Monrovia School Link

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.

Monrovia SchoolLink Preview for Wednesday, May 26, 2004 meeting, Wednesday June 2 meeting & Monday, June 7, 2004 meeting

Three meetings and a study session coming up. I think I'm going to particularly recommend the study session, because that's where the board will discuss what to do about getting the high school grades up. When I spoke with Clare and Bryan, they said they wanted people to give their ideas on what to do to help the high school. So, if you've got ideas, they're saying they have ears. Also, if you're interested in the GATE program, there'll be a GATE program vote. Looks like this is just the approval of work already done, but you might want to show up if the topic interests you.
~ brad@sacklunch.net


BOARD STUDY SESSION ~ On May 26 at 5:45 p.m., the board will discuss the high school academic performance, Here's specifically what the board agenda item says: "The Board will engage in an exploratory discussion of the current performance data at the high school level; the State Superintendent’s proposed improvement domains for high schools across California; and the Board’s thoughts on focus areas for improvement and refinement at the high school in 2004-05." You should be able to speak at the study session; just let the administrative assistant (should be Kris Mariconda) know that you'd like to say something.


REGULAR BOARD MEETING ~ On May 26 at 7:00 p.m. (same night as the study session above) the board will hold its regular meeting.

Items 4.1-4.1.3: The board will recognize schools and employees for their achievements.

Item 4.2 ~ A time for you. Public hearing for items not on the agenda. Your time to tell the board and administration anything you think they ought to know.

Item 5.1 ~ Accept a bunch of gifts, including 5,000 bucks from the Pasadena Showcase House for the Arts to be used to purchase band instruments for use by students at Clifton Middle School.

Item 6.11 and 6.12 ~ Accept new science and social science textbooks.

Item 9.1 ~ Vote on whether to expel an unnamed Santa Fe Middle School student.

Item 6.13 ~ The board will approve the school district’s 2004-2005 Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) application to the California Department of Education.

Item 9.2 ~ The board will receive for first reading proposed new Board Policy 9512.1 and proposed new Board Policy 9512.2, as part of the Board By-Laws. [Gee. I wonder what they are.]

Other stuff two, but I'm getting groggy and am aobout 2 fall aslip.


SPECIAL BOARD MEETINGS ~ There will be special board meetings, follow ups to the "Good Beginnings" workshops with a California School Boards Association consultant, on June 2 and 7. Specifically:
~ Wednesday, June 2, 2004, 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., and
~ Monday, June 7, 2004, 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Okay, now iM really tired, so thads enuf fr now. Zzzzzz. Snork!

The Monrovia School Link is also available on line at www.monroviaschoollink.com

Monrovia School Link ~ Number 82 ~ May 20, 2004

It's been about six months since Clare Chesley and Bryan Wong joined the school board, and I wondered how it's been going, so we got together for coffee. I thought they might be a bit cautious. Maybe I'd ask a question and they'd think, "Hmmm. I better be careful how I answer this. After all, I've got to work with these folks." Well, I needn't have worried. So how are things going? In short, they said things have been getting better - slowly; that Monrovia High is their top priority; and that they desperately need people to show up at the meetings - especially during the next few months.
~ brad@sacklunch.net


One of my main gripes about the board was that the meetings were not - by design or by accident - very open. Things were done in back rooms. The public was theoretically invited but not really encouraged to attend. But since the board election last November the meetings have apparently been changing. The changes haven't been revolutionary, but they've been positive. We'll get to the positive stuff in a moment, but first, there are still some problems...

Clare said, "In meetings we still have the terrible habit of going through the motions and not having much discussion. When [Associate Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction] Joel Shawn gave a report at the last meeting about high school test scores, I expected more round-table discussion, but we didn't get it. It was the same at the GATE meeting. It wasn't, 'Hey, Bryan, what do you think?' We really struggle with having free-flow discussions."

Why?

