Saturday, June 26, 2004
Monrovia School Link ~ Number 85 ~ June 26, 2004
Thanks to Kathryn Lamb for this fine report. I really enjoyed her personal observations. Also, I think it speaks highly of Alex Zucco and Ed Gililland that though they did not win spots on the board in the last election, they are still working to help the district. Especially check out what Alex is up to, below.
~ brad@sacklunch.net
By Kathryn Lamb
Board of Education Regular Meeting June 23, 2004
Betty Sanford and Joel Shawn were absent, H.S. Student Rep Tiffany Ross was thanked for her representation this year and presented with a plaque in appreciation. Ryan Blachshere (sp?) will be next year's rep.
Superintendent Louise Taylor, working her way through the consent agenda, mentioned that a particular item having to do with CIF League Representation was being pulled. It seems that representatives, including the H.S. principal, must be named specifically, and since Al Clegg is leaving - this was a "back the truck up" moment for me... I haven't heard or read anything in the paper about this! - the item has been pulled until a new principal is named. Later, she thanked Mr. Clegg, who wasn't there, for his many contributions and wished him well in his new position in Hacienda/La Puente (I think). [Pardon me - Brad - for butting in here, but I wanted to add that I don't find it surprising that this news was not in the local papers, but I do find it a bit annoying that "local" newspapers seem to find it so hard to cover basic local news, such as what the school board is up to. Back to you, Kathryn.]
Clare Chesley was responsible for another item being pulled from the consent agenda. This one was regarding high school textbooks. She had a lot of questions - and rightly so, in my opinion. She said she had questioned Joel Shawn by telephone, at length, (he was away at a conference at the time) about the books and was really clear that in order to vote on these, she needs to be sure that the textbooks would be absolutely the best choice from both an educational and financial standpoint. Clare has requested that special study sessions be set up in the fall and that reports be made on the books under consideration.
Monrovia resident Alex Zucco had several points to bring out under oral communication... but first Monina Diaz made several somewhat awkward complementary comments about Alex's hairstyle. Alex questioned the way that students are identified as potential GATE students. She suggested that all parents be made aware of GATE and be given the opportunity to request testing. I would add to that, that teachers and parents of second grade students should be on the lookout for those students, so that they can begin the program in third grade. Also, the test is not the only way to identify a potential GATE student. State standardized test scores above the 90th percentile can also identify GATE-qualified students.
Alex reported also that Mayflower no longer offers the after school recreation program because of funding issues. This means that only the 30 or so students enrolled in the Options program there have access to after school care at Mayflower. She suggested a fee-based program as a possible solution and asked for other ideas. She shared that Mayflower is the only school in our district to offer a daytime version of open house. Mayflower invites parents to visit classrooms only during the day each spring but has nothing in the evening, when more families would be available to visit.
And with yet another great idea, Alex referred to a parent organization in Pasadena that visits and reports on the various school sites, meeting with principals and working to boost parental awareness and public opinion. Louise Taylor asked Alex if she would be willing to co-ordinate this for our schools and Alex said she would. I must add here that I think that Alex is an amazing person. She has great ideas and she is willing to work hard to see them through.
[Amen! This is why I thought Alex would have made a good board member. For more on the Pasadena group, called PEN, see the second item at www.monroviaschoollink.com/archives/2004_04_01_archive.html ]
Alex also expressed concern for the drop in enrollment that occurs between elementary and middle school, and personally, I wonder about the drop between middle schools and high school.
The Board is purchasing a new-to-us assessment program called Tungston Learning, and Bryan Wong had a lot of questions about the costs and benefits of this particular program. He and Clare went back and forth with Joel Shawn by phone about this and the textbook issue.
A heating contract was approved for the High School gym, and with a term new to me, a collective bargaining agreement re: health insurance is being "sunshined" in. That means that it is coming out into the light of day and is being shared with the public.
Volunteers on the school sites will soon be classified as level 1 and level 2. Those who are alone with students, as I understand this, will need to be screened for former criminal behavior. It seems harsh, but as a parent I see that it's another layer of protection for our children. I'm a classroom volunteer, and take students out of the classroom to read on a weekly basis... I'm willing to do it.
The dress code policy, and several other issues, came up but could not be voted on because the full board was not present. It seems that they will not all be in the same place at the same time until the end of August or early September.
A few other items:
~ Ed Gilliland reported on the progress of the snack bar/restroom H.S. project. They are halfway to their goal of $50,000. Donations for this can be sent to PO Box 1983, Monrovia, CA.
~ Clare is looking for volunteers to offer support and boost science programs at the H.S. She's looking for members of the community with science backgrouds to share their knowlege. She wants to find ways to bring volunteers, both parents and community leaders, to all of the schools. She'd like to see a centralized phone number and organization of needs and offers to help. She said that funding is very important, but even more so are volunteers. [Speaking of coordinating volunteers, a nonprofit offshoot of Lake Avenue Church in Pasadena has created a Web site to coordinate volunteers who want to help Pasadena's in-the-doghouse Blair High School. It's an interesting concept. Take a look here: www.adoptaschoolpasadena.org . Creating such a site seems like a lot of work, but maybe if it was for several school districts (Monrovia, Arcadia, Duarte, etc.), it would be very helpful. It might be a good project for parent groups in those districts, and be a good way for the various local parent groups to get to know each other and work together. And I'll bet Lake Avenue would be happy to give pointers.]
~ There were only nine people in the audience.
~ I will not name names, but I saw some yawning up on the dias.
~ Special Effect: The School District logo that appears on KGEM before and after the airing of the meetings is actually a green folder propped up on a binder in front of the camera.
