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Education + Communication = A Better Nation ® Covering the Torrance Unified School District Volume 1, Issue 2 www.SchoolNewsRollCall.com June—september 2014 Collaborative Efforts Help Students Achieve Their Dreams By Dr. George Mannon Superintendent TUSD can proudly boast a 95.8% graduation rate, one of the highest in the State of California. Our students are constantly being recognized for their academic and extra-curricular activities. Whether our students are being accepted to the college of their choice, or receiving honors in debate, choir, robotics, athletics, or dance competitions, they are able to achieve their dreams because of the talented team of teachers, classified employees, and administrators that work tirelessly to ensure they succeed. I have always said that our goal is to maximize student achievement. We are able to accomplish this goal because our community of educators emphasizes growth for each individual student, making certain Dr. Mannon with Lincoln ES 4th grade teacher Margie Smith Dr. Mannon with Torrance High School students their educational needs are met. at the opening of the Reading Room. from the Black Culture Club. This school year has been an especially demanding one because of all the changes to employees, and administrators for their invaluable our community should be proud of the exemplary the State funding formula and the transition contributions to the success of our District. work they do. to the Common Core Standards. Throughout Equally important to our accomplishments are As this school year wraps up, I would like to this year, our staff has met each challenge with the hundreds of parents that volunteer countless express my appreciation to all our community professionalism, enthusiasm, and dedication. I hours at our schools, supporting classrooms with partners for their unmatched support of our am proud of the strides we have made this year their time and resources. Our active parents District. I look forward to a busy summer of which is reflected in the continued academic have helped us build our parent partnerships planning for the upcoming school year. I hope growth of our students. I would like to take this collaboratively, for the benefit of all our TUSD everyone enjoys their summer and see you in opportunity to thank all of our teachers, classified students. Together, our schools, our families, and September. BOARD OF EDUCATION Celebrating Our Accomplishments By Janet Tajii, President Join Us! As we approach the end of the school year, I would like to As this season comes to an end, the Torrance Council of PTAs is very proud of the take this opportunity to reflect on the various accomplishments work it has accomplished this year. Our volunteers for the 30 units and the council of the district and thank all of those involved in creating those have served a total of 470,286 hours! At a minimum wage of $8 an hour, this is worth successes. First and foremost, it is important to highlight the $3,762,288. But we all know that our volunteers are worth a lot more than $8 an hour! academic progress of the students of Torrance Unified School Each PTA unit and council has been awarding scholarships to graduating District (TUSD). TUSD’s graduation rate has continued to surpass high school seniors. This year they have awarded 80 scholarships totaling the state average. Our dropout rate is 1.6 percent, compared to $42,490! Additionally, we had four school seniors receive scholarships from the Mark Steffen California State PTA. President the state average of 11.6 percent. This school year, our teachers and administrators have been focused on the implementation In the Reflections Contest, a National PTA arts recognition and achievement of the Common Core State Standards. Teachers have been engaged in program, the Torrance Council had two students win first place in judging at the training sessions all year to ensure we are well prepared to fully implement California State PTA level. Their work has been sent to the National PTA for judging. the Common Core in the upcoming school year. Part of the assessment Our PTA units have also provided a multitude of programs for the schools, for the new content standards is the Smarter Balanced Assessment. This including Healthy Ever After, Adventures in Art, science assemblies, social annual test will replace the old California Standardized Tests and will be studies assemblies, carnivals, robotics, spelling bee, skate night, multicultural administered electronically. Part of the pilot testing has involved student and week, fun run, service clubs, Read Across America, test-prep classes, personal teacher training of the new netbooks, as well as an analysis of our technical finance classes, parent education and more. infrastructure. This summer we will upgrade our systems, as needed, to While we are celebrating the end of a successful school year, our council and ensure that students will be able to easily access the on-line tests. As a teacher, units are already preparing for next year. We are attending training sessions, I am approaching the implementation of the Common Core with a positive working on budgets, and getting ideas for programs, fundraisers and membership outlook. The idea of digging deeper into concepts and teaching to increase drives. We hope to increase our membership so that we can continue to be an effective advocate for our students. So please join us. Everyone is welcome! See Board of Education • Page 4 Inside: Schools pages 6—14 • Torrance Police Dept. page 2 • Torrance Ed. Foundation page 5 • AHA for Kids! pages 15—19 • Contests pages 11 & 18 Torrance Police Department

www.torranceca.gov ® Education + Communication = A Better Nation www.schoolnewsrollcall.com Collaborative Efforts Covering the At the Torrance Police Department, we value our partnership with Torrance unified school District TUSD and we will continue our collaborative efforts to provide a safe Netragrednik Neta Madison campus environment for the students, faculty, and school volunteers. Kay Coop Founder/Publisher: Kay Coop Our School Resource Officers (SROs) are a key element to Founder/Publisher 562/493-3193 • [email protected] maintaining an open line of communication with the schools Advertising Sales: 562/493-3193 • Fax: 562/430-8063 in order to identify potential problems in their earliest stages. Content Coordinator: Barbra Longiny Each SRO is assigned to a high school as well as the middle and Home Graphic Designer: Meshel Negrete elementary schools in that geographic area. The relationships that Copy Editors: Mark Matsuda they develop with the students and school administrators greatly Room Lisa Brock, Kate Karp & Anna Zappia Police Chief Contributing Cartoonist: contribute to our ability to provide a safe learning environment. 562/493-3193 [email protected] Netragrednik by Neta Madison Traffic safety around each school campus during times of pick-up and drop-off continues to be a priority. A necessary combination of education and enforcement by parking enforcement and traffic officers will continue, along with the efforts of Congratulations to the Class of our team of crossing guards. We ask that you please obey all posted street signs and 2014! The Superintendent and Board @SchoolNewsRC parking regulations as they exist for the safety of the high volume of vehicular and of Education articles are positive and You can now SchoolNewsRollCall launch our pedestrian traffic. In 2010, the Torrance Police Department partnered with TUSD such a great way to end the year with Web APP to your SmartPhone from to develop a leadership program designed to assist our youth in preparation for so many accomplishments. our web site their journey through high school and into adulthood. The 8th Grade Leadership We have been introduced to the Common Core Standards and look Program, now called The John J. Neu Leadership Academy, is presented by dedicated School News Roll Call, LLC instructors who are associated with our department’s Juvenile Diversion unit. forward to learning more next year. P.O. Box 728, Seal Beach, CA 90740 The students who have participated in the 10-week program have commented Students are being prepared to 562/493-3193 www.schoolnewsrollcall.com on how thankful they were to receive such valuable life skill training that will assist compete in the 21st Century. Copyright © 2006, School News Roll Call, LLC We appreciate you including Reproduction in whole or in part without written them with decision-making during the critical years of their transition into high permission is strictly prohibited unless otherwise stated. school and adulthood. We thank Exxon/Mobil for generously funding this important School News among your reading Opinions expressed by contributing writers and guest columnists are their views and not necessarily those of program since its inception, and we will continually strive to develop other programs choices. School News Roll Call. This publication is privately Have a wonderful summer and owned and the right is reserved to select and edit content. with TUSD in order to have a positive impact in the lives of our students. The school district does not endorse the advertisers in this As a parent with children currently attending a TUSD school and also as we’ll look forward to another exciting publication. your Chief of Police, I can assure you that our commitment to school safety will school year! always be a high priority for our department working in partnership with TUSD.

