Leading the Way - Walnut Valley Unified School District
Transcription
Leading the Way - Walnut Valley Unified School District
Walnut Valley Unified School District Kids First... Every Student, Every Day Issue 13 June 2009 A Message from the Superintendent . . . Dear Walnut Valley Community, As we end the 2008-09 school year, I want to thank you for your continued support, words of encouragement, and “out-ofthe-box” ideas as we face many difficult decisions about budget reductions. It has been a year of courage and compassion. We have experienced the elation of our fi rst African-American president and the shock of our economy free-falling. We felt the tremors of earthquakes and the too-close for comfort Freeway Complex Fires. We are fi nding our way through the most challenging budget reductions we have ever faced. I have been inspired by our undaunted human spirit as it shines throughout Walnut Valley in spite of these challenges. We are blessed with outstanding teachers, staff, and leaders who love their students, colleagues, and schools, and who are devoted to Walnut Valley. We couldn’t be in better hands as we travel this rocky and uncharted territory together. Walnut Valley continues to lead the way keeping “KIDS FIRST- Every Student, Every Day”. On every campus, our wonderful, resilient teachers and staff have stayed focused on teaching and creating an atmosphere for learning. They are touching hearts and minds, and truly making a difference in the lives of children. Walnut Valley celebrated many successes in 2008-09. Several are highlighted in this issue of Outlook. Walnut High earned the State’s highest award as a California Distinguished School, a testament of dedication to excellence. Diamond Bar High School was California’s only school to earn the Siemens award for AP math, science, and technology, as well as the only Grammy Signature High School Award. Congratulations as well to the nine seniors in the class of 2009 chosen by their schools as Superstars. This edition of Outlook provides an update on the construction projects made possible by your approval of Bond Measures S & Y. These dollars can only be used for construction and capitol projects and are an investment in the safety and modernization of our school facilities. Thank you again for your support! Summer is here. Enjoy your children, your family, and the beauty of Southern California. Best wishes for a wonderful summer! Sincerely, Dr. Cyndy Simms Superintendent Leading the Way Walnut High Distinguished with State Award Walnut High School has been selected as a 2009 California Distinguished School. Out of nearly 2,400 middle and high schools throughout the state, WHS made the group of 261 schools singled out this year to receive the state’s highest honor. This is the seventh time since 1990 that WHS has received the California Department of Education award. “The administrators, teachers, and students at Walnut High School have a great deal to be proud of, after being named a Distinguished School for the past seven years straight,” said State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O’Connell. Walnut had to show they were closing the achievement gap in order to qualify for the nomination. Overall, Walnut’s Academic Performance Index (API) increased from 854 in 2007 to 871 in 2008. The state’s target score is 800. “Walnut is already successful, yet it continues to grow,” said Interim Principal Dave Schmid. Distinguished School applicants submitted a comprehensive narrative application and hosted a site visit. This year, the selection process required schools to provide an indepth description of two “signature” practices implemented at the schools that are replicable and directly related to student success. Walnut teachers use “Checking for Understanding” strategies including whiteboards, electronics, and equity cards to get instant feedback on students’ understanding of a concept. In “Professional Learning Communities” (PLC’s), WHS teachers work together focused on supporting the learning of all students. “Their hard work and determination have lifted student achievement and is helping to prepare these young people for success in our hypercompetitive global economy,” O’Connell said. Inside This Issue. . . 2 WVUSD Seniors Our “Superstars” 3 Budget Update Outlook Issue 13 June 2009 1 Senior “Superstars” Over 1,600 students took part in high school graduation ceremonies on June 4. Here are profiles of a small selection of our stellar students. Diamond Bar High School Walnut High School Mallory Harris, California Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo College of Engineering 3.5 GPA Taken 4 AP courses and IB Diploma Candidate. Dean’s List for Modern World History. Principal’s Honor Roll for 2 years. Spanish Club for 3 years, current secretary. Science Club member for 2 years, current photographer. Brahma IB Students (BIBS) for 2 years, current historian. Student ambassador to Japan, summer 2008. National Student Leadership Conference 2007. Class of 2009 committee for 3 years. Eric Chow, University of Chicago 3.91 GPA Taken 9 AP courses. 