Reading and Writing Across the Curriculum

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Education + Communication = A Better Nation ® Covering the Bellflower Unified School District Volume 1, Issue 5 www.SchoolNewsRollCall.com May—August 2013 Superintendent Reading and Writing Across the Curriculum Adventure for Bellflower Unified School District Excellence and Our Communities Spring has Read Across America Day been an active and in March was just another exciting time, and example of how our community as we near the end stands behind the “Excellence” of the school year it of the Bellflower Unified School brings to fruition the Brian Jacobs, results of our work District. Ed.D. As stated in a formal Governing and commitment Board resolution, the BUSD Board to serve our students. I hope that of Education is firmly committed to this spring has enveloped a much promoting reading as the catalyst different atmosphere than those for our students’ future academic previously experienced as a parent or success, their preparation for community member of the Bellflower America’s jobs of the future, and Unified School District (BUSD). This their ability to compete in a global year has been one of committed economy. energy by all of our employees to The district has also provided bring a “Standard of Excellence: a significant leadership role to BUSD Community Values Reading and Writing Across the Curriculum Nothing Less” each day in support help involve our community in the of our students. With that energy, education of its youth, grounded Read Across America, a national celebration of Dr. Suess, promotes both we will ultimately transform BUSD on the principle that educational reading and adult involvement in our children’s education. This picture is just with higher levels of learning for all investment is the key to our one example of how the community stands alongside its school district for the students. country’s well-being and long-term betterment of our children. May they all achieve the, “Standard of Excellence; See Superintendent • Page 9 quality of life. Nothing Less.” Board Of education Community Service Clubs and BUSD Appreciation for a Great Year Bellflower Unified School District As the 2012–2013 academic year draws to a close, I, along with and Our Communities my Board colleagues, want to express to everyone our deepest The Kiwanis Club of Bellflower, with 80 years in the appreciation for your efforts and a most earnest commendation community, continues its strong support of youth for a job well done. We have accomplished a great deal this year, organizations and programs for students within the and it has been because of the common threads of working together. Every student, parent, and employee has done a super job District. Laura working to employ the “Standard of Excellence; Nothing Less.” Kiwanis is a global organization of dedicated volunteers founded 1915 in Sanchez-Ramirez Bellflower Unified School District (BUSD) has had a great deal Michigan, with the mission motto of “changing the world one child and one President of success this year, from the overwhelming community support community at a time.” There are over 8,400 clubs throughout the world. and passing of Measure BB to the continuing strong efforts of the Fine Arts The Club takes great pride in its sponsorships under the Service Leadership program, and especially the academic excellence of the graduating seniors. Program endeavors, namely Key, Builders and K-Kids Clubs. For many years, As we continue to work together, I know we will accomplish a great deal Key Clubs have been supported at both Bellflower and Mayfair High Schools, more. I want you to know how much the Board appreciates your efforts in where not only leadership skills are nurtured but also volunteerism at the working with Dr. Jacobs to meet the academic rigors of preparing our students school and within the community is emphasized. The Club stays actively for career and college pathways. involved with the Key Clubs through organizing service projects, providing The Board and I are looking forward to a strong finish for this school term monetary sponsorships, and securing bus transportation to events such as and are even more excited about the continued transformation taking place for rallies, meetings and conferences. One of the most exciting events during the the betterment of our children. We are looking forward to the graduations and year is the announcement of the Kiwanis Foundation Scholarships. The Club seeing the excellence firsthand as our students receive their diplomas. plans to distribute approximately $15,000 to deserving seniors selected from Have a fantastic summer, and make it one of creating new memories for your the Key Clubs and also has included monetary vocational awards to students family and friends. We will look forward to seeing you in the fall for another from Somerset Continuation High School.

outstanding year for the students, parents, and staff of BUSD. See Community Service Clubs • Page 11 Inside: Schools pages 4–8 • Note-ables, Alana;s Book Review, Parent to Parent page 10 • Contest page 11 ® Education + Communication = A Better Nation www.schoolnewsrollcall.com Covering the bellflower unified school District Netragrednik Neta Madison Founder/Publisher: Kay Coop Kay Coop 562/493-3193 • [email protected] Founder / Publisher Advertising Sales: 562/493-3193 • Fax: 562/430-8063

Content Coordinator: Barbra Longiny Home Copy Editors: Lisa Brock, Kate Karp & Anna Zappia Contributing Cartoonist: Room Netragrednik by Neta Madison 562/493-3193 Graphic Designer: Laura Brune [email protected]

The BUSD enjoys an excellent relationship with the community and @SchoolNewsRC support for the students. SchoolNewsRollCall You can now This is our last issue for this launch our Web APP to your school year and we’ll begin again in SmartPhone from our web site September. Thank you for continuing to include School News among your School News Roll Call, LLC reading choices. Thanks for entering P.O. Box 728, Seal Beach, CA 90740 562/493-3193 our contests and we have a Seek ‘n www.schoolnewsrollcall.com Find contest in this issue for fun. Copyright © 2006, School News Roll Call, LLC Reproduction in whole or in part without written We have enjoyed including Alana permission is strictly prohibited unless otherwise stated. Opinions expressed by contributing writers and guest with her book reviews and hope you columnists are their views and not necessarily those of include the library in your summer School News Roll Call. This publication is privately owned and the right is reserved to select and edit content. plans. The school district does not endorse the advertisers in this Have a wonderful summer! publication.

