Friday, June 16, 2006
This year the highest percentage of high school students are heading off to college. Sweet! Thanks to Maritza for this report.
~ brad@sacklunch.net
By Maritza Diaz
This meeting was pretty much just one big party to celebrate the accomplishments of many (seriously, there were a lot) of Monrovia students and employees. In between all the celebrating, the board did manage to do some regular board business. Not quite as fun, but it had to be done.
GOOD TIMES ~ Just naming all the guests of honor would take up a few pages, so here's a small rundown.
The board honored:
* The gifted and talented students from Bradoaks Elementary School.
* Monrovia High School senior Stephanie Horak as the 2006 recipient of the Youth Volunteer of the Year for her efforts to raise money for victims of the 2004 tsunami and for other charities.
* Monrovia High School Boys Track Team - 2006 Rio Hondo League Champions.
* Monrovia High School Girls Softball Team - 2006 Rio Hondo League Champions and CIF Semi-finalists.
* Monrovia High School Baseball Team - 2006 Rio Hondo League Champions and CIF Southern Section Champions.
* 2006 SkillsUSA medal winners - Max Ateaga (TV production, bronze medal), Steve Komlos (TV production, bronze medal) and Sarah Pfau (ad design, gold medal).
* The Monrovia Schools Foundation (for funding) and Schamadan, Inc (design) for providing the banners hanging at the front of the board room.
* Many Monrovia employees who have decided it was time to retire, some who have been with the district for 25 years or more.
* Student representative Roberta Smith, for her participation and contributions the board meetings this past year. Also, the next student representative was announced. Sandra Salazar will be sitting in Smith's spot next time around.
COLLEGE ~ According the report on Monrovia High School Class of 2006, this year has the highest percentage (86%) of students going on to a post-secondary education (2-year or 4-year college, trade school, military school or other). The news received a loud round of applause, as it should.
FINALLY ~ Fourth time's the charm. Remember way back in the day when the policy regarding the use of school facilities was first introduced? After a few revisions and clarifications (who gets to use the facility, what to charge, clarifications on titles) the policy was finally adopted. The board even teased Chief Bureau Officer Linda Dempsey about the long (really long) process to get an adoption. She was a good sport.
WHOPPEE! ~ Both Superintendent Louise Taylor and President Clare Chesley let out a literal "Whoppee!" about the passage of Measure M. They thanked its supporters and said that this is a gift that will last for years to come.
Expulsion ~ Yet again the board voted to expel two students. This time from Santa Fe Middle School.
LAYOFFS ~ The board passed a resolution for the layoffs of classified employees, due to lack of work and/or funds, effective July 1, 2006 to July 13, 2006. The board identified two services that can now be discontinued or reduced:
- Special Education Instructional Aide, Clifton, reduction of hours.
- Bus Driver, elimination of two positions.
HELP ~ Members and supporters of the high school band pleaded with the board (and the public) to help keep the high school band going. So please reach in your hearts (and pockets) and give a little.
Patrick Garcia from the English First program announced that they also need a little help. The program needs about 10 host families to show some American hospitality to various foreign exchange students coming to Monrovia this summer. Anyone who is interested is encouraged to contact Board President Chesley.
Teachers and parents spoke up about the lack of a playground for the kindergarten kids over at Wild Rose. Thousands of dollars have already been raised but that hasn't been enough. The kids still don't have a place to play. If you can help, please do.
APPLY ~ The board approved the application for a $50,000 planning grant for Mountain Park School. The grant is designed to improve student learning and academic performance. Since this is just the approval of the application, this issue will no doubt come up again.
June 28 is the last board meeting for a while. Come by and visit before heading out on your summer vacation.
Also on the Web at www.monroviaschoollink.com
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