hidden this noteworthy successful partnership. motto Keys Our to Per sonal Success woyear rkshop provideClass for this is “World d byService.”

Carol Chaney,

nts hips School and Community Relations Specialist, from ugh On June the Schools First 28, 2012, Secretaries and Clerical Assistants Crethe dit Hidden UnionKeys .

Du ring this attended to Personal Success workshop wo rks hop participants t ric provided gainbyedCarol insight intoSchool how and Chaney, speCommunity cific on-theRelations -job relationships play from a role the Schools First Union. this in ach theSpecialist, ieviCredit ng per sonalDuring succes s through

Dr. Mary Sieu, Superintendent, Dr. Susa n Hixson, Director of Human Resources, Reb ecca Macias, President CSEA, Filomeno Macedo

workshop participants insight into how specific onteamw ork and gained leading by exa mple. The ABC District the-job relationships play a role in achieving success Offi ce Classified Staff memberspersonal will par ticipat e in Office the through teamwork and leading by example.

The ABC District Hidden Keys workshop on October 15, 2. workshop Classified Staff members will participate in the Hidden201 Keys on Phone: 562.926.5566 703 90 A C , os rit er . C October 15, 2012.

0 Norwalk Blvd

92

FAX: 562.404.10

70 ure worksisthop StateABC UFut rict s will16 include topics such as: The State nified School D

Future topics such as: The State of Technology in ofworkshops Technologwill y ininclude our Schools; De alin g wit h DifficultA PAL II our Schools; Dealing with Difficult People: and Time Management.

People: and Time Management .

A Advisory Council, comprised of classified employees,PAL has been established II adv isory Counc com prised of staff classifie to assist withil,the planning of the development Please d emploopportunities. yees, has bee n estDr. abliSusan shed Hixson to assatist(562) contact extension for further wit926-5566 h the plan ning 21102 of the staff developm information. » ent opportunities. Please

isory been contact Dr. Susan Hixson at (562) 926-5566 extension staff info 21102 for further rmation.

Susan urther

Visit our website for ABC USD schools' addresses, contact info, enrollment boundaries and more!

www.abcusd.k12.ca.us

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industry examinations in information technology, constr finance, legal services, real estate, etc. The Assessment C will also be available for certain AP Tests. With this new ABC Adult School will be able to better serve the need district and community.

News Around the District ABC Adult School

Information Technology

Digest

ABC Adult School has established a new Assessment Center at the main campus on Cuesta Drive.

he Distri

www.a ADULT SCHOOL bcusd

Learning for Life.k12.ca.us

Current adult school CAHSEE, GED, and CASAS (California Adult School Assessment System) tests will now be offered exclusively at this center, which is also fully equipped for the transition to GED CBT (ComputerBased Test) in 2014. Adult School is in the process of being approved as a Pearson VUE Testing Center, which will then allow us to offer various standardized tests required by state regulations or as part of industry certifications. Currently, Adult School is an authorized official testing center for Adobe, Microsoft Certification, IC3 (Internet and Computer Core Certification), QuickBooks, Medical Services National Exams. (Medical Assistant, Pharmacy Technician) and we may soon be able to expand our offerings to industry examinations in information technology, construction, finance, legal services, real estate, etc. The Assessment Center will also be available for certain AP Tests.

ct

This ye Centu Board Members implem develop Olympia Chen and a c President st All ABC This year, the Federal Protecting Children in the 21 Celia that Spitzer - Vicedistricts across the nation Century Act requires school regularly implement Internet President safety instruction. In Students preparation, lastcommun time without a device year ABC developed a CyberSmart month program via the IT conn not mean Sophia Tse of - Clerk Department and a committee outstanding grade levelstudents teachernecessa respectful, and safe choices representatives. All ABC schools will participate in CyberSmart understand conscientious d Lynda Johnson month this October.

