Thursday, May 27, 2004
Monrovia School Link ~ Number 83 ~ May 27, 2004
I noticed a little item that caught my interest here. Board Member Clare Chesley wants the district to consider setting up a Facilities Use Committee. I guess this is building on her earlier criticisms of maintenance. Plus, we have a letter. Thanks also to Lynda Armenta for her very thorough coverage of the May 26 board meeting.
~ brad@sacklunch.net
By Lynda Armenta
HONORED SCHOOLS ~ Board members and administrative staff stepped onto the floor to recognize Title 1 Academic Achievement Award winning schools: Monroe, Plymouth and Mayflower elementary schools. Dr. Joel Shawn explained this award is based on growth in academic achievement in the schools' sub-groups. Plymouth and Monroe have received this award twice in a row.
The Board continued to stand while recognizing the 2004 Distinguished Schools: Bradoaks, Mayflower and Monroe Elementary Schools. Dr. Shawn said the Distinguished School program rotates with every other year, acknowledging elementary schools one year, then secondary schools the next year.
A representative from Assemblyman Mountjoy's office delivered Certificates of Recognition for Title 1 and Distinguished Schools. She stated our schools have a sterling reputation. A representative from Supervisor Mike Antonovich’s office recognized the schools with proclamations from the Board of Supervisors. State Senator Margett did not send a representative to present his certificates, so President Sandford delivered awards on his behalf.
EMPLOYEES ~ The Monrovia Chamber of Commerce and Board of Education recognized the following M.U.S.D. employees for their outstanding service and presented plaques to:
- Bessie Acosta, Instructional Aide from Plymouth Elementary School
- Ruben Fuentes, Teacher from Plymouth Elementary School (an 18-year Teacher at Plymouth who serves as a member of the District's Language committee, among other accomplishments)
- Maria Barnes, Bus Driver with Maintenance Operations and Transportation (with 12 years of service)
- Charlene Russell, Purchasing and Warehouse Assistant from the District Office
Dr. Taylor said the reason we are celebrating all of the schools is quality teaching and staff.
President Sandford recognized the Monrovia Community Adult School and Counselor Bruce Langdyke for outstanding contributions to students through the school-based support service programs, as displayed in their Support Personnel Accountability Report Card (SPARC). This award is only given to 80 school districts. Bruce has now won this award two consecutive years. In a typical year, he may counsel as many as 4,000 students.
PUBLIC HEARING ~ During the public hearing time, Ann Hodgsdon encouraged the board to vote to approve the new GATE program proposal. She also said her three children had a great year in the Monrovia district. She praised the Canyon Learning Center and its work with the students. She added that Mayflower has been very positive for her two older kids, but that there is still a concern about the middle schools and the high school being unsafe, and many parents are opting for private school. She encouraged the board to concentrate on raising the level of the middle schools and the high school to that of the elementary schools, possibly having town hall meetings.
Sharon Hampton, a single mom with three boys - ages 13, 11 and 9, also addressed the board. She said she has been active in the grade school level as a PTA president, and in other areas. She said there is a lack of consistency from Santa Fe Middle School and the district in displinary actions. In March 2004, she said, her oldest son was expelled for a drawing he made. She said her eldest son has been a GATE student, Cub Scout, and sports player, yet he was not allowed to go to Clifton as an alternative school. She said she was not guided about counseling at a district meeting when she asked for it. She said some of the children were not expelled for their acts (weapons, chanting death of a teacher). She said these students still attend Santa Fe or were only suspended, and now were able to switch to Clifton. Sharon said her son and others were referred to unethically in an assembly at Santa Fe on April 5, 2004. She said the district said this was to just make an impact upon the kids.
