Board President’s Message: June is here and another school year is swiftly coming to a close. This certainly has been an amazing year – full of learning and achievement. I want to congratulate the students, parents and staff of several schools. Congratulations to Bragg Elementary School, Cerritos Elementary School, Nixon Elementary School, and Wittmann Elementary School on being honored as California Distinguished Schools for 2008. Congratulations to Whitney High School for being nominated as a National Blue Ribbon School. Congratulations to Elliott Elementary School for receiving the 2008 California Title I Academic Achievement Award. This is the second consecutive year that Elliott Elementary School has received this recognition. Congratulations also to Gahr High School for receiving a six-year term of accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) through 2014.

I want to inform the community that Summer School will be held at Artesia, Gahr, Cerritos, and Tracy High Schools, all middle schools and nine elementary school sites. Special education summer school classes will be held at the high schools, Ross Middle School and Gonsalves Elementary School. Summer programs for Extended Day Care will be held at Aloha Elementary School. Please see below for more details.

I want to extend our best wishes to all our high school graduates and district retirees for a journey filled with discovery and lifelong learning. May you have good health and happiness and may all your dreams come true. Please stay in touch over the years. We’d love to remain connected and hear of your good news from time to time. Wherever you go in life, you will always be a part of the ABC Family.

On behalf of the ABC Board of Education, I want to wish all our students, parents and staff a safe and wonderful summer break. I encourage everyone to continue Dr. Smuts’ "Running for Reading" challenge by reading throughout the summer months. Challenge yourselves to seek learning opportunities whether you are on a family outing, playing at the neighborhood park, or taking a trip to the local library. Learning does not have to stop once the school bell rings on the last day. Make it a challenging and adventurous time this summer and we’ll see you back in September.

Aloha!

MARK PULIDO

President, ABC Board of Education

The following are highlights of special events in the District during the past several months:

PARENT/TEACHER INVOLVEMENT PROGRAM AT FURGESON – Over 100 parents came to Furgeson School on Friday February 22, to participate in a monthly program that is funded by the Nell Soto Parent/Teacher Involvement Program grant. The parents went to the classroom and read to or with their child for 25 minutes. Following the reading experience, the parents stayed for a workshop, "No Bullies Allowed," presented in English and Spanish by the Community Family Guidance Center. This monthly event is just one of many parent activities Furgeson is providing for parents as part of the Nell Soto grant. Parent-teacher conferences, home visits, parent information packets, and other workshops are providing ways for parents to be informed about and be involved in their child’s education.

UC BERKELEY RESEARCH STUDY –University of California Berkeley has been conducting a research study with the math department at Gahr HS. The Promising Practices in Algebra is a research study being conducted by the Lawrence Hall of Science at UC Berkeley. The purpose of the study is to document teaching practices that have proven successful in helping students be successful in Algebra. In particular, they are focusing on programs that have helped African American and Latino students achieve success. They have found that Gahr HS was one of the few schools in the state with relatively high percentages of both African American and Latino students earning scores of proficient or higher on the California Standards Test (CST). Gahr HS was near the top in terms of the number of both groups earning scores of "proficient" on the CST.

Findings generated by this study will be incorporated into a teacher training program that places math teachers in schools with large populations of African American and Latino students. An additional aim of the study is to share the findings generated by the original analyses of the statewide CST data that shows how well schools are serving their African American students.

COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE – On March 8^th, Dr. Victor Bernstein, with the University of Chicago, led over 70 ABC & Norwalk La Mirada District parents through an exploration of "Appreciating, Enjoying and Celebrating our Children: The Key to Building Positive Parent-Professional Relationships."  Dr. Bernstein shared his perspective as a parent of a special needs child as he explored coping with stress, overcoming negative stereotypes of families and professionals, recognizing feelings, connecting with what is working, and the power of sharing.  Dr. Bernstein used humor, timely exercises, video and audio presentations from children during the workshop. This workshop was coordinated by Terri Villa-McDowell, Coordinator of the Safe Schools/Healthy Students Program.

