January 2012 Environmental Charter Schools (ECS) EXECUTIVE

Transcription

January 2012 Environmental Charter Schools (ECS) EXECUTIVE
8/15/13
ECS UPDATE: January 2012
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EXECUTIVE MESSAGE
Happy New Year! As w e start 2012, w e have much to be
thankful for at Environmental Charter Schools (ECS). An
average of 90% of our graduates continue to gain
acceptance to the UC/Cal State universities, w hile 33% of
students in California do not even graduate w ith the courses
required for admission. We are pleased w ith our students’
academic success to date, but w e aspire for more.
January 2012
Executive Message
Top Stories
New School Site
Green Ambassadors
We have secured resources to help others learn from our
successes, resources to increase the types of learning
experiences on our campuses, and resources to expand our
schools into new communities.
Community
Connection
Staff Spotlight
Events
Partners
Our w ork to inspire, equip, and empow er our students as w ell as educators from other
communities continues to be recognized. The Boeing Company recently reinvested in our
Green Ambassadors Institute w ith a grant aw ard of $50,000 (read more).
After attending a student-led tour, AAA Flag & Banner w as so inspired they asked our
student Green Ambassadors to help their company ‘go green’ (read more).
Environmental Charter
Schools (ECS)
Environmental Charter Schools (ECS)
is an emerging, innovative public
charter school netw ork that has
been serving students in south Los
Angeles County since 2001.
Environm ental Charter High
School (ECHS) is an aw ard-w inning
public charter high school w ith a
unique experiential learning design
for college prep. It inspires students
to learn about environmental issues
facing our planet, how to become
effective agents for change, how to
implement local solutions to help
address w orld issues, and how to
educate others about these vital
concerns.
Environm ental Charter Middle
School (ECMS) is our second public
charter. It extends our innovative
Thanks to partnerships w ith local companies, ECHS is building more interactive learning
stations into our campus. Through EcoAds, a division of CBS, w e received a $23,000
grant from Pacific Coast Termite to support a solar installation, and w ith funding from
Chevron and Google w e w ere able to complete construction of our greenhouse upon
w hich the solar pow er equipment sits. The greenhouse w ill not only serve as a learning
tool for students. It w ill also help educate our local community and 3,000 annual visitors
w ho attend our student-led tours, community events, w orkshops, and teacher programs
about the pow er of green technology and the importance of sustainable practices (learn
more).
Lastly, w e are thankful for the recent acquisition of our new middle school site w ithin the
Gardena/Harbor Gatew ay community, w here w e w ill be able to serve an additional 300
students. (read more).
Partnering w ith the community is a hallmark of our success, and part of Environmental
Charter Schools’ “special sauce." Without the support of the local community, from
businesses to government, to parents and supporters like you, w e could never achieve
this success. Thank you!
Uduak Ntuk is a m em ber of Environm ental Charter Schools' Board of Directors.
He is a Petroleum Engineer w ith the City of Long Beach.
TOP STORIES
Solar Greenhouse Ribbon Cutting Ceremony – February 3rd
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approach to an earlier age group,
ensuring their readiness for a
college prep high school. Our
schools serve Law ndale, Gardena,
Inglew ood and surrounding
communities.
ECS UPDATE: January 2012
On February 3rd, ECS w ill cut the ribbon on its new solar Greenhouse, a part of the high
school's outdoor learning center (get invited here).
A rooftop solar photovoltaic system w ill serve as an educational tool for students and
teachers to understand the science of solar energy as part of the broader earth science
curricula. It w ill also help reduce the facilities’ carbon footprint.
Funding for the solar system comes from Pacific Coast Termite, through EcoAds, a new
program from EcoMedia-CBS. EcoAds w orks w ith cities across the nation to donate a
portion of ad sales to local, environmentally focused projects. "When an advertiser signs
on w ith EcoAds,” says CBS Eco Media, “a portion of the proceeds from the sale of each
EcoAds advertisement goes to projects w e believe w ill benefit the environment.”
Our aw ard-w inning Green
Ambassadors program for schools
and educators creates experiential
learning opportunities for youth to
build leadership skills and address
critical environmental issues facing
our planet, inspiring them to continue
their education after high school. Our
Green Ambassadors Institute helps
educators bring the program’s
benefits to their schools and
students around the country. Learn
more
Walton’s Homecoming Features Environmental Charter Middle
School Founder Kami Cotler
Eight cast members from the beloved TV series, “The Waltons,” w hich aired from 1972 –
1981, recently reunited on the Today Show . One of them is more famous today to the
students of ECMS as Ms. Cotler, their principal and one of the school’s founders.
Kami Cotler played the youngest member, Elizabeth, in the nine seasons and six TV movie
sequels of “The Waltons.” “The Waltons” projected a vision of a traditional family w ith
traditional values. Cotler has grow n up to become a major supporter of charter schools. “I
am a passionate proponent of the idea that not everybody learns the same w ay,” says
Cotler. “It is important for parents to have a variety of public school programs from w hich
to choose.”
Kami hopes that her
Waltons connection w ill
help w ith school
fundraising efforts. Her
Facebook fan page
friends are voting on
Waltons’ photos to be
sold on the ECMS
w ebsite. Proceeds from
the photo sales w ill
underw rite educational field trips for the students.
Back to top
Plant a Seed Today Join Us
Learn how you can help ECS and its
unique programs inspire, grow , and
ENVIRONMENTAL CHARTER SCHOOLS UNVEILS NEW MIDDLE
SCHOOL SITE EXPANSION
Gardena Event Heralds Opening of New School in Fall 2012
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prepare future civic and
environmental leaders.
Your investment helps students gain
the skills and know ledge they need
for college, w ork, and the w orld. At
the same time, you are helping the
communities our students serve.
By supporting our green technology
and environmental projects, you w ill
be helping us conserve resources
for future generations.
Contact: Executive Director
Alison Suffet-Diaz
Phone: (310) 214-3400
[email protected]
ECS UPDATE: January 2012
Environmental Charter
Schools unveiled the future
site of its new est middle
school in Gardena, California
w ith a stunning open house
event on December 11th.
Environmental Charter Middle
School – Gardena is
scheduled to open this fall.
For more information, click
here.
New School Lights Up
the Neighborhood:
neighbors from the
surrounding Gardena/Harbor Gatew ay community joined ECMS at the event, w hich
featured the lighting of a 100-foot-long art installation dubbed “Illuminate Learning.”
The installation, w hich show cased artw ork by students, w as funded, designed and built in
collaboration w ith Cunningham Group and designer James Stodgel out of materials
salvaged from TV/film sets of Warner Bros. Studios.
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Environmental Charter
Schools (ECS)
GREEN AMBASSADORS
Green Ambassadors Institute Keeps Growing with Boeing
16315 Grevillea Avenue
Lawndale, CA 90260
Ph: (310) 214 3400
$50,000 Grant to Green Ambassadors Institute for UCLA
Extension Graduate Program
http://www.echsonline.org
The Boeing Company, the w orld’s leading
aerospace company and largest manufacturer of
commercial jetliners, recently gave a $50,000 grant
to the Green Ambassador Institute, founded by
ECS in 2008.
Green Ambassadors Institute (GAI) provides graduate-level courses through a partnership
w ith UCLA Extension. Educators learn how to use the environment as the context for
interdisciplinary learning that connects students to their campus, community and
environment, and empow ers them to spread solutions beyond their school.
“This signifies the high
value Boeing continues
to place on Green
Ambassadors Institute
(GAI) and our vision of
empow ering teachers
and administrators to use
the environment as the
context for
interdisciplinary learning,”
says Alison Suffet-Diaz,
founder and executive
director of ECS.
“The ultimate goal is a healthy eco-system,” explains James E. Herr, Boeing’s w estern
region senior manager of Global Corporate Citizenship. “We w ant to contribute to making
every citizen an environmental stew ard.” Last year, the institute also received $25,000 as
part of Boeing efforts to help drive positive change through its community engagement
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ECS UPDATE: January 2012
w ork.
“We’re extremely gratified to be a part of this endeavor w ith ECS and its far-reaching
benefits — from schools, teachers, and students to society at large,” adds Carlos Cortez,
director of the Department of Education at UCLA Extension.
Back to top
PARTNER SPOTLIGHT
Environmental Charter Teens Help a Business Raise the “Go
Green” Banner
AAA Flag & Banner Takes Eco-Friendly Mission Forward
AAA Flag & Banner is a leading banner manufacturer in the
Los Angeles area. When the company challenged itself to
become recognized as a leader in the digital print industry
for its sustainability efforts and contributions to its
community, it found the perfect partner in Environmental
Charter Schools’ Green Ambassadors program.
In the program, students learn about eco-friendly practices,
and w ays to reduce, reuse and recycle materials. Teens
spread the w ord to their peers and the community by
delivering presentations that motivate audiences to adopt
practical solutions. Teens also learn the value of teamw ork
and polish their public speaking and presentation skills.
The Challenge: “We w ere seeking a community partner that represented our ideas on
environmental concerns, had a vision for the future, and the leadership to achieve their
goals,” explains Craig Furst, Vice President of AAA. “ECS w as the clear choice.”
Win-Win Results: Green Ambassador students visited the company’s facilities to speak
to over one hundred employees about the importance of recycling, and w ays to do so.
“We gave a meaningful presentation to explain and show just how easy and simple it is to
make small changes that have a pow erful impact,” says Angelica Herrera, a senior at
Environmental Charter High School. “When I spoke at AAA, I learned that students can
really empow er adults," adds Leslie Cornejo, a junior at ECHS. “And they listen!”
“We are inspired by the energy, vision, and grassroots efforts ECS imparts to our team at
AAA,” says AAA’s Furst. The partnership’s strength lies in the real value it delivers to both
parties. AAA Flag & Banner also generously donated signs and financial support to help
ECS introduce its new est middle school site to the community (see ECMS - Gardena
article).
For a presentation at your school, business or organization, call our main office at 310
214-3400
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STAFF SPOTLIGHT
Monique Evans
Job : Physics and Advanced Math Teacher,
ECHS
Educational Background :
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B.S., General Mathematics,
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ECS UPDATE: January 2012
UCLA; Masters of Education, UCLA.
Before ECHS:
Taught Mathematics at Leuzinger High School.
Taught in AVID program, 2004 to 2011. AVID coordinator, 2007 to
2011.
On ECHS: “I love w orking w ith such a committed and
collaborative staff, and having my ideas heard,” says Evans, w ho is
a big believer in the value of interdisciplinary projects. But true
success to Evans is w hen her students “grow as mathematicians and continue to
increase their critical thinking skills to prepare them for college w ork.”
A case in point: “This year in Physics, I've already had a student tell me she's having fun
and learning at the same time!” Professionally active, Evans has been invited to serve as a
panelist and moderator repeatedly at UCLA Mathematics and Teaching conferences, and
she attends professional development w orkshops to expand her teaching skills and
know ledge.