BOARD MEMBER REPORTS ~ Claire Chesley thanked the Police Department for helping students recognize gangs, and praised Officer Couch, who with his extra time met with younger kids at Bradoaks. She said that Bradoaks last Friday had a Spring Festival and book fair and its first international dance festival. She thanked the teachers who prepared the festival and stayed late into the evening with the students. She extended her thanks to Ms. Paine, the Music Teacher, and the Honey Bunnies (group of teachers who danced at the end of the festival). Regarding the high school, she said she feels we need more family input. She was at the high school for a Rotary luncheon and saw litter. She noticed it was the custodian picking up the trash in the friendship circle area and not the students. She places the blame on parents for not instilling personal responsibility in their kids. She said school officials should not let this practice continue. On a positive note, she saw Oscar Ibarra in the hallway counseling students one on one. Finally, she invited parents to attend Memorial Day Services at Live Oak Cemetery Monday at 10 a.m. to show respect for our troops. She said Mrs. Fishman' second grade class wrote letters to Claire’s nephew in the service. She read names of the men engraved on the memorial outside the public library.
Bruce Carter quoted a recent newspaper article about Monrovia, saying it's a bargain "but the local school system does not have a sterling reputation." He said this is a call to the board, school and community to correct these perceptions, propogated by realtors. He also praised the Wildrose PTA and principal for working together to make changes at the school.
Monina Diaz addressed the communication problems parents have with the board. She said it is comforting to hear some perceptions are changing. She has spoken to several people about how they can improve communication, but lately she has not had any correspondence. She seemed defensive when she welcomed comments and emails on how the board can improve. She gave out the board's email address and phone number: board@monrovia.k12.ca.usa and (626) 471-2010
Betty Sandford said the public library is becoming overcrowded and that there are plans for a new library. She wants to support what they are doing. The library is in competition for funding from the State of California, she said, and is looking for letters explaining how important a new library would be to students and families.
HIGH SCHOOL ~ Associate Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction, Joel Shawn addressed the perception that parents are not enrolling their kids in the high school. He went through a lot of statistics going back to 1998. He said we are retaining more than 90 percent of our student population. As for the tenth grade exit exams, he said 74 percent passed math in their first try, 76 percent passed English Language Arts, and 66 percent have passed both of the tests. He said the high school is moving in the right direction and is a great high school.
POSITIVE ~ Business Manager Linda Dempsey said she had "good news," that the May revised budget was positive for K-12, though there are still a lot of unknowns. She said the district would review all budget assumptions at its June meeting, and negotiations are not settled on such things as health insurance increases.
TEXTBOOKS ~ The board accepted recommended Science and Social Science Textbooks for public review. Dr. Shawn recommended the board pick up and look at the books. The books will be out on review for the next 30 days.
GATE ~ The board unanimously approved the 2004-2005 GATE application. Dr. Shawn recognized Carol Kaylor for her hard work on getting this done and thanked the parents for their involvement, along with the teachers and the administrators. Member Chesley thanked Carol and Joel for their work on this. A parent, Dr. Jim Gauderman, credited the district and the parents for considering the needs of all the GATE children, and not just their own children.
CALENDAR ~ The board unanimously approved the 2004-2005 calendar, except for Plymouth. The first day of school is September 1, before Labor Day. This is the first time they have done this, though MUSD is not the only district starting before Labor Day. Separately, the board unanimously approve the Plymouth Elementary School calendar. This is the tenth year of its alternative calendar. Based on a survey to the parents, of the 51 percent who responded, 80 percent support the year-round calendar. Parents who do not support it have the option of attending another school.
FACILITIES USE ~ Under New Business, Board Member Clare Chesley requested the board discuss the idea of having a Committee for Facilities Use established to set policy.
ADJOURN ~ President Sandford adjourned the meeting in memory of Jean Thurston (sp?) who passed away on May 15, 2004. She had bee the Office Manager of Monrovia Adult School. The meeting adjourned at approximately 9:13 pm.
A LETTER ~ Responding to a comment about how school staff dress, I got this comment from a reader: "Since I have a student teacher at Santa Fe, I get a picture of how staff and students dress, and I would say there is no dress code, at least not one that is enforced. Some female students show lots of cleavage and the length of shorts or a skirts is appallingly short. Staff does not show much professionalism, with them wearing shorts that I would classify as beach attire. I wonder why it is that something so simple (I always spoke to staff who were dressed inappropriately, as well as to students - I called their parents to bring appropriate clothing) does not get much attention!?"
NEXT ~ The next board meeting will be Wednesday, June 2, 2004. It will be a special board meeting, with a study session from 5-7 p.m.
