Fresno Unified FUSD begins Sunnyside Choir Seniors get a ‘Reality construction of Gets Top Award in Check.’ Olmos Elementary Europe. School. - Page 4 - Page 7 - Page 14

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y h t e i s r r e e o iv ur D St ur Building FuturesA Publication of the Fresno Unified School District r o Building Futures ength is 2006 winner of California School Public Relations Association Community Newsletter Award of Excellence

Volume 2, Edition 4 Fresno Unified School District - Serving the Community since 1889 Summer 2006 Fresno’s Valedictorians Shine Fresno Unified’s Class of 2006 contained a near record 186 valedictorians among the 3,270 graduates. And among those 189 with top grades some stood out for their extra-curricular and volunteer work. McLane Valedictorian, Pahoua Yang, enters the University of California-Davis in the fall on an esteemed Bill Gates Scholarship. This full scholarship also includes graduate school stud- ies, which has helped cement Pahoua’s decision to fulfill her dream of being a bilingual physician or a nurse practitioner. Graduating with a 4.32 grade point average (GPA), Pahoua was a member of the Medical Academy at McLane, where she conducted re- search on diabetes with the Community Dia- betes Care Center. A four-year AVID student (Advancement Via Individual Determination), and a tutor at McLane, Pahoua also is a life- time member of the California Scholarship Fed- eration (CSF) and served as the treasurer of the school’s Key Club. Volunteer work and fundraising for non-profit organizations also played an important role in Pahoua’s high school experience. Pahoua said that she worked on several proj- ects for Tree Fresno, Habitat for Humanity, Val- ley Children’s “Kid’s Day,” Poverello House and Nazareth House. Pahoua is very proud of her participation in the school play last fall and participating on the backstage crew for this year’s spring production. “I am glad I took theatre because I proved to myself that it is possible to achieve a lot as well as maintain good grades and take part in ex- tra-curricular activities at the same time,” said Pahoua. Pahoua said that her Principal, Frank Sil- vestro, “understood me very well” and she will always remember his support and kindness to- wards her whenever she talked to him about per- Representatives of Fresno Unified’s 186 valedictorians met in front of the Bulldog statue at the Shehadey entrance to the SaveMart Center sonal conflicts she was experiencing during her on the campus of California State University, Fresno years in high school. Roosevelt High School’s Valedictorian, Sue Yang, has made his mark as an award-winning B’rith Awards. was a two-year letterman in both football and FRESNO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT NON PROFIT EDUCATION CENTER US POSTAGE high school student and now prepares to do the Sue was the North Fresno Exchange Club track and field at Roosevelt. Sue will study en- 2309 TULARE ST PAID FRESNO, CA 93721-2287 FRESNO, CA same as a freshman next fall at California Poly- Youth of the Year and was also Student of the gineering and physics next year at Cal Poly. PERMIT NO. 2040 technical Institute in San Luis Obispo. Sue, the Month at Roosevelt, according to Roosevelt Fresno’s valedictorians all plan on attending seventh of 15 children, won the prestigious Dir- High School Assistant Principal, John Leal. institutions of higher learning, with many having ECRWSS gan Academic Scholarship for the highest grade Sue’s honors also include ESPN Player of the been accepted with scholarships to some of the RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMER point average of 4.2 at the 53rd Annual B’Nai Week and the NYL Discussion Champion. He nation’s most prestigous schools.  Building Futures A Publication of the Fresno Unified School District Teachers Learn from Chinese Classrooms

Two teachers from Hidalgo Elementary stories and send home tapes so parents can also School, along with the district Reading First help. Content Expert, were given the unique oppor- Delegates found that the Chinese are now tunity to interact and exchange ideas with inter- taking into account the education of children national colleagues, when they served as Early with special needs, with more than 1500 spe- Childhood Delegates for the People to People cial education schools around the country. They Ambassador Program in China. have also tried to ensure minority education op- Gay Ockey, Reading First Content Expert, said portunities through bilingual schools with texts their team of three, including Maryann Lambar- in 53 of the 55 minority languages in over 3,500 en, Reading First Coach and Clara Romero, Kin- textbook titles. dergarten teacher and Grade Level Chair, trav- The People to People conference was held at eled to China to broaden their knowledge on the Beijing Normal University, a teacher univer- language acquisition and to learn instructional sity located in the capital. This university spon- strategies that would imrpove achievement for sored one of the kindergarten schools that the students in Fresno. delegates visited. Some of the teachers at the “What we thought we would see in this com- university trained and worked at the kindergar- munist country was a very traditional, teacher- ten school and were also the Chinese counter- centered, education system,” said Ockey. “What parts in an exchange in U.S. schools. we observed was just the opposite with stu- The delegates expressed their appreciation dent-centered, experience related classrooms for being able to participate in the professional that reminded us of some of the past teaching exchange and learned new techniques for accel- practices popular during the “Whole Language” erating English Learners’ progress. The Hildago movement of the early 1980’s and 1990’s in many teachers came back with answers to many que- of the U.S. school districts.” ries posed by principals and literacy coaches The Fresno delegates visited two pre-school/ prior to their departure to the international ex- kindergarten schools in Beijing but were unable change. They said they also gained new learn- to visit any first through six grade classrooms. ing and friendships throughout the endeavor They learned that the Chinese began teaching and found a better understanding of the simi- a second language - usually English - as early larities that all countries encounter in regards to as three to six years old. Chinese teachers have educational reform. “America is in the forefront students listen and repeat words and songs with in many regards, but there are many lessons to chants, use pictures to reinforce words, read be learned from abroad,” added Ockey. Clara Romero (l), Gay Ockey (c) and Maryann Lambaren pose in front of Beijing’s Forbidden City.