When School’s Out: Evans
enjoys yoga and “playing a tourist” in her ow n city.
Socializing w ith friends tops her fun list, including being a member of an aw ard-w inning
trivia team.
Back to top
EVENTS
Science Center Greenhouse Ribbon Cutting!
February 3rd, 2012, 10:35 a.m. at ECHS
You are invited to a ribbon-cutting event at Environmental Charter High School’s
annual Community Forum to celebrate the completion of its new Science Center
Greenhouse, w ith a solar installation made possible by Pacific Coast Termite, and
EcoMedia's EcoAd Program.
Individuals scheduled to participate in and attend the event include:
California State
Assembly
member Steve
Bradford (AD15)
Paul Polizzotto,
Founder &
President of
EcoMedia
Alison SuffetDiaz, Founder &
Executive
Director,
Environmental
Charter Schools
Representatives from Pacific Coast Termite
Funding from Chevron, Weingart Foundation, and S. Mark Taper Foundation helps support
the science center.
Event Location: Environmental Charter High School 16315 Grevillea Law ndale CA 90260
RSVP to ECHS: [email protected], or call (310) 214-3400
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ECS UPDATE: January 2012
2nd Annual Green Schools National Conference
February 27-29, 2012
Denver, Colorado
Growing Green & Healthy
Schools for All Children
Be a part of the only national
gathering of K-12 leaders and
educators coming together to
make their schools and districts
green and healthy centers of
academic excellence
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OUR PARTNERS - A BIG GREEN THANK YOU!
We thank our corporate, professional, and community partners
for supporting us.
From generous financial and in-kind
assistance to time and expertise, your support is helping us
inspire and educate like never before.
Our many sponsors and partners
Strategic Partners
media policy center logo
50,000-plus Sponsors
5,000-plus Sponsors
American Honda Foundation
Ahmanson Foundation
Chevron
Green Torch
Manatt, Phelps & Phillips
State Farm Insurance
Steinmetz Family Foundation
Walton Family Foundation
Weingart Foundation
Raytheon
City of Lawndale
Deemer Family Fund
Ron Hendrixson
Metropolitan Water District
Mazda
Northrop Grumman Corporation
Earth Friendly Products
Rex 3
Saban Family Foundation
Walker Talent Group
LA Car Guy
West Basin
Partners
41 Pounds.org
Aesthetic Edge Surgery
Alex Gorosh, Filmmaker
Algalita Marine Research Foundation
AQMD
Beach Cities Cycles
Hey! Tanks LA
Jamah
KCET
Los Angeles Social Venture Partners
La Loma Development
Landers Family Fund
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ECS UPDATE: January 2012
Bioneers
Lawndale Elementary School District
Blue Sky Meadow
Lawndale Rotary
Brand Neutral
Los Angeles Biodiesel Coop
BREATHE Los Angeles
Los Angeles County Department of Education
California Credit Union
Loyola Marymount University
Calif. Reg'l Environmental Ed. Community M3
Cater Green
Manhattan Beach Rotary
Chipotle
Marie D. Jeffrey Foundation
Clear Choice
Coalition of Essential Schools
Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf
College Match
Common Vision
Constitutional Rights Foundation
Cuningham Group
EarthFlow Designs
Eco-Usable
El Camino College
EmpowerHER
Empowerment Works
Essential Living Foods
FOLAR
Fred Leeds Properties
From Lot to Spot
Fruit Tree Planting Foundation
Get Hi Get Green
Generation Earth
Get Hip Get Green
Global Exchange
Green Fest
Green Torch
GreenContributor
Heal the Bay
Opportunity Green
Murad
National Hispanic Environmental Council
Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship
Otis College of Art and Design
Parent Institute for Quality Education
Participant Media
reDiscover
REI
Revolution Foods
RootdownLA
Santa Monica Bay Keepers
Shangri-La Construction
Steaz
Sue Chen
Surfrider Foundation
Tree Musketeers
Tree People
UCLA Extension
UCLA Env. Science and Eng.
UCLA Internal Med. Pediatrics
UCLA School of Public Health
USC Env. Science, Public Policy, Dentistry
Veggie Grill
Back to top
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EXECUTIVE MESSAGE
February 2012
Executive Message
Top Stories
Commmunity Forum
Plants do not thrive in isolation.
They need the interactions of air, water, soil, and
nutrients to grow. The growth that results in mature plants comes from a continual
process of receiving and responding, of giving and gaining. A similar strategy supports
our success at Environmental Charter Schools (ECS). All subjects are integrated – just
as in real life. We use the natural environment and community environments as ways to
engage students with a project-based curriculum that
prepares them for lifelong learning and leadership.
Green Ambassadors
As with the strongest plants, our students develop roots
that extend beyond the walls of our schools by engaging in
community service, internships, and projects with
community partners. We celebrate the opening of our new
solar greenhouse this month (more below).
Inspired Staff
Inspiring Parents
Events
Partners
Environmental Charter
Schools (ECS)
Environmental Charter Schools
(ECS) is an emerging, innovative
public charter school network that
has been serving students in south
Los Angeles County since 2001.
Our Green Ambassadors Institute (GAI) continues to sow
the seeds of our environmental learning model with
educators statewide. In partnership with UCLA Extension,
and thanks to a generous $50,000 grant from Boeing, as
well as others, GAI is disseminating to educators beyond our campuses the innovative
curriculum practices first cultivated at ECHS. We are achieving this through courses that
offer continuing professional education credits for K-12 educators who seek new ways to
stimulate richer learning.
Our efforts to find new ways to nurture growth, be it academic excellence, community
empowerment, or actual plants in the soil, are what makes ECS so vibrant. We invite you
to share your career insights as a guest speaker at ECHS’ Career Day on Friday March
2nd (Read more below). I look forward to seeing you there.
William Robertson is a member of ECS’ Board of Directors.
He is Managing
Director of Strategic Planning & Project Management at Cushman & Wakefield, a
Global Real Estate firm.
Environmental Charter High
School (ECHS) is an awardwinning public charter high school
with a unique experiential learning
design for college prep. It inspires
students to learn about
environmental issues facing our
planet, how to become effective
agents for change, how to
implement local solutions to help
address world issues, and how to
educate others about these vital
concerns.
Environmental Charter Middle
School (ECMS) is our second
public charter. It extends our
innovative approach to an earlier
age group, ensuring their readiness
TOP STORIES
Hundreds Celebrate Environmental Charter High School's
Annual Community Forum and Ribbon-Cutting for New Solar
Greenhouse
Hundreds of state and local leaders, neighbors, parents and students converged on the
campus of ECHS for its annual Community Forum and ribbon-cutting for a Solar
Greenhouse on Friday, February 3, 2012.
California State Assemblymember Steven Bradford; Jed Wallace, President and CEO of
the California Charter Schools Association; Paul Polizzotto, Founder and President of CBS
EcoMedia; James Grande and Dennis Wilson, co-owners of Pacific Coast Termite; and
representatives from Cuningham Group, Google, the Weingart Foundation and S. Mark
age group, ensuring their readiness
for a college prep high school. Our
schools serve Lawndale, Gardena,
Inglewood and surrounding
communities.
Our award-winning Green
Ambassadors program for schools
and educators creates experiential
learning opportunities for youth to
build leadership skills and address
critical environmental issues facing
our planet, inspiring them to
continue their education after high
school. Our Green Ambassadors
Institute helps educators bring the
program’s benefits to their schools
and students around the country.
Learn more
representatives from Cuningham Group, Google, the Weingart Foundation and S. Mark
Taper Foundation were among those on hand to support ECS at the event to highlight the
school’s environmentally focused programs and curricula.
"This greenhouse grant is a
perfect example of how publicprivate partnerships make a
powerful positive difference for
communities on a variety of
levels," Polizzotto said. "Not only
will the solar panels and solar
pump help save the school
money by cutting electrical use, it
will also give the students at
Environmental Charter High School firsthand experience with how the solar technology
works and the impact it can have," Polizzotto added.
The installation of a 3kW rooftop energy system and solar-powered water pump for
irrigation was made possible by Pacific Coast Termite and its participation in the EcoAd
Program. The $23,000 grant also funded an environmentally friendly XT-2000 Orange Oil
termite treatment for the greenhouse.
Additional funding for the solar green house
came from Google, Chevron, Cunningham
Group, S. Mark Taper Foundation, Weingart
Foundation, and The Ahmanson Foundation.
At the event, NextEra, a clean energy
provider,
in
collaboration
with
Assemblymember Bradford, presented a
$15,000 check towards creating interactive learning stations for the new middle school.
Teens Engage Local Community in Civic Issues at ECHS
Community Forum
The Ribbon Cutting celebration was part of the second annual Environmental Charter High
School (ECHS) Community Forum.
At the open house event on campus,
students present policy positions, debate
publicly with adults from the surrounding
community, and lead discussions on issues
such as “How Do My Decisions Affect Our
Quality of Life?” and “What is the American
Dream, and is it Sustainable?”
The Community Forum is part of a unique Green Curriculum developed at ECHS, and is
the culmination of a month-long academic program called Intersession. In the program,
students engage in field research, policymaking, critical thinking, strategic community
planning, and environmental justice issues. For example, our 9th graders worked
alongside ECS Board member William Robertson and LEED architects to design
sustainable scaled models of a university campus.
Plant a Seed Today Join Us
Learn how you can help ECS and
its unique programs inspire, grow,
and prepare future civic and
environmental leaders.
Your investment helps students
gain the skills and knowledge they
“Over the last month, they have
studied issues from a variety of
disciplines, from math to science
to history. So the breadth of their
analysis is exponentially that
much more powerful,” explains
Dr. Jenni Taylor, principal of
ECHS.
ECHS has earned kudos from a
variety of organizations for using
the environment as a way to both
gain the skills and knowledge they
need for college, work, and the
world. At the same time, you are
helping the communities our
students serve.
By supporting our green
technology and environmental
projects, you will be helping us
conserve resources for future
generations.
Contact: Executive Director
Alison Suffet-Diaz
Phone: (310) 214-3400
[email protected]
Environmental Charter
Schools (ECS)
16315 Grevillea Avenue
Lawndale, CA 90260
Ph: (310) 214 3400
http://www.echsonline.org
the environment as a way to both
engage students in project-based learning and prepare them to become leaders in their
communities.
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GREEN AMBASSADORS
Green Ambassadors Institute: Sharing What We've Grown
The Green Ambassador Institute (GAI) created by ECS inspires and empowers K-12
educators beyond our own campuses to use the environment as the context for
interdisciplinary learning, learning that connects students to their campuses, communities,
and the environment.
