altadenablog

Diaz: Simmons used council letterhead to seek PUSD support

Herbert Simmons used an official-looking Altadena town council letterhead in all his correspondence to Pasadena Unified Superintendent Edwin Diaz, as well as telling Diaz that the council was behind the school recognition program he was promoting, according to the superintendent.

The Altadena Town Council as a whole has never endorsed Simmon's personal student/teacher of the month program.

Diaz, in an Aug. 20 letter to Altadena town council chair Gino Sund, said that "It was never revealed to me that the programs were being promoted solely by him personally ..."

In an Aug. 10 email to fellow councilmembers, Simmons stated:

The Student of the Month and Teacher of the Month programs were created by myself as a newly elected Councilmember of Census Tract 4602 and I do not need anything nor am I asking for anything from the Altadena Town Council. I have created this program on my own, and have not represented the Council in the process. It is my gift to the community. In no time in any correspondence have I used the Altadena Town Council or its letterhead. In fact, I have clearly stated that the programs are not endorsed by, or affiliated with, the Altadena Town Council.

In an Aug. 14 email, after controversy over Simmons' programs erupted, he sent out another email to his mailing list:

Though these programs have the support of Superintendent Edwin Diaz of PUSD, the principals of all ten schools in Altadena, the Altadena community, and several local businesses, the Altadena Town Council Executive Committee does not find my individual efforts appropriate. I have made it clear in my communications that these programs are not affiliated with the Altadena Town Council. I have also included a disclaimer stating that they are solely of my individual initiative.

But Diaz says in his brief Aug. 20 letter (which was confirmed to us by his office):

Dear Mr. Sund,

I am writing this letter to the Altadena Town Council to clarify my understanding of the programs being promoted by Mr. Herbert Simmons.

I was told by Mr. Simmons that the Altadena Student of the Month and Altadena Teacher of the Month programs were supported by the Altadena Town Council; in fact, all of his correspondence to me is on what appears to be Altadena Town Council letterhead.

It was never revealed to me that the programs were being promoted solely by him personally, without the backing of the Altadena Town Council.

Sincerely,
Edwin Diaz
Superintendent

PUSD will have to cut bone

The PWeekly redeems itself somewhat this week with an Andre Coleman piece about the hard decisions about cuts to be made to close a $20 million gap at PUSD.  It will not be pretty next year.

Also redeems itself with this Jim Laris piece about his bad Altadena driveways.

Tours of Eliot, Altadena Elementary available next week

This note from Susan Savitt Schwartz, Program Director of the Pasadena Educational Network (PEN):

More opportunities to tour neighborhood schools this week:

Tues., 12/1 - Eliot Middle School principal Peter Pannell welcomes prospective parents and community members for a tour of the school on Tuesday, December 1, beginning at 9:00 am. (Q: Why is there often a Sheriff's car parked out in front of Eliot? A: The Altadena Sheriff's station partners with Eliot Middle School to offer a very popular student leadership program on campus.)

Thurs., 12/3 - Altadena Principal Gregory White will give a tour of Altadena Elementary School (743 E. Calaveras St) beginning at 8:00 am.

Also, Pasadena Education Network (PEN) will offer a free program this coming Weds. (12/2) for families interested in learning about PUSD's Open Enrollment program. The earliest phase of open enrollment for the 2010-11 school year begins this Monday, 11/30, with sibling registration and priority application for the District's two dual language immersion programs (Mandarin at Burbank, Spanish at San Rafael). For more information visit the PEN website (www.penfamilies.org) or the PUSD website (www.pusd.us).

Altadena Elementary technology challenge underway

This note has been circulating from Edith Grady about the Altadena Elementary School Technology Challenge:

Fellow Volunteers,
As some of you know but many of you may not, Altadena has been given an exciting opportunity to raise money for much needed technology programs.  A local family has provided a challenge grant of $100,000 to encourage PUSD families and friends to provide financial support for teaching our students a skill so important in today's work force.  No individual school will receive more than $10,000 in matching funds but will receive any money restricted by the donor for use at Altadena. 

