EYE ON EDUCATION A Publication of the Paramount Unified School District 15110 CALIFORNIA AVE., PARAMOUNT, CA 90723 • TEL: 562-602-6000 • FAX: 562-634-6029 SEPTEMBER 2008 Paramount High School Welcomes the Class of 2011

The event was assisted Ms. Talamantes mentions with the incorporation of that “the event allowed for various student leaders from students to not only connect various campus clubs and with other students, it allowed organizations. Eleventh-grade for them to feel a sense of be- student-leader Lizbet Ordaz longing to our school culture.” mentions that “the Pirate She further explained that Orientation showed the stu- it gave students an opportu- dents that we are here to sup- nity to team build within their Paramount High School students to the senior campus counselors. Students submit- port them through their high own grade level. When asked held it’s first annual Sophomore in a way that showcased our ted all necessary school forms school journey. The students how she felt about the Pirate Pirate Orientation on August Pirate Pride!” during the registration process, will know where to go when Orientation, incoming tenth 13th and 14th. Paramount High A total of 826 incoming committed to personal goals they need help or assistance.” grade student Adriana Herrera School Counselors Patty Ja- tenth-grade students actively during the Path to Graduation Lizbet further explains that mentioned that “it was fun; it cobo and Maria Talamantes participated in the event and session, and interacted in nu- the Sophomore Pirate Orien- was a good way for us to get coordinated the event as a kick- were involved in three main merous team-building exercises tation experience will help the to know one another and com- off in implementing systematic sessions. The break-out ses- with our Track and Field Coach incoming tenth-grade students municate better.” interventions for the 2008-2009 sions included Registration, Chris Barboza during the Pirate be more comfortable and pre- school year. Mrs. Jacobo men- Path to Graduation, and Pirate Olympics that were judged by pared for the senior campus Greg Francois, tions that “the goal was to Olympics and were all facili- our Chemistry teacher, John when they arrive later this Assistant Principal introduce incoming tenth grade tated by current teachers and Teeples. month. Paramount High School PARENTS ATTEND PRESCHOOL ORIENTATION child’s teacher and were able and skill development. The Alondra, Collins, Hollydale, to catch a glimpse of what preschool programs help Gaines, Mokler, Keppel. their child’s day would look children make a success- Wirtz, Zamboni and Los like. Parents were encour- ful transition from home Cerritos campuses. The full- aged to participate in the to preschool and then on to day child care preschool classroom along with their kindergarten. program is located at Gaines children. Preparing a child The District offers two school. This program offers for school can be stressful types of preschool pro- full-day childcare for chil- and confusing for parents. grams. Although most of dren ages 3 to 5 years of age The preschool program is the preschool classes are from 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM. designed to help parents half-day (with either morn- For more information, prepare children to be suc- ing or afternoon sessions) please contact the Early cessful in regular school. there is also a full-day pre- Childhood Education Office The preschool programs school program for working at (562) 602-6900 or visit teach pre-kindergarten parents. The half-day pre- the office at 7340 E. Jackson readiness skills using the schools are located on the Street. Open Court Pre-K curricu- lum. This curriculum aligns closely with the Districts SCHOOL BOARD MEETING DATES Kindergarten curriculum. Higher expectations in kin- September 9, 2008 – September 23, 2008 Nervous parents, of first child’s first day of school. dergarten and the primary time preschool students, For most of the children, grades now require chil- Board of Education meetings are held at 6:00 p.m. in the attended parent orientation this is their first school dren to enter kindergarten Boardroom at the District Office, 15110 California meetings in August. They experience. The parents better prepared than ever Avenue, Paramount, and are open to the public were anxiously waiting their were able to meet with their before for new learning E2 Eye On Education Don’t Forget – Fill Out Your Student Meal Benefits Application Starting All Over The Student Nutrition Services De- 09 will be included in the student in- partment encourages all families who formation packet students receive on have students enrolled in Paramount the first day of school. The cafeteria schools to complete a new 2008-09 meal manager will be glad to answer any benefits application and immediately questions or assist with filling out the return the application to school. A new application. School meal benefits are of- meal benefits application must be filled fered to all families who qualify. If you out each new school year. Families only have any questions or need assistance need to fill out one family application in completing the application, please even if they have children at more than contact Student Nutrition Services at one school. Your student’s current 562-602-6031. lunch/breakfast pin number will con- Remember to make healthy food tinue to work in the 2008-09 school year, choices. whether they stay at the same school or transfer to another Paramount school. Chris Stamm, Director