Saturday, July 24, 2004
Monrovia School Link ~ Number 87 ~ July 25, 2004
After Alex Zucco's report to the board (see last couple issues) about her plans for a parents group designed to evaluate and promote the Monrovia schools, I thought I ought to check in with her and see exactly what's cooking. By the way, hope you all are having a pleasant summer!
~ brad@sacklunch.net
~ brad@sacklunch.net
Well, the organization Alex has in mind is patterned after a Pasadena group called Pasadena Education Network, or PEN, for short. (You can see my article about PEN - second one down the page - at www.monroviaschoollink.com/archives/2004_04_01_archive.html.) I suggested to Alex that the group might be called MEN (Monrovia Education Network), but for some reason she didn't seem too keen on that idea. Sigh, all my best ideas get shot down.
Anyway, she said the group - whatever it's name may be - could do a couple things. One thing would be evaluation tours of schools. Here's how it might work:
The group would send out an email inviting members on a tour of a Monrovia school campus. Then, anyone who wanted to come could fill out an evaluation form for the school (tweeked from the very comprehensive PEN form) or they could just tag along. Then the principal would give the evaluation forms a look for factual errors [I - Brad - hope the principal would advise but not have veto power over these reports] and then the forms would be posted on line with contact information so parents could look at them and write the author to ask questions.
Another possible task would be for the group to hold an annual forum - maybe in the summer - in which representatives of public and private schools could make presentations and answer questions so parents could learn the advantages and disadvantages of both public and private education.
Alex said she'd like to reach parents at the transition points, just before their children enter first grade, just before they enter middle school, and just before they enter high school. Those, she beleives, are probably the key times when parents are debating whether to send their children to public or private schools.
It all sounds pretty valuable, but wouldn't such tasks be better handled by the PTA or by the Monrovia Schools Foundation?
Alex, who is involved up to her eyebrows in the PTA, said these goals are not part of the PTA's mission, but she does think it might match up well with the Monrovia Schools Foundation. In fact, she said, she is planning to meet with the foundation's board this August to discuss the possibility of having the group be an adjunct to MSF.
But whether it becomes a part of MSF or is a stand-alone organization, it is going to take a little while to get all the pieces put together.
Alex said Superintendent Louise Taylor is positive about the idea and is trying to sell the concept to the principals.
Presuming that goes well, Alex said she'll make flyers to send home to parents informing them of the group, then a press release will go out to some of the local papers, then hopefully she'll schedule a meeting, then the group will need to develop a mission statement and calendar. So, with the distractions of school starting up, time for the principals to mull things over, then November and December busyness, Alex thinks it's realistic to think a group might get up and running by January or so, and might be able to schedule its first major event by next summer.
So, if you're interested in the project, send Alex a note at ak.zucco_at_verizon.net
The Monrovia School Link is also available on line at www.monroviaschoollink.com
Thursday, July 15, 2004
Monrovia School Link ~ Number 86 ~ July 15, 2004
Thanks to Alex Zucco for this report. Alex is both the reporter and reportee in part of this article. She spoke at the previous meeting and got some response this meeting. Her plan for a parent group for the district - which the administration seems to favor - is quite interesting, so if you'd like to help her out, send her a note at ak.zucco_at_verizon.net. I'll try to report a bit more on her doings in another issue. Also, toward the bottom of this story is some info about some pretty specific goals the board has adopted for itself - goals by which the community can measure its progress. I like!
~ brad@sacklunch.net
Board of Education Regular Meeting, Wednesday, July 14th
By Alex Zucco
Arrived exactly on time for Wednesday's meeting and was surprised to find about 14 other people in the audience. Last week when I attended the meeting - there were about 3. Wonder why the big crowd? I found out about 15 minutes later.
Overall - some sad news/new opportunity, a "secret" gets out, a new set of goals and a request for help from the community.
But from the beginning...
