Thursday, May 13, 2004
Monrovia School Link ~ Number 81 ~ May 12, 2004
Some people say the district's dress code is kind of a joke, Joel Shawn reports that the high school test scores leave a lot to be desired, and some students made a pretty impressive showing in some regional contests. Also, many thanks to Ann Freeman for taking on the reportorial duties for the May 12 meeting.
~ brad@sacklunch.net
WINNERS ~ The board honored Plymouth Elementary School for its participation in the L.A. County Science Olympiad held at Cal Poly on March 6, 2004. Teachers Mary Ann Fethke and Sharon Naugle presented certificates to the Gold Medal winners: Cesar Campos, Steffan De Niesa, Alex DiPeppe, Sarah Gutkind, Greg Hanson, Chris Kaira, Roman Reggiardo, Kayla Rozwadowski-Schneider, Joseph Stevenson, Kieran Tyler, Jason Yee and Eduardo Zamora. Great teachers go the extra mile!
Another great - Tom Reale - presented three students for their achievement in winning Best Feature Film (category: 20 minutes or longer) at the Xanadau Film Festival: Ian Blankenship, Hairol Mikely, Sergio Miranda. There is a tentative date of June 1, 2004 to show their film and others in Clifton's Auditorium.
UN-DRESS CODE ~ During the audience participation time, Sigrid Caldera addressed the barely-enforced dress code and school uniform policy. It seems the standards have been sorely set aside, with students who wear Gothic and other "non-traditional" school clothing visible on campus, and some pose a possible threat to others. From my personal observations, it is difficult to know even at the elementary level that our District has a uniform policy or a dress code. Students who do not wear the accepted uniform or who are on a waiver seem to wear whatever they please. Many choices dismay the observer and inspire others to dress inappropriately for an educational setting. Cyrus Kemp added that many staff members appall him in their choice of attire. Seems that teachers and other staff members could set a better example. There was no response from the board on this matter, but the talk about student attire got mumbles that, "perhaps we should talk about this later."
MISSING ~ During the board member report time, Clare Chesley said she went to see the Vietnam Memorial Wall at Live Oak Cemetery. She said no students from Monrovia schools were present for the ceremony, but that students from other districts were present for this excellent event. Clare asked the community to inform the board (and others) of such beneficial and educational events. She also suggested that high school sporting events be publicized in advance and through various media.
REVIVAL ~ The Astronomy Club at Monrovia High School is in the processes of a "celestial revival;" however, the club needs equipment, supplies and intellectual beings to assist the club to get off the ground. Board Member Bruce Carter invited the Astronomy Club - upon its formation - to visit PCC. He said that perhaps some supplies could be shared.
CURRICULUM LAW ~ Member Bruce Carter said he and Betty Sanford spent four days attending conference sessions and visiting dignitaries to learn about impending legislation that would affect our schools. Concerning curriculum laws - it seems publishers of curriculum materials lobby well for their products to be chosen, so they can receive a substantial number of dollars, Bill 1380 could create a process that would permit districts to choose curriculum materials. This would allow for more flexibility.
BACKWARDS ~ Student board representative Tiffany said Friday is Dress Backwards Day (I dare you to find a difference).
SCORES ~ Associate Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction Joel Shawn gave a PowerPoint presentation of test scores and charts that was almost impossible for the audience to see clearly. What was clear however, is that Joel has amazing knowledge, a capacity to present his material, and a grasp of bigger pictures. Though he said that test scores only represent a "moment in time", it seems Monrovia students have not come too close to a brilliant moment, as we lag behind comparable schools in the state, especially at the high school level. He said there are efforts to improve student achievement. The most basic need, he said, is for more funding at the high school level. Also, he said, the high school has the highest class size.
HOW TO IMPROVE ~ Joel implied that if the environment improved, test scores might also. He said high expectations are hard to put into effect, and resistance to change in teaching standards, methods, and curricula also factor in. Students, he said, are coming to the high school after being at elementary schools where math books were non-existent and at middle schools which had two different math approaches. Math programs in the district are being stabilized. Intervention programs are in place, but there is a need to provide quality education from qualified instructors for the high achievers while putting focus on those who are behind so that the "gap can be closed." Joel brought up comparison racial/economic data, but some Board Members wanted a more thorough break-down on "sub-groups." I personally felt that term was demeaning, but it was used throughout. Semantics!
COMMENTS ~ Board member Monina Diaz asked for an analysis of "out of control" factors. She said that a high work ethic and parental involvement makes a difference, so the district should strive to give parents tools they can use to help their children. She said the board should connect more with the community and find ways that to be more effective. Perhaps students in other districts do better because parents are more involved or because the expectations are higher!? Segregation, she said, is evident in the academic environment at Monrovia High - three schools in one: The Gifted Monrovia High, The Regular Monrovia High, and The Special Needs/Struggling Monrovia High. And why, she wondered, is the Anglo group growing faster?
Clare Chesley said she overheard at Monrovia High that "There is not an atmosphere of academic rigor at this high school - especially in math." She wanted to know what can be done to help students who are in high school now. Clare had multitudes of questions that have been "put on hold." I think Monina was just getting started, too.