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* The Master of Education program is currently available on campus with full WASC and NCATE accreditations. The proposal for the online version is currently in review and is in process for WASC then NCATE approvals, which are expected to be awarded by spring of 2013. The program will be submitted for review to NCATE/TEAC in spring 2013. Las Flores Educational Center Intensive Learning Center 10039 E. Palm St., Bellflower, CA 90706 • 562/804-6565 • www.busd.k12.ca.us/homeEducation.htm 4718 E. Michelson St., Lakewood, CA 90712 • 562/804-6513 • www.busd.k12.ca.us/ilc.htm An Incredible Journey A Year of Excellence As the year comes to a close and I reflect back on our “maiden As the 2012–13 school year comes to a close, I’d like to reflect voyage,” I realize that it has been a time filled with cherished on a few wonderful programs and new opportunities the learning memories that not one of us will soon forget. There is a unique community at the Intensive Learning Center experienced bond that we at Home Education-Independent Study Academy this year. With support from PTA, we were able to provide the share with one another, having launched something extremely following programs to all K–6 students: Accelerated Reader, Type special. Together we have experienced tremendous successes and to Learn and Meet the Masters. have traveled very far in a short amount of time. This year has Meet the Master’s program is Tamara Zylla been an incredible journey for us all! Isel Taylor conducted by parent volunteers, Program Principal Administrator One of the amazing things that happened this year was and this year, students had the the establishment of an official mascot and school colors. The opportunity to study Frederic Remington, students had a wonderful time offering suggestions. There was a plethora from Georgia O’Keeffe, Mary Cassatt and Paul which to choose. Some of the suggestions were foxes, longhorns, light sabers, Gauguin. and even French fries! The students finally settled on the Home Education- Aligned with high expectations, every Independent Study Academy Leopards of Los Flores and subsequently classroom at the ILC has two dates posted: determined that the school colors would be black and gold (an original in the year that the class will graduate from high Bellflower!). Not long after this, many of them began drafting sketches of our school and the year the class will graduate from mascot. Some worked solo on the project, while others collaborated. In the a four- year university. This year, our student end, students’ drawings and ideas were taken to Mr. Scott Jones, an artist, who council sponsored a trip to UCLA, and 37 generously donated his time and talents to create several potential renditions of students had the opportunity to tour the campus our school mascot. We are all anxiously awaiting his sketches and look forward and watch a UCLA vs. USC women’s basketball to making the final selection. game. In addition, the students have made lifetime memories for themselves and Lastly, we are very excited those around them by demonstrating incredible compassion and generosity about the Spanish English in a variety of situations. In December, the students had a toy drive for the Dual-Language kindergarten Bellflower Community Store, and in February they collected hygiene products program we will be offering for the homeless in our area. Finally in March, the students came together to for 2013–14. Dual-Language collect $173.48 for cancer-stricken children in the Pennies for Patients drive. Immersion is a program It truly made my heart swell to hear how many of these children had emptied in which students learn to their piggy banks to give to this worthy cause. One student’s mother told me speak, read and write in that her daughter said of her donation, “I’m making my mark!” and indeed she English and Spanish. The and the other students have. Dual-Language Immersion Finally, perhaps the greatest highlight of this school year was seeing Program is modeled on the the dynamics of the multi-age classrooms. While many are familiar with Canadian approach that has combination classrooms, the multi-age classrooms that we have at the Home been tried and proven for Education-Independent Study Academy are quite unique. It was fascinating over 30 years. The goals of a dual-language immersion program are threefold: to see the students learn from each other and to watch younger students fluency in a second language, an intellectual challenge and cultural enrichment. tackle and master the concepts and skills of their older peers simply through Students in the Dual-Language Immersion Program learn the same curriculum exposure, without the expectation of mastery. We happily discovered that and are held to the same high standards as in all BUSD schools. The curriculum the multi-age classroom gives students the opportunity to flourish through taught will be aligned with the Common Core Standards. We are very excited both remediation and acceleration. What a fantastic gift we have to offer our about bringing this research-based program to the Intensive Learning Center learners! and the opportunity to provide our learning community with additional This first year has been a most exciting adventure—one that I am certain educational options. Families still have the opportunity to enroll their incoming has left an indelible mark on all our hearts and provided the school with a kindergarteners during our Kindergarten Roundup, which ends May 2. foundation for future success. We look forward to watching the academy grow in the years to come. Contest!!