Well, she said, each board member is given a chance to ask questions, but one at a time, so there is no room for back-and-forth discussion. Also, she said, "There is a reluctance to bring up difficult topics." She said the focus has been more about how everybody can get along. "I can stand that for about five minutes," she said, "then I want to know what they think of the issues."

So, she said, she's been bringing up difficult topics whether people like it or not.

The district had maintenance problems, Clare said, and a lot of people - the board and "lots of others" - "got all bent out of shape" about her bringing it up. "I was told I shouldn't talk about anything negative. Don't air the dirty laundry."

But, she said, "It was what I promised in my campaign. If people don't like it they can vote me out."

She said Superintendent Louise Taylor and Joel Shawn agreed, but said, "'Just don't blindside us.' That's fair," she said, "but I'm going to say it."

Bryan said, "I think it's getting better. To establish change takes a long time. It's difficult. The administration is still the same" [as when they were elected] and "attitudes are still the same."

But, he said,"At least they are open and receptive. Both Louise and Joel made every effort to address all of our questions. You could see on their faces they were not always happy, but I have not sensed any foot-dragging."

"As we're continuing along the path," he said, "things are getting better."

Of the meetings, he said, "The bottom line is that more people are attending." Clare added, "There are a dozen or 15 people who stay after the awards. [When I attended regularly, I was often the only member of the audience.] The best thing," she said, "is I see lots of principals and teachers attending. That's a huge thing!"

Bryan said "There are small things that have improved the meetings, like moving the podium to the side," [and I might add, adjusting the meeting time to make it more convenient]. And, "for the most part," he said, "all study sessions are now in the main room." [This is great! The study sessions used to be hidden off in a back room.]

Another change is having role-call votes. "You can't muffle your responses," Clare said. Before, just the number of votes for or against an issue was recorded in the minutes. Now, she said, each person's vote is recorded individually, so they can be held accountable.

While there've been changes, but it's been a bit rough getting here.

Clare said, "For the first one or two months [after the election], I heard about hurt feelings. It was a big deal, and the implication was that we had been doing the hurting. We kind of laughed. Get over it! This was an election." Bryan added that "they were clearly uncomfortable with us."

Clare said, "There was the unspoken feeling we were out to get Louise. It took a while to communicate that we wanted to have open minds, but that she reports to us."

She said she and Bryan did not have a problem with the administration, but with the board, which needed to take leadership. Bryan said they just want more accountability.

Before, Clare said, the relationship with the administration "was too personal, not professional enough."

But both Clare and Bryan agree that relations have thawed somewhat over the months, and both of them have generally a positive opinion of the district administration.

Of Taylor, Clare said, "I find her very professional, though we've had disagreements. I didn't find her to be Cruella De Vil. I think she has a genuine concern for the district. She knows a lot. But we have to maintain professional objectivity."

Bryan added, "For the second year, she [Louise] opted for no pay raise, without any beating of drums. She did it for the team."

And about Associate Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction Joel Shawn, Clare said he put together a great GATE (Gifted and Talented Education) program and completely reworked a GATE survey, which was a lot of work, because the parent representatives thought the initial one was inadequate, and then he found the funding to make it work.

"I think it happened," she said, "because we set high expectations. I wasn't surprised, but I think it was a surprise to my fellow board members. These people are very talented. You can set high expectations." Though, she added, "a minority need to go."

"But," Bryan said, "that's no different from any organization. He said he thinks that a lot of people want to be challenged. "They'll naturally go to a certain level," he said, "then they need an external push to exceed it. That may be the biggest benefit we've brought - high expectations and a push."

During the last six months, Clare and Bryan have also gotten to know their fellow board members, who apparently loosen up a bit behind closed doors.

Bruce Carter, Clare said, is "terribly funny," in an intelligent, dry-humor sort of way. "I think he's a hoot."
She said he is "our government guru" and "he cuts to the chase." And Bryan added, "It's good to have one person keep track of legislation. He also brings an historical perspective."

