August 24, 2015 - Desert Sands Unified School District

A publication of Desert Sands Unified School District
August 24, 2015
New Faces...and Familiar Faces in New Places
A number of new positions
became available at the
conclusion of the 2014-2015
school year. Here are a few
introductions…
Kimberly Albert, program
specialist, special education:
Kimberly will provide services
at Dwight Eisenhower,
Andrew Jackson, Theodore
Roosevelt, James Madison
elementary schools and Dr.
Carreon Academy. Previously,
Kim was a SDC Pre-K
teacher at Benjamin Franklin
Elementary School.
Kevin Bibo, assistant principal
CTE, Palm Desert High
School: Kevin has been chair of the CTE department at Redlands
High School for the past 10 years. He also taught English, Read
180, and various video production/media courses. Kevin is an
adjunct instructor at University of Redlands in secondary education.
Anthony Coronado, assistant principal CTE, Indio High School: A
high school business teacher and department chairperson in Colton
USD since 2012, Anthony just completed an assignment as an
administrative designee at Grand Terrace High School. Prior
assignments include middle school technology teacher in Colton
and Monrovia.
Continued page 2
Next week’s Beacon (August 31, 2015) will introduce
readers to the new DSUSD teachers and support staff.
1
Members of the transportation team spent the
summer getting DSUSD school busses in tip-topshape. Above: Mechanic Joey Quintana replaces
emergency lights. Below: A new bus driver, takes his
vehicle on a training mission.
Tiffany Norton, assistant principal, Andrew Jackson/
Abraham Lincoln elementary schools: Tiffany has been
a classroom teacher at Roosevelt Elementary for the past
nine years. During her time in the classroom, she worked
as a BTSA mentor and became passionate about
technology. Tiffany worked to implement Chromebooks
into her classroom and has piloted various technology
programs for the district's technology department.
Continued from page 1
Laura Fisher, assistant superintendent, student support
services: Laura was administrator II for alternative
education/special education with RCOE where she
oversaw special education in community schools,
regional learning centers, and court schools across the
county. Prior to this, Laura was an alternative education
principal, executive director for student services, and
also held a variety of program specialist and teaching
assignments.
John Preston, assistant principal, Gerald Ford
Elementary: John has been assigned at Andrew Jackson
Elementary School since 2006, with assignments
including physical education specialist, BTSA support
provider, and intervention specialist. John is also an
adjunct instructor at Brandman University since 2013.
Sharon Hoff, assistant principal CTA/attendance,
Amistad High School: The former Amistad independent
study/testing and WASC coordinator was also chair of
the English department, administrative designee, TRAC
leadership team member, BTSA mentor, and adjunct
professor for CSUSB Palm Desert campus. Her prior
experience in DSUSD included English teacher at La
Quinta High School and an academic coach at La Quinta
Middle School.
Shellie Ritchotte, psychologist: Shellie comes to
DSUSD from Sierra Sands Unified School District in
Ridgecrest, where she has served as a school
psychologist at the middle and elementary school levels.
Prior to this, she was a psychologist intern for Riverside
USD and a consultant for children with autism.
Rosa Leach, psychologist: Since 2011, Rosa has been a
bilingual (Spanish-speaking) behavioral specialist and
consultant with Howard Chudler & Associates in
Glendora. Other assignments have included school
psychology intern, special education teacher, bilingual
(Spanish-speaking) community liaison, and paraeducator in special education.
Bianca Ruiz, school psychologist: Bianca has been
assigned to La Quinta Middle School and the
educationally related mental health services. She brings
previous experience in ABA (applied behavioral
analysis) which she provided to infants and young
adolescents. She recently completed her school
psychologist internship with the Val Verde Unified
School District.
Daniel Martinez. elementary principal: Dan has packed
up his assistant principal office at Desert Ridge
Academy and made the move to Theodore Roosevelt
Elementary School. Prior experience includes six years
as an elementary teacher and EL/TRAC coach at Dr.
Carreon Academy and a brief tenure at CVUSD.
Tony Signoret, Ed.D., assistant superintendent,
personnel services: Tony joins DSUSD from Palm
Springs Unified School District where he served as
director of certificated human resources. He has been a
Coachella Valley resident and public school employee
for the past 23 years.
Jorge Mendoza, grounds supervisor: Jorge has spent the
last four years overseeing grounds crews at golf courses
and sports complexes, and an additional six years as a
crew member. Duties included field inspections,
maintenance of irrigation systems, turf maintenance, and
supervising/training crew members.
Continued from page 2
Andrew Munguia, school psychologist: Andrew has
been assigned to La Quinta High and Thomas Jefferson
Middle schools. He brings previous experience as a
school psychologist serving both elementary and
secondary populations. Just prior to joining Desert Sands
Unified School District, he served both Yuma, Arizona
and Brawley Union High School Districts.
Ifthika “Shine” Nissar, principal, early childhood
education: Shine has served as program specialist in
early learning at First 5 Riverside since 2012. She has
also been a program director of ECE for the Family
YMCA of the Desert. Shine started out as a preschool
paraeducator and is completing her doctoral studies.
DSUSD high schools have new assistant principal positions this
year. The folks above will be focused on the CTE programs.
Pictured are: Sean Webb, La Quinta, Anthony Coronado, Indio,
Sharon Hoff, Amistad, Kevin Bibo, Palm Desert, and Leslie Wells,
Shadow Hills. Missing is Oron Jakcson, Summit.