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4 www.schoolnewsrollcall.com Bellflower Alternative Education Center 16703 S. Clark Ave., Bellflower, CA 90706 • 562/866-9011 Welcome! The Bellflower Alternative Education Center (BAE) is a community day Mr. Darrell Jackson, founder of the 10-20 Club, works directly with school that offers an educational option. It is specifically designed for students neighboring school districts, as well as the Los Angeles County Probation in grades 7–12 who have been either expelled or transferred because of Department and the Los Padrinos Juvenile Detention Center, to provide drug problems with absenteeism, excessive behavior, and/or academic failure by the and alcohol counseling programs. He also helps our youth complete their School Attendance Review Board (SARB) or their school administrators. This community service requirements, and provides individual and group counseling includes students on probation or those who exhibit other high-risk factors. sessions as well as assists families with interventions. Building character, helping students acquire ethical values, making However, academic success doesn’t just occur on its own. Attention to appropriate decisions about behavior, maintaining regular attendance, and successful habits, good citizenship, being prepared mentally and physically for reaching higher academic goals are all foremost concerns at our school. To help class each day, showing responsible behavior, and getting along with others, is students reach their academic and personal goals, the Center provides a variety Mr. Jackson’s message to his students. of support services, guest speakers and outreach programs that can help return Officer Erwin Rocha from the Los Angeles Police Department was a recent them to their regular campuses. guest speaker. He shared real-life stories and information about how to set a This includes the Helpline Youth Counseling Starting Point Program. good example through the ideals of honesty, fairness, courage, respect and The extent to which students can maintain a healthy lifestyle and possess dependability. Officer Rocha advocated for a drug-free lifestyle, regular school good social skills will influence academic performance, social and family attendance, good leadership skills and self-discipline. relationships, and their involvement in extracurricular activities. Thus, Since the beginning of the school year, which includes a five-week summer students meet regularly with the Helpline youth counselor to discuss their extended program, there have been eighteen students who have successfully pro-social skills, attitudes for success, and how to interact with others. Besides completed their Rehabilitation and Educational Plan. These were established social skills, the students also learn about drugs and alcohol, etiquette, self- by the Governing Board at the time of their expulsion, with individual goals set management and how to maintain good character. by administrative placement. Each of the students maintained a “C” average in all of his/her course work. All students also met their behavioral and attendance Additional Programs goals, and, if required, completed their community service and counseling Students are also currently enrolled in an eight-week tobacco use, classes. prevention and intervention program with reinforcement activities provided by a Tobacco Use Prevention Education Grant (TUPE) from the California Department of Education (CDE). The purpose of the TUPE grant is to reduce tobacco use by helping young people understand the harm associated with PleasePlease seesee smoking. ourour adad onon thethe backback cover.cover.

