altadenablog

Muir clash draws district scrutiny

By Joe Piasecki and Ana Facio-Krajcer
Pasadena Sun

A physical clash between a John Muir High School student and the school’s football coach has prompted Pasadena Unified School District officials to review policies on searching students and their property for weapons and other contraband.

Coach Ken Howard has been placed on administrative leave pending investigation of the Sept. 28 incident, and the 15-year-old student has not returned to campus.

Different versions of events emerge from interviews with the boy and an attorney for Howard.

The incident appears to have started with an attempt by school officials to search a group of students for a knife. Before it was over, the student had suffered scratches and bruises on his neck, according to the boy and his mother. In accord with Sun policy, the newspaper is not publishing the name of the student or his mother in order to protect the juvenile’s identity.

More at the Pasadena Sun.

 

 

PUSD board members clash over agendas

By Joe Piasecki
Pasadena Sun

Simmering tensions among Pasadena Board of Education members boiled over this week with accusations that some members have stifled attempts to raise controversial ideas for public discussion.

In hopes of reaching détente, the board will make the agenda-setting process more public.

“This will reinstitute faith in the process,” board member Ramon Miramontes said. Miramontes had accused board President Renatta Cooper of withholding debate on expansion of charter schools and renegotiating union labor contracts.

Miramontes wants officials to consider changing Washington Middle School, which has failed to meet federal academic improvement standards for 10 years, into a district-sponsored charter school.

He’s also pushing to renegotiate union contracts to require as much as 50% employment of local workers in school construction projects — a topic initially raised more than a year ago.

Cooper said both topics were delayed because of lack of staff reports following the exodus last school year of the district’s previous facilities director and superintendent.

Board members on Tuesday ranked the priorities of dozens of backburner topics by written ballot, with consensus that Supt. Jon Gundry would deliver scheduling proposals at the next meeting.

More at the Pasadena Sun.

Teachers: launch Into the school year with NASA/JPL

from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory

Take your students along for the ride as NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory embarks on one of its busiest years of launches and mission events yet! We’ve made it easy with our 2011 Classroom Launch Pad ( http://1.usa.gov/o178jH ), a handy list of classroom activities and resources directly tied in to key mission and science concepts and aligned with national science and math standards.

Study the ocean’s role in climate change with NASA’s Aquarius mission; follow the Juno mission on its journey to peer beneath the clouds of Jupiter; take a closer look at the moon’s interior with GRAIL; join the Dawn mission’s investigation of the giant asteroid Vesta; and prepare for launch with the next Mars rover, Curiosity.

The 2011 Classroom Launch Pad also features links to educational online and mobile apps, games and additional resources from NASA/JPL, including the Space Images app, Eyes on the Solar System, the Build a Space Mission game and JPL’s Educator Resource Center.

Keep your class engaged in space and science all year long with our newest feature: One Smart Thing, fun factoids from real JPL scientists, engineers, tour guides and other in-the-know personalities. Look for one of these interesting tidbits each Wednesday on Facebook ( http://www.facebook.com/NASAJPLStudents ) and Twitter ( http://twitter.com/#!/NASAJPL_Edu ). Or sign up to receive them automatically by text message. Simply text JPLSMART to 67463 to subscribe. (Message and data rates may apply. Must be 18 or older to subscribe.)

Want to hear from other teachers? Jessica Potter, who participated in this summer’s CSU STAR program, which gives aspiring teachers an opportunity to gain hands-on research experience, shares her story and tips at http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/education/index.cfm?page=290#juno . Read more about the STAR program and find out how you can get involved, here: http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/education/index.cfm?page=291 .

PEN offers fall parent programs

from the Pasadena Educational Network

The Pasadena Education Network (PEN) kicks off its fall program schedule with “What You Should Know about Choosing an Elementary School" on Thursday, October 6 at 6:30 p.m. at All Saints Church, Sweetland Hall, 132 No. Euclid Avenue, Pasadena.

Selecting a school is one of the most important decisions a parent will make, yet myth and misperception often cloud conversations about schools. One of PEN's most popular programs, this session provides parents of pre-school aged children with valuable information about what to look for when evaluating a school for their children.  Parents whose children attend Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) schools will be on hand to share their experiences in public school.   

Leading the presentation will be Dr. Mikala Rahn, the president of Public Works Inc., a Pasadena-based non-profit organization that provides independent program evaluations of schools throughout the state.  The program also includes social time and refreshments when parents can talk with one another and PUSD parents.

PEN’s other programs for parents include “What to Look for When Choosing a Middle School” (October 11), “Choosing a Middle School/Parent Networking Night” (November 10), and “Navigating Open Enrollment in the Pasadena Unified School District (November 29).”  Complete program information, school information, and school tour schedules are available at www.penfamilies.org.

All programs are free. Spanish translation is available.

The Pasadena Education Network is an independent, grassroots nonprofit organization that promotes family participation in public education to ensure a quality education for all students in Pasadena, Altadena and Sierra Madre. PEN provides services to help parents explore, evaluate, and engage with our community’s public schools.

Pasadena Education & Resources Expo on Sept. 17

The Pasadena Education & Resources Expo will take place on Sat., Sept. 17, at the Family Life Center at Lake Avenue Church, 393 N. Lake Ave Pasadena from 10  AM- 3 PM. The event, open to the community with free admission and workshops, will give parents, grandparents, teachers as well as K-12 students an opportunity to access the latest in educational resources.

In addition to visiting expo exhibitors, students and their parents will have the opportunity to participate in educational workshops. Workshop pre-registration is available on the expo website. An exciting Kids Zone will feature face painting, arts & crafts by Lakeshore Learning Materials, balloon art and storytelling. Get excited & organized for a successful new school year. 

