Saturday, May 27, 2006
Monrovia School Link ~ Number 172 ~ May 27, 2006
We are closing in on the June 6 election, so please make sure to mark your calendars. Locally, Measure M (a bond to raise money to improve MHS) is on the ballot. So, I hope you'll show up at the polls and vote whichever way you think best. Me, I'll be voting "yes." Following are some highlights from the last board meeting. Thanks for writing this up, Maritza. I'm still blown away by the district saving two-thirds of its transportation costs (now $50,000, vs. $150,000 before) without a significant hit to service. I doubt this can be done across the board, but I sure hope the district looks at its other expenses with the same cost-saving eye.
~ brad@sacklunch.net
By Maritza Diaz
It was a Wednesday night and instead of staying home to watch the American Idol finale the board got together to honor loads of people, hear some Measure M comments and conduct other board business.
STARS ~ Well, it should come as no surprise that, yet again, students and employees from Monrovia’s schools received awards. This time there were many, may people receiving an award. It’s a long list, but everyone deserves a mention.
The Monrovia Chamber of Commerce and the board honored some employees for outstanding service.
Mary Peterson, School Office Manager, Monroe Elementary Susan Sauvageau, Teacher, Monroe Elementary Javier De La O Lainez, Clerical Assistant II, Monrovia High Tome Reale, Teacher, Monrovia High
Award Winners:
Sal Perez, Monrovia High ceramics teacher, received the Art in Education Award; Councilman Joe Garcia received the 2006 Renaissance Award
2006 SkillsUSA Medal Winners:
Photography:
Sarah Steffen - Gold Medal
Melissa Marone - Silver Medal
Jessica McAnnally-Linz - Bronze Medal
TV Production:
Max Arteaga - Bronze Medal
Steve Komlos - Bronze Medal
Ad Design:
Sarah Pfau - Gold Medal
ROP Outstanding Students of the Year:
Brittney Buchanan - Clerical Aid - Bronze Medal Priscilla Inda - Retail - Silver Medal Kelsey Kilbury - Video Production - Bronze Medal Cindy Salmeron - Recreation Leader - Silver Medal Darryll Stoudemire - Security Guard - Bronze Medal
ROP Employer of the Year:
Liz Yoder - Dollar Tree, Duarte, California
Wow. Maybe Monrovia’s teachers and students should slow down.
Nah!
All recipients were praised and thanked for their hard work. If you know one of these shining stars, make sure to congratulate them.
MEASURE M ~ With the election around the corner, Measure M took center stage during the public comment part of the meeting. Many supporters (easily spotted as they wore their green "Yes on Measure M" t-shirts) went up to the podium to express there gratitude for the measure.
Not everyone had praises, however. One Monrovia resident, Monica Pollack, asked some questions regarding how some of the money from Measure M would used. She wanted to know how spending millions of dollars on an athletic field would help improve scores and why (and for what purpose) a construction contingency fund was created.
Supporters of the measure were quick to say how important it is to focus on the "whole student" not just concentrate on academics.
President Clare Chesley also commented on the importance of providing students with a well-rounded education that includes art and athletics and that not doing so would be "irresponsible." Chesley also said that setting aside a contingency fund for additional costs that may arise during construction was important, and not doing so, would also be "irresponsible."
Chesley encouraged anyone who had questions to call the district office or any board member directly. Visit www.monroviaschools.net or call the district office at (626) 471-2000.
RIDES ~ The board approved the addition of home-to-school transportation for the 2006-07 school year for a budget increase of $50,000. After taking into consideration declining enrollment, merging bus routes and a recent reduction of a bus driver, there was enough money to fund transportation. Good news, no?
BUILDER ~ The board approved the use of WLC Architects to provide services if Measure M is passed .Proposals were sent out to five qualified architectural firms and after interviews and references, WLC Architects was selected as the best for the project.
FACILITIES ~ Third time's the charm? Maybe not. The board heard a third reading the policy for the use of school facilities. In previous readings, there was some confusion in identifying which groups would be charged fees and which will not. Well, this time around, the board requested the clarification or addition of three items.
1) The issue of utility costs. Who would pick up the cost (or how much of it) of lights, air-conditioning and other utilities? Board member Bryan Wong said that he wasn't looking to "nickel and dime" costs, but wants to avoid big expenses that the district might not be ready for.
2) Make it clear that the Business Office approves the contracts and not the board.
3) Send the policy to the schools for input.
Hopefully the board won’t still be discussing this policy four meeting from now.
WELLNESS ~ The board heard the first reading of a proposed Local School Wellness Policy. The plan is to help kids eat healthier and steer them away from the Doritos.