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Covering the Torrance Unified School District June—September 2014 3 Los Angeles County Office of Education 9300 Imperial Hwy., Downey, CA 90242 • 562/922-6360 • www.lacoe.edu Torrance Unified School District Board of Education Strategic Plan—A New Way Forward I am pleased to announce the release of a new strategic plan that outlines the Los Angeles County Office of Education’s course of action for the next three years. The plan identifies outcomes – with key goals designed to capitalize on LACOE’s strengths – and articulates a vision for an innovative, contemporary education agency that is ready to meet new challenges and opportunities. Mark Steffen Don Lee Michael Martha Deutsch Terry Ragins The plan was conceived more than two years ago not long after President Vice-President Wermers Member Member Arturo I joined LACOE – and after the Fiscal Crisis and Management Delgado, Ed.D. Clerk Assistance Team (FCMAT) completed its review of LACOE Superintendent operations and made recommendations to enhance efficiency. The FCMAT review gave us some immediate things that we needed to get done, but did not really give us a long-range view of what, strategically, we Board of Education • From Page 1 want to see happen in the County Office. This prompted us to come up with a problem-solving and creative-thinking skills is a task that I believe more formalized strategic plan that will produce the best work possible for the will benefit children and bring out the best in our teachers. county’s 80 K-12 public school districts and 2 million preschool and school-age Another accomplishment that is worthy of reflection is the children. progress of the modernization of our school facilities through The LACOE Strategic Plan was developed following critical conversations on Measures Y and Z funds. The community has witnessed exciting the Office’s purpose, core values and focus areas that provided the framework changes in many of the school sites around town. As a Board for the plan. It is focused on Common Core, Innovative Systems and Schools, member, I have enjoyed the opportunity to attend the numerous Fiscal Direction and Solvency, and Partnerships. Specific goals are identified Mark Steffen rededication ceremonies—celebrations at the completion of under each of these areas. President projects. It is such a privilege to witness generations of families Collaboration with school districts plays a big role in the strategic plan. Our who have attended the same school and watch them experience purpose statement speaks to the area of how we serve the school districts, how the rebirth of a site, which is as much a part of the families as are the families’ we communicate to them, and how we adjust our services to them in ways that homes. Each completed modernization project is the collaborative effort of they find helpful and are based on their specific needs. TUSD staff members, the construction team, and the community members. The plan, for example, targets increased collaboration with the districts on Together we have created schools our students deserve and community initiatives relating to Gov. Jerry Brown’s new Local Control Funding Formula resources for all to enjoy. (LCFF) and Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) programs. LACOE Soon, the district will open the new Family Welcome Enrollment Center will now play a key role in the rollout and implementation of these programs, (FWEC). This center will be a one-stop shop for families to enroll their assisting districts as they develop and manage budgets in accordance with the students and ensure all students transition smoothly into their schools when new state guidelines on funding. enrolling. The restructuring of departments is a way to bring about increased Under the new strategic plan, LACOE will strengthen partnerships with efficiency and consistency in the enrollment process and make certain parents school districts, charter schools, community colleges and local agencies to have access to district resources at the time of enrollment. We hope to have the enhance student learning opportunities. There will also be a strong focus new center open by July 1, 2014. on maximizing the use of technology to increase efficiency and improve The Board values transparency, and we want to make ourselves more communication and information sharing with the districts. accessible to staff, students, and parents. The restructuring has the added I’d like to invite you to learn more about the LACOE Strategic Plan by bonus of enabling us to reinstate an additional Board meeting a month to give visiting our website: www.lacoe.edu. us increased opportunities for community interaction. Please go to the district Web site, www.tusd.org, for a meeting schedule. Arturo Delgado, Ed.D., was appointed superintendent of the Los Angeles County Office of Education in July of 2011. With headquarters in Downey, the Office is the nations largest Finally, it is good to reflect on the financial status of TUSD. It is important regional educational agencies, providing a range of programs and services to support the to remember that it will take seven years (2021) to get TUSD back financially county’s 80 public school districts and 2 million preschool and school-age children. where it was in 2007–2008. Given that fact, TUSD is in better financial shape than it has been in years. The district was able to create a reserve that enabled us to survive several difficult years, thanks to sacrifices endured by all our staff. The Board made a promise to spend down that reserve, and as a result staff has enjoyed much-deserved raises over the last two years, as well as an elimination of furlough days. The Board also approved the implementation of a class-size reduction program across all grade levels. These restorations do not necessarily mean the state budget challenges are completely over. There is still great ambiguity surrounding the new Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF). As we get more concrete information on the parameters of the LCFF, TUSD staff and all stakeholders will need to be vigilant and make sure that we spend wisely on our programs while still protecting the district from future fiscal uncertainties. The end of the year is a time to celebrate the many achievements of our remarkable students. Graduations and promotions are coming soon. We will all Congratulations see you there to rejoice in your children’s accomplishments and wish them well Class of 2014! as they head off to their future endeavors.

4 www.schoolnewsrollcall.com Torrance Education Foundation www.torranceeducationfoundation.org Celebrate Education By Dee Hardison, President On March 28, the Torrance Education Foundation (TEF) hosted their annual “Celebrate Education” Dinner. Over 400 people were present and the attendees included: Torrance Unified School Personnel, parents of TUSD students, Community leaders and business sponsors in the Community. There were many auction items donated by TUSD schools and PTAs, as well as many local businesses. The culmination of the evening was the drawing of the winner of a 2014 Lexus RX 350, with Fern Elementary School parent, Ed Vaimoso, being chosen as the winner of the car. The money generated by the ticket sales, $80,000.00, will be used to support TUSD programs. In addition, the 2013-2014 TEF scholarship winners were honored at a reception on April 23 at the Toyota Automotive Museum, with 39 out of the 41 scholarship recipients in attendance, along with members of their families, TUSD School Superintendent, Dr. George Mannon and TUSD School Board members Martha Deutsch and Terry Ragins.

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Covering the Torrance Unified School District June—September 2014 5 Adams Elementary Anza Elementary 2121 238th St., Torrance, CA 90501 • 310/533-4480 • adams.tusd.org 21400 Ellinwood Dr., Torrance, CA 90503 • 310/533-4559 • anzaelementary.org There’s No Stopping Us! Anza Elementary It has been a busy time here at John Adams. Our calendar was Anza has been bustling with activity!! Anza just completed quite full with many activities for our students and families. an amazing workday with Sharefest. The Sharefest Workday We returned to is a community-building and service day that mobilized 103 school after spring volunteers of all ages to work on school projects. The work break and immediately included painting murals and our Eagle logo, cleaning restrooms, began piloting the planting new trees, refurbished the basketball courts, and lots of Kumi Smarter Balanced Barbara Marks landscaping! All of this was done to beautify school for children Toyoda-Smart Assessments. The new Principal and was completed at no cost to Anza Elementary School, thanks Principal online testing format to the donors and supporters of Sharefest. One of the goals of is aligned to the new Sharefest is to create positive change in their communities and Anza is so Common Core State Standards. grateful for all of their wonderful support! Third-, fourth- and fifth-grade students used our new Chromebook laptops to take the tests. Adams had a special visitor during Earth Week in April—Clairebell the Cow and her calf visited the campus, and students learned about the value of drinking milk and eating healthfully. Our Carnival, sponsored by our PTA, was well attended by the community. Students, teachers and parents truly came together to support the PTA spring fund-raiser. Thank you to our event chairs, Sally Blackford and Sorah Han. Thank you for the dozens of volunteers working behind the scenes and on the scene to ensure the success of the event. Also in April, West High hosted the Elementary Pentathlon. Our John Adams team performed very well, placing fifth among 10 elementary schools. Go Adams! The fourth annual Golf Tournament also took place in April. Proceeds from the event will support additional technology. And last but not least, thank you, Sharefest! In May, Life Covenant Church adopted our school-beautification project. The school looks awesome!