For more information visit www.pasadenaeducationexpo.com or call 626.600.2052

PUSD districting task force meets Tuesday to finalize language

by Timothy Rutt

The task force that will draw geographic boundaries for seats on the Pasadena Unified School District board plans to finalize the language of PUSD charter changes at a meeting this coming Tuesday, Sept. 6.  The task force will meet at the  Armenian Community Center, 1060 N. Allen Ave., Pasadena, at 6 PM.

The school district is planning to change from at "at-large" system for school board seats to one that establishes a geographic district for each board member.  The changes are an attempt to head off lawsuits that may be filed if the "at-large" system were to continue.

Once approved by the task force and the board, the District will have to pay for an election to finalize the changes.

The proposed changes in language are in the document after the jump.

Budget ax looms over schools

By Joe Piasecki
Pasadena Sun

Local public schools and Pasadena City College could face a combined $9 million in budget cuts come January if state finances fail to improve over the next three months.

Cuts to K-12 schools in the area would likely result in districts draining reserves, sending out layoff notices and shortening the school year.

The budget Gov. Jerry Brown signed in June projected that the economy would improve as the year wore on, and that the state would receive $4 billion more than originally anticipated in tax revenues.

If those predictions fell $2 billion or more short, lawmakers agreed to make nearly $1.8 billion in cuts to K-12 budgets and reduce funding for community colleges by $72 million. Revenue came in nearly $540 million below projections in July, according to the state controller’s office.

More at the Pasadena Sun.

A revolution at PUSD?

Parent's rights group sets its sights on John Muir High School

By Joe Piasecki
Pasadena Sun

Pictured: Parent Revolution organizer Alfonso Flores helps a parent sign in before the group's meeing at the Jackie Robinson Center on Friday, July 29, 2011. (Photo: Roger Wilson, Pasadena Sun)

A controversial movement to increase parental authority over public education is quickly gaining traction in Pasadena.

A parent group recently forced a change in the principal’s office at Jefferson Elementary School, and organizers are now setting their sights on John Muir High School.

At Jefferson, where enrollment last year was more than 85% Latino, a group of Spanish-speaking mothers long at odds with school administrators has organized under the banner of Parent Revolution, advocates of California’s “parent trigger” law.

Under the law, if a majority of parents whose children attend an underperforming public school file a petition, they can impose drastic changes ranging from replacing teachers or administrators to converting campuses to charter schools.

More at the Pasadena Sun.

New PUSD chief Gundry charts his course

By Joe Piasecki
Pasadena Sun

New Pasadena Unified School District Supt. Jon Gundry wants local schools to join a growing national movement that emphasizes computer technology and training students for emerging industries.

Before taking the helm July 27 at Pasadena Unified School District, Gundry served as interim superintendent of the L.A. County Office of Education, where he pushed local school districts to join the Partnership for 21st Century Skills.

The coalition of education advocates and technology companies, often referred to as P21, has spearheaded initiatives in 16 states for educators to emphasize practical skills — critical thinking, communication, technology and entrepreneurial aptitude, for example — alongside more traditional academic fare.

Photo: Tim Berger, Pasadena Sun

More on this story at the Pasadena Sun.

Diaz to be honored at Young & Healthy annual meeting June 26

Young & Healthy, the nonprofit that helps provide health care to the uninsured and underinsured children in Pasadena area schools, will honor departing Pasadena Unified School District Superintendent Edwin Diaz with the J. Donald Thomas Award on Sun., June 26 at the Armory Center for the Arts.

Since March 2007, Superintendent Diaz has led organizational improvements, innovative reforms and strategic partnership to enhance student achievement in Pasadena Unified School District. During his tenure, student achievement has improved, as demonstrated by 53-point increase inthe District’s Academic performance Index (API).

Mr. Diaz has more than 30 years of experience in California public schools. He has won numerous awards for his work in public education,including the California State University of Los Angeles Distinguished Educator Award.

Young & Healthy’s J. Donald Thomas Award is given to those whose dedication, perseverance, and selfless devotion to the well-being of children exemplifies the spirit that led to the founding of this extraordinary health care program. By making this award, Young & Healthy recognizes the priceless gift of service to children in need.
For information on attending this event, which is also the Young & Healthy annual meeting, please call (626)795-5166 for information and reservations.

More on Burbank School plans

Courtesy of a reader who shares these links about plans for Burbank Elementary School from the almost-impenetrable PUSD site:

Documents are here: http://pusd.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=12&clip_id=383&meta_id=58984

Board meeting video is here: http://pusd.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=12&clip_id=383&meta_id=58983

What the school board is looking at is relocating several district programs into Burbank as follows:

• Relocating a Pasadena Mental Health program now at McKinley school due to modernization work at McKinley
• Relocating the LA Universal Preschool from Loma Alta Elementary, also slated to close at the end of the month
• Moving the Burbank preschool to another location onsite.
• Relocated the Pre-K/Special Ed programs from Hodges Children's Center.  This will free up space for other programs at Hodges, which include clinics for speech and physical therapy.
• Relocating staff development programs from Edison to Burbank
• Create an "Academy for Success Elementary Program" at Burbank.

Reconfinguring Burbank for the new uses and moving equipment will have to take place between the end of school this month and the beginning of the new school year at the end of August. Estimated moving and related costs are $150,000 to $170,000, of which $100,000 is toward paving the soccer field for staff parking.

 

Altadena Schools sets new signature goal for petition

Altadena Schools, the organization seeking to form an Altadena school district distinct from Pasadena Unified to boost student performance, announced today that they are going to seek 2,500 more signatures on their petition to begin the process of splitting from PUSD.

Altadena Schools has been working for over four years to garner 7,000 signatures to begin the process of holding a special election to create the separate school district.  The organization submitted a 7,200 signature petition last fall, only to see the county registrar reject about 2,000 signatures for various reasons.

Altadena Schools audited the registrar's results and, according to Chief Proponent Bruce Wasson, "The Registrar's team took great care and did a terrific job. In the end, a little under 1,900 signatures were edited."