Where she differs with Carter is about how meetings are conducted. She said he doesn't want the open meetings to be about discussion, but would rather vote and go home.

And Betty Sandford, Clare said, "is absolutely driven." She said they had lunch - at Betty's invitation - and discussed the campaign. Clare said Betty "has emerged as absolutely committed. She's tougher behind closed doors" and is "a lot more polite and diplomatic than I am." Also, she said, she's very generous.

Clare and Bryan said their top priority now is improving Monrovia High School. The high school's scores, you may remember, were the one dark spot in an otherwise very positive report.

Clare said that after the initial report about the scores, she and Bryan wanted an in-depth report on MHS, but "the administration did not want to review the test scores." She said, "it takes a lot of work to prepare a report, and people don't like to talk about bad news. But," she said "we can't forget the high school, and it's suffering."

Bryan said that while "it's human nature to avoid talking about bad news, it is the board's responsibility" to address problems.

Clare said that when she went to Board President Betty Sandford and said that the board needed to hear a full report about MHS, Sandford agreed. "I don't think she would have done it before," Clare said. "It took some nudging," Bryan said, "but we didn't get any resistance."

Since we're on the topic, I (Brad) was hiding in the back during the meeting when Shawn presented the school scores, and no board member said a thing about the mediocre high school scores. Why?

Clare: "I had so many questions I knew there wouldn't be time for them all. I wanted a special discussion about it. I didn't know how to even begin to ask questions."

Bryan: "I figured it would take a lot of time. We needed to tackle it later."

Clare: "We should have said something."

Bryan: "It's a bad habit. We need to bring these things up under New Business."

But anyway, Clare said she thinks "there is strong agreement that the high school is high priority, if not the highest." The entire high school needs to be improved, she said: Scores, teacher training, facilities and image.

Bryan said that "from the best gauges we have, the high school is in need. It has been on the back burner for the last couple of years, which is okay because everything can't be top priority. But now it's top priority. If the elementary schools can do it, then the high school can do it. It's the same community. There's no excuse not to be able to make some improvements."

That's not to say that there aren't some good things going on at the high school. Clare and Bryan mentioned Ed Gililland's work to build a new snack bar and restrooms [If you want to help, I'm sure Ed would appreciate it], the band's hard work to raise money for new uniforms, Shawn's great work gathering parents for a meeting about the California Exit Exam, the Interact Club reviving the Astronomy Club, and counselor Oscar Ibarra's heroic efforts getting MHS students into college. As Bryan put it, "Oscar Ibarra is smoking."

Clare said the district needs to highlight the good things that are happening at the school and take care of the bad things. "The high school," she said, "should be a distinguished school."

She said the next few months "are critical." She said the board needs parental involvement because it is about to set its priorities for one or more years, and, "How can we set goals if we do not hear from parents about what they want and need? If parents think they can sit back because they elected a couple parents to the school board," she said, "they're wrong."

Well, what should parents do?

"Say something!" she said. Come to the board meetings and speak up. "Compliments, Concerns or Criticisms. The three C's." Even if the criticisms are aimed at her, she said, that's fine, as long as they're professional.

For example, she said when she publicly agreed with Cyrus Kemp's comment that bringing in snow for school children was wasteful, some district employees were angry and planned to object at the next meeting, but the administration smoothed it over. But Clare said she didn't want it smoothed over. "I want people to speak their minds. I'm a public official." So if you want to blast Clare, go ahead, as long as you blast her position on an issue and don't call her "a dumb blonde."

The May 26 meeting, Clare said, will include discussion about the high school, so if you have any thoughts on that or anything else, mark it on your calendar and show up and speak up! I'll send out a notice of the meeting, so check your email.


