Major Facility Projects Continue to Take Shape New Faces in New Places: 16 New Principals Take Charge

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article on article FRESNO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT NON PROFIT

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PG. 14 PG. PRINCIPALS, NEW See >> community,” said Principal Brian Beck. Beck. Brian Principal said community,” pool half the size as part of $14 million million $14 of part as size the half pool schools. On Oct. 5, the district will hold hold will district the 5, Oct. On schools.

efforts of the entire Bullard educational educational Bullard entire the of efforts School, the new pool replaces an aging aging an replaces pool new the School, Unified School District, including new new including District, School Unified

milestone in the facility improvement improvement facility the in milestone with upgraded facilities. At Bullard High High Bullard At facilities. upgraded with completed or underway in the Fresno Fresno the in underway or completed Take Charge Take

School aquatic center represents a a represents center aquatic School environment for students and staff staff and students for environment the significant facilities projects recently recently projects facilities significant the

“The completion of the Bullard High High Bullard the of completion “The opportunities and enhance the learning learning the enhance and opportunities pool and all-weather track are among among are track all-weather and pool

pool in Fresno Unified. Fresno in pool The district continues to expand expand to continues district The The 50-meter pool, smaller teaching teaching smaller pool, 50-meter The Principals

competition pool is the first 50-meter 50-meter first the is pool competition on an expanded Carver Academy site. Academy Carver expanded an on facilities will provide students. provide will facilities

handicap-accessible teaching pool. The The pool. teaching handicap-accessible on a middle school in southwest Fresno Fresno southwest in school middle a on enhanced athletic opportunities the new new the opportunities athletic enhanced

concrete spectator seating as well as a a as well as seating spectator concrete year, construction is expected to begin begin to expected is construction year, aquatics history and highlighted the the highlighted and history aquatics

New 16

building and restrooms, tiered tiered restrooms, and building Cedar and Heaton avenues. And next next And avenues. Heaton and Cedar that paid homage to the school’s rich rich school’s the to homage paid that

also includes an office, concession concession office, an includes also just north of Sequoia Middle School at at School Middle Sequoia of north just were dedicated Sept. 16 in a celebration celebration a in 16 Sept. dedicated were

New Places: New high schools. The new swim complex complex swim new The schools. high southeast Fresno elementary school school elementary Fresno southeast complex and nine-lane all-weather track track all-weather nine-lane and complex

in athletic upgrades to seven district district seven to upgrades athletic in a groundbreaking ceremony for the new new the for ceremony groundbreaking a Bullard High School’s new swim swim new School’s High Bullard

Including Completion of Bullard High School’s Competition Pool Competition School’s High Bullard of Completion Including

New Faces in in Faces New

Shape Take to Continue Projects Facility Major

school year. Center, kindergarten teacher Martha Mendoza talks with student Christian Rodriguez at Jefferson Elementary School. Elementary Jefferson at Rodriguez Christian student with talks Mendoza Martha teacher kindergarten Center, year. school

campuses on Aug. 22. Roosevelt High School students are top left, Bullard High School students are bottom left and top right, and at bottom right, Bullard’s new 50-meter pool is completed for the 2011-12 2011-12 the for completed is pool 50-meter new Bullard’s right, bottom at and right, top and left bottom are students School High Bullard left, top are students School High Roosevelt 22. Aug. on campuses

Summer’s Over and it’s Back to School... School... to Back it’s and Over Summer’s Careful planning by school and district leaders and staff led to a smooth start of the new school year when Fresno Unified students returned to to returned students Unified Fresno when year school new the of start smooth a to led staff and leaders district and school by planning Careful

0 2 11 Fall Edition Fall 2 : Building Futures A Publication of the Fresno Unified School District

FALL 2011 building futures www.fresnounified.org A Publication of the Fresno Unified School District Building Futures : 3 Building FutureS A Publication of the Fresno Unified School District FA L L edition 2 0 1 1 SUPERINTENDENT’S MESSAGE Lesson Learned: Finding Opportunity in Our Difficulties