Arlington Elementary 17800 Van Ness Ave., Torrance, CA 90504 • 310/533-4519 • arlingtonpta.com Ecological Honor In April, Arlington Elementary was recognized by Arnold Elementary Mayor Frank Scotto and the Torrance City Council for their 4100 W. 227th St., Torrance, CA 90505 • 310/533-4524 • arnold.tusd.org participation in the Trash-Free Lunch Challenge. Although Arlington was not a finalist, we were recognized for our What a Great Year lunchtime aides and parent volunteers who assisted in making Open since 1964, Arnold Academy is a warm and inviting the program a success. A big thank-you goes out to our custodian, community school that prides itself on academic excellence. And Vicki Hath, Ed.D. Daryl, as well as Diane, Miss Margaret, Carol and Janice, who this year was no exception. Principal helped every day to make the program work. The students Our Arnold Alleycats were very busy with many fun and and teachers along with the help of some parent volunteers enriching activities. To enhance the curriculum and engage successfully reduced lunchtime trash by over 50 percent and diverted over 700 students, each of our grade levels visited one or two local bags of trash from the landfill. Justine Lang attractions. The Aquarium of the Pacific, Madrona Marsh, Also at this meeting, some of the students from Cheryl Thom’s fifth-grade Principal Rancho Dominguez Adobe, Banning Museum, Mission San Juan class led the Council in the Pledge of Allegiance, using sign language they learned Capistrano, Page Museum and the Armstrong Theater are just during their study of Helen Keller. Following the pledge, two fifth-graders, Camille some of the study trips we took to help bring the curriculum to life. DeLaMora and Nasa Kato, played “The Star Spangled Banner” on flute. Six of our students were recognized at the District Science Fair; our GATE students came in third in the Academic Pentathlon; two of our students were recognized at the district-level Reflections Contest, with one going on to state; and our track team has been practicing three times a week to prepare for the upcoming district-wide meet. On campus, we kept busy as well! In our classes we became better independent thinkers as we learned how to ask deeper-level questions and clearly explain our solutions. We wrote, experimented, read and solved challenging problems both on our own and collaboratively. We had science, literature, history and character assemblies. We even got to pet a calf in the mobile dairy assembly. On one very special night, over 50 of our students were brave enough to share their talents with a packed house at our annual Variety Show, with the theme of “Because I am HAPPY!” What a great year it has been at Arnold Elementary! Arlington recognized by Mayor Scotto.

6 www.schoolnewsrollcall.com Calle Mayor Middle School Casimir Middle School 4800 Calle Mayor, Torrance, CA 90505 • 310/533-4548 • callemayor.tusd.org 17220 Casimir Ave., Torrance, CA 90504 • 310/533-4498 • casimir.tusd.org Students and Parents Learn About Life Saving iLEAD Almost 100 Calle Mayor Students had an opportunity to attend Several years ago, all Torrance Middle School created iLEAD this amazing event which taught them hands only CPR. Torrance programs at their schools. These programs were designed to Memorial Medical Center, American Heart Association, Torrance foster leadership and stimulate student interest in college and Fire Department and Ms. Gebel (Calle Mayor Life Management career goals. We have had several years of working with a small Teacher) helped organize and support this worthwhile student group—10 girls and 10 boys—toward these goals. and community event. Students that attended this event received This year, Casimir decided to expand our activities to include Dave Mosley a CPR practice kit to help them perfect and practice their newly Susie Holmes leadership and teaching opportunities for our students. Casimir’s Principal learned skills. Moving forward and with the support of our Principal iLEAD team began planning team-building activities to teach business partner, Torrance Memorial Medical Center, Calle Mayor to first- and second-grade students at Arlington and Lincoln. is in the process of adding CPR certification to its Life Management Curriculum We have had two and an AED to the campus in an effort to increase our campus and community visits to Arlington, safety and emergency preparedness. and they were a success. Casimir students learned how to lead and interact with younger students, and they also provided time for the Arlington teachers to collaborate. The iLEAD students are eager to take what they have learned to Lincoln and work with the children there as well. STST R R R DENTAL DENTALDENTAL

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Unsubscribe | Privacy policy Carr Elementary Fern Elementary 3404 W. 168th St., Torrance, CA 90504 • 310/533-4467 • carr.tusd.org 1314 Fern Ave., Torrance, CA 90503 • 310/533-4506 • fern.tusd.org Our Busy Schedule It’s a Chemical Reaction! The month of May is always a busy time for the entire Carr On March 5, the Fern School fifth-graders were excited and community! We celebrated Teacher Appreciation Week in early tantalized by science experiments performed “right before their May. Teachers received a vase and a flower every day that week eyes” in our own cafeteria. In the first experiment, the docent so that they could have a nice bouquet by Friday. poured liquid from a “magic pitcher,” which appeared to be clear Then, teachers on Thursday of that week were treated to a water that changed colors to red, yellow, purple, and green as luncheon hosted by the PTA. As you can see, the teachers at Carr the liquid was poured into separate, empty, see-through, plastic Dick Peterson are pampered well by the parents! During this time also, each Valerie Williams cups. We learned that two drops of the base ammonia were added Principal fifth-grader presented a report and dressed up like one of the Principal to each cup, which created the color-changing chemical reaction. presidents when making their presentation. On a single day, we Using an invisible base indicator acid in other cups neutralized had Barack Obama, Dwight Eisenhower, Bill Clinton and Calvin Coolidge on the liquid and changed the colored water back into clear water. campus! Many parents came to hear their children’s presentations. The docent showed the students another experiment. How about putting a Also in May, Carr carried out the Smarter Balanced Field Testing in grades head of purple cabbage in a blender with a universal solvent—water? You get a three through five. Later in the month, Carr’s Open House started at lunchtime deep purple liquid, right? Pour that mixture out of the container into a clear, with students and guests having a picnic on our lawn. We had a DJ who plastic cup coated with vinegar or ammonia. It will turn pink and, voila! You provided musical entertainment during the picnic. After lunch, parents and have another chemical reaction. Other experiments included using ordinary guests visited the classrooms and saw what the students have been doing all dry ingredients, such as baking soda, sugar, and salt. year. The PTA then opened the book-fair room so that parents and other guests The students learned science vocabulary, such as base, acid, viscous, and could have an opportunity to buy books for themselves and for their children. exothermic reaction, just to name a few words. They also learned three ways to The Book Fair remained open for a week. see a chemical reaction: changes in color; changes in temperature; and changes Everyone at Carr looked forward to the busy month of May! in form.

Edison Elementary Jefferson Middle School 3800 W. 182nd St., Torrance, CA 90504 • 310/533-4513 • edison.tusd.org 21717 Talisman St., Torrance, CA 90503 • 310/533-4794 • jefferson.tusd.org Embracing Technology College Bound Edison Elementary School students are excited about As part of college and career awareness, Jefferson Middle technology! Over the past several years Edison has been School eighth grade students took the ACT Explore test on acquiring more tablets and notebooks for blended learning April 28th. This assessment is an early indicator of college projects within and outside of the classroom. With their site readiness, an effective tool for planning high school classes, purchases and the addition of the newly leased netbooks provided and a helpful long-term career planning program. EXPLORE by the district, Edison is progressing toward their goal of a one- measures students’ academics in the areas of English, Reading, Erin Lahr to-one ratio of students to devices. Lee Lee Chou Mathematics, and Science. In addition, the assessment consists Principal Teachers have sought training on eTUSD tools, Google Docs, Principal of an ACT Interest Iventory, which assists students investigate and other applications in order to infuse technology and help career options that currently appeal to them. We had over 150 prepare students for success in college and the workplace. Students have students in the 8th grade class of 2014 take this rigorous examination. engaged in projects utilizing eTUSD, Google Docs, Khan Academy, Prezi and One of our lucky 6th grade students was the recipient of a scholarship more to infuse learning with technology. In addition, students have been able to for free orthodonic care from one of LA County’s top orthodontists. Joshua attend after-school enrichment classes on coding and Web design, with the help Holloman was selected and will be “paying it forward” as he invests 40 hours of of teachers and knowledgeable parents. They are becoming quite savvy users of community service during his first year of treatment. technology!

Jefferson MS MUN students at their annual conference.