CORRECTION ~ I got this note from Kristin Mariconda, Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent: "Dr. Taylor thanks you for your publicity about Monrovia Schools. However, as a point of information, in the April 25, 2004 Monrovia School Link #80, it was reported that 'Bradoaks, Mayflower, and Plymouth were recognized as Achieving Schools.' It should have read, '*Monroe*, Mayflower and Plymouth were recognized as Achieving Schools,' not Bradoaks. Monroe and Plymouth have received this distinction now for two years in a row, and this year Mayflower also received a Title 1 Academic Achievement Award, which is the correct complete title for 'Achieving Schools.'" Well! I must say I'm flattered, even if it is a correction. I think this is the first time that anybody from the district has - in an official capacity - written in. I guess we've just never made a mistake before now. :-)


The Monrovia School Link is also available on line at www.monroviaschoollink.com

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

Monrovia SchoolLink Preview for Wednesday, May 12, 2004 meeting & Monday, May 17, 2004 meeting

Attention, all you parents of Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) students. Your topic is on the School Board agenda again, so check below. There are actually two (or maybe three) meetings outlined here, so make sure you get the right one.
~ Brad Haugaard (brad@sacklunch.net)


Wednesday, May 12 at 5:45 p.m.

GATE ~ There will be a board study session about the Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) Program. The agenda says, "The Board will continue discussion on GATE Program development for 2004-05 and discuss recommendations outlined in the GATE application." Note: This is at *5:45*, before the regular meeting.


Wednesday, May 12 at 7 p.m.

HONOREES ~ The board is going to honor a bunch of people, including the Plymouth Elementary School Science Olympiad Team (about 15 people), which took gold medals at the Los Angeles County Science Olympiad held at California State Polytechnic University on March 6; and it'll honor three of Tom Reale's students for achievement in a TV/Video Production competition at the Xanadau Film Festival.

EAR BENDING ~ Item 4.2 is the ever-popular "Public hearing for items not on the agenda," which means you can get up and bend the board's ears about anything you please.

GIFTS ~ The board is going to accept a bunch of money and other gifts from various groups. (I've never seen the board turn down free stuff, so I'm assuming the goodies will be accepted.) One big, fat gift is $2,000 from the Monrovia Arts Festival Association, to be used in support of the Art Program at Monrovia High School. Another is a gift of miscellaneous Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day and Easter supplies and decorations, having a declared value of $3,054.20.

EXPEL ~ Consider expelling two students fom Santa Fe Middle school. Somebody's in trou-ble! Actually two somebodies. This may not be as interesting as it sounds. All the discussion will have been done in closed session, so the board will probably just vote on whether to expel two unnamed students.


Monday, May 17, 2004, 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

BEGINNINGS ~ This is a one-topic special "workshop." Here's what the agenda says: "The Board will participate in the third of five one-day "Good Beginnings" workshops with a California School Boards Association consultant regarding Board of Education roles and responsibilities, team efforts, and goal setting."


WHERE ~ If you want to go, the district offices are located at 325 E. Huntington Drive, at the northwest corner of Huntington Drive and California Avenue.

ON THE WEB ~ You may also see Monrovia School Link, and some back issues, on the Web at www.monroviaschoollink.com.

Monrovia School Link ~ Number 80 ~ April 25, 2004

Thank you,Todd Sams, for the excellent report below on the April 28 meeting! Some pretty good news. A few highlights: Three Monrovia schools achieved Distinguished School status. Great! Plus, Elizabeth Tapia was selected as adult ed Teacher of the Year, the budget situation may not be as grim as earlier thought, and the board instituted a retire-early plan that may save the district a few bucks.
~ brad@sacklunch.net


By Todd Sams

AVID ~ The board honored this year's AVID "Write-Off" winners. Jamie Kemerer, who is an 8th grader at Santa Fe, won the award for "Most Outstanding Middle School Essay", and Vincent Partain, a 10th grader at Monrovia High School, won the 10th grade bronze medal. The two competed against students across Los Angeles County.

$1000 ~ The Rotary Club presented a $1000 donation to the Pro-Active Tutoring Program.

