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Back to School News 2013
Celebrating Our Local Schools Brought to you by The HomeTown News and the LMU Family of Schools
A message from Shane Martin, LMU’s Dean of Education There are both challenges and great opportunities for the education of the students in our Westchester/Playa community, across Los Angeles and the greater United States. As a lifelong educator, I remain optimistic that through collaboration and dialogue we can achieve success for all learners. Through our Family of Schools (FOS), Loyola Marymount University is proud to partner with 13 public, charter and Catholic schools to promote student success and educational equity in our community. Our goal is to foster an open partnership that is mutually beneficial to both the PreK-12 and university students, faculty and staff we work with. The FOS was developed to be the conduit between the university and our local schools, and we remain committed to that vision. In a companion article in this “Back to School” issue, Darin Earley, director of the LMU Family of Schools, highlights recent achievements for the students and schools in the partnership and identifies three areas the collaboration will focus on in the upcoming school year: academic achievement, school culture and climate, and college and career readiness. I would like to address each of these areas so critical to student and school success here locally and in communities across the country. Improving the academic achievement of students, as measured by both test scores and more holistic, qualitative methods, is paramount. We live in an interconnected, global society where our students compete for jobs and opportunities with students in China, Brazil and beyond. A very important factor in student success is having a quality teacher in every classroom. Quality teachers reinforced by strong school site leadership, parental involvement and community support can make all of the difference for our students. We embrace the diversity in our schools because of the value this adds to the learning experience. We also acknowledge the inequity
September 2013
Shane Martin, Ph.D.
that some students face, whether based on ethnicity, language, socioeconomic background, disability or other factors, and continue to put special supports in place for these students so that all learners can achieve and go on to be college and career ready. It’s also important to recognize the value that those from more fortunate backgrounds bring to the learning environment. It’s this diversity of experience, culture and values that make our classrooms such exciting places for students to learn and grow. In looking at academic achievement, there is great opportunity in California’s adoption of the Common Core State Standards (CCSS). The CCSS are a set of national standards that are robust and emphasize real world, 21st century knowledge and skills. As schools introduce new forms of technology, from mobile apps to digital textbooks, these clearly articulated standards that set high expectations for our students are something we should all embrace. Oftentimes school culture and climate can be overlooked or undervalued as a factor in student success. Yet, as a university based in the Jesuit/Marymount traditions, we know the importance of educating the whole person and developing students who are lifelong learners. This type of education must happen in safe, reaffirming schools where teachers (continued on page 10)
Back to School
Clockwise from above: 1. Principal Cynthia Hoepner cuts the ribbon in celebration of the school’s recent renovations. 2. The school’s renovations include a new library, which overlooks the football field. 3. Hoepner addresses students, alumni and guests at the ribbon cutting ceremony. 4. Students get ready for the first week of classes. 5. Students lead the crowd in the school’s song.
St. Bernard starts school year with new facilities, updated campus St. Bernard High School students, faculty and staff were treated to a renovated campus when they returned to classes for the first day of school on Monday, August 19. On August 20, the school welcomed guests and alumni to a celebratory ribboncutting and school tour to share with the community the changes that are taking place on the Playa del Rey campus. Under the leadership of principal Cynthia Hoepner, the school received one million dollars in funding from a variety of sources including the William H. Hannon Foundation, which have allowed the school to make critical changes to the campus. Improvements include a new library, new Hannon College Center and a new student union, as well as renovated science labs, new paint and updated lighting. For Hoepner, the changes mark an exciting time in the school’s history. Said Hoepner, “While selecting carpet, paint, cabinets and furniture has been fun, I am most proud of the complete vision
for student success. I believe schools must give students all of the tools and resources they need to succeed and the new spaces represent this philosophy.” One of the highlights of the school’s recent renovations include the Hannon College Center (HCC). Located strategically in the middle of the academic hallways and right in front of the school’s main staircase, students will walk by the HCC at least three times a day. Said Hoepner, “You cannot be a student without the reminder that St. Bernard is a college preparatory environment and our teachers and staff are here to encourage your child’s dreams.” The school has also revamped its daily schedule to the “block” format, meaning all classes will meet Mondays and then periods 1-3 will meet Tuesdays and Thursdays, while periods 4-6 will meet Wednesday and Fridays. The school day will now begin at 8:30 a.m. and end at 1:50 p.m. Hoepner points out changes to the schedule have been made to maximize quality instructional
time, reduce the number of classes students have to prepare for each night and allow students to take advantage of more leadership opportunities with a seventh period class. These classes will include student council, newspaper, art, athletics and student choir. “When I walk into school each morning and see students utilizing the library and student union, I cannot help but smile,” said Hoepner. “Last week I peeked my head into the computer lab after school and there were four seniors working on college applications. This is what school is all about: giving students all of the resources they need to succeed and having students who take advantage of those resources.” On Monday, September 9 from 6-8 p.m. the LA Sparks (which use the SBHS gym as their training location) will hold an exhibition game at the campus. The community is invited to attend the event, which is meant to help raise money for a new scoreboard. The cost is $7. For more info, please call (310) 823-4651.
Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey• Playa Vista HomeTown News