Category Archives: Local School News

Diamond Bar: Evergreen Puzzle Project Connects Students

BY KELLI GILE

 

Diamond Bar – For April’s Autism Awareness month, Evergreen Elementary School hosted a special puzzle project to celebrate. evergreen-elementary-diamond-barSpecial Education teachers, Laura Saenz and Ashley Marshman, distributed puzzle pieces to all students on campus. The children were asked to write about what makes them unique.

 

One by one, the pieces were brought back to their class and connected filling a wall in the multi-purpose room. As the pieces came together, the kids saw how they all fit.

 

“It is important for our students to see that just like a puzzle piece, each individual has something special and unique that no one else can contribute, which makes the entire picture much more beautiful,” said Saenz and Marshman. “We feel that it is important for us to encourage the acceptance of all students.”

 

One student wrote, “I’m special because I have nice friends that support me.” Another said, “I am unique because there is only one me and I have my own skills to do.  Everyone is special so don’t be left out.” Some drew pictures to show how they are unique.

 

Other pieces from staff members said, “Every child is gifted.  They just unwrap their packages at different times;” and “Autism is as much a part of humanity as is the capacity to dream.”

 

“This is another wonderful example of our dedicated teachers creating experiences that join students together and celebrate each child’s uniqueness, as well as our connections with each other.  Evergreen is truly a lovely work of art where each remarkable student is celebrated,” said Principal Carolyn Wills.

Walnut: 3D Printer Comes to South Pointe Middle School

BY KELLI GILE

Walnut – 8th Grade creative explorers at South Pointe Middle School are now seeing their computer-aided designs come to life.

technology-teacher-allin-everman-and-3d-printer

Technology Teacher Allin Everman helps gear up the new 3D printer during class. (Photo Courtesy: Kelli Gile)

The school’s Project Lead the Way (PLTW) core has just added a new 3D printer to its classroom.

 

Science Teacher Crystal Dira couldn’t be more excited for the 60 students in the science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) program.

 

“Students now get to hold their designs in their hands,” she said. “We are thrilled about this program and how it’s allowing our students to get a heads up with our growing world of technology in education.”

 

This year, PLTW kids have been focusing on building and programming robotics and working on CAD designs. Teachers Dira and Kellie Muragishi (Science), Allin Everman (Technology), and Deb Brady and Annie Kim (Math), were determined to find a way of finding a 3D printer for their students. They knew it would take an innovative approach to fundraising.
”Let’s see if we can get it!” the team decided. First, they researched affordable 3D printers and funding sources. Then they posted their $2,800 dream printer on the DonorsChoose.org website. Within several weeks a donor selected the request and funded the project. The school’s Community Club pitched in the remaining $100, and the Maker Bot Replicator 2 was delivered during the first week of March. The professional quality printer is designed for engineers or people who like to make things.

 

The desktop 3D printer is about the same size as a microwave, but doesn’t cook popcorn. With just a touch of the start button it cruises at a high speed, using filament to produce the detailed designs. A cartridge smoothly rotates back and forth distributing thin layers of the melted white, red, blue or clear plastic material inside the unit. In just about ten minutes, a perfectly shaped item is ready to be scooped off.

 

“We think it’s good to have a 3D printer because it exposes us to future technology that will be used in the workforce,” said Austin Sun, age 13. “It can mass-produce things people have made by hand. The goal of PLTW is to expose us these things so we can have experience in STEM careers. The robotics computer programming is really neat,” he added.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Walnut: Big Wins for Mt. San Antonio College

Staff ReportsMt. San Antonio College

 

Walnut – For the second straight year and the third time in the last four years, the Mt. San Antonio College Forensics Team won the Phi Rho Pi national speech title at the national tournament, held April 7-12, at Casper and Northwest colleges in Denver, Colorado. This championship victory marks the ninth time Mt. SAC has won the Phi Rho Pi national title. Combined with four wins as the top community college at the four-year college national tournament, the championship marks the 13th time in the last 20 years that Mt. SAC has been recognized as the top community college in the nation.

The Mt. Sac Jazz Ensemble and vocal jazz group, Frontline, each won first place in their respective divisions at the 52nd Annual Reno Jazz Festival, held April 10-12, at the University of Nevada. This year’s win marks the first time that Frontline has taken first place at the festival, while the Jazz Ensemble has won the college division at the festival four of the last five years. Frontline competed against 12 ensembles from community colleges and universities, including Cal State Fullerton and Cal State Sacramento. The jazz band competed against 16 university and two-year college bands. The festival provides a platform for college competition as well as participation in music workshops and concerts highlighted by performances by the some of the legends of jazz.