The meeting was adjourned in memory of those who have given their lives for America.
Next time around, everyone will get together on June 14.
Also on the Web at www.monroviaschoollink.com
We are closing in on the June 6 election, so please make sure to mark your calendars. Locally, Measure M (a bond to raise money to improve MHS) is on the ballot. So, I hope you'll show up at the polls and vote whichever way you think best. Me, I'll be voting "yes." Following are some highlights from the last board meeting. Thanks for writing this up, Maritza. I'm still blown away by the district saving two-thirds of its transportation costs (now $50,000, vs. $150,000 before) without a significant hit to service. I doubt this can be done across the board, but I sure hope the district looks at its other expenses with the same cost-saving eye.
~ brad@sacklunch.net
By Maritza Diaz
It was a Wednesday night and instead of staying home to watch the American Idol finale the board got together to honor loads of people, hear some Measure M comments and conduct other board business.
STARS ~ Well, it should come as no surprise that, yet again, students and employees from Monrovia’s schools received awards. This time there were many, may people receiving an award. It’s a long list, but everyone deserves a mention.
The Monrovia Chamber of Commerce and the board honored some employees for outstanding service.
Mary Peterson, School Office Manager, Monroe Elementary Susan Sauvageau, Teacher, Monroe Elementary Javier De La O Lainez, Clerical Assistant II, Monrovia High Tome Reale, Teacher, Monrovia High
Award Winners:
Sal Perez, Monrovia High ceramics teacher, received the Art in Education Award; Councilman Joe Garcia received the 2006 Renaissance Award
2006 SkillsUSA Medal Winners:
Photography:
Sarah Steffen - Gold Medal
Melissa Marone - Silver Medal
Jessica McAnnally-Linz - Bronze Medal
TV Production:
Max Arteaga - Bronze Medal
Steve Komlos - Bronze Medal
Ad Design:
Sarah Pfau - Gold Medal
ROP Outstanding Students of the Year:
Brittney Buchanan - Clerical Aid - Bronze Medal Priscilla Inda - Retail - Silver Medal Kelsey Kilbury - Video Production - Bronze Medal Cindy Salmeron - Recreation Leader - Silver Medal Darryll Stoudemire - Security Guard - Bronze Medal
ROP Employer of the Year:
Liz Yoder - Dollar Tree, Duarte, California
Wow. Maybe Monrovia’s teachers and students should slow down.
Nah!
All recipients were praised and thanked for their hard work. If you know one of these shining stars, make sure to congratulate them.
MEASURE M ~ With the election around the corner, Measure M took center stage during the public comment part of the meeting. Many supporters (easily spotted as they wore their green "Yes on Measure M" t-shirts) went up to the podium to express there gratitude for the measure.
Not everyone had praises, however. One Monrovia resident, Monica Pollack, asked some questions regarding how some of the money from Measure M would used. She wanted to know how spending millions of dollars on an athletic field would help improve scores and why (and for what purpose) a construction contingency fund was created.
Supporters of the measure were quick to say how important it is to focus on the "whole student" not just concentrate on academics.
President Clare Chesley also commented on the importance of providing students with a well-rounded education that includes art and athletics and that not doing so would be "irresponsible." Chesley also said that setting aside a contingency fund for additional costs that may arise during construction was important, and not doing so, would also be "irresponsible."
Chesley encouraged anyone who had questions to call the district office or any board member directly. Visit www.monroviaschools.net or call the district office at (626) 471-2000.
RIDES ~ The board approved the addition of home-to-school transportation for the 2006-07 school year for a budget increase of $50,000. After taking into consideration declining enrollment, merging bus routes and a recent reduction of a bus driver, there was enough money to fund transportation. Good news, no?
BUILDER ~ The board approved the use of WLC Architects to provide services if Measure M is passed .Proposals were sent out to five qualified architectural firms and after interviews and references, WLC Architects was selected as the best for the project.
FACILITIES ~ Third time's the charm? Maybe not. The board heard a third reading the policy for the use of school facilities. In previous readings, there was some confusion in identifying which groups would be charged fees and which will not. Well, this time around, the board requested the clarification or addition of three items.
1) The issue of utility costs. Who would pick up the cost (or how much of it) of lights, air-conditioning and other utilities? Board member Bryan Wong said that he wasn't looking to "nickel and dime" costs, but wants to avoid big expenses that the district might not be ready for.
2) Make it clear that the Business Office approves the contracts and not the board.
3) Send the policy to the schools for input.
Hopefully the board won’t still be discussing this policy four meeting from now.