~ I left there feeling somewhat uncomfortable, as I generally do after attending these gatherings. I do not leave feeling valued, supported, appreciated or with a sense of peace knowing that all is right with our school system. Rather, I feel as though the audience is a necessary part of the process but isn't really welcomed; that not all information is being shared. There is no warm interaction during the public comment; not a whole lot of eye contact... some yawning and just a disconnected feeling. I appreciate that we, as parents, have been invited to comment; I appreciate the attempt to complement Alex Zucc's hairdo... but it feels a little flat to me. Only Clare looked out into the audience and thanked us for attending. I do feel great about our schools when I'm on campus. Our administrators, teachers and staff are all that I'm looking for and more. I feel very optimistic about our schools when I'm actuually there. I wish it carried on up to our school board.
A LETTER ~ Regarding my (Brad's) speculations about first and second "readings" and soda pop, Sharon Weiser writes that the readings are basically "cleaning up the language of the policy and approving it. It is beyond the 'What if the public does not like it stage.' The no-soda pop thing is a statewide assembly bill (I think assembly) that says by September 2004 no public schools will be allowed to sell soda pop or other junk food. I don't know the definition of 'junk food.' Makes me wonder what it is since the federal government has classified French fries as a vegetable."
The Monrovia School Link is also available on line at www.monroviaschoollink.com
(0) comments
Thanks to Kathryn Lamb for this fine report. I really enjoyed her personal observations. Also, I think it speaks highly of Alex Zucco and Ed Gililland that though they did not win spots on the board in the last election, they are still working to help the district. Especially check out what Alex is up to, below.
~ brad@sacklunch.net
By Kathryn Lamb
Board of Education Regular Meeting June 23, 2004
Betty Sanford and Joel Shawn were absent, H.S. Student Rep Tiffany Ross was thanked for her representation this year and presented with a plaque in appreciation. Ryan Blachshere (sp?) will be next year's rep.
Superintendent Louise Taylor, working her way through the consent agenda, mentioned that a particular item having to do with CIF League Representation was being pulled. It seems that representatives, including the H.S. principal, must be named specifically, and since Al Clegg is leaving - this was a "back the truck up" moment for me... I haven't heard or read anything in the paper about this! - the item has been pulled until a new principal is named. Later, she thanked Mr. Clegg, who wasn't there, for his many contributions and wished him well in his new position in Hacienda/La Puente (I think). [Pardon me - Brad - for butting in here, but I wanted to add that I don't find it surprising that this news was not in the local papers, but I do find it a bit annoying that "local" newspapers seem to find it so hard to cover basic local news, such as what the school board is up to. Back to you, Kathryn.]
Clare Chesley was responsible for another item being pulled from the consent agenda. This one was regarding high school textbooks. She had a lot of questions - and rightly so, in my opinion. She said she had questioned Joel Shawn by telephone, at length, (he was away at a conference at the time) about the books and was really clear that in order to vote on these, she needs to be sure that the textbooks would be absolutely the best choice from both an educational and financial standpoint. Clare has requested that special study sessions be set up in the fall and that reports be made on the books under consideration.
Monrovia resident Alex Zucco had several points to bring out under oral communication... but first Monina Diaz made several somewhat awkward complementary comments about Alex's hairstyle. Alex questioned the way that students are identified as potential GATE students. She suggested that all parents be made aware of GATE and be given the opportunity to request testing. I would add to that, that teachers and parents of second grade students should be on the lookout for those students, so that they can begin the program in third grade. Also, the test is not the only way to identify a potential GATE student. State standardized test scores above the 90th percentile can also identify GATE-qualified students.
Alex reported also that Mayflower no longer offers the after school recreation program because of funding issues. This means that only the 30 or so students enrolled in the Options program there have access to after school care at Mayflower. She suggested a fee-based program as a possible solution and asked for other ideas. She shared that Mayflower is the only school in our district to offer a daytime version of open house. Mayflower invites parents to visit classrooms only during the day each spring but has nothing in the evening, when more families would be available to visit.
And with yet another great idea, Alex referred to a parent organization in Pasadena that visits and reports on the various school sites, meeting with principals and working to boost parental awareness and public opinion. Louise Taylor asked Alex if she would be willing to co-ordinate this for our schools and Alex said she would. I must add here that I think that Alex is an amazing person. She has great ideas and she is willing to work hard to see them through.
[Amen! This is why I thought Alex would have made a good board member. For more on the Pasadena group, called PEN, see the second item at www.monroviaschoollink.com/archives/2004_04_01_archive.html ]
Alex also expressed concern for the drop in enrollment that occurs between elementary and middle school, and personally, I wonder about the drop between middle schools and high school.
The Board is purchasing a new-to-us assessment program called Tungston Learning, and Bryan Wong had a lot of questions about the costs and benefits of this particular program. He and Clare went back and forth with Joel Shawn by phone about this and the textbook issue.
A heating contract was approved for the High School gym, and with a term new to me, a collective bargaining agreement re: health insurance is being "sunshined" in. That means that it is coming out into the light of day and is being shared with the public.
Volunteers on the school sites will soon be classified as level 1 and level 2. Those who are alone with students, as I understand this, will need to be screened for former criminal behavior. It seems harsh, but as a parent I see that it's another layer of protection for our children. I'm a classroom volunteer, and take students out of the classroom to read on a weekly basis... I'm willing to do it.
The dress code policy, and several other issues, came up but could not be voted on because the full board was not present. It seems that they will not all be in the same place at the same time until the end of August or early September.
A few other items:
~ Ed Gilliland reported on the progress of the snack bar/restroom H.S. project. They are halfway to their goal of $50,000. Donations for this can be sent to PO Box 1983, Monrovia, CA.