As you think about your year-end charitable giving I hope that you will include a gift to the Pasadena Educational Foundation (PEF) which is responsible for the distribution of these funds to the schools.  PEF is a 501c-3 organization.  Its ID No. is 23-7149451.  Checks can be mailed to Pasadena Educational Foundation, 351 S. Hudson Ave., Pasadena 91109 and should be identified for Altadena Elementary School FANSS..(See below*)

Altadena has been fortunate in receiving donations recently to be used for teacher supplies (an urgent need), continuing the third grade recorder lessons, the Friday enrichment program, and even a commitment to pay for pizza at the spring Family Math and Reading Night.  All of these contribute in a significant way to the remarkable API improvement Altadena has shown in the last two years.

A contribution in any size is valuable.  You will find envelopes for the purpose and more information in the volunteer sign-in binder at the front desk or you can also find out more at www.pasedfoundation.org/FANSS. As a volunteer you are already contributing in a significant way but with the bare-bones budget every school has been faced with, your dollars are also important.

My warm regards to each of you,

Edith

 (*Friends and Neighbors Supporting Schools)

PUSD opens universal preschool at Loma Alta

We were unable to make this event, but they kindly sent us this release:

ALTADENA – Parents, children and representatives of Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) and Los Angeles Universal Preschool (LAUP) joined Los Angeles County Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich on Nov. 19 to celebrate the opening of a preschool in Altadena that caters to the needs of autistic children.

At a ribbon-cutting ceremony held at Loma Alta Preschool, 3544 N. Canon Blvd., Antonovich praised LAUP and the school district for working together to create an early childhood education program that will meet the special needs of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

“Not only will this site provide quality preschool services as we traditionally know it, but it will also address the core components of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder as a key method to early detection – a very critical step in helping children with this disability early on in their lives,” he said.

“With specially trained teachers, the class will address areas of impaired social interaction, communication and restricted or repetitive behavior, which are all critical strategies in working with children with disabilities.”

Loma Alta opens new preschool serving autistic children

This Thurs., Nov. 19, starting at 11 AM, Supv.  Michael D. Antonovich will  join parents, children and representatives of Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) and Los Angeles Universal Preschool (LAUP) to celebrate the opening of Loma Alta Preschool in Altadena. The preschool, which serves 40 children, is unique in that it is a blended inclusion site that enables staff to meet the needs of eight children with autism, as well as 32 typically developing children. PUSD’s innovative blended-inclusion preschool model will provide a high-quality education program for both typically developing children and children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Loma Alta Preschool is the only site district-wide to provide a 23-hour-a-week educational program for children with ASD in a "blended inclusion" format with typically-developing peers.

This preschool will address the need in the Pasadena area to provide services to children and families of four-year-olds with ASD. Antonovich directed LAUP to invest money in the development of this preschool, which is located in the supervisor’s Fifth Supervisoral District, to serve the dual needs of high-quality preschool education and the special needs of children with ASD.

LAUP funding in the amount of $264,000 was used to renovate a classroom to meet the students’ needs, as well as accommodate an activity room, teacher work room, renovation of outdoor playground and the purchase of educational material. In addition, LAUP will invest $152,000 annually through 2012 to provide a high-quality preschool program at this site, in partnership with the PUSD. The school district has pledged to continue this program beyond 2012, using preschool funding from the California Department of Education.

 Loma Alta Preschool is located at 3544 N. Canon Blvd., Altadena.

PUSD parent conference at Marshall

PUSD will hold its 13th annual free parent summit at Marshall Fundamental Secondary School this Sat., Nov. 14.

The summit, titled "Collective Wisdom,"  is a free day long event (7:30 AM-4 PM) with workshops for parents.  Breakfast, lunch, childcare and translation (Spanish) will be available.  Both full day and half day registration is available, and registrations forms are available at all PUSD schools. Click the graphic for more details.

Looking for a middle school? Take the Eliot tour Nov. 3

Want to see what goes on inside the historic facade of Eliot Middle School (2184 N. Lake Ave., Altadena)? Principal Peter Pannell -- himself an Eliot alum -- will give a tour of Eliot on Tues., Nov. 3 at 9 AM. The tour is geared to parents of 4th-6th grade elementary school parents who may be considering their middle school options. Call the school (626-396-5680) to confirm your interest. Meet on Tuesday morning at the school's main office.

Black College Night a big success

Lots of good energy and high spirits filled the Loma Alta Park gym as students attended Black College Night Thursday.  The night was an opportunity for students to meet students and alums of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

Penny Daniels of the Loma Alta Park staff, who helped organize the event, received a certificate from the county board of supervisors.