Covering the Bellflower Unified School District May—August 2013 5 Albert Baxter Elementary Stephen Foster Elementary 14929 S. Cerritos Ave., Bellflower, CA 90706 • 562/531-1602 • www.busd.k12.ca.us/baxter.htm 5223 E. Bigelow St., Lakewood, CA 90712 • 562/804-6518 • www.busd.k12.ca.us/foster.htm Celebrating an Excellent Year School Events Enhance the Core Curriculum This has been a year of exceptional achievement at Albert It’s been a great year at Stephen Foster, filled with exciting Baxter Elementary. Our school is a special place where talented learning opportunities. Watching our students grow and learn is very people provide an excellent educational experience for the rewarding, and the implementation of Direct Interactive Instruction in students. In celebration of the year, I would like to share some of every classroom has increased student engagement and achievement Baxter’s outstanding accomplishments. greatly. Our students have also participated in many community events Our Academic Performance Index (API) increased by 12 and competitions such as the City of Bellflower Recycling Calendar points over the previous year. Congratulations to our students, poster competition, the City of Lakewood bookmark competition and Sue Curtiss staff and parents for their hard work. The teachers have been Deirdre Reyes PTA Reflections competition. Many of our students won prizes and Principal Principal keeping up the academic pace by utilizing Direct Interactive were honored for their artwork and essay-writing skills. Instruction to help improve student achievement. Our students excelled in March is traditionally a very busy month, and we enjoy many special events art this year as well. Destiny Anaya, Natalia Garcia and Melyssa Supnet were that enhance the curriculum and benefit our school. Family Reading Night, selected as Bellflower Used Oil Recycling Poster contest winners. filled with fun and educational reading activities, was well-attended in March. Our PTA provided buses for field trips, supported the Meet the Masters Art Also in March, we held our annual Jog-a-thon for Computers. Students from program, invited families to Movie Night, and will soon hold a carnival and transitional kindergarten through sixth grade energetically jogged to raise talent show. PTA Honorary Service Awards went to Maria Hernandez, Maria money for new computers. Our fifth- and sixth-graders will apply their pledges Zepeda, Lori Miyakawa and Juan Gutierrez for their contributions to our school. toward sixth-grade outdoor school, which will take place in June. Our cafetorium was The Talent Show is an eagerly anticipated event every year. Students from completed! This building first through sixth grade delighted a packed audience with song, dance and includes lunch seating, comedy skits. Every year, I am so impressed with not only the talent of our outdoor seating and a students but also the confidence and poise they exhibit while on stage. It is performance stage. The truly a wonderful and entertaining evening! Baxter band performed at the This year, our fourth-grade students and teachers participated in Gold Rush reopening celebration, and Days to bring the social studies curriculum to life. Students sang, danced, and we are looking forward to listened to presentations about the California Gold Rush. This wonderful day many more fabulous student culminated with traditional games and a picnic lunch at Mayfair Park. performances on our new stage. Next month, we are looking forward to our fifth-grade reenactment of the As we end the school year, Revolutionary War. This popular event has been a tradition at Stephen Foster I would like to say that it has for over 25 years. Stephen Foster is a very busy place, as our students strive been a pleasure to serve as daily to attain a Standard of Excellence in academics and the Fine Arts. your principal. I also want to thank all of the students, staff members and parents Thomas Jefferson Elementary Soloist Stephanie Trihn and David Amaro perform who have worked so hard to 10027 Rose St., Bellflower, CA 90706 • 562/804-6521 • www.busd.k12.ca.us/jefferson.htm with the Baxter Band under the direction of Mr. Flietstra make Albert Baxter such an on the new performance stage. amazing school. What a Wonderful Year I want to celebrate and thank my students, parents and staff members for making this an amazing learning year. Great things Middle School / High School and opportunities for learning have been happening at Thomas Bellflower Jefferson! 15301 McNab Ave., Bellflower, CA 90706 • 562/920-1801 • www.busd.k12.ca.us/bellflower-high.htm Among them was that our dedicated teachers had an opportunity to attend two days of professional development on A Year of Excellence “Direct Interactive Instruction.” This valuable training provides With spring in full bloom and the school year starting to Dina Hernandez teachers with new strategies to help address the learning needs wind down, it is a very busy and important time of the year for Principal of our students. Bellflower Middle/High School! All seventh- through 11th-grade The students also had an students are currently participating in California Standards exciting year. One of our big Tests (CST). The multiple-choice CSTs in various subjects allow events was the Fit-A-Thon, which our students to demonstrate competency within those academic was a fun and exciting way to areas. Each day of the six-day test period will begin with a three- teach the importance of exercise Michael hour and 15-minute testing block, from 7:30–10:45 a.m. It is very Lundgren for a healthy life. The students important that our students attend school each day, get plenty of Principal had an opportunity to learn lots of rest, and eat a good breakfast in order to do their very best on all heart-healthy and muscle-building CST tests! exercises. They all did a great job! For our senior students and parents, graduation is just around the corner! Our parents also had many This year, Bellflower High School’s commencement ceremony will take place on opportunities to participate in Monday, June 17 at 6:30 p.m. in Ron Yary Stadium. With a few weeks of school school life and become more still remaining, it is important that our senior students remain focused and on involved. This year, in addition track with their studies to ensure that all members of the Class of 2013 reach to our regular weekly parent this very important milestone in their lives. classes, we also had a nutritionist It is hard for me to believe that my first year as your principal is coming to a come in to discuss healthy close! It has been a very successful year for Bellflower Middle/High School, and eating habits and share delicious I am very excited about what the future holds for us. I would like to thank all of recipes. Thanks again for another our parents for their support of Bellflower and our students, who strive for that wonderful year! Standard of Excellence—Nothing Less.

6 www.schoolnewsrollcall.com Esther Lindstrom Elementary Mayfair Middle School / High School 5900 N. Canehill Ave., Lakewood, CA 90713 • 562/804-6525 • www.busd.k12.ca.us/lindstrom.htm 6000 N. Woodruff Ave., Lakewood, CA 90713 • 562/925-9981 • www.busd.k12.ca.us/mayfair-high.htm An Amazing School Year Monsoon Pride 2012-13 As I look back on my first year as Lindstrom Elementary Mayfair High School is proud of the tradition that it has School’s principal, I would like to take time to reflect on the established providing opportunities for seniors to earn events of the school year. The 2012–2013 school year started off scholarships. The community support from more than 15 groups with eager anticipation about what the new school year would like the Rotary Club and the Veterans of Foreign Wars are key in bring. There were many exciting activities planned for our Lindy providing financial assistance to our students going to college. Lions, besides a new principal. Mayfair is also committed to generating scholarship funds for Our families and community came together to enjoy the Fall our students. Each year MHS staff and students participate in Deborah Apple Harvest Festival, Holiday Ceramics Night, Read Across America, Matt Eeles various activities, such as the Hiram “Chick” Peterson Faculty Principal Principal and our annual Grandparents Picnic, which allowed our families vs. Students basketball game and the Faculty Follies staff talent to have fun and create some wonderful memories. Our students learned show. These events, among others, help generate thousands of dollars that are strategies about what to do if approached by a stranger or bully and how to stay awarded to seniors at our annual Senior Awards Night. Senior Awards Night is safe if they are on the Internet. Intervention classes were provided for students an event in June where college-bound students are awarded, on average, more who needed additional support. Gifted And Talented Education classes were than $100,000 in scholarships. Way to go “Soons.”. provided for our many gifted students, along with a weekend trip to Catalina and an overnight stay at the Aquarium of the Pacific. Students participated in several community outreach activities, which provided our students with an understanding of how to help those less fortunate than themselves. These activities included Pasta for Pennies and Jump Rope for Heart. Students were provided with many educational assemblies, such as Ben Franklin and Walk Through the Revolution. Field trips provided students with extended learning opportunities, some of which included going to the Wells Fargo Museum, the San Gabriel Mission, the tide pools, Knott’s Berry Farm’s Indian Trails, and a water recycling plant. We ended the year with a Family Health Night, where we were provided with the opportunity to practice CPR on the mini Resusci Anne doll. And last, but certainly not least, our fifth- and sixth-grade students were enlightened about some interesting career choices through our first Career Day. All in all, we had a terrific school year, with increased rigor in the academic curriculum and outstanding enrichment opportunities provided to our Lindy Lions! The student team before taking on the staff at the annual Hiram “Chick” Peterson basketball game.