8 www.schoolnewsrollcall.com Hickory Elementary J.H. Hull Middle School 2800 W. 227th St., Torrance, CA 90505 • 310/533-4672 • w1.hickory.tusd.org 3420 W. 229th Pl., Torrance, CA 90505 • 310/533-4516 • hull.tusd.org Growing Trees of Imagination and Knowledge: Expanding STEM This spring has been a flurry of activity for the Hickory Our activities- project-and problem-based STEM learning Hounds. In March we celebrated the completion of our extensive program will expand next year. Current foundational courses modernization project. Students – current, past, and future, are Design and Modeling, including computer programming, joined teachers, staff, distinguished guests, and parents for solid modeling software, sketching techniques, and creation of an unveiling of the upgraded campus. Part of our vision for 3-D models with a 3-D printer; and Automation and Robotics, the 21st century Hickory Elementary School was a improved featuring mechanical systems, energy transfer, machine/robotic library center, which would have the theme of “Growing Trees of Edna Barry Lafferty animation, and computer control systems. New courses are Magic Schumacher Imagination and Knowledge”. Principal of Electrons for exploring the science of electricity through Principal In order to fulfill its vision of creating an inviting library space hands-on projects, circuit design and sensing devices; and Flight that promotes learning through reading and exploration, the and Space for exploring the science behind aeronautics and using knowledge to Hickory PTA applied for the IKEA “Life Improvement Challenge” grant and design, build and test a model glider. won! We won because of the immense support from our Hickory community and Our program motivates our students to use their imagination and teaches neighbors. The grant will allow the school to completely remodel the library them to be creative and innovative. Students develop new skills for success in with new shelving, furniture, and seating. We are so excited for the improved future engineering classes as they enter high school. library space which will allow our young learners the opportunity to delve into We are extremely fortunate to have teacher Megan Wareham and math coach new adventures through books and multi-media resources. Shari Kaku to provide enrichment for our students. They have been meeting Hickory Elementary School is very fortunate to have a passionate group of weekly with this core group and have provided a rigorous, challenging after- parents and community supporters who are constantly providing the students school class for sixth-, seventh-, and eighth-graders to advance their math with resources and learning opportunities. Our library is managed by dedicated skills. Two teams will be compete in the fourth annual Torrance Regional volunteers who spend countless hours providing a vital services for our Middle School Math Competition made up of 165 “Mathletes” from 19 area students. schools. Our students have worked on problem solving, critical thinking and applying knowledge and skills to real-life applications. We must remember that more than 80 percent of tomorrow’s jobs will require skills in disciplines related to science, technology, engineering and Lincoln Elementary mathematics. We want to make sure that our students are prepared to take part in these in-demand fields. 2418 W. 166th St., Torrance, CA 90504 • 310/533-4464 • lincoln.tusd.org The Importance of Giving Back As part of Lincoln Elementary School’s commitment to LAUNCH Preschool Programs educating the “whole child,” we believe that it is critical to instill 4100 W. 227th St., Torrance, CA 90505 • 310/972-6500x2550 • launch.tusd.org in our students the importance of being grateful for what you have and sharing it by giving back to the community and helping Spring Showers of Exciting Events those with needs greater than your own. We do this by having our Spring has been incredibly eventful at LAUNCH. In March Lincoln Lions engage in community service projects throughout the Torrance Police Department brought their vehicles and took Katherine the year that support local businesses and/or organizations with pictures with our students. Staff used their Tustin Education Castleberry community outreach efforts. Foundation money to bring a drum circle to campus for four Principal One of these projects is done annually in conjunction with performances! Read Across America Week. Our school highlights a Dr. Seuss April began with a concert from children’s performer Charlotte book, which becomes the focus of our service project. This year, Lincoln Elaine Semple Diamond. LAUNCH teachers fund-raised to bring Charlotte highlighted Dr. Seuss’ book Diffendoofer Day, which is about a school that PhD, BCBA to our campus. Children from Torrance Tykes and Arnold celebrates its unusual teachers and curriculum despite the woes of high stakes Principal Elementary School also participated. testing. In keeping with the theme of the book, our students collected school Next up was our annual Spring Fling. PTA sponsored a trike- supplies to be used in support of our district’s Project Bringing Our Students a –thon, and our students put the rubber to the road. We also had a rocket Supplies (BOSS) program; in true lion spirit, over 2,800 school supplies were science assembly that was almost literally to the moon. collected for donation. Awesome! We closed out the month with our first annual open house carnival. LAUNCH In the past we highlighted The Tooth Book and collected over 1,700 staff designed booths, sold pizza and goodies, and took pictures. About 40 toothbrushes, tubes of toothpaste, and dental floss all of which were donated student volunteers from Calle Mayor Middle School operated booths and helped to our local Salvation Army. The year we highlighted Fox in Socks, our school out. The event was fun for everyone! community collected over 1,400 pairs of socks, which were donated to a local faith-based organization that provides food and clothing to the homeless. Valuable lessons have been learned through these project of giving!

Have a great summer.

Remember to read!

Covering the Torrance Unified School District June—September 2014 9 Lynn Middle School Madrona Middle School 5038 Halison St., Torrance, CA 90503 • 310/533-4495 • bertlynn.tusd.org 21364 Madrona Ave., Torrance, CA 90503 • 310/533-4562 • madrona.tusd.org Three Teams Ready to Win! Moving Forward After weeks of intense practice, Bert Lynn Middle School is Madrona Middle School has provided some recent STEAM ready with three amazing teams for this year’s competition. With activities for its students, with multiple events on and off the site. school pride at stake all competitors will meet at J.H. Hull in an STEAM stands for science, technology, energy, arts and math. academic arena filled with tables, paper and pencils. Yes, it’s The Science Olympiad students recently produced our our district-wide math competition. Teams from all over TUSD annual Family Science Night. There were a wide variety of fun will compete for fun and bragging rights. We are very pleased to and friendly experiments, including Ice Cream Creation, Static LeRoy Jackson Jr. announce several of our “mathletes” placed within the top 1% of Chris Lipsey Electric Flying Saucers (using your hands, hair and a balloon Principal the nation within the AMC (American Math Competition), and we Principal to move a saucer across the room), Squid Dissection (writing in await final scores from this year’s International Math Olympiad. squid ink), Straw Rockets (creating and competing in distance (See more about this year’s winners at using paper, clay and straw), Dry Ice Bubbles, and Odd Ooblecks, a mysterious www.bertlynn.com) substance that turns from a liquid to a solid within a matter of minutes. Madrona’s band and choir performed in the Central Area Music Festival. They also participated in workshops during the day, and performed with the Torrance High and J. H. Hull music departments to perform in an evening concert finale. Finally, our drama class recently enjoyed two field trips, one to Torrance High School to enjoy a production of High School Musical, and another to the James Armstrong Theater for a production of Disney’s The Little Mermaid. These two trips inspired our students to produce and perform Don’t Stop Believin’ on our campus, a run that concluded in May. As Madrona continues to move forward with a full array of STEAM electives, we anticipate being able to participate in and produce more of these community events. We hope that our families and neighbors will enjoy coming to these activities to watch our students perform.

North High School 3620 W. 182nd St., Torrance, CA 90504 • 310/533-4412 • northhighschool.org Magruder Middle School Focused on Student Achievement The North High faculty and staff are collaborative, dedicated, 4100 W. 185th St., Torrance, CA 90504 • 310/533-4527 • magruder.tusd.org skilled and an enthusiastic team, deeply committed to improving Mustang Moments student achievement. Students are encouraged to participate in challenging activities that promote learning, diversity awareness, Mustang Moments happen everyday at Magruder. They are safety, health, teamwork, and mutual respect. The primary goal the moments when students live to their potential; the moments of the faculty and staff is to prepare the diverse student body when students care more about others than themselves. In a to develop thinking skills and personal characteristics that will world full of bad news and reports of bullying, it is important Dr. Ron prepare them for college, careers and success in the 21st Century. to recognize the goodness that is sometimes missed or maybe Richardson Principal In March of 2014, a team of educators visited North High unnoticed. School and met over several days with NHS students, parents As part of OUR Mustang Moment program at Magruder, we Chris Sheck and staff as part of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Principal look for and celebrate the times when students go above and accreditation process. The WASC team found that North High is an extremely beyond expectations and make the right decision, even when they friendly, encouraging and academically challenging environment where think no one is watching. Someone is always watching! So, each day during dynamic learning takes place everyday. NHS students are provided the school announcements one of these observed “acts of goodness” is chosen, opportunity highlighted and publicly acknowledged and recognized. to learn about It is truly magical to potential careers see how much it means to and college ALL students, when they choices and come to the realization are encouraged that their classmates care to contribute enough about each other to the local to perform these “acts of community. More goodness.” Some may say than 50 clubs these acts are random, but and on-campus at Magruder we say our organizations students are intentional are open to NHS about being good to one students that another, and Magruder is allow students to therefore intentional about get involved and recognizing this goodness make a positive in our students. impact. Mustang Moments One of our many student clubs— India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka Club.