2
Continued from page 2
Dates To Note
Anna Torres, assistant principal, Indio High School:
Most recently a dean of students in Banning USD, Anna
brings leadership experience as a K-12 instructional
support specialist, athletic director, and ASB/activities
director. Anna started out as a math teacher and also
coached volleyball, tennis, and softball.
August 17-September 11: Medical insurance open
enrollment. See page 23 for more information.
September 7: Labor Day observed
September 9: Grill-A-Burger Fundraiser for Palm
Desert High School, 11:00 am to 8:00 pm.
Janie Uribe, psychologist: Janie has been a school
psychologist and psych intern in Borrego Springs USD
for the past two years. Her experience includes time as
an instructional paraeducator, member of AmeriCorps as
a tutor, as well as a student assistant at CSU Stanislaus.
September 17: CRTA recently retired teachers
reception at Heritage Palms Country Club at 3:00 pm.
See article on page 11.
September 22: Live Healthy! Relax to Improve Overall
Health at DEC North, 4:30-5:30 pm. See page 24 for
details.
John David Vallesillo, quality assurance facilitator:
John has been with DSUSD for 26 years, not including
his early years in our schools. A Rajah, John has been
promoted five times while in the MOT department.
September 26: Amelia Earhart Elementary School
fund raiser gala. Details on page 20.
Leslie Wells, assistant principal CTE, Shadow Hills
High School: A “house principal” at Santa Monica High
School, Leslie was the instructional leader for a small
learning community of 630 students. His prior
experience includes adjunct professor for Loyola
Marymount, summer school principal, academic
counselor, and AVID/Spanish teacher.
October 6: Last day to apply for veteran’s high school
diploma program. See page12 for information.
November 8: Hike For Education sponsored by the
Desert Sands Educational Foundation. See page 22 for
more information.
November 10: Veterans high school graduation
ceremony at 2:00 pm at the Moreno Valley Conference
and Recreation Center. Details on page 12.
Kimberlee Woods, Ed.D., assistant principal, La Quinta
High School: Following more than 10 years as an
assistant principal, math teacher, and department chair in
public schools, Kimberlee invested the next 10 years as
an adjunct professor at USC and Cal State Dominguez
Hills—as well as teacher, facilitator, and administrator
assignments for charter schools.
November 11: Veterans Day observed
November 12 & 13: Yes it Can…Happen in Our
Schools, security training. Contact Jeff Kaye, director
of safety and security, for more information. See
page 24 for details.
Kirsten Wright, assistant principal, Amelia Earhart
Elementary School: No stranger to DSUSD, Kirsten has
been a TOSA in technology since 2007, where she
helped successfully deploy 28,000+ Chromebooks and
tablets. Teaching assignments include four years at Dr.
Carreon Academy and two years in Salem Kaiser SD in
Salem, Oregon.
November 14: Palm Desert Charter Middle School
Foundation Fundraising Event. Details on page 19.
November 23-27: Schools closed for Thanksgiving
holiday. (November 26, Thanksgiving; DEC closed
November 26 & 27)
December 21 - January 1: Schools closed for winter
break. (DEC closed December 24, 25, and 31, and
January 1)
Return to School Year Hours
Vickie Haddox, fiscal
services, joined
Superintendent Gary
Rutherford as the DEC
staff worked their last
summer week of four
ten hour days. The
offices are now
operating on their
school year schedule.
January 18: Martin Luther King Day observed
February 12: Lincoln’s Birthday observed
February 15: Presidents’ Day observed
March 28 - April 1: Schools closed for spring break
May 30: Memorial Day observed
2
Summer School 2015
Extended year program, summer school, and a special program for the
children of migrant farm workers...it was a busy summer!
2
Teacher Participates in UNICESUMAR
America’s Next Weatherman
In June 2015,
Desert Sands
Unified Teacher
Megan Miller
embarked on a
educational training
visit sponsored by
Rotary International
and her local
Rotary District
5330. This three week experience included a team of
five professionals in education who were charged with
visiting the Brazilian community of Maringa.
A new “reality” show recently debuted on the TBS
network. Titled America’s Next Weatherman the twelve
contestants vie for the title. One of the contestants is Jeff
Forgeron a graduate of Palm Desert High School. Jeff
has a degree in meteorology
and is an Associated Press
writer for Wunderground.
(Weather Underground). Jeff
and the other contestants will
follow the example of many
reality shows, participating in
challenges, and then facing
possible “vote offs”.
In this community, Megan visited public and private
schools as well as a renowned private university called
UNICESUMAR. During the visit, she provided a lecture
on accessibility design and presented information about
current special education inclusion practices currently
implemented through Desert Sands Unified School
District. The university was enthusiastic about DSUSD
as leaders in educational technology, special education
inclusion practices, and in preparing teachers through
professional development training programs.
Photos - Top: Jeff in a
promo photo; Center:
being interviewed by
CBS Local 2
meteorologist Rob
Bradley; Bottom: Cast of
American’s Next
Weatherman
Representatives of UNICESUMAR are very eager to
meet with representatives from Desert Sands Unified
School District.
Megan would like to thank the Desert Sands Unified
School District Board, Desert Ridge Academy Middle
School, and Rotary District 5330 for their active support
of this educational exchange opportunity. For further
information about her visit, please email:
[email protected].
Project Lead the Way
PLTW (Project Lead the Way) is a comprehensive
approach to science, technology, engineering, and
mathematics education (STEM). It offers a nationally
highly recognized curriculum which is aligned with state
standards and is UC/CSU approved. Through problembased curriculum, PLTW provides high school students
with an opportunity to apply what they know, identify
problems, find unique solutions, and lead their own
learning while the instructor acts as a facilitator.
treatment of a disease, all while working collaboratively
to understand and design solutions.