As there is no deadline for submitting the signatures, Wasson said in an email that petitioning will resume after "support for the [Altadena} Declaration has caught up with the petition."

The Altadena Declaration is a three-point statement of school priorities that includes teacher effectiveness, creating a longer classroom day and school year, and welcoming "every public school that sends every low-income child to college."  Altadena Schools is seeking public support for the declaration, which is available here.

The full text of the news release is at: http://www.altadenaschools.net/news.shtml

 

Loma Alta Elementary plans a final bash April 30

Loma Alta Elementary School, 3544 N. Canon Blvd.,  one of the schools that will be closed by the Pasadena Unified School District at the end of the year, is inviting the families of all alumni past and present for a a final celebration.

Sat., April 30, from 9 to noon, join the Loma Alta PTA what they call a "morning of fun, family, and fitness" with a book sale, game booths, face painting, scavenger hunt, fitness walk, and "final mile" marathon to celebrate the school's 60 years of service to the community.

Special guests include PUSD Board members Renatta Cooper and Ramon Miramontes, as well as Pasadena City Councilman Chris Holden.  

 

"Race to Nowhere" at Aveson tomorrow, 6:30 PM.

Aveson Charter School is holding a screening of the film, Race to Nowhere on Thurs., Feb. 3 (tomorrow) .  Screening followed by discussion starts at 6:30 PM.  A limited number of tickets are available and can be purchased at the door ($15) or online ($10,  www.RaceToNowhere.com  (click on "Screenings", then "Find a Screening", scroll down towards the bottom of the page under "Domestic Screenings" and you will find "Aveson" located just below "California"):

"A concerned mother turned filmmaker aims her camera at the high-stakes, high-pressure culture that has invaded our schools and our children’s lives.  This remarkable new film shines a light on the price young people pay for this “race to nowhere.” High-stakes testing has replaced meaningful teaching and learning.  Cheating is commonplace. Stress-related illness, depression and burnout are rampant. Many young people arrive at college and the workplace unprepared and uninspired.  Attend a screening and become part of the grassroots phenomenon that is feeding a groundswell for change."

There will be child care available.   Tom Sawyer is asking for families to make their $5 fee payment in cash directly to a Tom Sawyer staff member upon drop off.  The program will be held on the green level in room B1 and B2.

PUSD open enrollment open now thru Feb. 11

Pasadena Educational Network reminds us that open enrollment begins this week:

The general filing period for Open Enrollment applications begins today, January 24, and continues through 5:00 pm on Friday, February 11. Applications must be filed online this year. Computer terminals and assistance will be available at the District office Welcome Center and at school sites on specified days. Applicants will receive an electronic confirmation upon successfully filing their online application.

For a list of projected openings by grade level at each school site, click here. 

REMEMBER: Open Enrollment (OE) applications are not processed in the order filed. At the end of the application period, applications will be assigned random numbers and reviewed in random order.

You may list up to 3 choices, in order of preference. If space is not available at your first choice, you will be wait-listed for that school, and your second and (if necessary) third choices will be considered. You will not be wait-listed for your second or third choice schools.

Families will be notified by letter of the results of the Open Enrollment application process the first week of March.

NOTE: Families interested in either of the Dual Language Immersion Programs (Mandarin-English or Spanish-English) - if you did not already apply for a DLIP program during the December Priority OE period, you will have another opportunity to apply during the week of February 28-March 4, 2011. You may want to think about your back-up plan now, in the event that you don't get into a DLIP program during this second application period. If your neighborhood school is not your preferred back-up plan, be sure to submit a general OE application before the Feb. 11 deadline.

 

Pasadena Educational Network announces tours, coffees

The Pasadena Educational Network has put out a schedule of activities for this week and next for parents who are considering/changing schools in the next school year:

Wed., Jan. 12,  8:30 AM - Eliot Middle School tour
Fri., Jan. 14, 9:30 AM - Jackson Elementary School tour
Fri., Jan. 14  11:00 AM- Franklin Elementary School tour

Next week:

Wed., Jan. 19, 7-8:30 PM - coffee for parents looking at public middle school options - parents from Eliot, Marshall, Blair and Wilson will participate - contact: MScoffeeJan19@penfamilies.org or call 866-216-7334 for location and other info or to RSVP.

Thurs., Jan. 20, 7-8:30 PM - coffee for parents interested in Webster or Hamilton Elementary Schools - contact: CoffeeJan20@penfamilies.org or call 866-216-7334 for location and other info or to RSVP.

And coming up this Sat., Jan. 15, starting at 7:30 AM,  Eliot campus beautification / tree-planting.  Contact Lauren (398-8711) or Barbara (396-5680) for more info - community volunteers welcome!

PUSD to close Burbank, Loma Alta; secession group claims foot-dragging

Much to nobody's surprise, the Pasadena Unified School board voted to close down Burbank and Loma Alta Schools, reports PSN. Reporter Brian Charles' story points out that the closure will only increase friction between Altadena -- which has already lost several schools in recent years -- and the school district.

Meanwhile, Altadena Schools (Altadenablog sponsor), which is trying to secede from PUSD to start a new school district, is claiming that county officials are stalling the process.  Altadena Schools submitted over 7,100 signatures on a petition to start the process of secession, and the county rejected almost 2,000 of them.  Altadena Schools requested a chance to audit the disputed signatures in a Nov. 8 letter to the county, and accused county officials of stalling the process in a statement released Tuesday.

PUSD consolidation committee issues final report

The PUSD consolidation committee -- which recommended closing Burbank, Jackson, and Loma Alta Schools in Altadena, and transferring the Normal Coombs program to Burbank -- has just released its final report.  No major surprises so far, but we're chewing over the text right now and will present a summary soon.

PUSD's Altadena fact sheet needs remedial work

The Pasadena Unified School District has just put up a page on its website about the petitition from Altadenans for Quality Education to create a separate Altadena school district, and somebody needs to redo their work.

