$10,000 grant funds new books, furniture to promote leisure reading

(Photo Courtesy: Juliette Funes)
Allison Elementary School celebrated the grand opening of its Ben Carson Reading Room on March 25. Pictured in the center is 3rd Grader, Alejandro Carlos, who has read the most books in a single quarter.

By Juliette Funes

Pomona – Allison Elementary hosted a festive ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the grand opening of its Ben Carson Reading Room, a cozy area connected to the school’s library that features more than 1,200 non-fiction books, new furniture and a mural that aims to inspire children to “THINK BIG.”

During the Mar. 25 celebration, Allison students packed the reading room to observe the new space, themed, “Read to Explore,” and see the hundreds of new books available to them thanks to the Carson Scholars Fund, a non-profit founded by noted neurosurgeon, Benjamin S. Carson.

“Reading is the foundation of success and it is exciting to provide a literacy-enriched environment for our children to develop their reading and comprehension skills and be inspired to dream big,” said Pomona Unified School District Board of Education Vice President, Adrienne Konigar-Macklin. “I want to thank the donors for their generosity and Dr. Carson for his support of literacy in our schools.”

The Ben Carson Reading Project is an initiative of the Carson Scholars Fund that has created more than 120 school reading rooms across the country. This is the first of its kind in Pomona Unified. The room will be dedicated to the memory of Dean T. Wickstrom, whose family provided $10,000 to the organization for the project.

“The 21^st century learner must become knowledgeable about the events, people and places around them, as well as dream up possibilities for the world and future they will live in,” Principal Elizabeth Valenzuela said. “We are looking forward to Allison students having an opportunity to experience these topics in their own reading sanctuary.”

So far this school year, Allison students have read 15,833 books, with 3^rd Graders learning 2,500 new vocabulary words, 4^th Graders accomplishing 52 minutes of reading every night, and 6^th Graders reading nearly eight million words between Jan. 5 and Mar. 13 alone.

“I love reading because you can read about anything, anytime. It’s so much fun,” said 6^th Grade student, Daja Love, who last year read between 30 and 40 books.

To promote further reading, all of the books purchased are part the District’s Accelerated Reader program, which ensures that students are growing their reading, vocabulary and literary skills.

“At schools across Pomona Unified, we have expanded our libraries and reading spaces to encourage students to develop a love of reading, be creative and recognize the importance of everyday reading for pleasure,” said PUSD Superintendent, Richard Martinez. “The Ben Carson Reading Room is conducive to accomplishing our goals of making reading part of their lifelong experience.”

3 Achieve National Board Certification 5 Named to Honor Roll

(Photo Courtesy: Juliette Funes)
Jessica Jordan of Simons Middle School, Melissa De Nova of San Antonio Elementary, and Sabrina Ortega, a teacher on special assignment, have been honored with National Board Certifications. They were recognized by the Pomona Unified Board of Education on Mar. 3.

By Juliette Funes

Pomona – Several Pomona Unified School District teachers recently received national recognition for their dedication to ensuring student success and commitment to teaching excellence, including three who have obtained National Board Certification.

Melissa De Nova of San Antonio Elementary, Jessica Jordon of Simons Middle School and Sabrina Ortega, a teacher on special assignment, join 14 PUSD teachers who are nationally board certified – considered the gold standard in teacher certification.

Additionally, five teachers are among the first educators in the nation to be named to the Renaissance National Honor Roll for their outstanding performance in advancing students’ achievement in reading. They are Michael Dyer of Decker Elementary and Allison Elementary teachers Marie Anderson, Nicole Le, Carmen Martinez and Brenda Wilmore.

“Our teachers are always willing to go the extra mile and challenge themselves in order to provide the highest quality education possible for our students,” said Board of Education President, Andrew Wong. “Our students continue to excel because of the excellent support and instruction our teachers are providing, which is a direct result of their rigorous training and practices.”

Granted by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, the National Board Certification is the highest recognition an educator can achieve and serves as the profession’s mark of accomplished teaching in a single subject area. To qualify, teachers must demonstrate expertise in a chosen subject through multiple rigorous, performance-based measures.

In California, only 6,249 teachers have been honored with this certification. PUSD now includes 17 nationally board certified educators.

The Renaissance National Honor Roll is a new distinction awarded to teachers for their exceptional use of Renaissance Learning’s flagship software program, Accelerated Reader. Using this program, students in every PUSD school learn to read closely through instructional activities that allow them to practice reading, writing and research, enabling teachers to monitor comprehension and growth.

