Winner of Four LA Press Club Awards HEWS MEDIA GROUP in 2012 and 2013.
Serving Artesia, Bellflower, Cerritos, Commerce, Downey, Hawaiian Gardens, Lakewood, Norwalk, and Pico Rivera • 74,000 Homes Every Friday • May 15, 2015 • Volume 30, No. 11 • LosCerritosNews.net HMG-CN INVESTIGATION: Gahr High Students and Kennedy 2nd Grade STEM HMG-CN INVESTIGATION: CENTRAL BASIN Class Collaborate on Volcano Project WATER REPLENISHMENT PRESIDENT BOB DISTRICT PROBLEMS APODACA INVOLVED GENERATE HUGE IN CALDERON LEGAL FEES By Brian Hews
CORRUPTION CASE A Hews Media Group-Community News investigation has revealed that the By Brian Hews Water Replenishment District, based out of Lakewood, California, has spent nearly $10 An investigation by Hews Media million since 2012 on legal fees, with one Group Community News has identified of the biggest recipients, Latham & Wat- the “elected public official at a local agen- kins of Los Angeles, billing almost $2 mil- cy” cited in the latest court filing by U.S. lion in less than three months in late 2014. Attorneys related to the Calderon corrup- On Wednesday, May 13th, the Gahr HS STEAM students travelled to Kennedy STEM Sources are telling HMG-CN that two tion case who was hired as an employee of Academy to work with Kennedy 2nd graders and take them through the 5 steps of the Senator Ronald Calderon’s staff in 2007 engineering design process in which they worked together to design and construct vol- and 2008 as current Central Basin Munici- canoes, that ultimately lead to a finale of volcanic eruptions. The event was organized See WRD page 13 pal Water District (CB) President Robert by Christy Gravitt, Laurie Quijada, and Alma Ramos (Kennedy 2nd Grade Teachers) “Bob” Apodaca. along with Jackie Burneson (Gahr High School Chemistry Teacher and Science De- EXCLUSIVE: Several sources are “100% sure” that partment Co-chair). The high school kids were very accommodating and everyone in- Apodaca is the elected public official, one volved pitched in. Over 34 Gahr and 79 Kennedy second graders built 17 volcanoes as telling HMG-CN that “he told me several they went through the five steps of the engineering design process. At the end of the day, Lynn V. Dymally Files times that he worked for [Ron] Calderon all 17 volcanoes erupted to the delight of all the kids involved. in 2007-2008.” Sexual Harassment Ron Calderon is accused of accepting $80,000 in bribes from a medical compa- La Palma Council OK's Central Park Playground Upgrade ny owner to influence legislation. Thomas Lawsuit Against Carson Calderon is charged with money launder- ing. Both have pleaded not guilty. Councilman and WRD See APODACA page 13 Director Albert Robles Congresswoman Linda By Brian Hews Hews Media Group-Community Sanchez and News exclusively learned and obtained a complaint this past Tuesday May 12 filed Assemblymember by former Water Replenishment District Director Lynn V. Dymally against current Carson Mayor and WRD Director Albert Cristina Garcia Host Robles for sexual harassment and other violations. Women's Forum The online article, posted at 6 p.m. The La Palma City Council voted 5-0 the to replace the city's 21-year-old Central Park Tuesday, was picked up by several major playground equipment in the total amount of $235,372 during its May 5th regular meet- By Tammye McDuff television and online organizations begin- ing. The amount includes the installation of unitary rubberized surfacing for the cost of ning Wednesday night. $64,144. The other components of the project are the purchase of new playground equip- Congresswoman Linda Sanchez and The 11 page complaint filed in Los ment at $117, 328 which was considerably reduced from the previous $179,345, and the Assemblymember Cristina Garcia hosted Angeles Superior Court by Dymally’s at- installation of the playground equipment by Tot Lot Pros at the cost of $53,900 