~ Clare is looking for volunteers to offer support and boost science programs at the H.S. She's looking for members of the community with science backgrouds to share their knowlege. She wants to find ways to bring volunteers, both parents and community leaders, to all of the schools. She'd like to see a centralized phone number and organization of needs and offers to help. She said that funding is very important, but even more so are volunteers. [Speaking of coordinating volunteers, a nonprofit offshoot of Lake Avenue Church in Pasadena has created a Web site to coordinate volunteers who want to help Pasadena's in-the-doghouse Blair High School. It's an interesting concept. Take a look here: www.adoptaschoolpasadena.org . Creating such a site seems like a lot of work, but maybe if it was for several school districts (Monrovia, Arcadia, Duarte, etc.), it would be very helpful. It might be a good project for parent groups in those districts, and be a good way for the various local parent groups to get to know each other and work together. And I'll bet Lake Avenue would be happy to give pointers.]
~ There were only nine people in the audience.
~ I will not name names, but I saw some yawning up on the dias.
~ Special Effect: The School District logo that appears on KGEM before and after the airing of the meetings is actually a green folder propped up on a binder in front of the camera.
~ I left there feeling somewhat uncomfortable, as I generally do after attending these gatherings. I do not leave feeling valued, supported, appreciated or with a sense of peace knowing that all is right with our school system. Rather, I feel as though the audience is a necessary part of the process but isn't really welcomed; that not all information is being shared. There is no warm interaction during the public comment; not a whole lot of eye contact... some yawning and just a disconnected feeling. I appreciate that we, as parents, have been invited to comment; I appreciate the attempt to complement Alex Zucc's hairdo... but it feels a little flat to me. Only Clare looked out into the audience and thanked us for attending. I do feel great about our schools when I'm on campus. Our administrators, teachers and staff are all that I'm looking for and more. I feel very optimistic about our schools when I'm actuually there. I wish it carried on up to our school board.
A LETTER ~ Regarding my (Brad's) speculations about first and second "readings" and soda pop, Sharon Weiser writes that the readings are basically "cleaning up the language of the policy and approving it. It is beyond the 'What if the public does not like it stage.' The no-soda pop thing is a statewide assembly bill (I think assembly) that says by September 2004 no public schools will be allowed to sell soda pop or other junk food. I don't know the definition of 'junk food.' Makes me wonder what it is since the federal government has classified French fries as a vegetable."
The Monrovia School Link is also available on line at www.monroviaschoollink.com
Monrovia SchoolLink Preview for Wednesday, June 23
Well, I'm going to be a bit brief tonight. I'm on vacation and doing this from a motel room in Lodi. (Isn't there a song something about being stuck in Lodi? Whatever.)
~ Brad Haugaard brad@sacklunch.net
The regular meeting is this Wednesday at 7 p.m.
Remember the magic Item 4.2, "Public hearing for items not on the agenda," your opportunity to say whatever you please.
A few highlights appear to be (from what I can tell using my Lodi-to-Monrovia telescope):
- The board will decide whether to hire Pacific Mechanical Services forf $95,407 to do some heating project for the Monrovia High School Gymnasium.
- The board will let the public know the terms of its tentative contract agreement with the district teachers and staff.
- The board will adopt a budget for 2004-05.
- Second reading of the board's dress code policy. (I've got to try to remember the purpose of "readings." I think it basically means, "This is about to be adopted, folks, so if you want to complain about it, you better speak up now.")
- Second reading of a board policy called "Volunteer Assistance to School Personnel."
- Some sort of new rule about "Nutrition and Food/Beverage Sales." Is this the no-soda pop rule? I'm not sure, but I'd guess it is.
Okay, I know I've given you all the information except what you really want to know, to wit (I always love saying "to wit"): Why in the world would anybody spend their vacation in Lodi? Well, I've got a friend who moved to Lodi, so we're visiting him - and just for today, then we're outa here. And why did my friend move to Lodi? Well, you'll have to ask him, but I gotta say, it's got some very nice parts to it. Very quaint and attractive old town and old residential district and a lot of nice new stores on the outskirts. But you get off the 99 freeway at the business district exit and it looks like a town where you'll find nothing but used hubcap dealers. (Hey, Lodi! Clean up your front yard!)
Gotta go.
The Monrovia School Link is also available on line at www.monroviaschoollink.com
(0) comments
Well, I'm going to be a bit brief tonight. I'm on vacation and doing this from a motel room in Lodi. (Isn't there a song something about being stuck in Lodi? Whatever.)
~ Brad Haugaard brad@sacklunch.net
The regular meeting is this Wednesday at 7 p.m.
Remember the magic Item 4.2, "Public hearing for items not on the agenda," your opportunity to say whatever you please.
A few highlights appear to be (from what I can tell using my Lodi-to-Monrovia telescope):
- The board will decide whether to hire Pacific Mechanical Services forf $95,407 to do some heating project for the Monrovia High School Gymnasium.
- The board will let the public know the terms of its tentative contract agreement with the district teachers and staff.
- The board will adopt a budget for 2004-05.
- Second reading of the board's dress code policy. (I've got to try to remember the purpose of "readings." I think it basically means, "This is about to be adopted, folks, so if you want to complain about it, you better speak up now.")
- Second reading of a board policy called "Volunteer Assistance to School Personnel."
- Some sort of new rule about "Nutrition and Food/Beverage Sales." Is this the no-soda pop rule? I'm not sure, but I'd guess it is.
Okay, I know I've given you all the information except what you really want to know, to wit (I always love saying "to wit"): Why in the world would anybody spend their vacation in Lodi? Well, I've got a friend who moved to Lodi, so we're visiting him - and just for today, then we're outa here. And why did my friend move to Lodi? Well, you'll have to ask him, but I gotta say, it's got some very nice parts to it. Very quaint and attractive old town and old residential district and a lot of nice new stores on the outskirts. But you get off the 99 freeway at the business district exit and it looks like a town where you'll find nothing but used hubcap dealers. (Hey, Lodi! Clean up your front yard!)
