Monday, March 15, 2004
Monrovia School Link ~ Number 77 ~ March 10, 2004
Thanks to Maria Gray for the following report. Also, I caught a bit of the last meeting and was a bit curious about parts of the report on the API scores, so I went to talk about it with Mr. Curriculum, Joel Shawn. I'll send you a report about it in in a day or so. By the way, there's going to be another of those all-day board meetings this Wednesday. Apparently this is number two in a series of five, all with a California School Board Association consultant. They're called "New Beginnings" and the next one is this Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
~ Brad Haugaard (brad@sacklunch.net)
By Maria Gray
STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS PRESENTATION - Several students from Monrovia High involved in specialized classes, such as photography, TV production, automotive, and culinary arts - whose work earned them special recognition - were honored by the board this evening
CHARLOTTE AND LEE SCHAMADAN received special recognition for putting together the "MUSD State of the Schools Report to the Community." They put it together, helped to fund it, designed and published it. The board commended them for a wonderful job!
SNACK BAR/RESTROOMS @ MHS FOOTBALL STADIUM - Ed Gililland (of MHS "Big M Boosters" Club) announced that the proposed snack bar and new bathrooms are well underway. The business community is being asked for monetary contributions and Ed is encouraging the public at large to help with financial support and/or donating of time/materials to help build project. For those interested in contributing, call Ed @ 359-2197.
THANKS FROM THE UNITY CENTER! - Joan Whitenet (sp?) from the Unity Center expressed her sincere appreciation to Monrovia schools and the community for their outpouring of donations and special contributions to the center. Joan gave an update on program activities and said the center's major fundraiser, "Hoop Challenge," will bring out special TV and basketball celebrities to play ball (names could not be revealed because she had no "firm" confirmations as of that evening).
BOARD MEMBER'S REPORTS
BRUCE CARTER - Congratulated the "Read Across Monrovia" folks for a job well done! He participated in the program and was excited to report that again this year it was a huge success! Bruce also reported that there was one parent who complained about the snow brought in for the children to play in over the holiday season. He said the cost of bringing in the snow was the cost of what a school field trip would have been and that the overall parent feedback was extremely positive. He said many of our school kids had never seen snow before and that only one person had complained).
CLARE CHESELY - Attended Founders Day at Bradoaks, and Open House at Monroe and Plymouth and several DARE graduations as well. She also attended the "Beatles/Elvis" fundraiser show at Clifton and their Founders Day celebration where they honored former board member Francie Cash. She says she's so impressed with all the wonderful family-oriented programs taking place in our schools and encourages everyone to participate. (I'm very impressed with her, she sure seems to get out there where the action is a lot!). She had high praises for our music programs and encourages the community to support the MHS Booster Band Club with financial support (there was an article in the Star News soliciting funds). Those interested in supporting the MHS Marching Band can call: Karen Dryer @ 471-2800.
BRYAN WONG - Attended the Clifton "Beatles/Elvis" fundraiser and noted what great fun it was for him and his family. Bryan attended Monroe's DARE program and Plymouth's Open House. He also participated in "Read Across Monrovia" and had high praises for the schools, teachers, and administrators he's seen. (Boy, impressed again, these new board members sure are getting out there!)
MONINA DIAZ - Also discussed the one parent's concern over the snow this past holiday season. She stressed that the elementary school teachers took the event back to their classrooms and used the snow as a "science project" exploring such things as water freezing, then melting, snow texture, etc. She too was glad to report that the cost was minimal and that the experience brought many praises back to the schools. Monina participated in "Read Across Monrovia" at Canyon Learning Center and was very impressed with the passion and commitment of its teachers and staff. She commended them all for doing such a fine job with those children.
BETTY SANDFORD - Made a special announcement that MAFA (Monrovia Arts Festival Association) will be awarding one of Monrovia's finest for their works and contributions throughout our schools and city. Joanne Spring will be receiving this special award on April 22nd and Betty is encouraging all to come out and help honor Joanne. Congratulations, Joanne!
TIFFANY ROSS (MHS STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE) - Informed the board of the school activities for the remainder of the month.
DR. TAYLOR - Proud to announce that three of our elementary schools are the recipients of the "California Distinguished School Award" (Bradoaks, Mayflower and Monroe)! She was thrilled to announce that there were a total of 912 applicants, 288 awardees, three bestowed upon Monrovia - what an honor, indeed! The Clifton Band today was notified that it was the recipient of a $5,000 grant from the Pasadena Music Showcase House. Some Plymouth students have received gold medals for their science fair projects. Stacey Esparzica (sp?) (didn't catch school's name) got her "Nutrition Grant" today as well, and Dr. Taylor was just gleaming with pride!
DOCTORAL PROGRAM - The MUSD will be hosting a three-year doctoral degree program through USC for interested teachers. The program's been approved and if we can get 25 individuals to commit, the courses begin!