from the an Upcoming Women in Business Forum torney Jason Buccat based out of Culver original contract of $56,100. "This is a good investment in the CORE plan," said Mayor this past May 8th at the Pico Park Com- City, slams Robles with Sexual Battery munity Center. Chambers of Commerce Pro Tem Gerard Goedhart. The contract was approved amid the financial challenges the city is facing. La Palma's Community Services Director Mike Belknap said, "We were (Civil Code 1708.5), Harassment (Civil from five local cities co-hosted: Bell Gar- Code 51.9), Gender Violence (Civil Code dens, Lakewood, Montebello, Norwalk able to reduce costs by eliminating or changing some of the item related to the forest theme such as log climbers and steps while at the same time maintaining the key com- 52.4), and Intentional Infliction of Emo- Lakewood, and Pico Rivera. tional Distress. Discussions were held gain knowledge ponent for the overall play experience." The six to eight weeks time-table of the project, according to Belknap, is being finalized although he said, "we expect to open the new A person commits Sexual Battery See FORUM page 14 playground to the community in early July." See ROBLES page 11 2 MAY 15, 2015 HewsMediaGroup.com TO ADVERTISE CALL 800-901-7211 school seniors to learn firsthand about SEN. MENDOZA LAUNCHES California government and to serve our Artesian's Vigil for Nepalese Earthquake Victims community,” said Senator Tony Mendoza. YOUNG SENATORS “I think it is important to provide oppor- tunities for young people to learn about a career in public service. There is no better LEADERSHIP PROGRAM way than through the YSLP. I look for- Seeks Applicants from Area High School ward to inspiring our next generation of Students Interested in Public Service. leaders.” Seniors who are selected for the pro- Sacramento - gram will work in Senator Mendoza’s State Senator Tony district office, attend 40 hours of civic Mendoza (D-Arte- engagement, identify and address a com- sia) announced this munity issue, and travel to Sacramento to week the launch participate in a mock legislative session in of the 32nd Sen- the State Capitol. ate District Young Applicants must be incoming high Senators Leadership school seniors for the 2015-16 school Program (YSLP) of year and have an interest in government 2015-16. and public service. Applications are avail- The program able by calling Senator Mendoza’s of- provides high school fice at (323) 890-2790 or at his website: seniors with the unique opportunity to http://sd32.senate.ca.gov/young-senators- Councilmember Ali Sajjad Taj (left) meets with members of the Nepalese community. learn about California government and leadership-program. To submit the YSLP Nepal’s LA Consul Rishi Dhakal can be seen behind Taj. the legislative process. Students will par- application, email it to Ana.Perez@sen. ticipate in a broad range of activities, in- ca.gov , drop it off, or mail it to Senator Approximately 100 Artesians gath- darity with the Nepalese community, and cluding researching local issues, attending Mendoza’s district office at 400 N. Mon- ered around the Veterans Memorial at Ar- we are here to help you." tesia Park for a candlelight vigil at 9 PM. Canales talked about the City's part- meetings with legislative staff, assisting tebello Blvd., Suite 100 Montebello, CA Among these were many members of Ar- nership with the American Red Cross, constituents, and traveling to Sacramento 90640. tesia’s growing Nepalese community. and spoke of the dire need for funds and for a mock legislative session in the State The deadline for submitting an appli- Mayor Miguel Canales thanked all tents. Capitol. cation is June 30, 2015. Young Senators those who attended. "All five of your Also in attendance was the Honor- “The Young Senators Leadership will be selected in July after a screening councilmembers are out here