The page links to a PDF document that the District names "School District Reorganization Process and Timeline" in the link.  The document itself (pictured), however, is called something else: "Altadena School District Petition Fact Sheet."

It begins with some facts about Altadena students' attendence in PUSD schools, giving a date as of Oct. 6, 2010, just last week.

But it goes really bad at the timeline, which it calls a "tentave timeline" ("tentave" is not a word, last we checked -- "tentative" is probably better.  This is from the school district, remember).

"Time travel" would be closer to the mark: The timeline begins with "Signatures verified by the County Superintendent" -- in November, 2009.  Or about 11 months BEFORE the signatures were actually submitted.

It then calls for a series of hearings, a feasibility study, etc., with the county superintendent of education ordering an election -- in Sept., 2010, a month before signatures were submitted -- and schedules an election in March, 2011. 

If the election carries, we go back in time again to July 2010, when it says "Reorganization effective."  Which means there is an Altadena Unified School district ... uh, right now.

We've got a message in to PUSD.  We'll let you know what they say.

 

 

 

Don Benito carnival looking for sponsors

Don Benito School is having its annual Autumn Carnival on Sun., Oct. 24 from 12-5 PM, and they are in need of sponsors for carnival booths.  A business or family can sponsor a booth and receive appropriate credit.  Individuals or businesses can also make a monetary contribution toward the event itself or a booth.  They're also looking for donations of needed supplies or goods.  For more information or to make a donation, contact Monique Davalos [PHONE NO. REMOVED BY REQUEST 5-2-11] moniquedavalos@gmail.com.

 

Furious parents attend PUSD consolidation meeting

PSN's Brian Charles covers Monday night's meeting at Eliot Middle School about potential school closures.  Loma Alta looms large on the chopping block, as does Burbank  and Jackson.  Added into the mix is the potential closure of high-ranking Norma Coombs Elementary, and Altadena Schools' efforts to create a breakaway district.  Needless to say, some parents -- including Altadena parents, who have already seen Noyes, Audobon, and Edison school buildings in Altadena close as public elementary schools -- are not happy.  A good overview of the issues and passions.

PUSD sets times for school consolidation meetings

Town councilman Ken Roberts, vice-chair of PUSD's school consolidation committee, tells us that decision time is near to determine the three schools that the district will close to meet its budget.

The committee will meet on Friday night, Oct. 1, 5-8:30 PM and Saturday morning, Oct. 2, 9 AM-1 PM at the McKinley School auditorium. Parking is available across the street in the Administration Building lot off of Oak Knoll.

This will be followed by two community input meetings, on Mon., Oct. 4, at Eliot Middle School from 6:30-8:30 PM, and at Wilson Middle School on Fri., Oct. 8, 6-8 PM.

Translation services will be available at all meetings, Child care will also be available.

Roberts writes: "We are coming down to the decision point, which on Saturday, Oct. 2 the committee is tasked with narrowing down the school[s] that would be recommended for closure."

The committee will make final recommendations in a report to Supt. Edwin Diaz in October.  Following his review, Diaz is tentatively scheduled to make a recommendation to the board of education at the Nov. 23 meeting.

According to Roberts, the format of the Community Input Meetings are (subject to some modification):

• Station Circulation: Audience members will go to 4 stations: (30 minutes)

• Station 1 – Map of existing attendance boundaries (large poster board)
• Station 2 – Foundational documents (Board item closing schools, press release, charge, criteria, committee membership)
• Station 3 – Committee process (large poster board)
• Station 4 – Preliminary Recommendation (handout)

• Presentation

• District Staff will provide a brief overview of School Consolidation Needs (5 minutes)
• Committee Members will provide a presentation outlining the preliminary recommendations (10 minutes)

• Public Comments
  • Audience Members will have a chance to offer comments after filling out a speaker card (1 hour, 15 minutes)
  • Participants will also be able to provide written comments at the meeting for consideration and will also be reminded of the e-mail address where comments can later be sent.

PUSD to use social media for "State of the Schools" address Tues.

This year's annual Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) "State of the Schools" address will not only be broadcast live on television, but streamed on the internet and will enlist social media (such as Facebook and Twitter) for viewer questions.

The speech, by Board President Bob Harrison from Altadena, will be broadcast from the Crawford Family Forums at Southern California Public Radio.

The broadcast will take place on Tues., Sept. 21, starting at 6 PM.  The broadcast can be seen on KLRN, Ch, 95 on Charter Communications), or Spanish simulcast on the Arroyo Channel (Charter Ch. 32).

Online, the broadcast can be seen at http://goPUSD.com/townhall

Viewers can sent in comments in four ways:

Email, communications@pusd.us,

SMS (text): Send “PUSD [your message]” to 41411

Facebook: www.facebook.com/PasadenaUnifiedSchoolDistrict

Twitter: tag your tweets with #StateofSchools

There will also be viewing parties throughout the district, including Jackson Elementary, 593 W. Woodbury Rd.

PUSD school consolidation meetings underway

Altadena town councilman Ken Roberts is a member of the Pasadena Unified School District's School Consolidation Committee, which is charged to recommend the closure of three elementary schools in the funds-strapped district. 

Roberts reports that the committee is meeting on a very aggressive schedule, with community forums coming up the week of Oct. 4 (exact times, dates, and locations to be announced).  You can keep informed on the committee's work at this website, and can send the committee a comment, question, or concern at:

consolidation@pusd.us

PUSD, parents, and community partner to help schools

PUSD released the following press release about McKinley and Webster Elementary schools:

Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) schools are partnering with parents and the local community to help close the budget shortfall caused by deep cuts in state funding, officials announced today. The partnerships help schools continue offering rigorous academics that prepare students for success in college and careers. Events are planned in the next few days at two PUSD schools to celebrate partnerships and to prepare math, science and art rooms for the start of the school year.
 