Betty Sandford opened the meeting by noticing that the meeting was "Ladies Night" (my phrase, not hers) - Joel Shawn, Bryan Wong and Bruce Carter were on vacation and Robert Geiger (tech guy) had a death in the family - so it was an all-female board meeting. Betty then asked everyone to come in front of the dais for a line-up of sorts to announce the sad news/great new opportunity - this usually means someone is leaving. Dr. Gail Grant will be leaving Monrovia Unified School District as of July 21 to become the Area Administrator for the Fontana School District. Betty described this as Dr. Grant's dream job - she will have the opportunity to mentor other school site administrators. Betty awarded Dr. Grant with a plaque for 11 years of service in MUSD - there were tears, hugs - and many thanks to Dr. Grant for all of her hard work and dedication to Monrovia over the past 11 years. Good Luck Dr. Grant.
Scott Ochoa, Monrovia's new City Manager appeared next. He introduced himself, stated he wanted to work on a good working relationship with the board (since both groups serve the same "customer"), said he looks forward to working with the board... and also wanted a hug (like Dr. Grant). He spoke so quickly it was very difficult to understand him. Next time, maybe he can take breath or two in between sentences. He asked for questions from the board - and bummer for him - he got a few. Clare Chesley had a great one. She welcomed him, then made a plug for the schools - saying she hoped that now that he has family in Monrovia, that she would see his children in Monrovia Public Schools soon. I believe a "you go girl" would fit nicely here. Having the people that represent Monrovia - both elected and appointed - sending their children to Monrovia schools - what a novel idea. Monina and Betty thanked him for coming and Louise said Scott has always been very receptive to new ideas and is doing a great job. Crowd goes wild - applause, applause!
Next was the Monrovia Community Adult School Annual Report, presented by Esther McDonald. And this is where the "secret" came out. Esther said the Monrovia Community Adult School is the "Best Kept Secret" in Monrovia, and she wants to shed that image. She brought with her (pardon any spelling errors) Darcy Hafley, Jan Bellue, Patty Gould, Mike Schaffer and Lynn Whitaker. The rest of the audience was students from the school (maybe they got credit for attending). She had a 14-minute PowerPoint presentation jammed packed with programs, classes and benefits - that place has everything. GED classes, classes for seniors, parenting, ROP, fee-based classes, etc - I couldn't possibly get them all - but chances are if you are looking for something, the Monrovia Community Adult School has it. The presentation also had a good soundtrack... The Who, The Eagles "Long Run, Fleetwood Mac "Don't Stop Thinking About Tomorrow", ABBA "Take A Chance on Me" and Louis Armstrong "What a Wonderful World"... music always helps. The school served more than 6,300 students last year, from more than 50 countries. Mary Ann Lutz is the council member mentoring/adopting the adult school. Asked for questions - Clare wondering about parking - being worked on; adding foreign language classes for elementary school children - being discussed with principals but still at very early stage; and finally - what does she need from the community? Esther had a great answer - catchy. She wants Monrovia to think of the Monrovia Community Adult School as your First Stop AND One Stop shopping. She said that even when she was at Bradoaks she had no idea how much the adult school had to offer - and she hopes the community and the school administrators will think of the Monrovia Community Adult School first. Monina asked about the difference between the free and the fee-based classes. From what I could gather - the school can be reimbursed for the ones they offer for free - the fee-based ones are for enjoyment and enrichment and don't get state reimbursement. Monina also asked (for her mom) why the upholstery class wasn't offered in the summer (apparently the upholstery group is very dedicated). Esther said it was a combination of funding and the teacher: Upholstery guru Donna Martino, wanted the summer off.
Board Member Reports:
Claire Chesley thanked parents who commented last week, Rosemary Harrahill and Alex Zucco, saying they brought some good things to the board's attention. She said she hopes other parents will follow suit. ~~ She thanked Susan Hirsch for her work with summer school - in full swing and going great. ~~ Claire also shared a few articles - one comparing the space program and the public school system. Using the space program to demonstrate what can be accomplished with dedication, proper funding and a committed community. Nice analogy. The second article was about a Plymouth Elementary parent volunteer who was donating time to create a music program. There will be a performance at Plymouth next Thursday, July 22nd at 1 p.m, 1:30 p.m. and 2 p.m... great job Mr. DiPeppi (sp?). But I am curious why Claire had to get this from the Pasadena Weekly - why hadn't the principal or a Plymouth parent brought this to the board's attention? Share the good news!!
