PUSD EDUCATION NEWS A Publication of the Paramount Unified School District
15110 California Ave., Paramount, CA 90723 • Tel: 562-602-6000 • Fax: 562-634-6029
April 2014
TECHNOLOGICAL INTEREST ON THE RISE AT KEPPEL The Common Core State Standards require that students be equipped for life in a technological world. Technology is not considered a separate strand of the content. The expectations in this area are embedded throughout the rigorous new standards. Therefore, the need to train students to use technological tools from early on is necessary. Keppel School has embraced the vision and embarked on the journey to prepare our students to thrive with success in the 21st century. Students from Kindergarten through 5th grade use the computer labs on a regular basis. Students engage on required
typing lessons with enthusiasm. Kinder and first graders look
forward to the reward of typing games upon completion. Aside
from keyboarding skills, 3rd to 5th graders are using technology, including the internet to produce and publish writing. 5th grade teacher Ms. Chun said, “5th graders go online to practice Basic Math Facts. They also take various assignments such as Problem of the Day, Open Court lesson and Social Studies assessments using Edmodo.com. This site is also used as a medium of interaction and collaboration with the teachers and other students of our class.” 1st grade teacher Ms. McCarthy shared, “My students are having fun learning to type. They don’t even
feel they are learning a skill.” It is gratifying and impressive to see groups of students walk in to the computer lab during their recess and breaks to complete different technological assignments. Playtime is nothing as compared to the thrill of accomplishments in the computer lab. Keppel School is excited to see the student technological interest on the rise. We are confident that we are on the right track guiding the students through their technological journey to Common Core success. Linda Go, Principal Mark Keppel School
The Threat of Rain Cannot Dampen Pajama Story Night The spirit of Theodor Seuss Geisel must have been smiling on the Wesley Gaines Community the evening of February 27th, 2014. There had been plenty of rain that week, but Thursday dried up and provided a cool, mostly clear night to celebrate a beloved author. That was the evening that Pajama Story Night was held to celebrate Dr. Seuss’s (Theodor SEUSS Geisel) birthday and help cap the Read Week Activities taking place at Wesley Gaines from February 24- 28th. That week is full of fun themes for all Gaines Grizzlies. Themes like Wacky Hair Wednesday or Green Day make the week extra special, but the evening of the 27th was all about the enjoyment of reading and storytelling. Staff members, including teachers,
the counselor, and the principal read stories for our Grizzly families. Grizzly families were treated to a special visitor from the Paramount Library. Librarian Sarah Loverme attended the event and brought some of her favorite Dr. Seuss books. Sarah read two stories for groups of children and it was evident from her smile that she was having a great time. Thank you Sarah for contributing to a fun filled night of stories and for continuing to concern yourself with the literary well being of our Grizzlies and all Paramount students. After a stream of stories was read to packed classrooms of pajama clad children and their families each child got a free book to take home. There was a large selection of books for all age ranges, so no one left empty
Efrain and Megan with their new books at Pajama Read Night. handed. The evening concluded with dinner in the cafeteria.
The Gaines PTA sold pizza and beverages to hundreds of hun-
gry Grizzly families. Families relaxed over dinner and had time to enjoy their new books. It was another successful event and thanks go out to those that made it possible. Thank you to Mrs. Varela for organizing and orchestrating. Thanks to Sarah Loverme for finding time in your busy schedule. Thank you to Mrs. Espina, Mrs. Armenta, Mr. Juarez, Mrs. Silva, and Mrs. Espinoza for your fine storytelling. To the wonderful PTA parent volunteers that give so much of their time for the families of Wesley Gaines thank you so much. And to all of the Grizzly families that braved the potential rain and thunderstorm, thank you for helping to make Pajama Read Night and fun and memorable evening. Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss.
Wildcats Clawing Their Way to Harvard, Stanford and Washington D.C.
This year, three students from Zamboni were nominated to the People to People program by Yvonne Nandino, Social Studies teacher at Zamboni. People to People is an organization that provides student centered programs designed to deliver
a lifetime of global awareness and readiness for success focused on leadership and college preparation. 80% of the People to People alumni are accepted into their first-choice college. Alexis Armando Torres, Matthew Fernandez and Edward Mendoza
were accepted to participate in this summer program. The students were given the opportunity to select the college campuses and programs they wanted to participate in. Alexis Torres was accepted to Harvard. He will participate in the Leadership in Action Program where he will develop leadership qualities, and prepare for college admissions. Edward Mendoza was accepted to Stanford. He will participate in the Technology Summit where he will learn what it takes to succeed in the technology industry. The program will be led by the industry leaders: Apple, Adobe and Facebook. Matthew Fernandez will be attending the World Leadership Forum: Learning to Lead in Washington D.C. where he will delve into the leadership styles of prominent historical leaders, and develop
his own leadership skills and self- confidence. These students are an example of our future leaders. We are excited and proud to see the amazing things they will accomplish in the future. All three students are anxiously anticipating their upcoming academic adventures. They are diligently working to fundraise money to be able to attend these programs. These three Zamboni Wildcats have created websites to help fund their summer programs. To learn more about their goals and to help fund them go to: Alexis Torres http://gofundme.com/6iytt0 Edward Mendoza http://gofundme.com/6u7jd8 Matthew Fernandez http://gofundme.com/70rn9k Lucy Duran Counselor
SCHOOL BOARD MEETING DATE April 9, 2014 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