“Parents and the local community are stepping forward to ensure that our students get vital standards-based experiences,” said Superintendent Edwin Diaz. “Our schools are forging connections with families and the local community and are making great things happen for our students.”
 
On Saturday, August 7, McKinley K-8 School will receive a $10,000 donation for its annual fund from HRock Church at its City Fest event. HRock Church selected McKinley School after seeing the school’s website appeal for funds to sustain its signature arts focus.   McKinley families are invited to the City Fest from 12 noon to 4 p.m. A check presentation ceremony is scheduled at 6 p.m. at the Ambassador Auditorium in Pasadena.
 
Created in coordination with McKinley School PTA, McKinley’s annual fund seeks donations to help bridge the school’s funding gap and sustain the arts and science programs that have won the school accolades.
 
“This generous donation will ensure continuity in providing quality art programs for all students,” said McKinley School Principal Marisa Sarian. “The arts make a significant difference on learning and achievement for all students, especially for those who are at risk of failure. We are truly grateful for this tangible support from HRock Church, especially at such a critical time.”
 
On Monday, August 9, Webster Elementary School parents and volunteers will work to set up a math and science room and an arts room.   At 10 a.m., a committee of parents will meet to put the final touches on a plan to create Webster’s Art Loft, an arts resource room that connects units in Language Arts and Social Studies to hands-on art projects. For example, after learning about a particular artist and the history of his or her culture, students will go to the Art Loft where they will create art projects in the style of the artist they just studied. This month, parents will assemble art easels and other donated art supplies so that the room can be ready for the start of the new school year. Webster’s PTA allocated $5,000 to create the art loft.
 
At 10:30 a.m., a group of parents and volunteers from the Carnegie Foundation will set up Webster’s new Science and Math Discovery Room. Funded by a $5,000 grant obtained by Carnegie from the Hearst Foundation for educational outreach, the Math and Science Recovery Room will feature computers for student research, equipment such as microscopes, and a place where Carnegie scientists and Caltech mathematicians can work with students each week. Parents and volunteers will help prepare hands-on math and science projects so that teachers are freed from time-consuming setup and cleanup tasks, and instructional time with students and can be maximized.
 
“I want my daughter and other children in the community to experience what it’s like to be a scientist and an artist,” said Jane Wylie, a molecular biologist and former Caltech employee who chairs Webster PTA’s math and science enrichment committee. “I want her and other children in the community to get hands-on learning experiences that take them beyond the fundamentals that they learn in a textbook.”
 
To other parents who would like to do something to help schools through the current budget crisis, Wylie says, “Show up and be willing to support teachers and schools where they need help, whether it’s raising funds and designing learning experiences or cutting paper at home,” said Wylie, whose daughter will enter first grade in September.
 
“These partnerships expose children to experiences in math, science and art that would be unavailable given the limited resources of our school and our district,” said Webster Principal Sharon Lefler. “The experience in both rooms is designed to be standards-based and at the student’s grade level. Our volunteers’ work is completely aligned to learning standard.”

 

Webster Elementary School is located at 2101 E. Washington Blvd., Pasadena 91104.

thx to Monica, for bringing this to our attention.

Odyssey Charter School book drive thru July 30

Odyssey Charter School is looking for gently used childrens' books for grades K-8. Donations help to build classroom libraries and save the school thousands of dollars each year.

Donations can be dropped off at Odyssey Charter School between 10 AM. -2 PM until July 30.

725 West Altadena Drive
Altadena, CA 91001-4103
(626) 229-0993

For questions or more information, please contact taffanylim@gmail.com

Bright Futures Scholars celebrate 2010 graduates

Pictured: The Bright Futures Scholars class of 2010.

The Quality of Life Center, Inc., and 1,000 plus guests honored local students from the Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) during the 5th Annual Bright Futures Scholars Graduation and Awards Luncheon at the Pasadena Convention Center on June 6.

The Bright Futures Scholars Support Program, now in its seventh year, provides leadership development, as well as personal mentoring to local middle school and high school accelerating achievers, including many with economic challenges. Carefully selected mentors encourage and provide avenues for these scholars to climb above the challenges and focus on improving their quality of life.

Volunteer mentors include US Congressman Adam Schiff, California Senator Carol Liu, Assemblymember Anthony Portantino, Los Angeles County Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich (Honorary Dean of Scholars), Pasadena Mayor Bill Bogaard, and many other dedicated leaders and volunteers such as physicians, clergy, corporate CEOs, attorneys, scientists, engineers, artists, educators, law enforcement officials, managers and administrators. To date, the program has assisted more than 1500 area students.

To participate in the Bright Futures Scholars Support Program, all students must maintain a 3.0 GPA and above. Program participants represent eleven local schools and are required to attend monthly leadership development meetings, participate in television tapings that air four times weekly on Public Access television. In addition, scholars maintain a website and a newsletter that is circulated throughout San Gabriel Valley in public and private schools. They are also involved in many community activities and play a vital role by sharing views as young leaders.

Qualifying Bright Futures Scholars attend a seven day Washington D.C. Leadership Spring Retreat where they gain knowledge in exercising their constitutional rights and actually discuss issues and pending legislation with members of congress, senators and others on Capitol Hill.

This is possibly one of the many things that make programs created by Dr. Sandra Thomas, Dean of Scholars and CEO of the Quality of Life Center, Inc., so promising. She has assembled groups of students, from as diverse an ethnic and economic base as you are ever likely to find, but who share one commonality—these students are academic achievers with a dream. They are encouraged to reach for the stars, believe in themselves and work hard to accomplish great things.

Dr. Thomas stated, "The program is designed to fill a particular gap in the educational system. In our effort to leave no student behind, we have somehow, at times, neglected many of our brightest. Through the scholars program, academically gifted students are given the extra attention and developmental opportunities needed to excel and become tomorrow's leaders.   They exemplify what can be accomplished when positive exposure is offered to young scholars truly focused on making a difference for themselves."
 