to show soli- ary Consul of Nepal Rishi Dhakal, who Program is a unique opportunity for high of all eligible applications. thanked Artesia's mayor for organizing this event and thanked all the council for its support.. Nepalese Community Leader Bhakta Chapa and others also spoke. Prayers were led and words of compassion were given for approximately 30 minutes before most of the attendants parted ways. A few still remained afterward to continue the vigil. Artesia is one of only a few commu- nities who hosted a candlelight vigil for Nepalese earthquake victims. To donate money or tents for the Nepalese earth- quake victims, visit http://familylinks. icrc.org/nepal-earthquake . LA MIRADA RELAY FOR LIFE CAR SHOW La Mirada~The La Mirada Relay for Life / Classic Car Exhibit & Parade will be held on May 16 through 17 at Splash! La Mirada Regional Aquatics Center. Relay for Life is a 24-hour community gathering designed to celebrate the lives of those who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and raise funds for cancer research, services and advocacy. The day begins on May 16 at 9:00 a.m. with a “Survivors Lap” during which can- cer survivors are honored. The following lap the Survivors are joined by their fam- EVERYDAY ily and caregivers. Fun activities will be held through- out the event including riding down the Splash! Buccaneer Bay waterslides on Saturday from noon to 3 p.m. and the cost MIRACLES is $5 per person, or free to 2015 Bucca- Emergency Services neer Bay season pass holders. The day is intended to be spent as a community with La Palma Intercommunity games, a classic car exhibit, festivities and food trucks. Hospital At 9:00 p.m. Luminarias are placed around the track for those being honored for surviving, those who are currently fighting cancer and those who are being Prompt care by dedicated and committed memorialized. Emergency Service professionals. We provide The event closes on May 17 with a pancake breakfast hosted by the Kiwanis exceptionally short wait times for you to be seen. Club followed by a “Fight Back Ceremo- ny” where the community and individuals pledge to work to eradicate cancer. Admission to Relay for Life is open to the public, don’t miss this opportunity to help fight back against cancer! For more information or to join the event please 7901 WALKER STREET | LA PALMA, CA 90623 contact Relay for Life Specialist, Silvia 714/670-7400 00902.031411 Constanza at (213) 700-7485.
00902.LPIH.AD.LPIH_ER_Ad.072011.indd 1 7/21/2011 10:22:59 AM TO ADVERTISE CALL 800-901-7211 HewsMediaGroup.com MAY 15, 2015 3 Lakewood Mayor Co-Chairs Host Town Downey PD Pairs Mental Health Clinicians With Officers Celebration for Special Olympic Athletes
By Rico Dizon cial Olympic athletes from 177 countries around the world. Mayor Jeff David Montgomery from the organiz- Wood has re- ing committee said that about 120 athletes cently accepted from Uruguay are coming to Cerritos. He to serve as Co- also said that some 200 athletes from Cer- Chair on the ritos and Lakewood would be housed in Lakewood Host Cal State Long Beach dormitories during Town Commit- the four days in summer. tee for the ath- For the athletes' transportation needs, letes participat- Montgomery said some ABCUSD bus ing in the Los lines would be mobilized temporarily for (l-r) Downey Police Corporal Garth Boggs and Dr. Sarah Church-Williams. Angeles Spe- the event. During the pre-game celebra- Lakewood Mayor cial Olympic tion, the visitors will be taken to a number The Downey Police Department has the program. In Downey, a clinician will Jeff Wood World Games of historical, cultural and entertainment joined together with police departments ride along with a Downey Police Officer 2015 that will venues in various cities including the Or- in the southeast region of Los Angeles several days throughout the month as- take place from July