“We are very proud of our accomplished teachers and commend them for their hard work,” said Superintendent Richard Martinez. “Each form of recognition further reinforces the extremely high level of dedication our teaching professionals give every day in order to strengthen the quality of instruction our students receive on a daily basis.”

Students in writing support courses test unique home-to-school model

(Photo Courtesy: Juliette Funes)
Writing proficiency students use their digital devices as part of a home-to-school 1:1 iPad Program designed to allow for instructional use outside of the traditional classroom setting.

By Juliette Funes

Pomona – A group of students at Garey and Pomona high schools is testing a unique home-to-school, 1:1 iPad Program designed to allow students to take the school-supplied instructional tools home, ensuring that learning continues beyond the traditional classroom setting.

The two schools are the first comprehensive secondary schools in the Pomona Unified School District to launch such a program.

“Increasing access to technology and seamlessly integrating it into curriculum is essential to our students becoming successful 21^st century learners,” said PUSD Board of Education President, Andrew Wong. “The ability to use 1:1 devices also gives them access to learning and technology anywhere, anytime, a key component to achieving digital literacy.”

The District purchased approximately 120 iPads for students and teachers in two writing proficiency courses at each site to use in class, where the curriculum is almost completely digital-based. The course provides the mostly freshmen students extra support in developing reading and writing skills.

“We were very deliberate in choosing this class because we wanted to see if it would impact student learning, academic achievement and student engagement, and it already has to a great degree,” said English Language Arts teacher specialist, Danielle Donaldson-Lovette, who said there has been an increase in student engagement, attendance and grades.

Many District schools use iPads to enhance student learning, including La Verne Science and Technology Charter School; Pantera Elementary, which has a 6^th Grade 1:1 iPad Program; and Diamond Ranch High School, which uses iPads to support long-term English learners.

PUSD plans to continue expanding digital devices and wireless access to cultivate blended learning environments, which will provide for more student-centered, personalized learning.

“Our robust technology programs are empowering students to maximize their full potential and better prepare for the future,” said PUSD Superintendent, Richard Martinez. “This is yet another example of our efforts to bring technology and innovation into the classroom, putting digital devices into the hands of young learners and developing unique programs to benefit all PUSD students.”

(Photo Courtesy: Juliette Funes)
Scholarship winner, Joseph Orosco

By Juliette Funes

Pomona – Pomona High School senior, Joseph Orosco, is one of 150 students nationwide selected as a 2015 Coca-Cola Scholar, earning a $20,000 scholarship to go toward the university of his choice.

Orosco, who was selected from an initial applicant pool of 103,000, was chosen for exemplifying superior leadership and dedication to the community. The academic scholar – who has a 4.4 GPA, is enrolled in four Advanced Placement classes, and is involved in numerous extracurricular activities – plans on using the scholarship to attend Princeton University.

“It is an honor to be recognized by Coca-Cola, especially considering how many other high school seniors across the United States applied,” Orosco said. “I am very happy and excited to know that with this scholarship I will be able to fulfill my dreams of going to an Ivy League university.”

In addition to receiving the award, Orosco will attend a Scholars Weekend, April 16-19, at the Coca-Cola Company’s international headquarters in Atlanta, GA. Scholars will participate in a variety of activities to further develop their leadership skills, including participating in a group community service project and networking with former scholars.

“Joseph is a very conscientious and committed student who is passionate about his studies and improving the community around him,” Pomona High School Principal, Roger Fasting, said. “This is a well-deserved recognition and we are extremely proud of his accomplishments.”

Orosco is a member of the Key Club, Green Team, Mock Trial, Chess Club and the California Scholarship Federation (CSF). While at Princeton, Orosco plans to major in philosophy and explore the possibility of acquiring additional bachelor’s degrees in engineering and peace studies.

“It is inspirational to see one of the largest corporate organizations in the world recognize the hard work, academic achievements and potential of one of our students,” Superintendent Richard Martinez said. “He is a true example of the high-quality students Pomona Unified produces, and I hope his success will encourage other students to apply for scholarships and grants as they pursue their goals of higher education.”

The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation was established in 1986, and is one of the largest corporate-sponsored, achievement-based scholarship programs of its kind in the United States. To date, the Foundation has awarded nearly 5,600 Coca-Cola Scholars with a total of $56.3 million in scholarships.