For further information on the Quality of Life Center and the graduation and awards luncheon, contact La Wanda Burnes (626)798-5433, email:qualityoflifecenterinc@yahoo.com or go to our website:www.qualityoflifecenterinc.com

 

PUSD's African-American Parents Council kick off at Altadena Elem. tonight

PUSD's newly chartered African-American Parent Council will hold a kickoff celebration with music, food, and conversation at Altadena Elementary School.

The council's objective is to build, bolster, and maintain relationships between parents, students, educators, and community partners.

The AAPC invites students, families and community members to attend the
kickoff celebration and learn how to get involved.

EVERYONE is welcome and encouraged to attend!



AAPC Kickoff Meeting and Celebration
Friday, June 18, 2010, 5:30-7 PM
Altadena Elementary School
743 E. Calaveras St.
Altadena, CA 91001

Dinner, entertainment, and activities mark the celebration. All families are invited to attend and learn more about the AAPC.

Aveson greets neighbors of proposed new campus

Editor's note: we're pleased to welcome our new correspondent, community journalist Devon Pettengill.

by Devon Pettengill
for Altadenablog

Representatives of the Aveson Charter Schools hosted a "meet and greet" with neighbors at Loma Alta Park Gymnasium on Thursday night to discuss the relocation of Aveson’s upper school students to the commercial building at the corner of Lincoln Ave. and Altadena Dr. Aveson hosted the meeting to address any concerns neighborhood residents might have and to hear ideas about the role the school might play in the immediate community.


Aveson Charter School is comprised of two schools: Aveson School of Leaders (ASL), serving grades K-5 and Aveson Global Leaders Academy (AGLA), serving grades 6-12.  Both schools currently occupy the old Noyes school campus on Pinecrest in west Altadena. Aveson has been told it must relocated its older students in response to the concerns of the school’s neighbors, who claim that when Aveson opened three years ago PUSD promised them it would not include a high school.

Aveson co-founder and Executive Director Kate Bean led the discussion with current Aveson students, parents, and staff providing enthusiastic back-up.  Neighbors expressed concern about traffic complications regarding pick-up and drop-off of students. Aveson is planning to stagger the beginning of its school day with that of Odyssey Charter School down the street to address such concerns.

Aveson "June Jubilee" June 5

Aveson Charter School is holding its annual June Jubilee event coming up on Sat., June 5. It's a family affair featuring games, music, food and prizes for kids and their parents in a low-key festival atmosphere. There will be face painting, bounce houses, kid's crafts, a silent auction and a plant sale. And of course those regular favorites, confetti eggs and snow cones!

This free community event is open to everyone, students, families and our local community. Tickets for food and games can be bought on the day.  Discounted tickets can also be purchased in advance by credit card or PayPal at the Aveson website, aveson.org. 

Come out and experience a slice of what makes Aveson a great place to learn and grow!

Saturday June 5th, 10am- 4pm
1919 E. Pinecrest Drive, just above the intersection of Allen Ave and Altadena Drive

Altadena Schools @ Coffee Gallery Thurs. at 7 PM

Organizer Bruce Wasson reminds us that the Altadenans for Quality Education will hold their next "coffee shop hop" meeting at the Coffee Gallery tomorrow at 7 PM.  The Coffee Gallery is at 2029 Lake Ave., and Laura Berthold Monteros has an update on the meetings here.

Palm St. neighbors and Almansor: two sides of the street

(Editor's note: We're very pleased to welcome Altadena community journalist Laura Berthold Monteros as one of our correspondents.)

by Laura Berthold Monteros
For Altadenablog

The property on the north side of a quiet stretch of East Palm is a rustic compound that has historically been home to a YMCA camp and Bienvenidos, an unobtrusive residential facility for young children.  The property on the south side is lined with well-kept single-family homes.  The north side is currently in escrow to The Almansor Center, which wants to adapt it for use as an educational center for autistic children.  The south side displays red and yellow signs that shout, “No School on Palm”.

As opposed as the two viewpoints are, both seem to be trying to respectfully address their differences.  A statement from the Palm Street Area Residents Association (PSARA) reads, in part, “We appreciate their meeting with us during their ‘due diligence’ phase….”  Further down, PSARA compliments the work of the center with at-risk youth and children with autism.

For her part, Nancy Lavelle, founder and president of Almansor Center in South Pasadena, wants to bring residents in on the process and to ensure their concerns are addressed.  “We are still studying various concerns the neighbors have brought forward,” she said in an interview on Monday.  “We welcome continued dialogue with the neighbors.”

But the differences are real and intractable. 

PEN hosts middle school parent mixer

Got a 4th grader? Sixth grade seems a long way off, but this fall it will be time to start visiting middle schools! Pasadena Education Network (PEN) is hosting a "mixer" for parents whose kids will be starting middle school in Fall 2011. See the premiere of "Learning How to Be" a short video about PUSD's middle school program, meet other 4th grade parents who will be making the journey with you, and find out about the resources available to help you find the right school for your child. Wednesday, May 19, 7-8:30 pm at So. California Public Radio's new Crawford Family Forum, 474 S. Raymond Ave., Pasadena: http://www.scpr.org/events/2010/05/19/making-middle-school-transition-together-4th-grade/. RSVP to MSMixer@penfamilies.org or call 866-216-7334 for more info.

PUSD: Measure CC falls, Harrison named board president

Two items from Pasadena Unified School District:

• Early returns show that a thin majority approved Measure CC, the parcel tax measure that would provide some emergency funding for PUSD schools.  However, a two-thirds majority is required to pass the measure, a gap that is unlikely to be met in the final stages of counting.  PUSD press release here.
• Altadenan Bob Harrison, one of the owners of Pasadena's Green Street Restaurant, was elected President of the PUSD board for the 2010-2011 school year. Renatta Cooper, a three year board veteran, was named vice-president.  More here.