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'VUVSFT Superintendent’s Message !0UBLICATIONOFTHE&RESNO5NIFIED3CHOOL$ISTRICT

Board of Education I was recently earlier and to have students’ needs drive cipals. We’re also partnering with Fresno State Luisa Medina sitting with my budget decisions University to develop an administrative training President children, review- 6. Accelerating learning for every student program specifically designed for our staff. ing their year-end We’re still waiting for our marks from the state As we’ve been reorganizing, our Communi- Janet Ryan report cards from on that last academic goal, but the district has cations Office has sent dozens of updates to Clerk a Fresno Unified made significant strides in the other areas. And employees and community leaders throughout elementary school. our budgeting work has resulted in a plan for the the year to keep everyone informed about im- Patricia R. Barr Valerie F. Davis My first-grader 2006/07 school year that’s something to cheer portant changes in a timely manner. To improve Carol Mills, J.D. wondered why work about. It stands in stark contrast to budgets in communication and connections with the com- Manuel G. Nunez Michael E. Hanson he completed had recent years that had cut staff and programs munity next year, we will double our investment Superintendent Tony Vang, Ed.D. to be graded. I told such as elementary music. This summer we’ll be in our new Community and Family Engagement him that I thought hiring scores of teachers, counselors and school Network (formerly known as Parent Engagement it was important to have goals and to check in leaders to support our struggling schools and Center). CFEN will work to put information, Administration along the way to monitor his progress. Report improve student learning. classes, and parent resources in every school, to cards are one way our teachers give that feed- To get to significant changes in our budget- make our schools more welcoming and friendly, Michael E. Hanson Superintendent of Schools back, I told him. When he asked me if grown- ing and staffing we had to first rebuild our -or and to help families become more involved in ups ever get graded, I told him that it happens ganization. In January, 2006 I reorganized the their students’ education. Linda Hauser, Ed.D every day for most adults at work. It started me central office to focus on academics and divide Throughout this past year, to better commu- Chief Academic Officer thinking. the instructional workload into three divisions nicate and explain financial matters, we made Erin Kennedy As the school year comes to a close, at the – one that works on accelerating learning for regular budget presentations to the School Chief Information Officer end of my first year as Superintendent I’d like to students, a second that provides support to our Board and frequent fiscal assessments for the share some of the district’s progress. schools, and a third to provide service to Spe- public. Last month after hearing presentations Kim Mecum Last August, I stood in front of our adminis- cial Education students and their families. We on the district’s budget, Standard & Poor’s and Associate Superintendent, Human Resouces/Labor Relations trative team and school site leaders – approx- also restructured four departments this spring Moody Investment Service upgraded Fresno imately 500 people – to set some targets for – Prevention and Intervention, Special Educa- Unified’s financial status, boosting our credit Ruth F. Quinto the 2005/2006 school year. These targets were tion, Human Resources/Labor Relations and rating so the district will get a better interest Chief Financial Officer based on what community leaders, in the Choos- Curriculum, Instruction and Professional Devel- rate the next time we seek a bond. It’s already Terry Simerly ing Our Future task force report, had identified opment – to create a system that is more re- made the difference in the bonds we’ll be selling Associate Superintendent, School Support Services as needing work: sponsive to students’ and employees’ needs. In this month to help finance the construction of a • instructional and operational strategies addition, 70% of the district’s leadership team central kitchen and nutrition center. Barbara Bengel Assistant Supt. State and Federal Programs • governance, human resources and has changed and there are 19 new principals. We have made changes to our budgeting and organizational philosophy These new leaders have each made significant staffing processes which is having a profound Elva Coronado • stakeholder engagement commitments to our district and our students by affect on our schools and educational programs Assistant Supt. K-8 Education • fiscal matters effectively saying, “I’m ready for the hard work for the 2006/2007 school year. Budget discus- • academic performance ahead, because I believe in our students and our sion started in February when we asked the Mabel Franks In August 2005, I committed to: team.” Board of Education to set priorities and goals. Assistant Superintendent, Middle School 1. Re-building our organization In this edition of Building Futures you can read This year, our budget decisions were driven by Doug Jones 2. Developing better skills in our leaders and about the work we’ve done to provide leader- those priorities and goals for academic achieve- Assistant Superintendent, Special Education our teachers ship development opportunities for those com- ment, school safety, social/emotional support 3. Improving communications inside FUSD and mitted staff. We supported four vice principals for students, broad opportunities for students, Holland Locker Assistant Supt. K-8 Education with the public this year in central office positions, to give them and a skilled workforce. Given our trustees’ fo- 4. Reporting on our financial status regularly a totally different management experience then cus and the expectations from our community, John Marinovich throughout the year they would receive while working at a school. we asked principals what kinds of additional Assistant Supt. High School Division 5. Redesigning the budget process – to start Three of them were recently hired as new prin- Please see Superintendent’s Message, Page 11

