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Education + Communication = A Better Nation ® Covering the Bellflower Unified School District Volume 7, Issue 27 May 2019
Thanks to PTA for all you do for BUSD students and schools.
www.SchoolNewsRollCall.com BELLFLOWER UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT We Build Futures!
Home Education Independent Study Academy Grades K-12 The vision of the Bellflower Unified School District’s Home Education Independent Study Academy is to provide a high quality, well rounded educational experience for home education students. The alternative educational program will be one that is rigorous, relevant, and engaging.
CLASSIC MODEL Grades TK – 8: Parents are the primary teacher five days a week. Students and parents meet at least once a month with a credentialed teacher to review work and set goals. Students may also participate in enrichment learning experiences on Fridays.
CORE MODEL Grades TK – 8: Students attend school three full days per week and are taught at home two days. Students and parents meet at least once a month with a credentialed teacher to review work and set goals. Students may also participate in enrichment learning experiences on Fridays.
TRADITIONAL MODEL Grades 9-12: Students learn at home five days a week through online courses in science, social science, math, electives—including world language, and English that meet a-g requirements for UC/CSU admission. Physical Education requirements are completed independently. Assignments are submitted Fridays by 2:00 PM. All tests take place at Las Flores Educational Center.
BLENDED MODEL Grades 9-11: Students attend math and English classes three days per week at Las Flores Educational Center. Science, social science, and electives— including world language courses that meet a-g requirements for UC/CSU admission are taken online. Physical Education requirements are completed independently at home. Assignments are submitted Fridays by 2:00 PM. All tests take place at Las Flores Educational Center.
ENRICHMENT FRIDAYS Each week students in grades TK-8 have the opportunity to come to Las Flores Educational Center for half a day to participate in an engaging, standards based lesson and activity as well as both a music and technology class.
For More Information go to: www.BUSD.k12.ca.us Call: (562) 804-6565 Ext. 6600 or visit us at: Las Flores Educational Center, 10039 E. Palm Street, Bellflower, CA, 90706 BELLFLOWER UNIFIED Board of Education Superintendent Schools and Students Doing Great Things! Community Matters! The 2018-2019 school year has been a BUSD is lucky to serve and be part of SCHOOL DISTRICT successful one for BUSD and its students! an amazing community that supports our Bellflower High School earned state students and schools in extraordinary ways, We Build Futures! recognition as a Civic Democracy School. highlights include: Their Teen Court program has successfully The Lakewood Pan American Association heard and adjudicated cases each month. In the provides scholarship opportunities and Home Education Independent Study Academy Debbie Cuadros fall, the California School Boards Association Tracy McSparren the City recognizes students for success in President awarded the program a Golden Bell Award. competitions in the areas of arts, valor and Grades K-12 Mayfair High School athletic teams athletics. The vision of the Bellflower Unified School District’s Home Education once again, dominated the Suburban league competition The Lakewood Soroptimist sponsors the Dream It, Independent Study Academy is to provide a high quality, well rounded in almost all sports. Mayfair athletes and programs earned Be It program for young women. educational experience for home education students. The alternative recognition at the Lakewood Hall of Fame, Senior, Chris Bellflower Soroptimist sponsors scholarships each year. educational program will be one that is rigorous, relevant, and engaging. Adimora who was named Lakewood Co-Athlete of the Year. The Bellflower Rotary provides scholarships, charters Mayfair Performing Arts continues to shine at competitions. a club at one school, and partners with Vision to Learn to MHS computer science program earned the College Board’s screen and provide eyeglasses to all BUSD schools on a CLASSIC MODEL AP Computer Science female diversity award. rotating basis, this year at Albert Baxter Elementary 100 Grades TK – 8: Parents are the primary teacher five days a week. Somerset has earned, for the 7th time, Model students received free glasses. In addition, they sponsor Students and parents meet at least once a month with a credentialed Continuation School Distinction. In addition, they received an annual art competition for students. They also sponsor teacher to review work and set goals. Students may also participate in the Heroes for Cancer award from the Leukemia and a Fall school clothes shopping and Spring shoe shopping enrichment learning experiences on Fridays. Lymphoma Society for their support. event for students. Las Flores Home Education Academy continues to Bellflower Noon Lions Club provides scholarships, provide a true alternative educational option for students charters clubs at two schools, and