PUSD offers bullying workshop April 29

Bullying and cyber-bullying is an issue that affects most families, and PUSD is offering a workshop at Washington Middle School in Pasadena next Thurs., April 29.

There will also be childcare and homework assistance available for children, who will simultaneously be coached by the LA County of Mental Health on what to do if they are a victim of bullying or if they see another child being hurt.  Spanish translation is available.

Please fill out the form and turn it in to your school office by Tues., April 27.  Please indicate how many children you will be bringing and what disability your child may have (if applicable).

Pasadena Educational Founation's FANSS extends technology challenge

Families and Neighbors Supporting Schools (FANSS), a parents group within the Pasadena Educational Foundation (PEF), has extended the deadline of the Technology Challenge until May 31:

TECHNOLOGY CHALLENGE MATCHING DONATION

As its first project FANSS is launching a new Technology Challenge initiative to raise much-needed technology funds for PUSD schools. A local family has offered $100,000 in matching funds. Thus, each dollar you donate to PEF as a FANSS member will be matched by a gift to our schools for technology. Feel free to designate your child’s school. We have until May 31, 2010, to reach our goal to receive the matching funds. Please help us reach our goal by donating today. (No individual school will receive more than $10,000 of the matching funds. However, there is no cap on the amount that families and friends may give to the school.)

This link has additional information including a link to donate online with credit card:

http://pasedfoundation.org/fanss.php

This link shows the amount each school has received toward it's goal as of 2/19/2010 (with Altadena schools lagging a bit behind):

http://www.pasedfoundation.org/Copy%20of%20fanss.php

Checks can be mailed or dropped off to:

Pasadena Education Foundation
351 S. Hudson
Room 214
Pasadena, CA 91101

Checks payable to Pasadena Education Foundation
Note on check that it is for Technology Challenge- and, if desired, SPECIFY SCHOOL.

Aveson rejects district relocation plan for middle, high school

Brian Charles @ PSN looks at the latest Aveson news:  after PUSD rejected the charter school's plans to keep upper division classes at their Noyes location (because the neighbors sued), it offered Aveson a floor of its own at John Muir, which Aveson in turn rejected.  Grades K-5 will remain at Noyes next year, but where the middle and high schoolers will wind up is anybody's guess. 

HS seniors: March 1 deadline for Edison Scholars Program

NOTE: Here's the online link to a form that needs to be filled out and mailed -- yes, mailed! -- by March 1:
www.edison.com/edisonscholars

High school seniors are encouraged to apply for Edison International’s annual Edison Scholars program, which has a March 1 deadline to submit applications. Each selected student will be awarded a $2,500 college scholarship, renewable for up to $10,000.

The Edison Scholars program focuses on students studying science, technology, engineering and math and provides scholarships for those who show the potential to have successful college careers. Applicants must:
•    Be high school seniors who live, or attend a public or private school, in the 50,000-square-mile service area of Southern California Edison (SCE), a subsidiary of Edison International.
•    Have a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or higher.
•    Be planning to attend a four-year college in or near SCE’s service territory.
•    Be full-time students majoring in math, physics, chemistry, engineering, materials science or computer science/information systems.
•    Be citizens or legal permanent residents of the U.S.
•    Demonstrate financial need.

The scholarship is renewable each year for up to four years, provided recipients meet all eligibility requirements. In 2009, Edison International awarded nearly $178,000 to 71 Edison Scholars.

Applications must be postmarked by March 1. Winners of the scholarships will be notified by June. To download an application and to learn more about the Edison Scholars program, including lists of eligible schools and colleges, visit www.edison.com/edisonscholars

Waldorf school holds high school panel discussion Sat.

The Pasadena Waldorf School, 209 E. Mariposa St., Altadena, is holding a panel discussion on campus Saturday morning  about the benefits of a 12-year Waldorf education (currently a pre-K thru 8th grade school, PWS is planning to add a high school in 2012.)  Click on graphic for details.

Aveson relocating to Edison?

The fabulous Deb relays a message from Elliot Gold at the Upside-down T neighborhood about an upcoming meeting at his house -- seems that Aveson charter school is considering relocating to the Edison School building.  Details are here.

PUSD staff to recommend rejection of 3rd Aveson school

Aveson Charter Schools, which presently runs two charter schools at the Noyes school property in Altadena, is trying to start a third in northwest Pasadena.  Brian Charles of PSN says that PUSD staff will recommend rejecting Aveson's petition for a School for the Arts, because it will take up to $2 million away from an already-strapped school district.  Details are here.

"Coffee Talk" with PUSD's Tom and Bob Feb. 10 @ Webster Elementary

Join us for Coffee with PUSD Board President Tom Selinske and Board Member Bob Harrison!

Come enjoy a warm cup of coffee and get to know our PUSD Leadership 

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

9:30-11 AM

Daniel Webster Elementary Auditorium 2101 E. Washington Blvd. Pasadena, CA 91104

• Learn more about the budget crisis facing the district   
  
• Plans to close the shortfall
  
• Potential impacts on educational programs   
  
• Share your ideas on ways we can improve all our schools  

Bring your friends and neighbors!  Sponsored by Daniel Webster PTA

PUSD announces strategic plan conversations in Feb.