ROSS ACADEMY OF MEDIA AND CREATIVE ARTS (RACMA) – On Wednesday, March 12^th, Ross Academy of Media and Creative Arts held its 3^rd Annual Showcase at Gahr HS. The performances included their Student Choir, Intermediate and Advanced Bands, Drumline as well as performances by Gahr HS Band. Unique to the Showcase was a combined effort this year of the Ross and Gahr HS Band members performing two selections together. It was an outstanding event that brought the community in to support the RACMA Program.

PRINCIPAL FOR A DAY – On Tuesday, March 11^th, we held our annual Principal for a Day Program. The luncheon meeting was held at the Cerritos Sheraton Hotel. Each school principal presented a special certificate to their partner at the luncheon. The keynote speaker was Dennis Guido of the California Department of Education who spoke about Career Technical Education and the role of developing partnerships with schools.

HEAD START UPDATE – Head Start programs have been busy with their annual Self-Assessment for the 2007-08 school year. Parents, teachers, and staff participated in classroom observations of environment, equipment and materials, and interactions between teacher and students. Self-Assessment classroom visits were over a two day period with a debriefing on the second day. The group will develop an action plan to target any findings, recommendations, as well as state strengths and weaknesses of our program. The annual review of the program is an assessment of their performance as they get ready for the Federal Review scheduled in April.

BTSA INDUCTION PROGRAM – To ensure support in the area of technology for BTSA (Beginning Teachers’ Support & Assessment) Induction participants, three evening sessions were held at the ABC technology curriculum lab on February 25, March 3, and March 10. Twenty teachers participated in this series. Sponsored by Los Angeles County Office of Education, the sessions addressed three main components: 1) Communication with students, parents and other educators; 2) Lesson planning with a focus on student information and literacy; 3) Using data to assess student learning. Teachers received information about each standard in order to fulfill the requirements as part of their professional clear credential.

10TH ANNUAL MIDDLE SCHOOL OLYMPICS – The 10^th Annual Middle School Science Olympics was held Saturday, March 29 at Fedde MS. We had over 400 students participate from all six middle schools as well as over 30 teachers involved. Students competed in California standards-based events such as: Mousetrap Racecars, Naked Egg Drop, Stomp Rockets, Straw Towers, Dominoes, Hot Air Balloons, and the Interactive Super Quiz. A new event this year was "The Great Estimator." Boeing supported the Olympics with a $1,000 contribution.

2008 CALIFORNIA DISTINGUISHED SCHOOLS – I am delighted to share that Bragg ES, Cerritos ES, Nixon ES, and Wittmann ES have been selected California Distinguished Schools. This is largest group of elementary schools selected for California Distinguished Schools in our District’s history. The Distinguished Schools Awards Ceremony was held on Friday, May 16^th at the Disneyland Hotel. All four schools were honored at the Awards Ceremony with a plaque and banner by State Superintendent Jack O’Connell.

PRESENTATION AT THE CITY OF HAWAIIAN GARDENS COUNCIL MEETING – On Tuesday, March 25^th, our six Southside Schools made a special presentation to the City Council during their regularly scheduled meeting. The principals of Aloha ES, Furgeson ES, Hawaiian ES, Melbourne ES, Fedde MS, and Artesia HS provided an excellent presentation highlighting academic achievements, programs, and special services at their schools. Furgeson ES also received a check for $5,000 to support their special programs that evening.

The City Council members were complimentary about the presentation and requested to make this an annual event. We are seeking to strengthen our collaboration with the City of Hawaiian Gardens. The presentation also highlighted the role that the City has played in supporting the schools.

MIGRANT EDUCATION CLUSTER II SATURDAY PROGRAM – Approximately 215 students and parents participated in the culminating activity for the Cluster II Migrant Education Program. Students shared their projects from selected curriculum units of Meet the Masters, Technology, Cornell Note Taking System, Careers in Math and Science, and reviewing for the CAHSEE. After students displayed their work, all participants received a certificate and were treated to a special pizza luncheon. The Cluster II Program is a partnership with migrant education programs from the following surrounding school districts: Long Beach, Lynwood, and Norwalk-La Mirada. For the last twelve years, it has been hosted at Ross MS on Saturdays.