provides vision services CORE MODEL K-12. In addition, the school has received Honor Roll Status and glasses to students who are in need and sponsor Leos Grades TK – 8: Students attend school three full days per week and are taught at home two days. Students and for the 2nd year in a row. Clubs at 3 high schools. parents meet at least once a month with a credentialed teacher to review work and set goals. Students may also Baxter and ILC were recognized as Top Los Angeles Bellflower Kiwanis gives $20,000 in scholarships each participate in enrichment learning experiences on Fridays. Public Schools for Underserved Students. Baxter student year and donates an additional $15,000 to support projects Tatyiana Abdullah was selected as a winner in the KJ for students, including co-curricular programs, including TRADITIONAL MODEL Services Used Oil Recycling Contest Calendar and Isaiah sending students to leadership programs and convention. Somoza was a Baxter PTA Reflections Art Contest winner. In addition, they sponsor Key Clubs at 3 high schools and Grades 9-12: Students learn at home five days a week through online courses in science, social science, math, Ernie Pyle has raised awareness and worked to make Builders clubs at our middle schools and Esther Lindstrom. electives—including world language, and English that meet a-g requirements for UC/CSU admission. Physical a positive impact in the lives of blood cancer patients by Caring Connections is a collaborative organization Education requirements are completed independently. Assignments are submitted Fridays by 2:00 PM. All tests take participating in Pennies for Patients. that includes 50 members from a variety of service place at Las Flores Educational Center. Washington Elementary supported Gabriel Bermudas providers, community service organizations, and other who was honored by ACSA Region 14 with an Every groups interested in providing resources and services in BLENDED MODEL Student Succeeding Award. our community. Caring Connections handles about 4000 Frank E. Woodruff, 5th grade student, Penelope Salazar referrals each year and provides families and students Grades 9-11: Students attend math and English classes three days per week at Las Flores Educational Center. was recognized by Mayor Santa Ines and city council members with a variety of services and support ranging from food Science, social science, and electives— including world language courses that meet a-g requirements for UC/CSU with a certificate of achievement and her artwork is featured baskets, bus tokens, clothing, counseling services, and admission are taken online. Physical Education requirements are completed independently at home. Assignments are in the recycling calendar for the month of November. even participate in school events such as Career Fairs. submitted Fridays by 2:00 PM. All tests take place at Las Flores Educational Center. BUSD is proud of its accomplishments and the role we A sincere thank you to our community partners, for play in building futures. helping us build futures! ENRICHMENT FRIDAYS Board of Education Each week students in grades TK-8 have the opportunity to come to Las Flores Educational Center for half a day to participate in an engaging, standards based lesson and activity as well as both a music and technology class.
For More Information go to: www.BUSD.k12.ca.us Call: (562) 804-6565 Ext. 6600 Debbie Jerry Laura Renita Richard or visit us at: Cuadros Cleveland Sanchez-Ramirez Armstrong Downing Las Flores Educational Center, 10039 E. Palm Street, Bellflower, CA, 90706 President Vice President Clerk Member Member
Covering the Bellflower Unified School District May 2019 3 ® Education + Communication = A Better Nation www.schoolnewsrollcall.com Covering the BELLFLOWER UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT FOUNDER/PUBLISHER: Kay Coop 562/493-3193 • [email protected] Kay Coop ADVERTISING SALES: 562/493-3193 Neta Madison Founder/Publisher CONTENT COORDINATOR: Barbra Longiny Netragrednik GRAPHIC DESIGNER/PRODUCTION: As we near the end of another Have a wonderful summer and be Gerald Villaluz and Emily Ung COPY EDITORS: school year I want to thank you for sure to include the library in your Lisa Brock, Kate Karp & Anna Zappia continuing to include School News activities. Congratulations to the SOCIAL MEDIA: Nancy Lueder among your reading choices. If you Class of 2019 and best wishes as you Netragrednik by Neta Madison have missed an issue, we post all continue on to higher learning or into of our publications on our web site the workforce. @SchoolNewsRC www.schoolnewsrollcall.com. Our next issue is October 16th. SchoolNewsRollCall
SchoolNewsRollCall SCHOOL NEWS ROLL CALL, LLC P.O. Box 728, Seal Beach, CA 90740 562/493-3193 www.schoolnewsrollcall.com Copyright © 2006, School News Roll Call, LLC Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is strictly prohibited unless otherwise stated. Opinions expressed by contributing writers and guest columnists are their views and not necessarily those of School News Roll Call. This publication is privately owned and the right is reserved to select and edit content. The Bellflower Unified School District does not endorse the advertisers in this publication.