The Green Ambassadors Institute now offers three distinct courses. The series
introduces strategies for educators to design and implement project/service-based
learning classes. Equipped with the knowledge and tools to become a classroom
facilitator, teachers then empower their students to become leaders within their
communities by discovering and strengthening their voices.
The graduate-level education courses are administered through a partnership with UCLA
Extension to create opportunities for students to learn from and interact with their
respective campuses. All GAI courses are held at Environmental Charter Schools in
either Lawndale or Inglewood. Educators who have taken the courses report being thrilled
with the results:
“This course gave me
hope and proved that
students can learn
sustainability practices
and actually implement
them. We most definitely
WILL be using this
curriculum.”
“I am so thankful that this has been a part of my experience this year. I see so many
possibilities to do this type of work with young people. Thank you!”
“Green Ambassadors is about equipping students with strategies to be leaders for
change, and activists for solving problems that they are passionate about.”
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INSPIRED STAFF
Environmental Charter Teacher Honored by Los Angeles
Lakers as Educator of the Month
For his contribution to the community beyond the classroom, and for inspiring athleticism
among his students, Environmental Charter High School (ECHS) teacher Andrew Maker
was recognized recently at a Los Angeles Lakers NBA game during a half- time
presentation.
Makar, a chemistry teacher and cross-country coach, has extended his classroom into
the community by creating service projects alongside the curriculum.
Sponsored by Staples, the Student and Educator of the Month program encourages
schools to nominate outstanding faculty members and students to be recognized at a
Lakers home game. Nominations are submitted by principals and teachers of each school
based on exemplary teaching efforts, or extracurricular activities.
ECHS INSPIRES A TEEN TO SUCCEED
From Failing Grades to College Admission
When his grades dropped at his prior high school, Rigo Estrada was never offered any
encouragement. He was told that his grades were very bad, and if they did not improve,
he would be plucked from the school. “What was the point of trying to get to college,” he
thought, “if I could not afford to go to the university I applied to?”
Then, he enrolled at Environmental Charter High School, and found a place where he
could blossom and grow as a student. "It was very different from what I was used to”
says Rigo, who found in it a school of “fewer than 400 students where everyone was
friends with each other and wanted to succeed.”
ECHS, with its project-based curriculum, was a radically different place for him. At times
he still wanted to give up, because the school was so challenging to him. "But I knew it
was preparing me for the bigger picture—college. I went from a student with failing grades,
bouncing from school to school, to a student who actually tries in school, applying my
skills and talents in ways that affect the world around me.”
Within a year of writing these words, he was accepted to three California State University
colleges.
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INSPIRING PARENTS
ECS works hard to contribute to its surrounding community, with events, volunteerism
and partnerships. The results that blossom from this can be surprising and equally
inspiring. The tremendous contribution of ECS parents Joseph and Rhonda Gorman is
just such a case.
For Teacher Appreciation Day, they joined with other parents to express their
appreciation for our hard-working teachers.
Reaching out to local companies, the
Gormans enlisted Best Buy to donate a TV set for the teachers’ lounge. Then the
Gormans landed a $2,000 donation and services
from Kohl’s department store.
Finally, thinking of ECHS while involved in
refurbishing a hotel as part of his job, Mr. Gorman
salvaged scores of 32” HD TV sets so they
could be sold to obtain proceeds for ECS. The
proceeds, more than $8,000, will support hands-on learning programs.
An example of this is “Tiger Time,” a student-produced video program to communicate
news and announcements. The sixty-plus-member Student Council creates and delivers
the content to the school via YouTube, giving students a chance to learn the basics of
television production, both in front of, and behind, the cameras. Rhonda Gorman has
volunteered with them nearly every week, helping them raise funds, plan their prom and
volunteered with them nearly every week, helping them raise funds, plan their prom and
dances, and other activities.
“Parents like Joseph and Rhonda Gorman, with their selfless contribution of so much time
and energy to helping our school and young people get a better education, are truly an
inspiration,” says Dr. Jenni Taylor, Principal of Environmental Charter High School.
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EVENTS
Career Day at Environmental Charter High – March 2nd
Be A Role Model – Volunteer
Career Day gives students the chance to learn about a wide variety of
careers.
Classroom presentations by volunteer "role model” professionals give our teens insights
into career possibilities. The event features speakers and exhibitors from governmental
agencies, non-profits, and businesses. Presentations by elected officials add to its value
for participants and students. During a half hour, volunteers share how their careers have
evolved and what inspired them along the way.
We guarantee that, as volunteer speaker, you’ll leave our campus just as energized from
the experience as our teens! To volunteer as a speaker , email
[email protected].
When: Friday, March 2, 2012 from 8:00am to 1:45pm
Where: ECHS, 16315 Grevillea Ave, Lawndale, CA 90260
2nd Annual Green Schools National Conference
February 27-29, 2012
Denver, Colorado
Growing Green & Healthy
Schools for All Children
Be a part of the only national
gathering of K-12 leaders and
educators coming together to
make their schools and districts
green and healthy centers of academic excellence.
Back to top
OUR PARTNERS - A BIG GREEN THANK YOU!
We thank our corporate, professional, and community partners
for supporting us.
From generous financial and in-kind
assistance to time and expertise, your support is helping us
inspire and educate like never before.
Our many sponsors and partners
Strategic Partners
50,000-plus Sponsors
5,000-plus Sponsors
American Honda Foundation
City of Lawndale
Ahmanson Foundation
Chevron
Deemer Family Fund
Ron Hendrixson
Green Torch
Manatt, Phelps & Phillips
Metropolitan Water District
Mazda
State Farm Insurance
Northrop Grumman Corporation
Steinmetz Family Foundation
Walton Family Foundation
Earth Friendly Products
Rex 3
Weingart Foundation
Saban Family Foundation
Raytheon
Walker Talent Group
LA Car Guy
West Basin
Partners
41 Pounds.org
Hey! Tanks LA
Aesthetic Edge Surgery
Alex Gorosh, Filmmaker
Jamah
KCET
Algalita Marine Research Foundation
AQMD
Los Angeles Social Venture Partners
La Loma Development
Beach Cities Cycles
Landers Family Fund
Bioneers
Blue Sky Meadow
Lawndale Elementary School District
Lawndale Rotary
Brand Neutral
BREATHE Los Angeles
Los Angeles Biodiesel Coop
Los Angeles County Department of Education
California Credit Union
Calif. Reg'l Environmental Ed. Community
Loyola Marymount University
M3
Cater Green
Manhattan Beach Rotary
Chipotle
Clear Choice
Marie D. Jeffrey Foundation
Opportunity Green
Coalition of Essential Schools
Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf
Murad
National Hispanic Environmental Council
College Match
Common Vision
Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship
Otis College of Art and Design
Constitutional Rights Foundation
Parent Institute for Quality Education
Cuningham Group
EarthFlow Designs
Participant Media
reDiscover
Eco-Usable
El Camino College
REI
Revolution Foods
EmpowerHER
Empowerment Works
RootdownLA
Santa Monica Bay Keepers
Essential Living Foods
Shangri-La Construction
FOLAR
Fred Leeds Properties
Steaz
Sue Chen
From Lot to Spot
Fruit Tree Planting Foundation
Surfrider Foundation
Tree Musketeers
Get Hi Get Green
Generation Earth
Tree People
UCLA Extension
Get Hip Get Green
Global Exchange
UCLA Env. Science and Eng.
UCLA Internal Med. Pediatrics
Green Fest
UCLA School of Public Health
Green Torch
GreenContributor
USC Env. Science, Public Policy, Dentistry
Veggie Grill
Heal the Bay
Back to top
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Environmental Charter Schools
16315 Grevillea Avenue
Lawndale, California 90260
US
8/15/13
ECS UPDATE: March 2012
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ECHS hom e
new s archive
support ECS
EXECUTIVE MESSAGE
March 2012
Executive Message
Top Stories
Beyond the Campus
Partner Spotlight
Staff Spotlight
Events
Partners
Environmental Charter
Schools (ECS)
Environmental Charter Schools (ECS)
is an emerging, innovative public
charter school netw ork that has
been serving students in south Los
Angeles County since 2001.
Environm ental Charter High
School (ECHS) is an aw ard-w inning
public charter high school w ith a
unique experiential learning design
for college prep. It inspires students
to learn about environmental issues
facing our planet, how to become
effective agents for change, how to
implement local solutions to help
address w orld issues, and how to
educate others about these vital
concerns.
Environm ental Charter Middle
School (ECMS) is our second public
charter. It extends our innovative
approach to an earlier age group,
ensuring their readiness for a
college prep high school. Our
At a recent storytelling w orkshop w ith the Peabody aw ard w inning
nonprofit, The Moth, our students “got raw ” and “got real” – sharing
their stories before our community. Through the art of storytelling in
a supportive environment, our students began the healing process
necessary to leave behind a story they didn’t choose and to w rite
their ow n story. Audience members took solace in the fact that they
w eren’t alone, as each of us have our ow n story and can find
strength in hearing others. Few if any in the audience failed to shed
a tear (read more below).
Creating a culture w here students feel comfortable to take the risks
and share their stories is a key component to our learning community. Through events like
The Moth and w orking w ith partners like the Nature Conservancy, w e are show ing
students that healthy risk leads to great rew ards. 98% of our students graduate w ith the
coursew ork needed to attend a UC or Cal State and an average of 90% of our graduates
are accepted into the same. In addition to a supportive community, it's also important to
expose our students to a variety of possibilities that inspire, equip, and empow er them for
the risks after graduation.
Most of our students at Environmental Charter Schools (ECS)
come from less than fortunate backgrounds, and may be the
first in their family to seek a university education. We bring
subjects to life for our students, and make learning relevant for
them – all w hile doing so in a learning community that helps our
students tackle the big issues that may otherw ise stand in the
w ay of their success!
We do this through programs such as Career Day (read more),
our Job Shadow ing program (read more), our Senior Thesis
(read more), and College Match (read more), as w ell as Field
Trips like the Ocean Institute, and internships like the LEAF
program (read more).
Want Solar
Power Savings?
Sungevity’s zerodow n solar lease
program donates
$1,000 to ECHS for
each installation!
Clickherefor a
Quote.
We couldn’t achieve this w ithin the four w alls of our campus
alone. It takes help from our community, w hich means partnering w ith you to continue to
offer our students options for unique experiences that reinforce and apply w hat they
learn in class, and encourage them to pursue college, and careers of the future.
If you are interested in helping us prepare young people for tomorrow ’s careers, starting
w ith a college education, please contact us. We w ould love to hear from you.
Alison Suffet-Diaz is the Founder and Executive Director of Environm ental
Charter Schools in Law ndale, CA.
TOP STORIES
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schools serve Law ndale, Gardena,
Inglew ood and surrounding
communities.
