Tuesday, March 31, 2009

EMUHSD Board of Trustees Meeting

El Monte Union High School District Board of Trustess Meeting is scheduled for tomorrow, Wednesday, April 1, 2009 at 6pm at the District office located at:

3537 Johnson Avenue, El Monte, CA 91731
(Off of Valley Blvd., next to El Monte City Hall and Police)

EMUHSD Board of Trustees

Board President, Theresa A. Velasco

Board Clerk, Tonson Man
Board Member, Salvador Ramirez
Board Member, Carlos Salcedo
Board Member, Esthela Torres de Siegrist

Monday, March 30, 2009

SAVE THE DATE

Please SAVE THE DATE for the following fundraiser benefiting our scholarship program.

DESSERT RECEPTION
To benefit the Crystal C. Chavez Foundation Scholarship Program
THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 2009
6pm-8pm
@
Grace T. Black Auditorium
3130 N. Tyler Avenue, El Monte, CA 91734
Tickets $20
* Door Prizes * Raffle * Sweet Treats *
Dress Code (Optional): Creative Cocktail

Saturday, March 28, 2009

Superintendent Announces Retirement

Just in case you all have not heard, El Monte Union High School District Superintendent Kathy Furnald has announced her retirement effective July 1, 2009. Mrs. Furnald has served the District for 39 years.

About Mrs. Furnald: "Born in Montebello and a 1965 graduate of Montebello High School, Furnald earned a BA degree in business education and an MA degree in education from Cal State LA. She received administrative and pupil personnel credentials from the University of La Verne. Furnald began her career with the EMUHSD in 1970 as a business education teacher at Rosemead High School, where she was later named chairperson of the department....In 1988, Furnald was appointed El Monte HS principal and reamined there until 1992, when she was promoted to Assistant Superintendent of Personnel. She next became Assistant Superintendent of Business befoe being promoted to superintendent in 2000".

We are all very thankful for Mrs. Furnald's service to the District, students, parents and community of El Monte. She is dearly loved and will be missed by many. I'm sure she would appreciate your cards and letters of appreciation. You can mail or deliver notes, cards or letters of appreciation and thanks to the district office located at:

3537 Johnson Avenue
(Off of Valley Blvd., next to the El Monte Police and City Hall)
El Monte, CA 91731
(626) 444-9005
I believe the office is open 8:30am to 4:30pm, but it might be open earlier, so please call to make sure.
We appreciate your hard work for our students Kathy Furnald!

Thursday, March 26, 2009

A Tour of Two Rivers: City of El Monte Bike Rally

This event is not an education related one but it is noteworthy cause to support. The City of El Monte is holding a Bike Rally in May in benefit the American Diabetes Association. We are excited that the City of El Monte is promoting a physcial fitness event in the city to get the community healthy and bring nutrition awareness!

Having a healthy body and eating right is essential to be successful in college. Eating the proper foods will increase your energy levels, mental acuity, and do wonders for your skin! Also staying active is very easy at college with all the sports activities, intramurals, club sports and athletic centers.

We hope you support this great event and tell you friends!

When: SATURDAY, MAY 16, 2009

Where: PIONEER PARK, 3535 Santa Anita Avenue, El Monte, California

What: 16 Mile, 2.5 Hour leisuely Bike Tour along the Rio Hondo and San Gabriel Rivers (rated "Easy')

Time: 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Check in at 8:30 a.m. Ride 9-11:30; Lunch 11:30-1:00, EXPO 10:00-1:30pm

Ride and learn about cycling safely and touring, the Emerald Necklace and Whiittier Narrows, healthy nutrition and Diabetes Awareness!

Costs: $5 per Cyclist, $10 after 4/2/09
Reservations Required to insure T-Shirt. CAll City Manager's office at: 626-580-2001 Monday-Thursday 8am-5:30pm.

Online application: www.ElMonteCA.gov

Log on to web address above, on your left under Quick Links you will see Bike Rally tab.

*Raffles-Bike Displays-Diabetes Info*

Bring your helmet, it's the law!

Saturday, March 21, 2009

La Primaria's Spring Fling Recap

Yesterday evening La Primaria School held their Spring Fling Dinner-Dance. It was a great success! With close to 400 parents, students, supporters and community members in attendance you could really feel the positive energy and warmth in the atmosphere.