Member All schools willusing deliver the Students regularly communicate, create, collaborate month progra technology, and hardly know a time without a CyberSmart device connected James Kang - Member appropriate Sch to the Internet. Growing up with these devices does notinstruction. mean students necessarilyMaynard have the and skills to make Lawknowledge classroom se Member responsible, respectful, and safe choices. The The ABCindividual CyberSmart however, each school may p month helps all ABC students understand conscientious digital assembly, video presentatio Armin Reyes citizenship!

Member Schools and the public may materials and instructions b Dr. Mary Sieu located on the district’s ho Superintendent

ABC Unified School District

16700 Norwalk Blvd. Cerrit

the main c am essment Sy pus on Cuesta Drive . Current a stem) tests dult will now b e offered

All schools will deliver the provided CyberSmart month lessons during October. ABC’s CyberSmart month program provides schools the materials and resources for age appropriate instruction. Schools will deliver five 10-minute lessons to their students.

The individual classroom setting is the preferred format for delivering this curriculum, however, each school may provide the lessons in other methods including a school assembly, video presentations, computer lab teachers, etc.

With this new center, ABC Adult School will be able to better serve the needs of our district and community. »

Informat

ion T

Schools and the public may access the complete CyberSmart month lesson packages, materials and instructions by clicking on the CyberSmart Month – October tab located on the District’s homepage at: www.abcusd.k12.ca.us »

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t a t o l i P d a P i :1 1 ABC Unified l o o h c S y r a t n e Niemes Elem

trict’s off the Dis d e k ic k l o c ho ion and mentary S ict’s Informat le tr E is s D e he m T ie . ef fort m r 19, N pilot progra es Elementary School. The ay, Septembe th r sd te ne u p ed m W n O ith Niem nt to co e Niemes 5 e w d th p u n hi ai st rs tr ne :1 1 rt to first iPad te a grant in pa ve Learning Schools Grant gram will partment wro ti The pilot pro va de . ty no gy vi In lo ti n ac no o iz m ch Te 0 Ver daily classroo with a $50,0 0 chnology into te ad was awarded iP schools. e at gr erge in ABC th te achers to inte em y th dl e class of pi ra 6 to d an pected entire 5 grad ex s he ct T je o l! o pr r ho Sc objectives inform simila es Elementary the program’s m f ie o N d ne at t ar le gh s l ni nt rious iPad was a specia ight . The pare s at tended va N nt re ad iP pa ed he T nd September 19 . ng at te ng and learni their parents e daily teachi students and th to in gy lo techno e setto integrate ch included th hi w , ns io ss re, and training se count, iPad ca ac es un iT ugh the up of an f eBooks thro o ut o ng ki udents the chec parents and st he T y. ar br ent that Artesia Li Policy A greem ad iP e th ed wards also sign ibilities. After ns o sp re ad iP to take stipulates ed their iPad iv ce re ts en the stud first time. home for the provides dation grant un Fo n o iz er intensive The V th th gr ade te achers 6 d an 5 es to learn Niem xt two years ne e th r ve ts’ o training With studen tly. en er ff di r ei h th ac ithin to te r own iPad w ei th f o n es o m si ie posses ols, N senal of to backpack ’s ar ng new ways to integrate arni teachers are le aching and into daily te gy lo no ch te achers can this ample, the te ex r Fo . ng e iPad as a learni ents using th ud st h it w ct intera ject images device to pro ng hi ac te le documents mobi y. ctor, or share es student Kayle je o pr D and LC out iPad to Niem ew s vi nd via an ha to ez en ts Jim ith studen Principal Meg ore via Edline w Teachers can s. ad iP udents will st r ei th and social wall. St a e d ds at a an ic annotate on , iP un gs e m o h m bl email, to co box. T fe p ts o sa e en dr gl ud rk ag st o G ew as a nd hom assign such sentations, via an online g online tools re in in p us , rk o g te n w ra ti rn ri bo ting rw colla and tu ity tools fo gital lockers nd collabora iv a di ct n in u o d ti rk a o ro w p rm r ific fo thei nline prescribe spec in sharing in ts to use o to t n n e w e d ci ho u ffi st ng e ni w ly lear could allo igh teachers are nts to be h of 30 students e n, s d o ti u as di cl st ad s A le In s. b ed ena ing. needs. eir specific ne based learn eir individual ts based on th th en ts ud for project ee st m al st du be at s to indivi istrict in fferent app th curricular App s pilot the D lp completely di he a l g o in ho us t Sc en ry see each stud mes Elementa hools, as Nie sc » C t.