Our aw ard-w inning Green
Ambassadors program for schools
and educators creates experiential
learning opportunities for youth to
build leadership skills and address
critical environmental issues facing
our planet, inspiring them to continue
their education after high school. Our
Green Ambassadors Institute helps
educators bring the program’s
benefits to their schools and
students around the country. Learn
more
ECS UPDATE: March 2012
Career Day – Gives Teens a Window into the Job World
At ECS’ Annual Career Day, on
March 2nd, ECHS students got a
glimpse into the many career
options that are open to those
w ho successfully prepare for
college.
More than 50 professionals from
business, government, medical,
and entertainment/media
industries w ere on hand to share
their inspiring career stories and
secrets to success by engaging
in interactive discussions w ith
small groups of students. Ernie G, comedian and one of the hottest young Latino
entertainers in the country today, provided the keynote address. He is national
spokesperson for the Hispanic College Fund.
ECS celebrated its new partnership w ith the Sustainable Business Council of Los Angeles
in a planting ceremony in the school’s new solar greenhouse. An Industry Brow n Bag
Lunch, sponsored by The Veggie Grill and Freebirds World Burrito, gave presenters an
opportunity to netw ork and discuss education issues.
At the end of the day, ECS students hosted a “Thank You” pep rally, featuring a variety of
performances in ECHS’ recycled concrete amphitheater. Students and professionals left
feeling encouraged, challenged, and enlightened.
Students Join Nationally Acclaimed "The Moth" Storytelling
Program
Six ECHS students are among the latest graduates of the nationally acclaimed The Moth
storytelling program held at UCLA, w here they learned how to turn their life experiences
into effective springboards to success.
Plant a Seed Today Join Us
Learn how you can help ECS and its
unique programs inspire, grow , and
prepare future civic and
environmental leaders.
Few in the audience failed to shed a tear w hen the ECHS students told their personal
stories at the w orkshop — from the story of how having a Dow n-Syndrome sibling
pushed one student to achieve, to the story of another student w ho w as taken aw ay
from her parents and subjected to a broken foster care system.
“This experience very likely w ill have a life-altering effect on the students w ho
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ECS UPDATE: March 2012
Your investment helps students gain
the skills and know ledge they need
for college, w ork, and the w orld. At
the same time, you are helping the
communities our students serve.
participated. Perhaps now they can find a w ay to move beyond a story that once defined
them,” said ECS founder and Executive Director Alison Suffet-Diaz. “It also had an impact
on the students in the audience by show ing them that w hat you see on the outside
doesn’t alw ays reflect w hat’s going on inside someone. We definitely w ant to bring this
program back to our campus in the future.”
By supporting our green technology
and environmental projects, you w ill
be helping us conserve resources
for future generations.
“We are so proud of these students,” said Mandy Breuer, ECHS Assistant Principal, w ho
led the effort to bring The Moth w orkshop to the school. “It took a lot of nerve for these
students to step in front of the microphone all by themselves and tell their very personal
stories in front of the w hole school.”
Contact: Executive Director
Alison Suffet-Diaz
Phone: (310) 214-3400
[email protected]
The Moth, a New York City-based, not-for-profit organization dedicated to the art and
craft of storytelling, offers live storytelling events and educational w orkshops across the
country. The Moth w orkshops are designed to teach students how to shape life
experiences into w ell-crafted, five-minute oral stories. The program includes the 2010
Peabody Aw ard-w inning Moth Radio Hour, airing on more than 200 public broadcasting
stations nationw ide
Back to top
BEYOND-THE-CAMPUS LEARNING
Environmental Charter
Schools (ECS)
16315 Grevillea Avenue
Lawndale, CA 90260
Ph: (310) 214 3400
http://www.echsonline.org
Job Shadow Day: Lessons in The Workplace
A partnership w ith the Inglew ood Airport Area Chamber of Commerce gave 25 ECS
students the opportunity to shadow professionals on the job for a day. The Job Shadow
Day at ECHS is the culmination of a yearlong initiative to provide students w ith an up-close
look at how skills learned in school are put to use in the w orkplace.
The Inglew ood Police Department offered students the opportunity to take a ride-along
w ith local police officers. At Hollyw ood Park, students w ere able to record their ow n
videos and commercials. At the Superior Court, students w orked closely w ith law yers
and judges. At Inglew ood Adult School, students learned how to input student schedules,
and received mentoring on financial aid for college.
“The students from ECS w ere so amazing,” said Carol Raines-Brow n, member of the IUSD
Board of Education, sponsor of the Inglew ood Adult School program. “They w ere
articulate, w ell dressed, polite, brilliant, and just a joy to have in our office. Thank you for
the opportunity to host these great students and future w orld-changers.”
Back to top
PARTNER SPOTLIGHT
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ECS UPDATE: March 2012
Nature
Conservancy
Picks ECS For
LEAF Program
The Nature
Conservancy is the
largest ow ner of
private land in the
w orld. ECS recently
scored a major coup by
being asked to
participate in the Nature
Conservancysponsored LEAF
internship program.
Only a few schools in
California w ere
selected to help LEAF expand its program. Thanks to a generous grant from Toyota, it w ill
offer exceptional students opportunities for environmental conservation–related
internships.
For the program, six students w ill have the chance for a paid 4-w eek internship on Santa
Cruz Island, w here they w ill w ork w ith UCSD faculty and Nature Conservancy staff. The
students w ill live w ithout iPods, cell phones, or video games. They are allow ed one phone
call per w eek, and w ill be documenting their experiences through journaling and
Facebook.
College Match: Going the Extra Mile To Connect ECS Students
With College
Thanks to our partnership w ith College
Match, ECHS students w ill be packing their
bags at the end of March for an exciting trip
to the East Coast to visit colleges, in a
journey typically reserved for only w ealthy
kids.
Only 3% of students at the 146 most selective colleges in the United States come from
low -income families. College Match, a nonprofit, w orks to change this situation by
identifying low -income high school sophomores w ith strong academic records and
provides each of them w ith an intensive array of services comparable to w hat affluent
students receive at elite private schools.
ECHS Assistant Principal Mandy Breuer spearheads the school’s involvement w ith the
College Match organization. With her help, 14 students are in the program this year.
Jessica Parra, Veronica Hoyo, Graciela Guevara, Marilu de Arcos, Lillian Chase are the 5
College Match seniors. Lyn Tran, Christine Luu, Sophia Cortes, Paola Reyes, Cinthya
Hernandez, Vicente Cibrian, Angela Lool, Monica Gonzalez, Janett Perez are the College
Match juniors visiting colleges on the East Coast.
“Through this program, w e have helped ECS students graduate and go to prestigious and
Ivy League colleges,” says Breuer. “We have an unprecedented college graduation rate."
Back to top
Senior Thesis Ties Disciplines Together
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ECS UPDATE: March 2012
An integral feature of the unique curriculum at
ECHS is our mandatory Senior Thesis. This
project encourages students to w eave together
w hat they have learned through a variety of
disciplines during their time at ECS, considering
the disciplines both individually and as they relate
to one another. Once students have reflected on
the know ledge gained, they try to apply it
tow ards taking action to inspire a positive change
in their community.
Each student selects a topic that is both relevant to the local community and a personal
concern. Traditional research is combined w ith hands-on activities, such as interview s,
surveys, and community action. After turning in the w ritten reports, students present their
findings in front of a panel of observers, w ho critique their presentations.
“The project encourages our students to use the kind of
necessary to explore and solve community-based problems
Mandy Breuer, ECHS Assistant Principal. “By using a variety
students become experts at solving community problems and
norms of our community.”
multidisciplinary thinking
successfully,” explains
of different lenses, our
leaders in changing the
Back to top
STAFF SPOTLIGHT
Amy Johnson
Job : Math Teacher: Math Enrichment, AP Calculus.
Educational Background : Masters in Music from Illinois State University;
National Board Certified Teacher; Gifted and Talented Educator Certificate, University of
California, Irvine.
Before ECHS:
19 years of
teaching. Worked as a music teacher
at a laboratory high school in Illinois,
and also in Manhattan Beach.
On ECHS: “I love getting to know
so many great students,” says Johnson. “The
students here w ork so hard and are so dedicated to their studies. ECHS is a great school.
I am thrilled to be a part of this unique environment for learning.”
When School’s Out: “I love to go camping and hiking, and especially enjoy
exploring Yosemite and Big Sur.”
Back to top
EVENTS
Earth Day in June at ECHS, June 1, 2012
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ECS UPDATE: March 2012
OUR PARTNERS - A BIG GREEN THANK YOU!
We thank our corporate, professional, and community partners
for supporting us.
From generous financial and in-kind
assistance to time and expertise, your support is helping us
inspire and educate like never before.
Our many sponsors and partners
Strategic Partners
media policy center logo
50,000-plus Sponsors
5,000-plus Sponsors
American Honda Foundation
Ahmanson Foundation
Chevron
Green Torch
Manatt, Phelps & Phillips
State Farm Insurance
Steinmetz Family Foundation
Walton Family Foundation
Weingart Foundation
Raytheon
City of Lawndale
Deemer Family Fund
Ron Hendrixson
Metropolitan Water District
Mazda
Northrop Grumman Corporation
Earth Friendly Products
Rex 3
Saban Family Foundation
Walker Talent Group
LA Car Guy
West Basin
Partners
41 Pounds.org
Hey! Tanks LA
Aesthetic Edge Surgery
Jamah
Alex Gorosh, Filmmaker
KCET
Algalita Marine Research Foundation
Los Angeles Social Venture Partners
AQMD
La Loma Development
Beach Cities Cycles
Landers Family Fund
Bioneers
Lawndale Elementary School District
Blue Sky Meadow
Lawndale Rotary
Brand Neutral
Los Angeles Biodiesel Coop
BREATHE Los Angeles
Los Angeles County Department of Education
California Credit Union
Loyola Marymount University
Calif. Reg'l Environmental Ed. Community M3
Cater Green
Manhattan Beach Rotary
Chipotle
Marie D. Jeffrey Foundation
Clear Choice
Opportunity Green
Coalition of Essential Schools
Murad
Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf
National Hispanic Environmental Council
College Match
Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship
Common Vision
Otis College of Art and Design
Constitutional Rights Foundation
Parent Institute for Quality Education
Cuningham Group
Participant Media
EarthFlow Designs
reDiscover
Eco-Usable
REI
El Camino College
Revolution Foods
EmpowerHER
RootdownLA
Empowerment Works
Santa Monica Bay Keepers
Essential Living Foods
Shangri-La Construction
FOLAR
Steaz
Fred Leeds Properties
Sue Chen
From Lot to Spot
Surfrider Foundation
Fruit Tree Planting Foundation
Tree Musketeers
Get Hi Get Green
Tree People
Generation Earth
UCLA Extension
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ECS UPDATE: March 2012
Get Hip Get Green
Global Exchange
Green Fest
Green Torch
GreenContributor
Heal the Bay
UCLA Env. Science and Eng.