Building Futures Leadership Development: Susan Bedi Community Relations Officer Building Capacity Building Furtures is published in August, October and December of 2006, and February, April and June of 2007 by the Communications Office of Fresno Unfied School District. The department can be reached at (559) 457-3733 or online at www.fresnounified.org. By Joel Rabin, PhD. piring leaders left their school sites, to come “Toby’s special assignment included in-depth Administrative Analyst downtown to support school improvement ac- experiences in curriculum, instruction, and staff The name of this newspaper – Building Fu- tions on a district level. Toby Wait was hired as development,” Marinovich explained. “By work- tures – refers to the important work of prepar- Assistant Principal on Special Assignment for ing in the district office he also was able to gain ing students for their future. It also refers to high schools. Sandy Fuerte-Borrego, Davinder first-hand insights of district and Board policies our current work to build the capacity of the en- Sidhu, and Lynn Rocha-Salazar were hired as and operations, long-range planning, and the tire organization to create the best educational Vice Principals on Special Assignment for el- use of technology and data to support increased system for every student and for our collective ementary education. Each signed on to work student achievement.” future. for one to two years in these roles with the ex- The FUSD Board of Education, in May, made Regardless of whether we call it professional plicit purpose of preparing them to become site Wait the new principal of Hoover High School, development or staff training, building capac- principals. affirming the success of this capacity building ity, like building futures, is about investing in John Marinovich, Assistant Superintendent of program. In June, the Board of Education ap- people today for their own future as well as the High Schools, was Wait’s supervisor and profes- proved the promotions of Davinder Sidhu to future of the entire district. And one of the best sional mentor throughout the year, guiding him principal of Wishon Elementary School and ways to do it is through on-the-job training, as he learned new skills and acquired critical Lynn Rocha Salazar to principal of Ayer Elemen- rather than traditional methods such as confer- knowledge about managing a system of schools. tary School. ences or workshops. Marinovich said the experience gave Wait op- During the 2005/2006 school year, four as- portunities he wouldn’t have had at a school. Please see Leadership, Page 10 Summer 2006 Building Futures www.fresnounified.org   Building Futures A Publication of the Fresno Unified School District Fresno Seniors get ‘Reality Check’

Seniors throughout FUSD experienced a first-hand brush with death when they participated in “Reality Check,” a drunk-driving accident simulation held at several high schools in April. McLane High School Activities Director Chris Boswell explained that in cooperation with the Fresno Police Department, two wrecked vehicles and five students helped stage an accident involv- ing alcohol. Police, paramedics and the coroner were all on hand, lending to the full effect of what an accident of this nature would be like. Students commented that the mock accident really “hit home” and they were better able to iden- tify with the consequences of drinking and driving because of the life-like demonstration. Members of the police department and the coroner’s office also spoke to students about the dangers of driving drunk and showed a video after the simulation.

Fresno Police and Fire Department rescue personnel simulated a drunk driving accident for seniors at Edison High. Students said the simulation “hit home” and they were better able to identify the consequences of such actions.

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Summer 2006 Building Futures www.fresnounified.org   Building Futures A Publication of the Fresno Unified School District

 www.fresnounified.org Building Futures Summer 2006 A Publication of the Fresno Unified School District Building Futures  Construction begins on Mario G. Olmos Elementary School Members of the Fresno Unified School District recently gath- The school is designed to serve the community with soccer and credited his success to public education. ered with community leaders, neighbors and Olmos family and fields, baseball diamonds and an outside amphiteater. The celebration also included music provided by the Latin friends, for the groundbreaking ceremony of the Mario G. Olmos It is the third of 10 sites to be built with Measure K monies from Jazz Band of Roosevelt School of the Arts, entertainment by the Elementary School. the successful passage in March 2001 of $199 million in bonds Fresno High Folkloric Dancers, presentation of the flag by the The new school, which is slated to open in August 2007, will for new schools and up-grades to other schools throughout the Duncan Polytechnical High JROTC color guard, and greetings to be located at Chestnut and Mono between Kings Canyon and district. visitors from the Mayfair Elementary School cheerleaders. Tulare Avenues. It will serve kindergarten through 6th grade stu- The school is named after Judge dents and will be composed of a two-story building of classrooms Mario G. Olmos, a respected Fresno surrounded by auxiliary buildings, kindergarten rooms and a pre- community leader, who was tragi- school. cally killed in an automobile acci- dent in 1990 at age 43. Judge Children’s Early Intervention Screening st nd rd Olmos made an impact in the Pre- 1 - 2 - 3 grade, for learning problems, San Joaquin Valley’s Chica- starting at $360 (4th gr. thru adult, also) no-Latino community by be- ing an exemplary role model ♦ through his achievements as ADHD & Behavior Screening a student, volunteer, lawyer Major Insurance ♦ Medi-Cal ♦ Blue Cross Healthy Families and judge. or ♦ Hispanic organizations Adult, Child Family Therapy Psychiatrists Available such as the Association of ♦ Mexican American Educators William J. Volkoff MS MFT LEP (AMAE) and La Rosa Lawyers Licensed Marriage Family Therapist & Educational Psychologist recommended that the school be named after Olmos. 7335 N. First Suite 102 Fresno CA 93720 Phone 559-432-1088 Superintendent Michael ♦ E. Hanson opened the cer- Accepting new referrals. emony which featured mes- sages from the Olmos family and friends. Olmos’ widow, “Connecting schools & families, one student, one Mary Louise Frampton, said that Olmos would have been classroom, at a time.” honored by the school being www.earlyintervention.com named after him as he valued