Meal benefit applications for 2008- Student Nutrition Services Tranquil Summer at Gaines School The four-week Summer School Negrete was thrilled indeed when she Adriana Hernandez stood along- over has been the greatest challenge Program passed quickly for the 24 sec- applied for the Scholarship for summer side her grandmother and cousin on of my life,” she recalls. ond and third grade students enrolled lessons at Paramount’s Iceland and a late spring afternoon and watched Adriana’s strength and determi- here at Gaines School. The program received it! We’re all looking forward the crowd filter into Progress Park nation have continued to lead her focused on strengthening students’ skills to seeing her feats of accomplishment Plaza. This brick building sur- toward her dreams. She focused in Language Arts, Math, as well as to out on the ice. A big thanks goes out rounded by jacaranda and eucalyp- on her education and took more develop an appreciation for the Visual to Paramount Iceland for providing tus trees held more than people, it classes: Pronunciation and Speak- and Performing Arts. our local students with these first time held the next milestone in the new ing, ESL Multilevel, Intermediate Students had an opportunity to visit experiences. life she had been creating. High ESL, Distance Learning, and the Getty Museum and study the work Also, if you’re in the neighborhood “I came back to the U.S. and left even computer classes like Win- of Artist Maria Sibylla Merian and her of Gaines School, check out the beauti- my family behind because I know dows XP. daughters. Students also visited the ful Title I Academic Achievement mural hands-on Art Center and were able to proudly displayed on the outside wall that here, being an American citi- All this brought Adriana to that draw and color various insects and bugs adjacent to the school office. Our entire zen, would give me more opportu- special day at Progress Park Plaza. that flourish in botanical gardens. Stu- school community is most proud of this nities with my educational career,” The large crowd included not only dents appreciated receiving an Invitation Academic Recognition bestowed upon she pointed out recently. her two family members but also Card to return to the Getty with their par- our students for outstanding achieve- Adriana was born in Compton the PAEC principal and a member ents for another museum experience. ment in both Language Arts and Math- to proud parents Salvador Her- of PAEC’s office staff. Everyone Gaines’ first grade student Xiara ematics. nandez and Gloria Martinez in was there to celebrate her recogni- September 1989. Three years later, tion as a scholarship award recipient she and her family moved back to presented by Soroptimist Interna- Panthers and Parents Zamora, Michoacán, Mexico. She tional of Paramount. visited the U.S. in the summer of Adriana’s presence and smiling Partnering Together 2002 and came back for good in face is truly missed here at PAEC. September 2007 after she gradu- She continues to follow her rigor- At Paramount Park School, the Part- taneously. By using the strategies during ated high school. ous schedule, but now at El Camino ners in Learning Committee have com- the workshop, parents really understand Then she decided to pursue her College in Torrance mitted to partnership with parents to how response boards and thinking-pair- studies—and her dreams for a new “There are many more things support students at school as well as at share helps the students to take ownership life—at Paramount Adult Education to learn,” Adriana states, “but home. The academic coaches, with the for their intellectual development. Center (PAEC). what I’ve learned has brought me support of the committee members, have The Partners in Learning committee In September 2007 she signed to where I am today. It has been conducted several learning workshops provides more than just general informa- up for a Beginning Low ESL class, almost two years now since I first which covered topics such as: Effective tion. They share the latest learning tech- where her talents and interest to came back to the U.S., and I have Way to Support Homework Practice, niques, and research based strategies to Understanding the Importance of Number promote the idea that learning is a life-long excel were immediately apparent not looked back, nor do I get dis- of Sense, and Building Comprehension commitment. As an additional support, to her teacher. As a result, she was couraged by what it is to come. I Through Questioning and Meaningful parents are encouraged to ask questions accelerated to the next level, Begin- will continue to study to accomplish Engagement. and schedule a time to meet with teachers ning High, and, by October, she had my goals.” When presenting the information to if extra assistance is needed. This bridge worked her way into the next level, With excitement and enthusiasm, parents, the presenters strive to incorpo- of communication is exciting and encour- Intermediate Low. she continues, “I’m very thankful to rate practical hands-on activities that can aging for both parents and teachers who There she served as an inspi- all the administrators, teachers, and be easily duplicated at home. The parents are striving together to make sure that No ration to her classmates, friends, staff [at PAEC] for motivating me have learned the why and how teachers Student is Left Behind! and even instructors. Her nearly and helping me achieve a smooth use active participation strategies as a Josie Contreras perfect