Monina Diaz congratulated the new Monrovia Days Royal Court (Monina is a former court member) and noticed that two of the girls were either current or former student board representatives. ~~ The Library is having a Read-A-Thon to help fund the new library. Saturday, July 24th from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Come by and help the Library.
Betty Sandford said she went to Dodger Stadium to see Monrovia High's own Oscar Ibarra receive the Hispanic Hero Award. Betty said it was a thrill to hear Monrovia High and see Oscar on Diamond Vision (Is it still called that?). And thanks to Ernie for nominating Oscar. ~~ Betty also attended the Plymouth School Olympics. She was expecting sporting events, but it was costumes, songs and dances from all over the world. ~~ The Parent Institute will be coming to an elementary school near you in January. The board will begin recruiting volunteers to train - call now if you want to become a Parent Institute volunteer. ~~ And finally, the request for help from the community: The Foothill Unity Center is gearing up for its annual Back-To-School Distribution on Thursday, August 26th. Last year the Unity Center outfitted 853 children for school; this year - with its service area growing - the group anticipates serving 1,500 children! There are flyers on the district office counter - but some of the things on their Wish List:
- New school supplies: backpacks, binders, paper, pencils, pens and calculators.
- New school uniforms, socks and underwear.
- New clothing for high school boys and girls who don't require uniforms.
- MONEY!! To purchase items, fill in the gaps, buy shoe vouchers. About $30 can outfit a child - only $30!!
- And of course - volunteers to help shop, organize, package and distribute.
You can drop off donations Monday - Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at the 415 W. Chestnut Monrovia location or the 191 N. Oak Pasadena location. This is a great scout community project. I know I always find out about this the day after it has happened. Pass the word and let's all help the Unity Center reach its goal of serving all 1,500 kids!
Superintendent's Report
Superintendent Louise Taylor thanked and congratulated Dr. Grant and Oscar. ~~ Summer School did have to cut kinder and 1st grade for budget reasons - but in spite of this the district was able to serve 2,455 students (a 50-student increase from last summer). ~~ Louise had information for Claire on how many students MUSD serves from other communities - this summer 131 students, most at the high school level (something about possibly Duarte and Temple City not offering anything this summer). ~~ Taylor also responded to Alex Zucco's questions at the previous board meeting: GATE improving communication with potential parents/families - already in the works/on the agenda; lack of an after-school program at Mayflower - yes, Mayflower is the only school without an after-school program. Good news and bad news. Good news is that Mayflower will qualify for the Village program. Bad news, it can't apply until the current grant runs out in the Spring of 2005. So the Mayflower 2004-2005 school year is still without anything after school, but Susan Hirsch is working on it; Perception of declining enrollment between 5th and 6th grade - Linda Dempsey provided data for the last 5 years showing at the worst MUSD loses about 20 students a year between 5th and 6th grade, and at the best MUSD only lost 2 or 3 students last year between 5th and 6th grade. At the middle school to high school level there is no loss but typically a gain. However the biggest loss is in high school, between 9th and 12th grade, and that probably doesn't have much to do with kids being pulled to private schools. Louise said the district and administration are aware of the problem and are working to turn all the freshman into graduating seniors; and finally, the Pasadena Education Network - she said she will be taking all of the information from Alex to the site administrators to discuss how our district could implement such a program. The Education Network seems to fit very well with the mission of our district - working to build relationships with parents/families when they are making the choice of public vs. private - almost like a parent-run publicity group. She mentioned how it could fit nicely with some of our existing groups in Monrovia, like the Monrovia Schools Foundation. And this will be my plug - if you are interested in being part of a group like this - email me at ak.zucco_at_verizon.net.
Consent Agenda
There were a bunch of gifts for Mayflower. Yes, Brad, Mayflower may have waited a bit, but most of those look like they were either part of our International Festival or other fundraising efforts at the end of the year.
One bid for asphalt work was accepted and approved. Larry Brown Construction Company got the job. Linda Dempsey said there were only two bids - it was advertised and she even made phone calls to try and solicit more - but most everyone told her they had plenty of work and they would have to pass. Claire asked if the district considered waiting until more companies were available. Linda didn't see that as necessary - the work needed to be done soon and the district had worked with both companies before. Claire also asked about the bidding process. Linda told her it was standard and bids are secret until they are opened.