4 www.schoolnewsrollcall.com Bellflower Alternative Education Center / Academic Accountability Child Welfare & Attendance 16703 S. Clark Ave., Bellflower, CA 90706 • 562/866-9011 www.busd.k12.ca.us/domain/46 6024 N. Clark Ave., Lakewood, CA 90712 • 562/356-9904 • www.busd.k12.ca.us School Accountability Report Card Building Bridges to Student Success Report cards are not only for the students! The Bellflower Alternative Education Schools also receive a report card that is (BAE) Center continues to build bridges to publicly available by February 1st annually. student success through student, family, and Just as a student’s report card is a community relationships. tool to inform parents about their child’s The BAE Center students have progress, the School Accountability Report participated in a variety of enrichment Bonnie Carter Card (SARC) is also an informational tool. Malcohm Heron programs and activities that has extended Director The purpose of the SARC is to provide Principal their learning outside of the classroom and parents and the community with important into the community. This bridge has led information about a school including a BAE Center students to: general profile, demographic data, school safety and Southern California SciFest: This Science, climate information, academic data, curriculum and Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) instruction descriptions, and staffing and expenditure festival was designed for students, teachers, and families information. The information included in the school’s to inspire students to pursue career opportunities in the report is based on the previous year’s data and includes a STEM fields. current school profile. Art of Education: Students attended Cirque Zuma All Bellflower Unified schools post its SARC annually Zuma through the Arts in Education programs at the at: www.busd.k12.ca.us and will provide a hard copy of the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts. report card on request at the school’s main office. If you College Tours: Students visited Cerritos College, have any questions regarding a school’s report card, feel CA State Long Beach, and CA State Fullerton to better free to contact the main office of the school site. prepare for College and Career Readiness. Educational Tours: Students toured the Museum of the Holocaust in conjunction with learning about the Holocaust in history classes.
What’s New In Child Welfare and Attendance (CWA) The Child Welfare & Attendance office assists students, parent/guardians, and schools to promote student success and achievement. The CWA Office manages student transfers (Inter-District and Intra-District Permits), Attendance and Truancy interventions, all student enrollment concerns, support to special populations including Foster Youth and McKinney-Vento Homeless Youth, and other areas concerning student welfare. CWA Has Moved: The CWA Office has moved from the BUSD District Office. It is now located at: 6024 Clark Ave. School/College Employee Lakewood, CA 90712 Summer Savings Account Kicking Off Spring: The CWA Office is currently Let Us Help You Save for the Summer! accepting Inter-District and Intra-District Permit Applications for the 2019-2020 school year. APY* Attendance, Attendance, and Attendance: 4.00% By law, a student is truant when absent without a valid excuse three (3) or more days, or tardy thirty (30) minutes or more three (3) times during a school year. 562.598.9007 • lbsfcu.org
*APY= Annual Percentage Rate. Rate is 3.92%. Rates subject to change at any time. No minimum balance to open account or to obtain APY. Deposits must come electronically from a school or college payroll with a maximum deposit of $2,000 per month. Account pays out on September 1st to an LBS Financial Savings or Checking account. Funds can be withdrawn throughout the year, as needed, through Online Banking, Mobile Banking, by phone, or at any of our branches. $2,000 one-time catch up deposit allowed on new accounts. Federally Insured by NCUA
Covering the Bellflower Unified School District May 2019 5 Educational Services 16703 S. Clark Ave., Bellflower, CA 90706 • 562/866-9011 • www.busd.k12.ca.us/domain/45 California State Seal of Biliteracy when they develop biliteracy skills. Fluency in more than In 2012 California became the first state in one language and cross-cultural skills are prized and the nation to award a state seal of biliteracy rewarded with higher salaries in many businesses and to graduating seniors who demonstrate companies. proficiency in English and another language. There are many program types and pathways for both Currently, 36 states and Washington D.C. young and older children to attain high-level biliterate offer a seal of biliteracy. Communities across language skills. Some programs are designed to build on students’ home language, while others are designed to Stacey the nation are developing an awareness of the Larson-Everson economic and social value of multilingualism, introduce students to a new language altogether. Varied Assistant the realities of a global century and the high program models and language teaching approaches engage Superintendent level of academic achievement associated students in learning a second language and promote their with the attainment of literacy in multiple capacity for developing high levels of language fluency. languages. BUSD currently offers a variety of language learning Statewide in California for 2018, 55,000 graduating pathways for students including language immersion at California seniors were recognized with a Seal of Biliteracy the elementary school level and world language programs on their diplomas. In BUSD for the 2017-2018 school year, at the middle and high school level for students wanting to 153 seniors graduated with the prestigious California State learn Spanish, French or Mandarin. Seal of Biliteracy Award. Being biliterate is beneficial to If you would like to learn more about the pathways to students beyond college and career readiness and there biliteracy offered in BUSD, please contact the Educational are potential economic and social advantages for students Services Office at 562-866-9011 Ext. 2300.