Classroom teachers will participate in a three-phase
professional development model. The various phases of
the training will provide teachers with learning
opportunities that will emphasize proper preparation, indepth training, and continued education.
Palm Desert and Shadow Hills high schools will
integrate PLTW into their engineering pathways and
Indio High School will do the same for their BioMedical
Academy. PLTW in health sciences leads students to the
examination of structures/interactions of human body
systems while exploring the prevention, diagnosis, and
2
August: The La Quinta Chamber of Commerce’s
monthly magazine The Gem included a column by
Superintendent Gary Rutherford, Ed.D. The article was
a report to the community of the district’s response to
the public’s involvement in the LCAP (local control
accountability plan).
IN THE NEWS
A recap of summer DSUSD media coverage…
August 20: While a fifth grader at James Madison
Elementary School, Lianna Reyes entered an artwork
contest sponsored by SunLine Transit Agency and
Renova Solar. Her winning design was unveiled on the
side of valley busses and the ceremony was covered by
The Desert Sun.
July 31: Several DSUSD teachers who attended the
Better Together California Teacher’s Summit at Cal
State University San Bernardino’s Palm Desert campus
were interviewed for a Desert Sun article. The story was
also picked up by Paper Clips.
August 15: Aubrey O’Day, a La Quinta High School
graduate, released her latest album. The story was a
feature in The Desert Sun.
July 31: The Desert Sun included a calendar listing of a
blood drive being held at Palm Desert High School.
August 14: The intense heat of the week prompted
KESQ and CBS Local 2 to ask how schools determine if
students should have outdoor recess.
July 31: The DSUSD weekly article in the Neighbors
section of The Desert Sun was penned by summer
school TOSA (teacher on special assignment) Marcy
Herrera. The article was a personal reflection on the
summer school program and graduation. The story was
also picked up by Paper Clips.
August 7: The weekly DSUSD column in the
Neighbors section of The Desert Sun introduced the
community to new academies and pathways. The story
was also picked up by Paper Clips, the Riverside
County Office of Education daily news report.
July 30: The Desert Sun continued to follow the success
of America’s Next Weatherman contestant Jeff
Forgeron, a Palm Desert High School graduate.
August 13: Local media reported on the release of a
report from the California Department of Public Health,
Greater California Cancer Registry. A copy of the report
can be found at www.dsusd.us.
July 30: A special insert to The Desert Sun titled Health
Source included spotlights on two Palm Desert High
School Health Academy students.
August 7: The weekly DSUSD column in the
Neighbors section of The Desert Sun featured the
murals on the campus of Desert Ridge Academy.
July 28: The Academy of Musical Performance and
their showcase of talent from their summer camp ran in
The Desert Sun. See the article in this newsletter on
page #. The story was also picked up by Paper Clips.
August 7: The weekly DSUSD column in the
Neighbors section of The Desert Sun introduced the
community to new academies and pathways. The story
was also picked up by Paper Clips.
July 28: Local media and
Paper Clips reported that a
tentative agreement had
been reached between the
district and DSTA. (At
right Assistant
Superintendent of
Personnel Services is
interviewed regarding the
tentative agreement.)
August 7: The weekly DSUSD column in the
Neighbors section of The Desert Sun introduced the
community to new academies and pathways. The story
was also picked up by Paper Clips.
August 4: DJ Alf Alpha, a Palm Desert High School
graduate, was the feature of a Desert Sun article.
August 3: KESQ/CBS Local 2 invited the public to an
athletic uniform fundraiser at Shadow Hills High School.
July 27: Sayra Garcia Lozano, a former Palm Desert
student, was the focus of an article in The Desert Sun in
her role as an intern working in Washington, D.C. for
the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute.
August 1: Parental involvement in student success was
the topic of a Desert Sun article. Melinda Wallace,
director of state and federal programs, contributed to the
story. The story was also picked up by Paper Clips.
Continued on page 7
3
Continued from page 6
July 16: Students who participated in a College of the
Desert summer camp on robotics were interviewed for a
Desert Sun article. The story was also picked up by
Paper Clips.
July 25: The announcement of a health career seminar
for local students ran in The Desert Sun.
July 28: Preparation of
local school districts for
stricter water restrictions
was aired on KESQ/CBS
Local 2. Clayton Hill
(photo at right), director
of MOT was interviewed.
See article about Hill on
page 13 in this
newsletter.) The story
was also picked up by
Paper Clips.
July 13: KESQ and CBS Local 2 provided information
to parents of a free backpack giveaway.
July 25: The Desert Sun called attention to the
STEM training (science, technology, engineering, math)
at local schools. The story was also picked up by
PaperClips.
July 24: A look at SART (school attendance review
team) and the pilot program for parents was the topic
of the weekly DSUSD column in the Neighbors section
of The Desert Sun. The story was also picked up by
Paper Clips.
Mary, Mary, quite contrary, how
does your garden grow?
July 20: Members of the nutrition services team
provided information to The Desert Sun for their article
on free summer lunches and the FIND food bank.
Actually, Mary isn’t interested in her
own garden but in yours!
July 18: An article in The Desert Sun, also picked up by
Paper Clips, focused on the process for students to
receive appointments to the United States military
academies. Of special note was the report of a minireunion of valley service academy graduates. The story
included a quote and photo of Air Force Academy
graduate Captain Janelle West who was a proud Palm
Desert High School Aztec.
Principals and teachers, please let
Mary ([email protected])
know about your school garden
plans for this year.
