OLIVE VISTA MIDDLE SCHOOL Panda Pride Press 14600 Tyler Street, Sylmar, CA 91342 (818) 367-1071 December 2003, Volume XIIII Jean Whitaker, Principal http://www.lausd.k12.ca.us/Olive_Vista_MS

Our Vision: Every student will achieve academic excellence by engaging in challenging and meaningful learning in a safe environment that promotes creativity, respect, self-esteem and personal growth. HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

SAN FERNANDO MAYOR JOSE HERNANDEZ ADDRESSES OV PARENT ACADEMY By Armen Petrossian, Parent Education Coordinator

Dr. Jose Hernandez, Mayor of the city of San Fernando, spoke to parents attending the second Olive Vista Parent Academy about how to help students prepare for college. The Parent Academy was held on Saturday, November 22, 2003 at Olive Vista Middle School from 8:00 a.m. to 12:20 p.m. The academy offered parents classes in California classroom standards, the Ell student, Mathematics Engineering Science Achievement, Algebra, and learning environments. The next Parent Academy is scheduled for May 2004. For information call Mr. Armen Petrossian, Parent Education Coordinator at 367-1071, Ext 380.

OLIVE VISTA CHOSEN AS A SHOWCASE TECHNOLOGY SCHOOL By Herbert Nichols, Technology Assistant/Computer Teacher

The LAUSD eLearning Forum, a technology conference, was held in Los Angeles on December 6, 2003. Olive Vista was one of three showcase schools chosen to demonstrate how to incorporate technology into standards based lessons. Mr. Nichols and five of his “student technology experts” (Adriana Diaz, Kristina Garcia, Elizabeth Valladares, Elicena Arguera, and Esteban Tabarez) showed conference participants how technology is successfully integrated into the school curriculum.

EBIC COUNSELING PROGRAM BEGINS SECOND YEAR By Ernesto Guerrero, Assistant Principal

The Early Behavioral Intervention Counselor (EBIC), Mrs. Debi Jewell meets with students individually and in groups. Some of the groups she will be conducting are: Changing Families, dealing with separation, divorce, step- parents and siblings; Self-Image, dealing with eating disorders, drug abuse, and self-mutilation; and Academic Success using the Panda Pride Organizer, help with organization, follow up on assignments being turned in on time, and grades. If you feel your child would benefit from any of these programs or if you have other concerns, contact Mrs. Debi Jewell at 367-1071, Ext. 331. LIBRARY NEWS By Elly Saletta, Library Media Teacher

The library is open from 7:15 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. everyday except on minimum days. After school tutoring is available for an hour after dismissal for those students who need help with their homework. The computers are also available for student use. We encourage students to bring a floppy disk to school so that they are able to save their work or information for their reports. In order to receive help with their homework the students need to sign in and out. Many parents requested that students’ Panda Pride Organizers be signed on the day the students attended tutoring session. I you have any questions about the tutoring program or library procedures, please contact Mrs. Elly Saletta at 367- 1071, Ext. 391.

DISTRICT VALIDATION REVIEW PARENT MEETING By Virginia Stolarz, Program Manager Special Education

Parents are invited to attend a meeting for parents of students with disabilities on Wednesday, January 14, 2004 from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. in Miles Hall Auditorium. For further information call Ms. Virginia Stolarz at 367-1071, Ext. 386.

OLIVE VISTA’S CLUBS AND ACTIVITIES By Tommie Ratcliff, Assistant Principal

Mrs. M. Porter in Room 46 conducts Leadership-Student Government classes for selected 6-8 Grade students. This class hosts all Student Body Activities such as lunchtime contests, sports, and assemblies….Vistacrats are members of the California Junior Scholarship Federation. Membership is based on academics, as well as work habits and cooperation grades. Vistacrats, taught by Mrs. J. Ockene Fogelman in Room B-19, serve both school and community by sponsoring canned food drives and book fairs. Students often act as interpreters, program distributors, and tour guides for the school….Run 4 Fun/Students Run L.A. train after school to run one to two mile races and the L.A. Marathon with the help of Mr. F. Fernandez located in the Gym. Students receive free running shoes, t-shirts, and transportation to and from all races….Impact is a group counseling program offered to help students achieve greater success in their education and is taught by Mr. L. Goldberg in Room B15….The Olive Vista Band directed by Mr. D. Gurwell in Room 39 performs for parents, students, and the community. Students learn to play different instruments and different styles of music….In Room 30, Mr. H. Nichols teaches Future Scholars, a group that helps students prepare for college by learning about scholarships and working on study skills….Jr. Lakers meets twice a week after school and is taught by Mr. R. Benavidez. Students learn basketball skills in an atmosphere that emphasizes fun, fair play, teamwork and competition….The After- School Youth Services Program is run by Mr. F. Fernandez who ensures that students participate in a variety of sports and athletic activities everyday after school….Mathematics, Engineering, and Science Achievement (MESA) meets in Room 43. Students work on engineering problems and enter competitions….The Counseling Office offers Bridges, individual and group counseling given on campus through outside agencies….The Drill Team is taught by Mr. D. Mendoza in the Gym and meets 6th Period on Mondays and Thursdays from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m….Folklorico is a student dance group taught by Mrs. P. Pratts and Mr. P. Cota in the school gym.

2003-2004 SCHOOL CALENDAR DATES

December 12, 2003 In Danger of Failing Notices Sent Home December 15, 2003 Winter Musical Performance 6:30 p.m. December 22, 2003 – January 9, 2004 Winter Break January 12, 2004 School Resumes January 12, 2004 – January 23, 2004 Recycling/-School Beautification Program January 19, 2004 Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday February 2, 2004 Second Semester Begins February 6, 2004 Report Cards Mailed Home February 16, 2004 Presidents’ Day Holiday