to August this year. ange County Fairgrounds in Costa Mesa County to pair mental health clinicians sisting patrol officers as needed with any The Mayor proudly announced af- where a total of 1,500 athletes from sev- with a police officer during their patrol calls involving the mentally ill. By being ter accepting his new responsibility, "on eral LA and OC host cities will converge. duties. Working as a team, they will be an behalf of the Lakewood City Council deployed in the field with a Downey Po- "We are raising about $15,000 in Cer- additional on-scene resource to situations and the entire Los Angeles County, I do lice Officer, the clinicians will be able to ritos to cover certain expenses including involving people with mental illness. hereby welcome the athletes, coaches, provide immediate crisis intervention and meals for the visitors which includes valu- In partnership with the Los Angeles staff, volunteers, families and spectators case management to individuals in need of able help from LA County Supervisor Don County Department of Mental Health, of the Special Olympic World Games to such services. The clinicians possess cri- Knabe," Montgomery said. "Those who two mental health clinicians will rotate our city and hereby proclaim July 21-24, sis evaluation and clinical treatment skills wish to donate can go online for Special throughout the month with each of the 2015 as ‘Lakewood Host Town Days’ in seven police departments participating in to help us better serve the public. the city of Lakewood, CA," Wood added, Olympic World Games website with link "Lakewood is proud to be a 'Host Town' to Cerritos. in partnership with the city of Cerritos and The Special Olympics World Games $12,000 from the La Mirada Kiwan- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day is the world's largest sports and humani- KIWANIS AWARDS $12,000 is Charitable Foundation were divided Saints which has graciously volunteered tarian event for children and adults with among sixteen students from La Mirada, to create a local organizing committee to intellectual disabilities. It was founded in IN SCHOLARSHIPS California, La Serna and El Camino High make this possible." 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver. Schools. As a host town, Lakewood will host The Special Olympics is held every Twenty Two high school seniors were Selected were: Eric Rhee, Erin athletes from the countries of Turkey and four years with the previous event held in interviewed by members of the La Mirada Klansek, Carly Romanowski, Brandon Slovenia in pre-game celebration that will Athens, Greece. For this year's event in Kiwanis Club on Saturday May 9, 2015 to Eng, Brandon Remedios, Katelyn Sta- include opportunities for recreation, en- Los Angeles, athletes will compete in the compete for $1000, $750, and $500 schol- ples, Monica Navarette, Nicole Walters, tertainment and cultural exchanges. large stadiums of UCLA and USC. The arship awards. Robyn Jimenez, Evelyn Najarian, Alex- The city joins as many as 100 com- games can be seen live in their entirety on Selections were based on grades, mer- andra Vazquez ,Joseph De Santo, Rachel munities across Southern California in ESPN according to the head of Cerritos- it, civic involvements and financial need. Neal, Regan Jones, Joshua Galvez, and welcoming delegations of over 7,000 Spe- Lakewood organizing committee. Christian Vila.
ABC Fun Run/Walk & Wellness Fair A Fundraiser for ABC Schools!
Saturday, June 20, 2015 7:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Los Cerritos Center (mall) 239 Los Cerritos Center, Cerritos Register Early & Save! Sponsorships available -- every dollar earned goes to ABC students! Please call Terri Villa-McDowell at 562-926-5566, ext. 21150! + BEGINS AT AM s + AT AM s +IDS 2UN AT AM Wellness Fair from 7:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.