July 17: A Desert Sun article provided kudos to the La
Quinta High School yearbook staff for the 2013-2014
school year for the announcement of their receipt of the
Premier Print Award, a national recognition. The story
was also picked up by Paper Clips.
As fall plantings take place,
now is a wonderful time to share
information about the student gardens
at many of our schools.
July 17: The weekly DSUSD column in the Neighbors
section of The Desert Sun featured the awards from the
Alliance for a Healthier Generation on Healthy Schools
presented to Theodore Roosevelt, Lyndon Johnson, and
James Monroe elementary schools. The story was also
picked up by Paper Clips.
Photos of growth progress would
also be appreciated.
3
New Classes Added
La Quinta Police Cadet Academy
The DSUSD Board of Education, at a meeting on
July 21, 2015, approved the following new classes:
(Article written by Deputy Armando Muñoz, public information
officer, Riverside County Sheriff's Department)
Companion Animal Health—is designed to acquaint
students at Indio High School with the issues/challenges
involving the management and production of companion
animals. Students will be presented with theoretical/
practical aspects of anatomy, physiology, genetics,
nutrition, reproduction, behavior, evolution, animal
traits, scientific theory, economics, and management of
animals considered to be human companions.
The La Quinta Police Cadet Academy held a five-week
summer program for students in the La Quinta area who
were interested in law enforcement, military, and public
service. The program was a partnership between the City
of La Quinta and the La Quinta Police Department with
all costs covered by the City of La Quinta. The cadets
were provided with daily snacks, drinks, water bottles,
uniforms, and all necessary equipment to participate in
the program.
Auto I—is an introductory course to be taught at
Amistad High School focusing on the basics of safety,
equipment identification, engine operation, construction,
components, vehicle maintenance, and shop operation.
All areas of ASE (automotive service excellence) and
master technician service certification will be covered.
Cadets participated in police and service related
activities including: physical training, SWAT
demonstration, first aid, bomb squad demonstration,
firearms demonstration, canine demonstrations, forensics
training, narcotics training, alcohol awareness training,
defensive tactics, and many other topics. The cadets
went on various field trips including traveling to the
Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego and the Ben
Clark Training Center in Riverside.
Auto II—is the second
course in the automotive
pathway which goes
beyond the basics of
automotive mechanics,
focusing on brake systems,
hydraulic systems, and
engine maintenance. This
Amistad High School class
will introduce students to
various automotive
industry careers. (Note:
Amistad High School auto shop
Both Auto I and Auto II
was featured on KESQ in 2014.
were formally ROP
(regional occupation program) courses but are no longer
supported by the county. Therefore, they now require
curriculum council and board approval.)
The program instills the core values of integrity, honor,
courage, commitment, and teamwork and is taught by
current law enforcement officers. Other staff members
are comprised of the Sheriff’s Explorer POST 503 from
the Thermal Sheriff’s Station.
At the conclusion of the program, the cadets participated
in a graduation ceremony where they were presented
with a certificate of completion.
Participating students were in grades 6-8 from Colonel
Mitchell Paige Middle School, La Quinta Middle
School, and John Glenn Middle School.
Arts in the Garden
Class Voice—will be added to the curriculum at Shadow
Hills High School. The course is designed for beginning
voice students to work on the skills of singing, including
vocal technique, and solo vocal performance. Class
Voice will meet the fine art requirement for graduation.
Students at Gerald Ford Elementary School celebrated
the end of the year with Arts in the Garden. Each class
performed at the event where over 2,000 parents and
guests bought student art work, created crafts, enjoyed
hot dogs, hamburgers, snow cones, popcorn, and more
(not to mention the bake sale!).
Sculpture II—is a Shadow Hills High School class that
will explore 3D form using modeling, carving,
assemblage, casting, and paper folding. Students will
also be involved in planning, revising, and reflection
processes. Sculpture II will meet the fine art requirement
for graduation.
Enjoy this newsletter? Share it! Subscribe at:
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News and photos always welcome!
5
Student Board Members Named
Madison Student Recognized
Lianna Reyes was one of
over 200 elementary school
students from across the
Coachella Valley to send in
art work specifically
designed for the side of a
Sun Bus. The James
Madison Elementary School
fifth grader’s concept for the
new hydrogen fuel cell
buses, a partnership between
SunLine Transit Agency and
Renova Solar, can now be
seen on the side of buses
transporting citizens around
the valley.
Each year students representing the district high schools
elect student representatives to the Board of Education.
The students represent their schools and the students of
the district and participate in the discussion and many of
the votes conducted
by the board. This
year’s group of
students met on
August 19 to receive
orientation from
Gary Rutherford,
Ed.D.,
superintendent.
Lianna was recently
recognized by the companies
for her design and received a
plaque as well as a certificate
of recognition from
California Assemblyman
Eduardo Garcia.
Present at the ceremony were
Lianna’s family and Madison
Principal David Karlquist. Lianna is now a sixth grader
at John Glenn Middle School.
Melanie Peretz,
SHHS
Nadia Fuentes,
LQHS
Esmerelda
Nunez, PDHS
Gabriel Zazueta,
AHS
The Beacon is published weekly by Desert Sands Unified
School District. Contents are the property of the district and
reprinting or reuse of the material is available by emailing the
public information officer [email protected].
Paul Zavala, IHS
Publisher: Gary Rutherford, Ed.D.