PARENT STAR TESTING INFORMATION NIGHT – On Wednesday, March 19^th, a workshop on STAR testing was conducted by Program Specialist Steve Harris and Testing Technician Debbie Duran. A standing room-only crowd learned about STAR testing, GATE identification, and Whitney placement. Parents were given tips on how to prepare their students for state testing as well as where to find practice questions on the California Department of Education website.

EXTENDED DAY PROGRAM TO RAISE MONTHLY FEES – The Extended Day Program, which provides quality before and after school child care from 7:00 a.m. to 6 p.m. at our elementary schools, will be raising monthly fees $10 for 2008-09. This modest increase was approved by the Parent Advisory Committee on March 13, 2008. ABC has not increased fees during the past three years. The new fee schedule is listed below

Part Time (up to 2.5 hours per day) $260 per month

Full Time (2.75 – 4.5 hours per day) $290 per month

Full Time Plus (4.75+ hours per day) $310 per month

The fee increases are for full-fee students and will not affect the subsidized students in the south end of the District. A survey of neighboring Day Care providers showed that ABC charges the lowest fees.

THE MILEAGE CLUB – Aloha Elementary School’s newly renovated field was opened to the students and staff on February 14. The field had been closed since August 2007 with the planting of grass from seed. A new walking club was started after the fences around the field came down. The new walking program is called the Mileage Club. Students walk or run on the school field several times each week.

Students and staff have cards that are marked every time they complete a lap on the field. A mile is 4 laps around the Aloha field. For each 5 miles a person walks, they are rewarded with a Toe Token (bright colored plastic foot) and certificates. Many students and staff already have a key chain with foot tokens. Some wear them with pride as a bracelet or attach it to their school bags. Everyone is proud of their accomplished miles in the club! All awards are designed to provide a sense of accomplishment, recognition and a source of positive image building.

WE CARE SPORTS – Nixon ES held a Family PE Night on Wednesday, March 2^nd sponsored by We Care Sports. Over 300 families engaged in physical education activities with their students as part of the District’s focus on Wellness. The We Care Sports Program was also part of the school’s renewed focus on Physical Education held during this week with students and staff.

CAMP PAIVIKA – During the weekend of February 15-18, 2008, special education students from the Adult Transition Program and Cerritos High School attended the Tenth Annual Camp Paivika Outdoor Educational Program in Crestline. These students range in age from 14-21 and have a variety of handicapping conditions including developmental disabilities, autism, visual impairments, deafness, and physical challenges. Non-handicapped students from Cerritos, Gahr, and Whitney participate as well and enlarge our "Circle of Friends." Alumni from our program join in as volunteers for the weekend. Students, staff, and community supporters work together to raise all the funds for this program.

At Camp Paivika, students are involved in science experiments and labs, taught by Allen Dardenelle from Artesia High School. There are campfires and s'mores, singing, folk dancing, arts and crafts, hiking, cooking, ping-pong, billiards, basketball, Bingo, "Paivika Idol" song competition, and the Paivika Prom.

The outdoor educational program is an age-appropriate, highly motivating, educational experience that is not only fun, but allows our students to be independent and learn in a supported cooperative environment.

MATRIX IPOD PROJECT – During summer school this year, the District will be implementing a new MATRIX iPod Project at Carmenita MS and Ross MS. This is a specially funded grant project with the goal of using technology to teach Algebra. The project is conducted by Wexford, Inc. utilizing regular math and technology teachers at the two schools. Each school will be provided professional development and the latest iPod Touch for the teachers and students. The MATRIX iPod Project will be free for the participating students from 12:30-2:15 during June 23-July 14.

TRACY 2008 ANNUAL CAREER FAIR – On Wednesday, April 23, Tracy HS held its Annual Career Fair. The purpose of the Career Fair was to provide students with insight into the various careers and educational experiences needed to pursue them. Approximately 40 special guests participated in the Career Fair. Representatives from local businesses, the military, social service agencies, and law enforcement were among the special guests. They provided workshops and/or a booth on various career choices. Local sponsors included the Hawaiian Gardens Casino, Chick Fil-A, Hometown Buffet, and Katella Deli. Coordinator for this program was Genalyn Kaminsky, Dean of Tracy HS.