If there’s one constant these days, it’s that students. A total of 3,438 Fresno Unified we are all facing difficulties. The economic students took at least one AP exam this year. BOARD crisis that we are enduring at the state and The number of AP exams taken this year was national levels (and internationally) is landing nearly double the amount of exams taken in Michelle A. Asadoorian right in our own family rooms. No one remains 2007. President untouched by this challenging time and that Janet Ryan, Clerk includes our schools and by extension our Opportunity – More Students Applying to Valerie F. Davis students. Four-Year Colleges Lindsay Cal Johnson Our equity and access work uses tools to We are doing more with less and our not only target students who are on track to Carol Mills, J.D. schools are feeling it. But, there’s a lesson to meet college admission requirements but to Larry Moore Michael Hanson be learned here: there is opportunity in the increase the pool of eligible students so that FUSD Superintendent Tony Vang, Ed. D. difficulties we face. It’s easy to see the positive more students graduate with the greatest when great things are happening, but more number of opportunities from the widest election. With state and federal matching administration difficult to seek out opportunities when faced array of options. This work has resulted in a funds this could mean up to $400 million with significant challenges. 52 percent increase in the number of Fresno investment in upgrading and improving our Michael E. Hanson Unified students applying to Fresno State Superintendent schools. Our staff immediately went to work Opportunity – Expanded Learning for over the last three years and the number of to apply for the Overcrowding Relief Grant Ruth F. Quinto, CPA Students applications to UC Merced has increased Deputy Superintendent (ORG) for a number of our schools. To date, Our students need and deserve opportunities from 81 in 2009 to 177 in 2011. Jorge Aguilar this equals $38 million in state funding that Associate Superintendent, Equity & Access and that’s exactly the work of Fresno Unified. has been received or applied for, leveraging Our work is about providing students with Opportunity – Saving Jobs Miguel Arias local Measure Q dollars. Right now more Chief Information Officer expanded learning opportunities and giving Fresno Unified has withstood $144 million in than $60 million in Measure Q projects are them the support they need. In fact, as school reduced state revenues, and we have found Chris Evans either under construction or on the verge Associate Superintendent, Secondary Education districts up and down the state have reduced opportunity in this significant challenge. In of breaking ground. We continue to work Mabel Franks, Ed. D. or eliminated summer school, we expanded fact, our Human Resources leaders did diligently to invest our local taxpayer dollars, Assistant Superintendent, Special Education it the past two summers and even offered incredible work to save hundreds of jobs. The which is not only improving our schools, it is Edward Gonzalez online summer school courses for the first good news is that we were able to bring back creating local jobs so desperately needed. Associate Superintendent, School Support Services time. Now more than ever, our students need the remaining 25 teachers in layoff status due Vincent Harris more opportunities. And we found opportunity to the fact that our student enrollment is up by Let us all demonstrate to our students Executive Officer, Accountability & Improvement among a major budget challenge – the kind about 400 students this fall. this valuable lesson of finding opportunity in Kurt Madden of opportunities that made a big impact on our difficulties. We will continue our work in Chief Technology Officer students. Opportunity – Investing our Community’s Fresno Unified to provide all our students Kim Mecum Dollars to Create Jobs and Improve School opportunities, but we all must ensure that our Associate Superintendent, Human Resources/ Opportunity – More Students Taking Facilities students see the work required to fully realize Labor Relations Advanced Placement Courses and Exams Our community overwhelmingly passed these opportunities. Cindy Tucker Through our partnership with the College our $280 million bond (Measure Q) last Associate Superintendent, School Support Services Board, we continued our work to expand November making it the most successful Thank you for your continued support of Advanced Placement opportunities for school bond in California for the November Fresno Unified School District.

building futures

Susan Bedi Public Information Officer 2011/2012 Academic Calendar Anne Ellis Community Relations Officer THANKSGIVING BREAK november 21-25, 2011 Photos Provided By: Chau Bui, Webmaster; Michael Delacerda, Media Production Specialist; Tony Bernard, WINTER BREAK DECEMBER 23 - JANUARY 16 Media Technician

SPRING BREAK Building Futures is a regular publication APRIL 2 - 9, 2012 of Fresno Unified School District prepared by the Communications LAst Day of School JUNE 15, 2012 Office. The department can be reached at (559) 457-3733 or online at www.fresnounified.org. To view the calendar in its entirety please visit our website at www.fresnounified.org.

www.fresnounified.org building futures FALL 2011 4 : Building Futures A Publication of the Fresno Unified School District

swimming and water polo southwest regions of the district will at Carver Academy, has been named profile in the Valley. Bullard benefit from new schools designed to principal of the new middle school. The Make thishas a history of swimming relieve elementary school overcrowding campus will have a rigorous academic success, including and significantly improve the educational program for 1,000 students that will your child’sproducing 50 All-American opportunities for middle school students. meet the needs of the neighborhood swimmers in the 1970s The southeast-area elementary students and strengthen the community. and 1980s, 25 Valley titles school will be built on 8.43 acres with As part of the school’s mission to and 24 league titles for the a capacity of 850 students and will serve the entire community and provide BESTgirls teams, and 14 Valley eliminate the need to bus students to a focal point for students, their families titles and 21 league titles the temporary southeast elementary and the neighborhood, the district is FACILITIES PROJECTS school yearfor the boys.ever. site. Teresa Calderon has been named exploring options for flexible space to (continued from Page 1) At the dedication, former swimmers principal of the school, which is expected accommodate workforce development When your child isn’t getting the grades you “Students now and for generations to dating back to the 1950s will be on hand to open for the 2012-13 school year. programs and community services. think he or she should, call Huntington Learning come will benefit from this wonderful to celebrate the new pool. In the spring, construction is Both the southeast-area elementary Center. Huntington Learning Center can facility■ READING, made possibleWRITING by the hard work The new nine-lane all-weather track anticipated to begin on a southwest school and the new middle school improve your child’s learning skills, so your child and dedication of district staff, school will be one of the finest in the area and Fresno middle school, providing the first will be funded through Measure K ■ MATH, STUDY SKILLS can overcome frustration with school as well as staff, Bullard area parents, and the entire will include a new jump pit and discus traditional neighborhood middle school bond money, passed by voters in the ■ SPELLING, PHONICS develop conﬁdence and motivation. Huntington Bullard community. We are gratefulLearning to throwingCenter provides area, state-of-the-arttutoring in reading, drainage for the area since Irwin Junior High district in 2001. The new schools and ■ STATE TESTING PREP the Board of Education for its support.writing, math,systemstudy andskills, irrigationspelling, phonics system and that School was closed in 1979 and students improved athletic venues at Bullard Our■ studentsCONFIDENCE, andMOTIV communityATION, canSAT/ACT now producesprep. an optimal playing surface were bused to various middle schools. High, along with hundreds of renovation take greatSELF-ESTEEM pride in having a first-class while maximizing water conservation, The 22-acre campus will be built on the and modernization projects throughout Since 1977, we’ve helped students do better aquatic■ PRIV center.”ATE 1 TO 1 TUTORING space on the infield for football, soccer site of Carver Academy at Martin Luther Fresno Unified, are tangible signs of the TheFOR poolSA T/PSA has T/ACT generatedPREP significantin school and- Call lacrosse,Huntington and today! competition lighting King Boulevard and Church Avenue and district’s commitment to the highest excitement in the Bullard area as designed to have minimal impact on the is targeted to open for the 2013-14 quality facilities for its students and the community members and supporters neighborhood. school year. community. look forward to elevating the school’s (Students559)-434-2010 in the southeast and Steve Gonzalez, currently principal 1050 E. Perrin Ave. Fresno, CA 93720 559-434-2010 SAT/ACT PREP Accredited by WASC - Supplemental Education Program Independently owned and operated. ©2011 Huntington Mark, LLC. Assessing Needs. Increasing Scores.