Among the attractions were demonstrations of "steppin," an HBCU tradition.

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Sandra Thomas schools 'em

Dr. Sandra Thomas, founder of the Quality of Life Center, starts off another year of the Bright Futures Scholars at the Community Center Saturday afternoon.  Dr. Thomas writes us:

Our young scholars are fantastic. We had about 130 plus scholars and a few parents that decided to stay with us.  All of the others went home -- no seats.

Leadership development and mentoring are vital to our future.  We must not only plant seeds but nurture their growth-thus producing an outstanding harvest.

Student, teacher of the month awards given

Over at the altadenans.com website, Herbert Simmons has announced his first winners of the Student & Teacher of the Month awards at Jackson and Webster Elementary Schools (click under "Current Issues" to read).

NAACP to hold Education Forum Oct. 17 @ Community Center

The Altadena NAACP will hold an Education Forum on Sat., Oct. 17, 9 AM-12 PM at the Altadena Community Center, 730 E. Altadena Dr.

The forum features members of the Pasadena Unified School District board discussing California budget implications for PUSD education programs through 2011.  The event is free and open to the public.  For more information, call the Community Center at 626-398-6174 or Gregor Edwards at 626-676-1921.
 

PCC board elections warming up

PSN has a piece from Emma Gallegos on the race for the Pasadena City College board Nov. 3.  The District 1 seat, representing La Cañada Flintridge, western Altadena and western Pasadena, is held by Geoffrey Baum, who is facing off against challenger Steven Gibson.  District 3 represents northwest Pasadena and Altadena, and is held by Connie Rey Castro, who is being challenged by Berlinda Brown.

Aveson to move, PSN reports

Drill down into today's Citybeat section of the Pasadena Star-News to find that Aveson Charter School will be moving out of the Noyes school building at the end of the 2009-2010 school year.  PSN cites neighbors complaints about excessive noise, which probably helped put the kibosh on Aveson's plans to expand to a K-12 program.  (Probably this didn't help.) PUSD will work with Aveson to find a new location.

PUSD board considers Aveson issues

Along with the Altadena Town Council meeting Tuesday, the Pasadena Unified School District board will be looking at reauthorizing Aveson Charter School , specifically: adoption of a mitigated negative declaration and mitigation monitoring and reporting plan; approval of facilities use contract and lease agreement on the Noyes school site; and considering a future facilities plan.

The Aveson items are scheduled for consideration early at the open meeting, scheduled to start at 6:30 at room 236 at PUSD headquarters, 351 S. Hudson, Pasadena.  The entire agenda, including attachments, is available at:

http://www.pusd.us/boardmeetings

PUSD to discuss Aveson lease July 21

The Pasadena Unified School District board will discuss Aveson Charter School's lease at the next meeting, Tue., July 21.  The meeting will start at 6:30 PM at district headquarters, 351 S. Hudson, Pasadena.

Burbank, Eliot schools named fitness finalists

Pasadena Now has the details:  Luther Burbank Elementary and Eliot Middle School were among the top finalists in the 2009 Governor’s Challenge Competition for fitness.

Aveson responds to June Jubilee concerns

Available as a document on their web page, Aveson Charter School's administration has responded to community concerns about the musicians and graffiti art demonstration at the June Jubilee:

Aveson Responds to Concerns About June Jubilee, 2009
 
 
We have experienced many learning and growth opportunities at Aveson.  We are a
school with an important methodology and important messages; we are trying to make
our way.  The families who trust Aveson with their children and give thousands of
volunteer hours to our school do not recognize some of the assumptions that have been
made about us: that we may have incited graffiti in our very favorite outdoor learning
place or that we somehow stand for or even condone the vile things that some artists do
with their music.
 
It is dismaying for people to be making links between Aveson's June Jubilee activities
and the tragedy at Eaton Canyon when no such link exists.  This bends towards slander
and is not responsible.  There is a difference between graffiti art and tagging.  At Aveson,
we celebrate all forms of artistic expression that are life-affirming and holistic in nature. 
Graffiti art is a valid voice, though defacing public or private property and our natural
earth certainly is not.  
 