Intensive Learning Center 4718 E. Michelson St., Lakewood, CA 90712 • 562/804-6513 • www.busd.k12.ca.us/domain/15 STEAM at ILC STEAM (Science, Technology, Upper grade students’ introduction into STEAM Engineering, Art, Mathematics) instruction becomes more detailed and complex as we integrate logic, at ILC engages students in hands-on lessons problem solving, and critical thinking skills through while introducing them to concepts that coding. Technology skills are taught through sequencing, build on college and career readiness. repeated functions, animation, graphic design, and STEAM activities also peak students’ conditioning. Scientific experiments build upon foundational Beverly interests and potentially lay the foundation Swanson for students to participate in BUSD’s CTE/ knowledge in primary grades, as students conduct Principal CalAPS programs at the secondary level. experiments on electrical circuits, sound waves, solar We have revamped our former science lab to expand energy, and plant dissection. Activities and interactive instruction into STEAM lessons. Students may visit the computer tools dive into microorganisms. Students create STEAM lab to conduct science experiments, explore sewing models of rock formations and layers, rivers with the cause with our new sewing machines, or dabble in culinary and effect of erosion, and use physical models to observe arts through cooking. Primary students have varied wave motion and patterns. Project learning extends into opportunities to learn concepts of agriculture through product innovation and design with marketing through gardening, harvesting, and integrating observation and culinary arts and sewing. Engineering projects increase graphing into measuring plant growth. These concepts lead with depth and complexity by integrating components of to direct instruction on both plant and animal life cycles. the engineering process and the scientific method. Science experiments, such as dissecting owl pellets, Students also collaborate through writing, creating, and engage students in fully understanding life cycle through editing videos with film and production. an interactive experience. Environmental sciences are At ILC, it is “full STEAM ahead!” emphasized through education and participation in recycling programs.
6 www.schoolnewsrollcall.com California Advancing Pathways for Students (CalAPS) Outstanding Job at Conference attending workshops, listening to key note speakers and Students traveled to Sacramento, March visiting historic Sacramento sites. More than thirty-five 27-31st to compete at the California HOSA- hundred students attended representing high schools in Future Health Professionals Conference. California. CalAPS was proud to participate in the event Thirty-one students competed in for the first time! various health related areas such as Four of our EMT students advanced to the second Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), round of competition and had the opportunity to perform their skills in front of a panel of judges. They were to Lisa Azevedo Medical Terminology, Cardio Pulmonary CEO CalAPS Resuscitation (CPR)/First Aid, and respond and triage a Mass Causality Incident (MCI) within Community Emergency Response Team twelve minutes. They did an outstanding job and we were (CERT) practices. Students spent four days extremely proud of them!
HOSA students dressed and ready to go to the HOSA — Future Health Professionals Opening Ceremony.
• CTE courses for students grade 9-12 in the Bellflower and Lynwood Unified School Districts • Transportation is provided
For More Information — CalAPS.org Questions: 562-866-9011 extension 2184/2185
Covering the Bellflower Unified School District May 2019 7 Special Education & Student Services 16703 S. Clark Ave., Bellflower, CA 90706 • 562/866-9011 • www.busd.k12.ca.us/domain/44 Building Resilience Teach your child self-care that includes daily physical Are you looking for ways to help your child activity. Show by example how your child can make time to become more confident? Handle everyday eat healthy food, engage in physical activity, and rest. frustrations better? Bounce back from life’s Move toward your goals. Teach your child to set challenges? Life can be challenging and may reasonable goals and then to move toward them one include many stressful situations. Parents step at a time. Moving toward that goal and receiving and children can feel overwhelmed by praise for doing so will focus your child on what he or Stacey Stewart different thing at different times. she has accomplished rather than on what hasn’t been Assistant Resilience is the ability to steer through accomplished, and can help build the resilience to move Superintendent serious life challenges and find ways to forward in the face of challenges. bounce back and thrive. Here are ten tips for Nurture a positive self-view. Help your child remember building resilience in children and teens: ways that he or she has successfully handled hardships in Make connections. Connecting with friends on social media the past and then help them understand that these past or online gaming isn’t the same as having a true connection challenges help them build the strength to handle future with another human being. Teach your child how to be a challenges. friend in order to make friends and build a strong family Keep things in perspective and maintain a hopeful network to support your child through the ups and downs. outlook. An optimistic and positive outlook enables your Help your child by having him or her help others. child to see the good things in life and keep going even in Engage your child in age appropriate volunteer work or ask the hardest times. your child’s assistance with a task you are working on that Look for opportunities for self-discovery. Point out he or she can learn. how you see your child facing challenges and use these Maintain a daily routine. Sticking to a routine can be opportunities to teach him or her about “grit” or not giving comforting for children and parents. Providing a structure up when things get hard. helps decrease stress and anxiety around inevitable Accept that change is part of living. Help your child see transitions and change. that change is part of life and new goals can replace goals Take a break. If your child is worried, anxious or stressed, that have become unattainable. help him or her to focus on something else. Build unstructured *Adapted from information provided by the American time in your routine to allow children to be creative. Psychological Association