1:1 PRIVATE Train Dont SAT and ACT prep for students TUTORING FOR ’ seeking dramatic score improvements.s. SAT/ACT PREP Tutor The Huntington Advantage:dvantage: We’re #1 in results! • 1-1 Instruction Call to schedule • Critical reading, writing, math • Test-taking strategies a cognitive skills test • Flexible scheduling • Experienced teachers 559.275.3276 • Proven success since 1977 www.LearningRx.com/Fresno CALL 1-800 CAN LEARN® TODAY 9495 N. Fort Washington Road Suite 108 1050 E. Perrin Ave. Fresno, CA 93720 Fresno, CA 93720

559-434-2010 290754 Independently owned and operated. ©2011 Huntington Mark, LLC, SAT and PSAT are registered trademarks of the College Entrance Examination Board. ACT is a registered trademark of ACT, Inc. The College Entrance Examination Board and ACT, Inc. were not involved in the production of and do not endorse, this program.

FALL 2011 building futures www.fresnounified.org A Publication of the Fresno Unified School District Building Futures : 5

Alex Reyes learns about the African- Summer Camp Builds Connections American culture through music during a three-week summer camp program at Carver Academy for the six schools that will feed into the new southwest Fresno middle Prior to Building of New Middle School school that will open in 2013. Students from six southwest Fresno The new middle school will help restore a elementary schools attended a three-week cohesive, aligned K-12 school community to camp over the summer as part of an effort the Edison High School feeder area, which to build a cohesive school community in has lacked a traditional neighborhood middle preparation for the opening of the new school since Irwin Junior High School was neighborhood middle school in 2013. closed in 1979 and the district began busing The California National Guard led The program, held at Carver Academy, students to various middles schools in the leadership activities for the students provided academic, recreational and cultural district. It will be built on an expanded Carver and they had the opportunity to enrichment for 125 students from Addams, campus at Martin Luther King Boulevard and participate in field trips to California Carver, Columbia, King, Kirk and Lincoln Church Avenue. State University, Fresno and the Mary elementary schools, which will feed into the To support a successful opening of Ella Brown Center to go swimming. new Southwest Middle School. The cultural Southwest Middle School, the district Nunez, the project coordinator, component focused on the traditions of the is facilitating connections between the said the camp was highly successful African-American, Hispanic and Hmong elementary school communities that will feed in building community around the communities, the predominant ethnic groups into the new middle school. For example, sixth Jamila Johnson, who has students highly anticipated new Southwest represented at southwest Fresno schools. grader David Vasquez said he made friends attending Columbia Elementary, said her Middle School. Construction on the campus “The goal was to provide an opportunity at the camp with students from Kirk, Addams children came home excited about what is expected to begin in the spring, with the to build positive relationships between and King. they had learned and she noticed improved opening scheduled for August of 2013. The the students, and to create a better “It helps you, and it’s fun,” David said on the behavior. two-story school will be built on 22 acres, understanding of the various cultures of last day of the camp. The camp, funded by a Full Service providing a state-of-the-art middle school families from the southwest Fresno area,” He said he learned about art, science and Community Grant from the U.S. Department to the students of southwest Fresno that said Liz Nunez, project coordinator. “When various ethnic groups. For instance, he said, of Education, also provided dental screening will enhance the educational opportunities the new middle school opens, many of these one day members of the Hmong community for 100 students, and 90 of those students for students in the area and bridge the gap students will already know each other from demonstrated musical instruments from received dental care such as x-rays, cleaning, between neighborhood elementary schools the camp.” their culture. root canals and filling of cavities. and Edison High.

Tigers Pounce at Chance to Welcome Back Coach McDonald to Edison Football

A sports rally at Edison High School on Aug. 31 welcomes back Tim McDonald, who has returned to coach varsity football again for the Tigers. McDonald, an Edison High graduate, USC All-American and NFL All-Pro safety, was a featured speaker.

www.fresnounified.org building futures FALL 2011 6 : Building Futures A Publication of the Fresno Unified School District

READING - WRITING - SPELLING - MATH “...a world-class resource right here in our own backyard. They have taken our children from being unable to read to proficient readers...” “She has - CEC Parent learned so much. Her teacher at Helping school has informed Students Achieve us that she has Academic surpassed her Excellence for Superintendent Michael Hanson classmates.” (far left) joins Communications CEC Parent 24 Years staff members (from left) Tony Bernard, Susan Bedi, Joanne • One-on-one Instruction • Teachers are degreed, Hernandez, Anne Ellis, Chau credentialed and/or certified Bui and Michael Delacerda Building Futures Recognized • Orton Gillingham and Lindmood Bell® programs • Consistently rated “excellent” as they are honored for the in parent surveys Award of Excellence the department received from the with High Honors by NSPRA FRESNO (559) 435-3276 National School Public Relations Association for FUSD’s Building Building Futures, a publication of the and businesses within Fresno Unified’s VISALIA (559) 635-7601 Futures newspaper. The team Fresno Unified Communications Office boundaries. The paper features articles was honored Aug. 24 at the under the direction of Public Information on programs, staff, students and events, 8485 N. Fresno Street, Suite 104 • Fresno Board of Education meeting. Officer Susan Bedi, received an “Award of as well as critical information for students Cullinan Education Center is NOT Lindamood Processes, nor is it affliated with, certified, endorsed, licensed, monitored or sponsored by Lindamood-Bell, Nanci Bell, Phyllis Lindamood or Pat Lindamood. Lindamood-Bell in no way endorses or monitors the services by Cullinan Excellence” from the National School Public and parents as part of the district’s Education Center. [email protected] www.cullinaneducation.com Relations Association. Award winners were commitment to comprehensive and highlighted at the association’s annual effective communication with the Fresno national conference in San Antonio in July. Unified community. Of the 769 publications submitted for By providing essential information and judging, Building Futures was among just spotlighting district accomplishments, 71 entries awarded the highest honor. Building Futures supports Fresno Unified’s The district newspaper is published ongoing efforts to prepare career ready quarterly and distributed to all residences graduates.