The artists that were booked by our volunteer to perform at June Jubilee did so on a
purely voluntary basis.  They were duly informed that their audience included children of
all ages and they were instructed not to use profane or violent language or images during
their Saturday performance.  They agreed to abide by these guidelines and they did so. 
Unfortunately, one of the performers decided he could disseminate his work and, without
permission, gave out free CD’s which were totally unacceptable.  They were utterly
offensive.  As soon as parents and staff got wind of this, distribution was ceased, and
many of the CD's were confiscated.
 
We would like to make a public apology for not properly vetting the musicians.  The acts
were provided by a volunteer who is involved with the label that represents them.  In hind
sight, we would not book them again.  For anyone to associate Aveson with the
discography and history of all of these individual acts is unfounded.  We did less than our
due diligence in vetting them and we are sorry.  We considered the exposure for Saturday
and not the broader picture.  However, we in no way condone the language, violence and
other negative messaging that they produce.
 
Before passing judgment on Aveson, come and get to know us.  Come to one of our
“Celebration of Learning” nights or see one of our fantastic dramatic productions like
“James and the Giant Peach.”  Read the stories our children are writing about the thrills
of hiking and discovery in Eaton canyon or the great garden they are growing on the
hillside above Pinecrest.  We are an easy target and we are human; but we are doing
wonderful and worthy things on this campus.  Certainly, we are all learning all the time. 
If you have further questions or concerns, please call Kate Bean at (626) 797-1440.
 
~ Aveson Administration
 

NOTE: Comments are getting a little heated -- play nice!  If you can't act like a good guest, your comment will not be printed.  And if you can't give us a real email address (they are not published), we'll toss you, too.

The presses never stop at Eliot Middle School

A nice story from PSN education writer Caroline An, about the antique printing presses that are still used at Eliot Middle School.

Aveson's June Jubilee: reporter's notes

UPDATE 6/17: Aveson has responded to public concerns at this link.

This issue is heating up our comments page and Gmail -- even tho' we haven' gotten a response from anyone at Aveson because it's the weekend, let's give you what we have so far:

Every year, Aveson Charter School holds its June Jubilee -- a fundraiser/carnival that helps end the year on a positive note.

This year, people are expressing shock at the acts that appeared at this year's June Jubilee last Saturday, June 6 -- graffiti "artists" and hardcore rap acts that use foul language and violent gangster imagery.

And while nobody's connecting the two events, graffiti "artists" struck Eaton Canyon that weekend, vandalizing a wide swath of the park and leaving spray paint cans behind.

Here's Aveson's web page on the Jubilee in Google's cache (it was taken down from their website probably because it's out of date) right here.

It promised "A free concert and art demonstration will feature graffiti artist Jason Walker, singer/songwriter Alin Bean and rap/hip hop artists DoLL-e Girl, Lil Blacky and Big Dave hosted by All Day Everyday Records and  Pannes Ave. Recordings. (http://www.myspace.com/alldayeverydayrecords)"

A quick Google search of these artists, record label, and Bean shows that All Day Everyday Records and Pannes Ave. Recordings have quite a few artists in their roster who specialize in gangsta rap, with names such as Lil Sicko and East Side Assasin.  A quick listen to the Myspace page will give you the majority of George Carlin's Seven Words You Can't Say on Television.

As for the artists promised to appear or who did appear at Aveson, Altadenablog reader Michael Duncan wrote to express his horror at the following performers.  Please note that the videos and audio contain very harsh language:

DoLL-e Girl - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0gpaUBMVC5w

Lil Blacky - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O8p2L1ZHyr8

Jonny U – http://www.cduniverse.com/search/xx/music/pid/6279105/a/O.G.+Love.htm

Big Dave - http://cdbaby.com/cd/bigdavebully (pick anything)

We have a call in to Aveson School, but don't expect any reply over the weekend.  We also found an email address for All Day Everyday Records, and have a message in to them.   If  any staff, parents, students, or anyone who attended the Jubilee would like to chime in, we'd love to hear from you!

Questions we need answered:

• Who booked these acts?
• Who vetted these acts?
• Who approved having these acts at the carnival?
• Did they perform at Aveson in the manner and style and using the language and subjects that are advertised on the record company's websites?
• Did someone determine that these acts were appropriate for a school carnival, or did it come as a surprise?  Why?
• Did the artists also pass out inappropriate promotional material?
• Did the artists realize the nature of the event where they were performing?  Did they change their acts onsite to reflect the venue, or did they perform according to their image?
• What was the reaction of school officials to the performance?  Did anyone contact the artists or their management during the performance?  If inappropriate, was it cut short?  If not, why not?
• Were the performers paid, or was this a free gig?
• What was the nature of the "graffiti artist's" work?  Where has he appeared as an artist?  Describe the demonstration that took place at Aveson --could a reasonable person conclude that it encouraged or discouraged vandalism?
• Could the artist comment on the vandalism that occurred in Eaton Canyon the following day?
• What was the reaction of parents to school management and the jubilee organizers following the performance?  Did anyone raise objections at any time, before or after the event?