Gotta go.
The Monrovia School Link is also available on line at www.monroviaschoollink.com
Monday, June 21, 2004
Monrovia SchoolLink Preview for Wednesday, June 23
Well, I'm going to be a bit brief tonight. I'm on vacation and doing this from a motel room in Lodi. (Isn't there a song something about being stuck in Lodi? Whatever.)
~ Brad Haugaard brad@sacklunch.net
The regular meeting is this Wednesday at 7 p.m.
Remember the magic Item 4.2, "Public hearing for items not on the agenda," your opportunity to say whatever you please.
A few highlights appear to be (from what I can tell using my Lodi-to-Monrovia telescope):
- The board will decide whether to hire Pacific Mechanical Services forf $95,407 to do some heating project for the Monrovia High School Gymnasium.
- The board will let the public know the terms of its tentative contract agreement with the district teachers and staff.
- The board will adopt a budget for 2004-05.
- Second reading of the board's dress code policy. (I've got to try to remember the purpose of "readings." I think it basically means, "This is about to be adopted, folks, so if you want to complain about it, you better speak up now.")
- Second reading of a board policy called "Volunteer Assistance to School Personnel."
- Some sort of new rule about "Nutrition and Food/Beverage Sales." Is this the no-soda pop rule? I'm not sure, but I'd guess it is.
Okay, I know I've given you all the information except what you really want to know, to wit (I always love saying "to wit"): Why in the world would anybody spend their vacation in Lodi? Well, I've got a friend who moved to Lodi, so we're visiting him - and just for today, then we're outa here. And why did my friend move to Lodi? Well, you'll have to ask him, but I gotta say, it's got some very nice parts to it. Very quaint and attractive old town and old residential district and a lot of nice new stores on the outskirts. But you get off the 99 freeway at the business district exit and it looks like a town where you'll find nothing but used hubcap dealers. (Hey, Lodi! Clean up your front yard!)
Gotta go.
The Monrovia School Link is also available on line at www.monroviaschoollink.com
(0) comments
Well, I'm going to be a bit brief tonight. I'm on vacation and doing this from a motel room in Lodi. (Isn't there a song something about being stuck in Lodi? Whatever.)
~ Brad Haugaard brad@sacklunch.net
The regular meeting is this Wednesday at 7 p.m.
Remember the magic Item 4.2, "Public hearing for items not on the agenda," your opportunity to say whatever you please.
A few highlights appear to be (from what I can tell using my Lodi-to-Monrovia telescope):
- The board will decide whether to hire Pacific Mechanical Services forf $95,407 to do some heating project for the Monrovia High School Gymnasium.
- The board will let the public know the terms of its tentative contract agreement with the district teachers and staff.
- The board will adopt a budget for 2004-05.
- Second reading of the board's dress code policy. (I've got to try to remember the purpose of "readings." I think it basically means, "This is about to be adopted, folks, so if you want to complain about it, you better speak up now.")
- Second reading of a board policy called "Volunteer Assistance to School Personnel."
- Some sort of new rule about "Nutrition and Food/Beverage Sales." Is this the no-soda pop rule? I'm not sure, but I'd guess it is.
Okay, I know I've given you all the information except what you really want to know, to wit (I always love saying "to wit"): Why in the world would anybody spend their vacation in Lodi? Well, I've got a friend who moved to Lodi, so we're visiting him - and just for today, then we're outa here. And why did my friend move to Lodi? Well, you'll have to ask him, but I gotta say, it's got some very nice parts to it. Very quaint and attractive old town and old residential district and a lot of nice new stores on the outskirts. But you get off the 99 freeway at the business district exit and it looks like a town where you'll find nothing but used hubcap dealers. (Hey, Lodi! Clean up your front yard!)
Gotta go.
The Monrovia School Link is also available on line at www.monroviaschoollink.com
Saturday, June 12, 2004
Monrovia School Link ~ Number 84 ~ June 9, 2004
Thanks to Sharon Weiser for this report. Plus, there's a letter at the bottom, about dress policy. Hmmm. From the report it sounds as if there is work to be done in the English language learning program.
~ brad@sacklunch.net
By Sharon Weiser
All members were present except Brian Wong and the student representative.
The Board acknowledged a poster made by Tiffany Ross, the outgoing student representative, which depicted messages to each board member from her. The Board also recognized and honored Oscar Ibarra, as the recipient of the 2004 Los Angeles Dodger/Toyota "Hero of the Hispanic Community" Award. He was nominated by Ernie Villareal, Assistant Principal at Monrovia High for his work with promoting, facilitating, and encouraging ALL students to pursue a post secondary education. Mr. Ibarra gave a PowerPoint presentation describing the ways in which he did this. He listed weekly announcements of students who had received college appointments, signs advertising events, 79 visits by college representatives, classroom visits by counselors, helping students to fill out applications for loans, conducting parent meetings about the application process, field trips to college campuses, and workshops in Spanish. About 28 percent of the 2004 class will attend four-year institutions, up from 26 percent in 2003, but down from 30 percent in 2002. He noted that 54 percent of the class of 2004 will attend two-year institutions. There are others who will attend trade schools. His report was very encouraging in the sense that Monrovia High is actively helping students understand the process, pursue it, and search for grants and scholarships. This approach is much better than letting kids try to figure it out on their own since there are some who would not pursue college, thinking it would not be possible for them, nor do they come from families that understand the process and cannot afford college. This report was very heartwarming.