WELLNESS ~ The board heard the first reading of a proposed Local School Wellness Policy. The plan is to help kids eat healthier and steer them away from the Doritos.
The meeting was adjourned in memory of those who have given their lives for America.
Next time around, everyone will get together on June 14.
Also on the Web at www.monroviaschoollink.com
Comments:
Well.. Measure M should go down in flames along with Clare Chesley. Well rounded education my &%%. I don't know who she thinks she is kidding. Bradoaks has been giving PE testing and has not even taught the children what a curl is, then expects them to do it and pass???
Better food education??? Maybe they should start by actually feeding the children what is on the menu and not substituting it for something a child will not eat or can not eat. Oh, and doritos or cheestos...yeah they sell those at the elementary school. How do you propose the children eat healthy when we have junk available???
Don't even get me started on the bus money....looooooooong time coming and yes, I am sure we could find more where that came from.
This is two years late but what about the Sparkly Corvette Louis Taylor drives can we say mid life crisis?? I hear that she got that the DAY the Pink slips went out two years ago or was it last year???? for shame show some class. Who knows maybe that was the day it go specially delivered???
I don't know just seems like we are ooooooozing money and they want us to spend more on a school I would never send my child to in the first place. I have said before, we need to look inside the institution, I am sure alot of parents are not going to be fooled by the cosmetics. At least this one isn't.
Better food education??? Maybe they should start by actually feeding the children what is on the menu and not substituting it for something a child will not eat or can not eat. Oh, and doritos or cheestos...yeah they sell those at the elementary school. How do you propose the children eat healthy when we have junk available???
Don't even get me started on the bus money....looooooooong time coming and yes, I am sure we could find more where that came from.
This is two years late but what about the Sparkly Corvette Louis Taylor drives can we say mid life crisis?? I hear that she got that the DAY the Pink slips went out two years ago or was it last year???? for shame show some class. Who knows maybe that was the day it go specially delivered???
I don't know just seems like we are ooooooozing money and they want us to spend more on a school I would never send my child to in the first place. I have said before, we need to look inside the institution, I am sure alot of parents are not going to be fooled by the cosmetics. At least this one isn't.
Quite a vemenous response. This parent probably doesn't know about the new nutritional requirements being implemented in schools, effective in Monrovia in July 2006.
As for Measure M and the High School: monies provided bu Measure M would provide for a new gymnasium, true. It would also provide for a brand new science building, upgraded electricity (so that technology can be used in all of the classrooms), refurbishing classrooms which haven't had major work done since 1928.
Please note as well: While the State of California has nearly 1 in 10 students failing to pass the California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE)Monrovia High School has a significantly lower percentage. And the staff and administration are working diligently to get the few students who still need to pass the knowledge they need to pass.
If you have a good reason for not liking Measure M, fine. Don't vote for it. But being nasty, petty, catty and jealous will not convince anyone to support your position.
As for Measure M and the High School: monies provided bu Measure M would provide for a new gymnasium, true. It would also provide for a brand new science building, upgraded electricity (so that technology can be used in all of the classrooms), refurbishing classrooms which haven't had major work done since 1928.
Please note as well: While the State of California has nearly 1 in 10 students failing to pass the California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE)Monrovia High School has a significantly lower percentage. And the staff and administration are working diligently to get the few students who still need to pass the knowledge they need to pass.
If you have a good reason for not liking Measure M, fine. Don't vote for it. But being nasty, petty, catty and jealous will not convince anyone to support your position.
The first anonymous poster certainly points out the need for passage of Measure M.
My sincerest hope is that all future Monrovia High School graduates will have the bravery and conviction and to take stands on their beliefs.
I hope those graduates will be able to express themselves in a literate, grammatically correct manner. I hope those students will be able to spell.
I hope those students have the education to know the words to express themselves, and will not have to resort to nonsensical symbols because they lack an adequate vocabulary.
I hope those students will understand that an attack ad hominem is the true measure of a position so weak it cannot be supported by the merits.
Finally, I hope that those graduates, whatever stand they take on an issue, will have the courage to name themselves.
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My sincerest hope is that all future Monrovia High School graduates will have the bravery and conviction and to take stands on their beliefs.
I hope those graduates will be able to express themselves in a literate, grammatically correct manner. I hope those students will be able to spell.
I hope those students have the education to know the words to express themselves, and will not have to resort to nonsensical symbols because they lack an adequate vocabulary.
I hope those students will understand that an attack ad hominem is the true measure of a position so weak it cannot be supported by the merits.
Finally, I hope that those graduates, whatever stand they take on an issue, will have the courage to name themselves.