And another bid was rejected. Some irrigation and landscaping was set to be done - the district had been postponing this project to wait for more companies, but when the bids came in they were all so different that they were marked "non-responsible." This work will not be able to be done this summer, and it's back to square one.
Debby Collins asked the board to approve a tentative health benefits package for the employees. Discussions have been ongoing (since March) - these typically deal with two carriers, Kaiser and Blue Cross. I guess the Kaiser deal was so difficult that they are going to steer everyone to Blue Cross and ask everyone to contribute an extra $28 to avoid the further out-of-pocket expenses the Kaiser deal would have brought. The increases are still lower than those for other comparable districts. Approved by board.
Debby also spoke on the collective bargaining agreement. She said MTA has ratified it and the other employee groups have either formally or informally approved it as well. They use the data from 30 other comparable districts to determine pay raises, etc., and they are still waiting to hear from 13. Apparently it is related to the state budget issues and not a disagreement within the ranks.
And finally - the board had a first reading of its "Strategic 5-Year Goals". The three main areas of focus:
1. All Monrovia Schools will be designated California and Monrovia Distinguished Schools (What's the difference between California and Monrovia?), with API* scores of 800 or higher. (No mention of what the asterisk is for.)
2. All Monrovia teachers will utilize specified research-supported instructional strategies (Does that mean there are teachers using un-research-supported strategies currently?)
3. All Monrovia Schools will provide programs to guide students to become high school graduates who aim toward college and a meaningful career, compete course requirements for UC/CSU, participate in leadership, the arts, and/or extracurricular activities, and who demonstrate responsibility through attendance, behavior, academic performance and "service."
"Service" was discussed later. Betty would like to see the thought completed - possibly "Civic understanding and service." Claire and Monina did not want to make any changes this evening, but just have the first reading and let the public absorb it... but everyone made it pretty clear that, yes, they may want public opinion, but the board will have the final word on the finished product, and Claire stressed that with this document the public will have a concrete document to measure the district and board's success. Betty commented she thought this was a first for the board - a first in being realistic about what to expect from the schools and a first in this being such a well-coordinated effort. No word on how any of these goal will be achieved - but it's a great start.
Very long winded - I'm sure Brad will want to edit this. [Um, Brad thinks that for the most part he'll keep his grubby mitts off. - Brad]
Hope everyone is having a great summer!
(0) comments
Thanks to Alex Zucco for this report. Alex is both the reporter and reportee in part of this article. She spoke at the previous meeting and got some response this meeting. Her plan for a parent group for the district - which the administration seems to favor - is quite interesting, so if you'd like to help her out, send her a note at ak.zucco_at_verizon.net. I'll try to report a bit more on her doings in another issue. Also, toward the bottom of this story is some info about some pretty specific goals the board has adopted for itself - goals by which the community can measure its progress. I like!
~ brad@sacklunch.net
Board of Education Regular Meeting, Wednesday, July 14th
By Alex Zucco
Arrived exactly on time for Wednesday's meeting and was surprised to find about 14 other people in the audience. Last week when I attended the meeting - there were about 3. Wonder why the big crowd? I found out about 15 minutes later.
Overall - some sad news/new opportunity, a "secret" gets out, a new set of goals and a request for help from the community.
But from the beginning...
Betty Sandford opened the meeting by noticing that the meeting was "Ladies Night" (my phrase, not hers) - Joel Shawn, Bryan Wong and Bruce Carter were on vacation and Robert Geiger (tech guy) had a death in the family - so it was an all-female board meeting. Betty then asked everyone to come in front of the dais for a line-up of sorts to announce the sad news/great new opportunity - this usually means someone is leaving. Dr. Gail Grant will be leaving Monrovia Unified School District as of July 21 to become the Area Administrator for the Fontana School District. Betty described this as Dr. Grant's dream job - she will have the opportunity to mentor other school site administrators. Betty awarded Dr. Grant with a plaque for 11 years of service in MUSD - there were tears, hugs - and many thanks to Dr. Grant for all of her hard work and dedication to Monrovia over the past 11 years. Good Luck Dr. Grant.