Editor: Mary Perry
Copy Editors: Adriana Romero and
Blanche Ramirez
Photo Editor: Roger Isabell
Not shown:
Pedro Fuentes, Summit High School
Veronica Lievanos, Horizon School
5
Ophelia Project Mentors Sought
Back to School Must-Haves
The Ophelia
Project is a
national nonprofit
organization that
strives to empower
and encourage
teenage girls to
increase their self-esteem. What started in one Desert
Sands Unified School District with three volunteers
serving five girls has expanded to 11 schools across the
three Coachella Vallety school districts reaching a total
of 550 girls with 120 volunteers.
(The following article will appear in The GEM, the La Quinta
Chamber of Commerce monthly publication.)
The school bell will be ringing
on Wednesday, August 26 and
the almost 30,000 students in
the Desert Sands Unified
School District will be
returning to the classroom.
Here is a list of the ten musthaves before entering the
classroom…
1. Have a good night’s sleep! Studies show that
students with at least eight hours of undisturbed
sleep do better in school.
2. Have a good breakfast! It will be a long day so start
off with the fuel provided by a healthy breakfast.
3. Have plans for a healthy lunch! Whether you have a
school nutritionist-created meal or you bring your
own…don’t forget the fruit!
4. Have the appropriate school supplies! Check at
various local stores for school supply lists and start
that first day off with a minimum of pencils and
paper. Be prepared to take notes to bring home to
help your parents know what you need to bring to
school with you.
5. Have a back-pack or some type of carry bag! Those
books and papers can be heavy. Be certain that you
can safely carry them. Consider a bag on wheels.
6. Have a plan! What do you expect to accomplish this
year? Plan now for the months ahead and be
successful.
7. Have a book! Down time during the day? Take the
opportunity to read. Reading can be relaxing,
entertaining, and, yes, informative.
8. Have safety in mind at all times! Know your route to
school, keep an adult informed of any out-of-theordinary situation, don’t put yourself in harm’s way,
wear a helmet if riding a bike or skateboard, think
before you act or react. And for adults, remember to
watch for our children while driving.
9. Have a successful wardrobe! If your school requires
a uniform, clothing can be found at a variety of local
stores at some great prices. If you need assistance
with purchasing uniforms, check with the school’s
principal for organizations that can help. If your
school has a dress code, keep it in mind when
shopping. Want to know why there are dress codes?
Do some research, check online, and find out why
appropriate clothing is required.
10. Have a positive attitude! It’s a new year and a new
beginning. Start fresh and commit to a great year
ahead.
The organization is currently recruiting new mentors for
the 2015-2016 school year. All new volunteers and all
returning volunteers must be certified each school year.
Their certification is the result of completing training
designed by the governing bodies of the Ophelia Project
and delivered by a variety of educational professionals.
Each year the training is different to stay current with
many factors such as: Common Core State Standards,
Student Success Initiative, the philosophies and
individuality of each school and district served. This
year there will be a strong focus on “Student Success
Agenda” for freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors
and the preparation to apply for Ophelia Scholarships,
and much more. Training assures that mentors and
volunteers are well informed and well prepared to
accurately represent the Ophelia Project.
Volunteers would need to attend a training session on
September 11 from 9:30-11:00 am. Email Debbie Phipps
for information, [email protected].
ACSA Selfie
Maryalice Owings, Abraham Lincoln Elementary School
principal, Derrick Lawson, Colonel Mitchell Paige
Middle School principal, and Kelly Mary-Vollmar,
Benjamin Franklin Elementary School principal, take a
moment at the recent ACSA (Association of California
School Administrators) regional meetings to send in a
selfie of their smiling faces.
6
LQMS Students Attend NFL Summit
Former LQMS 8th
graders Denise Moreno
and James Neuburger
attended the NFL Fuel
Up to Play 60 student
leadership summit this
past July. Program
advisor and LQMS
teacher Laura Spradlin
accompanied the two
students who spent
four days at the
University of Illinois
where they, along with 200 other students and 100
program advisors, participated in a variety of events
including: flag football activities, smoothie challenge,
media training, leadership classes, fitness and nutrition
awareness seminars, team building trainings, and
cooking challenges.
Two days of training for principals, assistant principals,
and district management personnel were held two weeks
prior to the opening of school. The intense training and
opportunity to network with peers is a DSUSD tradition.
The summit
emphasized health
and fitness, as well
as motivational
speakers focusing
on pathways to
success through
education, sports,
and healthy
choices. The
students met with
NFL football
players from the
Chicago Bears,
New England Patriots, Pittsburgh Steelers, and
Tennessee Titans, and even played football with the
players. Additionally, students took a bus ride to
Northwestern University where they attended media
training sessions and participated in athletic challenges
with Northwestern University athletes. The day
concluded with a training session at the Chicago Bear’s
Walter Peyton Training Facility.
Above left: Karen Stone, director of
finance, prepares to feast on lunch
prepared by the students at La Quinta
High School’s culinary arts academy.
Above center: John Gildner, manager
graphics services, prepares to take a
phone call.
Above right: Assistant Superintendent Personnel Services Tony
Signoret conducts a training session.
Bottom left: Indio Middle School Principal Jesus Jimenez leads a
group discussion.
Message From CRTA
 Recently retired teachers are invited to a reception,
hosted by California Retried Teachers Association,
Desert Roadrunner Division #42, Thursday, September
17 at 3:00 pm at Heritage Palms Country Club.
Denise and James will now
assist Ms. Spradlin with
implementing Fuel Up to
Play 60 activities at LQMS
and hopefully other DSUSD
schools, as well.
 25 $100 teacher grants are available three times during
the year with September the first awarding. Winners are
chosen randomly. Once a teacher has registered he/she
need not do it again. Names are automatically entered in
the next drawing. Go to www.calrta.org to register.