10 www.schoolnewsrollcall.com Richardson Middle School Riviera Elementary 23751 Nancy Lee Lane, Torrance, CA 90505 • 310/533-4790 • richardsonmiddleschool.org 365 Paseo de Arena, Torrance, CA 90505 • 310/533-4460 • riviera.tusd.org Coming Together to Help A Timeline for Our School RMS teachers, staff, parents and community members have In Riviera’s 62nd year as a Torrance School, our community come together over many years to create a learning environment is excited about campus modernization. Phase I began in May in that rewards positive behavior and encourages our students to be the library’s computer lab wing. Summer work—Phase II—will responsible, respectful and safe. include the office, cafeteria, 4/5 wing, modular wing and site The RMS staff takes a proactive approach at continually work. The campus and YMCA will be closed this summer so that a improving the school’s climate and culture to support all large portion of construction can be done before students return Chad Mabery students’ social-emotional needs, rather than a reactionary Christie Forshey in September. Construction will continue in the fall and, from Principal discipline approach focused on consequences through our Principal start to finish, should take approximately one year. Positive School Culture plan. The scope of work will include new flooring and ceilings; new This year RMS students have been a part of our Positive Behavior Day, paint improvement in lighting; fire alarms and data; new windows, doors and Positive Behavior Assembly, Positive Behavior Classroom Talks, Red Ribbon roofing; improvements in plumbing and drainage as well as on the playground; Week, Student Recognition Assemblies, and Character Education Assembly. new modular classroom buildings; and new concrete, landscape and irrigation. In addition, 155 students have been recognized as Students of the Month, 32 Riviera Elementary School opened in 1952. The 10-acre lot, originally as “Hidden Gems,” 54 for “Leading by Example,” 57 for “Making a Difference,” bought in 1950 for $25,000, is set in the hills of Hollywood Riviera. The school 124 have won prizes for receiving a Rattlesnake Reward (which is given for serves the area of Torrance bordered to the north by the PCH, to the west being caught doing something positive on campus), and several hundred have by the beach, to the south by Calle de Arboles and to the east by Hawthorne achieved Honor Roll each quarter. Boulevard. The school’s eight buildings/wings and 30 classrooms cover 36,421 Within the scope of developing positive character and self-identity, we also square feet. Originally, Riviera was a K–8 school site and at its peak enrollment spend time discussing and practicing service learning. This past November the had 921 students. In 1956, the Riviera student body was split in half to become RMS community quickly came together to help the victims of Typhoon Haiyan two schools: Riviera Elementary and Newton Middle School, which is now in the Philippines. In four days our students organized an assistance effort with named Richardson. their “Relief for Haiyan Drive.” We collected six pallets of donated supplies as Today, Riviera has 680 students, 70 staff members and 23 K–5 classrooms, well as $3,500. with seven classrooms housing our library, computer lab, intervention teachers In December, RMS teachers adopted 22 families in need through the and learning centers, for a total of 30 classrooms. Richstone Family Center, collecting clothing, food, school supplies and toys. Look for updates on construction completion next school year. Be sure to Our school motto is “Excellence of Mind, Strength of Character.” And we don’t stop by to see Riviera’s modernized campus. take it lightly!

Leadership Word Search Contest Rules!!! One word in the list is Not in the word search. When you have completed the word search, one word will be left and that word you email to: [email protected] (Please put Torrance in the subject line) Word Search by Gunnar Coop Entries must be received by July 15, 2014 From the correct entries one name will be drawn to win a $20 gift certificate redeemable at Barnes & Noble.

Accomplished Organized Caring Powerful Confident Responsibility Determination Role Model Drive Strong Willed Enthusiastic Suitable Focused Teamwork Independent Trustworthy Initiative Understanding Intelligent

Covering the Torrance Unified School District June—September 2014 11 Shery High School Seaside Elementary 2600 Vine St., Torrance, CA 90501 • 310/533-4440 • shery.tusd.org 4651 Sharynne Lane, Torrance, CA 90505 • 310/533-4532 • seaside.tusd.org

Shery High School was very proud to have two recipients in Running for Fun the Martin Luther King, Jr. Visions of Unity Arts Contest. They One thing that makes a school special is a close knit community. competed against all the high schools in Torrance, including Every year, Seaside Elementary School hosts a jog-a-thon and SoCal ROC. In the Fine Arts category, Nefit Sanchez received the family picnic on the school’s expansive, 12-acre campus. All family third place award while Kayla Gardner was awarded Honorable members are welcome for this fun and healthy community tradition. Mention. Both students received certificates as well as a This year’s event was held with avid participation from monetary reward. all. Disc jockey DJ Dewey (Duane Miller) attended, as he Jamie Jimenez Kayla’s work was inspired by her mother who is an artist Michele Bauer always does, providing music and announcements. DJ Dewey’s Principal herself. She is especially found of the work of artist Mitchell Principal attendance is really special because he sent his own children to Freeman. Kayla hopes to further study art and one day work Seaside long ago, and he continues to be involved in Seaside’s in a museum or art gallery. Nefit has been influenced by the Native American school life. The CARE Committee employees from one of Seaside’s business lifestyle and culture. He would like to continue to create original pieces and partners also came, providing the students with cold treats after their many hopes to attend the Young Artist’s Academy. We are so proud of their success laps around the field. This committee dedicates its time and resources for and hope they will continue to grow their artistic talents. the benefit of our students. They are a fine example of how our Torrance community steps up to support one another.

South High School 4801 Pacific Coast Highway, Torrance, CA 90505 • 310/533-4352 • shs.tusd.org

Congratulations to Coach Portia Rivera and the South High School Speech and Debate Team on their outstanding performance throughout the season, culminating in an impressive showing at the California High School Speech Association State Tournament held on April 25-27 in Modesto, California. South High had a record 18 students in 10 events qualify for the State Championships. At the State Tournament, Scott McDowell Shreyas Tirumala placed 2nd in the state, for the second year in a Principal row, in Impromptu Speaking. Shreyas Tirumala and Brian Ruben tied for 3rd place in Parliamentary Debate. Luka Stojcic placed Torrance Elementary 12th in Original Prose and Peotry. And Eliza Faloona placed 13th in the state in 2125 Lincoln Ave., Torrance, CA 90501 • 310/533-4500 • torranceel.tusd.org Dramatic Interpretation. To qualify for the state tournament, South High won the Western Bay A Golden Touch to Learning Forensics League Championship, winning a record 8 different individual league Implementing the Common Core Standards has been titles. League Champions were: challenging, but it has also given our teachers the opportunity to Shreyas Tirumala – Impromptu Speaking integrate and deepen their students’ understanding. Shreyas Tirumala – International Extemporaneous For example, what better way to culminate the study of Greek Jillian Free – National Extemporaneous Mythology than to dramatize the stories as the Greeks did in the Karen Chang – Expository “Ancient Greek Chorus”? This month our fourth-grade students Bradley Nothern – Humorous Interpretation Dr. Kelly Joseph at Torrance Elementary will be doing just that. Eliza Faloona – Thematic Interpretation Principal Greek Mythology was one of the vehicles used to guide the Annie Hsu and Sara Nam – Public Forum Debate fourth-graders to an understanding of the meaning of words, Jillian Free and Ogechi Obed – Parliamentary Debate and their allusions to characters in mythological stories. This Common Core There are 45 students who participate in Speech and Debate at South High. Standard was only one of many standards that were met by using this area of The class meets daily at 7am in the library, and is full of outstanding, highly study. committed students. It is no surprise that this year’s seniors are all attending The fourth-grade teachers discovered that while producing plays may prestigious universities that have included Harvard, Yale, Stanford, UCLA and seem like a “Herculean task,” and that the study of the gods may seem like a Berkeley. Congratulations to all of our Speech and Debate students on a hard- “Labyrinth” of characterizations, the dramatization of the myths was like giving earned, job well done this year! the students the “Golden Touch” to understanding our language in a historical and very exciting context.