Scott Ochoa, Monrovia's new City Manager appeared next. He introduced himself, stated he wanted to work on a good working relationship with the board (since both groups serve the same "customer"), said he looks forward to working with the board... and also wanted a hug (like Dr. Grant). He spoke so quickly it was very difficult to understand him. Next time, maybe he can take breath or two in between sentences. He asked for questions from the board - and bummer for him - he got a few. Clare Chesley had a great one. She welcomed him, then made a plug for the schools - saying she hoped that now that he has family in Monrovia, that she would see his children in Monrovia Public Schools soon. I believe a "you go girl" would fit nicely here. Having the people that represent Monrovia - both elected and appointed - sending their children to Monrovia schools - what a novel idea. Monina and Betty thanked him for coming and Louise said Scott has always been very receptive to new ideas and is doing a great job. Crowd goes wild - applause, applause!
Next was the Monrovia Community Adult School Annual Report, presented by Esther McDonald. And this is where the "secret" came out. Esther said the Monrovia Community Adult School is the "Best Kept Secret" in Monrovia, and she wants to shed that image. She brought with her (pardon any spelling errors) Darcy Hafley, Jan Bellue, Patty Gould, Mike Schaffer and Lynn Whitaker. The rest of the audience was students from the school (maybe they got credit for attending). She had a 14-minute PowerPoint presentation jammed packed with programs, classes and benefits - that place has everything. GED classes, classes for seniors, parenting, ROP, fee-based classes, etc - I couldn't possibly get them all - but chances are if you are looking for something, the Monrovia Community Adult School has it. The presentation also had a good soundtrack... The Who, The Eagles "Long Run, Fleetwood Mac "Don't Stop Thinking About Tomorrow", ABBA "Take A Chance on Me" and Louis Armstrong "What a Wonderful World"... music always helps. The school served more than 6,300 students last year, from more than 50 countries. Mary Ann Lutz is the council member mentoring/adopting the adult school. Asked for questions - Clare wondering about parking - being worked on; adding foreign language classes for elementary school children - being discussed with principals but still at very early stage; and finally - what does she need from the community? Esther had a great answer - catchy. She wants Monrovia to think of the Monrovia Community Adult School as your First Stop AND One Stop shopping. She said that even when she was at Bradoaks she had no idea how much the adult school had to offer - and she hopes the community and the school administrators will think of the Monrovia Community Adult School first. Monina asked about the difference between the free and the fee-based classes. From what I could gather - the school can be reimbursed for the ones they offer for free - the fee-based ones are for enjoyment and enrichment and don't get state reimbursement. Monina also asked (for her mom) why the upholstery class wasn't offered in the summer (apparently the upholstery group is very dedicated). Esther said it was a combination of funding and the teacher: Upholstery guru Donna Martino, wanted the summer off.
Board Member Reports:
Claire Chesley thanked parents who commented last week, Rosemary Harrahill and Alex Zucco, saying they brought some good things to the board's attention. She said she hopes other parents will follow suit. ~~ She thanked Susan Hirsch for her work with summer school - in full swing and going great. ~~ Claire also shared a few articles - one comparing the space program and the public school system. Using the space program to demonstrate what can be accomplished with dedication, proper funding and a committed community. Nice analogy. The second article was about a Plymouth Elementary parent volunteer who was donating time to create a music program. There will be a performance at Plymouth next Thursday, July 22nd at 1 p.m, 1:30 p.m. and 2 p.m... great job Mr. DiPeppi (sp?). But I am curious why Claire had to get this from the Pasadena Weekly - why hadn't the principal or a Plymouth parent brought this to the board's attention? Share the good news!!
Monina Diaz congratulated the new Monrovia Days Royal Court (Monina is a former court member) and noticed that two of the girls were either current or former student board representatives. ~~ The Library is having a Read-A-Thon to help fund the new library. Saturday, July 24th from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Come by and help the Library.