2009 National Merit Finalist. Superior Rating in Editorial Writing at 2008 National Journalism conference, 1st Place award Lion’s Club Student Speech Contest 2007. Member of school newspaper for 3 years, current editor. National Honor Society for 3 years – Executive Board, Parliamentarian NASA Inspire internship at JPL 2008, Academy of Business Leadership 2007. Founder, President Anti-Smoking, Climate Change Awareness Campaign. Beverly Uweh, Hampton University 3.43 GPA Council of African American Parents (CAAP) Most Encouraging Student and Academic Excellence Award. Computer applications, track & field, and basketball sportsmanship awards. Black Student Union for 4 years, current president. Girls’ League for 4 years, current president. Step Team for 4 years, current captain. Peer Counseling for 1 year. Daniel Lan, University of California, Irvine 3.33 GPA Taken 5 AP courses. Marching Band trumpet player for 4 years. Received Most Improved Award for band – 2 years, swimming for 1 year. GAME Club member for 3 years, assistant event planner and current head of music. Megan Simmons, University of Oregon 3.51 GPA Taken 4 AP courses. Member of Choir for 4 years. Outstanding Performer and Most Inspirational Award Recipient. Girls’ League member for 4 years, current Vice President. Class of 2009 club committee for 4 years. Science Club member for 2 years and Choir Historian for 3 years. Study Abroad Program in Spain, Summer 2007. Ron Hockwalt Academies Matt Cajas, Mt. San Antonio College 4.0 GPA 2009 Kiwanis Scholarship winner. Top senior and a leader on RHA campus. Served as 2009 Vantage Magazine managing editor. The talented artist and creative writer, plans to pursue a graphic design degree and transfer to Cal State University, Fullerton. Andrew Clement, University of Southern California Marshall School of Business 3.96 GPA Taken 6 AP courses. Awarded USC Presidential Scholarship for 4 years, USC Global Leadership program, LA County Federation of Republican Women Scholarship, AP Scholar, English Desk Business Reporter Television Maldives 2008, Stanford Education Program for Gifted Youth 2007, Chess Club - 4 years, Junior Class Treasurer, Polish Language Class at Pope John Paul II Cultural Center. Bernice Yen, Dartmouth College 4.0 GPA Taken 9 AP courses. AP Scholar with Honor, San Antonio “5” Outstanding Senior, Track and Field 4 years, Cross Country 4 years and Scholar Athlete 09 and All League 2008, 2009; Calif. Scholastic Federation 4 years, National Honor Society 3 years – current president; Evergreen Club 4 years, President 08, 09, Interact Club 4 years, Chinese-American Student Assoc. 4 years. Girls’ League member for 3 years. Kimberly Siegel, University of Chicago 4.0 GPA Taken 4 AP courses. IB Diploma Candidate. Finalist National American Miss Pageant, WHS HOBY leadership delegate 2007, Foreign Language Academic Achievement 06, 07, 1st Place Women’s Monologue at Cal Poly Shakespeare Festival, French Club, current president; Calif. Assoc. of Student Councils (CASE) Club 4 years, current president, Advanced Drama all 4 years; Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership for 3 years.. Impressive Grad Stats from the Class of 2009. . . 9 National Merit Winners, Hayden Orchestra Festival. . . Chaparral Debuts at the Kennedy Center The Chaparral Middle School 8th grade orchestra, traveled to the nation’s capitol in May to debut at the prestigious John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, home of the National Symphony Orchestra. Only five school orchestras in the country were specially selected to perform in the Hayden Orchestra Festival. 2 Outlook Issue 13 June 2009 Chaparral had the distinction of being both the only middle school and only orchestra from California. The 90-member award winning ensemble under the direction of Greg Rochford performed Hayden’s Finale from Symphony No. 47 in G major. 