UCLA Internal Med. Pediatrics
UCLA School of Public Health
USC Env. Science, Public Policy, Dentistry
Veggie Grill
Back to top
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ECS UPDATE: Spring 2012
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ECHS hom e
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support ECS
EXECUTIVE MESSAGE
Spring 2012
Executive Message
Every day is Earth Day at Environmental Charter Schools (ECS) because w e w eave
environmental principles into our curriculum and campus design.
This “green school” model is something w e have helped pioneer
throughout the nation.
Top Stories
We are excited about recently receiving tw o prestigious aw ards
for our leadership as a model green school.
GreenAmbassadors
Partner Spotlight
The first National Green Ribbon Schools Aw ard from the U.S.
Department of Education and Office of President Obama
recognizes our high school as a leader in the national green
education movement (see below ).
Inspired Students
Board Spotlight
Other News
Events
Partners
Environmental Charter
Schools (ECS)
We w ere also recognized for our achievements this month, as ECS received the Los
Angeles County Green Leadership Aw ard (see below ).
Locally, you can see our high school students taking leadership roles. For example, 10th
grade students led an Eco-Fair at the ECHS campus last month to teach parents and
community members about eco-friendly solutions. Students in Spanish classes led a
community garden w orkshop to share sustainable gardening techniques.
As w e celebrate our hard-earned recognition for multiple aw ards, w e look forw ard to
continuing to grow our programs, w ith the aim of inspiring and equipping our students,
tomorrow ’s green leaders, for many years to come. Thank you for your critical and
continued support. Click here to GIVE NOW
Jenni Taylor, EdD, is Principal of Environm ental Charter High School.
Environmental Charter Schools (ECS)
is an emerging, innovative public
charter school netw ork that has
been serving students in south Los
Angeles County since 2001.
Environm ental Charter High
School (ECHS) is an aw ard-w inning
public charter high school w ith a
unique experiential learning design
for college prep. It inspires students
to learn about environmental issues
facing our planet, how to become
effective agents for change, how to
implement local solutions to help
address w orld issues, and how to
educate others about these vital
concerns.
TOP STORIES
Environmental Charter Wins First Ever National Green Ribbon
Schools Award
Environm ental Charter Middle
School (ECMS) is our second public
charter. It extends our innovative
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approach to an earlier age group,
ensuring their readiness for a
college prep high school. Our
schools serve Law ndale, Gardena,
Inglew ood and surrounding
communities.
Our aw ard-w inning Green
Ambassadors program for schools
and educators creates experiential
learning opportunities for youth to
build leadership skills and address
critical environmental issues facing
our planet, inspiring them to continue
their education after high school. Our
Green Ambassadors Institute helps
educators bring the program’s
benefits to their schools and
students around the country. Learn
more
ECS UPDATE: Spring 2012
The U. S. Department of Education has
aw arded the first national Green Ribbon
Schools Aw ard to Environmental Charter
High School. ECHS w as one of 78 schools
nationw ide and one of three in Southern
California that w on top honors in
environmental and sustainability education.
More than 350 schools applied for the
aw ard.
“We’re ecstatic,” exclaimed Alison Suffet,
founder and executive director of ECS. “Not
only is w inning the Green Ribbon Schools
Aw ard an incredible honor, it’s an
affirmation that w e’re on the right track. We
could not be more proud of this
achievement.”
The Green Ribbon Schools initiative is the
first comprehensive federal policy for schools related to the environment, health, and
education. The U.S. Government launched the program in the 2011-12 school year to
recognize public and private schools that save energy, reduce costs, feature
environmentally sustainable learning spaces, protect health, foster w ellness, and offer
environmental education to boost academic achievement and community engagement.
“ECHS is alive – literally,” Suffet said. “Despite being just a few short blocks from a major
Los Angeles freew ay, the campus has become a living, breathing, green oasis in a
concrete urban setting w ith fruit trees, gardens, and a stream filled w ith fish.”
In addition to its success in ecological
aw areness, ECHS is a high-performing
charter high school w ith more than 90% of
its students admitted to four-year colleges
and universities each year. The students
receive a w ell-rounded education w ith a
strong foundation in core subjects like
science and mathematics, w hile learning to
be advocates and how to practice civic
action.
ECHS Earns Los Angeles Green Leadership Award
ECHS is a w inner of the fourth annual Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Green
Leadership Aw ards, recognizing outstanding community energy conservation and
environmental efforts. ECHS w as the only school selected, and joins a prestigious group
of innovative programs ranging from the Santa Monica Mountains Watersheds to a medical
w aste facility to public w orks projects.
“The county’s Green Leadership
Program promotes aw areness,
responsibility and shares best
practices,” said Supervisor Zev
Yarolslavsky at the aw ards ceremony.
“These committed individuals and
entities inspire others to follow their
leadership. The county is proud to
honor them w ith its Green Leadership
Aw ard.”
Plant a Seed Today Join Us
Learn how you can help ECS and its
unique programs inspire, grow , and
“It w as a dream to create a school w here students w ould be able to take real action
informed by classroom instruction to make measurable differences in their local
communities,” said Alison Suffet, founder and executive director of ECS. “This aw ard
signifies our leadership from w hich others may learn.”
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prepare future civic and
environmental leaders.
Your investment helps students gain
the skills and know ledge they need
for college, w ork, and the w orld. At
the same time, you are helping the
communities our students serve.
By supporting our green technology
and environmental projects, you w ill
be helping us conserve resources
for future generations.
Contact: Executive Director
Alison Suffet-Diaz
Phone: (310) 214-3400
[email protected]
ECS UPDATE: Spring 2012
Back to top
GREEN AMBASSADORS INSTITUTE
UCLA Extension Partnership Continues Success
ECS’ Green Ambassador Institute (GAI) continues
its collaboration w ith UCLA Extension as it recently
hosted 30 teachers on the ECS campus to provide
direction, inspiration, and innovation to those eager to
learn more about the highly successful green
educational model employed by ECS.
Green Ambassadors Institute (GAI) provides graduatelevel courses through a partnership w ith UCLA
Extension. Educators learn how to use the environment
as the context for interdisciplinary learning that connects students to their campus and
community, and empow ers them to spread solutions beyond their school.
Participants can’t stop praising their experience at the GAI conference. “We found the
program to be of the highest caliber, and w e w ill never forget the experience of having
Sara, Lindsey, and Vanessa lead us through this innovative and engaging program,” said
Stella Ursua, President of Green Education, Inc. “Your belief in the program came through
loud and clear during each and every exercise. I can only hope to facilitate this half as
w ell as you all did!”
Environmental Charter
Schools (ECS)
16315 Grevillea Avenue
Lawndale, CA 90260
Ph: (310) 214 3400
http://www.echsonline.org
To learn more about how to make your school "green," and the benefits this
can bring:
Visit w w w .Greenambassadors.org
Take a tour of our campus – visit w w w .echsonline.org
Attend the Green Charter Schools Netw ork Pre-Conference at the National
Charter Schools Conference – visit: http://publiccharters.org/Conference/2012/Atthe-Conference/Pre002DConferences.aspx
Attend the 2012 National Charter Schools Conference! June 19 – Friday, June 22,
2012 at the Minneapolis Convention Center – visit:
http://publiccharters.org/Conference/2012/Home.aspx
Back to top
PARTNER SPOTLIGHT
BBPR, Inc.
Helps ECS
Spread the
Word
BBPR, Inc. is an aw ardw inning public relations firm serving non-profit, healthcare, education and governmental
agencies. Thanks to a generous $1,000 donation, BBPR, Inc. helped sponsor ECHS’
Career Day event. The donation is on top of BBR's support of the event for a second year
by helping to publicize it and present the benefits of careers in PR for our students. ECHS’
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ECS UPDATE: Spring 2012
on-campus event gives high school students a unique w indow into career possibilities by
bringing professionals from a variety of business and public sector professions to speak
on campus and provide mentoring for teens.
Watch BBPR, Inc.'s Founder Barbara Bishop and her
associate Dienna D’Olimpio on “Santa Monica Plus," the
public affairs show airing on City TV in Santa Monica,
w hich they produce and host.
CODA: Going the Extra Mile
Thanks also to our partners CODA for contributing to
ECHS Career Day's Success!
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INSPIRED STUDENTS
Inspired by the hugely popular CicLAvia, w hich brought more than 100,000 bike riders to
10-miles of blocked-off streets in dow ntow n Los Angeles, several ECHS students
brought their version of the event to the 2012 Law ndale Youth Day Parade Saturday, April
28, at Alondra Park in Law ndale.
Presented by ECHS' ninth
grade environmental
science class, along w ith
the school’s Bike Shop, the
event called attention to our
dominant car culture and
demonstrated the benefits
of a car-free lifestyle.
Hundreds participated as
ECHS students, decked out
in matching t-shirts and
carrying pro-bike signs and
banners rode in the 2.2-mile
parade route.
As part of the daylong
festivities, students from the school’s Bike Shop offered bicycle safety tips and free, onthe-spot repairs. This year’s student leaders, Valeria Bautista and Nicolas Linares, ECHS
seniors, have expanded the Bike Shop by recruiting more students and increasing
community involvement.
One popular policy engages students w ho don’t have their ow n bike: if they join the Bike
Shop and fix one of the damaged bikes donated by the community, they get to keep it.
“Students get really excited about it and have a great sense of accomplishment
afterw ard,” explains Nicolas.
Valeria agrees. “After my bike w as stolen, I replaced it w ith one from the Bike shop that I
fixed. I like the bike that I have now better than my old one!”
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BOARD MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
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ECS UPDATE: Spring 2012
Uduak Ntuk
ECS Board Member Uduak Ntuk is committed to
protecting the environment and promoting
sustainability, and he is a big believer in the importance
of education.
In addition joining ECS' Board during the past year, his
volunteerism includes serving w ith the non-profit
Alliance for Climate Protection since 2006, and the USC
Viterbi School of Engineering Diversity Industry
Advisory Board.
Though playing college football may seem like a dream
come true for some, Ntuk knew it w as not w hat he
w anted to do for the rest of his life. Eager for a career that w ould last many years, he left
his college in Texas and enrolled in CSULB, w here he pursued engineering.
His engineering studies ultimately led Ntuk to an exciting career in technology, and
opportunities to study abroad in China and London. After receiving his degree in chemical
engineering, he w ent on to earn his master’s degree in petroleum engineering from USC
w hile w orking at Chevron. Today Ntuk is a Petroleum Engineer w ith the City of Long
Beach, w here he performs complex w ork on new w ell development, production
operations, and oilfield applications.