Register Today! Unified School District www.abcsummerfunrun.org 4 MAY 15, 2015 HewsMediaGroup.com TO ADVERTISE CALL 800-901-7211 Your Own Bellflower Mayoral Little Slice Transition Held at of Heaven Green Room Now offering Cremation Niches. By Tammye McDuff Artesia Cemetery District The city of Bellflower extended con- gratulations and kudos’ to Sonny Santa grave sites available. Ines for serving successfully as Mayor for his 2014-2015 terms. Current Mayor $2,000 and up. Scott Larsen said, “today we honor your unwavering commitment, great wisdom Payment plans and outstanding leadership, during a year available on of exciting development.” The ceremony was held in the Green preneeds. Room of Bellflower City Hall. Many of the surrounding Mayors, City Council Call 562-865-6300 members and local officials came to con- gratulate and bestow good wishes upon a Council members speak at the podium to praise the leadership of Sonny Santa Ines. job well done. Santa Ines took the podium saying that Catherine he wanted to thank his Mother and Father, Santa Ines continued, “I have been on forward. I believe our personal egos were even though both could not be present; the council for four years and two months, much smaller than what was good for the Grant Wieder it was his parents that started him in his during those years we have only had 3-to-2 City”. career at the age of nine, “this is a great votes three times. I can assure the city “Thank you city of Bellflower and let country, and I know that they would be those decisions were very agonizing. At me assure you, it is not as important to us Attorney & proud for me tonight, seeing me as a pub- the end of all the discussions, each stating as to which mayor starts or finishes a proj- lic servant for this city”. their position and all the rulings that we ect, rather, it is that all of us work together Santa Ines thanked all the City staff, Mediator have to vote yes or no, I have come to the to see projects are completed on time and directors and commissioners by name for conclusion each one of us voted with our within budget,” notes Santa Ines. Probate, the support that was given to him his elec- hearts. The residents of this city are better Larsen closed the ceremony saying, Wills & Trusts tion into office four years ago. “On our city council, even though we come from off because of these decisions.” He goes “Sonny, we are proud to call you our friend Conservatorship, different backgrounds with different ideas, on to state that he has been to other coun- and colleague and look forward to new de- Guardianship, we all have the same goal – our city. In the cil meetings where, there was not only a velopments as our community continues Dispute end the city should be very proud that we lack of decorum, but utter disrespect for to flourish. We thank you for all your hard Mediation are in this together. It is like we are row- each other, “our residents should be very work and experience, as you lead us into ing a boat. And everyone is rowing in the proud of us. Yes, we disagree, but once the a positive direction making Bellflower the 562- same direction.” vote has been cast, we move on and move best city it can be.” 404-4039
La Mirada Student Wins
tNOT SATISFIED WITH 'Love a Tree' YOUR CURRENT HOUSE PAYMENT? Poster Contest tBIG BANK TURNED YOU La Mirada Mayor Pauline Deal presents DOWN? 8th grade student Brandon Petruescu of St. Paul of the Cross with a certificate of recognition for winning 1st Place in his I can help you with that. age group for the annual “Love a Tree” Poster Contest. [l-r] teacher Karen Miller, DeAnna Allensworth Brandon Petruescu and La Mirada Mayor Broker - Advisor Pauline Deal. Phone: 562-533-5600 www.CenturionMF.com CA DRE 01443787 NMLS 206457
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Phone (562) 259-1239 Fax (562) 529-7688 NEW “GREEN” FLEET www.calmetservices.com CalMet’s fleet now runs on Clean Natural Gas (CNG), which was funded in part by the Mobile Source Air Pollution Reduction Review Committee (MSRC). TO ADVERTISE CALL 800-901-7211 HewsMediaGroup.com MAY 15, 2015 5 JFK Scholarship Foundation Holds Evening of Honor NORWALK WOMAN’S CLUB AWARDS SCHOLARSHIPS By Loreen Berlin awards. The Chris O'Neal Memorial Scholar- TO AREA HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS The Scholarship Foundation of John F. ship, for whom the JFK Scholarship pro- Kennedy High School in La Palma, held gram was begun and now honors, was pre- its 2015 fundraising dinner Saturday, May sented to Shelby Rogers, for significant 9, at the Knott’s Berry Farm Resort Hotel, volunteerism in the community. in Buena Park. Victoria Lumar received the Bob Van Before and during dinner, a silent auc- Herk Memorial Scholarship, for a female tion was held, followed by 19 students be-