That's off the top of our head.  Feel free to chime in on comments or email.

UPDATE 4:30 PM:  There's already been a slew of email and comments regarding the above story, one of which we look at after the jump.

Bright Futures Scholars graduate -- box lunch & college money

Just got this email from the Quality of Life Center:

 Dr. Sandra E. Thomas rose to a packed Pasadena Hilton Grand Ballroom crowded with proud parents, guests, mentors and Bright Futures Scholars to announce her executive decision to replace the promised luncheon menu of Cornish Game Hen with tantalizing Wild Rice with a simple box lunch in order to provide all of the Bright Futures Scholars Seniors with money for college.  There was a standing ovation that lasted for several minutes.

The event honored forty PUSD high school students, twenty-six middle school, and five alumni graduating at the annual Bright Futures Scholars Graduation and Awards Luncheon held at the Pasadena Hilton Hotel, on Sunday June 7.

Following the processional of the Scholars and introductions, the invocation was given by Pastor William Turner Jr. of the New Revelation Missionary Baptist Church.  Assembly Member Anthony Portantino as Master of Ceremonies introduced Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich who gave an outstanding keynote address.  After lunch the trio “Inverted Praise” from Blair IB Magnet High School performed.

Jacqueline Allen, Olivia Elizabeth Bellinger, Alejandra Gonzalez-Bedoy, and Kyoko Harris received Jason Mitchell Foundation Scholarships.  Briana C. Hayes received the A.D. Thomas Scholarship.  Nafasi Ferrell, Aminata Diagne, and Malvin Dube-Mathanda were awarded the Quality of Life Center Scholarships.

Mentors in attendance included Congressman Adam Schiff, California State Senator Carol Liu, Assembly Member Anthony Portantino, Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich , Pasadena Mayor Bill Bogaard, Altadena Town Council Chairman Eugene “Gino” Sund, Pasadena City Council Member Chris Holden, Altadena Town Council Member Dr. Sandra E. Thomas, Pasadena Unified School District Superintendent Edwin Diaz, Pasadena City Manager Michael Beck, Pasadena Chief of Police Bernard Melekian,  Altadena Sheriff Captain Roosevelt Blow, Pasadena Juvenile Court Judge Phillip Soto, and Pasadena Water & Power General Manager Phyllis E. Currie.

For more information on the Quality of Life Center and to contribute donations and/or service, contact Melba Alexander, Office Manager 626-798-5433 or email at qualityoflifecenterinc@yahoo.com.

Public meeting at Aveson Charter School, Wed. 7:30 PM

There will be a public hearing at Aveson Charter School, 1919 Pinecrest Dr., on Wed., June 10, at 7:30 PM to get comments on their environmental quality assessment.  Aveson intends to move to being a full elementary/middle/high school, starting with the next school year.

The relevant documents are available here, at the PUSD website.  Public comments will be received through the month of June.

"Pathways to Success" at Altadena Elementary Friday

Altadena Elementary School, 743 E. Calavaras St., will be holding "Pathways to Success," a career day/ resource fair for students and the public, on Fri., June 12.

Members of the public are welcome to attend the PUSD presentations at 3 PM and to take part in the Community Resource Fair / Block Party/BBQ that goes from 4-6 PM.

Schedule of Events:
Noon - Career Day (for Altadena Elementary students)
2:30 - Performing Arts show (cafetorium)
3:00 - Presentations on PUSD's Multiple Pathways and Excellent Middle School initiatives
4:00 - Block Party & Community Resource Fair (outside)

Aveson June Jubliee this Sat.

AVESON CHARTER SCHOOL JUNE JUBILEE 
Saturday, June 6, 2009 10am-4pm
Games! Food!  Music!  Silent Auction!  Raffle! 