Walnut: High School Mustang Coaches of the Year Honored

cecil-woods-walnut-high-school

Walnut High School Girl’s Golf Coach, Cecil Woods, who has been named the San Gabriel Valley Coach of the Year (shown with Board President Cindy Ruiz). (Photo Courtesy: Kelli Gile)

BY KELLI GILEWalnut – The Walnut Valley Unified School District Board of Trustees recognized two outstanding Walnut High School varsity coaches on April 16. Golf Coach Cecil Woods and Basketball Coach Josh Cameron have received the coveted San Gabriel Valley Coach of the Year Award.

 

Principal Jeff Jordan introduced the Mustang coaches along with the Girls’ Golf Team during the Board Meeting. “Both of these coaches have really come a long way in terms of growing and developing some amazing programs. They’ve both had highly successful programs this year,” said Jordan. “But above the wins and losses, they’re both quality people who work really well with our student athletes; they have high expectations, and have really helped developed these athletes into being high-performers,” he added.

In just the third year of the Girls’ Golf Program at Walnut High School, the team earned its second Hacienda League Championship, Runner-Up at the 2013 CIF Championship, top team at the Regional Finals for CIF Sectionals State Qualification, third place in the Southern California State Qualification, and tied for Runner-Up in the CIF State Championships.

josh-cameron-walnut-high-varsity-basketball-coach

Walnut High Varsity Basketball Coach, Josh Cameron, was recognized by the WVUSD Board of Trustees, (shown with Athletic Director, Jerry Person, Board President, Cindy Ruiz, and Principal Jeff Jordan). (Photo Courtesy: Kelli Gile)

Josh Cameron has been the head varsity basketball coach for the past eight seasons. His team has a record this year of 22 and 6, and finished the regular season will 11 straight wins while earning the undefeated Hacienda League Championship. Cameron was also honored as Coach of the Year for the San Gabriel Valley All-Stars.

Both Diamond Bar and Walnut were in the top three teams in the State of California.

Diamond Bar: Diamond Ranch High School Alum Wins CUI Academic Showcase

STAFF REPORTS

Diamond Bar – Thomas Moreno, a 2012 graduate of Diamond Ranch High School, won first place in the tier-two category of Concordia University’s 11th Annual Academic Showcase. Moreno, along with partner Cy Perkins, made his presentation on “Insights into the role of interactions between VDAC1, Bcl-2, and mutant Sod1 in familial Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), commonly called Lou Gehrig’s disease.”  His faculty mentor was Dr. Lindsay Kane-Barnese.

The Academic Showcase is a campus-wide research competition that challenges students to conceive and investigate a research topic and present their findings. Students compete across disciplines and are required to complete a research paper, an academic poster and an oral presentation.

The competition provides a chance for students to work one-on-one with a faculty mentor to complete a full-scale undergraduate research project selected from any discipline. A panel of faculty, selected from across Concordia’s disciplines, serves as judges for the showcase and evaluates projects on use of literature, choice of methodology, and discussion of results and implications.

Winners receive a cash award, and some will be invited to represent Concordia by presenting their research at an inter-collegiate undergraduate research conference in this fall.

La Puente: Nogales High-The March of A Lifetime

nogales.high.school.macys.parade.announcement

Nogales High School Band Director Brad Pollock with students after learning in a surprise announcement they are one of only ten bands in the U.S. to perform in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2015. The Nogales High School Noble Band will represent California and the West Coast in the legendary parade. (Photo courtesy: Nogales High School)

STAFF REPORTS

La Puente – On April 14 in a surprise announcement, the Nogales High School Noble Regiment received the news that they have been selected to once again perform in the 2015 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The Noble Regiment will join the line of march and begin their performance to the sound of, “Let’s Have a Parade,” the iconic phrase that has signaled the start of every Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade since 1924. They will join nine other marching bands from across the country as well as fantastic floats, sky high giant character balloons, wacky clowns and superstar performers on Thanksgiving Day 2015. With more than 3.5 million live spectators and 50 million at-home viewers, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is considered the beginning of the holiday season and the ultimate Thanksgiving Day treat for fans of all ages.

 

Brad Pollock, band director of the Nogales High School Noble Regiment said, “Amazing, stunned, excited are just a few words that can barely explain the honor that has been bestowed upon the Noble Regiment to represent California in the Macy’s Parade in 2015. The students should get all of the credit. The memory of the event will last a lifetime. The opportunity to perform in the Parade once was incredible, but to be invited back really is something special. It is a true indication of consistent hard work, dedication, and a love to perform, paying off. We look forward to this event and can’t wait to get our groove on, down Broadway. Go Nobles!”