A Winning Team...Thousands of employees and their friends and family attended Fresno Unified Night at the Grizzlies to celebrate the work of the district and the community’s investment in FUSD through voters’ decisive approval last November of Measure Q. The August 12 event included Edison High School Principal Brian Wall throwing out a first pitch. PG&E was a sponsor of the FUSD Grizzlies event and is a significant supporter of Edison’s Green Energy & Technology Academy.

FALL 2011 building futures www.fresnounified.org A Special Supplement to Building Futures, a Publication of the Fresno Unified School District

Hoover High School Roosevelt High School SCHOOL TYPE: Traditional School SCHOOL TYPE: Traditional School with Pathway Programs with Pathway Programs GRADES: 9-12 GRADES: 9-12 STUDENT POPULATION: 2,000 STUDENT POPULATION: 2300 Preparing Career Ready Graduates PROGRAM: PROGRAMS: • ACE: Architecture, Construction • Health Academy and Engineering • IRS Academy Students working together • Multimedia Pathway to meet challenges and succeed Prepare to shine in academics, WHAT’S your teen’s path Picture a group of friends helping each the arts and beyond other study for an exam. After school, Whether you have music, design, drama they paint signs and head out to the big game, where they cheer on their fellow or sports in your blood, you’ll find unlimited opportunities to shine at Roosevelt. classmates. At Hoover, friendship and school spirit are important. Students Support is a key ingredient for success, and you’ll get that not only from teachers, TO THE from all different backgrounds, ethnicities and physical abilities work together staff and parents, but also from community mentors, counselors, volunteers, and, to accomplish tasks, creating lifelong friendships in the process. Study partners most importantly, students that share your interests and goals. and advocates become friends, and vice versa. The teachers are dedicated and real world? Sunnyside High School involved. Everyone wants to see each other succeed and is more than happy to SCHOOL TYPE: Traditional School with help their friends and classmates achieve their dreams. Pathway Programs GRADES: 9-12 McLane High School STUDENT POPULATION: 3200 SCHOOL TYPE: Traditional School PROGRAMS: with Pathway Programs • Architecture Pathway GRADES: 9-12 • Construction Pathway STUDENT POPULATION: 2300 • Culinary Arts Parthway PROGRAMS: • Doctors Academy • ArtVenture Pathway • Public & Human Services Academy • Banking & Business Pathway • Video Production Academy • Medical Education & Research Academy Get the learning experience Pride in yourself, your school, that will take you further in life your community There’s something for everyone at Sunnyside: challenging academics, extracurricular McLane High is the home of Highlander activities, a diverse student body, and extraordinary teachers who will go out of their Pride, where academics, arts and athletics are valued alongside school spirit and way to make sure you achieve your goals. community pride. It’s where teachers are dedicated to helping you discover and grow your talents, and where close-knit learning communities become extended and supportive families. McLane is designed to help you get on your way to a rewarding career. In addition to traditional courses, you can choose from pathway A career-ready graduate is a student who has all possible options available to programs in the medical field, arts and design, or banking. Registration them upon graduation from Fresno Unified School District. This student has a Deadline: strong academic foundation, has completed required courses, and has acquired the workplace skills and competencies necessary for success after high school. Application Process December 1, 2011 Most applications are for the beginning of the next school year.