By Juliette Funes

(Photo Courtesy: Juliette Funes)
New Diamond Ranch HS Head Football Coach, Jimmy Welker

Pomona – Diamond Ranch High School has appointed veteran athlete and accomplished college and high school coach, Jimmy Welker, as its new head football coach.  The Pomona Unified Board of Education approved Welker’s appointment during its March 3 meeting.

“Diamond Ranch and its athletics program has been anxiously anticipating Coach Welker’s arrival and we are pleased that he is here,” said Board of Education President, Andrew Wong. “It’s exciting to know that the Panthers football program will be headed by such a talented athlete and coach, who can be a role model to our student-athletes and lead them to victory.”

Welker – an avid four-sport athlete who earned multiple varsity letters in football, basketball, baseball and track and field while at Notre Dame High School – has been coaching football for the last six years. He will begin serving as Diamond Ranch’s head coach immediately.

“I am thankful for this great opportunity to be the head football coach at Diamond Ranch,” Welker said. “This is a program with a rich tradition of producing high quality student-athletes, but more importantly, high quality people. I’m looking forward to teaching our players how to strive for excellence and success, both on and off the field, by giving a championship effort in everything we do.”

Welker, who holds a master’s degree in sports management from Jacksonville State University, launched his coaching career at University Lab High School in Baton Rouge, La., as the co-offensive coordinator and quarterback coach in 2008.

Throughout his coaching career, Welker has helped more than 50 young men accomplish their goal to play football at both the collegiate and professional levels.

“I am excited to welcome Jimmy Welker to the Diamond Ranch High School football program,” Principal Suzanne Ripley said. “He brings a wealth of experience, knowledge, energy and commitment. He is enthusiastic about our four pillars of leadership, character, academics and community and he is laser-focused on taking DRHS to the next level in high school football.”

In addition to his achievements as a coach, Welker is a stellar athlete.

After graduating from high school, he was offered the opportunity to play quarterback at Louisiana State University, reaching his goal to play at a Top 25 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) college football program. During his college football career, the team boasted a win-loss record of 43-9 and included LSU’s clenching of the 2007 College Football National Championship over Ohio State.

Welker played quarterback in the Arena Football League for the Tulsa Talons in 2009 and the Bossier-Shreveport Battlewings in 2010, accomplishing his goal to play football professionally.

“It is our pleasure to welcome Jimmy to the PUSD family,” Superintendent Richard Martinez said.  “Jimmy’s sense of professionalism, strong work ethic and passion for football serves as a great source of inspiration to our high school athletes. We wish him and the Panthers a successful season in the fall.”

By Juliette Funes

Pomona – Students at Pomona Unified’s Westmont Elementary School participated in a nationwide effort to “Read the Most Coast to Coast,” on Fri., Feb. 27. They were among hundreds of thousands of students across the nation who joined in this fourth annual reading celebration.

The event took place from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., and launched Read Across America, a week-long celebration of literacy in honor of Dr. Seuss.

“Read the Most Coast to Coast” is a fun-filled event that enables students at multiple grade levels to join in a shared reading challenge,” Principal Cynthia Badillo said. “Students are engaging in valuable reading practice, all while taking part in an event that joins students across the country in a collaborative effort focused on reading. We’re so proud of our students.”

“Read the Most Coast to Coast” celebrated reading with a one-day event that encouraged students to read as much as possible. In 2013-14, students set a new one-day record of 4,987,949 books read. Students also completed Accelerated Reader quizzes on the books they read.

At Westmont, as many as 380 students joined in this shared effort. They wore pajamas for the day to maximize comfort during their read-a-thon. Big buddies paired with younger students, and all students who participated received a Certificate of National Participation.

“Our students, all of whom participate in Accelerated Reader, have strengthened their reading and literacy skills, and this celebration is a great opportunity to showcase to the nation how well-read PUSD students are,” Superintendent Richard Martinez said.

The Accelerated Reader program enables teachers to manage independent reading practice. Students read books at the appropriate level and then take a quiz to show they understood what they’ve read.

(Photo Courtesy: Juliette Funes)
Ganesha business and accounting students are certified IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Eldery (TCE) volunteers.

 By Juliette Funes

Pomona – Tax season is here and for those who need assistance completing their returns, Ganesha High School business and accounting students are here to help.

A group of 12 students are offering free tax preparation services to the Pomona community now through April 11. They held their first session on Feb. 7, and are gearing up to hold the next one on Sat., Feb. 21.