[l-r] Jian Bravo will attend Cal State Dominguez Hills; Julia Ho-Gonzalez will major JFK Scholarship Foundation honors Kennedy High School students at Knott's Berry in Biology at UCLA; Elizabeth Smith will attend Rio Hondo College. Farm Resort Hotel Saturday, May 9. Photo by Loreen Berlin On Wednesday, May 13, 2015, Nor- Elizabeth Smith, a Santa Fe High walk Woman’s Club Scholarship Co- ing recognized as recipients in this year’s School senior, will attend Rio Hondo Col- senior who played Varsity Soccer. Chairs Arlene Besst and Helen Anderson lege to study Emergency Services for a 19th scholarship year. The Donald Widen Memorial Schol- Those honored include: Levi Campel- presented certificates to students from career as a paramedic. arship emphasizes mathematics and sci- Santa Fe High School, Norwalk High lo, Gabriella Diaz, Kristine Galiger, Catar- ences went to Catarina Jespersen. The Norwalk Woman’s Club annually ina Jespersen, Sun Kang, Hye Yeon Kim, School and John Glenn High School. The awards college scholarships to deserving La Palma Intercommunity Hospital Norwalk teens will each receive $500 Zachary Lewis, Victoria Lumar, Solbee high school seniors as part of their mis- Healthcare Scholarship is for a career scholarships. O, Michelle Park, Sohyeon Park, Taylor in health care was awarded to Hye Yeon sion to promote higher education. Jian Bravo, a senior at Norwalk Quan, Andrea Rodriguez, Shelby Rog- Kim. High School, is planning a career in law Norwalk Woman’s Club meets the 2nd ers, Esbeyde Sanchez, Simran Swaitch, Adrian and Monique Ibarra (Each One enforcement, and will attend Cal State Wednesday of each month, September to Ty Tanioka, Jasson Rios-Vega and Shaina Teach One) Scholarship are for seniors Dominguez Hills. June, at 10:30 a.m., Masonic Lodge, 12345 Yoo. of Hispanic descent was awarded to Levi Julia Ho-Gonzalez, a senior at John Rosecrans Ave., in Norwalk. For informa- Other scholarships were presented by Campello and Gabriella Diaz. tion on membership, contact Linda Kelly, Scholarship Foundation Founder Brian Michele Steggell and Mark 1 Real Es- Glenn High School, will major in Biology O'Neal. tate Scholarship is for a senior who will at UCLA and hopes to become a doctor. Membership Chair, at 562-864-0384. The Foundation, founded in 1995, has be the first in their family to graduate from awarded more than $103,000 in scholar- college went to Sun Kang. ships to 167 graduating seniors from John Grace HyeRi Lee Scholarship is for F. Kennedy High School. The proceeds a student attending a community college from the evening’s event help support the with plans to transfer to a four-year col- scholarships. lege was awarded to Kristine Galiger. Brian O'Neal explained how the JFK Taylor Quan was awarded the Arago- Scholarship Foundation and the Chris na Family Scholarship for seniors in the O'Neal Scholarship came to be. BIG JROTC program "Chris (his first wife -deceased) and I Glenn Taylor Memorial Scholarship You Haven’t Won had talked about how we could give back focuses on becoming a teacher (Taylor Won At... to the community before her illness," he himself was a teacher) was awarded to said. "My Dad had been instrumental in Shaina Yoo. starting a successful scholarship foun- New this year is the Neighborhood Until You’ve dation in Santa Barbara in 1962 and we Watch Scholarship, which is for a senior thought it would be nice if we could do who volunteers in the community went to something like that someday, so, after recipient Jasson Rios-Vega. Chris' death in 1994, I reached out to For JFK Scholarship Foundation in- four other local people whom we had formation and to donate, mail to P.O. Box both known, and the founding Board was 1371, Cypress, CA 90630 or call 714-826- formed; we incorporated in December 4537; eail scholarshipfoundation_jfkhs@ 1995, and the first awards were two $100 hotamil.com or visit http://jfkscholar- $500 scholarships in June 1996," he said. shipfoundation.org. "If we can imagine it, we can achieve MUST GO DRAWING it, if we can dream it, we can become it." TWICE NIGHTLY: Four General Scholarships were Mon. thru Thurs. 9 pm and 12 am awarded to four seniors: Solbee O, Mi- chelle Park, Sohyeon Park and Ty Tanioka. Fri. 10:30 pm & 2 am The scholarship emphasizes GPA, school Sat. 10:30 pm & 2 am activities, work and/or volunteering. Sunday 6:00 pm & 12 am Andrea Rodriguez was the recipient of the Duke DeKovner Memorial Scholar- PHARMACY & MEDICAL SUPPLIES ✪ SEVEN NIGHTS A WEEK ✪ ship which places an emphasis on grades ✪ ✪ and school activities. • Local Delivery Available All Games Pay $250!! 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PIONEER A Non-Pro t Public Charitable Organization. Swaitch, respectively, received those two Stan Winters, R.Ph 6 MAY 15, 2015 HewsMediaGroup.com TO ADVERTISE CALL 800-901-7211