I noticed a little item that caught my interest here. Board Member Clare Chesley wants the district to consider setting up a Facilities Use Committee. I guess this is building on her earlier criticisms of maintenance. Plus, we have a letter. Thanks also to Lynda Armenta for her very thorough coverage of the May 26 board meeting.
~ brad@sacklunch.net
By Lynda Armenta
HONORED SCHOOLS ~ Board members and administrative staff stepped onto the floor to recognize Title 1 Academic Achievement Award winning schools: Monroe, Plymouth and Mayflower elementary schools. Dr. Joel Shawn explained this award is based on growth in academic achievement in the schools' sub-groups. Plymouth and Monroe have received this award twice in a row.
The Board continued to stand while recognizing the 2004 Distinguished Schools: Bradoaks, Mayflower and Monroe Elementary Schools. Dr. Shawn said the Distinguished School program rotates with every other year, acknowledging elementary schools one year, then secondary schools the next year.
A representative from Assemblyman Mountjoy's office delivered Certificates of Recognition for Title 1 and Distinguished Schools. She stated our schools have a sterling reputation. A representative from Supervisor Mike Antonovich’s office recognized the schools with proclamations from the Board of Supervisors. State Senator Margett did not send a representative to present his certificates, so President Sandford delivered awards on his behalf.
EMPLOYEES ~ The Monrovia Chamber of Commerce and Board of Education recognized the following M.U.S.D. employees for their outstanding service and presented plaques to:
- Bessie Acosta, Instructional Aide from Plymouth Elementary School
- Ruben Fuentes, Teacher from Plymouth Elementary School (an 18-year Teacher at Plymouth who serves as a member of the District's Language committee, among other accomplishments)
- Maria Barnes, Bus Driver with Maintenance Operations and Transportation (with 12 years of service)
- Charlene Russell, Purchasing and Warehouse Assistant from the District Office
Dr. Taylor said the reason we are celebrating all of the schools is quality teaching and staff.
President Sandford recognized the Monrovia Community Adult School and Counselor Bruce Langdyke for outstanding contributions to students through the school-based support service programs, as displayed in their Support Personnel Accountability Report Card (SPARC). This award is only given to 80 school districts. Bruce has now won this award two consecutive years. In a typical year, he may counsel as many as 4,000 students.
PUBLIC HEARING ~ During the public hearing time, Ann Hodgsdon encouraged the board to vote to approve the new GATE program proposal. She also said her three children had a great year in the Monrovia district. She praised the Canyon Learning Center and its work with the students. She added that Mayflower has been very positive for her two older kids, but that there is still a concern about the middle schools and the high school being unsafe, and many parents are opting for private school. She encouraged the board to concentrate on raising the level of the middle schools and the high school to that of the elementary schools, possibly having town hall meetings.
Sharon Hampton, a single mom with three boys - ages 13, 11 and 9, also addressed the board. She said she has been active in the grade school level as a PTA president, and in other areas. She said there is a lack of consistency from Santa Fe Middle School and the district in displinary actions. In March 2004, she said, her oldest son was expelled for a drawing he made. She said her eldest son has been a GATE student, Cub Scout, and sports player, yet he was not allowed to go to Clifton as an alternative school. She said she was not guided about counseling at a district meeting when she asked for it. She said some of the children were not expelled for their acts (weapons, chanting death of a teacher). She said these students still attend Santa Fe or were only suspended, and now were able to switch to Clifton. Sharon said her son and others were referred to unethically in an assembly at Santa Fe on April 5, 2004. She said the district said this was to just make an impact upon the kids.