Curriculum & Instruction 16703 S. Clark Ave., Bellflower, CA 90706 • 562/866-9011 • www.busd.k12.ca.us/domain/47 Building a Foundation with Music What do Beyoncé, Bob Dylan, Drake, Walk through an elementary school in our District on and Madonna have in common? True, they any given day and you will hear children singing or playing all have music in common. But as music instrumental music (band) in 5th and 6th grades. The practitioners, they also share what the District provides a music program to each child in grades Backstreet Boys stated are the benefits 5-6 in either chorus or band. of practicing music. “Practicing music Our elementary schools provide a robust, professional quality music program connecting elementary schools Erik Elward reinforces teamwork, communication skills, Assistant self-discipline, and creativity.” through middle schools and into the high schools. Students Superintendent In addition to building life-necessary can expect a band for them to play in from the 5th grade skills such as communication, the benefits of all the way up through high school. At both middle schools, music extend or transfer to other areas of (y)our children’s Bellflower and Mayfair, there is a high quality, award lives. Participating in a music program provides immediate winning band and music program. When students go to results within school success. Research has linked music high school, they have the continued opportunity to play in participation to improved reading comprehension, math a high quality, award winning band and music program. reasoning, and listening skills, among other benefits. Studies Whether or not your child is going to grace the stage of have also shown that students with two or three years of The Forum or Carnegie Hall, the elementary school music music experience had better results on college readiness program provides (y)our children with benefits for the rest exams such as the SAT than their non-musical counterparts. of their lives.
8 www.schoolnewsrollcall.com Las Flores Home Education/Independent Study Academy 10039 E. Palm St., Bellflower, CA 90706 • 562/804-6565 • www.busd.k12.ca.us/domain/11 Racing to the 21st Century These components are as follows: The teachers at Las Flores Home R— restate the question; A — answer; C — cite Education Independent Study Academy have evidence from the text to support the answer (how do been working diligently all year to ensure you know?); E — explain why the evidence supports students are thinking at high levels and have the answer (how does the evidence chosen justify the stamina and grit to tackle the state test the response?); R— reflect on the response and make with confidence and ease. generalizations that extend beyond the text and content (what does this teach us or how does this relate to Tamara Zylla One strategy to develop depth and Principal complexity in written and oral responses something else?) that students have been perfecting since R.A.C.E.R. is used in all grade levels at Las Flores to August is the use of R.A.C.E.R.. Through this strategy varying degrees. It begins in Kindergarten with students students are able to develop a deeper understanding of learning how to restate the question and provide a a concept by interacting with a text while answering complete sentence answer and continues through high high-level thinking questions. Using R.A.C.E.R. requires school with students extrapolating their knowledge to students to move beyond a simple answer by providing new contexts. R.A.C.E.R. is also used in math to support evidence and reasoning to justify their assertion as well as students in deepening their understanding of the concepts make generalizations beyond the content. R.A.C.E.R. is an behind the procedures as they explain why their answers acronym, and each letter represents a different component are correct. to the response. We look forward to continuing to use this method as we work to cultivate higher level thinking skills and increase our students’ ability to be 21st century learners.
Albert Baxter Elementary 14929 S. Cerritos Ave., Bellflower, CA 90706 • 562/531-1602 www.busd.k12.ca.us/domain/8 Write On! Baxter students are writing, writing, writing! Our goal this year is to turn our students into amazing authors. Dedicated Baxter teachers have been developing students’ informational, opinion, and narrative writing. Stop by any classroom Sue Curtiss and you will see students writing clear and Principal coherent sentences and multi-paragraph essays using sophisticated vocabulary and organization. The student work featured on our classroom walls really shows that our student writers are growing rapidly. Preparing our students for success in college and career means strengthening their communication and technology skills. Our students use their Chromebooks regularly to research writing topics and to publish their original writing pieces. Writing is important because it helps us express what we want and need to say. Writing helps us to communicate with family, friends, and people at school. Writing takes many different formats: grocery lists, personal letters, job applications, tests, essays, term papers, etc. Our Baxter Bears are ready to write no matter what college or career awaits them! Third graders Arianna Ortiz and Leah Lopez are proud of their opinion writing, completed on their Chromebooks.