12 www.schoolnewsrollcall.com Torrance High School Towers Elementary 2200 W. Carson St., Torrance, CA 90501 • 310/533-4396 • ths.tusd.org 5600 Towers St., Torrance, CA 90503 • 310/533-4535 • towers.tusd.org Career Day Torrance High’s Debate is in its tenth year under the In February, Towers Elementary School had its annual Career leadership of Mrs. Lesley Sluyter. The program has grown from Day. This was a day where parents from our community came 11 students in year one to 46 strong debaters in year ten. and spoke about their professional careers. Each class heard THS, over the last 10 years, has qualified over 70 students for three different speakers. the state championship, including three in 2014. Jorrel Javier This year, the jobs ranged from doctors, lawyers, police finished 4th in the state in Original Prose and Poetry. He is our officers, and fire fighters to a United States Secret Service agent, Karim Girgis highest finisher since 2008 when Natasha Huey took second in Sandy Skora an Air Force officer, a steel construction worker, and a ski patrol Principal the same category. Principal officer. During the presentation from the emergency room doctor, Some other highlights the students were able to look at and handle some of the tools a from their Western Bay doctor uses. Some of the students participated in a mock trial and Forensics League 2013-14 heard a lawyer speak season include: about her career. 9/13 1st place sweeps The students were in Individual Speech the judge, district Events attorney, and jury. 9/13 1st place sweeps Other students in Student Congress learned interesting 12/13 1st place sweeps facts, such as 3,000 in Student Congress cans of soda can be 1/14 1st place sweeps filled in one minute in Student Congress at the manufacturing 2/14 1st place sweeps plant. in Debate Career Day 2/14 1st place sweeps was very exciting in Individual Speech and informative. Events. Students look forward to Career Day every year! Torrance Adult School 2606 W. 182nd St., Torrance, CA 90504 • 310/533-4689 ext. 8400 • www.tastusd.org Congratulations Graduates Victor Elementary Torrance Adult School (TAS) supports the entire family 4820 Spencer St., Torrance, CA 90503 • 310/533-4542 • victor.tusd.org from pre-kindergarten through retirement with a large variety of offerings. Each year the Adult School hosts a graduation Cultural Diversity ceremony for those students who have successfully completed On May 1st, Victor staff and families celebrated our cultural their courses and are now ready to start the next exciting phase diversity with our annual International Potluck hosted by our of their careers and life. This year we are proud that 170 students PTA. Over fifty families decorated their food booth with items that reflected their culture. Food from Korea, Japan, China, Dr. Wayne successfully complete their GED or High School diploma. Diulio TAS classes are both affordable and available at various India, Lebanon, Mexico, South America, Finland, Germany, the Director locations for added convenience. Summer is almost here and we Czech Republic, and the USA was shared by the families. Our will continue to offer summer registration for every member of Bill Baker PTA and teachers created opportunity baskets that were raffled your family through the middle of July. Do something educational, fun, and Principal off at the end of the evening. Proceeds from the raffle ticket sales new this summer by taking a summer course at TAS. Course offerings include provide scholarships for two Victor alumni graduating from West online high school, CTE computer classes, parenting, exercise, and learning High in June who were both recognized at this event. A fun and tasty time was English. The summer class schedules will be provided at all the sites and will had by all! be posted on the TAS website - tastusd.org.

Covering the Torrance Unified School District June—September 2014 13 Walteria Elementary West High School 24456 Madison St., Torrance, CA 90505 • 310/533-4487 • www.walteriaelementary.org 20401 Victor, Torrance, CA 90503 • 310/533-4299 True Spirit of Our School! We are Proud Walteria was one of several elementary schools that participated “Oh, The Places You’ll Go!” That’s the title of a famous Dr. in a Pentathlon at West High School. Two teachers, Mrs. Masi and Seuss book, and it describes our West High students this spring. Mrs. Ruth, worked with fourth- and fifth-grade students during WHS athletes went to CIF competitions and came home with weekly lunch meetings to prepare them for this event. This was two championships. One was for girls basketball, the first for their our second time competing, and the team did well. program. The other, earned by Yoshi Funakaki, was for individual Another exciting event was our participation in Relay for wrestling. Bobbie Wynhoff Life in April at South High School. The weather left a lot to be Pam Metz Chris Lee and Jeremy Giampaoli submitted a short film, and Principal desired; it was windy and cold. However, second-grade teacher Principal their winning entry garnered them an invitation to the White Ms. Calhoun and her family stuck it out and stayed for the 24- House (yes, that White House) for a student film festival. Nina hour event. This resulted in her receiving the Spirit of Relay award! Siegel earned a spot playing English horn in the California All Student Honor Also, Walteria raised over $4,000 for the American Cancer Society thanks Band. The Robotics Team took first place in regional competition, and then to our families who donated money or time to walk during this weekend went on to the FTC World Championships in St. Louis where they placed 42nd event. Thanks go to Ms. Calhoun, her family, and Walteria families for their out of over 400 teams. This was quite a feat for a rookie team. participation in Relay for Life. Andrew Arteaga and Edward Huh competed in a regional rocket launch competition in San Diego, and qualified for the Team America Rocket Competition in Virginia. The Academic Decathlon team placed fifth in the LA County competition, and team member Daniel Wang was the top decathlete in the county. The All Male Hip Hop Team traveled to Fountain Valley and won their second state championship in a row. As we say farewell to the Class of 2014 we know that their destinations will take them all over the country, from Massachusetts to Texas to Washington and up and down California. Our graduates will represent West High School well. We are proud of each of these students.

Wood Elementary 2250 W. 235th St., Torrance, CA 90501 • 310/533-4484 • wood.tusd.org

Howard Wood School is a California Distinguished School for Walteria Wildcats Pentathlon Team and Teacher Coaches. the second time! It’s official!!! On April 30, 2014 Howard Wood Elementary School was notified that we were being recognized by the State Yukon Elementary of California as a California Distinguished School for 2014. We were the only elementary school in Torrance eligible to apply 17815 Yukon Ave., Torrance, CA 90504 • 310/533-4477 • yukon.tusd.org Dr. Teresa and receive this prestigious award for academic excellence this The Book Club Lanphere year. This is the second time that Howard Wood has received Yukon has a long and great tradition of inspiring students Principal this award, first in 2006 and now again in 2014. Please join me in to read wonderful children’s literature. Our enthusiastic and congratulating the staff at Wood on doing what they do every day inspiring “The Children’s Book Club” is headed by Mrs. Sniegowski, to make Wood an awesome school and learning environment for our students. and is supported by our entire faculty, with Mrs. Godoy being her I am very proud of our staff, students, and parent community that helped to most faithful helper! make Howard Wood a California Distinguished School! Here a book is selected, the children read it on their own, and Elaine Wassil then they attend a “book talk” during their lunch recess, where Principal the discussions and enthusiasm for literature could compete with Oprah’s Book Club hands down! We choose three or four books to talk about during the school year. Mrs. Sniegowski and faculty supporters always make these book talks a memorable event. Food and festivities prevail in addition to the literary insights and wonderful camaraderie that are always a part of these moments. For example, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe generated not only special food, costumes and great discussions, but also a Yukon trip to the movies on Friday night. Our Yukon families enjoyed a night at the movies to watch one of their favorite books come to life on the screen. So many great books have been discussed: The Tale of Despereaux, Old Yeller and Stone Fox, to name just a few. Very modern authors and popular children’s books are also included. Our current selection is The Homework Machine, by Dan Gutman. The Book Club is just another way that our dedicated faculty works to provide enjoyment, excellence and quality in learning, despite the financially difficult times that we in education wrestle with very day.