attendance, eagerness to transition to college.” learning tool to engage all students simul- Open Court Coach learn, earnest effort, and positive The administration, staff, and attitude continued to give her amaz- teachers at PAEC would like to Eye On Education is a monthly Publication of the ing results. extend our sincere appreciation of Paramount Unified School District Living with her uncle and aunt, her great work and diligence. We Armando and Cesaria Hernandez, have no doubts that she will excel Adriana has missed her family in in anything that she puts her heart Board of Education Vivian Hansen, President Michoacan terribly. There have been and mind to. She has continued to Sonya Cuellar, VP/Clerk Good things are happening in Paramount Schools times when she would break into inspire fellow students to never give Alicia Linden-Anderson, Member tears because of homesickness. up on their dreams. She makes us Linda Garcia, Member Eye On Education “Nothing in my life has been very proud indeed. Tony Peña, Member Editor-Nancy Smith easy; everything I have done has Paramount Unified School District been hard work. To come to a dif- Romi Del Rosario, District Superintendent 15110 California Ave., Paramount, CA ferent city, and practically start all PAEC Instructor David J. Verdugo, Ed.D. (562) 602-6000 • Fax (562) 634-6029 Eye On Education E3 Good Luck Class Of 2012 Superintendent’s Message: Welcome Freshman Pirates to Para- for example, Dominoes Pizza, Chinese mount High School West Campus! On food, sandwiches, chicken burgers, and behalf of everyone here at West Campus grilled hot dogs and hamburgers. Dear Community, we would like to congratulate you for There are about sixty teachers, all of your eighth grade achievements. You them great and nice. Just don’t push Over the years, Paramount Uni- might be a little nervous entering your them or else you’ll get into loads of fied School District and all of our first year of high school, but there’s no trouble through out the year. You will employees have worked very hard need to fear. Faculty and staff at West have a total of six classes, or six periods. to focus on quality educational Campus are always here to help. Study hard and make sure you do all programs that will move the District There are many things to do here at your homework. towards academic excellence and PHS West Campus like sports, clubs, Many will tell you that your fresh- greater student achievement. lunch activities and dances. We suggest man year will be the best year of high Recently we received our school that you get involved in as many as you school, and it is! So, from your first district’s Academic Performance can because you’ll meet many great arrival-make every day count. Live all Index (API) scores that related di- teachers and make a lot more friends. your days at Paramount High School rectly to the State Testing Achieve- There are so many things to do we West Campus to the fullest, no regrets. ment Results. While we still have As we begin the 2008-09 new guarantee you won’t get bored. And Good Luck Class of 2012! much to accomplish, I am very school year, I want to take this Here at PHS West Campus, the happy and proud to announce that opportunity to extend my sincere school is divided into two separate -Gaby Pedroza and the Paramount Unified School Dis- appreciation to every teacher, staff lunches. The lunch menu serves a Stephanie Perez trict received the highest district member, support staff, secretary, variety of food you can choose from, PHS Class of 2011 average gain in the past four years custodian, counselor as well as and 15 of our K-8 schools now have principals and assistant principals an API over 700! who challenge our students to do We remain committed to mov- their very best. Career Technical Education ing Paramount Unified School On behalf of our Board of Edu- District to the next level of excel- cation, we look forward to work- Paramount Unified School District Media Support and Services will offer lence. The Board of Education has ing together with our parents and will be offering two new career technical classes in Introduction to Media Ser- adopted priorities that build on our community to continue to move education pathways for the 2008-2009 vices, Information and Support Services tradition of excellence while raising Paramount Unified School District school year. These pathways give stu- (ROP), Web Design (ROP) and Graphic expectations for all students at all forward. I am looking forward to a dents the opportunity to learn academic Arts Technology (ROP). school sites. Our Board is commit- great 2008-09 school year. and industry skills and knowledge in The Medical Technology will be ted to providing opportunities for a sequence of classes that begin at the offered at the West Campus, and the all students to reach their highest David J. Verdugo, Ed.D. 7th grade level and progress to the 12th Health Careers Academy class will be potential. Superintendent grade. Students can now enter into the offered at both Buena Vista and the main Medical Industry or Technology Industry high school campus. Information and pathway and take classes that can lead to Support Services will be offered at both certifications, employment, and post sec- Buena Vista and the main high school Paramount High School- ondary transitions. The Medical Pathway campus. The remaining ROP classes of Therapeutic Services will offer classes in both pathways will be offered at the in Medical Technology, Health Careers main campus. You can obtain more Senior Campus