There were booths set up around the blacktop from Sam's Club, Girl Scouts of America, and Your Favorite Little Princess. Mountain View School District Board of Education members Zamorano, Garcia, Espinoza and Moreno were also at the event showing their support in addition to Angelica Sifuentes, Director of English Learner and Parent Programs.

While guests finished up their delicious pasta dinner provided from DiPeppe's Italian Restaurant, La Pimaria Principal Dr. Aileen LaCorte welcomed everyone and gave introductions. Followed by a dance presentation by La Primaria School Ballet Folklorico Group under the direction of Josefina Ortiz. It was a wonderful performance! and I saw the children last Saturday at the College: Making if Happen! event at Kranz Intermediate. Next we were treated to a performance by the Smokin' Cobras. They played '50's songs and everyone started dancing! There was also a classic car show with oldies cars in display that the guests could look at and take pictures of. There was also a raffle.

Teen T-shirt Time!

Teen and "Tweens" are invited to the Norwood Library's Teen T-shirt Time! Bring in a light colored T-Shirt to paint and decorate anyway you want! Paint supplies will be provided.

When: Saturday, MARCH 28, 2009

Where: Norwood Library located at 4550 N. Peck Road in El Monte

Time: 2pm-4pm

Cost: FREE. All programs at the Norwood Library are free.

For more information, please contact Ana Garcia at (626) 443-3147 or visit: www.colapublib.org.

Thursday, March 19, 2009

Education Summit Today!

Today there will be a free education summit tonight at Citrus College. The event is a little further away but it looks to be a promising evening:

Senator Bob Huff
and
Assemblyman Anthony Adams
Host an Education Summit
Featuring
Kathryn Radtkey-Gaither
California Undersecretary of Higher Education
Join us for a discussion on education. You will have the opportunity to share your ideas, and hear from a panel of local education leaders.
*Dr. Michael Ortiz, President, Cal Poly Pomona
*Mrs. Joanne Montgomery, Trustee, Citrus College
*Dr. Edmond Heatley, Superintendent, Chino Valley USD
THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2009
6pm
Citrus College
Campus Center
1000 West Foothill Blvd, Glendora

Directions: 210 Freeway, exit Citrus. North on Citrus (it will turn into Foothill). Pass the college on the right and continue around the campus; park in the library parking lot on the right. The Campus Center will be directly in front of you.

To RSVP, call Ms. Leia Hernandez (626) 914-5046

The El Monte Historical Society

I mentioned in the previous post about the El Monte Historical Society. From my knowledge, it consists of like-minded citizens from the community who work towards the advancement and preservation of the history of El Monte.

This is written in the brochure:

"The El Monte Historical Society was formed July 8, 1958 to encourage and promote the study of history in its relation to the population and development of El Monte, California and surrounding San Gabriel Valley; to collect, classify, publish and disseminate historicla information, data and facts relating to such areas....."

For more information you can call the Museum at: (626) 580-2232 or (626) 444-3813 or the El Monte City Hall at (626) 580-2001.

I know that the group recently held an afternoon tea last Sunday at the Museum, which we missed :-( Nonetheless, the Crystal C. Chavez Foundation looks forward to supporting the El Monte Historical Society in it's future endeavors.

El Monte Historical Society Museum

I highly encourage the community to visit the El Monte Historical Society Museum.

The El Monte Historical Society Museum
3150 N. Tyler Avenue
El Monte, CA 91732
(626) 444-3813 (626) 580-2232
Hours: Tues-Fri. 10am-4pm and Sun. 1pm-3pm
It is very educational and worthwhile trip to take. The museum is located between the El Monte Aquatic Center and the the Grace T. Black Auditorium next to El Monte High School.
"The museum is 8,500 sq. ft of space filled with unusual artifacts celebrating our heritage. El Monte is the oldest settlement in the San Gabriel Valley established in 1851 by wagon train pioneers. They built the first public school and first protestant church in Southern California". The museum has different artifacts displayed such as: Gay's Lion Farm, Heritage Room, Pioneer Room, Frontier Room, Lexington Room, etc. The museum is packaged well and is located right here in town! Also, there is the museum is FREE to the public but they do ask for a donation.
I recently checked out the museum and had a brief tour with Curator Donna Crippen. Mrs. Crippen is very knowledgeable about El Monte history and a very sweet lady!
So stop by the Museum and get emerged in our great history. You may even consider getting a Membership to support the El Monte Historical Society.
Remember: In order to protect you future you have to preserve your past.