Ernie Pyle Elementary Ramona Elementary 14500 S. Woodruff Ave., Bellflower, CA 90706 • 562/804-6528 • www.busd.k12.ca.us/pyle.htm 9351 Laurel St., Bellflower, CA 90706 • 562/804-6532 • www.busd.k12.ca.us/ramona.htm A Fantastic Finish Rams Finish Strong! Pyle Panthers enjoy a rich and engaging instructional program Ramona Elementary outstanding programs, dedicated both inside and outside the classroom. Here are some of the staff and parents continue to bring recognition to our school highlights from the year: as we strive for a “Standard of Excellence, Nothing Less.” In February, we enjoyed an assembly with Gerald C. Rivers, It is with great pride that we share our programs, students’ a professional performer who brought the words and message accomplishments and scholarly behavior. of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to life. It was a very This past year, guests from Los Mochis, Mexico—Bellflower’s memorable and moving experience. sister city—were welcomed by Student Council and spent the Lisa Paioni The LA County Vector Control VECMobile provided hands- Bonnie Carter morning touring our school. During the year, Ramona parents, Principal Principal on learning to fifth-grade students about vector control and students and staff decorated the outside of the school with a environmental sustainability. If you would like to learn more about vectors, the “Say No to Drugs” message for Red Ribbon week and were recognized with a VECMobile will return for our families to experience during Open House on certificate for Best of Event. Recently, Bellflower’s mayor, Dan Koops, visited May 16. during Read Across America. Mr. Koops attended Ramona as a child and May 29 will find us returned in March this year to share his love for reading with our students. celebrating our students’ Visitors often share efforts in writing when the how impressed they Imagination Machine gives are with our students’ a live performance of short behavior and attitude; stories written by our own the warm, supportive students. I want to thank learning environment; teachers Ms. Stephens, Mrs. and the students’ joy in Ober and Mrs. Kumamoto learning. Looking back for making these wonderful on this year brings a experiences happen for great deal of pride for students. our dedicated students, This is a small sample of parents and staff. It is the great happenings at Ernie with excitement and Pyle, and the school is on the anticipation that I will move to achieve even greater look forward to next year heights next year! Red Ribbon Recognition: ”Best in Event” and all that it will bring.