Ntuk credits his studies with forging the path to his success: “A science,
technology, engineering and math career path can lift people out of poverty
and into comfortable living wage jobs like no other,” he explains.
With his energetic volunteerism, and passion for education and helping to build a “greener”
tomorrow , Ntuk is a great asset to ECS’ Board of Directors.
OTHER NEWS
ECHS Principal Among Environmental Expert Judges in Local
Contest
Jenni Taylor, principal of Environmental Charter High School, w as selected to join a
panel of environmental experts to judge a trash-free lunch challenge designed to cut
landfill w aste.
The contest w as sponsored by the Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County. Its
objective is to teach kids to reduce trash by carrying reusable containers and by sorting
out compostable and recyclable materials. Three schools, including tw o in the South Bay,
competed to determine w hich students w ere the most successful in reducing the amount
of garbage they sent to landfills. Nolan Gould, star of ABC’s hit comedy, “Modern Family,”
w as selected to present a $1,000 education grant to the w inning school.
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EVENTS
Going to The National Charter
Schools Conference?
June 19-22, 2012 | Minneapolis Convention Center
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ECS UPDATE: Spring 2012
Check out the Pre-Conference
w orkshop hosted by Green Charter
Schools Netw ork:
Developing your Charter School
into a Green, Healthy and
Sustainable School
"Green and healthy school" experts
w ill help charter schools develop
pathw ays to become "green schools
of the future." The US Department of
Education has recognized the
importance of "greening American
schools" w ith their Green Ribbon Schools Aw ard. Join comprehensive "green school"
experts in a collaborative w orkshop that w ill help your school save resources w hile
improving your students' health and academic achievement.
June 19th 1:00-5:00pm
Register at http://w w w .publiccharters.org/conference
SAVE THE DATE
Earth Day in June at ECHS, June 1, 2012
OUR PARTNERS - A BIG GREEN THANK YOU!
We thank our corporate, professional, and community partners
for supporting us.
From generous financial and in-kind
assistance to time and expertise, your support is helping us
inspire and educate like never before.
Our many sponsors and partners
Strategic Partners
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ECS UPDATE: Spring 2012
media policy center logo
50,000-plus Sponsors
5,000-plus Sponsors
American Honda Foundation
Ahmanson Foundation
Chevron
Gambassa and Green Torch
Manatt, Phelps & Phillips
Raytheon
State Farm Insurance
Steinmetz Family Foundation
Walton Family Foundation
Weingart Foundation
Weingart Foundation
AAA Flag and Banner
City of Lawndale
Cuningham Group
Deemer Family Fund
Earth Friendly Products
K & F Baxter Family Foundation
LA Car Guy
Mazda
Metropolitan Water District
Northrop Grumman Corporation
Rex 3
Ron Hendrixson
S. Mark Taper Foundation
Saban Family Foundation
Shangri-La Construction
Toyota
Walker Talent Group
West Basin
Partners
41 Pounds.org
Hey! Tanks LA
Aesthetic Edge Surgery
Jamah
Alex Gorosh, Filmmaker
KCET
Algalita Marine Research Foundation
Los Angeles Social Venture Partners
AQMD
La Loma Development
Beach Cities Cycles
Landers Family Fund
Bioneers
Lawndale Elementary School District
Blue Sky Meadow
Lawndale Rotary
Brand Neutral
Los Angeles Biodiesel Coop
BREATHE Los Angeles
Los Angeles County Department of Education
California Credit Union
Loyola Marymount University
Calif. Reg'l Environmental Ed. Community M3
Cater Green
Manhattan Beach Rotary
Chipotle
Marie D. Jeffrey Foundation
Clear Choice
Opportunity Green
Coalition of Essential Schools
Murad
Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf
National Hispanic Environmental Council
College Match
Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship
Common Vision
Otis College of Art and Design
Constitutional Rights Foundation
Parent Institute for Quality Education
EarthFlow Designs
Participant Media
Eco-Usable
reDiscover
El Camino College
REI
EmpowerHER
Revolution Foods
Empowerment Works
RootdownLA
Essential Living Foods
Santa Monica Bay Keepers
FOLAR
Steaz
Fred Leeds Properties
Sue Chen
From Lot to Spot
Surfrider Foundation
Fruit Tree Planting Foundation
Tree Musketeers
Get Hi Get Green
Tree People
Generation Earth
UCLA Extension
Get Hip Get Green
UCLA Env. Science and Eng.
Global Exchange
UCLA Internal Med. Pediatrics
Green Fest
UCLA School of Public Health
Green Fest
USC Env. Science, Public Policy, Dentistry
GreenContributor
Veggie Grill
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ECS UPDATE: Spring 2012
Heal the Bay
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WE DON’T ASK OFTEN, BUT WE’RE REALLY IN NEED
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PLEASE HELP OUR SCHOOLS
Dear ECS Families, Partners and Friends:
ECS Loses After-School Program Grant Despite
Excellent Academic Achievement
Environmental Charter High
School is ranked in the top 1% of
public schools in the country by US
News and World Report BUT
We are losing our much needed
after-school program grant. ECHS has been granted
$300,000 per year for the last five years from the California
State Dept. of Education to fund our innovative after-school
programs. These important programs such as electives,
athletics, summer school, family outreach (and many more)
have raised our students’ performance and college
acceptance rates and have made us who we are today.
Having succeeded in becoming a high-performing school in
an underserved community however, we are no longer
eligible for after-school funds since these grants are awarded
to low-performing schools. Yes – it’s a very unfortunate, nowin situation. And if this is not already a devastating blow…
WITHOUT YOUR
HELP WE'LL LOSE
THESE PROGRAMS
Remediation (Catch up
courses): Math & Literature
labs, Saturday math,
Summer School, Credit
Recovery, Test Preparation
classes and…
Family Outreach: family
literacy, financial aid, and
health workshops, Parent
Institute for Quality
Education (PIQUE)
workshops and…
Extras: college tours, field
trips, driver’s ed., campus
care, community gardening
workshopss, beach
cleanups, Lawndale Youth
Day Parade, Open Mic
nights, Dances, and Game
Nights.
Additional Cuts to Education Projected
In addition to the loss of the after-school program grant, basic
funding for K-12 public education is also in jeopardy. The
Governor’s current budget proposal for K-12 education is
tied to the fate of the Governors’ tax initiative. If voters do not
approve the initiative, In November 2012, there will be a $2.6
billion mid-year cut statewide on funds for K-12 public
education. ECS is bracing ourselves for an additional
$500,000 in mid-year cuts for our middle and high
Thank you to
the Koroneburg
Renaissance
Festival and for
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their generous
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WE DON’T ASK OFTEN, BUT WE’RE REALLY IN NEED
$500,000 in mid-year cuts for our middle and high
schools.
After School Programs Lost
The programs that kept our students safe, engaged and
learning after school will disappear. Beyond all the fun they
have had learning and participating - we have found
involvement in these programs to be what differentiates our
students from others in their college acceptances. 90% of
our high school graduates are accepted to a 4-year
college or university.
their generous
donation.
Thank you to our
sponsor Barbara
Bishop PR for
donating
Disneyland tickets
to support our
cause.
We Need Your Help!
This loss of after-school funding along with potential
continued statewide budget cuts is a devastating blow to our
community and -- our students will feel the impact most
greatly. Since some of our proudest academic
accomplishments don’t happen inside a classroom , the loss
of our after-school grant is especially disheartening. We
look to you, our friends, fans, and family…
To save our programs and support our continued
success. Show your support for innovative education
at ECS by, chipping in just $5 or more today.
As an extra incentive - the first hundred donations of
$5 or more will receive two complimentary tickets to
the Koroneburg Renaissance Festival
For donations of $100 dollars or more you will
automatically be entered for a chance to win to 4
complimentary Disneyland Tickets.
It’s easy – DONATE NOW
Thank you in advance for your continued support of ECS and
our students during these challenging times.
Please GIVE NOW.
Yours truly,
Alison Suffet, Founder & Executive Director
Environmental Charter Schools
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WE DON’T ASK OFTEN, BUT WE’RE REALLY IN NEED
Environmental Charter Schools (ECS)
16315 Grevillea Avenue
Law ndale, CA 90260
Ph: (310) 214 3400
http://w w w .echsonline.org
To unsubscribe, please reply to this message with "Unsubscribe" in the subject line or click on the following link: Unsubscribe
Environmental Charter Schools
16315 Grevillea Avenue
Lawndale, California 90260
US
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ECS UPDATE: June / July 2012
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ECHS hom e
new s archive
support ECS
EXECUTIVE MESSAGE
June/July 2012
Executive Message
Top Stories
Partner Spotlight
Inspired Students
Special Report
Events
Partners
Environmental Charter
Schools (ECS)
Environmental Charter Schools (ECS)
is an emerging, innovative public
charter school netw ork that has
been serving students in south Los
Angeles County since 2001.
Dear Friends of ECS,
If your family or friends have kids in school in California, or you read
our new s, you may have heard that schools are bracing for a
possible crisis due to proposed State budget cuts.
We are also losing after-school program funding, despite
Environmental Charter School’s hard-w on successes that have
been years in the making — and despite our achievements that have
been recognized as outstanding in the educational field.
Our State Academic Performance Index (API) score has risen steadily since 2005 to 810
in 2011, surpassing the state’s API grow th target. ECHS’ 2011 graduation rate of 90% far
exceeded the dismal, countyw ide rate of 68%. Ninet-seven percent of our graduates
exceed the admission requirements of UC/California State University schools, despite their
financially disadvantaged backgrounds.
In spite of these achievements, and our recognized success in the educational field —
most recently w ith tw o prestigious “green” aw ards, a first-ever U.S. Department of
Education “Green Ribbon” national aw ard, and a Los Angeles County Green Leadership
Aw ard — w e are losing funding. (Read more below to learn how this could affect families
w ith kids in public schools.)
While the crisis looms, w e nevertheless continue striving to find creative w ays to sustain
our successful educational programs, and bring exciting opportunities to our students.
Recent examples include our partnerships w ith organizations such as The Nature
Conservancy and West Basin Water District, as you’ll read below .
We Need Your Help!
Environm ental Charter High
School (ECHS) is an aw ard-w inning
public charter high school w ith a
unique experiential learning design
for college prep. It inspires students
to learn about environmental issues
facing our planet, how to become
effective agents for change, how to
implement local solutions to help
address w orld issues, and how to
educate others about these vital
concerns.
Environm ental Charter Middle
School (ECMS) is our second public
charter. It extends our innovative
approach to an earlier age group,
ensuring their readiness for a
college prep high school. Our
Our fundraising for the year ahead has begun. Community members w ho helped our
after-school programs w ith donations of $5 or more recently enjoyed passes to the
Koroneburg Renaissance Festival and on July 2nd w e’ll announce our raffle w inner –
those w ho donated $100 or more are eligible to w in tickets for 4 to Disneyland. It’s not to
late to enter the raffle by donating $100 or more before July 2nd!