Introduces Academy (ROP), Medical Assistant information about these pathways by Occupations (ROP), Emergency Medi- contacting counselors and/or adminis- the Ambassador Club cal Responder (ROP), and Emergency trators at the high school or by calling Medical Technician (ROP). the office of Alternative Education at When Paramount High School sume and went through an interview The Technology Industry Pathway of (562) 602-6014. Counselors Tamara Calero-Hill and process. “Enthusiastic, energetic, Patty Jacobo reviewed enrollment friendly, and courteous” are quali- Wirtz School, Local Businesses data, they were surprised to see that ties that an Ambassador Member approximately 300 new students en- should represent mentioned Mrs. and Community Organizations - roll at our senior campus on a yearly Hill. Fifteen students were selected basis. While in the process of creat- and they underwent training in the Building Partnerships! ing and implementing systematic spring and summer. They are all ea- interventions, they worked collab- ger to start the new academic year to We would like to take this time to become a partner to our school. The oratively to create the Ambassador provide new enrollees with campus thank two community businesses and Rotary Club donated $3,000 dollars that organizations for their support and con- we were able to use toward the purchase Club to better meet the needs of all tours, discuss the support services tinued commitment to the students and of books in our K-3rd grade classrooms. new enrollees. the high school has to offer and the families of Wirtz School. Teachers selected books that would sup- The Ambassador Club is a group great clubs, organizations and sports Paramount Petroleum has been a port our students in the development of of students who target and welcome available for students. partner to our school for many years. fluency and comprehension. The books all new enrollees to Paramount High Counselors follow up with the They have allowed our staff to park were delivered in January, and parents School-Senior Campus throughout students within the first thirty days of in their lot each day, to provide the were encouraged to come and view the the entire school year. Mrs. Hill enrollment to monitor their academic opportunity for parents to have ac- books that were purchased. Our kids are mentions that their goal is not only and social adjustment and encourage cess to parking in our school parking becoming Reading Wizards! to welcome new enrollees, but to the students to join a school club, lot. In addition, Paramount Petroleum The Rotary Club also sponsored motivate the new students toward sport, and/or organization. Ambas- donates over 50 gift cards to local gro- some of our students in the purchas- academic success through increased sador Club member Carmen Buen- cery stores each year, so that we are ing of new clothing and shoes. These able to provide many of our families students were given the opportunity school involvement and relationship rostro shares that “I really like help- with the support they need to pur- to go to JC Penneys and select these building with peers and staff. Mrs. ing people and I want students to feel chase food items during the Holiday items themselves with the assistance Jacobos further explains that her vi- better about coming to our school.” season. Also, our 8th grade students of dedicated Rotary Members. It was a sion for the Ambassadors is for them Fellow Ambassador Club member are all able to attend Disneyland at great opportunity for our students and to reach out and make a connection to Sherman Wilson also loves helping the end of the school year thanks to they had a wonderful time. all new enrollees to ease their transi- others and shares that “this experi- the financial contribution made by A special thank you and appreciation tion in coming to a new school. ence in serving as an Ambassador Paramount Petroleum. Mr. Bill Win- is extended to Paramount Petroleum and When the buzz about the Ambas- has made me a better person.” ters, Community Service Director of the Rotary Club of Paramount. They sador Club began to circulate around Paramount Petroleum, makes frequent are truly partners in the lives of our campus last year, teachers were Welcome New PIRATES!! contacts with Wirtz, always offering students and families and are committed quick to identify potential candi- support and maintaining a good com- to making our community a better place. Greg Francois, munication relationship that benefits Together we are building partnerships dates. Over 100 interested students our students and community. and are looking forward to working as attended the informational lunch Assistant Principal The Rotary Club of Paramount has a team in 2008-2009. meeting. Students submitted a re- Paramount High School E4 Eye On Education Hollydale Home/School Connection