Covering the Bellflower Unified School District May—August 2013 7 Somerset High School Craig Williams Elementary 9242 E. Laurel St., Bellflower, CA 90706 • 562/804-6548 • www.busd.k12.ca.us/somerset-high.htm 6144 Clark Ave., Lakewood, CA 90712 • 562/804-6540 • www.busd.k12.ca.us/williams.htm A Model Continuation High School What an Amazing Year! Somerset High School was recognized as a 2013 Model The students, parents and staff at Craig Williams have Continuation High School by the California Department experienced much growth and success this year. Together, we of Education (CDE). The Model Continuation High School worked as a team to ensure that all students had the opportunity program is a partnership between the CDE and the California to be successful. Continuation Education Association (CCEA) which first identifies Kindergarten students mastered behavioral and social skills and recognizes outstanding schools, and then establishes a list of that set the foundation for their future success. First-grade quality programs that other districts can use as a resource. students developed a love for reading and consistently worked Patrick Dixon The award was accepted on April 27 at the CCEA State Keisha Sawyer on mastering basic math facts. Second-grade students became Principal Principal Conference in North Hollywood by Principal Patrick Dixon, fluent readers, problem solvers, historians and scientists as they Counselor Ms. Belinda Davila and staff members. Mr. Dixon was not only dug deep into every subject area. Third graders expanded their use of Thinking excited to have Somerset recognized as a model continuation high school, he Maps to organize, classify, analyze and clarify. Fourth-grade students became was also proud to announce that Ms. Davila was selected as the Support Person skilled writers, using strategies to demonstrate understanding in science, of the Year for CCEA District VII. social studies and math, while every fifth-grade student participated in a Fifteen out of the state’s 504 continuation high schools submitted variety of experiences that allowed him/her to become budding chemists and applications this year for model status in order to earn a site validation visit. war historians. Finally our sixth-grade students integrated language arts in all Thirteen were recommended for model school status. subject areas, using the curriculum to make meaningful connections. In order for a school to be eligible for recognition, it must be accredited by With our primary goal of increasing the academic achievement of every the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and also meet 40 student, we set out on a mission of success. We look forward to continuing to quality program indicators in five categories: school management, curriculum, work together in the years to come! Congratulations to our students for a great instructional strategies, educational climate, and guidance and counseling year of academic achievement and to our parents as they continue to support services. The school must also include written support statements from our school and their children. students, parents/guardians and community members. Somerset High School is proud to have been recognized as a Model Continuation High School for the fifth time since 1996. Washington Elementary 9725 Jefferson St., Bellflower, CA 90706 • 562/804-6535 • www.busd.k12.ca.us/washington.htm Focus on Academic Growth Frank Woodruff Elementary It has been an exciting year, and so much has happened within the Washington Elementary School learning community! Not 15332 S. Eucalyptus Ave., Bellflower, CA 90706 • 562/804-6545 • www.busd.k12.ca.us/woodruff.htm only have our students gained much knowledge, but so have our Extending Learning teachers. This year our teachers began implementing Direct Our Woodruff Wolves have been working hard this year Interactive Instruction (DII). It has been exciting to see the mastering their California Content Standards, remediating their students so involved due to the new strategies, which focus on skills in the Response to Intervention classes, taking benchmark student engagement. For example, students never know when Sulema Holguin they may be called on, as they are selected randomly; however, and STAR tests to help measure growth, meeting Accelerated Principal Reader goals, and completing their daily class work! they have a “lifeline” they can use to ask a peer for support. They also had an opportunity to extend their education These are the types of strategies that have really helped us focus on student through academic learning trips. One example was when our accountability. Beverly Swanson GATE students “slept with the sharks” on an overnighter to the For teachers, it has been a different way of looking at instruction, as they Principal Aquarium of the Pacific. They were able to learn about local have worked hard to ensure they clearly know the objective of the lesson and marine life and have a chance to see how the Aquarium functions behind the what they want students to be able to do. Teachers have worked collaboratively scenes. throughout the school year in Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) Other extended learning opportunities saw the primary students expand to plan out lessons, which will help to ensure students master and retain their academic objectives by visiting Centennial Farms, the Cabrillo Museum standards. Within the planning, there is clear thought given to what the steps and tide pools, the Natural History Museum, and our local fire station. The will be for a lesson, what the teacher will do, what the students will do, and upper-grade students brought learning to life at Mission San Juan Capistrano, what the final product should be. as well as at the California Science Museum, where they visited the Space In addition to implementation of DII strategies, Shuttle Endeavor. They also attended a play called We the People. we have been able to establish a Tier III intervention Our sixth-graders attended an outdoor science camp for five days, and support for students who need a differentiated were able to apply their knowledge of life science to real world, hands-on form of instruction in order to master standards activities. Each of these excellent opportunities helped our students enhance and make one year or more of academic growth. the standards they had learned in class, and they definitely enjoyed these It has been amazing to hear students speak using experiences! academic vocabulary and produce writing using academic language. Their comprehension, fluency, and confidence in language arts have improved tremendously through our Tier III intervention and the use of GATEWAYS. Are you looking for us for the Finally, we are wrapping up the year with our contest on page 4? California Standards Tests (CSTs), as well as end-of-the-year benchmark assessments. We will ensure that we meet our goal of helping each child make one year of academic growth. We look forward to using this data for our planning and ongoing goals for next year. The 2012–2013 has been academically exciting and 2013–2014 will include much more.

8 www.schoolnewsrollcall.com Superintendent • From Page 1 Looking ahead, the future for BUSD is stronger now than ever due to the This year, BUSD has worked diligently with implementation of teamwork of teachers, classified staff, and administration. By leveraging resources Direct Interactive Instruction, while consolidating instructional and focusing our energy to make our district known for a Standard of Excellence; practices across the district. Because of the great efforts by Nothing Less, each decision will be made with that mantra in mind. With all of our our teachers, our students have had the opportunity for a more schools focused on helping each child grow one academic achievement band this enriched and engaging classroom setting. I hope you have seen year, there is no doubt that end-of-year celebrations will be bountiful. this transformation and share the excitement I have for next year. Finally, in November, you, the voters of BUSD, stepped up and approved While working at strengthening the instruction of each a $79-million dollar General Obligation Bond. Thank you! These dollars are classroom, the district was also deeply involved with a review already being put to use with the initial stages of air conditioning at all of our Brian Jacobs, of all expenditures and budgeting systems. The purpose for Ed.D. school sites. This will ensure that all classroom learning environments are as this review was to determine that expenditures were focused comfortable as possible to assist with the teaching and learning occurring daily. on the classroom and meeting the needs of our students. During the review, As the instructional leader of the district, I have worked to ensure that adjustments were made in some areas that were necessary to keep the focus on each teacher and student has the support necessary to meet each academic instructional needs. It was also determined that the district would begin a new and social challenge presented. Meeting many of these challenges requires an budgeting process for next year, known as Zero-Based Budgeting. This new attitude of change and transition from previous practices. I understand that process ensures that the programs and services offered to our students will hit the decision to implement many of the instructional changes in our schools has the mark of “Excellence.” been extremely difficult for staff, but to see the As we continue to face an positive impact it is having for our students is uphill battle with reduced fantastic! state funding, please know While preparing for next year, I ask a great BUSD has initiated a strategic favor of you. I ask that you trust my leadership course of action to preserve motives and recognize that they are grounded needed dollars that support in honesty and integrity. My exhibited student achievement while leadership is built with the highest regard improving the ability of our for doing what is right for your students. I schools to thrive. Even with promise that BUSD will continue to do its best the loss of $24 million dollars to provide the finest learning environments, over the last four years, BUSD offer outstanding programs, and confront has continued to improve challenges with enthusiasm and resolve. Know student achievement and that BUSD will always place children first, with provided outstanding learning parents right there with the children, and, of conditions for our students. course, continue to place a high priority on all A huge thank you needs to of our community members. be extended to each and I also recognize that BUSD cannot every teacher of BUSD for succeed independently. It requires a quality supporting the efforts to meet relationship between schools and home to the academic challenges with meet the levels of achievement established by reduced resources. the Governing Board. When we stand together In preparing for next year, with a common vision and a sense of resolve, I will be working with the there are no barriers too great to conquer. Governing Board to review and In closing, this is a small sample of student create a Strategic Action Plan. Students from Bellflower Middle School, who demonstrated their “Excellence” excellence and recognition. The picture shows Critical areas to be supported by winning a community-based writing competition. three students representing our district as in the plan will be: Direct Interactive Instruction; Professional Learning winners of an essay contest for the Bellflower Elks Lodge. Again, this is just a Communities; Thinking Maps; and the infusion of Nancy Fezter Techniques. very small sample but a wonderful way to end my final article of 2012–2013. Each of these techniques and strategies will be seen in every classroom across Have a wonderful end of the 2012–2013 school year and a super summer the district. The goal of each action will be to maximize district resources and break. I will look forward to greeting you in September for what will be a provide a deeper, more engaging, enriched learning atmosphere. continued positive adventure for excellence!