B en A l ud al st r y of ever bright fo s is nd re ha tu in fu s ad he T ing iP differently us how to teach

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Dr. Mary Sieu, Maureen Conklin, and Maureen Mulvaney joins Nutrition Services staff for an inspirational opening to the school year.

Safety Training for Nutrition Services Noon Duty Supervisors On September 5, 2012 at Artesia High School FAC Center, the District conducted its first Noon Duty Supervisor Safety Training.

New hires were joined by others who had more than 15 years of supervising experience at ABC Unified. This event was a joint presentation by Human Resources and Risk Management. Joshie Cox, Director of Purchasing and Risk Management started the event off with a welcome message followed by Dr. Hixson, Director of Human Resources who delivered a presentation on the essential duties of and expectations for Noon Duty Supervisors. Avelina Alvarez of Keenan and Associates then gave a short but thorough training on Playground Safety, Workers Compensation, Student Safety and Heat Illness Prevention. The training was interactive and a common goal for student safety was shared by all. »

This year, all cafeterias across the country are meeting tougher new federal nutrition standards for school meals, ensuring that meals are healthy and well-balanced and provide students all the nutrition they need to succeed at school. School meals offer students milk, fruits and vegetables, proteins and grains, and they must meet strict limits on saturated fat and portion size.

Starting in School Year 2012-2013, school lunches will meet additional United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) standards requiring: Age-appropriate calorie limits Larger servings of vegetables and fruits (students must take at least one serving of produce) A wider variety of vegetables, including dark green and red/orange vegetables and legumes Fat-free or 1% milk (flavored milk must be fat-free) More whole grains And less sodium The District is working to offer ABC students healthier and tastier choices. In addition to implementing the new USDA standards referred to previously, we also added new entrees that are soon to become students’ favorites. At the elementary and middle schools we have added lasagna and manicotti, whole grain pasta dishes filled with creamy cheese. At the middle schools we have added BBQ pork with polenta (corn cakes) and at the high schools we are offering a wide assortment of made to order items as well as a few grab and go items. They have added a surimi salad as well as a pepperoni pizza salad to all grade levels and added some new vegetable sides like broccoli slaw with sesame ginger dressing and pinto beans with jalapenos to entice students to try vegetables in a new way!

This is an exciting time in School Nutrition and they are thrilled to take on the challenge of meeting these new requirements and using this opportunities to change the perception of school lunch. »

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er, Ruben Mancillas,

5566

New Teacher Or New Teacher OrientationDistrict 2012 Digest

On Wednesday, August 29th, 2012 - VOLUME I

the DistrictSEPTEMBER held its Annual New Teachers’ Orientation in the Board Room. This year, we also included new administrators in the Orientation. Participating this year were thirteen new elementary teachers; twenty five new secondary teachers; two new nurses; two speech and language teachers; one special education full inclusion teacher; five Board President, Olympia Chen new administrators (four Board President, Olympia Chen welcoming new teachers welcoming new teachers psychologists and one special education supervisor); and eight long term substitute teachers.

PAGE 6

New Teacher Orientation 2012

The program was coordinated by Human Resources under the direction of Dr. Carol Hansen and Dr. Susan Hixson.

Ray Gaer, President of the ABC Federation of Teachers Olympiaas Chen - Board President, Maynard Law Union President, Ray Gaer, Rub Olympia Chen - Board- President, Law - Member, Chen Board President, Maynard Law well as District staff provided general information to theCeliaOlympia Member, Spitzer - Vice President, SophiaMaynard Betty Harris, Celia Spitzer - Vice President, Sophia Tse - Clerk Tse Clerk new certificated employees. Âť Member, Celia Spitzer - Vice President, Sophia

Tse - Clerk

FAX: 562.404.1092

District Digest www.abcusd.k12.ca.us

PAGE 6

SEPTEMBER 2012 - VOLUME I

Bo

Whitney Principal, Rhonda Buss welcoming new new teachers Whitney Principal, Rhonda Buss welcoming teachers

New Teacher Orientation 2012

Union President - Ray Gaer, Ruben Mancillas, Betty Harris

Whitney Principal, Rhonda Buss welcoming new te Visit our website to learn about ABC USD's outstanding Magnet Schools!

