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
DECEMBER 2007
Learning and Family Fun Night (LAFF Night) Learning and Family Fun Night (LAFF) was held at three of the Districts Pre-Schools on October 23rd. Mokler State PreSchool, Keppel State Preschool a n d G a i n e s E a r ly C h ild h o o d Education Center each sponsored an event at their school site. Parents with enrolled students were invited to bring their pre-schooler and extended-day student (and siblings or other family) to the event. LAFF Nights are parent and child workshops designed to involve the whole family in the pre-school and extended-day students’ learning by have fun playing and learning through different activities. The evening’s topics are based around the curriculum topic that is being taught in the classroom. October’s topic was “Math Time”. All activities and projects were focused on increasing the child’s awareness of numbers, shapes, graphing, sorting and classifying (number knowledge, algebra and functions, statistics, data analysis, and probability and mathematical reasoning). Ideas and activities were also shared with parents that
can be duplicated at home as well. Refreshments were provided and every student in attendance received a gift. It was a fun and exciting evening; everyone in attendance had a wonderful time. The next LAFF Night will be held on January 28, 2008 at Zamboni Preschool, Wirtz Preschool and Los Cerritos Preschool.
Congratulations Keppel Essay Contest Winner! Through the Creative Writing Competition and Program, students in the Los Angeles Unified School District and in community and afterschool programs throughout Los Angeles County were invited to write an essay that reflected their appreciation and understanding of Latino Culture and/or history (grades 6-12). The essays ranged in themes from issues of identity and family stories, to dreams for a bright and successful future. This writing competition was presented by Disney and Los Angeles Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa in partnership with the Department of Cultural Affairs. Mark Keppel School is proud to announce that 8th grade student Jacqueline Martinez was awarded 3rd Place in her Division (Division I – 6-8 grades). She was recognized at an awards ceremony at Barnsdall Art Park in Hollywood, along with the winners in the other divisions (from
plies, and other materials. We are very proud of her accomplishments. She exemplifies what hard work and dedication can accomplish.
Jacqueline Martinez
schools including Marina del Rey Middle School, The Renaissance Art Academy, Valley Alternative Magnet School, and Rhythms of the Village Valley Charter High School). Jacqueline’s classmates were also invited to attend the ceremony. She received a savings bond scholarship, a certificate of recognition presented by Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, and a gift bag with books, school sup-
parents came here for the American dream, to prosper. After many hardships, pain and suffering … they made it! They have now given us the opportunity to get an education and become something great! Here is Jacqueline’s There are many Latinos in high winning essay! places of government. For example: Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. He is What it Means to be a truly a magnificent person! With Latino in Los Angeles County his guidance we, Latinos, who have low income have been able to afford I think that much is expected housing. In addition, the crime rate when you are a Latino or of some kind of Spanish decent. My grandSee ESSAY on Page E-2
SCHOOL BOARD MEETING DATES December 11, 2007 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