 

Dr. Sergio A. Canal, principal of Nogales High School added, “I am proud of the dedicated effort of our students, parents and staff of the Noble Regiment. They have all invested valuable time into making our band a nationally recognized band; this honor of being invited back to the Macy’s Parade is indicative of this recognition.  The Noble Regiment will represent Nogales High School and the Rowland Unified School District, not to mention the West Coast, with great pride.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diamond Bar: Diamond Ranch Basketball Takes CIF’s Top Academic Honors

The Diamond Ranch Girls’ Varsity Basketball team

The Diamond Ranch Girls’ Varsity Basketball team: Front Row: Kristen Sheriff, Lauren Graves, Tianna Eaton, Cayla Freeman, Sarah Krestchmar. Back Row: Assistant Coach Lisa Cheney, Emilee Dy, Kiana Wright, Brenna Collins, Catrina Freeman, Nicole Nishimura, Paulena Luk, Head Coach Mike Power

 

Diamond Bar – The Diamond Ranch Girls’ Varsity Basketball team has been awarded the CIF Southern Section‘s Team Academic Award.

 

The award honors the team with the highest grade point average (GPA) in its category (schools with more than 1,500 students enrolled). In the case of the Diamond Ranch team, the girls finished first against 278 other regional high schools. In order to be considered for this accolade the team must possess a grade point average of 3.0.

 

“This achievement is the pinnacle of what we strive for at Pomona Unified, athletic prowess as well as academic excellence,” said Richard Martinez, superintendent of Pomona Unified. “We’re so proud of them all.”

 

The team will be honored prior to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim Baseball game on Tues., April 29 against the Cleveland Indians. The ceremony will take place on the field prior to the 7 p.m. game start (approximately 6:45 p.m.).

 

“I am so proud of our student athletes on the Girls’ Varsity Basketball team; they have made DRHS history and District history,” Suzanne Steinseifer-Ripley, principal of Diamond Ranch High School said. “They are achieving our Diamond Ranch vision of preparing first class citizens with a world class education.”

 

Walnut: WV launches Trial Computer-Based Assessments

computer based assessmentsBy Kelli Gile

 

Walnut – Walnut Valley Unified School District teachers and students have recently embarked on becoming part of an important milestone in the State’s transition to the new assessment system. New computer-based field tests, known as the “Smarter Balanced Assessments,” in English, Language Arts, and Math, launched on March 24 for all students in Grades 3 through 8 at Walnut High, and Grade 11 at Diamond Bar High. Walnut Valley’s testing window is March 24 through April 25.

 

“It is an exciting time in Walnut Valley as we embark on implementing the new Smarter Balanced computer-based assessments. Our teachers and students are excited to transition to this new testing system. Everyone involved in this year’s field test has been working together to ensure this field test is a positive and valuable experience for our students and staff, ” said Jackie Brown, Director of Educational Programs and Assessment.

 

“Students, teachers, and administrators will gain valuable hands-on experience in a new era of student assessments,” said State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson. It is a challenging transformation, but our schools are rising to that challenge with a great sense of excitement and determination,” he added.

 

This “test of the test” will help students and teachers prepare for next year’s first operational test.  Test questions are aligned with the Common Core State Standards adopted by California in 2010 to encourage critical thinking, complex problem solving, and deeper knowledge of subjects. It will also allow the District to assess the quality of the test questions and see how well our technical capabilities meet the demands of the computer-based assessments and see what resources our teachers and schools may yet need. Most importantly, it will give our students the opportunity to experience the new testing system. There will be no student, school, or district scores produced from this administration of the assessment.

 

“This field test gives us the opportunity to prepare our students for success,” Torlakson said. “The STAR program served us well for years, but the world has changed, and our schools also have to change the way they teach and test their students.”

 

Diamond Bar, Walnut High Among America’s Most Challenging Schools

By Kelli Gile

Walnut – Diamond Bar and Walnut High Schools are among the most academically challenging schools in the nation, according to the annual rankings by the Washington Post. Both schools made the 2014 “America’s Most Challenging High Schools,” listing that includes more than 1,900 public high schools (released on April 7).

Diamond Bar High School (DBHS) ranked 318 on the national listing, up from 399 in 2012. DBHS also improved its state ranking to 38, up from 45 last year.

“Diamond Bar High School has made a concerted effort to increase access to our Advanced Placement courses.  We are pleased to see that more students are successfully attempting these courses and that our efforts to establish equitable access to rigorous courses are being recognized by publications like the Washington Post.  We are very proud of our staff, students, parents, and community for their hard work and support,” said Principal Catherine Real.