Olympia Chen - Board President, Maynard Law www.abcusd.k12.ca.us Member, Celia Spitzer - Vice President, Sophia Tse - Clerk

Union President, Ray Gaer, Ruben Mancillas, Betty Harris,

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Employee Spotlight

Lisa Douglas, Teacher-Aloha Health Medical Academy Lisa Douglas, Teacher at Aloha Health Medical Academy, was selected as a math, grade 6, item writer for the new Smarter Balanced Assessment to be administered to California students in 2014-2015. Mrs. Douglas will join a team of teachers from across the State to receive training and instructions in writing test items. Each team will be expected to write approximately 50-60 test items.

Patrick Gordon, Teacher-Gahr HS The Yale Office of Undergraduate Admissions has recognized Patrick Gordon of Richard Gahr High School as a recipient of the 2012 Yale Educator Award. The Yale Educator Recognition Program recognized outstanding educators from around the world who support and inspire their students to perform at high levels and to achieve excellence. Matriculating students are invited to nominate high school educators, and a committee of Yale admissions officers reviews each nomination individually and designates recipients. Of this year’s 274 nominees, who represent 33 states and 12 countries, 50 teachers and 40 counselors were selected to receive the award. In September, the winners were sent engraved desk sets and congratulatory letters, and administrators of the high schools were notified of their achievement.

Dr. Carol Hansen, Assistant SuperintendentHuman Resources Dr. Carol Hansen recently participated on the State Superintendent’s Task Force on Educator Excellence. The Task Force was co-chaired by Linda-Darling Hammond of Stanford and Superintendent of Long Beach USD, Chris Steinhauser. The 48-member Task Force partnered with the Commission on Teacher Credentialing to create a new report call “Greatness by Design.” According to State Superintendent Tom Torlakson, the report provides a coherent vision for the development of high quality educators and its impact on teaching and learning. The report’s findings and recommendations are available online at the California Department of Education Educator Excellence Task Force Web page.

Carla Herrera, Program Specialist-Academic Services Carla Herrera, Program Specialist in Academic Services has been selected by the Senate Rules Committee to serve on the State’s Instructional Quality Commission (IQC). The IQC, formerly, called the Curriculum Development and Supplemental Materials Commission, is an advisory body to the California State Board of Education on matters related to curriculum, instructional materials, and content standards. It is currently chaired

by Bill Honig. Approximately seven IQC meetings will be held during the 2012-2013 school year in Sacramento.

The first activities of the IQC will be revising curriculum frameworks and evaluation criteria aligned to the Common Core State Standards with California additions for math and English language arts. Carla’s role will be to ensure that the K-12 frameworks include the English language development standards and English language development strategies in the core subjects.

Annette Janeway, Principal-Bragg ES ABC Bragg Elementary Principal Annette Janeway has been selected to serve as a reviewer on the California Board of Education Supplemental Instructional Materials Review Committee. Ms. Janeway serves with a team of other curriculum experts from around the State who are conducting an independent review of new Supplemental Materials provided by textbook publishers. The purpose of the review is to recommend instructional materials which cover the California Common Core Standards to the State Board of Education for adoption in California. The Committee began its work this summer and will finish their work in February 2013. »

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ABC Unified School District's District Digest is published bimonthly by the Superintendent's Office.

Call 562-926-5566 to join the District's email list.

ABC Unified School District 16700 Norwalk Blvd. Cerritos, CA 90703 Phone: 562.926.5566 Fax: 562.404.1092 Web: www.abcusd.k12.ca.us