Bullard High School Duncan Polytechnical SCHOOL TYPE: Traditional School High School Students connect to careers through with Pathway Programs SCHOOL TYPE: GRADES: 9-12 awareness, exploration, and preparation. Magnet School with Pathway Programs STUDENT POPULATION: 2500 GRADES: 9-12 Fresno Unified’s Career Readiness Pathway Programs give PROGRAMS: STUDENT POPULATION: 1000 students the opportunity to explore and experience the different • Business Pathway PROGRAMS: • Law & Social Justice Pathway • Agriculture Pathway types of work and that it can be fun. Students see the • Multimedia Pathway relevance of core course work in interesting, applied • Business Pathway learning methods taught by industry professionals. Rigorous academics, • Construction Pathway • Education & Child Development Pathway Pathway programs give students a chance to see committed teachers, and extensive extracurricular options. • Engineering Pathway themselves in a successful career. • Health Careers Pathway Imagine having the keys to success laid • Transportation Pathway Project-Based Learning out before you: opportunity, knowledge, and room to grow and learn in a fun and Project-Based Learning is a student supportive environment. Bullard High School is a place where the teachers are not Strong academic foundation meets superior career training directed, teacher facilitated learning only exceptional, they are caring and hardworking, with a true desire to help you Duncan is a non-traditional school with traditional high school activities. We place model that is: succeed. It’s a place where the students are friendly and open, and you can find a high value on academics and relevant curriculum that prepares you for college and a career. We have seven Career Readiness pathway programs that teach skills • Coordinated with industry partners Registration a comfortable niche of smart friends who share your interests—from football to French club, soccer to Student Council. in marketable, job-ready fields: Agriculture, Business, Construction, Education and • Collaborative Deadline: Child Development, Health, and Transportation. • Multidisciplinary: integrates Design Science December 1, 2011 Edison High School knowledge and information High School SCHOOL TYPE: Magnet Pathway School SCHOOL TYPE: Traditional School from multiple subjects with Pathway Programs GRADES: 9-12 GRADES: 9-12 • Long-term: weeks or months STUDENT POPULATION: 250 More information: STUDENT POPULATION: 2300 REQUIREMENTS: Enroll ONLY Freshman. • Realistic: projects culminate PROGRAMS: FUSDcareerready.org PROGRAM: • Engineering & Design Pathway in real or realistic products or • Accelerated Academics presentations that demonstrate • Fashion Design Pathway • Green Energy Pathway student learning Get a high school diploma and up to 60 college credits through • Technology-supported: Workplace skills and competencies High expectations, a strong an accelerated program as a tool of learning rather • Work Ethic <— timely & trustworthy support system and limitless Design Science High School is a four-year opportunity for achievement than the focus of learning • Critical Thinking <— figure out solutions to problems accelerated program that provides both a high school diploma and college credits Pride. That’s the feeling you get as you walk the campus of Edison High School. • Focused skills as well as knowledge • Basic Education Skills <— reading, writing, technology, and math upon graduation. It’s not like a regular school—there’s a small student body, no Pride in yourself, pride in your fellow students, pride in your community. You organized sports, and the freedom to explore your own interests. Students spend 2-3 Career pathway • Teamwork and Collaboration <— work together with others know that you’re at one of the top schools in the district, unmatched in academics years at DSHS and 1-2 years at Fresno City College, making the transition to college programs open • Workplace Communication Skills <— take direction, ask questions, and present ideas and athletics, and that the opportunities to achieve are limitless. Being an Edison doors and open much easier. Plus, you’ll earn your Associated Arts degree upon graduation. High Tiger carries with it a degree of responsibility. Edison is the center of the minds community in West Fresno. Your teachers, parents and the community all want There are over 25 Career Readiness you to succeed and will support you in every way possible. Ultimately, you’re Pathway Programs representing 14 industry sectors responsible for your own success, and we know that you have the strength offered across Fresno Unified. These programs expand and ability to rise to the challenge. student understanding of the world of work and identify career pathways and Fresno High School specific occupations within them. Students develop respect for workers in all SCHOOL TYPE: Traditional School fields and an initial understanding of educational and training requirements. with Pathway Programs GRADES: 9-12 Career Readiness programs provide innovative and experimental ways of STUDENT POPULATION: 2500 PROGRAMS: learning while encouraging pilot programs, schools, courses and methods all • Manufacturing Electronics Pathway within a framework that maintains alignment with district goals. • Marketing Academy • Multimedia Pathway All students are able to participate in any district program—no matter where their home school is located. Currently, transportation is the responsibility High academic standards, of the student and their family. a diverse student population and the opportunity to The students, armed with the information about themselves, have broaden your horizons the knowledge to begin to plan their course schedules for whatever A historic campus—the oldest in Fresno. A tradition of academic excellence that goes postsecondary training they will need to prepare for career pathway and back over a century. A curriculum that encourages a well-rounded, comprehensive career choice they intend to pursue. Students can document activities and education. It’s impossible not to be inspired by the history of Fresno High as you accomplishments to help build an “evidence” portfolio of skills-building walk the campus, a place that has been home to such notable alumni as singer/actress demonstrations to confirm or perhaps even to help the student to change Cher, MLB pitcher Tom Seaver, astrophysicist Arthur Scott King and writer William their minds about the career choices and refocus their direction. Saroyan. Around you, students are studying Latin, playing music, rehearsing for a theater performance and training for an upcoming sports match. Teachers are helping students prepare for college, and students are inspiring each other to work harder. A Special Supplement to Building Futures, a Publication of the Fresno Unified School District

1. Download the application at FUSDcareerready.org More information: FUSDcareerready.org Preparation for college is the same as preparation for a career: 2. Choose your top two schools. An education that combines rigorous academics Be sure to indicate your first and second choices. with technical skills and career competencies What does it all Students who enter the workforce immediately upon high school graduation need the same level of 3. Fill out application completely. mean to teens? skills and knowledge as students entering college. Just because college isn’t for everyone doesn’t The application must be signed by the parent or guardian mean everyone shouldn’t have the opportunity to go to college if they choose to go. and include contact information. Just that you realize school doesn’t Fresno Unified School District believes in equity and access for all students. Our goal is for all students to graduate with a full range of post-secondary options including entering the workforce, 4. Submit your application. last forever! enrolling at college or university, or taking advantage of further training or apprenticeship programs. Mail, fax or deliver the application to FUSD Transfer Office. Workplace skills and competencies And if you’re going Career technical education is no longer just about vocational education. It is an opportunity for all Transfer Office • Work Ethic <— timelystudents & trustworthyto integrate their core academic learning with hands-on, technical, career preparation. Real- 1350 M Street Fresno, CA 93721 to take advantage Phone (559) 457-3343 | Fax (559) 457-3375 • world<— figureprojects outare useful solutions tools to provideto problems rigorous academic and technical career preparation and of all yourCritical options, Thinking are also more engaging to students than traditional lectures. Just because students enroll in a career you have• Basic to be Education ready! pathway Skills during<— reading, high school writing, doesn’t technology, mean the student and has math to stay in that career for the rest of their life. • Teamwork and Collaboration <— work together with others • Workplace Communication Skills <— take direction, ask questions, and present ideas A Publication of the Fresno Unified School District Building Futures : 11 Work continues on the new classroom building at Mayfair Elementary School, a Measure Q project. Measure Q Projects Summary: • New classroom buildings at • Modernization at Hamilton K-8 School Aynesworth, Easterby, Rowell and and Sequoia Middle School that will Winchell elementary schools to replace improve access, classrooms, safety and portables. major systems. • Edison and Roosevelt high • Energy efficiency and water schools: new classroom buildings and conservation projects with a focus replacement of portables. on irrigation, heating and cooling and • McLane High School: classroom energy management. expansion to replace portables. • Technology upgrades: leverage • Hoover High School: new classroom Measure Q funds to obtain a significant building to replace portables and site/ federal grant for data/communications field improvements, including relocating equipment for schools across the the pool away from the center of the district to improve the reliability of campus to open up space for future systems such as intrusion alarms and security cameras, and to accommodate improvements. the more than 10,000 student laptops • Bullard High School: new buildings for used in the district. classrooms, administration, library and Measure Q Continues to Provide career center; expanded quad area; and Improvements and New Construction Including career technical education space. New Look for Fresno High’s Royce Hall