(Flyer on page 23 of The Beacon.
Right: Laura Spradlin, author of
this article enjoys the Chicago
architecture.
 Contact Maggie Hamilton for information:
[email protected] or 760-219-9758.
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County Superintendent Calling Veterans
to Receive Missing Diplomas
The 2015 Operation Recognition ceremony will be held
at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 10, at the Moreno
Valley Conference and Recreation Center, 14075
Frederick Street, Moreno Valley.
At the 2014 Operation Recognition event, veterans
from World War II, the Vietnam War, and the Korean
War who earned purple hearts and bronze stars further
enhanced their lifetime achievements with an honor
they were previously unable to attain—a high school
diploma.
In order to be recognized at the ceremony, completed
application forms and supporting documentation must
be received by 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, October 6, 2015.
Application forms are available online at www.rcoe.us/
operationrecognition or can be requested by telephone.
Interested persons may contact Tracey Case at
(951) 826-6570 or email her at [email protected].
More than 300 veterans have received high school
diplomas through the Riverside County Operation
Recognition Program since 2007. The diplomas are
awarded as a joint effort of the Riverside County Board
of Education and the Riverside County Department of
Veterans’ Services. Riverside County Superintendent of
Schools, Kenneth Young, is again calling on veterans to
apply for long-overdue high school diplomas through a
program known as Operation Recognition.
The program is open to current residents of Riverside
County whose high school education was interrupted
by military service in World War II, the Korean War, or
the Vietnam War. Education Code Section 51440
authorizes the granting of retroactive high school
diplomas to eligible veterans. Section 51430 authorizes
the retroactive granting of diplomas to JapaneseAmerican citizens whose internment by federal order in
World War II prevented them from graduating from
their home town high school.
“Our veterans are qualified and well deserving to
receive diplomas,” Young said. “We want to do
everything we can to make it possible for them to share
that graduation experience with family and friends.”
Advancement Via Individual Determination
Indio High School team members spent three days in intensive AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination)
training during their vacation this summer at the AVID Summer Institute. Attendees include (left to right) Principal
Rudy Ramirez; Aimee Druyon, teacher on special assignment; Assistant Principal Antonio Coronado; English/AVID
teacher Jasmin Garcia; Paul Schlosser, AVID coordinator; Yolanda Mendoza and Judy Guenther, math teachers. (Not
pictured is special education teacher Ashley Ahrens.)
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AMP Summer Performance
Hill Brings a New Outlook
Creating a unique way to conduct a summer camp,
Coachella Valley Community Trust created the AMP
Performance Showcase. Funded in part by Goldenvoice
of Coachella Fest and Stagecoach fame, 36 students
from throughout the Coachella Valley took part in the
four weeks of instruction. For six hours each day, five
days a week, the students came together as bands with
boys and girls that they had never met. Over 120
students originally auditioned for one of the 36 spots.
The culmination of their hard work and the highlight of
the camp was the July 25 performance at the Indio
Performing Arts Center. Desert Sands Unified School
District students and members of the bands were:
When asked why he decided to move from a school site
to his new office in the operations building at the DEC
in his new role as director of maintenance, operations,
and transportation, Clayton Hill said, “I like the
challenge of learning new things.” For the past 15 years,
Hill has been a part of the DSUSD family, first as a
classroom teacher and then, for the past six years, as
principal at Theodore Roosevelt Elementary School.
The second of his family to
graduate from college, he is
quick to point out that his father
inspired him to do more, to go
beyond what he had
accomplished. So Clayton went
to Cal State San Bernardino not
certain what he wanted to do but
knew that education was
important to him. He began
tutoring math to his peers and
volunteered at a local elementary school. He had found
his path and became an elementary school teacher,
primarily 5th grade.
Foxy Lions
Chance Day-Spicer, Shadow Hills High School, guitar
and vocals
Edith Aldaz, La Quinta High School, vocals
Mariah Horta, Indio High School, vocals
Audriana Leal, La Quinta High School, vocals
Remy Amador, Shadow Hills High School, vocals,
percussion
The Rodents
Tarah Jade Risnes, Palm Desert Charter Middle School,
vocals
Joelle Barry, Palm Desert Charter Middle School, vocals
Nick Willman, John Glenn Middle School, drums
Aiden Schaeffer, John Glenn Middle School, guitar
He credits Kathy Felci, assistant superintendent of
education services, with his move into administration.
He spoke of her advice to get his masters in
administration and to take his philosophy to a school
site. “I see the impact that the classified staff has on the
work we do in the classroom,” he said, “I understand the
dynamics as well as the restraints.” It was important to
Hill that each member of the school site team was
valued, respected, and understood their impact.
Red Hot Caterpillars
Austin Regalado, Indio High School, bass
Noah Arujo, John Glenn Middle School, guitar
Kaylee Serrano, La Quinta High School, vocals
His role as director of MOT offers him a new way to
reinforce this philosophy. He says, “it is nice to be a part
of the process.”
The Originals
Israel Pinedo, Desert Ridge Academy, drums, guitar,
vocals, songwriter
Kayla Castillo, Shadow Hills High School, guitar,
vocals, songwriter
Faith Casillas, Shadow Hills High School, piano,
guitar, bass
Racquel Rodriguez, Desert Ridge Academy, vocals
Hill began working in his new capacity in July and
commented, “this is a group of highly skilled people
who have been most gracious about sharing what they
do.” The team is reviewing their structure and are
planning new practices and seeking additional training.