Hollydale School recognizes the and grade level assemblies. The PTA promote stakeholder involvement. lending a helping hand in other ways. importance of parents and community also sponsors fund raisers to support the Grade level family nights are a won- The commitment of our volunteers is members as partners in learning and school with resources which enrich the derful way for parents to participate in greatly appreciated by the staff and stu- provides many opportunities for all educational experience for our students. the life of the school. These special dents and is critical to the home/school stakeholders to play an active role in The Hollydale PTA is a vital link to the events are scheduled throughout the connection. the life of the school. school and community. year and range in focus from providing Hollydale School values the role our The PTA is an excellent way for In addition to the PTA, Hollydale information on academic programs to parents and community members play parents to become involved in school ac- offers other opportunities for parent providing opportunities for parents and in the life of the school. By working tivities. Among the many events sched- involvement including the School Site students to enjoy time together in an together, we ensure that all students uled for the 2008-2009 school year are Council, English Learner Advisory educational environment. have the opportunity to learn and to Snow Day, International Day, Spooky Committee, and the GATE Parent Com- Parent volunteers are always wel- achieve success. Read Night, a Star Gazing Party, Dr. mittee. Special events such as Open come at Hollydale whether it’s sup- Seuss Day, Teacher Appreciation Week, House and Back-to-School Night also porting the teachers in the classroom or Susan Marilley, Principal Art is in the Eye of Visual and Performing the Beholder Arts at Lincoln Lincoln School students experi- rade of children from every country enced the world of visual and perform- across the globe. ing arts with two musicals as the grand Thank you to Mrs. Kelly-Hernandez finale to end the school year. On June , Mrs. Figueira, and Mrs. Zong for all 6, primary grade students performed of your hard work and dedication with in a musical fairy tale featuring Gold- Goldilocks and the Three Bears. ilocks and the Three Bears. Audiences Thank you to Mrs. Naruko, Mrs. were delighted to watch characters Short, Mrs Figueira, Mr. Baeza, and learn about kindness and friendship Mr. Naruko for making all things pos- through song and dance. sible with the production of “We Come A week later, 4th through 6th From Everywhere.” grade Gate students invited friends These musicals were produced with and family to travel back in time and the support of the Visual and Perform- climb aboard a steamship headed for ing Arts program, implemented by the Ellis Island during the early 1900s. Paramount Unified School District. This musical titled “We Come From The VAPA program has greatly helped Everywhere,” allowed the audience Lincoln students gain confidence in all to experience the joys and hardships areas through the development of art Three hundred 8th grade students had the opportunity to view world-re- of immigrants as they journeyed to and music. nowned works of art at the J. Paul Getty Museum as part of PUSD’s summer America from Europe, Mexico, Asia, school program. Students studied two particular pieces of art, Rembrandt’s and Africa. The performance was Michael Naruko “Europa” and Degas’ “Waiting” before visiting the museum. highlighted with an international pa- Teacher Students participated in the Exploring Art through Writing program dur- ing the summer school program with activities facilitated by their teachers. An example of one such activity was “Art Inspired by Words” in which the students created a sketch based on a single literary passage and then com- Parent’s Corner: pared their work with other students in order to understand how different artists can interpret the same passage in different ways. The Getty Center Welcome back to school! What a treat to have such an extended va- generously provided DVDs and copies of works of art for the students to cation this year and how exciting to see all the eager students, with new study and respond to in writing. In addition to the curriculum and instruc- shirts, new shoes, and shiny backpacks. Let’s work together to maintain tional materials, the Getty Center Education Staff provided a guided tour this level of enthusiasm in our children. as well as the buses from Paramount to the Getty Center. Research shows us that: The visit to the museum gave students the opportunity to stand within Students who eat a healthy breakfast are able to pay attention in class just a few feet of artistic masterpieces. It was a wonderful opportunity for for a longer period of time than those who eat no breakfast or an unhealthy many students who were visiting the Getty for the first time. The students one. Did you know that oatmeal has been found to be one of the healthiest were fascinated by the multiple layers of paint utilized by the artist, Renoir, breakfasts around? to create texture as well as the use of color by Vincent Van Gogh. They were Students who get at least eight hours of sleep a night perform better on also intrigued by other factors that influenced the artists such as time periods tests and activities that require problem solving skills. and historical events. Time stood still for many students who commented Students who practice their reading at home become stronger readers. after their ninety-minute tour that it was too bad they had such a brief visit. It’s nice to read with a parent, but reading to a younger brother or sister or Most agreed that they’d like to return again very soon. It was an experience even a teddy bear is beneficial too. they won’t soon forget. The Getty Center encouraged all students to return Please take the time to serve your child nutritious meals, see that they for a visit with their families by providing each of them with a two-month have an early bedtime, and try and read with them at least 15 minutes a free parking pass. Admission to the Getty Center is always free of charge. day. It will make a difference.