Join us at AVESON CHARTER SCHOOL for a fun filled day.  We’ll have great raffle prizes, including a mountain bike and passes to  Disneyland.  The silent auction will feature huge baskets put together by each grade and a weekend at the W Hotel in Westwood.  A free concert and art demonstration will feature graffiti artist Jason Walker, singer/songwriter Alin Bean and rap/hip hop artists DoLL-e Girl, Lil Blacky and Big Dave hosted by All Day Everyday Records and Pannes Ave. Recordings. (http://www.myspace.com/alldayeverydayrecords)

Wilson: not ready to give up on Muir

PSN's Larry Wilson has a good story on the progress and lack of same at Muir High today.  More seniors are graduating (100 percent increase!), suspensions are up (which is good -- it means a lower tolerance for nonsense), the principal who swept out deadwood teachers wants to keep it up -- progress is slow, but signs are good.  And our friend Jon Ancona is a National Merit Scholar! Read it!

Blair seniors receive scholarships

Gary and Katheryn Wullschlager award Blair IB Magnet High School seniors Kyoko Harris and Jordan Mitchell with this year's Marion Lee Wullschlager Scholarships during a reception in their honor at the Community Center May 27.   The $500 scholarships, named for Gary Wullschlager's mother, go to deserving Altadena seniors.

Photo: Inger  Miller

Public review and comment period will open for Aveson expansion

PUSD will accept comments during the month of June on its Initial Study and Mitigated Negative Declaration for Aveson Charter School.  Aveson plans on transitioning from a 500-seat school serving grades K-6 to a 475-seat school serving grades K-12 by 2012.

More details are in the document at left (we had some weird formatting glitches, but the info is still there). 

PUSD keeps a website of Aveson documents here.

PUSD to close Nia

PSN's education reporter Caroline An reports that the PUSD board voted unanimously to deny renewal to Nia Educational Charter School. A review by an independent evaluator found that half of the teachers were not credentialed, teacher's aides were serving as instructors, children were not being engaged, and the school was operating without accreditation. About 100 students attend the school, which is at the former Edison Elementary campus in Altadena.

Last year, Rhythms of the Village Charter School, which operated at the same site, also closed for financial and academic reasons.

2009 Bright Futures Scholars honored

On Sun., June 7, the Quality of Life Center will honor 100 graduating high academic achievers from Pasadena Unified high schools and middle schools at the annual Bright Futures Scholars Graduation and Awards Luncheon.  The luncheon will take place at the Pasadena Hilton Hotel Grand Ballroom from 1- 4 PM.

Seniors from all participating Pasadena Unified high schools will receive scholarships and all graduating scholars will receive special recognition.  Bright Futures Scholars must maintain a 3.0 and above grade point average.

For information or contributions please contact: The Quality of Life Center, Inc. at 626-798-5433.

Pictured: the 2009 Bright Futures Scholars and Community Advocates: (second row, right) Capt. Roosevelt Blow of the Altadena Sheriff's Station, (second row left) Phyllis E. Curry, General Manager Pasadena Power and Water, and (first row right) Lita Murray, Pasadena Lighting.

Kyoko Harris and Jordan Mitchell get Chamber scholarships

Blair IB Magnet High School seniors Kyoko Harris and Jordan Mitchell have been awarded Marion Lee Wullschlager Scholarships by the Altadena Chamber of Commerce. The $500 scholarships go to deserving Altadena seniors.

A reception in their honor will be held Wed., May 27, at the Altadena Community Center, 730 E. Altadena Dr.  RSVP to the Chamber, 626-794-3988.

Town council & PUSD board joint meeting tomorrow, 6:30

... at the Community Center, 730 E. Altadena Drive.

The agenda has just been released, and includes the following discussion items:

District Budget – General Overview  – Superintendent Edwin Diaz and Dr. John Pappalardo, Chief of Finance

Multiple Pathways – Superintendent Edwin Diaz

Los Angeles Universal Preschool – Alice Petrossian, Chief of Academics

Luther Burbank Elementary School – Dual Immersion (Chinese-Mandarin) – Alice Petrossian, Chief of Academics

Facilities – Steven Brinkman, Chief of Facilities
    a)    Measure TT/Master Plan
    b)    Land Use – Altadena Campuses/Asset Management

... and taking questions from the audience.

Mark your calendar: PUSD board and town council joint meeting Tues.