Betty Sandford said she went to Dodger Stadium to see Monrovia High's own Oscar Ibarra receive the Hispanic Hero Award. Betty said it was a thrill to hear Monrovia High and see Oscar on Diamond Vision (Is it still called that?). And thanks to Ernie for nominating Oscar. ~~ Betty also attended the Plymouth School Olympics. She was expecting sporting events, but it was costumes, songs and dances from all over the world. ~~ The Parent Institute will be coming to an elementary school near you in January. The board will begin recruiting volunteers to train - call now if you want to become a Parent Institute volunteer. ~~ And finally, the request for help from the community: The Foothill Unity Center is gearing up for its annual Back-To-School Distribution on Thursday, August 26th. Last year the Unity Center outfitted 853 children for school; this year - with its service area growing - the group anticipates serving 1,500 children! There are flyers on the district office counter - but some of the things on their Wish List:
- New school supplies: backpacks, binders, paper, pencils, pens and calculators.
- New school uniforms, socks and underwear.
- New clothing for high school boys and girls who don't require uniforms.
- MONEY!! To purchase items, fill in the gaps, buy shoe vouchers. About $30 can outfit a child - only $30!!
- And of course - volunteers to help shop, organize, package and distribute.
You can drop off donations Monday - Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at the 415 W. Chestnut Monrovia location or the 191 N. Oak Pasadena location. This is a great scout community project. I know I always find out about this the day after it has happened. Pass the word and let's all help the Unity Center reach its goal of serving all 1,500 kids!
Superintendent's Report
Superintendent Louise Taylor thanked and congratulated Dr. Grant and Oscar. ~~ Summer School did have to cut kinder and 1st grade for budget reasons - but in spite of this the district was able to serve 2,455 students (a 50-student increase from last summer). ~~ Louise had information for Claire on how many students MUSD serves from other communities - this summer 131 students, most at the high school level (something about possibly Duarte and Temple City not offering anything this summer). ~~ Taylor also responded to Alex Zucco's questions at the previous board meeting: GATE improving communication with potential parents/families - already in the works/on the agenda; lack of an after-school program at Mayflower - yes, Mayflower is the only school without an after-school program. Good news and bad news. Good news is that Mayflower will qualify for the Village program. Bad news, it can't apply until the current grant runs out in the Spring of 2005. So the Mayflower 2004-2005 school year is still without anything after school, but Susan Hirsch is working on it; Perception of declining enrollment between 5th and 6th grade - Linda Dempsey provided data for the last 5 years showing at the worst MUSD loses about 20 students a year between 5th and 6th grade, and at the best MUSD only lost 2 or 3 students last year between 5th and 6th grade. At the middle school to high school level there is no loss but typically a gain. However the biggest loss is in high school, between 9th and 12th grade, and that probably doesn't have much to do with kids being pulled to private schools. Louise said the district and administration are aware of the problem and are working to turn all the freshman into graduating seniors; and finally, the Pasadena Education Network - she said she will be taking all of the information from Alex to the site administrators to discuss how our district could implement such a program. The Education Network seems to fit very well with the mission of our district - working to build relationships with parents/families when they are making the choice of public vs. private - almost like a parent-run publicity group. She mentioned how it could fit nicely with some of our existing groups in Monrovia, like the Monrovia Schools Foundation. And this will be my plug - if you are interested in being part of a group like this - email me at ak.zucco_at_verizon.net.
Consent Agenda
There were a bunch of gifts for Mayflower. Yes, Brad, Mayflower may have waited a bit, but most of those look like they were either part of our International Festival or other fundraising efforts at the end of the year.
One bid for asphalt work was accepted and approved. Larry Brown Construction Company got the job. Linda Dempsey said there were only two bids - it was advertised and she even made phone calls to try and solicit more - but most everyone told her they had plenty of work and they would have to pass. Claire asked if the district considered waiting until more companies were available. Linda didn't see that as necessary - the work needed to be done soon and the district had worked with both companies before. Claire also asked about the bidding process. Linda told her it was standard and bids are secret until they are opened.
And another bid was rejected. Some irrigation and landscaping was set to be done - the district had been postponing this project to wait for more companies, but when the bids came in they were all so different that they were marked "non-responsible." This work will not be able to be done this summer, and it's back to square one.
