EYE ON EDUCATION A Publication of the Paramount Unified School District
15110 CALIFORNIA AVE., PARAMOUNT, CA 90723 • TEL: 562-602-6000 • FAX: 562-634-6029
APRIL 2011
Music Center Announces PHS Teacher as Winner of the 29th Annual Music Center Bravo SANDRA WILSON-ESPINOZA The Music Center announced ten teachers and five schools as finalists for the Music Center’s 29th Annual BRAVO Awards, honoring educators and schools for their commitment to delivering exemplary arts education in both visual and performing arts. One of the recipients of this prestigious award is none other than Sandra Wilson-Espinoza, the Paramount High School Choir Music Teacher! Finalists were chosen from 28 candidates who participated in an extensive review process, which included site visits and feedback by a screening committee. Awards were presented in four categories: Generalist Teacher, Arts Specialist Teacher, School Recognition and School Program. BRAVO Awards nominations are made by principals, faculty committees, superintendents and parents. All candidates were honored on March 7, 2011 at a
Sandra Wilson-Espinoza pictured with District Officials.
Sandra Wilson-Espinoza pictured with family members
celebration event at the Music Center’s Walt Disney Concert Hall. Sandra Wilson-Espinoza was honored in the category of Arts Specialist and will receive a cash award dedicated to supplementing their arts programs. Sandra joined Paramount Unified School District first as an itinerant grades 6-8 choir teacher in 2008. In 2009, she was selected to coordinate and direct the choir program at Paramount High School.
cross-cultural communication and understanding through her outstanding choir program! Sandra Wilson-Espinoza attended Whittier College where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Music. She continued her studies in dance at San Jose State and over time earned her Masters Degree in Education from the University of La Verne. Sandra spent many years working for the El Rancho Unified School Dis-
In the two years she has been at the high school, there has been a renaissance of the choir program. There is an increase of students participating in the various choir groups and a renewed interest in performing! She was recognized for her innovation and excellence in arts education. Sandra has revitalized the music department, enhanced student achievement and fostered self-esteem, teamwork and
trict. Paramount High School is very fortunate to now have her join the talented music staff at the school. Congratulations to Sandra Wilson-Espinoza for receiving the Bravo Award for 2011! Established in 1982, the Music Center BRAVO Awards is an integral part of the Music Center’s work in the community to advocate for and deliver quality arts education for all students.
Mokler’s Learning Center is Making NEW RULE... Tdap SHOTS Gains in Student Achievement
Something remarkable at Mokler School this year is the Mokler Learning Center. The Learning Center is an innovative program that helps struggling students get the extra attention they need in order to succeed in the classroom. Select students are identified to participate in the program based on the skills (in language arts and mathematics) they need to improve. Students are given the opportunity to work with highly qualified personnel at their individual learning levels. One of the team of Learning Center staff includes Resource Specialist Connie McDonald who said, “I use materials and strategies to help students improve their reading and
spelling in a small group setting.” Students who come to the Mokler Learning Center for language arts receive targeted instruction four times a week for one half hour each day. Each grade level has several groups that are divided into 2-6 students guided by Learning Center personnel. The staff of the Mokler Learning Center includes Theresa Diaz (the K-5 Instructional Coach), Connie McDonald (the RSP Teacher), Evelyn Coronel (the Intervention Teacher), and RSP aides Bea Alvarado and Martha Alvarez. All grade levels, kindergarten through fifth grade, are serviced in the Learning Center. For mathematics, selected students come to the Learning Center ap-
proximately twice a week and work on their basic math facts with the intervention teacher, Mrs. Coronel. First grade teacher, Kathleen Shivers has noticed a difference in her students’ performance already and said, “Between English Language Development and the Learning Center, I have seen improvement in writing and basic math facts.” As a result of working in the Mokler Learning Center, students of the program are using basic math facts, phonics, spelling, comprehension and fluency skills to enrich their classroom experience and achieve higher levels of learning. When asked what part of the Learning Center experience student Melissa Chavez, 5th grade, liked best, she responded, “I really like how it helps you get step-by-step directions for answering comprehension questions. It has helped me a lot. I passed my test!” Thanks to the hard work of Mokler students and the dedication of our Learning Center staff, Mokler’s Learning Center is making gains in student achievement. Theresa M. Diaz, K-5 Instructional Coach Mokler School
BEFORE SCHOOL
Student MUST have the Pertussis (Whooping Cough) Tdap Booster Shot!
There is a new California law that requires students in 7th through 12th grades that require proof of a Pertussis (Whooping Cough) Tdap Booster shot before starting the next 2011-12 school year. This new school entry law was enacted to protect California’s youth against the recent pertussis epidemic. This requirement will begin July 1, 2011. If your student has received one dose of Tdap vaccine on or after the 10th birthday, they have met the requirement.
However, they will still need to show proof of the Tdap Booster. This requirement does not affect students enrolling in this years’ summer school program. The Paramount Unified School District is recommending parents contact your family physician today, to get a whooping cough shot (Tdap) before the 2011-2012 school year begins. Immunizations may be given by your family physician or are available at the health clinics. If you have any questions regarding this new mandatory immunization law, please contact you student’s school site today.
SCHOOL BOARD MEETING DATES April 13, 2011 Board of Education meetings are held at 6:00 p.m. in the Boardroom at the District Office, 15110 California Avenue, Paramount, and are open to the public