This is the third year the students – who are IRS-certified volunteers, have been officially trained and tested in current tax law, and can provide assistance with a variety of IRS forms and schedules – are offering the services.

“This is an incredible opportunity for our students to gain real life, hands-on experience as accountants, learning what it takes to accurately file their clients’ returns and helping Pomona Unified’s working families in the process,” said Pomona Unified School District Board President, Andrew Wong.

The student volunteers were brought together by Ganesha High Accounting instructor, Jacqueline Jones, who has guided her students through a rigorous qualification process that includes 20 hours of training. As part of the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, students must also pass two IRS certification exams.

“Our students have shown an amazing aptitude to comprehend complicated IRS tax code,” said Jones, who acts as on-site coordinator overseeing and approving all of the students’ work. “They receive valuable work experience, as well as college credits, and the community also benefits through this free service. It’s a win-win for everyone.”

Senior Bianca Celis volunteered to be a tax preparer due to her enthusiasm for numbers and math.

“I’ve always loved numbers and I would love to be an accountant and help my family,” said Celis, who will graduate in June and plans to attend Mt. San Antonio College this fall. “My dad wants to start his own business someday, and I’m definitely interested in being the bookkeeper.”

In Ganesha’s year-long accounting program, students learn how to record journal entries, write checks and prepare bank reconciliations, prepare payroll, post to the general ledger and prepare financial statements.

“Thanks to the unwavering commitment of our teachers, our students are gaining the knowledge, experience and expertise to excel in their chosen academic paths while still in high school,” said Pomona Unified Superintendent, Richard Martinez. “We are proud that they are learning the skills to help our community, and I want to thank them for their efforts.”

Sessions will take place from 8 a.m. to noon in Room 12 of Ganesha High School, 1151 Fairplex Drive, Pomona, and be held on Feb. 21, 28; Mar. 7, 14, 21; and Apr. 11. 

Appointments are not required. Those who wish to drop off their returns and pick them up later may do so.

Filers must bring W-2 forms, a copy of a 2013 tax return, social security card, proof of identification, information for other income and proof of foreign status if applying for ITIN. Additional items may be required. Some returns may be referred to a professional tax preparer.

For more information or to obtain a full list of required paperwork, contact Jones at (909) 397-4400, ext. 30012.

School receives $1,500 Walmart grant to fund e-readers and new mural 

Marshall Middle School Principal, Juan Ortiz, is presented with a $1,000 school grant from the Pomona Walmart, which provided an additional $500 in other school grants to the school for its 60th anniversary celebration. (Photo Courtesy: Juliette Funes)

 By Juliette Funes

Pomona – Marshall Middle School is kicking off its 60th anniversary celebration in style, thanks in large part to Walmart, which awarded the Pomona Unified school $1,500 in school grants. The funds will be used to help refurbish Marshall’s cafeteria and buy new e-readers for the school library.

“It is wonderful to see such leadership and collaboration between our schools and local business partners to improve the learning environments of our students,” said Pomona Unified Board President Andrew Wong. “We believe that strong bonds and engagement between students, parents, educators and local businesses make us a stronger, more accountable school district.”

Named after the nation’s longest-serving Supreme Court Chief Justice, John Marshall, the school opened its doors in 1955 as a Grade 7 to 9 junior high. Now a 6^th through 8^th Grade school, Marshall (located at 1921 Arroyo Ave.) will celebrate its longevity and success during a ceremony tentatively scheduled for April.

“As part of our 60th anniversary, we plan to update and upgrade some items on campus so that over the next six decades, Marshall students can continue to feel a sense of pride in their school,” Principal Juan Ortiz said. “On behalf of Marshall Middle School, I want to thank our brand new Walmart store in Pomona for its generosity and helping us build on our sense of community.”

The celebration will focus on the complete refurbishing of the school cafeteria and its centerpiece – a new mural depicting three different color representations of the school mascot, the Marshall Mustang.

“This mural has welcomed students into our cafeteria for the last 30 years and we are ready to create a modern mural that our children can enjoy,” Ortiz said.

The Walmart grants will partially fund the new mural, as well as assist in the purchase of three e-readers for the school library to better help students in the transition to new digital learning technologies.

“It is our continuing mission to provide our students with the most modern learning facilities available,” PUSD Superintendent Richard Martinez said.  “We are grateful to Walmart for its commitment to our schools. Every child deserves an opportunity to excel.”

More information about Marshall Middle School can be found at: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Marshall-Middle-School/138200929561507.