Fresno High School’s beautiful historic removal of the library and administration Royce Hall will once again become a buildings and the construction of new prominent feature at the district’s first ones. high school as part of a makeover planned “We are overjoyed that future for the campus funded by Measure Q. generations will be able to appreciate this A long-range master plan for Fresno majestic building like the thousands that High, approved by the Fresno Unified Board have come before them,” said Fresno of Education in April, outlines a series of High Principal Adrian Palazuelos. “Alumni, improvements and new buildings at the staff, students and the community are campus that the $280 million Measure anxiously awaiting the completion of the Q will initiate following voters’ 76 percent new buildings and subsequent removal approval of the local school bond last of the existing administration and library November. Measure Q will fund dozens buildings to appreciate the landmark that of projects in every corner of the district, is Royce Hall.” including new classroom buildings already The two new two-story buildings under construction to replace portables along the Echo Avenue frontage will at Mayfair and Wilson elementary schools. contain permanent classrooms, a library, The two elementary buildings are expected career center and administration space. to be completed in December. The buildings have been designed to “Following our community’s show of complement the classical architecture overwhelming support for our district with of Royce Hall. Construction of the new the passage of Measure Q, we have been buildings, targeted for the end of this year, identifying and prioritizing projects for will allow the removal of approximately 20 each school. Now we begin the incredibly portable classrooms on the campus. exciting work of launching these projects,” The board has also approved long- said Superintendent Michael Hanson. range plans for Edison, Hoover, McLane At Fresno High, Measure Q will upgrade and Roosevelt high schools and is facilities and enhance aesthetics at the expected to approve a Bullard High School campus, which opened to its first students plan in the coming school year. The long- in September of 1921. In the early 1970s, range high school plans are incorporated library and administration buildings were into the district’s Facilities Master Plan, a added to the front of the school to replace “living” document intended to be amended buildings no longer meeting earthquake as necessary as it guides facilities safety standards. Although built partially development over the next 15 years. The below ground, the new buildings obscured board is using the Facilities Master Plan to the view of the grand façade of Royce Hall, prioritize Measure Q projects. arguably Fresno Unified’s most handsome building. Measure Q plans call for the

www.fresnounified.org building futures FALL 2011 12: Building Futures A Publication of the Fresno Unified School District Rata Students Cultivate Learning with New Giving Garden

Students with physical and mental areas. The garden also features a trellis with disabilities at Rata High School started this misters, benches, pizza and salsa gardens, a new school year enjoying the sights and smells section of succulents, fruit trees and a maze of of a garden created just for them. sweet-smelling jasmine. Future plans include a The school’s new Giving Garden is an fountain and butterfly garden. amazing story of how school leaders, a Fruit broker Randy Asadoor, married to father and a fruit broker who used to live in Susan Asadoor, was a catalyst. He had grown the neighborhood discovered a shared vision up 30 years ago around the corner from the for creating a garden at the campus – and school and recalled watching kids with Down together they made it happen. syndrome enjoying a garden at the campus. “This was just one of those things that was Asadoor attended a California Agricultural meant to be,” said Shane Halvorsen, president Leadership Foundation conference at of the Rata PTA and a key organizer of the California Polytechnic University, Pomona, effort. where presenters stressed “giving back to the Rata is a special education center for community,” he said. grades seven through 12 adjacent to Tenaya “A light bulb kind of went off,” Asadoor said. Middle School. The garden was created to “When I got back to town my wife and I walked stimulate students of all abilities through multi- into the school and said we wanted to do a sensory tasks. The staff creates academic garden.” lessons around the garden and it also provides He said Linsner’s eyes lit up and she said, an opportunity for students to learn daily living “We’ve been waiting for someone to walk skills and a place to relax, said Principal Pam through that door and want to help with a Linsner. garden.” “I thought it was something these kids She had for years wanted to restore needed,” said Halvorsen, whose 14-year-old the garden but was hampered by the cost. daughter, Nikki, attends Rata. Meanwhile, about the same time, Halverson Dozens of school and community members had been elected president of the school’s first Teachers and students at Rata High School completed the garden in late May after two PTA and proposed a garden. He too, however, enjoy the misters in the school’s new Giving Garden, which features raised planting beds and months of work, volunteering an estimated realized the cost and labor involved. With the wheelchair-accessible pathways. Community 1,400 hours. Donors from throughout the support of the Asadoors, the project took hold. members and students’ families joined with city provided expertise, goods and services, “Each of us brought our own separate school and district staff in creating the garden for including the drip irrigation system from visions to the project and it came to fruition,” students with physical and mental disabilities who Netafim Irrigation Inc. and the garden design Halvorsen said. attend Rata. from landscape architect Susan Asadoor. Randy Asadoor said it’s hard for him Other key supporters were the PTA and to discuss the garden without becoming California Agricultural Leadership Foundation. emotional. The school hopes to attract student “It’s extremely touching,” he said. “I’ve never volunteers from other schools to assist with done anything in my life that has been so tending the garden. positively emotional.” Throughout the summer students Linsner said not only have students enjoyed attending summer programs and neighbors the beauty and bounty of the garden, it has watched flowers and vegetables flourish focused attention on the school’s students in raised beds – accessible to students in and programs: “This far surpasses anything wheelchairs – as well as regular planting we could have imagined.”