Board Member Bruce Carter said he will speak to the Star-News about No Child Left Behind: what it means and what it does not mean for our students. He said there are plans to speak to other newspapers in the future.
Member Clare Chesley commended the Monrovia HS band for playing at Oak Cemetary on Memorial Day. She attended a Rotary meeting where Mr. Gutierrez (community member) was acknowledged for completing his GED after six attempts. She also acknowledged how hard teachers work - usually in isolation - and that they are not recognized as much as they should be. She encouraged the community to tell teachers what a terrific job they do. (I have always said that teaching is the only job where we expect people to improve in isolation.)
Monina Diaz said she met with KGEM and the station is looking for great ideas/presentations to broadcast and partner with them. She encouraged the community to communicate with the board using the board's e-mail address.
Betty Sandford said the Monrovia HS geography class (50 students) went to a conference at USC and participated in three committees. One team won an award in research and debate. She encouraged students to be global citizens and to become knowledgeable about other countries.
Monina Diaz read Tiffany Ross' student report about upcoming events/dates at MHS.
Louise Taylor congratulated the MHS graduates and those being promoted to higher levels. Schools will be in session on June 11, 2004 and will commemorate Ronald Reagan's passing with classroom activities.
Joel Shawn said AVID students are being given extra help in passing the high school exit exam. He said that on the CAHSEE, 82 percent of 10th graders passed the math and 79 percent passed the language arts section. He said this is a huge improvement. He showed the report that is sent to parents about their student's progress.
The board received the Monrovia HS, Canyon Oaks HS and Mountain Park Alternative School graduation report. Joel Shawn gave a report about the graduating class at MHS, Canyon Oaks HS and Mountain Park Alternative School. He stated that out of 40 students at Mountain Park School, 24 will attend a two-year college, one will travel, one will serve in the military, and four are getting jobs. At Canyon Oaks HS, where there are 52 students in attendance, 23 will attend a two-year college, four will have jobs, and one wants to teach. Using PowerPoint, Shawn presented a pictoral and biography highlighting success stories, three from MHS, one from Canyon, and one from Mountain Park.
Carol Carter was introduced by Joel Shawn to give the English Learner Program Evaluation Report, although he did not say her last name so I had to get it later on in the evening. Might be a good idea to introduce people with both names and state their position in the district. I assume she is in charge of the ELL program. Carol states that the ELL population has remained steady for nine years. In 1996 19.5 percent ELL and in 2004 19.3 percent. She says that ELL is the teaching of English, giving equal access to content instructionally, and teachers having a certificate (CLAD/SDAIE) to teach it. She cited some statistics, but her PowerPoint went too fast even for me and she had no handout except for board members.
These were her key ideas: ELL students should learn grade-level standards and be proficient at the end of the school year; it takes five years from speaking no English to being proficient; CELDT measures proficiency in English (test). By three years students should be at the basic level. She said that at present 23 percent are meeting standard (are proficient) and 79 percent are not (2003 data; 2004 has not been analyzed yet). She said the reasons for lack of success in becoming proficient are: teachers are not trained, and often teachers do not have lists of those students in their classes who are English Language Learners. Her suggestions: Group ELL students with support materials and monitor those students, involve all staff in how to provide these students access to core instruction, vocabulary tiering and routines (not explained, which I wish she had), using SDAIE strategies (also not explained, but I know these to be (1) speaking slowly (2) using visuals, (3) defining unfamiliar words, (4) pairing students), identifying students and placing them into approriate programs, meaning intervention programs when students are not doing well. She cited the Highpoint literacy program as one. From my experience in education, I am aware of several local districts requiring teachers to acquire their CLAD certificate. Either teachers can take it online or at a university. In one district, the district gives the training free of charge. Another suggestion was to have principals accountable for what their schools are doing to support and move students to the proficient category, as well as provide training. Her last suggestion was to align instruction and assessment (well, I guess so!!). Some schools are being guided under COMITE (forget what the initials stand for but it means that when a school has a large number [don't know the percentage] of ELL students and those students are not progressing to the proficient level as they should [also don't know how fast that should be], those schools receive regular visits from a COMITE committee and are provided suggesstions and training. Schools are elated when they no longer are under this process (my comment).
During the question/answer time, Carter asked what happens when students don't progress? She said they are placed into intervention programs, such as Highpoint. Joel Shawn commented that the key is for teachers to understand that ELL stragegies are good for every student, not just ELL students and not just until they the school is through with COMITE. Shawn said he and the principals are looking at and analyzing what are the irritants to teachers: Why aren't they providing the support. My comment: Sometimes teachers view providing ELL students with something different than the others as bothersome and just more work. They may feel the same with RSP and GATE students. Some teachers want to apply the vanilla approach and teach all students the same; no individualizing or mofifying. Diaz asked if students dropped out after they exit the program. Shawn said they do not, anbd they are tracked for two years.
Board approved a painting ($189,350) and flooring ($78,068) contract for Clifton Middle School, and a painting ($43,400) and flooring ($44,336) contract for Monrovia High.
The board received for first reading proposed revisions to Board Policy 5132, student dress policy and accompanying administrative regulations. Gail Grant presented the report. She said there were some concerns about the dress policy. There will be a dress code for all schools. Again, there was no handout.
Clare Chesley said she was concerned that it is one thing to have a policy and another to enforce it. Some parts of the policy are enforced but not others. Teachers and administrators see the enforcement as time consuming. Who do you take on? Will sites be supported in their decisions? She said she is concerned that we do a lot with wording but not with enforcing and that she hopes that parents will cooperate and check the dress of their students. If we start off right, we will not have problems. Superintendent Taylor said we need to have more conversations about this and provide more information to the board.