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

El Monte City School District

FREE!!! GRATIS!!!

El Monte City School District is offering
Head Start State PreSchool

*Free!!! Part-Day, Full-Day and Home-Based Classes Available

*Your child must be 2, 3, or 4 years old.

*Meet Income Guidelines

*Extended childcare hours available

*We actively recruit children with special needs or severe disabilities

For more information call (626) 452-9164 Ext. 3150
Sign up now.
Se Habla Espanol.

Spring Fling Dinner and Dance

Dine and Dance Entertainment featuring 50's Music of The "Smokin' Cobras Band" (www.smokincobras.com).

Come support the La Primaria Art Programs on Friday, March 20, 2009 from 6pm-8pm at La Primaria Elementary.

La Primaria Elementary
4220 Gilman Road
El Monte, 91732

Tickets will include Dinner and Dance. Order tickets by phone or fill out form and Return to La Primaria. (626) 652-4150.

Also performing will be La Primaria Folklorico, Disney Princess Characters, Raffles and much more! There will also be a classic car show!

Pasta Dinner will include:
Pasta with Marinara Sauce
Bread Roll and Butter
Green Salad

Dinner provided by: Alex DiPeppe's Italian Restaurant
140 Las Tunas Dr., Arcadia, 91007

Tickets: $10 for Adults and $5 for Children

So please support our local schools at this great event on Friday, March 20th.

Monday, March 16, 2009

Teddy Bear Tea

I just found out about this great education event, hope to see you at the Tea!


Walnut Valley Educational Foundation will present its 13th Annual Teddy Bear Tea from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 25 at Royal Vista Golf Club, 20055 E. Colima Road, Walnut.

Tickets are available for $39 per person, $300 per table of eight. Reservations received after April 6 will cost $49 per person.

For tickets and information, call (909) 444-9440

Sunday, March 15, 2009

College: Making It Happen Recap

On Saturday, March 14, 2009 the Mountain View School District and Cal-SOAP presented a free event to community entitled:

COLLEGE: MAKING IT HAPPEN

The event was held at Kranz Intermediate School. It was a well attended event with about 150-200 students and parents present. Board of Education member, Irma L. Zamorano, and Baker Principal Roberto Lopez were in attendance showing their support to our students too! There was free continental breakfast provided of fruit, varioius bagels, juice, coffee and milk.

The program began in the cafeteria where guests were treated to a performance of Ballet Folklorico coordinated by Josefina Ortiz. Interim Superintendent Gloria Diaz then greeted the parents and students stressing these two points:

1. Parents must believe that their child can go to college and that going to college must be part of a family's vocabulary.

2. Parents should cultivate the love of reading on their children.

[These are very good points, here at the Crystal C. Chavez Foundation we believe that a college education is possible for every child....he or she must believe that they can do it, and study hard to work towards the goal. Moreover, the child/student can not do it alone, it takes a family effort and parents are critical for support and encouragement as their child goes through the college application process. We also feel that talking about college should be talked about and discussed not only in high school but early on in a student's life like at the elementary level. The early exposure about going to college will prepare the student to properly prepare for college success.]
After the greeting by the Superintendent a video was shown: We Believe in You which was served to inspire and educate the guests about making college happen. Next the parents and students will directed to a classroom for a Cal-SOAP Presentation. Presentations were given in Spanish and English.