“DBHS actually ranks 30th in the state if you remove all private schools from the list,” Real added. “Many of the remaining schools on the list have special admission screening processes.  The fact that Diamond Bar High School is an open enrollment school and still ranks among the best in the state and nation is extremely impressive!”

Walnut High School ranked 533 on the national listing and 67 in the state ranking. “We’re always excited to be ranked as one of the top high schools not only in the state, but also nationally. Our staff and students worked really hard to be recognized with this honor. I’m always appreciative of the support our community provides to Walnut High School,” said Principal Jeff Jordan.

“However, the part that disappoints me with this ranking is that it doesn’t provide the data accurately for our school,” said Jordan, “For example, it doesn’t list the 22 AP courses, the 18 IB courses, 18 varsity sports, and the high percentage of our graduates attending four-year colleges. If the data was included, I am confident our ranking would be much higher.”

Since 1998, Washington Post columnist, Jay Mathews, has rated public high schools around the country with the Challenge Index. The index takes the total number of Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate and Advanced International Certificate of Education tests given at the school that year and divides it by the number of seniors who graduated in May or June.

“With a few exceptions, public schools that achieved a ratio of at least 1.000, meaning they had as many tests in 2013 as they had graduates, were put on the national list,” Mathews said. Before posting the list, he also filters out magnet or charter high schools that have few average-performing students. According to Mathews, this year only nine percent of the approximately 22,000 U.S. public high schools managed to reach that standard and be included on the list.

For more information, see http://apps.washingtonpost.com/local/highschoolchallenge/.

WV Board Appoints Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services

Photo Courtesy: WVUSD Dr. Matthew Witmer

Photo Courtesy: WVUSD
Dr. Matthew Witmer

Walnut – The Walnut Valley Unified School District Board of Trustees approved Dr. Matthew Witmer as the new Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services during the February 19 meeting.

Dr. Witmer has a strong background in the area of curriculum and instruction, and has led the transition into Common Core State Standards. The veteran educator brings 18 years of experience to his new post, which he formally assumed on March 3.

“Dr. Witmer possesses the leadership qualities, technical knowledge of the position, and proven ability to perform effectively in this administrative role,” said Superintendent Dr. Robert Taylor. “I look forward to working with Dr. Witmer. He will make a great addition to the Walnut Valley family,” he added.

Since 2012, Dr. Witmer served as Director of Educational Services in the Corona-Norco Unified School District (CNUSD). He was responsible for all areas of the division in the 54,000-student district. During his tenure, CNUSD was selected as a 2012 and 2013 finalist district of the Broad Prize for Urban Education.

Additionally, Dr. Witmer is an adjunct Professor of Educational Leadership at the University of California, Irvine Extension, and Azusa Pacific University. Prior to that, he worked as an associate professor, director, interim program director, principal, assistant principal, and teacher. Dr. Witmer received his Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Azusa Pacific University.

“The reputation of the Walnut Valley Unified School District has been outstanding for a long time, and I look forward to supporting our students’ learning and contributing to the district’s future success,” said Dr. Witmer.

 

WALNUT: Mt. SAC Students Named to State Academic Teams

 

(Google Images)

(Google Images)

BY: STAFF REPORTS

Walnut – Mt. San Antonio Collect students Brian Yu and Cynthia Robinson are two of the 76 community college students throughout the state that were recently selected for the 2014 All-California Academic teams, selected by Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), the international community college honor society.

Yu and Robinson, both students in Mt. SAC’s Honors Program, will receive medallions during the Community College League of California awards ceremony to be held on April 3 at the Citizen Hotel in Sacramento. Selection for the academic teams is based on grades, leadership, and community service.  Yu, 19, is an English major and carries a 3.93 GPA. He was selected for the All-California Academic First Team, the highest honor. A Walnut resident, he has served as a mentor for the Honors Program on campus and is a co-founder of the campus transfer club STEP. He was also a member of college’s championship forensics team last year and won three medals at the state championship. Off campus, he has raised over $180,000 as a volunteer for cancer research as part of Walnut’s Relay for Life board. In 2012, he was honored as a “Voice of Democracy” by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Association. He plans to transfer to Stanford or UCLA and eventually become a screenwriter.  Robinson, a 30-year-old mother of two, is a Horticulture major and carries a 3.76 GPA. She was selected for the All-California Academic Third Team. A Rancho Cucamonga resident, she served as Vice President of Scholarships for PTK on campus, and also served on the college’s InterClub Council. Off campus, she volunteers as a horticulturalist for the University of California Cooperative Extension Program. She also works as a horticulturalist for the non-profit Incredible Edibles Community Garden in Upland. She plans to pursue her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Horticulture at either Oregon State or U.C. Davis.