By the way, Brad, you asked in one of you communiques :"What is an AR?" AR means Administrative Regulation. Just as BP means Board Policy. See how the alphabet is our helper and friend!! [Indeed! - Brad]
A LETTER ~ The hot topic - the dress code, anonymous because I didn't get permission to use the name: "I have seen, and been completely embarassed by, the way young females are dressing, not only at the middle schools but at the high school as well. I often wonder where these parents are in the morning when their children are getting ready for school or being dropped off. Parents should be responsible for the way in which their children dress, regardless of whether there is a dress code or uniform code. Teachers and staff at the schools are there to educate the students, not to make sure certain body parts are covered. I have brought my own children back home and had them change if I didn't feel what they were wearing was appropriate. Regardless of whether "everyone else wears it" or not. For those that continue to complain about the condition of the schools, dress code, security or anything else, get off your butts and get out there and help. Call your schools find out what you can do. Set up a clean-up day, schedule to be at your school once a week to watch the kids at snack or lunch. Be involved! It doesn't matter how old your children are, they still need adult supervision and interaction. So, you will embarass them. They will thank you later in life if not now, because you cared enough to be involved."
The Monrovia School Link is also available on line at www.monroviaschoollink.com
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Thanks to Sharon Weiser for this report. Plus, there's a letter at the bottom, about dress policy. Hmmm. From the report it sounds as if there is work to be done in the English language learning program.
~ brad@sacklunch.net
By Sharon Weiser
All members were present except Brian Wong and the student representative.
The Board acknowledged a poster made by Tiffany Ross, the outgoing student representative, which depicted messages to each board member from her. The Board also recognized and honored Oscar Ibarra, as the recipient of the 2004 Los Angeles Dodger/Toyota "Hero of the Hispanic Community" Award. He was nominated by Ernie Villareal, Assistant Principal at Monrovia High for his work with promoting, facilitating, and encouraging ALL students to pursue a post secondary education. Mr. Ibarra gave a PowerPoint presentation describing the ways in which he did this. He listed weekly announcements of students who had received college appointments, signs advertising events, 79 visits by college representatives, classroom visits by counselors, helping students to fill out applications for loans, conducting parent meetings about the application process, field trips to college campuses, and workshops in Spanish. About 28 percent of the 2004 class will attend four-year institutions, up from 26 percent in 2003, but down from 30 percent in 2002. He noted that 54 percent of the class of 2004 will attend two-year institutions. There are others who will attend trade schools. His report was very encouraging in the sense that Monrovia High is actively helping students understand the process, pursue it, and search for grants and scholarships. This approach is much better than letting kids try to figure it out on their own since there are some who would not pursue college, thinking it would not be possible for them, nor do they come from families that understand the process and cannot afford college. This report was very heartwarming.
Board Member Bruce Carter said he will speak to the Star-News about No Child Left Behind: what it means and what it does not mean for our students. He said there are plans to speak to other newspapers in the future.
Member Clare Chesley commended the Monrovia HS band for playing at Oak Cemetary on Memorial Day. She attended a Rotary meeting where Mr. Gutierrez (community member) was acknowledged for completing his GED after six attempts. She also acknowledged how hard teachers work - usually in isolation - and that they are not recognized as much as they should be. She encouraged the community to tell teachers what a terrific job they do. (I have always said that teaching is the only job where we expect people to improve in isolation.)
Monina Diaz said she met with KGEM and the station is looking for great ideas/presentations to broadcast and partner with them. She encouraged the community to communicate with the board using the board's e-mail address.
Betty Sandford said the Monrovia HS geography class (50 students) went to a conference at USC and participated in three committees. One team won an award in research and debate. She encouraged students to be global citizens and to become knowledgeable about other countries.
Monina Diaz read Tiffany Ross' student report about upcoming events/dates at MHS.
Louise Taylor congratulated the MHS graduates and those being promoted to higher levels. Schools will be in session on June 11, 2004 and will commemorate Ronald Reagan's passing with classroom activities.
Joel Shawn said AVID students are being given extra help in passing the high school exit exam. He said that on the CAHSEE, 82 percent of 10th graders passed the math and 79 percent passed the language arts section. He said this is a huge improvement. He showed the report that is sent to parents about their student's progress.
The board received the Monrovia HS, Canyon Oaks HS and Mountain Park Alternative School graduation report. Joel Shawn gave a report about the graduating class at MHS, Canyon Oaks HS and Mountain Park Alternative School. He stated that out of 40 students at Mountain Park School, 24 will attend a two-year college, one will travel, one will serve in the military, and four are getting jobs. At Canyon Oaks HS, where there are 52 students in attendance, 23 will attend a two-year college, four will have jobs, and one wants to teach. Using PowerPoint, Shawn presented a pictoral and biography highlighting success stories, three from MHS, one from Canyon, and one from Mountain Park.
Carol Carter was introduced by Joel Shawn to give the English Learner Program Evaluation Report, although he did not say her last name so I had to get it later on in the evening. Might be a good idea to introduce people with both names and state their position in the district. I assume she is in charge of the ELL program. Carol states that the ELL population has remained steady for nine years. In 1996 19.5 percent ELL and in 2004 19.3 percent. She says that ELL is the teaching of English, giving equal access to content instructionally, and teachers having a certificate (CLAD/SDAIE) to teach it. She cited some statistics, but her PowerPoint went too fast even for me and she had no handout except for board members.