How You Can Help... To find ways to donate to the Rata Giving Garden visit www.facebook.com/TheGivingGardenatRata

FALL 2011 building futures www.fresnounified.org A Publication of the Fresno Unified School District Building Futures : 13 FUSD Summer School Benefits Thousands of Students

More than 14,000 students participated in a highly successful Extended Year Summer Program in June and July that included for the first time a Chinese Language and Culture Academy and night courses. Despite severe budget cuts due to the state’s ongoing fiscal crisis, the Fresno Unified School District continued to offer summer school targeting students who failed classes and needed to get back on track to graduate as well as those who wanted to accelerate or augment their studies. The program also included classes for middle school and kindergarten through third grade students. “In a fiscally tight budget time, when many districts are not offering summer school, our Board of Education thought it was important to continue offering summer school and because of that more than 14,000 students benefitted,” said Glenn Starkweather, Director of Extended Destiny Ivy, Megan Menard, Melissa Wu Learning who coordinated summer school. languages and cultures. This was a good the teaching of strategically important world and Carolin Chang (left to right) learn Starkweather said that 250 students opportunity,” said John Pacella, a senior at languages not widely taught in the United Chinese dancing as part of the Chinese Language and Culture Academy held for completed requirements for graduation Sunnyside High School. States. The academy featured two Chinese I The three-week, 60-hour course fulfilled and II classes and a Chinese computer lab. the first time during the Extended Year through the extended-year program and 196 Summer Program. participated in summer graduation. five units of elective credit and also prepared Language skills were reinforced through Students for the first time had an students to take Chinese II during the regular cultural activities, such as dancing, paper opportunity to study Chinese language and school year, which should pave the way for cutting, calligraphy and Chinese chess. culture during the summer at Hoover High Hoover to add an Advanced Placement Students performed for their families in a including English I and U.S. History, which met School, a popular course that filled quickly and Chinese class. talent show. four-year college entrance requirements. attracted students from Central and Clovis The summer Chinese Language and Night courses were also new this year to Classes were offered via the Fresno County school districts as well as University High Culture Academy was funded with a $73,000 summer school, providing an opportunity for Office of Education’s PASS program, self- School charter school, said Director Elaine grant Yen obtained through STARTALK, a new students to catch up on credits and still hold paced individualized learning. Yen. component of an initiative launched in 2006 by a summer job during the day. More than 340 “That number surpassed our expectations,” “I really like to learn about different former President George W. Bush to expand students took A-G classes in the evening, Starkweather said.

Elvis and FUSD’s Latest Retirees Have Left the Building... Retirees, their families and guests and FUSD staff enjoy “Elvis” entertainment at the district’s annual retirement dinner last June, which was attended by more than 300 retirees and a total of more than 800 guests.

www.fresnounified.org building futures FALL 2011 SCHOLASTIC, BOOKFLIX, and associated logos and designs are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Scholastic Inc. WESTON WOODS and associated logos and designs are registered trademarks of Weston Woods Studios, Inc. ™© Scholastic Inc. All rights reserved. rights All Inc. Scholastic ™© Inc. Studios, Woods Weston of trademarks registered are designs and logos associated and WOODS WESTON Inc. Scholastic of trademarks registered and/or trademarks are designs and logos associated and BOOKFLIX, SCHOLASTIC, Watch, Read, & Learn Have fun online with paired fiction and nonfiction! use BookFLIX Ask how to at home! now or

14: Building Futures A Publication of the Fresno Unified School District

NEW PRINCIPALS (continued from Page 1) Look Who’s In Charge Now! Sixteen New Principals Start the School Year

Teresa Calderon Cindy Ferdinandi Juan Garcia Lori Grace Jack Jarvis Deborah Marquez Linda McLaughlin Virginia Principal II, Principal II, Principal II, Principal IV, Principal II, Principal II, Principal II, Mendez-Buelna, Southeast Columbia Muir Hoover High School Del Mar Holland Powers Principal III, Terronez Elementary School Elementary School Elementary School Elementary School Elementary School Elementary School Middle School

Felicia Curtis Shamlin Lisa Shipman Sherry Tharpe Reynaldo Villalobos Cherie Walters Matt Ward Kay Vang Quarles-Treadwell Principal III, Principal II, Principal II, Principal II, Principal II, Principal III, Principal II, Principal II, Tioga Middle School Ewing Elementary School Olmos Hidalgo Pyle Elementary School Sequoia Middle School Heaton Elementary Winchell Elementary School Elementary School School Elementary School 4.5M Item #

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FALL 2011 building futures www.fresnounified.org now or at home! Ask how to use BookFLIX Have fun online with paired fiction and nonfiction!