Diamond Bar: Quail Summit Receives Tree Donation

BY KELLI GILE

Senior Field Rep, Jody Roberto, presented a Certificate of Recognition to the Great Enlightenment Society for their tree donation (shown with Michael Shen and Principal Dr. Alysia Hobbs-Odipo).

Senior Field Rep, Jody Roberto, presented a Certificate of Recognition to the Great Enlightenment Society for their tree donation (shown with Michael Shen and Principal Dr. Alysia Hobbs-Odipo). (Photo Courtesy: Kelli Gile)

Quail Summit students dig into the ceremony on March 11 (shown with Maintenance Manager, Sam Somoso).

Quail Summit students dig into the ceremony on March 11 (shown with Maintenance Manager, Sam Somoso). (Photo Courtesy: Kelli Gile)

Diamond Bar — The front landscaping at Quail Summit Elementary School now includes eight new trees planted last week. The lush green Japanese Maples, Camphor, and Australian Willows were made possible through a donation from the Great Enlightenment Lotus Society.  On March 11, the school held a ceremony attended by district and local officials to thank the non-profit organization.

 “It is a great opportunity for Quail Summit Elementary and the District to receive this generous tree donation from the Great Enlightenment Lotus Society and at the same time, to educate our kids about the importance and meaning of tree planting for our future,” said Walnut Valley Unified School District Board Member Dr. Y. Tony Torng.

 Quail Summit 4th and 5th Grade student representatives joined the planting celebration by drawing pictures and writing thank you cards for the event. 

 “It’s very important when someone gives you a gift that we say thank you,” said Principal Dr. Alysia Hobbs-Odipo.

 Student Body President 5th Grader, Brianna Hernandez, presented a poster and some fun facts about trees.  “With all the electronics we have in this era, sometimes it’s just nice to sit under a tree and read a book.  I’m proud to represent my fellow Quails to show that we care and love our trees.  We appreciate your help and sponsorship in planting these trees and beautifying our school,” she said.

 Another Quail Summit student, 4th Grader Kenzie Wilson, accompanied by 5th Grader Mara Firtat, sang an original song about beautiful trees.  Then all the students gathered around the last new tree and began planting with rich soil.

 Lead Grounds Maintenance Worker, Gene Kennebrew, shared information about the species, including its growth potential to a towering 75 feet.  “This is a Camphor tree and these were originally from Eastern Asia.  They were brought to Florida in about 1875. They are excellent for shade and have a nice aroma,” he said.

 “We are very happy here today to have Quail Summit Elementary students join us for this great event. When we realize the benefit of the forest, the tree-planting ceremony is very important and meaningful for our society and work,” said William Shen, Treasurer of the Bliss and Wisdom Foundation of North America, the organization that founded the Great Enlightenment Lotus Society.  Shen was presented with certificates from the Offices of Senator Bob Huff and Assemblyman Curt Hagman.

 “I’m not sure if you know it or not, but Diamond Bar is a designated Tree City,” said Jody Roberto, Senior Field Representative for Senator Huff.  “And your school is contributing to that. You’re lucky to be at this beautiful school,” she added.

 

 

Walnut: South Pointe Student Wins Top Award in Holocaust Art Contest

BY KELLI GILE

South Pointe 8th Grader, Hailey Shi, with Holocaust survivor, Engelina Billauer, and the artwork that her story inspired the young artist to create.

South Pointe 8th Grader, Hailey Shi, with Holocaust survivor, Engelina Billauer, and the artwork that her story inspired the young artist to create. (Photo Courtesy: Kelli Gile)

Walnut — Hailey Shi, an 8th Grader at South Pointe Middle School, has been named a National First Place Winner in the 15th Annual Holocaust Art & Writing Contest, presented by Chapman University and the 1939 Society.

Shi learned she was a semifinalist from her Honors Art Teacher, Trinidad Garcia. She attended an Awards Ceremony on March 7 with her proud parents, Garcia, and Principal Susan Arzola.

This year, students from 175 schools across 20 states entered the national contest. Middle school and high school students created poetry, artwork or films in response to survivors’ oral testimonies about their Holocaust experiences.

About 40 survivors, their families, and the young students who told their stories of hope and survival came together for the event held at Chapman University’s Memorial Hall.

“When Hailey took the stage and shared the story behind the art, the room silenced. Mrs. Billauer stood and listened.  It immediately brought the artwork to life and both the artist and subject were changed from the experience.  It was a remarkable moment and we all felt it,” said Principal Arzola.