Covering the Bellflower Unified School District May 2019 9 BellflowerMiddle School / High School 15301 McNab Ave., Bellflower, CA 90706 • 562/920-1801 www.bellflowerhigh.org Important Dates and Activities • Senior Awards Night will be held on Monday, May 20 As we approach the end of the 2018-2019 at 6:00 pm in the gym. This night is by invitation only. school year, I would like to inform you of • 8th Grade Awards Night will be held on some important dates and activities going Tuesday, May 21 in the gym at 6:00 p.m. on at Bellflower Middle/High School, as well • 8th Grade Promotion will be held on Tuesday, June 4 as, begin talking about the 2019-2020 school at 8:30 a.m. in the gym. year. • Finally, the Commencement Ceremony for the Class of 2019 will take place on Wednesday, June 5 at 6:30 p.m. Michael Lundgren Our annual Open House will take place on Principal Tuesday, May 14 beginning at 6:00 p.m. The at Ron Yary Stadium. evening will begin with performances from The 2019-2020 school year will be starting earlier than our Middle School band, a brief PTSA meeting, and finally, in previous years. The first day of school will be Thursday, campus visitations beginning at 6:30 p.m. August 15. School will begin at 9:30 a.m. Have a safe and restful summer!
Stephen Foster Elementary Thomas Jefferson Elementary 5223 E. Bigelow St., Lakewood, CA 90712 • 562/804-6518 10027 Rose St., Bellflower, CA 90706 • 562/804-6521 www.busd.k12.ca.us/domain/9 www.busd.k12.ca.us/domain/10 Student Success in All Areas We Build Futures Stephen Foster is a school where our hope With only a few months left of school, the is for our students to become well rounded students and staff at Jefferson are hard at citizens in their communities. The idea work preparing for and participating in many of the whole child approach to education unique learning opportunities. These include consists of creating policies, practices, and science camp and field learning experiences relationships that ensures that each child to the Museum of Natural History, the Claudia Castillo is healthy, safe, engaged, supported, and Tiffany Aquarium of the Pacific, and the Japanese Principal challenged in schools. In our path to creating Dominguez Gardens. this environment to meet the needs of our Principal Most recently, our school held its students, we are building our systems around MTSS, Multi- annual College and Career Week. During Tiered Systems of Supports. this week, students heard from individuals who work in In California, MTSS is an integrated, comprehensive the community, learned about various colleges and the framework that focuses on CCSS, core instruction, programs they offer, and set future goals for themselves. differentiated learning, student-centered learning, This week was individualized student needs, and the alignment of systems enjoyed by all and necessary for all students’ academic, behavioral, and social helped students to success. Accomplishing this consists of collaboration of the understand how entire school community to compose these tiered supports. the information and We are currently working on identifying and aligning our skills they learn in tiered supports for academic interventions. Our goal is to school can help them align these as a school site for consistency and fluidly. make their dreams a Currently our MTSS model consists of our PBIS program reality! for positive behavior intervention, RtI academic intervention, Moving forward, core instruction, counseling services with our counselor and we are excited for guidance intern, peer mediators for conflict resolution, Case all the events still to Manager for Caring Connections, buddy system for general come and are looking education and special education students for PE instruction, forward to another Gate program, band/chorus programs, and lastly our parent successful College involvement committees such as PTA, SSC, and ELAC. As and Career Week we revise and modify our systems our number one goal will next year because always be student success in all areas, academic, physical, Students dressing up in career gear here at Jefferson - We social, and emotional. and posing for pictures Build Futures! in a photo booth activity
10 www.schoolnewsrollcall.com Esther Lindstrom Elementary Mayfair Middle School / High School 5900 N. Canehill Ave., Lakewood, CA 90713 • 562/804-6525 6000 N. Woodruff Ave., Lakewood, CA 90713 • 562/925-9981 www.busd.k12.ca.us/domain/12 www.mayfairmonsoons.org
Lindy Lions have a Growth Mindset End of Year Activities and Celebrations This year, we have been focusing on We come to the end of another incredible fostering a Growth Mindset as a school school year here at Mayfair Middle/High community. Growth Mindset is the belief and School. I am so proud to be able to serve mindset that intelligence can be developed the wonderful students here and the entire and the brain can be grown and strengthened Mayfair community. I extend my gratitude just like a muscle, which grows with exercise. to the entire Mayfair community for their Ama Holmes By encouraging a Growth Mindset, our hope Julie Stanley continued support to our students, teachers Principal is that each Lindstrom student will achieve Principal and staff. a greater level of success, academically, As the end of the year is quickly socially and in all they do. approaching, we are preparing for the many celebrations At Lindstrom, we have taken various steps in our and recognitions that happen at the end of each school effort to foster this mindset in our students. This year, year. I would like to share with you some important dates our counselor has rotated through classrooms, engaging and activities that will be going on at Mayfair Middle/High and teaching our students about Growth Mindset. She School. has supported them as they set and monitored goals and • Our annual Open House will take place on Thursday, persevered through challenges and barriers with