MARCH 17th KINDER REGISTRATION - Special thanks went out to Dr. Gail Grant and Rich Hill for all the publicity in getting the word out and informing the community of the importance of early registrations. It was announced that the new school year will begin on September 1st.
DEBBY COLLINS - Announced that due to budget cutbacks, parent/teacher conferences will now be offered to students K-5 on an "as needed basis." Parents will only be asked to conference if their child is not at "grade level." Still, if parents have any concerns and would like to meet with their child's teacher, a conference will be granted at their request.
6.4 ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE INDEX REPORT for 2003 - Dr. Joel Shawn presented the last of the 2003 school to school API comparisons ranks. (It was getting late and I was getting tired, if you'd like more detailed info. the report is public information and you can obtain copy.) But, in a nutshell, here's how it looked: The elementary schools went up. Mayflower sustained the highest rank again this year at "10." Both middle schools went up. MHS went down.
FACILITIES REPORT - Dr. Taylor stressed the importance of good facilities, but noted that realistically speaking the complaints are many but the funds are little! Funding is minimal but she recommitted to continue the progress of upgrading the appearances of all of our schools in as timely a manner as possible. Linda Dempsey reviewed the district's major maintenance areas with a report on progress thus far. Craig Windsor, President of Osborn Architects, presented the "Development of MUSD Facilities Master Plan" for 2004 improvement projects. A report noting project selections and budget realities were distributed to and questioned by the Board.
CERTIFICATION OF FISCAL REPORT - was presented by Business Director Linda Dempsey. She discussed the 2004/2005 proposed budget, including the governor's projections (which include the recently passed bond propositions). A motion and a second was taken to unanimously approve the budget. (Here again, if you want copy of the budget, the report is public information and you can obtain a copy upon request.)
ENROLLMENT ANALYSIS REPORT - Debby Collins announced that there has been a gradual decline in enrollment over the last couple of years. The ADA (Average Daily Attendance) is down in the city, as well as the state. Projected staffing for next year has been reviewed school-by-school. It appears that there will, more than likely, be no reductions in staffing other than maybe three teacher positions overall. Report was made available to the Board for review.
BOARD BUSINESS: The board approved resolutions to make March "Education Month," March 8-12 "Week of the Administrator," and March 15-19 "Adult School Week."
Meeting adjourned tooooooooooooooo late at 9:45 p.m.
Also, on the Web at www.monroviaschoollink.com.
Thanks to Maria Gray for the following report. Also, I caught a bit of the last meeting and was a bit curious about parts of the report on the API scores, so I went to talk about it with Mr. Curriculum, Joel Shawn. I'll send you a report about it in in a day or so. By the way, there's going to be another of those all-day board meetings this Wednesday. Apparently this is number two in a series of five, all with a California School Board Association consultant. They're called "New Beginnings" and the next one is this Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
~ Brad Haugaard (brad@sacklunch.net)
By Maria Gray
STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS PRESENTATION - Several students from Monrovia High involved in specialized classes, such as photography, TV production, automotive, and culinary arts - whose work earned them special recognition - were honored by the board this evening
CHARLOTTE AND LEE SCHAMADAN received special recognition for putting together the "MUSD State of the Schools Report to the Community." They put it together, helped to fund it, designed and published it. The board commended them for a wonderful job!
SNACK BAR/RESTROOMS @ MHS FOOTBALL STADIUM - Ed Gililland (of MHS "Big M Boosters" Club) announced that the proposed snack bar and new bathrooms are well underway. The business community is being asked for monetary contributions and Ed is encouraging the public at large to help with financial support and/or donating of time/materials to help build project. For those interested in contributing, call Ed @ 359-2197.
THANKS FROM THE UNITY CENTER! - Joan Whitenet (sp?) from the Unity Center expressed her sincere appreciation to Monrovia schools and the community for their outpouring of donations and special contributions to the center. Joan gave an update on program activities and said the center's major fundraiser, "Hoop Challenge," will bring out special TV and basketball celebrities to play ball (names could not be revealed because she had no "firm" confirmations as of that evening).
BOARD MEMBER'S REPORTS
BRUCE CARTER - Congratulated the "Read Across Monrovia" folks for a job well done! He participated in the program and was excited to report that again this year it was a huge success! Bruce also reported that there was one parent who complained about the snow brought in for the children to play in over the holiday season. He said the cost of bringing in the snow was the cost of what a school field trip would have been and that the overall parent feedback was extremely positive. He said many of our school kids had never seen snow before and that only one person had complained).