Cal-SOAP is administered by the California Student Aid Commission. The California Student Opportunity and Access Program (Cal-SOAP) was established by the state legislature in 1978. Today, Cal-SOAP is instrumental in improving the flow of information about postsecondary education and financial aid while raising the achievement levels of low-income, elementary and secondary school students or geographic regions with documented low-eligibility or college participation rates, and who are first in their families to attend college (http://www.csac.ca.gov/).
At 10;30am the parents and students were able to visit the booths of the following: Cal Poly, Rio
Hondo College, Art Center College of Design, Mt. Sierra College and Cal-SOAP. The program concluded at 11:00am with a raffle.
We applaud the Mountain View School District for a successful event in helping the communty, students and parents become INFORMED, INSPIRED AND EDUCATED in the path to college.
Together we CAN make COLLEGE HAPPEN for everyone.
Note: The event was made possible by the MVSD Board of Education, Gloria Diaz, Interim Superintendent, Community Liaisons, and Ballet Folklorico. Jorge Ortega, Director of Cal-SOAP. Angelica Sifuentes-Donoso, Director of English Learner and Parent Programs, was the mistress of ceremonies and go-to gal for the day. Kudos to all those involved!

Saturday, March 14, 2009

P.R.I.D.E.

March 12, 2009-Pico Rivera

The the PRIDE Program celebrated the opening of it's new Pico Rivera Station that will be used to implement the program. PRIDE stands for Pico Rivera Individual Development in Ethics. The location is at Miller School in Pico Rivera and has a kitchen, computer work area, counseling room, administrative office, parent/teen lounge, and multipurpose area. Pico Rivera educators, Pico Rivera council members and school district members were present to commerate the PRIDE Program's achievements and offer support.

The PRIDE Program is a privately funded program designed to help teenagers build a solid ethical foundation, as well as help instill a sense of community pride and civic unity. The program is available to all students who are in need regardless of financial standing. The PRIDE program is also founded by members of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's department.

The PEI, Prevention Early Intervention program is a nine-week interactive program that includes sutdents, volunteer mentors and the community. Program founder and Executive Director, Alex Mata, believes that children and teenagers need attention, education and mentorship now. Mr. Mata was the Master of Ceremonies for Thursday's program.

We wish the PRIDE program continued success and look foward to working together for future education events for the community. PRIDE class #5 begins this week with a new class of 30 students, both boys and girls ranging from ages 12-18.

More information on PRIDE can be seen at: www.pridelasd.org or calling 562-949-2421 ext. 4335.

Rio Hondo Community College District

Board of Trustees Meeting was held on Wednesday, March 11, 2009 at 6pm
at Rio Hondo College-Board Room

It was a packed meeting and there was cake! The cake was in honor and celebration of the new tenured faculty presented at the meeting. The professors were beaming as they received their cerfticate of tenure. (The cake was white or maybe, angel cake, with white frosting and strawberries/kiwis on top!) Next two presentations were given by MESA Program Coordinator Gisela Spieler followed by Shair Herzfield presentation on her sabbatical leave findings.

MESA stands for Mathematics Engineering Science Achievement:

One of the country's most innovative and successful programs, MESA works with thousands of educationally disadvantaged students so they excel in math and science and graduate with math-based degrees.MESA works closely with industry partners and the University of California, California State University, the California Community Colleges, the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities and the State Department of Education. MESA is nationally recognized for its innovative academic development program. (http://www.mesa.ucop.edu)

It is a wonderful program at Rio and we wish it continued success as it enriches and strengthens the lives of the students.

From my notes I believe I jotted down that there will be a ground breaking ceremony on March 26th with the new construction buildings. Will write more about this event when I get more details. Speaking of events, the Supeintendent mentioned an annual gala in support of Rio taking place on April 18th at Pacific Palms Resort (www.pacificpalmsresort.com). More details to follow. For those of you who have not visited PP I highly recommend it! I have been to their restaurant RED and it is excellent, with spectacular views of L.A.We look forward to hearing more about the gala and others ways we can support and sustain Rio.

President Jose Zumaya, President of the Associated Student Body (ASB) reported that Rio students will be rallying Congress to support funding for community college education, etc. on March 18th-24th in our nation's Capitol. There is also a blood drive going on this week.

On March 21st there will be a March Madness event on campus as well. For Board minutes and agendas please go to: www.riohondo.edu

The next Board of Trustees Meeting is scheduled for April 8, 2009 at 6pm at a TBD off-campus location. Get informed and come check out the next meeting!