TITLE I ACADEMIC ACHIEVING SCHOOLS AWARDS BANQUET – Elliott ES was the recipient of the 2008 California Title I Academic Achievement Award. The Awards Program was held on Tuesday, April 22 at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles. A plaque and banner were presented to Elliott Principal Beth Bray and Deputy Superintendent Mary Sieu by the State Superintendent Jack O’Connell during the Awards Ceremony. This is the second consecutive year that Elliott ES has received this recognition. The Title I Academic Achieving Schools Awards were presented to 239 Title I schools in California.

KINDERGARTEN TRANSITION CONFERENCE – Our 6^th annual Kindergarten Transition Conference was held at the District Office on Wednesday, May 14. Over 100 participants including Kindergarten Teachers, Pre-Kindergarten Teachers from Head Start, State Preschool, Los Angeles Universal Preschool, Artesia Children’s Center, and private preschool preschools from our area, elementary school Principals, School Board members, and District Staff. The District was pleased to have ABC staff as presenters at the four break-out sessions. Paul Killian, science resource teacher, presented Science for Young Children, Mary White, program specialist, presented Technology for Young Children, Mary Thomas-Reilly, senior instructional media technician presented Make-It-Take projects, and Dr. Gerardo Canul, mental health consultant for Child Development, presented on the topic of Listening and Communication. All participants rotated to the four break-out sessions. The last session of the day provided time for Kindergarten Teachers and Pre-Kindergarten teachers to articulate with each other about readiness and develop a plan for transition activities for the children this school year and next.

LA COUNTY COORDINATED SCHOOL HEALTH LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE – On Wednesday, May 7^th, ABC co-hosted the LA County Coordinated School Health Leadership Institute, held at Liberty Park Community Center. The Institute is sponsored by the LA County Office of Education, the American Cancer Society and the California Dept. of Education. For the past two years ABC, along with LA USD, Long Beach USD, Glendale USD, El Monte School District and Montebello USD has been a part of a consortium to focus on linking health and learning.

The team from ABC represented 8 components of the Coordinated School Health Program. This includes Deputy Superintendent, Dr. Mary Sieu (Lead Facilitator); Nutrition Services Manager Maureen Conklin (Nutrition Services); Coordinator-Nutrition Education Grant Dipa Shah (Nutrition Network); Head of Health Services Penny Goforth (Health Services); Supervisor-Curriculum Debi Gonsalves (Physical Education); Coordinator-Safe Schools/Healthy Students Terri Villa-McDowell (Mental Health); Psychologist Hui-Chien Chang (Counseling) and Coordinator-School & Community Partnerships Ann Griffo (Community Partnerships).

2008 JAPANESE HIGH SCHOOL EXCHANGE PROGRAM – Plans are underway for the next group of high school students who will participate in the Japanese High School Exchange Program. This year, the program will be offered from June 21-June 30, 2008. Our ABC high school students will be hosted by Kakamigahara High School, Kakamigahara West High School and Kakamino High School. Eight students were selected to be student ambassadors from ABC. They will stay in host families and attend their local high schools as part of the program. Kim Suzuki, Japanese teacher at Gahr HS and Artesia HS will accompany the students to Japan. The Cerritos Rotary Club assisted with a scholarship to help offset the cost of the trip for the selected students.

ABC-AFT PARTNERSHIP TRAINING – On June 3-4, 2008, ABC partnered with American Federation of Teachers (AFT) to provide training for selected Child Development and Special Education staff. This was a follow-up to the requests by previous attendees to the Untied Federation of Teachers (UFT) Training provided each year in the East Coast. The two day training was conducted by UFT trainers from New York and sponsored by ABCFT. The training was held at the Long Beach Yacht Club for approximately 80 participants. Both administrators and teachers were involved in the training focusing on strengthening communication and teamwork.

STOWERS INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL – On May 30^th Stowers Magnet School of International studies presented its first Annual International Festival. This festival showcased entertainment featuring the best of the community, international food from local restaurants, raffles for gift baskets, a dessert walk, an international fashion show, and a special grand prize raffle. All proceeds went towards the students of Stowers Magnet School of International Studies.