CLARE CHESELY - Attended Founders Day at Bradoaks, and Open House at Monroe and Plymouth and several DARE graduations as well. She also attended the "Beatles/Elvis" fundraiser show at Clifton and their Founders Day celebration where they honored former board member Francie Cash. She says she's so impressed with all the wonderful family-oriented programs taking place in our schools and encourages everyone to participate. (I'm very impressed with her, she sure seems to get out there where the action is a lot!). She had high praises for our music programs and encourages the community to support the MHS Booster Band Club with financial support (there was an article in the Star News soliciting funds). Those interested in supporting the MHS Marching Band can call: Karen Dryer @ 471-2800.
BRYAN WONG - Attended the Clifton "Beatles/Elvis" fundraiser and noted what great fun it was for him and his family. Bryan attended Monroe's DARE program and Plymouth's Open House. He also participated in "Read Across Monrovia" and had high praises for the schools, teachers, and administrators he's seen. (Boy, impressed again, these new board members sure are getting out there!)
MONINA DIAZ - Also discussed the one parent's concern over the snow this past holiday season. She stressed that the elementary school teachers took the event back to their classrooms and used the snow as a "science project" exploring such things as water freezing, then melting, snow texture, etc. She too was glad to report that the cost was minimal and that the experience brought many praises back to the schools. Monina participated in "Read Across Monrovia" at Canyon Learning Center and was very impressed with the passion and commitment of its teachers and staff. She commended them all for doing such a fine job with those children.
BETTY SANDFORD - Made a special announcement that MAFA (Monrovia Arts Festival Association) will be awarding one of Monrovia's finest for their works and contributions throughout our schools and city. Joanne Spring will be receiving this special award on April 22nd and Betty is encouraging all to come out and help honor Joanne. Congratulations, Joanne!
TIFFANY ROSS (MHS STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE) - Informed the board of the school activities for the remainder of the month.
DR. TAYLOR - Proud to announce that three of our elementary schools are the recipients of the "California Distinguished School Award" (Bradoaks, Mayflower and Monroe)! She was thrilled to announce that there were a total of 912 applicants, 288 awardees, three bestowed upon Monrovia - what an honor, indeed! The Clifton Band today was notified that it was the recipient of a $5,000 grant from the Pasadena Music Showcase House. Some Plymouth students have received gold medals for their science fair projects. Stacey Esparzica (sp?) (didn't catch school's name) got her "Nutrition Grant" today as well, and Dr. Taylor was just gleaming with pride!
DOCTORAL PROGRAM - The MUSD will be hosting a three-year doctoral degree program through USC for interested teachers. The program's been approved and if we can get 25 individuals to commit, the courses begin!
MARCH 17th KINDER REGISTRATION - Special thanks went out to Dr. Gail Grant and Rich Hill for all the publicity in getting the word out and informing the community of the importance of early registrations. It was announced that the new school year will begin on September 1st.
DEBBY COLLINS - Announced that due to budget cutbacks, parent/teacher conferences will now be offered to students K-5 on an "as needed basis." Parents will only be asked to conference if their child is not at "grade level." Still, if parents have any concerns and would like to meet with their child's teacher, a conference will be granted at their request.
6.4 ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE INDEX REPORT for 2003 - Dr. Joel Shawn presented the last of the 2003 school to school API comparisons ranks. (It was getting late and I was getting tired, if you'd like more detailed info. the report is public information and you can obtain copy.) But, in a nutshell, here's how it looked: The elementary schools went up. Mayflower sustained the highest rank again this year at "10." Both middle schools went up. MHS went down.
FACILITIES REPORT - Dr. Taylor stressed the importance of good facilities, but noted that realistically speaking the complaints are many but the funds are little! Funding is minimal but she recommitted to continue the progress of upgrading the appearances of all of our schools in as timely a manner as possible. Linda Dempsey reviewed the district's major maintenance areas with a report on progress thus far. Craig Windsor, President of Osborn Architects, presented the "Development of MUSD Facilities Master Plan" for 2004 improvement projects. A report noting project selections and budget realities were distributed to and questioned by the Board.
CERTIFICATION OF FISCAL REPORT - was presented by Business Director Linda Dempsey. She discussed the 2004/2005 proposed budget, including the governor's projections (which include the recently passed bond propositions). A motion and a second was taken to unanimously approve the budget. (Here again, if you want copy of the budget, the report is public information and you can obtain a copy upon request.)
ENROLLMENT ANALYSIS REPORT - Debby Collins announced that there has been a gradual decline in enrollment over the last couple of years. The ADA (Average Daily Attendance) is down in the city, as well as the state. Projected staffing for next year has been reviewed school-by-school. It appears that there will, more than likely, be no reductions in staffing other than maybe three teacher positions overall. Report was made available to the Board for review.
BOARD BUSINESS: The board approved resolutions to make March "Education Month," March 8-12 "Week of the Administrator," and March 15-19 "Adult School Week."
Meeting adjourned tooooooooooooooo late at 9:45 p.m.
Also, on the Web at www.monroviaschoollink.com.
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