Debby Collins asked the board to approve a tentative health benefits package for the employees. Discussions have been ongoing (since March) - these typically deal with two carriers, Kaiser and Blue Cross. I guess the Kaiser deal was so difficult that they are going to steer everyone to Blue Cross and ask everyone to contribute an extra $28 to avoid the further out-of-pocket expenses the Kaiser deal would have brought. The increases are still lower than those for other comparable districts. Approved by board.
Debby also spoke on the collective bargaining agreement. She said MTA has ratified it and the other employee groups have either formally or informally approved it as well. They use the data from 30 other comparable districts to determine pay raises, etc., and they are still waiting to hear from 13. Apparently it is related to the state budget issues and not a disagreement within the ranks.
And finally - the board had a first reading of its "Strategic 5-Year Goals". The three main areas of focus:
1. All Monrovia Schools will be designated California and Monrovia Distinguished Schools (What's the difference between California and Monrovia?), with API* scores of 800 or higher. (No mention of what the asterisk is for.)
2. All Monrovia teachers will utilize specified research-supported instructional strategies (Does that mean there are teachers using un-research-supported strategies currently?)
3. All Monrovia Schools will provide programs to guide students to become high school graduates who aim toward college and a meaningful career, compete course requirements for UC/CSU, participate in leadership, the arts, and/or extracurricular activities, and who demonstrate responsibility through attendance, behavior, academic performance and "service."
"Service" was discussed later. Betty would like to see the thought completed - possibly "Civic understanding and service." Claire and Monina did not want to make any changes this evening, but just have the first reading and let the public absorb it... but everyone made it pretty clear that, yes, they may want public opinion, but the board will have the final word on the finished product, and Claire stressed that with this document the public will have a concrete document to measure the district and board's success. Betty commented she thought this was a first for the board - a first in being realistic about what to expect from the schools and a first in this being such a well-coordinated effort. No word on how any of these goal will be achieved - but it's a great start.
Very long winded - I'm sure Brad will want to edit this. [Um, Brad thinks that for the most part he'll keep his grubby mitts off. - Brad]
Hope everyone is having a great summer!
Sunday, July 11, 2004
Monrovia SchoolLink Preview for Wednesday, July 14
It looks as if Item 9.3 might be of some interest: vision and goals for the district. And Sharon Weiser writes about the dress code.
~ Brad Haugaard brad@sacklunch.net
The board meeting is this Wednesday at 7 p.m.
Item 4.2 ~ Public hearing for items not on the agenda. Your moment in the spotlight. Get up and say whatever you please.
Item 5.1 ~ The board is going to accept a bunch of gifts for the local schools. Hmmm. You know what's a little odd? It's that so many of these gifts are going to Mayflower School. Maybe it's just that the gifts to Mayflower all got delivered recently, but it seems entirely likely to me that Mayflower is doing a bit of serious hustling. Well, good for Mayflower.
Item 7.7 ~ The board will hire Larry Brown Construction Company for $352,966 to do asphalt paving and repair at Mayflower Elementary School, Monroe Elementary School, Plymouth Elementary School, Wild Rose Elementary School, and Santa Fe Middle School.
Item 7.8 ~ The board will hire somebody for some amount of money to do some "Group C" irrigation and landscaping work at some sites. Isn't it nice to have these items where the details are really nailed down tight!
Item 8.4 ~ The board will approve health benefits for employees for the 2004-05 school year.
Item 8.5 ~ Ratify the tentative agreement with all the employee associations.
Item 9.2 ~ Nominate legislators Carol Liu and Bob Margett for some outstanding legislator awards.
Item 9.3 ~ Now this one might be rather interesting: "The board will accept for review and discussion the first draft of the Board of Education Vision and Goals for the District."