TOUCHSTONES ~ At the request of Betty Sandford, the director of marketing for "Touchstones," a non-profit youth "treatment" facility, presented basic information to the board about its facility and its programs. Although it was not explicitly stated, it appears that this is a drug/alcohol recovery center which is available to all troubled youth and their families.

BOARD REPORTS ~ All of the board members attended the Canyon Oaks open house and were impressed with various aspects of the school and its approaches to teaching and learning. Monina Diaz was the most complimentary and described the methods and results as "phenomenal." She added that the structure and approach of many of the classes are similar to those seen in gifted classes.

Both Claire Chesley and Bruce Carter attended the presentation of "Pippin" at Monrovia High School. While both praised the performance, Carter was disappointed by the low turnout.

Bryan Wong commented that one of the unique aspects of the district is the individual character of each school. He said that this is evident in the way the schools present their open house. He mentioned Mayflower's "School Days" open house, which lacks the fanfare of the traditional open house. He did not appear to be too impressed.

Claire Chesley also commented on the open houses by expressing her concern that they have become a means for "impromptu parent-teacher conferences." She said that the true purpose of the open house should be explained to parents prior to the event.

KEEPING PROS ~ Betty Sandford will be attending a California student support services conference in San Diego. The goal of the conference is to find the ways and means to ensure that school psychologists, nurses, counselors, and librarians are retained, as they are vital to the growth and well being of the students.


DISTINGUISHED ~ Superintendent Louise Taylor reported that Bradoaks, Mayflower, and Monroe achieved "Distinguished School" status and that Bradoaks, Mayflower, and Plymouth were recognized as "Achieving Schools". She also praised Elizabeth Tapia for being recognized as the adult education Teacher of the Year for the State of California. Finally, she said that the board's request for a discussion of the report on Monrovia High School test scores would be tabled until the next meeting due to Dr. Shawn's absence.

SPRINKLERS ~ The board awarded a $45,811 contract to Link-Nilsen Corporation to install automatic fire sprinklers for the Clifton building "F" basement area. This is a required renovation which will be completed over the summer.

RETIREMENT ~ The board adopted Reolution No. 04-23 for a "PARS" Supplementary retirement plan. This voluntary plan would provide incentives for eligible district employees of retirement age to retire sooner than they may have planned. While the new retirees would receive a financial benefit for retiring, the district would save money by being able to fill their vacancies with younger employees who would command a lesser salary. The plan will only go into effect if 17 of the 79 eligible employees decide to participate, as this is the minimum number necessary for the distict to save any money.

BETTER BUDGET ~ Linda Dempsey reported that, at the time of the meeting, the budget outlook is not as dreary as initially believed. Her numbers show revenues of $33,077,729, expenditures of $30,868,456, with a revenue-over-expenditures balance of $2,209,273. Additionally, she said that the district can tentatively project a balanced budget for the next three years. There were concerns that the district's worker's comp premiums would increase significantly this year, but that will not come to pass for another two years. Other points of interest were an anticipated slight decrease in enrollment (6 students) for the 2004-05 school year and that the district will be using the current ADA (average daily attendance) number next year, just as they are using last year's ADA this year. There was not much discussion/questions from the board regarding the numbers. I assume they understood them better than I.

A LETTER ~ In a recent newsletter I [Brad now] said that instead of sponsoring students to run laps to raise money for the schools, I'd prefer to sponsor weed pulling or wall painting or something else more productive. I ran one response to that comment in the last newsletter. Here's another I recently recieved, from John Pentecost: "Actually, we just completed a Mayflower beautification day where 20 families shoewed up to weed gardens, plant new flowers and clean up the campus. We didn't have a fundraiser, but hundreds of dollars of plants were donated by friends and nurseries to help us clean up our act. We have numerous resources that are available when asked. It is fun to work hard with the parents we see dropping off their kids."

The Monrovia School Link is also available on line at www.monroviaschoollink.com