Monrovia School Link

Monrovia School Link ~ Number 181 ~ November 18, 2006

Now you can rent out space at Monrovia High ... maybe. Maritza says you might not be able to do it for all purposes, like maybe not for a birthday party, but then again, what self respecting child would want a birthday party at a school? Maybe some, but it would never have been me. Also, reorganization meeting is coming up at the next meeting. Thanks to Maritza for covering Wednesday's meeting.
~ brad@sacklunch.net


By Maritza Diaz

The second to last meeting of 2006 got off to a good start with a mini party to celebrate a teacher's good work. No, there wasn't any alcohol, so don't even go there. After the celebration, it was right back to business. The board can't have too much fun, there's work to be done.

Honor ~ A big congratulations to Adele Cornils for being honored as the Monrovia Unified School District's Teacher of the Year. It is safe to say that the competition was pretty tough for this award. I mean, these are Monrovia teachers we're talking about. Congrats!

Update ~ The district received $15 million from the June 2006 bond on October 10, and as of Halloween the only expenditures are for architect's fees, engineering services and reports. When the remodeling of the high school is complete, the district should throw a party. Just a suggestion.

Lease ~ If you want to rent out a space at Monrovia High School, the board has voted it's fine to lease surplus property. Money from leasing the property will, of course, help out the district. They won't rent to just anyone, though. If want to have you're next birthday party there, well, they might not go for that, but feel free to give it a try.

Safe ~ Monrovia schools are safe. The board received a reprort on the prepardness of the school, and it sounds like they have everything covered. The district is all about safety, providing supplies for three to five days, conducting drill, working on evacuation plans and even preparing for a flu pandemic.

Liaison ~ Susen Lees is now the district's parent representative to the Community Advisory Committee for the West San Gabriel Valley Special Education Local Plan Area.

Dental ~ The board voted to provide dental services for qualified Monrovia students during the 2006-97 school year through the Healthy Kids "One More Child" Foundation/Reachout Healthcare America program. Around one to four times a month the school-based dental clinic would help low-income students with dental care and education. Good teeth may lead to better grades. Sounds good.

Sprinkles ~ Cold Stone Creamery gave $195.04, procedes from a fundraiser, to benefit the library media center at Bradoaks Elementy School. Mmmm, ice cream. With chocolate mint. Sprinkles. OK, I'll stop now.

Unanimous ~ The board voted to expel four students from Santa Fe Middle School. These procedingas are top-secret, so good luck trying to find specific details.

Personnel ~ The Personnel Commission, the district's human resource management program, reported an increase in employee applications received, applicants tested, and new employees in the 2005-06 year. Although there was also an increase in layoffs, everything seems to be going well.

The meeting was adjourned in memory of retired Bradoaks teacher Nettie Mitchell and 1973 Monrovia High School Graduate, Roy Hanson. Both passed away recently. This was also the last meeting with Clare Chesley as board president. It seems like just yesterday that Chesley took office, doesn't it?

So,who's next to sit on the throne? Stop by on December 13 at 7 p.m. to find out.


Also on the Web at www.monroviaschoollink.com

Monrovia School Link ~ Number 180 ~ November 12, 2006

Well, I see here that Clifton Middle School may be getting a new, electronic marquee. That should look cool. The next school board meeting is this Wednesday, November 15, at the district offices.
~ brad@sacklunch.net

At 5 p.m. there will be a closed session to discuss four expulsion cases, two from Monrovia High and two from Santa Fe. You can't get in this meeting, so don't bother showing up.

Then at 7 p.m., at the regular - open - meeting, the board and personnel commission, meeting in joint session, will:

- Honor Adele Cornils as the district's Teacher of the Year.

- Gladly (I suspect) vote to accept $3,100 from the Clifton PTSA, among other gifts, to be used to help offset the cost of an electronic marquee at Clifton Middle School.

- Consider whether to appoint Susan Lees as the district's parent representative to the Community Advisory Committee (CAC) for the West San Gabriel Valley Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA) from September 1, 2006, to September 1, 2008.

- Receive a report on emergency preparedness in the Monrovia Unified School District.

- Receive a report on Inter-District transfers for 2006-2007.

- Receive a report on the status of class sets of textbooks for core subjects at the middle school level.

Also on the Web at www.monroviaschoollink.com