15 Students with 4.0 GPA all 4 years, 29 National Merit Finalists, and 80 IB Diploma Candidates! Walnut Valley’s ”Excellence in the Arts” Diamond Bar Earns National Honor Diamond Bar High has been named a 2009 Grammy Signature School, a national honor reserved for schools that make an outstanding commitment to music education during the academic school year. Only 14 schools nationwide earned this year’s prestigious Grammy Foundation honor. The award is based on excellence in all aspects of musical performance in the school’s Orchestra, Band, Choir, Performing Arts Academy, and Chamber Music programs. “This is a testament to the quality of the programs offered, the talent and dedication of the students, and the commitment of this community to excellence,” said Steve Acciani, Director of the DBHS Performing Arts Academy. Walnut High Teacher Receives a Prestigious Bravo! Walnut High School drama teacher Joanne Karr received a 2009 Music Center BRAVO Award. The coveted award recognizes exemplary teachers and schools for creativity, innovation, and excellence in arts education. “I love theatre and helping students to appreciate and participate in it” said Karr. She is a recipient in the Theater Arts Specialist category. “The arts help Around our schools, Walnut Valley students and staff watched the historic inauguration on Jan. 20 of Barack Obama, the fi rst African American elected President of the United States. Educators captured the moment with meaningful discussions and classroom lessons. At Collegewood Elementary, fi rst grade students thought of ways they could help make a change in our world including being a friend, saving energy, and feeding needy people. Castle Rock 3rd graders connected the words and ideals of the inauguration speech with their focus on citizenship. They wrote letters to President Obama letting him know how he truly is a global citizen, just as they are. Quail Summit kindergartners penned Dear Mr. President notes offering advice for the new leader – “If you can’t do something, get other people to help you… Do your best… Hug your family everyday… You should try to help people solve their problems so they can have jobs… You should not sleep in late because America needs you.” Teens Attend Inauguration people give meaning to their lives, and all students need them,” she said. The State Budget Crisis How it will Impact our Schools... These difficult economic times are impacting our families, our schools, and our state. With the defeat of the May 19 ballot measures, Walnut Valley Unified School District must reduce our 2009-2010 budget by $11,000,000 (approximately 9%). For the past several months, our Budget Advisory Committee and District Leaders have worked diligently to address these reductions in revenue. Because school districts are required by California law to submit a balanced budget to the County Office of Education by June 30 each year, Walnut Valley has taken precautionary steps to prepare for the worst. To that end, our Board of Trustees approved a number of tentative budget adjustments in March and will fi nalize those reductions in June. The American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA), also known as the Economic Stimulus Plan, will offer some relief with one-time funding by the Federal government of approximately $7 million. If you have any questions regarding the budget reductions or the ARAA funds, please contact Jack LeBrun, Assistant Witnessing History Superintendent for Business Services at [email protected] Unfortunately, kindergarten class sizes will rise to 22 students per teacher and 24 students per teacher in grades 1-3. Class sizes will increase to an average of 36 at our middle and high schools. Elementary Learning Specialists (ELS) will be eliminated at each elementary school as well as 3 teaching positions at the Ron Hockwalt Academies. Clerical staff will be reduced at the District Office as well as 3 instructional aides and 5 noon-time aides. All administrators in the District will take 3 furlough days and administrative positions have been eliminated. Funding for new math textbooks, and carryover dollars for a number of other programs have been reduced as well. Be assured that Walnut Valley will continue to take a thoughtful, conservative approach to ensure each dollar is maximized. With so many uncertainties yet to be resolved in Sacramento, our challenge is to ensure that the best interests of our Walnut Valley students are served. Three high school students experienced the once in a lifetime opportunity of attending the ceremonies in Washington, DC. Ayanna Stokes, a sophomore at Diamond Bar High performed with the Agape International Spiritual Choir and musician/producer Will.i.am at several inauguration celebrations including the Neighborhood Ball. Stokes referred to the experience as “life altering” and has a renewed focus on pursuing a career in music. Walnut High junior Stephanie Gebhardt, a member of the Presidential Classroom Scholars Program, proudly stood near the Reflecting Pool on the National Mall during the historic inauguration. “I was