We will share the agenda when we get it, but remember that the Pasadena Unified School District board and the Altadena Town Council will hold a joint meeting starting at 6:30 PM on Tues., March 31, at the Altadena Community Center, 730 E. Altadena Dr.

Room 13 opens at Eliott Middle School

The Room 13 Network is a program to put a dedicated art studio into schools.  The latest Room 13 went up this week at Eliott Middle School.  Carolyn An of the PSN has the details here.

Mon: Effective communication between schools and special needs students

On Mon., March 16, 7-9 PM, PUSD's Special Education Community Advisory Committee (CAC) invites families of the District's 2,800 students with special needs to their monthly meeting.  Guest speaker Marc Purchin will share tips for effective communication between families and schools, creative problem solving & positive collaboration.

The talk will be at First Church of the Nazarene, Room 249 in Reed Hall, 3700 E. Sierra Madre Blvd., Pasadena. Contact: Blanca Siebels blancasiebels@sbcglobal.net 

(hat tip to Monica H!)

Altadena Library adds Parent's Corner for cyber homeschoolers

The Altadena Library District Parent's Corner is a new addition to the growing list of Altadena blogs and resources.  Senior librarian for children's services Cassandra Stearn says the new site "will be geared more toward local homeschooling parents as they wanted a vehicle in which to feel connected with each other and to share information, but I think any parent may enjoy it."

Stearns wants all parents to send her information to post that might be of interest to others in the area, "hopefully creating a community of local parents centered around the library."  Check it out!

PUSD elections Tuesday

Jeremiah Small @ Stonehill News takes a look at the candidates for seats on PUSD board in a thoughtful and comprehensive post.

Muir teacher's wife arrested ...

... in a sordid domestic situation.  Leta Carruthers, 29, of Altadena, was arrested for confronting a female teacher at Muir High School during a class re: her husband, also a teacher at Muir.  Caroline An of PSN has the story right here.

PUSD candidate forum @ Community Center Feb. 28

The Altadena Town Council and NAACP are sponsoring a "Meet the Candidates" forum at the Altadena Community Center, 730 E. Altadena Drive on Sat., Feb. 28, from 10 AM to noon.

Candidates for seats on the PUSD Board of Education will give presentations, answer questions, and inform the public on the issues facing the school district.

PUSD candidate Nelson profiled

The Razor has a PWeekly feature on Charles Nelson, who is running for school board to replace Steve Lizardo.  Nelson has garnered endorsements from some Altadena luminaries, is posing in front of the photogenic Eliot Middle School, and thinks sheriff's deputies need to patrol the schools in Altadena.  Check it out.

(We notice that the Weekly's tab on our FIrefox calls itself "Part of the Answer."  If the question is, "Where can I find a young Asian girl to give me a massage," that's probably true ...)

PUSD to get $21 million stimulus

Pasadena Star-News' website has a story up about today's meeting at Eliot Middle School between Rep. Adam Schiff and representatives of local school districts.  PUSD could receive up to $21 million from the federal stimulus plan.

We are Marshall!

Eric Mulfinger, an Altadena resident and teacher and parent at Marshall Fundamental Secondary School in the Altadena-adjacant part of Pasadena tells us that the school received a silver award on US News & World Report's list of the best high schools in the country.  Marshall joins such chi-chi company as San Marino HS and South Pasadena HS among the local winners, so congratulations to the staff and students at Marshall!

Eliot principal featured in new educational move

Peter Pannell, principal of Eliot Middle School, is a featured interview in this PSN story by education writer Caroline An. Eliot and other schools in the district are implementing "Approach to Excellence II," a tougher set of instructional goals for PUSD schools.

Heaven elfs those who elf themselfs

Music and magic abound at the Pasadena Waldorf School's annual Elves Faire today.  A few of the scenes:

Great Scot!  Bagpipes!

8th grade Taiko drummers show their skill

 
Bluesmen Jack and Zack entertain.  From left to right: Zack, and Jack.  (Hmmm .... I've seen him somewhere before ....)

Waldorf School Elves' Faire Nov. 22

The Pasadena Waldorf School, 209 E. Mariposa St., Altadena, will hold its annual Elves' Faire on Saturday, Nov. 22, 10 AM-4 PM, with food, games, crafts, and the activities that are part of the faire's unique charm.  More details on the flyers (click to enlarge).

