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OLIVE VISTA MIDDLE SCHOOL Panda Pride Press 14600 Tyler Street, Sylmar, CA 91342 (818) 367-1071 November 2003, Volume XIII 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. OLIVE VISTA MIDDLE SCHOOL’S API GROWTH SCORE OF 55 POINTS BEST OF ALL MIDDLE SCHOOLS IN LA

The staff of Olive Vista MS recently celebrated last year’s academic efforts when hearing that they had exceeded their targeted growth API score. API scores are based on STAR and CAT 6 results from the previous spring’s testing. This year, the students of Olive Vista Middle School scored a remarkable “55” 2002-2003 Growth Rate over three times their 15 point goal. The “55” score is the highest 2002-2003 API Growth Rate for all of the Middle Schools in the Los Angeles Unified School District.

PARENT ACADEMY CONFERENCE SCHEDULED FOR NOVEMBER By Armen Petrossian

On November 22, 2003 Mrs. Chile Nakamura, Parent Center Director, and Mrs. Jean Whitaker, Principal, will sponsor a conference for parents entitled “The Parent Academy” beginning at 8:00 a.m. and ending at 12:20 p.m. This conference will be aimed at helping parents prepare their children for college. Workshop topics will include:  California Language Arts Standards & Fostering the Love of Reading in Children  How to Help Your ELL Student Reclassify  MESA: The Right Questions  Helping Prepare for Algebra: Needed Skills in Mathematics  Success in the Algebra Classroom  Creating a Learning Environment in Your Home. Register now for this free seminar designed to help parents help their children prepare for college by calling Armen Petrossian, Parent Education Coordinator, Olive Vista Middle School, 818-367-1071 Ext. 380. LA CLIPPERS READ TO ACHIEVE PROGRAM By Brent Obillo

All through the month of November, students will have the opportunity to take part in the LA Clippers “Read to Achieve” Program. Students will be asked to keep track of the number of minutes that they read and submit them to their English teacher or the librarian. Students who read the most minutes from all participating schools will be recognized at a Clippers home game. The school that has the most total minutes read will have a visit from one of the Clipper players. Students will have a chance to win random prizes such as hats and shirts simply by participating. Our school wide goal is for each student to read an additional five minutes each night.

WOODCRAFT RANGERS AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAM BEGINS ANOTHER YEAR By Robert Benavidez

Woodcraft Rangers is a private non profit agency, serving children with academic, enrichment, and recreational programs in the L.A. area since 1922. From September 29 to June 30, 2003 the following classes will be offered after school in the Girls’ PE Office: Multicultural discovery, Drama, Soccer, Photography, Outdoor Games, and Creative Arts. The Woodcraft Rangers weekly schedule is: Monday 3-6:00 p.m.; Tuesday 1:30-4:30 p.m.; Wednesday 3-6:00 p.m.; Thursday 2-5:00 p.m.; Friday 3-6:00 p.m. For information call Cori LaChapelle at 367-1071.

BE PREPARED AT HOME By LAUSD School Operations and Safety

Disasters and major emergencies can strike quickly and without warning. What would you do if basic services— water, gas, electricity or telephones—were cut off? Olive Vista families can cope with disasters by preparing in advance and working together as a team. Develop a home emergency plan and discuss it with family members. Follow these seven steps to safety: 1. Find out what disasters could occur 2. Create, practice, and maintain your family disaster plan 3. Plan for family members with special needs and for pets 4. Pick an “out of state” contact for family members to call if separated 5. Do a hazard hunt—check for anything that can move, fall, break or catch fire 6. Prepare a disaster supplies kit 7. Prepare an emergency kit for your vehicle.

OLIVE VISTA NEWS AT A GLANCE

Congratulations to the following homerooms for having the highest attendance from September to October: 6th Grade, Mr. Bigler, Homeroom 6, 98.132%; 7th Grade, Mrs. Kovacs, Homeroom 37, 98.640%; and 8th Grade, Ms. Sherkat, Homeroom 8, 96.944%...Join the Future Scholars Program and learn about college from college students. Visit CSUN and be a college student for a day. Make great friends who have the same goals as you. Future Scholars meets Mondays and Wednesdays at 3:10 p.m. in Rooms 28, 29, and 30…Attend the Extended Learning Program that provides intervention services to students after school or Saturdays in Reading/Language Arts, Math, and English. Weekday hours are 3:15 to 4:15 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays or Fridays. Saturday hours are 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m….The After School Homework Club provides tutoring in the library in all subject areas for one hour everyday after dismissal. Homework boxes which contain markers, coloring pencils, scissors, glue, and other supplies students need to complete their homework are available from Mrs. Saletta, Librarian….The Girl Scouts is starting a great after-school club just for girls. Join us in Room 46 on Wednesday at 3:10 p.m….Beyond the Bell Supplemental Learning Services is available to all students in the meal program.

OLIVE VISTA’S DRILL TEAM BEGINS NEW SEASON By David Mendoza

The award-winning OV Drill Team begins their season with a performance on Friday, November 21, 2003 during OV’s Turkey Bowl activities. December performances include Sunday, December 13, 2003, the San Fernando Parade, and Wednesday, December 16, 2003, Winter Festival Assembly. After the winter break the Drill Team will begin their 2004 competition season. CONGRATULATIONS TO ELECTED PARENT OFFICERS OF THE SCHOOL SITE COUNCIL, ELACAND CEAC COUNCILS By Mrs. Connie Santiago, Title I Coordinator

The new Compensatory Educational Advisory Committee (CEAC) officers are: Chairperson, Maricela Villatoro; Vice- Chairperson, Socorro Aguilera; Representative, Imelda Mendoza; and Alternate, Gloria Favela. The School Site Council (SSC) includes: Chairperson, Socorro Aguilera; Vice-Chairperson, Imelda Mendoza; Secretary, Angelica Hernandez; Asst. Secretary, Connie Santiago; and Parliamentarian, Michael Swanston. The English Learners Advisory Committee (ELAC) consists of: Chairperson, Irene Martinez; Vice-Chairperson, Maricela Villatoro; Representative, Dolores Arevalo; and Alternate, Francisca Zavaleta. Also, the Beyond the Bell Supplemental Learning Services is available to all students in the meal program. For information, call Mrs. Connie Santiago, Title I Coordinator at 367-1071 Ext. 371.