the May 16. The evening will include an amazing adopted attitude of “The Power of Yet.” performance by our award-winning Mariners group, a Teachers have also taught lessons on Growth Mindset, and fundraising dinner including pulled-pork sandwiches, some have volunteered as the Growth Mindset committee, a brief PTSA meeting, amazing displays of student leading weekly Growth Mindset Club meetings for our work along with opportunities to visit classrooms. students and leading the charge for Lindstrom. Our students • Middle School Pride Night will take place on have taken an active role in perpetuating this mindset at Wednesday, May 22 at 5:30 p.m. Lindstrom. They have encouraged their peers to persevere • Senior Awards Night will take place on Thursday, by trying different methods when faced with an obstacle or May 30 at 5:30 p.m. challenge and some have shared weekly Growth Mindset • 8th grade promotion will be on Wednesday, June 5 challenges and motivational announcements to the school. at 8:30 a.m. Growth Mindset is one of the many ways that we support • Senior week activities will kick-off on June 3 and social emotional learning at Lindstrom. As Lindy Lions, information on packages can be found on our website we understand that when our students are emotionally and accounting office. well and they demonstrate a Growth Mindset, they thrive • The last of our year-end celebrations will be the academically and are more prepared to face and overcome Commencement Ceremony for the Class of 2019 on obstacles and challenges that life may bring. Thursday, June 6 at 6:30 p.m. at Ron Yary Stadium. We are thankful for the opportunity to work together as a school community to supporting our students as they The 2019-2020 school year will begin on Thursday, build their bright futures, with a strong foundation and August 15. We wish all of our families and students a with a Growth Mindset. restful and enjoyable summer break.
Congratulations! Class of 2019
Covering the Bellflower Unified School District May 2019 11 Ernie Pyle Elementary 14500 S. Woodruff Ave., Bellflower, CA 90706 • 562/804-6528 • www.busd.k12.ca.us/domain/13 Succeeding in the 21st Century Through our practice of accountable talk, Ernie Pyle At Ernie Pyle we strive to support the students are becoming better equipped with the skills and development of all students. perseverance to succeed in the 21st century. Our values include curiosity, sociability, self- awareness, integrity, Jessica Cummings empathy, resilience, Principal resourcefulness, and creativity. Teachers at Ernie Pyle work to help students develop the strategic thinking skills necessary for success in educational and personal adventures. Ernie Pyle scholars have dedicated themselves to strengthening all student to student interactions. Students are encouraged to ask and answer questions of each other’s thinking and explain or defend their comments in order to deepen their understanding of concepts taught in all subjects. 6th grade students Esther Obianyo, Kevin Asberry, Maryjane Garcia, and Karina Ocegueda
Somerset High School 9242 E. Laurel St., Bellflower, CA 90706 • 562/804-6548 www.busd.k12.ca.us/somerset Working Together A team of Somerset High School students including ASB created a presentation for the Southeast Los Angeles County Workforce Development Board, SELACO, on the topic of connecting high school students with jobs and furthering their education in the career Mark Kailiponi areas that they choose. Principal Somerset students used Equity-Centered Design Thinking to answer the following questions: • What are the barriers to students connecting with jobs? • How can SELACO better serve students from 16-18 years of age? • What are the solutions to these barriers to employment? On April 4th, in Kiwanis Hall, students made their Students working hard to create their presentation for SELACO. presentation to SELACO and their parents. This process helped students define problems, create solutions, test Social Studies, Math, and Science. Mastering the skills of the solutions, and reflect and evaluate the effectiveness of working together with others to solve problems or create these solutions. This presentation was created in a series of solutions is a valuable skill we strive to develop at Somerset 5 four hour workshops that integrated learning in English, High School.
12 www.schoolnewsrollcall.com Ramona Elementary 9351 Laurel St., Bellflower, CA 90706 • 562/804-6532 • www.busd.k12.ca.us/ramonaelementary STEM Lessons Ramona families are invited to in the Garden a garden party at the end of the Spring has come school year. They sample snacks to Ramona and it is a made from garden produce, enjoy beautiful time of the a student-led tour of the garden year to be in the Ramona and every family goes home with a garden. We are pleased to starter set of seeds to begin their own garden. Dr. Deirdre Reyes partner with Enrich LA Principal to provide our students The Ramona Garden is our very with weekly lessons from own outdoor classroom and the a garden ranger in our very own garden sense of excitement and enthusiasm built by the Ramona community. of the students during garden Our garden boasts a wide array lessons is evident. It’s a great place of fruits and vegetables including to learn! tomatoes, squash, lettuce, and strawberries. This delicious fare is planted, tended, harvested and of course, tasted by our students under the excellent guidance of our garden ranger. Our students in kindergarten through sixth grade participate in hands-on and interdisciplinary lessons in our “outdoor classroom”. Lessons cover a variety of topics such as environmental stewardship, creating compost bins, sustainable eats, and food chains. Garden lessons provide a strong connection to Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) and students learn about topics in these subjects such as the Fibonacci sequence in a meaningful way by studying nature.