The Monrovia School Link is also available on line at www.monroviaschoollink.com
Some people say the district's dress code is kind of a joke, Joel Shawn reports that the high school test scores leave a lot to be desired, and some students made a pretty impressive showing in some regional contests. Also, many thanks to Ann Freeman for taking on the reportorial duties for the May 12 meeting.
~ brad@sacklunch.net
WINNERS ~ The board honored Plymouth Elementary School for its participation in the L.A. County Science Olympiad held at Cal Poly on March 6, 2004. Teachers Mary Ann Fethke and Sharon Naugle presented certificates to the Gold Medal winners: Cesar Campos, Steffan De Niesa, Alex DiPeppe, Sarah Gutkind, Greg Hanson, Chris Kaira, Roman Reggiardo, Kayla Rozwadowski-Schneider, Joseph Stevenson, Kieran Tyler, Jason Yee and Eduardo Zamora. Great teachers go the extra mile!
Another great - Tom Reale - presented three students for their achievement in winning Best Feature Film (category: 20 minutes or longer) at the Xanadau Film Festival: Ian Blankenship, Hairol Mikely, Sergio Miranda. There is a tentative date of June 1, 2004 to show their film and others in Clifton's Auditorium.
UN-DRESS CODE ~ During the audience participation time, Sigrid Caldera addressed the barely-enforced dress code and school uniform policy. It seems the standards have been sorely set aside, with students who wear Gothic and other "non-traditional" school clothing visible on campus, and some pose a possible threat to others. From my personal observations, it is difficult to know even at the elementary level that our District has a uniform policy or a dress code. Students who do not wear the accepted uniform or who are on a waiver seem to wear whatever they please. Many choices dismay the observer and inspire others to dress inappropriately for an educational setting. Cyrus Kemp added that many staff members appall him in their choice of attire. Seems that teachers and other staff members could set a better example. There was no response from the board on this matter, but the talk about student attire got mumbles that, "perhaps we should talk about this later."
MISSING ~ During the board member report time, Clare Chesley said she went to see the Vietnam Memorial Wall at Live Oak Cemetery. She said no students from Monrovia schools were present for the ceremony, but that students from other districts were present for this excellent event. Clare asked the community to inform the board (and others) of such beneficial and educational events. She also suggested that high school sporting events be publicized in advance and through various media.
REVIVAL ~ The Astronomy Club at Monrovia High School is in the processes of a "celestial revival;" however, the club needs equipment, supplies and intellectual beings to assist the club to get off the ground. Board Member Bruce Carter invited the Astronomy Club - upon its formation - to visit PCC. He said that perhaps some supplies could be shared.
CURRICULUM LAW ~ Member Bruce Carter said he and Betty Sanford spent four days attending conference sessions and visiting dignitaries to learn about impending legislation that would affect our schools. Concerning curriculum laws - it seems publishers of curriculum materials lobby well for their products to be chosen, so they can receive a substantial number of dollars, Bill 1380 could create a process that would permit districts to choose curriculum materials. This would allow for more flexibility.
BACKWARDS ~ Student board representative Tiffany said Friday is Dress Backwards Day (I dare you to find a difference).
SCORES ~ Associate Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction Joel Shawn gave a PowerPoint presentation of test scores and charts that was almost impossible for the audience to see clearly. What was clear however, is that Joel has amazing knowledge, a capacity to present his material, and a grasp of bigger pictures. Though he said that test scores only represent a "moment in time", it seems Monrovia students have not come too close to a brilliant moment, as we lag behind comparable schools in the state, especially at the high school level. He said there are efforts to improve student achievement. The most basic need, he said, is for more funding at the high school level. Also, he said, the high school has the highest class size.
HOW TO IMPROVE ~ Joel implied that if the environment improved, test scores might also. He said high expectations are hard to put into effect, and resistance to change in teaching standards, methods, and curricula also factor in. Students, he said, are coming to the high school after being at elementary schools where math books were non-existent and at middle schools which had two different math approaches. Math programs in the district are being stabilized. Intervention programs are in place, but there is a need to provide quality education from qualified instructors for the high achievers while putting focus on those who are behind so that the "gap can be closed." Joel brought up comparison racial/economic data, but some Board Members wanted a more thorough break-down on "sub-groups." I personally felt that term was demeaning, but it was used throughout. Semantics!
COMMENTS ~ Board member Monina Diaz asked for an analysis of "out of control" factors. She said that a high work ethic and parental involvement makes a difference, so the district should strive to give parents tools they can use to help their children. She said the board should connect more with the community and find ways that to be more effective. Perhaps students in other districts do better because parents are more involved or because the expectations are higher!? Segregation, she said, is evident in the academic environment at Monrovia High - three schools in one: The Gifted Monrovia High, The Regular Monrovia High, and The Special Needs/Struggling Monrovia High. And why, she wondered, is the Anglo group growing faster?
Clare Chesley said she overheard at Monrovia High that "There is not an atmosphere of academic rigor at this high school - especially in math." She wanted to know what can be done to help students who are in high school now. Clare had multitudes of questions that have been "put on hold." I think Monina was just getting started, too.
The Monrovia School Link is also available on line at www.monroviaschoollink.com
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