These were her key ideas: ELL students should learn grade-level standards and be proficient at the end of the school year; it takes five years from speaking no English to being proficient; CELDT measures proficiency in English (test). By three years students should be at the basic level. She said that at present 23 percent are meeting standard (are proficient) and 79 percent are not (2003 data; 2004 has not been analyzed yet). She said the reasons for lack of success in becoming proficient are: teachers are not trained, and often teachers do not have lists of those students in their classes who are English Language Learners. Her suggestions: Group ELL students with support materials and monitor those students, involve all staff in how to provide these students access to core instruction, vocabulary tiering and routines (not explained, which I wish she had), using SDAIE strategies (also not explained, but I know these to be (1) speaking slowly (2) using visuals, (3) defining unfamiliar words, (4) pairing students), identifying students and placing them into approriate programs, meaning intervention programs when students are not doing well. She cited the Highpoint literacy program as one. From my experience in education, I am aware of several local districts requiring teachers to acquire their CLAD certificate. Either teachers can take it online or at a university. In one district, the district gives the training free of charge. Another suggestion was to have principals accountable for what their schools are doing to support and move students to the proficient category, as well as provide training. Her last suggestion was to align instruction and assessment (well, I guess so!!). Some schools are being guided under COMITE (forget what the initials stand for but it means that when a school has a large number [don't know the percentage] of ELL students and those students are not progressing to the proficient level as they should [also don't know how fast that should be], those schools receive regular visits from a COMITE committee and are provided suggesstions and training. Schools are elated when they no longer are under this process (my comment).
During the question/answer time, Carter asked what happens when students don't progress? She said they are placed into intervention programs, such as Highpoint. Joel Shawn commented that the key is for teachers to understand that ELL stragegies are good for every student, not just ELL students and not just until they the school is through with COMITE. Shawn said he and the principals are looking at and analyzing what are the irritants to teachers: Why aren't they providing the support. My comment: Sometimes teachers view providing ELL students with something different than the others as bothersome and just more work. They may feel the same with RSP and GATE students. Some teachers want to apply the vanilla approach and teach all students the same; no individualizing or mofifying. Diaz asked if students dropped out after they exit the program. Shawn said they do not, anbd they are tracked for two years.
Board approved a painting ($189,350) and flooring ($78,068) contract for Clifton Middle School, and a painting ($43,400) and flooring ($44,336) contract for Monrovia High.
The board received for first reading proposed revisions to Board Policy 5132, student dress policy and accompanying administrative regulations. Gail Grant presented the report. She said there were some concerns about the dress policy. There will be a dress code for all schools. Again, there was no handout.
Clare Chesley said she was concerned that it is one thing to have a policy and another to enforce it. Some parts of the policy are enforced but not others. Teachers and administrators see the enforcement as time consuming. Who do you take on? Will sites be supported in their decisions? She said she is concerned that we do a lot with wording but not with enforcing and that she hopes that parents will cooperate and check the dress of their students. If we start off right, we will not have problems. Superintendent Taylor said we need to have more conversations about this and provide more information to the board.
By the way, Brad, you asked in one of you communiques :"What is an AR?" AR means Administrative Regulation. Just as BP means Board Policy. See how the alphabet is our helper and friend!! [Indeed! - Brad]
A LETTER ~ The hot topic - the dress code, anonymous because I didn't get permission to use the name: "I have seen, and been completely embarassed by, the way young females are dressing, not only at the middle schools but at the high school as well. I often wonder where these parents are in the morning when their children are getting ready for school or being dropped off. Parents should be responsible for the way in which their children dress, regardless of whether there is a dress code or uniform code. Teachers and staff at the schools are there to educate the students, not to make sure certain body parts are covered. I have brought my own children back home and had them change if I didn't feel what they were wearing was appropriate. Regardless of whether "everyone else wears it" or not. For those that continue to complain about the condition of the schools, dress code, security or anything else, get off your butts and get out there and help. Call your schools find out what you can do. Set up a clean-up day, schedule to be at your school once a week to watch the kids at snack or lunch. Be involved! It doesn't matter how old your children are, they still need adult supervision and interaction. So, you will embarass them. They will thank you later in life if not now, because you cared enough to be involved."
The Monrovia School Link is also available on line at www.monroviaschoollink.com
Monday, June 07, 2004
Monrovia SchoolLink Preview for Wednesday, June 9
There are two meetings on June 9, one at 5 p.m. and one at 7 p.m. Here's an outline of some of the stuff on the agendas, plus some snips from letters I've recieved, below.
~ brad@sacklunch.net
At the 5 p.m. meeting the board will honor some retirees, Monrovia High School student, Kenneth Kalinisan, who has taken a CIF swimming title in the 100-yard breaststroke, the Monrovia High Girls' Varsity Softball Team, which is the 2004 Division IV Rio Hondo League Champion, and ROP ("Regional Occupation Program," or something like that) Outstanding Students of the Year.
At 7 p.m., a whole, brand-spanking new meeting.
The board will thank Student Representative Tiffany Ross for her service to the Board during this school year, honor hotshot "get-em-into-college" counselor Oscar Ibarra as the recipient of the 2004 Los Angeles Dodger/Toyota "Hero of the Hispanic Community" Award, ande will introduce new City Manager Scott Ochoa.
Item 4.2 ~ "Public hearing for items not on the agenda." Your chance to say whatever is on your mind.
Item 6.6 ~ Receive an evaluation report on the district's English Learner programs.
Item 7.7 ~ Hire some folks to do $189,350 worth of painting, and some other folks to do $78,068 of "flooring," for Clifton Middle School. (Whew! Sounds like you could fill a swimming pool with all that paint. But then I guess it also includes labor, so I guess only half a swimming pool.)
Item 7.9 ~ A how's-the-finances report. I'm betting it goes like this: Finances are looking a little bit better but money is still tight and we have to watch every penny and doggone those rapscallions in Sacramento, why don't they give us a few more bucks? [And I can't say that I disagree.]