Brass Kickers
Marypaz Lugo, Desert Ridge Academy, horns
Emily Martinez, La Quinta High School, horns
Lena Taylor, Desert Ridge Academy, horns
Clayton and his team suggested an
aerial shot when the La Quinta
Chamber of
Commerce asked for a
cover photo for The
GEM (their monthly
magazine). In a
characteristic act of
chivalry, Sir Clayton
and the Knights of the
MOT Table headed
to the roof to take
this shot.
Production Team
Micah Hughes, Palm Desert High School, sound, drums
Mathieu Gonzalez, Palm Desert Charter Middle School,
lights, video
8
Summer Wrestling Clinic Held
By Samantha Hirsch, LQHS wrestling coach
On July 23 and 24, La Quinta High School hosted a wrestling clinic led by Stanford University’s Associate Head
Coach Jamill Kelly. Coach Kelly, who was also the 2004 Olympic Silver Medalist at 66 kg (145 lbs.), instructed
wrestlers from both Shadow Hills and La Quinta high schools, as well as several younger athletes, in wrestling
fundamentals and techniques. Also on hand for the two day clinic were La Quinta coaches Ryan Flores, Ron Perez, and
Alex Razo, as well as Shadow Hills coaches Nick Meade and Heber Castillo. Coach Kelly came to La Quinta High
because of his personal tie with La Quinta’s coach, Ron Perez, who was his high school coach at Atwater High School
in central California. Plans are to
repeat the clinic next summer.
the day were scenes from Hawaii including some
serious surfing.
Aloha LBJ Elementary School
Some culture, some history, some arts, and a lot of fun
brought the 2014-2015 school year to a close at Lyndon
B. Johnson Elementary School on Thursday, June 4.
Welcomed to the event via the traditional presentation
of leis, the students (and the teachers) used the
opportunity to sport some Hawaiian finery.
Aloha Day replaced the traditional WaterDay as a more
sustainable and responsible way to celebrate. A
teacher-led band provided the music complete with
dance lessons. Coach Bill Baker led Hawaiian-themed
games and exercise. Projected on the screen throughout
14
If It’s Summer...It Must Be Blackhawk Showdown!
The challenge was on as chefs from around the Coachella Valley
participated in the second annual Blackhawk Showdown. Cook-off
elimination rounds took place throughout the summer. For each
Showdown, chefs were provided with a mystery box containing
protein and produce items that had to be used in creating a threecourse tasting 24 hours before their event. Some mystery boxes
included, hanger steak, flank steak, porkbelly, chuck roast, scallops,
monk fish, rutabagas, brussel sprouts, corn, and avocados. Crown
Meat Company, P and D Seafoods, and L & G Fresh Produce
donated the mystery items. Proceeds for each Blackhawk
Showdown benefit the LQHS culinary program and various local
charities including the YMCA, National Charity League, Relay for
Life, and various LQHS clubs and sports teams.
Participating chefs included:
May 21, Angel Ramirez, The Lakes CC vs Jennifer Town, The Purple Room (winner)
June 11, Joey Domingo, Roy’s (winner) vs Daniel Villanueva, Balisage Bistro
June 25, Chris Mitchum, Indian Wells Hyatt vs Herve Glin, The Parker (winner)
July 16, Denis Sebie, La Quinta Resort (winner) vs Jeremy Saccardi, Hard Rock Hotel
Semi-final Rounds:
July 30, Jennifer Town, The Purple Room (winner) vs Joey Domingo, Roys
September 3, Semi-final round, Herve Glin, The Parker vs Denis Sebie, La Quinta Resort
Each Showdown was hosted by Bianca Rae KESQ morning anchor or by Alexandra
Pierce KESQ/CBS Local 2 reporter and included some amazing food and a lot of fun. A
special celebrity challenge took place on July 23 as Catlin Burkett from New Leaf
Catering and Mark Sickenbenger from the Lakes Country Club accepted a challenge from
CBS Local 2 meteorologist Patrick Evans to use his family’s recipe for Italian sausage in
their evening’s cuisine.
It’s almost down to the final
competition! Tickets are sold
out for the September 3 semifinal round but are still
available for the not-to-bemissed finals. For more
information, email Sean Webb at
[email protected] and follow the Blackhawk
student chefs on Facebook@BlackhawkShowdown.
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Migrant Education Services to Increase
Hike for Education
The state and federal programs office has received
board approval to enter into a mandatory direct services
agreement with the county to provide additional services
under the California Master Plan for Migrant Education.
Any district with more than 200 eligible migrant
students must enter into a county agreement. DSUSD
has 347 migrant students. The heaviest concentration
are at Martin Van Buren Elementary School, Thomas
Jefferson Middle School, and Indio High School.
The Desert Sands Educational Foundation will hold its
third annual Hike 4 Education at Lake Cahuilla in La
Quinta, hosted by Riverside County Regional Parks &
Open-Space District on the morning of Sunday,
November 8. Staggered beginning times accommodate
three different paths, based on experience and ability.
Specific times will be provided following registration.
Hike 4 Education participants can choose to hike the
5 mile “Lake to Cove Trail” or 10 mile “Lake to Bear
Creek Trail”; or take a walk on the 3 mile, familyfriendly “Lake View Walk”. All ages and skill-levels
welcome! Registration is $30 for adults, $15 for
children (age 17 & under), and $15 for seniors (age 65
& up). Group discounts are available. Parking inside
Lake Cahuilla Recreation Area is included in the
registration fee. All participants will receive a goodie
bag filled by event sponsors and a complimentary event
T-shirt, and there will be a drawing for great items
donated by local businesses. Registration is available
online at www.Hike4Education.com.