St. Mark's school goes green

PSN has a story today on St. Mark's Episcopal School's program of healthy, wasteless lunches, thanks to two local operations, Green Apple Gourmet and Wasteless Living.

NAACP to honor local teachers

Pasadena Now has a piece on the Altadena NAACP's "Teacher of the Year Awards" at their Freedom Fundraiser on Nov. 16 in Burbank.  All the information is here.

Sahag Mesrob board sends letter to neighbors

Two weeks after Los Angeles county zoning officials threatened to shut the school down, the chairman of the Sahag Mesrob Armenian Christian School said in a letter to the neighbors that they have delivered over 1,400 names and addresses of parents and local supporters to officials.

Exactly who they delivered them to isn't clear; the letter says that "We already have delivered to city officials last week over 1,400 names and addresses of parents and local supporters, but the end of the week, we will have two to three times more."  However, Altadena isn't a city, but an unincorporated town, and town council officials have no power other than to make recommendations --  and in its last meeting, the council unanimously asked the county to enforce the zoning code in the case of Sahag Mesrob.

According to the county, the 250-student school, which opened its Palm St. campus in September, hasn't yet received a conditional use permit (CUP) to operate.  Two weeks ago, it received a notice of violation from the county, the practical intent of which would be to close down the school.

However, it was still in operation Friday, which is also a day when the county zoning offices are closed.  (Altadenablog left a message with the zoning office Friday afternoon).

Sahag Mesrob principal Shahe Garabedian told Altadenablog last week that a letter, signed by school board chairman Ara Assilian, was circulating to the neighbors.  The letter itself said that, after ten years of looking for school sites, the Palm St. property became available and the school filed for a CUP.  School officials opted to open the school before receiving county approval because, "To us, the uninterrupted continuation of our children's education took priority."

Assalian also cites "the positive impact our school will have on your home values," because parents would want to live closer to the school, and the school's effect on the economy. 

Link to pdf of Sahag Mesrob letter

PUSD: 'fess up!

PSN editorializes today about the use/misuse/abuse of Measure Y funds on the heels of the school district's trying to float another bond issue (measure TT).  It singles out the events at the former Noyes elementary school in Altadena, where the contractor hightailed it to Lebanon with hundreds of thousands of district dollars.

PEN hosts Altadena Elementary tour, neighborhood coffees

Did you know that Altadena Elementary School posted a 49-point gain on its state API score this spring?
 
Come find out what’s happening at Altadena Elementary School!
 
Thursday, Nov. 6 at 9:00 am
Altadena Elementary School Tour
743 E. Calaveras Street
Principal Greg White will lead a tour of Altadena Elementary School, accompanied by Pasadena Education Network programs director Susan Schwartz.
 
Saturday, Nov. 8 at 3:00 pm
Neighborhood Coffee for families with young children
 
·  Meet your neighbors with young children (Children welcome!)
·  Find out about Pasadena Education Network (PEN) – a resource for busy parents who want to be well-informed about public school options in Pasadena Unified School District
·  Meet and talk with kindergarten teacher Regina Major and parent(s) with children enrolled at Altadena Elementary School.

For more information, or to RSVP and get directions to the coffee, e-mail neighborhood@penfamilies.org or call 626-296-0232 and leave a message with your name, phone number, and the best time to call you back.

brought to you by…                    

Pasadena Education Network (PEN) is an independent, grassroots parents’ organization. Visit www.penfamilies.org to learn more about the resources we provide, including elementary school fact sheets, school tours and parent coffee chats, an informative e-bulletin with updates on PEN events as well as key Pasadena Unified School District dates and deadlines, online parent discussion groups, and free programs to help families discover, explore and evaluate their public school options! Find out why more parents are saying:  “We are so grateful to PEN for taking the stress out of choosing an elementary school!”

White sings at Muir fundraiser tonight

Linda Lane White, "The Singing Realtor" from Altadena and a John Muir alum, will be performing at a fundraiser tonight with Muir's jazz ensemble at the Pasadena Jazz Institute at the Paseo Colorado in Pasadena. 

Writes Linda:

The John Muir High School Jazz Ensemble will be playing and I will warble a few tunes with them. It’s a mere $20 (tax deductible) fundraiser that the John Muir Alumni Association is sponsoring to help raise much needed funds to complete some cosmetic improvements to the school where funds are not available elsewhere.  If you are a fellow Mustang, you really need to be there!