14 www.schoolnewsrollcall.com Note-ables Buy One Get One Flea, Dog on Fleas For some time, creators and performers of young people’s music have been dispensing with the cheap, synthetic sound of electronic tracks and replacing them with real live instruments. I’m surely not the only one who’s delighted beyond words. Dog on Fleas is one of the groups that plays in its own band, called the Backyard Dorchestra; the combo includes but is not limited to a sousaphone, duck calls, a bass drum, a bassoon, a clarinet and several kazoos. The wacky instrumentation and the wordplayful Kate Karp monikers of group and band indicate one slaphappily good CD. The content is composed of songs original, familiar and obscure. Imagine, if you will, “Over the Waves” and the “Grand March” from the opera Aida played solely by kazoos, albeit skillfully. The original songs, written by Grammy Award-winning producer and band member Dean Jones, are based on themes that both child and parent will appreciate. “Hundredaires” is about the joys and disadvantages of a simpler life and a lighter wallet. “It’s a Ruse” warns about things that seem too good to be true and likely are. “Pardon My Pajamas”—well, who hasn’t longed to spend an entire day in jammies? And “Hinterlands” is plain wonderful—brilliantly arranged and tuneful, with an energy that you can jump on and ride. You’re certain to get an itch for Fleadom.

Kate Karp is an editor for School News Roll Call and a freelance writer and editor.

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Swim Lessons • PBC Camp • Sport Specialty Camps in Tennis and Archery • Horsemanship • Academic Enrichment, and our Tween Program AdventureTrek. Transportation, Extended Day and Lunches are available. Phone: (310) 541-3664 www.pbcdaycamp.com

Covering the Torrance Unified School District June—September 2014 15 On The Run Foot Injuries at the Beach With summertime here again, it is appropriate to alert beach- goers about the potential for injury in the sand and in the ocean. Summer Band Camps For various reasons, there are reports of increased foot and leg injuries affecting unsuspecting visitors to the beaches of Early bird 20% Discount ― Limited time offer! southern California. Full day, week long camps from 9am to 3pm Walking in sand barefoot may be a unique and joyful Extended hours available at no additional charge experience, but some caution should be considered. Unfortunately, our beaches may be filled with debris, such as Dr. Doug Richie SouthBayLA.SchoolofRock.com broken glass, torn aluminum cans, and even hypodermic needles. 1806 Artesia Blvd. (near Aviation Blvd.) The use of sandals can minimize the risk of a laceration or puncture wound from a potential hazard buried beneath the sand. (310) 379-2288 In the ocean, natural wildlife may pose a threat to your feet and legs. Jellyfish abound in the waters off California. A jellyfish sting can be annoying, if not painful, but can be quickly remedied by applying rubbing alcohol to the affected area. Sting ray injuries can be far more painful, and they seem to be on the rise along California beaches. To avoid these injuries, shuffle your feet in the sand as you walk slowly in and out of the water. If you have the misfortune of getting stung by one of these creatures, your best remedy is to soak the affected foot F and leg in a bucket of very hot water (100–105 degrees F) for 30 minutes, then repeat once every hour until the pain subsides. Occasionally, antibiotic therapy will be needed as a follow-up treatment, so seek the advice of your physician.

U Dr. Doug Richie is a sports podiatrist who has practiced in Seal Beach for 32 years. He is president of the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine and serves as a medical N advisor to U.S. A. Track and Field. 562/493-2451

Summer 2014 Indoor Camps

• Great Student to Coach Ratio: Usually six to one or better • Ten week-long Beginning Camps (age 7 & up) for those starting up • Campers placed in groups of similar age & experience • Ten Intermediate Camps (age 11 – 16) for those with some experience • Priorities: Have Fun, Build Volleyball Skills, Have fun! • Week-long Camps are 8:30 am to 4 pm, including lunch – $450 • Coaches: Strong role models and strong volleyball coaches • Week-long half day camps are 8:30 to 11:30 am or 1 to 4 pm – $250

Locations/Dates

• Week 1: July 14th – 18th: American Martyrs Gym, 1701 Laurel Ave, • Week 4: August 4th – 8th: Westside Neighborhood School Gym, Manhattan Beach, or Oak Street Gym, 1780 Oak Street,Torrance ** 5401 Beethoven St, Playa Vista or Christ Lutheran School Gym, • Week 2: July 21st – 25th: LA Galaxy Soccer City, 28850 Western Ave, Rancho Palos Verdes ** 540 Maple Avenue, Torrance • Week 5: August 11th – 15th: Oak Street Gym, • Week 3: July 28th – August 1st: American Martyrs Gym, 1780 Oak Street, Torrance Manhattan Beach, or Oak Street Gym, Torrance ** **Please sign up for the location most convenient for you

The Summer program is designed to introduce Advanced 14 & Under & High School Indoor Clinics, new players to a wonderful volleyball experience, and and beach programs are also available. Our coaches build the skills of Intermediate players to be ready to have High School and College volleyball experience, compete at the next level. and are very aware of what is expected at these levels.

Financial Assistance Available for children/players with ﬁ nancial needs Applications, Directions or more info? Please connect to BeachCitiesVBC.com or call 310-546-9150 The Mission Statement of Beach Cities Volleyball is to “teach life skills and volleyball skills to young people from 7 to 18” Beach Cities Volleyball Club is a non-proﬁ t 501(c) (3) corporation in good standing with the Internal Revenue Service & California Franchise Tax Board All donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law. Federal I.D. #91-2163900

16 www.schoolnewsrollcall.com Proud Sponsor of Summer Camp 2014 Your School for Over 20 Years! Boys & Girls • 7 - 13 years Monday – Friday • 9:00am - 3:00pm uth Bay So Driving Schoo Session 1: July 14 – 18 l Teaching Skills for Life Session 2: August 11 – 15 Location: Spectrum Club (Clippers Court) $20$20 Off 2250 Park Place One coupon per student El Segundo, CA 90245 Online and Classroom Available (310) 643-6878 Cost: $299 per session (310) 791-1111 $550 for both 3614 Pacific Coast Hwy. • Torrance, CA 90505 $60 per day Southbaydriving.com Discount: $25 early registration discount (June 1, 2014) $25 second sibling Contact: [email protected] The Value of Camp (800) 595-0838 for Every Child To Register: Download Registration at: What happens when you make the www.schoolofskills.net decision to choose a camp? (for daily schedule) You open up a world of discovery Camp features: and learning for your child, Former Los Angeles Clippers practice facility a world that values children for who State of the art facility they are and who they will become. Air conditioned Nationally accredited coaches 10 - 1 ratio (player - coach) Camp gives each child Indoor heated pool a world of good. Guest speakers Guaranteed to increase your basketball IQ