A LETTER ~ I should have run this earlier. My fault. It is from Sharon Weiser: "I hope Clare does not cave in from pressure from others about her position on enforcing the dress code. When I wrote my opinion about this topic and referred to Santa Fe, I knew that Clifton and MHS would be the same. It truly is not a big deal IF you get the staff to support the dress code from the first day and those students that teachers send to the office are appropriately dealt with. I used to call parents to bring a change, or even better, give a kid a "loaner" PE shirt. The shirt was laundered and said "LOANER" on it. The kid got their clothing item back when they brought the loaner back that had been laundered. The kids HATED wearing it. I also called the parent to notify them of the problem. I also noted in my discipline screen violations so that if they continued violating the code, bigger steps were taken. If teachers, when out on campus see a student who is not their student, with inappropriate clothing on, send them to me, it was taken care of. The key is to get both parents and staff on board. Students should be sent for not just "too much skin showing", but T-shirts with vulgar pictures or language. One way to help this one without giving a loaner out is to have them turn the shirt inside out. Another way to help enforce the code is for teachers to stand at the door at the beginning of the period and watch the kids as they enter the room. Not only does it catch the blatant ones, but it gives the teachers a chance to acknowledge each student by greeting them by name and perhaps saying something positive to them. Research has shown that many kids go through the entire school day without one teacher calling them by name or saying something reaffirming to them. Kids need to be noticed and acknowledged. Off my soap box until the next time!"
The Monrovia School Link is also available on line at www.monroviaschoollink.com
(1) comments
It looks as if Item 9.3 might be of some interest: vision and goals for the district. And Sharon Weiser writes about the dress code.
~ Brad Haugaard brad@sacklunch.net
The board meeting is this Wednesday at 7 p.m.
Item 4.2 ~ Public hearing for items not on the agenda. Your moment in the spotlight. Get up and say whatever you please.
Item 5.1 ~ The board is going to accept a bunch of gifts for the local schools. Hmmm. You know what's a little odd? It's that so many of these gifts are going to Mayflower School. Maybe it's just that the gifts to Mayflower all got delivered recently, but it seems entirely likely to me that Mayflower is doing a bit of serious hustling. Well, good for Mayflower.
Item 7.7 ~ The board will hire Larry Brown Construction Company for $352,966 to do asphalt paving and repair at Mayflower Elementary School, Monroe Elementary School, Plymouth Elementary School, Wild Rose Elementary School, and Santa Fe Middle School.
Item 7.8 ~ The board will hire somebody for some amount of money to do some "Group C" irrigation and landscaping work at some sites. Isn't it nice to have these items where the details are really nailed down tight!
Item 8.4 ~ The board will approve health benefits for employees for the 2004-05 school year.
Item 8.5 ~ Ratify the tentative agreement with all the employee associations.
Item 9.2 ~ Nominate legislators Carol Liu and Bob Margett for some outstanding legislator awards.
Item 9.3 ~ Now this one might be rather interesting: "The board will accept for review and discussion the first draft of the Board of Education Vision and Goals for the District."
A LETTER ~ I should have run this earlier. My fault. It is from Sharon Weiser: "I hope Clare does not cave in from pressure from others about her position on enforcing the dress code. When I wrote my opinion about this topic and referred to Santa Fe, I knew that Clifton and MHS would be the same. It truly is not a big deal IF you get the staff to support the dress code from the first day and those students that teachers send to the office are appropriately dealt with. I used to call parents to bring a change, or even better, give a kid a "loaner" PE shirt. The shirt was laundered and said "LOANER" on it. The kid got their clothing item back when they brought the loaner back that had been laundered. The kids HATED wearing it. I also called the parent to notify them of the problem. I also noted in my discipline screen violations so that if they continued violating the code, bigger steps were taken. If teachers, when out on campus see a student who is not their student, with inappropriate clothing on, send them to me, it was taken care of. The key is to get both parents and staff on board. Students should be sent for not just "too much skin showing", but T-shirts with vulgar pictures or language. One way to help this one without giving a loaner out is to have them turn the shirt inside out. Another way to help enforce the code is for teachers to stand at the door at the beginning of the period and watch the kids as they enter the room. Not only does it catch the blatant ones, but it gives the teachers a chance to acknowledge each student by greeting them by name and perhaps saying something positive to them. Research has shown that many kids go through the entire school day without one teacher calling them by name or saying something reaffirming to them. Kids need to be noticed and acknowledged. Off my soap box until the next time!"
The Monrovia School Link is also available on line at www.monroviaschoollink.com