The program activities include after school tutoring
during the regular school year, summer school program,
to be offered for four weeks for PK-8 students at Van
Buren and at the Riverside County Office of Education
in Indio for grades 9-12. Parent education/involvement
activities will also be available.
Hoover Receives Grants
Herbert Hoover Elementary School is one of only 39
schools to receive a CTA Teacher Drive Change Grant.
Principal Todd Biggert noted that the 30+ hours spent
writing the grant certainly paid off. The $14,450 will be
used to help with 5K entry fees, to the painting a
29' x 19' map of the USA on the playground, for standup desks, and more.
Nearly $30,000 was raised last year through
sponsorships, raffle ticket sales, and registration of close
to 400 participants. This year the foundation hopes to
double those numbers.
Biggert notes, “Running 25,000 miles will be a bit more
exciting, as we can set "foot" in every state in the USA.
Thank you Ed and Cynthia for believing in our running
program enough to put it in print in the March edition of
California Educator.”
Desert Sands Educational Foundation was established in
2011 as a non-profit – 501(c)(3) organization. Its
purpose is to close the ever-widening gap between what
an education costs and what the state funds. The
foundation’s continued focus is to support the expanded
availability of technology in the classroom.
In late breaking-news, Patricia Schoenfeld, the school’s
health and wellness coordinator shared that an
additional $2,350 has been received from the California
Dairy Council and Fuel Up to Play 60. These funds will
be used to purchase equipment to make healthy
smoothie drinks and electronics to keep students moving
by dancing. And there’s more...the funds will also be
used throughout the year to purchase fresh fruit and
vegetables to be used as snacks at various activities
and for the purchase of 50 flag football belts and
ten footballs.
Chromebook laptops for DSUSD students assist in the
development of the critical thinking required by
California’s new Common Core Standards and to be
more effective in the workplace. However, donors can
designate any other programs they would like to support
with their tax deductible contribution.
For information, visit www.DesertSandsEF.org.
16
From the RCOE Information Office
Next Generation Science Standards State Rollout Symposium II: Awareness to Transition Rollout Training
Join science leaders at the second of a series of statewide professional learning symposia exploring the philosophy,
design, and initial implementation of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). Registration fee is $250 per
participant. All fees must be paid prior to attending the two day symposium. There are NO refunds for participant
cancelations. Please limit your district teams to 4-6 people to allow for additional districts to participate, as space is
limited. Registration and information at www.regonline.com/NGSS2015Training.
o September 15-16, 2015: Alameda County, CA State University, East Bay.
o October 15-16, 2015: Fresno County, Fresno Pacific University.
o October 22-23, 2015: San Diego County, CA State University, San Marcos.
o November 2-3, 2015: Siskiyou County, Tehama County Dept. of Education.
o November 9-10, 2015: Santa Clara County, Santa Clara County Office of Education.
o December 8-9, 2015: Ventura County and San Luis Obispo County, Ventura County Office of Ed.
Third annual STEM Symposium: Anaheim Convention Center
The California STEM Symposium brings together 3,000 teachers, administrators, students, higher education
representatives, program providers, philanthropic representatives, and industry representatives to engage them in
science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education by providing strategies and resources for
program implementation. The symposium has a special focus on increasing and supporting the participation of women
and girls—as well as other underrepresented groups—in STEM fields. It also highlights leaders in classroom
innovation from across the state and attract student teams to showcase critical thinking, problem solving, and
teamwork. October 28–30, 2015: call for presentations; registration coming soon; vendor registration coming soon.
Great American Shakeout
The CDE has partnered with the Earthquake Country Alliance to encourage you to meet your school or district
earthquake drill requirements by participating in this year’s Great California ShakeOut on October 15, 2015 at 10:15
am. The first step is to renew or register your school or district today on the Great California ShakeOut Web site. The
ShakeOut is designed to provide a sense of urgency about earthquakes and to encourage people, organizations, schools,
and communities to get prepared, to practice what to do to be safe, and to learn what plans need to be improved.
Registered participants will be given detailed information for their drills. The CDE has worked with many partners to
create age-appropriate resources for planning drills, promoting participation, teaching about earthquakes and
preparedness, and educating families. (Drills can be held on another day if necessary.) Find resources on the ShakeOut
“How Schools Can Participate” web page at http://www.shakeout.org/california/schools.
Mixed Martial Arts Contenders
What do staff members do when not working to provide students with the best possible
education? Well, they do a number of great activities. One of the most unusual is
competing in the Gladiator Challenge, a mixed martial arts event recently held in
Rancho Mirage. Competing, and winning, in the amateur category were DSUSD’s own
Heber Castillo and Carlos Puente. Heber hails from Shadow Hills High School where
he is the assistant wrestling coach. He is a wrestling instructor at TRU MMA, focusing
on youth. Carlos is a cloud support technician at the district office. He, too, teaches at
TRU MMA.
Congratulations to these district athletes.
Heber and Carlos (in the shirt) celebrate their victories.
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FUNDRAISERS AND EVENTS
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FUNDRAISERS AND EVENTS
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FUNDRAISERS AND EVENTS
To have your school events listed in
The Desert Sun, submit them online
at www.DesertSun.com/calendar.
The final deadline to submit or revise
any Weekend listings is Friday, two
weeks prior to publication.
SPACE
AVAILABLE!
Art work wanted!
Email Mary at
[email protected]
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FUNDRAISERS AND EVENTS
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FUNDRAISERS AND EVENTS
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FUNDRAISERS AND EVENTS
For more information, contact Jeff Kaye, director of safety and security.
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