Dear Community and Business Leader,

On behalf of the Pasadena Unified School District, we invite you to “Join the Conversation” at one of our four Community Forums in February.  The district is currently updating our new Strategic Plan and would like the community’s input and ideas on how to ensure that our students graduate ready for college and careers.  Please help shape the future of PUSD students by sharing your ideas at an upcoming Forum, by forwarding this message and the attached flyers to your employees, clients and networks.  If you would like a poster for your office or additional flyers delivered to your organization, please contact us at pusdstrategicplan@gmail.com  

Forum Dates & Locations  

Wednesday, February 3, 6:30 p.m.
Lake Avenue Church
393 North Lake Avenue Pasadena, CA 91101 

Saturday, February 6, 10:00 a.m.
The First Church of Nazarene of Pasadena
3700 East Sierra Madre Boulevard
Pasadena, CA 91107 

Wednesday, February 10, 6:30 p.m.
Loma Alta Park
3330 North Lincoln Avenue
Altadena, CA 91001 

Thursday, February 11, 6:30 pm.
Villa-Parke Community Center
363 East Villa St. Pasadena, CA 91101

To RSVP, please email pusdstrategicplan@gmail.com or contact Laura at 213-895-7010   We look forward to seeing you at one of our PUSD Community Forums!    Thank you,   The PUSD Strategic Plan Project Team pusdstrategicplan@gmail.com 213-895-7010  

PUSD schools help with Haiti relief

From PUSD:

Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) students, teachers, families, and families have united in support of the victims of last week's earthquake in Haiti.  Like the rest of the country, students have responded to images and news of the island nation's tragedy, and raised funds to help recovery efforts.

The Pasadena area's spirit of philanthropy is reflected in the efforts of our school children to help in any way they can, said Superintendent Edwin Diaz. "Many of our campus Haitian relief efforts were started by the remarkable, diverse and generous children who attend our schools. At moments like this, it is clear that PUSD is a truly extraordinary community of children, teachers, employees, administrators and families."

Among the school activities on the list provided by PUSD:

  * Eliot Middle School students will discuss relief aid to Haiti during their advisory period on January 25.  Student leaders are asking each student to donate $1 to $2 per student or family.

  * Marshall Fundamental Secondary School students are collecting coins for donation to Haiti relief.

  * Jackson Elementary School is organizing a collection to benefit Haiti.

Beat it into Rubio's and help Marshall's drumline Feb. 3

Hannah Holland-Moritz, a 12th grade "mallet percussion student" at Marshall Fundamental School, wrote us looking for your help:

The Marshall Fundamental School Winter Drumline is having a fundraiser night on February 3, at Rubio's!  We're looking for some neighborhood support so please come out and enjoy a night of wonderful food while supporting music in your local schools!

It's from 4:00 -9:30, just print out the attached flier, show it to the folks at the restaurant and 20% of what you spend will go to the Marshall Drumline.

The Marshall Winter Drumline is composed of 6-12th grade percussionists who compete with other high school and professional drumlines in percussion theater, a combination of music, marching and theater.

St. Elizabeth's School Open House Jan. 31 & Feb. 2

St. Elizabeth Parish School is having an Open House!
January 31 at 11:30 a.m.
February 2 at 9 a.m. 

Tour the campus and hear about the many wonderful offerings of the only Catholic school in Altadena. 

For more information, contact the school at 626-797-7727. 

PUSD to hold meetings for new strategic plan

PUSD is seeking community input as it embarks on revising its Strategic Plan. There will be a series of community forums early next month to let people know about the strategic planning process, and - more important - to ask members of the community to articulate their vision for what a successful PUSD graduate looks like: what skills, knowledge, values, and opportunities we want public education to provide our kids.

Here is a link to the PUSD website's Strategic Planning process page, which includes dates of events and more info about the process, as well as a survey community members can take online: http://www.pusd.us/modules/cms/pages.phtml?pageid=146830&sessionid=4a629e7e75f116573785f8ec3bdef37f

Here are the dates of the community forums:

Weds., Feb. 3 at 6:30 pm at Lake Avenue Church
Sat., Feb. 6 at 10:00 am at Paz Naz Church
Weds., Feb. 10 at 6:30 pm at Loma Alta Park
Thurs., Feb. 11 at 6:30 pm at Villa-Parke Community Center

Susan Schwartz

Library offers free practice SAT, strategies

Get ready for the SATs on Sat., Feb. 20 from  10:15 AM – 2:30 PM. See how you’ll score without affecting your college record.

• Take a full-length test under realistic conditions
• For students 13 years and older
• Pre-registration is required.
• Bring a calculator and two #2 pencils.

Results and SAT Strategies on Tuesday, March 2,  6-7 PM. See how you’ll score without affecting your college record.

• Receive a score report showing your strengths and weaknesses.
• Learn some test taking strategies to help improve your score.

These free events will be held in the Altadena Library District Community Room. To pre-register visit the Children’s Information Desk at the Altadena Library District, call 626-798-0833 ext. 109, or email Heather at hfirchow@altadenalibrary.org. 

LA High School for the Arts open for enrollment

The Los Angeles County High School for the Arts (LACHSA), the premier performing and visual arts high school in the Western U.S., has set January 22, 2010 as the deadline for applying to all art departments of the school for enrollment in the Fall 2010.

Located on the campus of California State University LA (CSULA), LACHSA is celebrating 25 years of nurturing Los Angeles talent.  In addition to meeting academic requirements, prospective students gain admission to the school through audition or portfolio review in one of four arts departments: Dance, Music (instrumental or vocal), Theatre, and Visual Arts. Film/TV and Musical Theatre Ensemble are strong programs within LACHSA available as electives to enrolled students. Each department sets the standards for its own audition or portfolio review process. Detailed information about the application/audition process can be downloaded from LACHSA’s website at www.lachsa.net.

Altadena Schools: the next step

Bruce Wasson, one of the petitioners who is working to create an Altadena school district to improve achievement, tells us that they've reached their 7,000 signature goal, and emails us as to the next step:

Petitions will be forwarded to the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE) after the last few have come back and volunteers have decided the team is ready for next steps. 18-24 months from LACOE's receipt of the completed petitions to voters casting their vote for AUSD is still a good estimate of the overall timeline.
 
We'll have more to say after the petitions have been returned to LACOE. In the meantime, we encourage Altadenans to visit the home page regularly. Visitors will begin to see the stark difference between Altadena in 2020 if as a community we keep doing the same things - or if we close the achievement gap in every school, grade, and subject: http://www.altadenaschools.net