Bellflower Unified School District Board of Education

Laura Donald Jerry Debbie Paul Sanchez-Ramirez McMackin Cleveland Cuadros Helzer, D.C., PhD. President Vice President Clerk Member Member

Covering the Bellflower Unified School District May—August 2013 9 Call now for an invitation to our 26th Cotillion Note-ables Save! beginning September 2013 with Early Registration Social dancing, manners, Can You Canoe? by September 1 etiquette, games & prizes The Okee Dokee Brothers—actually lifelong friends Justin Led by Bobby Burgess– original Mouseketeer, ballroom dancer Lansing and Joe Mailander—invite us on a canoe trip down the with Lawrence Welk, and instructor with legendary Call’s Cotillion Mississippi by grace of their 2013 Grammy-award-winning CD/ •3rd – 10th graders DVD combination. The DVD’s video chronicle of their monthlong •Eight dance parties trip is a study in geography and sociology, utterly American in (in the Golden Sails Hotel Crystal Ballroom) the topographic and literary senses. Trains rumble by on the riverbank, turtles lay their eggs in the mud, two children dressed 562.598.9668 featured on as Becky Thatcher and Tom Sawyer are captivated by the ABC’s Kate Karp Brothers’ challenge to spell Mississippi. 323.874.7393 “Eye on LA” [email protected] It’s hard to select a standout selection on the music-only CD. www.bobbyburgesscotillion.com Like the Mississippi, the songs flow into the motif of the river journey. American OF LONG BEACH traditional bluegrass and melody lines from familiar public domain sea chanteys and folk songs combine to re-form as the paddles that move the craft. Lansing Alana’s Book Review and Mailander play banjo and guitar, respectively, and the canoe’s crew, if canoes have crews, consists of technicians, photographers, guest artists, and musicians who play everything from accordions and fiddles to bass harmonicas Lucy the Diamond Fairy and tomato boxes. The CD is easy to listen to and provides a great background Lucy the Diamond Fairy by Daisy Meadows is a book to the outstanding, remarkable DVD video. about two best friends, Kirsty and Rachel, who go on many Evident to viewers and listeners will be the strong undercurrent of respect fairy adventures together. In this book, the evil Jack Frost has for and appreciation of the beauty of everything nature manifests, from the stolen the seven jewels from Queen Titania’s magic crown. The soaring water birds to the terrible storm that uprooted their tent to 22 pesky jewels from her crown control all the different types of magic mosquito bites. Completing the theme is the wisdom of the river people. In the throughout Fairyland. The magic diamond, the jewel that gives most memorable part of the video, Kenny Selway, the “last river rat,” spoke of fairies the power to fly, the generations before him and the trouble on his mind: the eroding respect for is stuck at the top of the the river’s ecology. The Okee Dokee Brothers brought this home with them, and Alana F. towering Twisty Tree. it’s their souvenir gift to you. The fairies can’t fly until Kate Karp is an editor for School News Roll Call and a freelance writer and editor. the diamond is back in the Fairy Queen’s crown. But if they can’t fly, how are they ever going to get the magic Parent To Parent diamond? Once again, the fairies will need the help of Kirsty and Rachel. Meadows introduces a new magical friend to help Growing Up—Summer Vacation them. She wrote that he “sparkled in the Q. We are hoping to possibly go on a vacation this summer starlight and his body seemed to glow with where there are activities just for the kids. Our children are both a magical white light.” Can you guess what girls ages 10 and 12. The oldest has begun to pull away from her the new friend is? younger sister and we are afraid she will not want her hanging I would rate this as a five star book around her on the trip, particularly during the activities. How because it is filled with more action than much should we allow the oldest to do on her own? any of the other Rainbow Magic books I A: It sounds like your oldest daughter is perhaps striving have read so far. to become a little more independent from not only her younger Jodie Lynn sister, but also from you and your husband. This is a perfectly Alana F. is a student at Intensive Learning Center. Alana is our newest syndicated columnist normal development that most kids her age go through, especially if she is close and will begin by reviewing the Daisy Meadows Series. She will be rating the books on a scale of 1—5. to turning 13. Before deciding on your summer vacation destination, read as much material as possible about the activities offered for kids. It should have a breakdown pertaining to age and gender, an in-depth description and where it takes place, including a specific schedule for each. Depending on the oldest girl’s maturity level and what grade she will be in for the fall, she could meet the criteria of activities geared for the middle-school age range. It is important Educational History Memorabilia that you and the kids are satisfied and that the activities are fun for each one. Perfect for: For example, if somewhere you are considering for your vacation sounds great • Homeschooling for one but not so much for the other, keep looking until you can find a more balanced plan for both. This way, they will both feel appreciated and comfortable • Tutors to Add to with what is being offered for them individually. If the brochure or online Their Programs information does not answer all of your questions, there may be a toll-free • Hands-on Learning number to call to ask more questions or an online form you can use to contact customer service.