The 13-year-old artist learned about the contest while she was looking online for a competition to help build her portfolio for college.  The contest required research, listening to testimonies, and then creating the art piece about the story.  Shi began the process by listening to oral testimonies and eventually selected survivor Engelina Billauer for her artwork.

“I chose her because her story was the only one I listened to for the entire time,” she said.

It took Shi four weekends, working six hours each day, to create her entry titled “Never Again.”  The piece combines sketch and watercolor techniques to depict a 15-year-old Billauer and her older sister, Frieda, who were separated from their deaf parents and taken away by the Nazis in 1942.

“When they were first separated, they boarded a train. A Nazi officer made the young girls stay back to clean the train tracks. They looked up and saw their parents arrive on another bus and they ran onto the bus to comfort them. But a Nazi officer saw them, forced them out, and told them they would see them again,” Shi explained.  Billauer used sign language, but didn’t know if her parents knew what was happening.

“I named [the artwork] Never Again because they never saw each other again, and I hope the Holocaust never happens again,” Shi added.

It ended up being a day she would never forget. Shi spotted Engelina Billauer with her husband at the reception held before the event.  “We saw the couple walking. I didn’t know she would be there and felt very lucky,” she said. Shi was one of the only contestants who had the opportunity to meet the subject of their project.  The pair took a photo with the original artwork. Shi also received a copy of the Jewish Journal that featured the survivor’s story.

“Meeting her was very wonderful. I hope that people generations from now will still hear it and understand that it was a very hard time to live through, but it will never be forgotten,” Shi said.

Shi won $500 and an all-expense paid trip to Washington D.C. to visit the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.

 

 

 

Rowland Heights: RUSD Schools Recognized on 2013 Honor Roll

ROWLAND UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

Rowland Heights –– Rowland Unified School District Superintendent, Ruben P. Frutos, announced that this week four of its schools – Alvarado Intermediate, Blandford Elementary, Stanley G. Oswalt Academy, and Ybarra Academy of Arts and Technology – have been selected by the California Business for Education Excellence (CBEE) to be on the “2013 Honor Roll.”  Schools receiving this distinction are recognized as higher performing schools in the state, increasing academic performance and closing achievement gaps among all of their students.  Two RUSD Schools, Blandford Elementary and Oswalt Academy, were recognized from only 100 “STEM” (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) schools in the state, noted for their excellence in science and mathematics.

“We are very proud of our schools’ accomplishments and of our teachers’ use of data to individualize instruction.  Our District continues to be student-centered, and it shows as our schools continue to lead in closing the achievement gap.  We thank the CBEE for the recognition, and we thank our schools for their efforts,” said Frutos.

“Having high standards, effective school leadership, and staying focused on student academic achievement has paid off for these Honor Roll Schools,” said Lee Blitch, CBEE Chairman and past CEO of the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce.  “These schools are an inspiration.”

Over time, the CBEE has identified a common set of success factors in higher performing Honor Roll schools and districts.  These include high expectations for all students; ongoing collaboration among teachers to improve practice; targeted use of data to pinpoint challenges and monitor progress; continual intervention for struggling students; and mastery of content knowledge and pedagogical practices.

Alvarado Intermediate and Ybarra Academy of Arts and Technology were named Star Schools.  CBEE Star Schools are those with significant populations of socio-economically disadvantaged students that have shown a significant increase in grade-level proficiency over four years for all subgroups.  For further information on Alvarado Intermediate, contact Principal Karen Magana at (626) 964-2358 or visit www.AlvaradoSchool.org.  For information on Ybarra Academy of Arts and Technology, contact Principal Annette Ramirez at (909) 598-3744 or visit www.YbarraAcademy.org.

Blandford Elementary and Stanley G. Oswalt Academy were named STEM Schools.  CBEE named 100 of the Honor Roll Schools in the state that have higher poverty and higher performances in math and science.  For more information on Blandford Elementary, contact Principal Mercedes Lovie at (626) 965-3410 or visit www.BlandfordSchool.org.  For more information on Stanley G. Oswalt Academy, contact Principal Kevin Despard at (626) 810-4109 or visit www.OswaltAcademy.org.

City of Industry: Teen Artists and Filmmakers of the Future Debut

STAFF REPORTS

City of Industry -– The public can view and purchase work from artists and filmmakers of the future at the Nogales High School Art and Film Show, held at the Puente Hills Mall. The exhibition runs through April 13, and features original short films, photography, acrylic on canvas paintings, pen and ink, and mixed media from the talents of senior students from the acclaimed Nogales High School International Baccalaureate and Visual Arts Program. These are not your average art students.  The college level, one person shows are by students that will go on to attend top art colleges and universities.