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Above: Judge Olmos mother, Dolores Olmos lays a rose on the ww w.TutoringClu b.com ground with sons Tomas and Fidel during the groundbreaking TUTORIN G • M ATH • READIN G • W RITIN G • SAT PREP ceremony for Mario G. Olmos Elementary; Below, Fresno High Folkloric Dancers at the ceremony. Summer 2006 Building Futures www.fresnounified.org   Building Futures A Publication of the Fresno Unified School District Algebra is ‘King’ at Kings Canyon Middle School

Drop by Kings Canyon Middle School on any Saturday morning in February and March and Pictured left, Algebra teacher Chuck you will find more than 100 students brushing Rogers (right) helps students improve on up on their Algebra skills with Algebra teacher their math skills. Chuck Rogers at the front of the class. Why would students spend their weekend working math problems? According to Rogers, one spot, and we are heading there,” he said. for the past two years students have enjoyed Rogers is well known for his ability to motivate the “no pressure” and voluntary time honing students with his “Algebra Rap” and dressing to their math abilities prior to district testing. get the attention of his students. He also calls “The kids really enjoy coming in for Saturday this his second career, because Rogers worked school sessions,” said Rogers. “They are all his way up the wine industry ladder for 15 years business when they get here.” prior to his becoming a teacher. Interest in the Saturday sessions far surpassed Rogers graduated from Fresno State with an what Rogers and Program Manager Kathy Brown Enology degree (wine chemistry) and initially had first envisioned last year. Rogers said he went to work as a chemist for Gallo. He took a initially made 30 permission slips to hand out to promotion as Assistant Winemaker for Gibson potential Saturday students. To his amazement, Winery, Sanger, for five years and then went to 110 students showed up that first Saturday, so Vie-Del as Winemaker where he was finally pro- he moved the sessions from a classroom to the moted to be their Plant Manager. It was at this cafeteria. point that Rogers realized that his career in the Roger’s Saturday sessions are so popular now wine industry was not what he wanted. He de- BRIGHT CHILDREN AND ADULTS that students began asking when the classes cided to go back to school and learn to do what were going to start at the beginning of the year. he so enjoys today-teaching. who have difficulty with Rogers said that test scores on the Assessment “This is the best job I have ever had,” said of Critical Standards test and the California Rogers. “There are some days that I wouldn’t READING, WRITING, SPELLING and MATH Standards Test (CST) are improving, in part be- even have to be paid to come here to teach,” he cause of the Saturday school sessions. He also added. need specialized instruction offered at: added that the classes have helped bring the Roger’s enthusiasm has earned him several students together, while the kids see a different honors, including Fresno Unified’s “Excellence side to teaching. In Education.” He also was most recently hon- The Cullinan Education Center Kings Canyon was ranked fourth in the district ored for his contribution to education by the Specializing in Dyslexia and Learning Disabilities on their Algebra scores last year. “Our goal is to Association of Mexican American Educators   knock off Edison Computech from the number (AMAE). Multi-Sensory Approach One-on-One Tutoring Intensive Phonics Teacher Training Fresno/Clovis Area – Call 435-3276 Outside Fresno Area - Call Toll Free 1-866-685-3276

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 www.fresnounified.org Building Futures Summer 2006 A Publication of the Fresno Unified School District Building Futures  FUSD Transportation Director Trades Buses for Saddle