Ask Dr. Shari Good for the Mind & Great for the Heart The way we choose to spend our time and the activities in which we engage help form our value system. With a wide array of possibilities and opportunities, volunteering is a positive and 3737 Torrance Blvd. #206 Torrance CA vastly beneficial way of helping young people develop a strong *Wide variety of music classes sense of self. *Fine Arts classes Volunteering offers benefits spanning from the intellectual and spiritual to the educational and professional. As young people give of themselves and their time, they can learn about Dr. Shari Sweetnam being selfless. In a busy world of “pursuit of personal happiness,” too often the intrinsic values of empathy and giving are the lessons that are overlooked. Helping others via a structured volunteer program is a positive and safe way to develop oneself in this regard. Additional Benefits of Volunteerism: Valid at Jubilate Academy only. • Learning: Acquiring a new trade or skill can help teens see the world in a Cannot be combined with any other offers. bigger picture and be inspired to continue to expand intellectually. • Ages 4 and up Expires June 30, 2014. • Networking: Volunteering brings people of like minds, interests and values • Math and English Program together. This will inevitably lead to positive interaction and healthy • Aligned with CA Common Core • Math Competition Prep relationships. Curriculum • PSAT/ SAT/ ACT Prep • Building the Résumé: Engaging in service to others and taking the initiative • Develop Basic Arithmetic and • Math Classes for all levels to learn new trades or skills is a brilliant way to expand your portfolio. Critical Thinking skills: • English Literature, This is especially beneficial for students and young professionals. • Develop Fundamental Skills: Grammar/ Writing • Personal Growth: As Mahatma Gandhi said, “The best way to find yourself, Listening, Reading, Writing, Workshops, Book Club, is to lose yourself in the service of others.” Teens who experience growth and Speaking News Reading at an early age are likely to continue cultivating positive behavior and • Individualized program to • Enrichment in History/ friendships. meet each student’s needs Social Studies and Science • Improve Study Habits Motivational Speaker, Founder of The Brainpower Programs for Schools, Author, Consultant, Radio Host contact: [email protected], [email protected] www.Jubilateacademy.com www.doctorshari.com, twitter: DrShariS, Youtube: Dr. ShariS, LinkedIN: Dr. Shari Sweetnam Tel. 310-792-7714 Tel. 310-221-1716

Covering the Torrance Unified School District June—September 2014 17 Positive Parenting

Gearing Up for Summer Summer is a wonderful time to train your darling children to do chores. For some parents, the arrival of summer means less stress Finally, they have time—the constant excuse during school months! Children because the school schedule is not a part of the daily routine. will leave home some day—I promise!—and when they do, they need to know For other parents, having the children home all day every day is how to take care of a house and themselves. Chores teach a child that a house stressful. Whichever arena you are in, the reality of life is that does not clean itself and how to do fundamental tasks, such as clean a toilet. summer vacation is almost here for the traditional schools. If you have a housekeeper, create a space each week that the children are Children may get more wound up, more disagreeable, more responsible for in terms of upkeep and give the tidiness angel one less area to difficult to manage as the start of summer gets closer. Change clean. is stressful, even if it is for the better. The break in routine is It is important that children are not in so many activities that their lives Sandy Spurgeon become stressful. Children need time to be children! If you want your child to McDaniel stressful for children and adults. It is advisable to keep your discipline strong so that you glide into summer with boundaries be successful in school, have at least a half hour a day that is devoted to school in place. Consistent boundaries will also help your child to contain his or her skills. If each child took a 30-minute “chill break” and read for that amount of behavior and to feel safe. time, their future teachers would be ecstatic! Every child needs quiet time each My discipline system is mentioned on parentingsos.com and my book, Don’t day that does not involve any media or mechanical gadgets, including during Feed the Dragon, is a discipline manual divided into three sections: the summer. (1) what parents need to understand about children in order to successfully Most important of all, enjoy your children! There will never be another guide them; (2) my discipline system, and (3) answers to 130 of the top summer like the one ahead of you. Your children will not be this age ever again. concerns of parents, listed in alphabetical order. The book is age-appropriate Create some sort of structure and have some time that is not structured. Don’t from tots through the teens and is available on parentingsos.com. send your children to other people to play all the time—what each child wants Having your discipline system in place, it is wise to sit down as a family and more than anything else is time with you. It is easy to forget that when you are make a list of things that can be done during free time. The list may be posted trying to keep the energy-packed chicks busy. in a place where children can use it as a reference. To quell the endless, “I’m Thanks to all the teachers who gave so much of themselves this school year bored” message that children who are not used to having non-structured time to help our children be all that they can be! often begin chanting when school ends, offer two choices: “You may refer to the chart that we created or I will choose a chore off the chores chart that will Sandy Spurgeon McDaniel has written four adult books, and a new children’s book: Believe You Are Beautiful. She has taught school, raised two children, worked as a consultant to schools help you dispel boredom.” This plan might allow you to have your whole house and has worked with children and families for 52 years. Sandy now lives in Meridian, Idaho. cleaned in the first week of summer! ParentingSOS.com, Amazon and Kindle

Summer Fun Word Search Contest Rules!!! One word in the list is Not in the word search. When you have completed the word search, one word will be left and that word you email to: [email protected] (Please put TUSD in the subject line)

Entries must be received July 15, 2014 From the correct entries one name will be drawn to win a $20 gift certificate redeemable at Barnes & Noble.

Awesome Lessons Sunscreen Barbeque Lifeguard Surfing Beach Picnics Swimming Fireworks Pool Vacation Fun Popsicles Volleyball Hot Sand Water Ice Cream Summer Wave Lemonade Sunny

Congratulations Contest Winners: M.A. Day and Matthew Setian

18 www.schoolnewsrollcall.com Elementary Schools • Preschools • Art Birthday Parties PERFORMING ARTS WORKSHOPS Imagination Creativity Innovation Mobile Art Enrichment Programs THEATER . GUITAR . MAGIC . FILMMAKING Elementary Schools, Preschools, Private Groups, STAGE F/X MAKEUP . ROCK THE MIC . MORE Non-Profit Organizations, Parks & Recreation, and More... (310) 827-8827

Expanding After School Programs with TUSD! Voted the BEST camp in LA! Your child will: • Sharpen Critical Thinking • Enhance Fine Motor Skills LITTLELITTLE MERMAIDMERMAID • Develop Problem Solving Skills • Increase Self-Esteem www.art2growon.com • (310) 625-6028 WITCHESWITCHES OFOF OZOZ Serving the South Bay, Los Angeles and Orange Counties LIONLION KINGKING SNOWSNOW QUEEN

Guitar, Piano, Voice, Bass, Drums THETHE PROFESSORPROFESSOR Also: Ukulele, Banjo, Mandolin and the FLOWER GIRL James Musser and the FLOWER GIRL Nominated Best LA Band ‘96 Best Guitar ‘97 LA Music Awards Ask About PAW All Ages, Levels & Styles Discounts and Sign-up Specials :) Days, Evening & Weekends Camps for ages 5-15

www.peacelandmusic.com www.PerformingArtsWorkshops.com [email protected] 23706 Crenshaw #105A&B, Torrance, CA across from Hof’s Hut Camps in: Manhattan Beach, Redondo, El Segundo Visit us on MySpace.com/PeacelandMusic Brentwood, West LA, Studio City, Chatsworth, Pasadena YouTube.com/PeacelandMusic

Summer 2014 Ages: Boy & Girls 5 – 14 Camp features include: Fundamentals Camp T-Shirt Swimming Games (everyone plays) Awards & Contests Transportation Available Guest Speakers Certiﬁ cate of Participation ($40 weekly) Outstanding Coaching Staffs Player Proﬁ le and much more 42nd Annual 37th Annual 37th Annual Peninsula Peninsula Peninsula Basketball Camp Baseball Camp Soccer Camp July 21 – 25 July 28 – August 1 July 21 – 25 July 28 – August 1 August 4 – 8 August 4 – 8 Location: Palos Verdes High School • 600 Cloydon Rd., Palos Verdes Estates Time: 9:00am – 4:00pm or 9:00am – 12:00pm. Monday – Friday Fees: $240 Full Day • $125 Half Day

18th Annual 10th Annual Half Day Half Day Peninsula Soccer Camp Peninsula Baseball Camp June 9 – 13 August 4 – 8 July 28 – August 1 Ages: Boys and Girls 5 – 12 Location: Hess Park, Rancho Palos Verdes Time: 9:00am – 12:00pm. Monday – Friday Fees: $125

Call for More Info! Tom Maier (310) 377-0690 Sign Up Online: www.PeninsulaSportsCamps.com

Covering the Torrance Unified School District June—September 2014 19 13SCH171_holidayEGiftAd_schoolNewsRollCall10.5x12.5.pdf 1 12/17/13 9:56 PM

20 www.schoolnewsrollcall.com