The art and film exhibition hours are weekends, March 22-23, and April 12-13, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.; and weeknights, March 17-21, March 24-28, and April 7-11, from 4 p.m. t o 9 p.m.

Nogales High School is part of the Rowland Unified School District, and is an International Baccalaureate World School offering an award winning Career Certification Program for students.  Each year, graduates earn scholarships to attend the nation’s top art colleges and universities.  For more information on this amazing program and school, visit www.nogaleshs.org or Facebook.com/NogalesHigh.

Diamond Bar: Chaparral HUMANitarian Club Serves Area Homeless

BY KELLI GILE

Chaparral Middle School HUMANitarian club members prepared a meal for residents of the San Gabriel Valley Winter Shelter on Feb. 27.

Chaparral Middle School HUMANitarian club members prepared a meal for residents of the San Gabriel Valley Winter Shelter on Feb. 27. (Photo Courtesy: Kelli Gile)

Diamond Bar — 17 members of the Chaparral Middle School HUMANitarian Club helped make and serve about 280 dinners to area homeless on Thursday, Feb. 27.  Volunteers from many of Chaparral’s advocacy classes also supported the cause.

For the past eight years, the service club has reached out to the homeless through the East San Gabriel Valley’s Winter Shelter program. The rotating shelter begins at the end of October and runs through the end of February.

Students donated items to make a complete lunch for all the residents to take with them the following day after the dinner.  Club members also spent time before the dinner service began getting to know their clients.  “They learned a very valuable lesson about stereotyping homeless people,” said teacher and advisor, Sherry Robertson.

Club President, Kimberly Flores, said the students were shocked to learn that many of the people have jobs, some of them more than one.  “You can’t categorize who you meet at this shelter…women, men, children,” Flores said.  “My experience at the homeless shelter was pretty amazing. It changed my perspective on homeless people. I realized that they can be the same as us. There were educated people with jobs, but they didn’t have the same luxuries as we do,” she said.

Walnut: Mt. SAC Flying Team Advances to Nationals

MT. SAN ANTONIO COLLEGE

(Google Images)

(Google Images)

Walnut — With a third-place finish at the recent regional air-meet, the Mt. San Antonio College Flying Team advanced to the National Intercollegiate Flying Association’s national competition, and claimed its 23rd consecutive Regional Community College Award.

“This year marks the 23rd consecutive year our team has won the top community college trophy, a truly remarkable run,” said Mt. SAC Flying Team Advisor and Aeronautics Professor, Robert Rogus.

With 112 points, Mt. SAC placed third behind first-place Embry-Riddle Aeronautic University from Arizona with 333 points, and second-place San Jose State University with 114 points.  The 2014 Safety and Flight Evaluation Conference (SAFECON), a competition for university and community college flying teams, was hosted this year by Embry-Riddle, Feb. 4 through 8.

In addition to the Top Two-Year School Award, the Mt. SAC team took second in the flight event rankings. Manutea Maurin of Diamond Bar placed second overall in the short-field landings event, and Josh Spolar of West Covina took second in the instrument flight event.

The top three regional teams receive invitations to the national competition. The national SAFECON air-meet will be hosted by Ohio State University, May 12 through 17.

Over the years, the Mt. SAC Flying Team has consistently earned top honors as one of the best collegiate flying teams in the country. The team has won the Top Community College trophy at the regional competition every year since 1991. Mt. SAC has won the Top U. S.  Community College Award at the national air-meet in 1984, 1985, 1995, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2005, and 2007.

Walnut: Westhoff Students Experience Colonial Faire

BY KELLI GILE

Westhoff students played simple outdoor games of the past. Sarah Barahja, dressed as a royal, mastered rolling the circle using a wooden dowel.

Westhoff students played simple outdoor games of the past. Sarah Barahja, dressed as a royal, mastered rolling the circle using a wooden dowel. (Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile)

Westhoff students Michelle Jiang, Savarin Chilukuri and Natalie Olvera showed their cornhusk dolls.

Westhoff students Michelle Jiang, Savarin Chilukuri and Natalie Olvera showed their cornhusk dolls. (Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile)

Armando Heredia enjoyed playing colonial games.

Armando Heredia enjoyed playing colonial games. (Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile)

Walnut — Westhoff Elementary fifth graders got a chance to experience 18th Century life during a Colonial Faire held on March 7.  About 100 students, dressed up as peasants, royals, and soldiers were excited as they rotated through hands-on activities at the annual event.