BAND-O-RAMA – Our instrumental music programs were featured during the annual Band-O-Ramas. The Elementary Band-O-Rama was held on Wednesday, May 21^st in the Gahr High School Gym. Students from all nineteen elementary schools participated. The following evening, our secondary instrumental music students were the focus of attention. The secondary Band-O-Rama took place on Thursday, May 22^nd at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts. The 5:30 p.m. performance featured students from Tetzlaff Middle School, Carmenita Middle School, and Whitney High School. The 7:30 p.m. performance highlighted Haskell Middle School, Ross Middle School, Fedde Middle School, Artesia High School, and Gahr High School.

ABC DISTRICT ART SHOW – The 10^th Annual ABC School District Art Show entitled "Collage of Emotions" was held in the District hallways May 19-23. This annual art show was resurrected a few years ago and showcased our high school and adult school students’ artwork. Seven categories were displayed: drawing, painting, digital art/photo, fashion, graphic designing, arts and crafts, and ceramics. High school student artwork will be judged by local college instructors and are eligible for monetary awards.

GAHR HS RECEIVES SIX-YEAR ACCREDITATION – Gahr HS was granted a six-year term of accreditation with a midterm review, expiring on June 30, 2014 by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). This action was taken after a careful study of the Visiting Committee Report which noted many laudable aspects of the school. The midterm review, to be completed by the end of the third year, will consist of a written report from the school outlining progress made in implementing the school-wide action plan and a one day visit by a two member team.

HEALTH COMMITTEE – A 6^th grade health committee and a middle school committee have met throughout the year to analyze the current Family Life Sex Education program materials and instructional practices. The new California Health Standards adopted in March of 2008 are being used to develop a cohesive program that meets the requirements of the Ed.Code and the recommendations of the state framework. These committees will identify and select materials to replace and supplement existing curriculum, ensuring its alignment to the state requirements. The committee is currently reviewing new videos on various topics such as STD's, HIV, sexual exploitation, etc. Recommendations from this committee will be presented to a parent group for their input. As with other instructional materials, these items will be on public display prior to request for Board approval. Professional development will be provided for teachers this fall.

SUMMER SCHOOL – Summer School will be held at Artesia, Gahr, Cerritos and Tracy High School, all middle schools and nine elementary sites. Burbank Elementary School will host the Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) summer school to showcase their new Magnet Program. Special education summer school classes will be held at the high schools, Ross Middle School and Gonsalves Elementary School. Additionally, to meet the Valenzuela requirement for special education students, California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE) English language arts and math classes will be offered at Artesia and Gahr High Schools. Testing assistance will be offered at the Cabrillo Lane site the week of the July testing administration. Summer programs for Extended Day Care will be held at Aloha. Artesia Children’s Center will also provide classes throughout the summer.

2008 CALIFORNIA DISTINGUISHED SCHOOL CELEBRATIONS – On Friday, May 23^rd, Bragg ES raised their new California Distinguished School flag and celebrated with cake and punch with their school community. This was done during their annual school carnival that drew hundreds of parents and staff members to the event.

On Tuesday, June 10^th Cerritos ES celebrated their California Distinguished School Recognition with a schoolwide assembly. City of Cerritos Mayor Jim Edwards, Superintendent Dr. Gary Smuts and Dr. Mary Sieu, Deputy Superintendent acknowledged the school staff, parents, and students for their outstanding work.

On Wednesday, June 11^th, Wittmann ES celebrated their Distinguished Schools honor with the entire school community with an outdoor evening event.

NATIONAL EVALUATION OF MAGNET SCHOOLS – ABC has been selected to participate in a national evaluation of magnet schools. The evaluation examines the relationship between magnet schools and student achievement. The U.S. Department of Education has authorized the American Institutes for Research (AIR), an independent, not for profit corporation to conduct the evaluation. Carver ES and Niemes ES have been selected to participate, along with non magnet schools including Bragg ES, Nixon ES, Aloha ES, Palms ES, and Willow ES. Other schools to be included in the future will be Burbank ES and Stowers ES.

In addition to ABC, approximately 86 elementary schools in 13 school districts across the nation are expected to participate in the evaluation. The longitudinal study will cover the period of our schools from 2004-2010. We will share any results with you as they become available.