Washington Elementary 9725 Jefferson St., Bellflower, CA 90706 • 562/804-6535 www.busd.k12.ca.us/washingtonelementary
Amplify Curriculum are engaged in argumentation by using At Washington Elementary, strong evidence in their findings through we are sparking all of our active reading, discussions, and using students’ curiosity! Washington simulations. By the end of the unit, the 6th grade students are students will be able to understand how becoming experts in the our metabolism works in a healthy body LS1.C Life Science: Structure and how it differs in a body with medical conditions. Dr. Angelica and Function. They are Montelongo discovering how metabolism Our students at Washington Principal works by utilizing the Amplify Elementary are encouraged to always Curriculum. ask questions while they are actively Students are analyzing and collecting data exploring. As Albert Einstein once said, from a healthy body and a body with a medical “Education is not the learning of facts, but condition. During this process, the students the training of the mind to think.”
Covering the Bellflower Unified School District May 2019 13 Craig Williams Elementary 6144 Clark Ave., Lakewood, CA 90712 • 562/804-6540 • www.busd.k12.ca.us/craigwilliamselementary Musical Scholars shown to improve language and reasoning, give students Craig Williams has collaborated with a sense of achievement, build imagination and intellectual Education Through Music – Los Angeles curiosity, and improve self-confidence, communication, and (ETM-LA), to bring music instruction to attendance. students in grades kindergarten through By offering music instruction in grades K-4, students fourth grade. may continue their musical pathway into the upper Each class receives 30-45 minutes of elementary grades and into middle and high school to become true musical scholars. Stacey Williams music instruction that is aligned to the Principal Visual and Performing Arts Standards on a weekly basis. With this addition to our program, we are now the only elementary school in the Bellflower Unified School District to offer music instruction school-wide. Students learn how to keep a steady beat, the basics of rhythm, and learn about making music. The benefits of music in the school are far reaching. Music has Frank E. Woodruff Elementary 15332 S. Eucalyptus Ave., Bellflower, CA 90706 • 562/804-6545 • www.busd.k12.ca.us/frankwoodruffelementary Wolves HOWL with Pride! Finally, we celebrate our parents’ engagement in a So far this year, we continue celebrating variety of events, from the Reindeer Run, Red Ribbon Week and acknowledging the accomplishments of and parent workshops. The workshops covered academics, our Woodruff Wolves. wellness/mindfulness, nutrition, and growth mindset. We began with our Math Olympics Parents that completed the 8-week workshop were Medal ceremony during our morning flag recognized with a certificate of participation and perfect assemblies where students are acknowledged attendance. Evelyne Almada for meeting Principal grade level specific math goals. All previous winners are encouraged to wear their medals to Olympic ceremonies and enjoy the planned rewards. More than 50% of our students have earned their medals so far! Additionally, we had eleven students reclassified as English Language Learners. Students received a certificate and ribbon for successfully meeting all BUSD reclassification requirements, which is a great accomplishment.
14 www.schoolnewsrollcall.com Early Childhood Education Alana’s Book Review 16703 S. Clark Ave., Bellflower, CA 90706 • 562/461-2227 www.busd.k12.ca.us/domain/53 Making Video Games As a young person that’s going into the Bellflower Early Learning field of game development, it’s surprisingly Link Program hard to find any sources to look to for BUSD recently celebrated the grand re- guidance. Fortunately, however, I had the opening of the Bellflower Early Learning luck to come across this book at my local Link (BELL) program. library: The Ultimate Guide to Video Game What is BELL? BELL is an interactive Alana F. Writing and Design by Flint Dille and John program for children ages 0-5 years of age Zuur Platten. Stacey and their caretaker. At BELL you will be able This text tells you all you could ever hope to learn about Larson-Everson to engage your child in activities that develop video game creation - character development, world- Assistant your child’s cognitive, social emotional and building, establishing a franchise, and so much more. With Superintendent physical development, and most importantly special assignments and tangible activities for the reader Educational you will have fun and learn alongside your Services to complete throughout the book, this flawlessly executes child! education on a very specific topic like I’ve never seen I’d give this book 7 out of 8 Triforce shards for creativity and readability. With the help of this book, I went from having no experience with video game development to having countless pages of work done on my very first video game.
Alana is a student columnist and a self-proclaimed “huge nerd.” When she doesn’t have a book in her hands, she loves to play video games and write fiction. She rates books on a scale of 1-8 triforce shards with 8 being the highest
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Covering the Bellflower Unified School District May 2019 15