and math, California English Develop- Two Norwalk-La Mirada ment standards and Next Generation Sci- ence Standards. The programs should feature standards-based activities, proj- Schools Receive ects, strategies and practices that can be replicated by other schools. California Gold Ribbons Benton’s VAPA model offers students an array of opportunities to develop and Staff Report expand their creative talents with pro- grams that include Band, Orchestra, Gui- Two Norwalk-La Mirada Unified tar, Piano, World Percussion, Choir, Stu- schools have been designated as Cali- dio Art, 3D Art, Cartooning, Media Arts, fornia Gold Ribbon Schools – the state’s and Photography. The school offers elec- highest award for academic excellence – tives on alternating schedule so students giving the district a win for both applica- can take multiple VAPA classes during tions submitted. the school day. In some cases, students The awards, which have temporar- are taking up to four electives taught ily replaced the California Distinguished by industry experts who have chosen to School awards, go to secondary campuses make a career shift to education. that successfully implement new academ- Benton principal Michael Gotto says ic content and performance standards for his school’s VAPA program has had an im- all students, including English learners, portant impact on student achievement. Los Alisos model STEM program inspired the after-school robotics club team, pictured as demonstrated through model programs “Since its inception, Benton expe- here with advisers and MESA Robotics Competition judge after taking first place in the chosen by the schools. rienced large gains on state assessments contest on May 9. Norwalk-La Mirada collected the (formerly STAR tests), improved grade award for Los Alisos Math-Science Tech- grams,” Interim Superintendent Ginger California Common Core. point averages, decreased incidents of nology Magnet and Benton Visual and Shattuck said. “The Middle school years The former assessments were used disciplinary issues, and a prevailing posi- Performing Arts (VAPA) Academy. Both represent a time when some students can to generate the state’s Academic Perfor- tive culture,” he said. campuses were recognized as model pro- begin to lose interest in school, so giving mance Index score for each school – a fig- Los Alisos's Math, Science, and grams in their distinct areas and for their them many opportunities to discover their ure that helped establish eligibility for the Technology Magnet Program was recog- use of best practices to boost enrollment, passion can keep them fully engaged.” Distinguished Schools program. nized as a model program for motivating parent involvement, improve achieve- The Gold Ribbon program is intended California dropped its ELA and math students to study Science, Technology, ment and reduce absenteeism and disci- to run for two years, providing the state assessments in 2014 while it tested a new Engineering and Math (STEM). The pro- plinary issues. with an interim way to recognize excel- system that went into effect this spring. gram is designed to expose students to a “This recognition underscores the lence while California adopts new state- The state also put the API on hiatus while variety of STEM careers by participat- value of Norwalk-La Mirada’s commit- wide assessments in math and English it builds a new model for determining ing in hands-on, problem-based learning ment to our middle school magnet pro- language arts (ELA) aligned with the school success that is broader than the experiences that reflect those faced by test-score driven tool previously used.Un- professionals in the real world. Students like the Distinguished Schools program, are introduced to technology, engineering General & Cosmetic call today for a Gold Ribbon applicants nominate them- design, robotics, environmental sciences, complimentary selves. 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3UMMER #AMP $ATES *UNE TH !UGUST TH Flexible fees and enrollment $75/week and up
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