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 2008
“Thinking Beyond Tomorrow” Early Saturday morning, October 25, 17 collegefocused, career-minded young PHS Pirates boarded a bus along with Ms. Christine Barboza (Honors/Language Arts II teacher), and headed for the 2nd Annual “Young Women’s Empowerment Day”, organized and hosted by State Senator Alan Lowenthal, and held at Calornia State University, Long Beach. Senator Lowenthal was personally present, and participated during the day-long event. State Assemblywoman Betty Karnette was also present and addressed the young women. The theme of the day was “Thinking Beyond Tomorrow”. The girls were a bit sleepy, but not for long, as they met up with Ms. Lori Chamberlain at the event (LA 4 Language Arts teacher), along with approximately 300 other young juniors and seniors from just about every local high school in Senator Lowenthal’s constituency. The special guest speaker of the day was Josefa Salinas, author and radio personality on “Hot 92.3”. She shared her own inspiring
story of success. The day began with several introductions, breakfast, and gift bags stuffed with goodies, and progressed to workshops, featuring such topics as planning for college, pursuing your passion, healthy relationships, keeping a good budget, and self-esteem. The workshops were led by a wide variety of local women (and ONE brave man!). During lunchtime, we were entertained by dancers from a dance studio in Downey, as we ate a delicious bag lunch provided by Chick-Fil-A. It seemed like everyone wanted to sponsor this event and empower the young women! Verizon and SCE were among the corporate sponsors, handing out sixteen $500.00 scholarships to area seniors, based on a 250 word essay, and a letter of recommendation. There was another prize of a $1000.00 scholarship won by a lucky young girl, and then, the biggest prize of the day, a $1500.00 scholarship provided by Verizon, went to Paramount High’s own Issamara Hernandez!. Izzie was unable to attend
the day, due to her very busy schedule, which that day involved taking the ACT exam. Ms. Barboza and Ms. Chamberlain were 100%
proud of our young ladies, Great work, ladies! Confuture leaders of tomorrow! gratulations, Issamara! They set a fine example of Ms. Lori Chamberlain Pirate Pride, and came away Language Arts Dept. filled with new ideas and Paramount High School fresh passion and vision.
Red Ribbon Week – Students Reach Out
The Paramount High School, Senior Campus Advanced Theatre Arts Department presented two alcohol and drug prevention vignettes in powerful theatrical performances in recognition
of Red Ribbon Week from October 21 through October 30, 2008. The French playwright Moliere wrote the play Liliom, with a character that dies but is given one last day to see those
he loved. This theme was explored by the Paramount High School Advanced Theatre Arts Ensemble, which courageously addressed the outcome of death in Ask Shawna. Shawna, too, dies, though her fate is the result of her boyfriend’s drinking and drug use. “It was so moving,” Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Curriculum Specialist Debra Bolds stated. The ensemble also presented Thirty-Five Sixty-Two. Ms. Bolds congratulated the ensemble, “It is difficult for students to take a stand to perform about drugs. The portrayal of the ensemble emphasized the risks in using
drugs.” The Performing Arts Theatre Advanced Standards related to acting were seriously presented to the audience of students, teachers, and guests. The final message addressed to the audience was a moving speech in alignment with the theme. Congratulations to The-
atre Arts Director Elizabeth Aldave and the Paramount High School, Senior Campus Advanced Theatre Ensemble for the serious and successful outcomes. Julianne Kosareff Visual and Performing Arts Curriculum Specialist
SCHOOL BOARD MEETING DATES December 16, 2008 – January 20, 2009 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