Terry Beaver leads a double life. When he is not to become part of the mounted unit. He said the serving as Fresno Unified’s Transportation Direc- training started from ground zero, teaching each Terry Beaver, tor, he is riding a horse as a Captain for the Fresno officer everything about proper horse care, equip- Fresno Unified’s Police Reserves. ment and riding techniques. Transportation Beaver’s career with the school district has As a mounted police reserve officer, he performs Director, is also a spanned 36 years. He currently supervises a depart- the same duties that a regular police officer does. reserve captain ment that transports 13,000 students per day from Public relations, controlling crowds, intervening for the Fresno their homes to school and back to their homes. in physical disturbances and sometimes arresting Police Department. It doesn’t take long for the District to rack up 1 people are all part of the job. He and horse million miles providing safe transportation for the Aboard his primary assigned horse “Stagecoach,” “Stagecoach” team students. Beaver and a team of two to four other mounted up for work in the According to Ralph Meza, Transportation Su- officers patrol regional parks, shopping centers, police department’s pervisor, the District has 91 buses and operates 68 Grizzly Baseball games and special events such as mounted unit. routes daily. (The extra buses allow for service and Mardi Gras in the Tower District or at the Big Fres- maintenance.) no Fair. Beaver works 40-60 hours each month, The buses travel more than 4,600 miles per day, primarily on the weekend. Also, monthly training or about 118,000 miles per month. That means meetings must be attended to be a reserve officer. District buses surpass the 1 million mile mark each “Anybody considering law enforcement should and every school year. try the police reserve first to decide if that’s what Beaver makes sure those buses keep running they want to do,” said Beaver. He also touts vol- every day while also working part-time on the po- unteering as part of the citizen patrol program as a lice reserve for the last 25 years. With a degree in way of getting involved in the community. Criminology and six horses at home, Beaver finds “There is a lot of self-satisfaction involved with his work with the police reserve a perfect fit. this work,” said Beaver. “You meet people in a “This is the way I give something back to my different frame on horseback. The horses draw community,” said Beaver. “I also have a lot of fun people in and it is one-on-one in a non-stressful serving.” situation.” For more information on the police re- According to Beaver, some 240 hours of train- serve or volunteering contact Officer Roger Hogan ing readied him for a 40 hour certification course at 621-2345.

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Check us out online at www.techdetails16.com CALL NOW! 1-866-792-8409 Not All Programs are DESIGNER CHECKLIST: Offered at All Locations Q Phone/Dept. # Q Color/Font/Size Q Ad Key QLogo/Art Summer 2006 Building Futures www.fresnounified.org  Q Mandatory Info Q Address Q Slug Correct Q website Q Notes Section Q Programs Initial: Designer PROOFER CHECKLIST: Q School Name Q Spell, Grammar Q Programs Q Punctuation Q Phone Number Q School Logo Q web Address Q Name Match Q Ad Key Q School Address Q Dept. Number QMandatory Info QSlug Q Optional/Misc. Q Sign Off Docket Q Notes Section Q Spot Color Initial: Proofer 10 Building Futures A Publication of the Fresno Unified School District Capacity Human Relations Continued from Page 3 The idea of taking aspiring leaders from schools for a one-to- two year “internship” appears to be a promising way to prepare Council Embraces them for site leadership. At the same time however, the district will need to hire many more site leaders each year. Fresno Unified is partnering with California State University, Diverse Leaders Fresno’s Kremen School of Education and Human Development to create a new Leadership Preparation program to meet the unique needs of FUSD teachers. Courses will be taught by FUSD senior Where can you meet some of the most responsible, leaders and CSUF professors – bridging theoretical models of respectful and trustworthy kids in Fresno Unified? Ask leadership with day-to-day operations. Teachers will earn an Ad- Robin Snowden, Algebra teacher at Fresno High and she ministrative Services Credential and Masters degree in just one will eagerly point them out. year as they attend class at nights and on weekends. A unique and diverse group of 60, who have their “It will be extremely meaningful for the participants as they advisor Mrs. Snowden singing her praises, serve Fresno learn about leadership by studying actual Fresno Unified opera- High as its Human Relations Council (HRC). Fresno tions,” said Julie Severns, FUSD Administrator of Leadership De- High’s HRC take tremendous care and pride to create Southeast Asian velopment. “It’s a win win situation – the district will create a and implement a school-wide action plan for a kinder, larger pool of qualified leaders, and it will help individuals with more welcoming campus. The group encourages stu- their own professional growth. My hope is that this program will dents to talk out differences and works to maintain a become the model for all of our aspiring leaders.” culture where everyone feels safe, special and signifi- Conference cant. The district will also continue the Aspiring Administrators pro- gram to support the professional development of teachers who Each Fresno Unified high school has a Human Re- have already completed their administrative credential. This pro- lations Council, promoting respect for the rights and Celebrates Heritage integrity of all individuals and recognizing the value of gram helps them to build relationships with other FUSD lead- ers, giving them first-hand experience using data to solve dis- each group as an important part of the community. A celebration of mutual heritage and an exploration of trict problems. The 25 Aspiring Administrators meet as a group “The Human Relations Council at Fresno High has advancement and broadening children’s educational monthly and are supported by a district mentor. taken on a number of difficult campus issues and dealt experiences brought parents, students and educators While watching the Hoover High School Class of 2006 take with them in a way that cuts right to the issue, but also alike, to the 4th Annual Southeast Asian Conference, their first steps toward their own future, Principal Wait reflected in a way which offers solutions to students, solutions held at Roosevelt High School in April. Mai Yang and on his experience as Assistant Principal on Special Assignment: Kou Moua, students at Roosevelt High School, register “Every site leader should have an opportunity like that, to partici- participants for the conference at Roosevelt High pate in district operations and decision making, work with teach- “We actually get School. ers and site leaders from different schools, prepare presentations for the Board of Education, and work closely with leaders and out there and get staff from each of our central office departments.” involved while talking about what’s happening at school and in Fresno.”