inspired by Obama’s encouragement to pull together as a nation.” Stephanie will always remember the freezing temperatures and the warm friendships that she experienced! Diamond Bar High sophomore Tiffany Babb, a member of the Congressional Youth Leadership Council attended celebrations through the Presidential Youth Inauguration Conference. On inauguration day, she recalled “there was electricity in the air that screamed something historic is going to happen here.” Outlook Issue 13 June 2009 3 Outlook NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE Issue 13 June 2009 PAID Walnut Valley Unified School District 880 S. Lemon Ave. Walnut, CA 91789-2931 (909) 595-1261; (909) 839-1214 (fax) www.wvusd.k12.ca.us WALNUT, CA. PERMIT NO. 3 Cynthia S. Simms, Ph.D. Superintendent BOARD OF TRUSTEES Helen M. Hall, President Nancy A. Lyons, Vice President Cindy M. Ruiz, Clerk Carolyn J. Elfelt, Member Larry L. Redinger, Member 2009 Summer School Calendar Elementary Schools Middle Schools High Schools Special Education Special Education Grades 1-5 Grades 6-8 Grades 9-12 Pre-School - Grade 8 Grades 9-12 June 15 – July 9 June 15- July 23 June 15 - July 23 June 8 – July 2 June 15–July 23 2009 -10 School Y ear Begins August 2 4, 2009 ! A Very Special Collaboration Diamond Bar High art and wood shop classes are bringing new experiences and friendships to special needs students on campus. In addition to daily classroom lessons, students attend an art class each day to promote creativity and expression through drawing, painting, 3D design, and ceramics. “Art touches everyone in different ways,” said art teacher Bill Schafer who enjoys having kids of all different abilities in the classroom. Two years ago, wood shop teacher Mike Bromberg began overseeing tailor-made designs to expand the students’ creative experience. For a bird house project, his top students cut out pieces of scrap poplar, then worked side-by-side with the special needs students providing help with the gluing, hammering, and sanding. When the assembly was complete, the student teams stood back to admire their handy work. “It did it!” said one grinning Students Excel at IB Exhibition young carpenter. The following day, the bird houses received finishing touches – a coat of paint and tidy rows of twigs glued on the roofs. “Students are so proud of their art experience,” said Schafer. What Mike and Bill provide for our students exemplifies the true meaning of “Kids First, Every Student, Every Day,” said Special Education Coordinator Judi Koorndyk. “They have created environments of success, acceptance, and pride to all students who walk through their doors.” Thank You! to the Community W alnut Valley schools are receiving much needed improvements and modernization through funds provided by Measure S & Y. Recent Projects: • At Walnut High, completion of two-story modular building with classrooms, dance studio, and P.E. fitness lab. Summer Projects : • Upgrading the track and field at Walnut High with the installation of artificial turf and replacement of all-weather track. • Phase I of modernization at Chaparral Middle School including excavation of 42,000 cubic yards of soil in preparation for 17 new classrooms at back of campus. • Energy efficient skylights installed in four Westhoff Elementary classrooms. WVUSD drawings are complete and have been submitted to the Division of the State Architect (DSA) for modernization at C.J. Morris & Maple Hill Elementary Schools, and the DBHS pool complex. To learn more about Walnut Valley Schools visit our new website at 4 Outlook Issue 13 June 2009 Two Walnut Valley elementary schools, C.J. Morris and Castle Rock, have achieved status as prestigious International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program (IB-PYP) schools. The goal is to develop inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring young people who develop intercultural understanding and respect. The IB Exhibition is the culmination of the students’ K-5 learning experience at the international schools. Fifth graders work on projects with the support of volunteer mentor teachers. For the 2009 IB Exhibition, students researched “World’s Natural Disasters” at C.J. Morris and “Sharing the Planet” at Castle Rock. The global-minded groups presented their plans using visual displays, posters, and multimedia presentations. Each IB Exhibition also takes action to share their findings with a broader audience. One C.J. Morris group collected donations for the volcano victims in the Philippines. “I am honored to lead in a school where children learn that through their actions we can make a difference in the world,” said Principal Sue Arzola. www.wvusd.k12.ca.us