Over 50 parent volunteers headed up each station. Students weaved rag rugs and cut paper whirligigs.  They played simple games, learned quill writing, colonial dancing, made cornhusk dolls and hand-dipped candles.  Students sat very still as parent volunteers traced their silhouettes.  In the manners and etiquette station, they learned the importance of using a napkin.

“Putting on a napkin was a big deal during colonial days because clothing was washed only once a month. So they really tried to keep them clean,” said parent Katharina Tang.  “Now, if you get your clothes dirty you just put them in the laundry basket,” she said.

After the morning activities, students looked forward to sampling delicious cornmeal Johnny Cakes and apple rings topped with cinnamon and sugar.

The event is the culminating activity on their recent studies on the colonial era of American History.

“Seeing all of the parent volunteers and teachers working together to make this event possible is really powerful. It’s good for the parents, good for the kids, and good for the staff,” said Superintendent, Dr. Robert Taylor.

Walnut: WVUSD Middle School Mathletes Dominate at Regionals

BY KELLI GILE

The Suzanne Middle School 1st Place Team: Matthew Nguyen, Aaron Chang, Amy Erickson, Ethan Lin, and Christopher Wong, with advisor Amy Erickson. (Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile)

The Suzanne Middle School 1st Place Team: Matthew Nguyen, Aaron Chang, Amy Erickson, Ethan Lin, and Christopher Wong, with advisor Amy Erickson. (Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile)

The South Pointe Middle School MATHCOUNTS team. (Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile)

The South Pointe Middle School MATHCOUNTS team. (Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile)

Chaparral Middle School competitors at the MATHCOUNTS Regional Competition. (Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile)

Chaparral Middle School competitors at the MATHCOUNTS Regional Competition. (Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile)

Walnut — Walnut Valley Unified School District’s three middle schools, Suzanne, Chaparral, and South Pointe, again took three of the top four places at the East San Gabriel Valley Chapter MATHCOUNTS Competition, held Feb. 21 at California Polytechnic University, Pomona.

The Suzanne MATHCOUNTS Team won 1st Place, Chaparral Mathletes took 2nd Place honors, and South Pointe brought home the 4th Place award.

Congratulations to the Suzanne MATHCOUNTS competition team who will now advance to the California State Competition. Two individual competitors will also advance to State:  Chaparral 8th Grader Matthew Ho, who placed first overall, and South Pointe 8th Grader Austin Sun, who placed second overall. The California State Competition will be held at the University of California, Irvine, on March 14.

“I am enormously proud of the students. They have been working very hard toward this goal for the past several years.  This is only the second time in our school’s 52-year history that we have placed first.  I would also like to commend the Walnut High School Math Club and especially their president, Andy Tsai, for all the volunteer hours spent coaching the Suanne Mathletes. This is truly a team win,” said Suzanne math teacher and advisor, Amy Erickson.

Walnut: Mt. SAC Wins Four Gold Medals at SkillsUSA

MT. SAN ANTONIO COLLEGE

(Google Images)

(Google Images)

Walnut — Mt. San Antonio College vocational education students won four gold, three silver, and one bronze medal at the SkillsUSA Regional Competition held recently at Los Angeles Trade Technical College, with seven students qualifying to advance to the 47th Annual State Leadership Conference competition, April 24 through 27 at the Town Country Resort and Convention Center in San Diego.

Rhiannon Britney of West Covina and Kevin Velasquez of Ontario won gold medals in technical drafting and will advance to the state competition. Sukhdev Singh of Chino won a gold medal for technical design and will also advance to state.  In the electronics technology competition, Jose Gomez of Azusa won first place and Cesar Bustamante of Anaheim took the silver medal. Both will advance to the state level. In telecommunications cabling, Samuel Arrieta of Monrovia took second place, and Hyun Cha of Rowland Heights won third place with both advancing to state.

Other competitors for Mt. SAC were Carlos Galdamez of West Covina with a silver medal in technical drafting, Trevor Lauritson of Pomona with a fifth-place finish in technical drafting, and Rodrigo Del Villar of El Monte with sixth place in the computer maintenance technology competition.

First-place winners at the state competition will advance to the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference slated for June 21 through 27 in Kansas City, Missouri.

The SkillsUSA championships are showcases for the best career and technical students in the country. Contests begin locally and continue through the state and national levels. More than 5,600 students are expected to compete at this year’s national event.

SkillsUSA is a nationally affiliated vocational club representing secondary and post-secondary students in the trade, technical and health fields. The vocational education organization represents more than a quarter million students in over 13,000 chapters nationwide.