Friday, March 13, 2009

"COLLEGE, MAKING IT HAPPEN"

The Mountain View School District is hosting:

"COLLEGE, MAKING IT HAPPEN"

TOMORROW! Saturday, March 14, 2009 from 8:30am-11am

at Kranz Intermediate School, 12460 Fineview St. (Off of Durfee Avenue), El Monte

Be sure to stop by and show your support in creating awareness about higher education opportunities to our students and parents!

There will be good bags and FREE Continental Breakfast! See you there!

Rosemead City Council

On Tuesday, March 10, 2009 I made a presentation about the Foundation at the Rosemead City Council meeting. We would like to establish a partnership with the city to further our mission in helping students in the San Gabriel Valley go to college. Literature about the C.C.C. Foundation was handed out to the Mayor and council members. With continued community exposure we hope to establish our organization reputation and gain support of business/civic leaders, educators, parents, and supporters. We look forward to working with the city of Rosemead and welcome the newly elected members to the Council. For more information about the City of Rosemead or would like a copy of the agenda/minutes go to: http://www.cityofrosemead.org.

P.S. Rosemead is celebrating it's 50th Anniversary as a city this year! So be sure to take part of all the activities and celebrations that are scheduled to take place. Happy 50th Rosemead!

Friday, March 6, 2009

Mountain View School District

The Board of Education for the Mountain View School District met on Thursday, March 5th, 2009. The MVSD encompasses Madrid Middle School, Kranz Intermediate School and twelve elementary schools. During the meeting Cogswell and Monte Vista Schools were honored. There was also recognition of District Spelling Bee winners. The Board members expressed their concern about the current economic environment and how they will do their best to retain teachers and essentials services despite the strains of the school budget.

I really got the sense of "family" in the District. Many of speakers touted the phrase TEAM MT. VIEW to show unity and hope for those working and or involved with the schools in the District. I liked that. The teachers present enjoy their jobs-they enjoy teaching. It was refreshing to witness this and see everyone working together to serve our children, our students, our community because together there is a lot we can do to soar into the 21st century better, smarter and prosperous.

EMUHSD Board Meeting

The Board of Trustees met on Wednesday, March 4, 2009 for their scheduled baord meeting. There were many in attendance, lots of high school kids who were to get credit for their government class. The majority of the public comments sections dealt with the Superintendent search. There were two/three nods endorsing Mr. Nick Salerno for the Supt. job. Mr. Salerno currently servesas Assistant superintendent of Educational Services.

The Board will be conducting interviews for the Superintendent position in the following week, they have 6-8 applicants that they will be interviewing. The education community is eager and waiting to see who the Board will pick to lead the District.

The high schools will also be holding open houses in the weeks coming up, here's a list of dates:

El Monte HS: Wednesday, March 11, 6pm
S. El Monte HS: Tuesday, March 31, 6pm
Arroyo HS: Thursday, April 2, 6:30pm
Ledesma HS: Tuesday, April 7, 5pm
Mt. View HS: Wednesday, April 8, 6pm
Rosemead HS: Thursday, April 23, 6pm

A presentation was also made by the District Counselor Task Force members. The speaker provided inforamtion regarding counselor support services for students and updates of their Support Personnel Accountability Report Card (SPARC).

You can find Board minutes and agendas at: http://www.emuhsd.k12.ca.us
Click District >>Board of Trustees for more information.

Everyone at the CCC Foundation is optimistic about the future of the EMUHSD and expects that the Board to lead the District with courage and conviction for the sake of our students in times such as these.

The Zabbit

Last week I attended a "Family" event at Monte Vista Elementary School featuring author Jim Walkow. Mr. Walkow is the author of The Zabbit, a children's book about a rabbit named Abbit and how he believes in himself and escapes a hunter by turning into a Zabbit. The evening was lots of fun and many parents and children were in attendance. Mr. Walkow also performed sing-along songs for the crowd and everyone participated. The Zabbit has a great message about instilling in children and in everyone, to believe in themselves and reach for the stars. It was all very inspiring and I was moved to march onwards to achieve my dreams as I'm sure many in the audience felt the same. Thank you to Monte Vista School and Principal Soto-Magat for orchestrating a worthwhile event for the families and students in the community. I'm going to buy a copy of The Zabbit and recommend it to others. Go read the story!