You can further support ECS by reserving your tickets now to join us in September for
"The Walton's 40th Anniversary: Celebrating Family & Education,” benefiting Environmental
Charter Middle Schools (more information and tickets below )
Thank you for your continued support.
Alison Suffet
Founder & Executive Director, Environm ental Charter Schools
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schools serve Law ndale, Gardena,
Inglew ood and surrounding
communities.
ECS UPDATE: June / July 2012
TOP STORIES
ECHS Named to Top 1% of Schools in the Nation by US News &
World Report Award
Our aw ard-w inning Green
Ambassadors program for schools
and educators creates experiential
learning opportunities for youth to
build leadership skills and address
critical environmental issues facing
our planet, inspiring them to continue
their education after high school. Our
Green Ambassadors Institute helps
educators bring the program’s
benefits to their schools and
students around the country. Learn
more
ECHS has w on U.S. New s & World Report’s “Best High Schools”
gold medals in its national, state and charter school rankings for
2012. As the most recent testament to our academic
excellence, this honor places ECHS in the top half of one percent
(1%) of schools in the nation. Environmental Charter High School
is ranked 95th w ithin California.
In addition to its success in ecological aw areness, ECHS is a
high-performing charter high school w ith more than 90% of its
students admitted to four-year colleges and universities each year. The students receive
a w ell-rounded education w ith a strong foundation in core subjects like science and
mathematics, w hile learning to be advocates and how to practice civic action.
Back to top
PARTNERING TO DO MORE WITH LESS $
ECS Taps The Nature Conservancy to Bring Students Summer
Internships
First-time Award to a California School
The
Nature
Conservancy,
the
w orld’s
largest
environmental
conservation non-profit
organization,
announced that 11
students from ECHS
have earned coveted
spots in its Leaders in
Environmental
Action
for the Future (LEAF)
program. Thanks to
ECS’
partnership
initiative, the students,
many of w hom have
never left Los Angeles,
let alone spent time in
the w ilderness, w ill
participate in a paid internship program this summer.
Plant a Seed Today Join Us
Learn how you can help ECS and its
unique programs inspire, grow , and
prepare future civic and
environmental leaders.
Students w ill w ork alongside Conservancy scientists on Santa Cruz Island and in
Montana’s Centennial Sandhills Preserve to protect and restore habitat, save endangered
species and remove non-native plants, w hile learning about careers in conservation. They
w ill also visit colleges, and experience camping, kayaking, and sw imming.
“We couldn’t be prouder of these
students,”said Alison Suffet, founder and
executive director of Environmental Charter
Schools (ECS). “The Nature Conservancy
They’ve never cam ped under the
stars before. Never inhaled the cool
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Your investment helps students gain
the skills and know ledge they need
for college, w ork, and the w orld. At
the same time, you are helping the
communities our students serve.
By supporting our green technology
and environmental projects, you w ill
be helping us conserve resources
for future generations.
Contact: Executive Director
Alison Suffet-Diaz
Phone: (310) 214-3400
[email protected]
ECS UPDATE: June / July 2012
internships are incredible, chance-of-alifetime opportunities to learn the importance
of environmental preservation in remarkable
real-life settings. Undoubtedly, students'
experiences in Montana and on Santa Cruz
Island w ill positively influence the course of
the rest of their lives. Getting paid to do it is
icing on the cake,” Suffet added.
crisp air after clim bing a m ountain
peak. Never tasted the salty spray
from a sailboat’s deck.
Once they do, they’ll discover new
strengths, overcom e fears, and
develop a richer sense of
them selves and their w orld.
Outdoor and Experiential Learning
With the assistance of a $3.1 million grant
trips are core to the innovative
from the Toyota USA Foundation, this
curriculum that m akes ECHS unique.
comprehensive environmental-leadership
program for teenagers and their educators
now serves approximately 20
environmental high schools across the country.
“The main goal of our LEAF program is to engage urban youth w ith environmental learning
in hopes of fostering a passion for our planet that w ill stick w ith them both personally and
professionally for the rest of their lives,” said Mike Sw eeney, executive director of The
Nature Conservancy. “Providing students w ith the opportunity to participate in actual
conservation projects in ecologically sensitive places is a great complement to their
classroom learning and gives them hands-on experience they may not otherw ise get
during the school year.”
Learn more about the LEAF program and get to know the California interns in a cool slide
show here
Back to top
Environmental Charter
Schools (ECS)
16315 Grevillea Avenue
Lawndale, CA 90260
Ph: (310) 214 3400
INSPIRED STUDENTS
ECHS Student-Built Boat in Nation’s Largest Solar-Powered
Boat Competition
http://www.echsonline.org
ECHS’ student team built a 16-foot
solar-pow ered boat that recently
navigated the 1.6 kilometer race
course in the nation’s largest solar
boat competition, the Metropolitan
Water District’s Solar Cup™.
Solar Cup is a team-based educational
competition that allow s students to
apply their skills in math, physics,
engineering and communications,
w hile learning about Southern
California’s w ater sources, resource
management, conservation and
alternative energy development.
“What makes this competition so
unique compared to other sciencebased events is that it’s interdisciplinary,” explains an organizer. “Solar Cup provides students w ith hands-on, realw orld applications to solving today’s challenges in w ater and energy by using green
technologies like solar pow er.”
With the school’s support, ECHS, students w orked nights and w eekends to maximize their
boats’ endurance, speed, mechanical and electrical efficiencies. Over the past few
months, w orking w ith the West Basin Water District, they have equipped boats w ith solar
panels, batteries, electrical systems, drive trains, propellers and rudders.
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ECS UPDATE: June / July 2012
SPECIAL REPORT
How the State Educational Budget Crises and the Loss of
After-School Funding Hurts Families
The Burton family has been part of the ECS family from the start. Cynthia Burton came to
the school w hen it opened and w as in its first graduating class in 2005. Family matriarch
Wanda Burton is a single mom in her late 70s w ith 10 children – the youngest seven
adopted as infants. In 2011-12, four Burton children, plus Wanda’s granddaughter and a
nephew attended ECHS.
Critical electives, remedial programming, athletics,
summer school and family outreach all kept six Burton
kids safe, engaged, and learning after school at ECHS
betw een 2006 and 2012.
Jamie Burton learned invaluable lessons in leadership,
organization, marketing, and planning from ECHS’
after school programs. He w ill carry these skills and
know ledge w ith him as he heads off to Morehouse
College, a private, all-male, historically African
American college in Atlanta, next fall – and beyond.
But the ECS programs that benefited older Burton
family members are slated to end — leaving current
students from the family — Joseph, Arturo, and
Nicholas — w ithout the same educational options as
their predecessors.
The loss of after-school
funding along with
looming statewide
budget cuts is a
devastating blow to our
community – both
students and their
families are impacted.
Let’s work together and
make sure it doesn’t
come to that.
The prospect of losing critical after-school programs
that have so benefitted all of her children is tragic to
Wanda Burton – not just for her family, but also for families statew ide… and even society
at large.
What does this mean to families like the Burtons? Students w ho struggle to keep
up w ith their academics and cannot afford private tutoring w ill fall behind. Without the
extra care and attention that after-school programs afford, many w ill lose their motivation
to learn.
How will kids and teens spend the extra time if programs are cut? “If they’re
not in school, they’ll likely be out on the streets causing trouble,” in Burton’s view , one that
is shared by many. Working parents suffer w hen after-school programs are cut. Without
structured after-school activities for their kids, w orking parents also face more childcare
and transportation challenges in their w orkdays as they struggle to meet increased
childcare
obligations.
WITHOUT YOUR HELP WE'LL LOSE THESE PROGRAMS
Rem ediation (Catch-up courses): Math & Literature labs, Saturday math, Summer
School, credit recovery, test preparation classes and…
Fam ily Outreach: family literacy, financial aid, and health w orkshops, Parent Institute for
Quality Education (PIQUE) w orkshops and…
Extras: college tours, field trips, driver’s ed., campus care, community gardening
w orkshops, beach cleanups, Law ndale Youth Day Parade, Open Mic nights, Dances, and
game nights.
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ECS UPDATE: June / July 2012
Back to top
EVENTS
Tickets Now On Sale! Join Us To Benefit ECHS on September
29ht
The Walton’s 40th Anniversary
Reunion
Celebrating Family & Education
Benefiting Environmental
Charter Middle School”
Saturday, September 29, 2012 at
6:00pm PDT until 8:30 PDT Join many
of your favorites from the cast of the
1970s hit TV show “The Waltons” –
including our Kami Cotler, ECMS
Principal, and other special guests
and performers!
Proceeds from the event go to
Environmental Charter Middle School
(EMCS). EMCS offers students a
small, caring school environment that
supports their transition from
elementary school and prepares them
for high school success.
Event Location: The historic
Wilshire Ebell Theatre, 4401 West 8th
Street, Los Angeles, CA 90005 Tickets Available Online at w w w .w altons40th.com
The event is sponsored by GMC. Uplifting Entertainm ent
And Thank You For Giving!
Thank you Koroneburg Old World Renaissance Festival for your generous donation of
complimentary passes for our donors. Thank you BBPR, Inc.for providing Disneyland
Tickets for our raffle.
We are extending our campaign to raise money to reinstate our after-school
programs through the summer, so please consider giving now. Click the
button to give.
We would like to thank the following individuals for
responding to our urgent appeal for donations:
Dominique Akens | Yolanda Alaniz | Gabriel Avenna | Shirlene Bauer-Maheia | Emil and
Amanada Beheshti | Liz and Dale Bell | Leslie Belsma | Ricardo Calderon | Janis Castaneda
| Kami Cotler | Eduardo De Anda | Eric Delima | Julie Du Brow | Nikki Ector | Audrey English |
Michelle Estrada | Alla Felker | Angelica Gamboa | Sofie and Gloria Gamboa | Maria
Gonzalez | Brian Gonzalez | Bruce Greenspon | Maria Herde-Acosta | Roth Herrlinger | Nick
Heyming | Cynthia Hodges | Dan Jensen | Sona Kalapura | Jonathan Katz | Mary Ann
Livingston | Hannah MacLaren | Rachel Malarich | Khadijah Moaning | Janet Moon | Alfonso
Morales | Marcela Paez | Mariela Pereyra | Tita Peterson | Chris Pine | Bonnie Pow ers | Liz
Ramirez | Diana Rickert | Carolyn Rios | Carmen Rivera | Rigo Rodriguez | Irene Silver | Todd
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ECS UPDATE: June / July 2012
Steiner | Quynh Tran | Maria Trejo | Celeste Turner | Stella Ursua | Mary Ellen Vojtek | Jon
Witt |
OUR PARTNERS - A BIG GREEN THANK YOU!