Samantha Carreon, freshman and HRC member at Fresno High

that make sense to them, solutions that they can em- brace,” said Bob Reyes, Principal at Fresno High. According to Snowden, the council serves as an inte- gral part of campus safety. Staging several campus-wide activities and events during the school year including “Breaking Down the Walls,” and “Mix It Up,” HRC also partners with Link Crew Leadership to assist incoming freshman students in their adjustment to campus life. “We are different from all the other clubs on cam- pus,” said Freshman Samantha Carreon, a HRC member at Fresno High. “We actually get out there and get in- volved while talking about what’s happening at school and in Fresno.” Not only is Snowden’s council fulfilling the mission of the district HRC councils by “celebrating what’s right: in our families, in our schools, in our community, in our world,” said Snowden. But students are also developing themselves as true leaders within their student body. “I love these kids,” praised Snowden. “Our focus of campus environment, caring, citizenship, respect, fair- ness, responsibility and trustworthiness is being fulfilled by this awesome group of students.”

10 www.fresnounified.org Building Futures Summer 2006 A Publication of the Fresno Unified School District Building Futures 11 Addicott Hosts 28th Annual International Sports Day and Open House Baccalaureate Program Keeps Growing Throughout the world, the International Bac- program calaureate (IB) program at Fresno High School The Class of 2006 has 25 students, with six offers students a competitive edge with a rigor- full-diploma candidates including the “Great ous college prep curriculum for those interested Eight”, who started at the program’s inception in in working at a higher academic level. 2003. Another eight students received certifi- “This is the best high school academic pro- cates from the program for partial completion. gram I have ever seen,” said Bob Reyes, Princi- Next year, 367 students are anticipated to take pal at Fresno High. A student graduate of the part in the program for. program with an IB diploma has the potential to Students enrolled in the program take classes enter a university as a sophomore. Reyes said in six liberal arts areas including science, math, students are expected to be well-rounded with English, social science, foreign language and an an international perspective on coursework. elective area such as technology or performing With only 400 IB diploma programs in the U.S., arts. Fresno High’s program, is one of 60 in the state During grades 11 and 12, students take IB ex- and the only one in Fresno. Fresno High admin- ams and are required to write a 4,000 word re- istrators modeled their program after Franklin search paper, perform 150 hours of community High School’s program in Stockton. A 300- action service including a written reflection on page application which took nearly one and a the service and take a “Theory of Knowledge” half years to complete was submitted to open class. Summer homework is also given out in Fresno High’s program in 2003. both the freshman and sophomore years. Nearly 25 teachers at the school have un- “Even if a student doesn’t pass IB exams, they dergone workshops and a one-week summer still will benefit from the program by being bet- training program to be able to teach in the IB ter prepared for college,” said Reyes. Addicott Elementary hosted its 28th annual Sports Day/Open House on Friday, May 19. The day was geared towards children that are mentally and physically challenged, and included severely disabled students from Fresno Unified, Clovis Unified and the Fresno County Office of Education. Over 150 students participated in events that included mobility sports, adaptive devices, and basketball hoop shots. In addition to the sporting events and open Ifyour house, there was a petting zoo, clowns, face painting, fire truck, music and more. Superintendent’s Message CHILD is Continued from Page 3 Struggling staff and new programs would work best to In the coming weeks, families will get a support student learning. letter outlining the improvements they’ll In the previous four years, over $75 million see next year at their child’s school. We ex- in school, programs and personnel was cut from the pect these extra teachers and support staff budget. This next year, we’ll add programs, at our struggling schools to boost student hire new staff and have money for employee achievement. It’ll take more than a year for raises. We will put 251 additional teachers test scores to show our progress. You have th SUCCESS in classrooms – to reduce class sizes in 9 - my word when those marks – the state’s Aca- grade English and Math, to provide an in- demic Performance Index and the federal school classroom alternative for suspensions, Adequate Yearly Performance – arrive, they to expand AVID (Advancement Via Individu- will be well publicized by our staff. startsHERE. al Determination) classes to Middle Schools In the meantime, we’re beginning work on hen your child isn’t getting the grades you and to work in class with groups of struggling another type of district scorecard to pub- students freeing the regular teacher to move licly show our progress in increasing student W think he or she should, call Huntington ahead with the rest of the class. achievement as well as finances, staff reten- Learning Center. Our certified teachers can find Next year we’ll also be hiring 84 expert tion, student suspensions and expulsions, out what’s holding your child back and create an teachers to provide high-quality on-the-job stakeholder satisfaction, and in many other individualized program of instruction designed to professional development for other teach- areas. ers. The budget funds 76 counselors, social For now, however, our end-of-the-year fix the problem. FOR workers, intervention specialist, and activi- marks aren’t perfect yet. We still need im- VATE TUTORING Just a few hours a week at Huntington can improve your PRI ties directors focused on campus culture to proving in many areas – especially academics PSAT/ support students’ social/emotional develop- where only 25% of our student meet grade child’s learning skills, so your child can overcome frustration SAT/ ment and to work on making school environ- level standards. But we continue to focus on with school, as well as develop confidence and motivation. ACT PREP ments more conducive to learning. We have our transformation into the best district in also made it a priority that every elementary California. I continue to be committed to our Call Huntington today. We’re nearby and affordable. We know your school has at least one vice principal – and community, our schools, our staff and every child can succeed in school, because we know your child can learn. some schools will have two or three vice student in our district. And I look forward to principals based on the needs of their stu- working with you in the 2006/2007 school (559) 434-2010 dents and staff. Those extra school leaders year as we implement this exciting new bud- will be helping deal with student discipline geting and staffing plan. Have a safe, restful, 1-800-CANLEARN and evaluating teachers. and enjoyable summer break.