Jodie Lynn is an award winning, internationally syndicated family/health and education columnist and best selling author. Her column Parent to Parent™ (www.ParentToParent.com) has been successful for more than 15 years. She is a regular contributor to several sites and has written four books and contributed to three others, one of which was featured on the Oprah Winfrey Show. She has authored several books including Mom CEO (Chief Everything Officer), Having Doing, and Surviving it All! and Syndication Secret—What No One Will Tell You! By Appointment • For Information (562)852-5242 Check www.ParentToParent.com for details on new radio talk show, Inside Parenting Success.

10 www.schoolnewsrollcall.com Community Service Clubs • From Page 1 Key to Leadership Ray Hamada, current president and Bellflower High School graduate, adds that “volunteer service instilled at the high school age will become a tremendous asset for their future careers through leadership skills attained LBS Financial Credit Union and learning that giving back through volunteer service will be a healthy endeavor during your lifetime.” He further notes that “these students are the Adding Value to the Neighborhood leaders of tomorrow, and after settling in their careers, they may hopefully find their way back to joining such service organizations as Kiwanis.” Other student organizations and For more than 77 years, LBS Financial has programs have benefitted through their been providing residents of the Greater partnerships with Kiwanis, including the Long Beach area with exceptional value, and The Kiwanis Club of Bellflower Learning Acceptance through Friends and good old-fashioned neighborhood values. Fun (LAFF) Club at Mayfair High School, meets Fridays at noon That means lower rates on loans, higher music and performance groups from both at Kiwanis Hall, 9302 Laurel Street, rates on savings, approximately 30,000 high schools, the Wood Shop Department at Bellflower High, and the athletic programs. next to the district office. no-surcharge CO-OP® ATMs, free online Kiwanis is again working to establish a and mobile banking plus more than 4,300 Builders Club for middle school students Shared Branches nationwide. at Mayfair High School and continues to sponsor a K-Kids Club at Esther If you live or work in the Greater Long Lindstrom Elementary. The Club also expands its support to other programs Beach area, join us. We grew up in this that affect local students, including sponsorship of a Boy Scout Eagle project, neighborhood. And we’re growing every day. and this year helped support the charter of a new Cub Scout Pack, with most of the members attending one of the local elementary schools. Club members have also participated in district programs such as Caring Connections and Red BIXBY KNOLLS LAKEWOOD Ribbon Week. 4436 Atlantic Ave. 4916 Bellflower Blvd.

One of the most heartfelt endeavors of the Club is its providing food baskets CERRITOS LOS ALTOS and toys during the holidays to families in the district. The Club works with 11239 183rd St. 6417 East Spring St. district case managers and this past year provided food baskets to 50 families EAST LONG BEACH NEWPORT BEACH 4341 East 10th St. 1401 Quail St. at Thanksgiving and food baskets and toys to 50 families at Christmas, including over 180 children. Adding Value to the Neighborhood The Kiwanis Club of Bellflower meets Fridays at noon at Kiwanis Hall, 9302 562.598.9007 • www.lbsfcu.org • 714.893.5111 Laurel Street, next to the district office. Word Search Contest—Words Associated with School

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 BUSD in subject line)

Entries must be received by July 15, 2013 From the correct entries one name will be drawn to win a $20 gift certificate redeemable at Barnes & Noble.

Achievers Focused Principal Character Homework Recess Classrooms Instructors Reunion Curiosity Integrity Student Discipline Learning Success Educators Mentors Technology Encourage Nutrition Thinkers Excellence Parents Workers

Congratulations to our March Issue Winner Priscilla Barbero!

Covering the Bellflower Unified School District May—August 2013 11 13SCH032_scholarShareBoyStairsC5317_SchoolNewsRollCallAd_10.5x12.5F.pdf 1 3/18/13 1:07 PM