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
August 2013
Herman M. Mendez Appointed Superintendent of Schools The Board of Education is pleased to announce the appointment of Herman M. Mendez as the new Superintendent of Schools for Paramount Unified School District effective July 15, 2013. In announcing the appointment, Board of Education President Vivian Hansen stated, “The District participated in an extensive search for suitable candidates for the Superintendent position and Mr. Mendez possesses the skills and experience necessary to lead the District. We are extremely pleased and excited that he has joined the Paramount family.” Mr. Mendez began his career in education in 1986 as a bilingual education teacher with the Los Angeles Unified School District. He has successfully held positions in other school district settings that serve diverse student
Pictured are Board Vice-President Sonya Cuellar, Board President Vivian Hansen, Superintendent Herman Mendez, Trustees’ Alicia Anderson, Linda Garcia and Tony Peña
populations as a Bilingual Program Coordinator, Assistant Principal, Principal, and Director of Student Services for Special Education and State and Federal Programs. Prior to coming to Paramount Unified School District, Mr. Mendez served as the Assistant Superintendent-Elementary Education with Santa Ana Unified
School District. Mr. Mendez has a firm commitment and belief in the public educational system as a tool for positive individual and societal change and has experienced its benefits. He received his u n d e rg r a d u a t e d eg r e e i n music from the California State University system, as well as his Masters in Edu-
cational Administration. Mr. Mendez grew up in East Los Angeles and has a passion and deep understanding of the educational needs and challenges related to students who are English language learners, as well as the struggles associated with the social economics of a single parent household. Mr. Mendez currently
serves as the Chair for the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) Urban Education Committee. The committee is made up of leaders from the state’s largest school districts including Fresno, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego. Committee members work together to develop solutions and ensure the academic needs of children in large, urban areas are met. Mr. Mendez also recognizes the needs for a balanced approach to curriculum that includes the arts, which act as a powerful tool for student engagement and foster higher order thinking and creativity – skills that are highly valued in the work force. In 2011, the Orange County Music and Arts Administrators recognized him as an Outstanding Arts Education Administrator.
Roosevelt Students Shine At Board Meeting
On Monday, June 24, 2013, Roosevelt students had the opportunity to “shine as brightly as the sun” when school bulletin boards were presented to the Board of Education and Superintendent Dr. David Verdugo. Members of the Roosevelt Student Council played an integral role in the evening’s festivities by introducing each board and describing the student work and/or pictures of school events presented on each. The following Student Council members participated in the presentation: • Student Council President, Angelina Rivers (Grade 5) • Student Council Representative, Emmanuel Reyes (Grade 4) • Student Council Representative, Monica Caldera (Grade 4) • Student Council Representative, Destiney Barragan (Grade 4) • Student Council Representative, Monica Payares (Grade 4) Also, in attendance were principal, Susan Marilley, ELD Intervention Teacher, Jamie Hughes, and Student Council Advisor, Maria Baltierrez. Mrs. Baltierrez teaches fourth grade and is Roosevelt School’s “Teacher of the Year”. A special thank you was extended to Ms. Hughes as well as to Roosevelt’s Instructional Coach, Jessica Jennings, and ELD Intervention Teacher, Marisol Andalon, for the outstanding job they did in preparing the bulletin boards for the evening’s presentation. The theme of “Summer” was on full display with student work from all grade levels presented. Students from second grade “scooped up” their knowledge of multiplication by arranging cookies in equal groups – a
“yummy” concept! Fourth grade students created brochures highlighting the history of California and all that the Golden State has to offer. These brochures would certainly make anyone want to move to “sunny California”! Pictures of the various school events held throughout the year were also presented including Family Math Night, Family Movie Night, the “Trunk or Treat Spooktacular”, and of course, our annual Spring Carnival. The school’s community outreach was evident in the photos taken at the December visit fourth grade students paid to a local retirement home where the retirees were entertained with songs, refreshments, and good cheer. Roosevelt students “O-Fish-Ally Make a Difference” by supporting our families and community. The students shared how they have the opportunity at Roosevelt School to serve as school leaders by participating in various programs. As a member of Student Council, fourth and fifth grade students meet to discuss ideas to make Roosevelt School even better. The Safety Monitor program ensures that Roosevelt School is safe and that everyone follows the rules. And Breakfast Club tutors work with other students who are
in need of assistance, perhaps with Basic Math Facts or High Frequency Words. The development of leadership skills is important at Roosevelt School. The students applauded the outstanding teachers at Roosevelt School and acknowledged that setting goals with teachers, the principal, and other adults made them reflect on their learning: where they wanted to be and how to get there. Roosevelt teachers “make a splash” every day with their dedication to their students and the school. The students also thanked the Board of Education for ensuring that the arts are alive and well in Paramount Unified School District. Student art products from the various art programs supported by the Board of Education were on display including student representations of Georgia O’Keefe flowers and Picasso style self-portraits. The evening concluded with
members of the Board of Education and Superintendent Dr. Verdugo being presented with Student Council Honorary Member t-shirts in appreciation for all that they do for the students of Paramount. Dr. Verdugo was also presented with a special gift which was inscribed:
Dr. David J. Verdugo Thank you for being the flame of inspiration and guiding light during your tenure as Superintendent of Paramount Unified School District With Our Sincere Appreciation -Theodore Roosevelt School It was a special evening honoring a special and inspirational leader. Susan Marilley Principal
SCHOOL BOARD MEETING DATE August 14, 2013 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