Independently owned and operated. ©2005 Huntington Learning Centers, Inc. Summer 2006 Building Futures www.fresnounified.org 11 12 Building Futures A Publication of the Fresno Unified School District Fresno High’s PACE Moms Community Clean-Up Day and Infants Get Free Shots

Julianne Duffy and Alex Cameron, 10, wash the windows at Burroughs Elementary School during community clean-up day in May. They are members of Northside Christian Church and part of Agents of Grace assembled by One-by-One Leadership, a non-profit organization run by area churches. The Agents of Grace worked at a number of Fresno Unified Schools during the community clean-up.

Fresno High Principal Bob Reyes (far left) welcomes the county’s immunization mascot and county health workers to the school. Fresno High PACE (Parent and Child Education) students and their infants received free booster immunizations in April for Pertussis in honor of National Immunization Week. The Fresno County Shot Mobile staff along with Fresno Unified nurses administered the shots as well as provided information about health care. As an added incen- tive to receive the booster shots, Wal- Mart gave each parent a $25 gift card! The PACE Program provides child care and parenting education for teen parents who attend Fresno Unified high schools. Age-appropriate, high-quality care is given during school hours for infants, toddlers and pre-school age children. Remember that Fresno Unified School District requires children to have a physical examina- tion before starting Kindergarten in the fall. Physicals must be done after March 1, 2006, and all immunizations must be current. Call Fresno Unified Student Health Center for an appoint- ment now if you cannot get in to see your health care provider or if you do not have insurance or a regular health care provider. FUSD Student Health Center (559) 248-7382. For the GLO Roxy Summer 96 Degrees that Raisins O’Neill Syouuitsr style Guess

12 www.fresnounified.org Building Futures Summer 2006 A Publication of the Fresno Unified School District Building Futures 13 Fresno Teacher Considers His Military Service More Than Just an Obligation

Story by Spc. Jennifer Sardam he has taught Spanish for almost five years. USCENTCOM PAO/ESGR Forward Team Having seen poverty around the world, he has learned to appreciate the things that could KABUL, Afghanistan – “The military be taken for granted, such as “our Americans’ put me through school, so I owe them,” ac- rights, living conditions and everything in life knowledged Army National Guard Sgt. Daniel we have.” Rivera said he advises kids to “take Rivera, who teachers Spanish at Fresno High advantage of the education they get, use it wise- School. He earned his G.I. Bill through a four- ly and make something out of it.” year term in the U.S. Navy and used it to fund Whether he’s serving in his civilian career as a his Bachelor of Arts degree in Chicano-Latin teacher or as a U.S. servicemember, either role American studies and Spanish at California requires professionalism and an adherence to State University, Fresno. strong values. Rivera may have already paid his dues to re- “It’s about the discipline, knowing what’s ceive that educational benefit from the Navy, right from wrong and doing it in an everyday but he’s still serving his country deployed in Af- situation,” explained Rivera. In his hometown in Sister School to Hoover ghanistan with the Oxnard, Calif.-based 315th Fresno, Rivera is a cook attached to the 1106th Engineer Company. He doesn’t stay in the mili- Aviation Classification Repair Depot. tary because of what he can get out of it. “I stay While deployed abroad with the 315th, Rivera High Dedicated in the Guard to just keep serving the country in ‘s job is to “inform the commander what’s going A large dedication ceremony on April 25 at the Comprehensive School Complex in Ruda some way,” he remarked with a visible expres- on on a daily basis and give daily briefings.” Sląska, Poland, named for U.S. President Herbert Hoover, attracted national media sion of pride. While in Kabul, Rivera can stay positive and recognition throughout that country. The school will become a “sister” school to Fresno The military furthers his education in nontra- totally focused on the mission ahead of him, Unified’s Hoover High School. The bilingual (Polish-English) dedication ceremony opened ditional ways. Rivera said he first enlisted “to knowing Fresno High School Principal Bob with the American and Polish national anthems, a film about Herbert Hoover, a donation learn more about the world.” So far he’s ac- Reyes is holding his job at home for him. of a flag to the students, speeches by the U.S.Ambassador, City Mayor and Speaker of complished that goal, having served on missions Rivera mentioned that when he notified Reyes the Provincial Parliament. Among several letters that were read at this ceremony was a to Mexico, Australia and Latin America, as well of his mobilization, he hired a long-term substi- letter from Jerzy Buzek, former Polish Prime Minister; and congratulations from Zbigniew as countries throughout Asia. Rivera passes on tute to fill in during his 18-month deployment Stanczyk of the Herbert Hoover Institute at Stanford University. Doug Jones, Principal of this unique blend of knowledge and experience and then said, “Go take care of what you need Fresno’s Hoover High sent a letter wishing the new school well, which was read by Kenneth in the classroom at Fresno High School, where to do.” Fairfax of the U.S. Consulate in Krakow. Our Community Needs Educators of English-Language Learners.