Watch, Read, & Learn & Read, Watch, SCHOLASTIC, BOOKFLIX, and associated logos and designs are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Scholastic Inc. WESTON WOODS and associated logos and designs are registered trademarks of Weston Woods Studios, Inc. ™© Scholastic Inc. All rights reserved. rights All Inc. Scholastic ™© Inc. Studios, Woods Weston of trademarks registered are designs and logos associated and WOODS WESTON Inc. Scholastic of trademarks registered and/or trademarks are designs and logos associated and BOOKFLIX, SCHOLASTIC, A Publication of the Fresno Unified School District Building Futures : 15 Improvements in the Works for Back to School Tips: Early Learning Programs What to Do at Home The district is accelerating efforts to and emotional growth of early learners in preschool, finding that students who improve and expand preschool programs the district. The panel included teachers, attend are less likely to need special for Success in the for students so that early learners are parents, instructional assistants, education services or to repeat a grade better prepared for kindergarten and community members and district and site and more likely to graduate from high Classroom future academic success. administrators. school. A comprehensive report from the Developing systematic, integrated, The largest single study began nearly Superintendent’s Early Learning Task high-quality early learning programs is 40 years ago when the High/Scope Force calls for expanded preschool the first step to improving the academic Perry Preschool Project developed a high- opportunities, better alignment of performance and closing the achievement quality educational approach focusing existing programs with kindergarten gap for Fresno Unified students. To on 3- and 4-year-olds at risk for school and elementary grades, and increased this end, the Early Learning Task Force failure. The longitudinal study found that preparation for preschool teachers. recommended: not only was the project effective as an • Eat together or meet together as a Last spring, a team of district leaders, • Efficient recruitment and registration educational intervention, students in the family five nights a week instructional coaches, and preschool of early learners program were less likely to commit crimes • Check your child’s homework nightly teachers identified the essential • Integration and unification of all early- or be delinquent, become pregnant as • Know where your child is and who their California Preschool Foundations that learning programs teenagers or depend on welfare. friends are serve as prerequisite skills for mastery • Implementation of a standards-based By age 27, participants were nearly • Encourage extracurricular activities of kindergarten standards. Based curriculum that provides a seamless three times more likely to own their own • Make reading an integral part of home life on these identified skills, the team is transition to kindergarten standards homes than the control group and less • Use time with your child wisely to create creating curriculum guides for early • Professional development for early- than half as likely to be receiving public opportunities for conversation (in the car, learning programs. Additionally, teachers learning teachers assistance. walking to school, at bedtime) of early learners attended training on • Utilizing classroom, local and state Given the research indicating that • Provide a quiet space for homework Handwriting Without Tears, a research- assessments to consistently guide early learning programs are critical in • Keep a positive attitude about school based program to build motor, visual/ instruction improving social, emotional, and academic • Watch for changes in behavior (sleep habits, perceptual and language skills that will be • Aligning supervision and evaluation development, in promoting long-term excessive time withdrawn from the family) implemented district-wide this year. processes with K-12 processes academic success, and in increasing the With the start of the 2011-12 school • Ensuring participation and education of likelihood of attending college and earning year, the district expanded early learning parents higher wages, Fresno Unified School opportunities by opening transitional Fresno Unified currently serves 2,250 District is committed to the expansion kindergarten classes at Balderas and children from birth to age 4 in a variety of high quality early learning programs Thomas elementary schools; adding of preschools that operate according to throughout the district. early learning programs in underserved their respective funding guidelines, which geographical areas in the district (Lawless has led to inconsistency in expectations Elementary School and additional classes for students and instructional programs. at Sunset and Norseman elementary Current programs serve only a fraction schools); and adding inclusive early of the approximately 6,000 incoming learning programs at Figarden, Viking, kindergarteners. and Anthony elementary schools. These Every year, children within Fresno three programs will be co-taught by Unified are denied access to early- special education and general education learning programs due to full classes teachers. or not meeting state income eligibility The task force recommendations requirements. Although 82 percent of address specific systemic gaps and the 6,151 students enrolled in FUSD support the reform required to ensure kindergarten in 2010-11 school qualified access to high quality instruction to learn for free or reduced-price lunch, only 36 at grade level and beyond and redefine percent had access to FUSD preschool Fresno Unified School District as a programs. And all of the existing programs pre-K-12 system. were south of Shaw Avenue except the The Superintendent’s Early Learning Wolters Elementary School program, just Task Force, a 60-member group, made north of Shaw. seven recommendations in a report to From birth to age 5 is a critical time the Fresno Unified School District Board for children’s cognitive development and of Education on June 15. Superintendent in fact is a critical time that sets the stage Keeping Kids Connected Michael Hanson commissioned the task for all later learning and functioning as an Xee Yang, Parent University manager, assists students during an announcement at Olmos Elementary School force last winter to develop a coherent, adult. of a partnership with Comcast to offer low-cost internet connection to low-income families. The Aug. 20 event district-wide approach for accelerating Researchers have consistently highlighted the importance of helping FUSD families access internet resources offered by the district. the academic achievement and social documented the benefits of high-quality

www.fresnounified.org building futures FALL 2011 Building Futures A Publication of the Fresno Unified School District If your child receives free school lunches, you may qualify for Internet EssentialsSM from Comcast. Bring the Internet home for just $9.95 a month. The world has gone digital. Internet service has become essential for success. That’s why we created Internet Essentials. It’s available to households with children who receive free school lunches under the National School Lunch Program. While participating in Internet Essentials, customers will receive:

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Restrictions apply. Not available in all areas. Limited to XFINITY® Internet Economy service for new residential customers meeting certain eligibility criteria. Advertised price applies to a single outlet. Actual speeds vary and are not guaranteed. After initial participation, if a customer is determined to be no longer eligible for the program but continues to receive Comcast service, regular rates will apply. Subject to Internet Essentials program terms and conditions. Call 1-855-846-8376 for restrictions and complete details, or visit InternetEssentials.com. ©2011 Comcast. All rights reserved. Internet Essentials is a program to provide home Internet service for families. It is not a school program, and is not endorsed or required by your school. Your school is not responsible for Internet Essentials accounts.

FALL 2011 building futures www.fresnounified.org