Item 9.2 ~ First reading (first step of approval) for a new student dress code and "accompanying AR." Ah yes, "accompanying AR." One certainly wouldn't want to forget the accompanying AR! Heavens no! Uhhh. What's an AR? Enquiring minds want to know.
Item 9.3 ~ Consolidate some board policies regarding "Volunteer Assistance to School Personnel."
Item 10.2 ~ Set graduation dates and times.
Plus some other stuff.
CORRECTION ~ From Board Member Bryan Wong: "Small correction. I know that Bruce and I look alike but... Bruce opted not to give a report this week and the report listed for him was given by me." Did I goof up again? Bad Brad!
DRESS ~ Regarding dress at Santa Fe Middle School: "I don't believe that the attire of the female students at Santa Fe is any different than what you'd see at Clifton or Monrovia High. We would ALL like to see every student dressed appropriately for school. There is currently a dress code for the entire district in place, and (officially) a uniform policy for the schools. The uniform policy (which many families opt out of) is not being enforced at the district level. If the principal does not allow a waiver for a student, the parent can simply go over his head to get the waiver approved at the district office. The hundreds of waivers that result from a lenient policy like this make enforcement cumbersome and detract from the learning environment each day as staff tries to enforce different rules for different kids. A dress code is much better, but - again - enforcement takes a lot of time that most schools can't spare. Parents are the key - if they would police their children's choices in clothing, and check them before they left for school, education could again be the focus of each site, as it should be."
HIGH SCHOOL ~ "I agree with Joel Shawn that the high school is on the right track. Just look at the exit exam - 66% of tenth graders passed both tests the first time. This has to be a reflection on Monrovia schools. I believe that there is a lot of negative talk about the high school that is coming from people who do not even have a student at the high school. As for the middle schools, Santa Fe has a wonderful staff. My ninth grader was well educated at Santa Fe and my 7th grader is getting the same education. I am proud to be an involved parent at the high school and middle school. Let's stop with negatives and focus on some positives, and if we need to make some changes lets work together to get it done. Yes I know that the high school is not perfect, but show me a high school that is!"
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There are two meetings on June 9, one at 5 p.m. and one at 7 p.m. Here's an outline of some of the stuff on the agendas, plus some snips from letters I've recieved, below.
~ brad@sacklunch.net
At the 5 p.m. meeting the board will honor some retirees, Monrovia High School student, Kenneth Kalinisan, who has taken a CIF swimming title in the 100-yard breaststroke, the Monrovia High Girls' Varsity Softball Team, which is the 2004 Division IV Rio Hondo League Champion, and ROP ("Regional Occupation Program," or something like that) Outstanding Students of the Year.
At 7 p.m., a whole, brand-spanking new meeting.
The board will thank Student Representative Tiffany Ross for her service to the Board during this school year, honor hotshot "get-em-into-college" counselor Oscar Ibarra as the recipient of the 2004 Los Angeles Dodger/Toyota "Hero of the Hispanic Community" Award, ande will introduce new City Manager Scott Ochoa.
Item 4.2 ~ "Public hearing for items not on the agenda." Your chance to say whatever is on your mind.
Item 6.6 ~ Receive an evaluation report on the district's English Learner programs.
Item 7.7 ~ Hire some folks to do $189,350 worth of painting, and some other folks to do $78,068 of "flooring," for Clifton Middle School. (Whew! Sounds like you could fill a swimming pool with all that paint. But then I guess it also includes labor, so I guess only half a swimming pool.)
Item 7.9 ~ A how's-the-finances report. I'm betting it goes like this: Finances are looking a little bit better but money is still tight and we have to watch every penny and doggone those rapscallions in Sacramento, why don't they give us a few more bucks? [And I can't say that I disagree.]
Item 9.2 ~ First reading (first step of approval) for a new student dress code and "accompanying AR." Ah yes, "accompanying AR." One certainly wouldn't want to forget the accompanying AR! Heavens no! Uhhh. What's an AR? Enquiring minds want to know.
Item 9.3 ~ Consolidate some board policies regarding "Volunteer Assistance to School Personnel."
Item 10.2 ~ Set graduation dates and times.
Plus some other stuff.
CORRECTION ~ From Board Member Bryan Wong: "Small correction. I know that Bruce and I look alike but... Bruce opted not to give a report this week and the report listed for him was given by me." Did I goof up again? Bad Brad!
DRESS ~ Regarding dress at Santa Fe Middle School: "I don't believe that the attire of the female students at Santa Fe is any different than what you'd see at Clifton or Monrovia High. We would ALL like to see every student dressed appropriately for school. There is currently a dress code for the entire district in place, and (officially) a uniform policy for the schools. The uniform policy (which many families opt out of) is not being enforced at the district level. If the principal does not allow a waiver for a student, the parent can simply go over his head to get the waiver approved at the district office. The hundreds of waivers that result from a lenient policy like this make enforcement cumbersome and detract from the learning environment each day as staff tries to enforce different rules for different kids. A dress code is much better, but - again - enforcement takes a lot of time that most schools can't spare. Parents are the key - if they would police their children's choices in clothing, and check them before they left for school, education could again be the focus of each site, as it should be."
HIGH SCHOOL ~ "I agree with Joel Shawn that the high school is on the right track. Just look at the exit exam - 66% of tenth graders passed both tests the first time. This has to be a reflection on Monrovia schools. I believe that there is a lot of negative talk about the high school that is coming from people who do not even have a student at the high school. As for the middle schools, Santa Fe has a wonderful staff. My ninth grader was well educated at Santa Fe and my 7th grader is getting the same education. I am proud to be an involved parent at the high school and middle school. Let's stop with negatives and focus on some positives, and if we need to make some changes lets work together to get it done. Yes I know that the high school is not perfect, but show me a high school that is!"