Advance your career with one of Alliant’s Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Programs: Bullard High CLAD Certificate and CTEL preparation School Choir Earns TESOL Graduate Certificate Superior Rating at TESOL Degrees (MA, EdD) State Event For more information please contact Twenty members of Bullard’s Honor Choir sang at the 559.253.2235 or [email protected] Fresno-Madera County Music Education Association as part of a larger group choir. Roosevelt High School also sent choir members to participate. The choir has also recently ALLIANT traveled to California State University-Stanislaus for a non- INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY rated music festival. SERVING THE CENTRAL VALLEY SINCE 1973 www.alliant.edu

Alliant is an equal opportunity employer and educator accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

Summer 2006 Building Futures www.fresnounified.org 13 14 Building Futures A Publication of the Fresno Unified School District Five Year-round Elementary Schools Transition to Traditional Calendar

For the 2006-2007 school year five elementary schools – Birney, Mayfair, Norseman, Homan and Slater will go off AUGUST year-round schedules to a tra- ditional schedule. Students will begin school along with the majority of the district on Monday, August 21, 2006. 21 Each of the five schools will hold or have held community meetings to explain changes on Sunnyside High Choir Grabs campus such as moving a few portable classrooms and add- ing bathrooms at some sites. Silver In Italy All parents are encouraged to attend the meetings or call the Sunnyside High School’s Chamber Choir “Cantus Vocem” was awarded the highest silver award with a score of 20.41/30 school site with questions or concerns. points at the Concorso Corale Internazionale (Musico Mundi) at the International Riva del Garde Festival, Riva del Garde, Fresno Unified’s Leadership Team is moving aggressively to Italy. return all elementary schools to traditional calendars by August Competing against 48 choirs from 26 countries across the globe, including college choirs in their category, the Sunnyside 2007 by building new elementary schools and changing bound- Choir received many compliments from the audience, especially for their rendition of “It Takes A Whole Village.” Some at- aries to align with enrollment trends. tending the concert even tried to imitate the choir’s choreography. The competition followed the format of each choir singing four songs with no applause in between and was judged by five music professors from various countries. According to Choir Director, Bob Bullwinkle, the choir owned the stage during the performance. The choir was also asked to perform as one of six choirs at the opening ceremony. The Sunnyside singers performed in front of a full church with people standing in the back, Bullwinkle explained. One particularly exiting moment came during the opening cer- emony, when all 49 choirs sang en mass, “Viva musica mundi.” The choir spent 16 days touring and performing with concerts in Notre Dame in Paris, the Dom in Munster and the Cattedrale di Verona in Verona, Italy. Bullwinkle said their performances accomplished the choir’s goal to bring “multi-cultural harmony through music to the world.” Director Bullwinkle leaves Fresno Unified on a high note; he has accepted a position at the Fresno County Office of Education as coordinator of the music program.

14 www.fresnounified.org Building Futures Summer 2006 A Publication of the Fresno Unified School District Building Futures 15 Students Can Choose Their ‘Perfect School’ Fresno Metro Ministry “The perfect school has tetherball, a big Wants You To Know playground, recess at 2 o’clock, and a nice teacher…” That’s how Christopher describes his perfect school. In the Fresno Unified Parents and Caregivers, School District, the mission of the Transfers When school is out this summer, your kids can get free Office is to help students and their families meals and fun at a neighborhood Summer Food Service find their perfect school. The Open Enroll- ment process, magnet school recruitment and Program site. These sites offer free, healthy meals to family related transfers, including transfers children 18 and younger. For a site near you and the that help families who are employed within the dates and times it is open, call 485-1416. boundaries of Fresno Unified, are designed to Food Stamps can help you stretch your food dollars assist families with selecting the school of further. Call 1-800-870-3663 to find out if you are choice that is just right for their family. The Transfers Office is is part of the new The timeline to indicate an interest in Open Prevention and Intervention Services. The eligible or for more information about Food Stamps Enrollment and Magnet schools will now be goal of this division is to work closely with Nutrition Program with the EBT ‘Golden State December 1st of every year. The Transfers Of- families and schools to resolve problems that Advantage’ Card. fice, in turn, will begin notifying families as may arise, which affect the success of a child. early as February about their school place- In addition to all of the departments housed ment for the upcoming year. In addition, the within Prevention and Intervention Services, District is making every effort to ensure that the Transfers Office will also be available this students will continue through to the highest summer to help students through the work grade in their school to minimize interruptions permit process. during the school year. In the near future, The Transfers Office is available to assist website will include all of the necessary forms families at any time throughout the year. Of- to make the application process easier. The fice hours are 7:30-4:30, but parents are wel- website, along with better software to manage come to leave a voicemail after hours. Pre- the lottery process used with magnet school scheduled appointments are available to assist selection and open enrollment, are just a few families in resolving school issues related to of the technological advances that we hope enrollment , attendance, suspensions and ex- will make the school choice process much pulsions. You can reach the Transfers Office more accessible and easier to understand. at (559) 457-3343.

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