We thank our corporate, professional, and community partners
for supporting us.
From generous financial and in-kind
assistance to time and expertise, your support is helping us
inspire and educate like never before.
Our many sponsors and partners
Strategic Partners
media policy center logo
50,000-plus Sponsors
5,000-plus Sponsors
American Honda Foundation
Ahmanson Foundation
Chevron
Gambassa and Green Torch
Manatt, Phelps & Phillips
Raytheon
State Farm Insurance
Steinmetz Family Foundation
Walton Family Foundation
Weingart Foundation
Weingart Foundation
AAA Flag and Banner
City of Lawndale
Cuningham Group
Deemer Family Fund
Earth Friendly Products
K & F Baxter Family Foundation
LA Car Guy
Mazda
Metropolitan Water District
Northrop Grumman Corporation
Rex 3
Ron Hendrixson
S. Mark Taper Foundation
Saban Family Foundation
Shangri-La Construction
Toyota
Walker Talent Group
West Basin
Partners
41 Pounds.org
Hey! Tanks LA
Aesthetic Edge Surgery
Jamah
Alex Gorosh, Filmmaker
KCET
Algalita Marine Research Foundation
Los Angeles Social Venture Partners
AQMD
La Loma Development
Beach Cities Cycles
Landers Family Fund
Bioneers
Lawndale Elementary School District
Blue Sky Meadow
Lawndale Rotary
Brand Neutral
Los Angeles Biodiesel Coop
BREATHE Los Angeles
Los Angeles County Department of Education
California Credit Union
Loyola Marymount University
Calif. Reg'l Environmental Ed. Community M3
Cater Green
Manhattan Beach Rotary
Chipotle
Marie D. Jeffrey Foundation
Clear Choice
Opportunity Green
Coalition of Essential Schools
Murad
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ECS UPDATE: June / July 2012
Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf
College Match
Common Vision
National Hispanic Environmental Council
Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship
Otis College of Art and Design
Constitutional Rights Foundation
EarthFlow Designs
Eco-Usable
El Camino College
EmpowerHER
Empowerment Works
Essential Living Foods
FOLAR
Fred Leeds Properties
From Lot to Spot
Fruit Tree Planting Foundation
Get Hi Get Green
Generation Earth
Get Hip Get Green
Global Exchange
Green Fest
Green Fest
GreenContributor
Heal the Bay
Parent Institute for Quality Education
Participant Media
reDiscover
REI
Revolution Foods
RootdownLA
Santa Monica Bay Keepers
Steaz
Sue Chen
Surfrider Foundation
Tree Musketeers
Tree People
UCLA Extension
UCLA Env. Science and Eng.
UCLA Internal Med. Pediatrics
UCLA School of Public Health
USC Env. Science, Public Policy, Dentistry
Veggie Grill
Back to top
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New YEAR! New LOOK!
FORWARD TO A FRIEND
Environmental Charter Schools
Septem ber New s
2012
New YEAR! New LOOK!
You may not have mentioned it, but we knew... we needed a
makeover! We’re excited to officially present our new school
branding in the form of this new-looking newsletter.
Our entirely new website launches soon and our new logo - don’t
you love it?! - has been seen showing up at events, on campus,
on student uniforms and staff gifts already.
(story continues...) We hope you like how our logos ‘grow’ from
Middle to High School and ‘culminate’ in the ECS network of
schools mark. As our network of schools grows, we are creating
powerful expressions and structures to support our mission.
The new look, new web presence and our new Middle School
campus (coming in 2013!) are benchmarks for our moving forward
toward a bright and big future. Stay tuned for our website launch
and more news on our new Middle School site ...
Thank you to Haily Zaki, Sarah Shewey and Alli Takido - our
brand development consulting team - for your work and support
through this new branding process!
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New YEAR! New LOOK!
Not Just Another
Day at the Beach
Among the many “How I spent my
summer vacation” stories heard on
campus when students returned to
classes this fall, 14 seniors related tales
of life-changing experiences. Slideshow
and KPCC radio story follows...
(story continues...) Month-long
internships with The Nature
Conservancy’s LEAF program took 11
seniors to Santa Cruz Island (click to
link to: KPCC slideshow and radio
story) and Montana -- far from their
comfortable, urban lifestyles to remote
areas where they participated in
important scientific and environmental
projects.
Four others traveled to Louisiana,
Pennsylvania and Texas to participate in
the prestigious Earthwatch Institute
Fellowship program, which brings
together global scientists, corporate and
nonprofit partners, teachers, students
and volunteers to engage in scientific
field research and education aimed at
promoting a sustainable environment.
“It’s amazing to see how much these
students have changed in such a short
period of time,” shared Vice Principal
Mandy Breuer. “Their eyes have been
opened to all sorts of new opportunities
and now they’re on fire to do something
amazing – to really make a difference in
the world.”
The Nature Conservancy LEAF Program
We’re proud of our ECHS seniors who
earned coveted spots in The Nature
Conservancy’s Leaders in
Environmental Action for the Future
(LEAF) program: Keira Adams, Alejandra
Bautista, Justice Davis, Stephanie
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New YEAR! New LOOK!
Echeverria, Alfonso Macias, Ashley Rios,
Glenda Sanchez, Sharon Tam, Patrick
Valenzuela, Lenie Ventura and Mohamed
“Mo” Younes.
How’s THIS for resume-building
experience? Paid, to boot! During the
course of the month-long internships, the
students worked alongside Conservancy
scientists to protect and restore habitat,
save endangered species and remove
non-native plants while learning about
careers in conservation. In addition to
completing four paid work weeks, the
interns visited three colleges and
enjoyed camping, kayaking and
swimming.
Earthwatch Institute Fellowship
Keira Adams (yes, she was accepted to
both programs!) Esteban Gonzalez,
Felipe Ontiveros and Sophia Cortes congratulations on your fellowships!
Earthwatch’s mission is to engage
people worldwide in scientific field
research and education in order to
promote the understanding and action
necessary for a sustainable environment.
As Earthwatch Student Fellows, our four
seniors joined a diverse and prestigious
community of scientists, educators,
students, and businesspeople working
together to find creative ways to respond
to the defining challenges of our
generation.
“The experiences have been huge
confidence boosters, too,” Vice Principal
Breuer added, emphasizing that for some
of the students who previously had not
been super-high-achievers academically,
just being accepted into the programs
has fueled a new drive and determination
to excel in school – and beyond.
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New YEAR! New LOOK!
All for One = Double
for All: 5K Matching Grant is
ON
With the new school year comes a
heightened sense of urgency to
overcome the financial challenge of
losing our $300K after-school programs
grant from the state. At ECHS,
challenges bring opportunities and we’re
encouraged to have this great
opportunity to share:
(story continues...) Help us raise at least
$5,000 by this Oct. 31 and we’ll receive a
matching grant of $5000 from the Frieda
C. Fox Family Foundation!
Our fundraising efforts won’t end here,
but your donations will empower us on
our road to recover losses for programs
like summer school, test prep, family
literacy and financial aid workshops, plus
dances and field trips.
Please give today – and urge other
friends of ECHS you know to give. For
more information about the Frieda C.
Fox Family Foundation grant and to
make your donation, visit
www.ecsonline.org/donate.
“Losing our after-school programs
funding is devastating – above all, to our
students,” said Alison Suffet Diaz, ECS
founder and executive director. “Some
of our students’ greatest
accomplishments don’t happen inside a
classroom, so losing our after-school
grant is a bitter pill to swallow. We are
urgently looking for ways to save our
extracurricular programs and activities
for the kids.”
While administrators, teachers and board
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New YEAR! New LOOK!
of directors rally other fundraising efforts,
ECHS is proud and invigorated to be part
of the Frieda C. Fox Family
Foundation matching grant challenge.
This “all or none” challenge inspires us
to forge ahead in our community
campaign. ECHS must raise at least
$5,000 in eligible contributions to qualify
for the matching grant funds.
For those of you who donated during the
summer and those who will donate today,
we appreciate your commitment to
innovative education and the students
we serve.
For more information about the Frieda C.
Fox Family Foundation grant and to
make your donation, visit
www.ecsonline.org/donate.
Upcoming EVENTS
The Waltons' Fundraiser for
MIDDLE School - Sept. 29
Green Apple Day of Service at
HIGH School - Sept. 29
Now seeking CAREER DAY
speakers for HIGH School - Nov. 9
Did you know?
Our Green Ambassadors Institute (GAI) offers UCLA
accredited teacher-training. Learn to implement our awardwinning best practices and curriculum. More info on this
October's GAI class
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Sneak a Peek of Our New School! + HS Career Day
FORWARD TO A FRIEND
Environmental Charter Schools
October 2012
"Teachers at ECMS will never give up on you. They
will always push you towards your dreams."
- Elton, Middle Schooler
ECHS Career Day
On Friday November 9th, environmental
and community leaders from diverse fields
come to school to inspire students with
stories of their career challenges,
epiphanies, triumphs and unforgettable
moments.
New Middle School
Campus
Excitement is building as completion of our
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Sneak a Peek of Our New School! + HS Career Day
new Environmental Charter Middle School
– Gardena (ECMS-G) nears and we get
ready to welcome students in 2013.
Here's a sneak peek...
Upcoming TOURS
> November 6th
> December 4th
> December 18th
Come visit our Green Ribbon Campus
(photo credit: w w w .amyw illiamsphoto.com)
FORWARD THIS EMAIL TO A FRIEND
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a campus tour or met us at an event. |
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© 2012 Environmental Charter Schools, All rights reserved
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You're in Good Company: Those Who Gave and Support ECS
Facebook | Tw itter | Visit Website
Environmental Charter Schools
December 2012
This time of year and always, we remain grateful to supporters and donors like you who support unique
and impactful learning opportunities for our students. Happy Holidays to you and yours!
$100K from State Farm
Will Support
Mentorship and
Community Programs
A huge THANK YOU to the State Farm® Youth
Advisory Board for awarding ECS a $100,000
grant to fund our new Youth Ecology Center
You Did It
And you're in good company. Your generous
donations were matched! Deep thanks go to
you - our donors and grantors. You helped us
raise much needed funds for our after-school
programs and educational initiatives. Read
more to see who gave...
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You're in Good Company: Those Who Gave and Support ECS
"Row Row" Your
Solar Boat
The West Basin Municipal Water District has
chosen Environmental Charter High School to
receive a sponsorship and a place to compete
in their 10th Annual Solar Cup Competition. Our
students are proud to be part of the Solar Cup an exciting STEM, boat-building/boatracing/water conservation program.
You are receiving this email because you have signed up for our new sletter, came for
a campus tour or met us at an event.
If you no longer w ish to receive emails please unsubscribe
© 2012 Environmental Charter Schools, All rights reserved
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