BOARD MEMBER REPORTS ~ Claire Chesley thanked the Police Department for helping students recognize gangs, and praised Officer Couch, who with his extra time met with younger kids at Bradoaks. She said that Bradoaks last Friday had a Spring Festival and book fair and its first international dance festival. She thanked the teachers who prepared the festival and stayed late into the evening with the students. She extended her thanks to Ms. Paine, the Music Teacher, and the Honey Bunnies (group of teachers who danced at the end of the festival). Regarding the high school, she said she feels we need more family input. She was at the high school for a Rotary luncheon and saw litter. She noticed it was the custodian picking up the trash in the friendship circle area and not the students. She places the blame on parents for not instilling personal responsibility in their kids. She said school officials should not let this practice continue. On a positive note, she saw Oscar Ibarra in the hallway counseling students one on one. Finally, she invited parents to attend Memorial Day Services at Live Oak Cemetery Monday at 10 a.m. to show respect for our troops. She said Mrs. Fishman' second grade class wrote letters to Claire’s nephew in the service. She read names of the men engraved on the memorial outside the public library.
Bruce Carter quoted a recent newspaper article about Monrovia, saying it's a bargain "but the local school system does not have a sterling reputation." He said this is a call to the board, school and community to correct these perceptions, propogated by realtors. He also praised the Wildrose PTA and principal for working together to make changes at the school.
Monina Diaz addressed the communication problems parents have with the board. She said it is comforting to hear some perceptions are changing. She has spoken to several people about how they can improve communication, but lately she has not had any correspondence. She seemed defensive when she welcomed comments and emails on how the board can improve. She gave out the board's email address and phone number: board@monrovia.k12.ca.usa and (626) 471-2010
Betty Sandford said the public library is becoming overcrowded and that there are plans for a new library. She wants to support what they are doing. The library is in competition for funding from the State of California, she said, and is looking for letters explaining how important a new library would be to students and families.
HIGH SCHOOL ~ Associate Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction, Joel Shawn addressed the perception that parents are not enrolling their kids in the high school. He went through a lot of statistics going back to 1998. He said we are retaining more than 90 percent of our student population. As for the tenth grade exit exams, he said 74 percent passed math in their first try, 76 percent passed English Language Arts, and 66 percent have passed both of the tests. He said the high school is moving in the right direction and is a great high school.
POSITIVE ~ Business Manager Linda Dempsey said she had "good news," that the May revised budget was positive for K-12, though there are still a lot of unknowns. She said the district would review all budget assumptions at its June meeting, and negotiations are not settled on such things as health insurance increases.
TEXTBOOKS ~ The board accepted recommended Science and Social Science Textbooks for public review. Dr. Shawn recommended the board pick up and look at the books. The books will be out on review for the next 30 days.
GATE ~ The board unanimously approved the 2004-2005 GATE application. Dr. Shawn recognized Carol Kaylor for her hard work on getting this done and thanked the parents for their involvement, along with the teachers and the administrators. Member Chesley thanked Carol and Joel for their work on this. A parent, Dr. Jim Gauderman, credited the district and the parents for considering the needs of all the GATE children, and not just their own children.
CALENDAR ~ The board unanimously approved the 2004-2005 calendar, except for Plymouth. The first day of school is September 1, before Labor Day. This is the first time they have done this, though MUSD is not the only district starting before Labor Day. Separately, the board unanimously approve the Plymouth Elementary School calendar. This is the tenth year of its alternative calendar. Based on a survey to the parents, of the 51 percent who responded, 80 percent support the year-round calendar. Parents who do not support it have the option of attending another school.
FACILITIES USE ~ Under New Business, Board Member Clare Chesley requested the board discuss the idea of having a Committee for Facilities Use established to set policy.
ADJOURN ~ President Sandford adjourned the meeting in memory of Jean Thurston (sp?) who passed away on May 15, 2004. She had bee the Office Manager of Monrovia Adult School. The meeting adjourned at approximately 9:13 pm.
A LETTER ~ Responding to a comment about how school staff dress, I got this comment from a reader: "Since I have a student teacher at Santa Fe, I get a picture of how staff and students dress, and I would say there is no dress code, at least not one that is enforced. Some female students show lots of cleavage and the length of shorts or a skirts is appallingly short. Staff does not show much professionalism, with them wearing shorts that I would classify as beach attire. I wonder why it is that something so simple (I always spoke to staff who were dressed inappropriately, as well as to students - I called their parents to bring appropriate clothing) does not get much attention!?"
NEXT ~ The next board meeting will be Wednesday, June 2, 2004. It will be a special board meeting, with a study session from 5-7 p.m.
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