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
January 2015
Outgoing Board President Sonya Cuellar Honored The Board of Education, Superintendent Herman Mendez, City of Paramount Mayor Diane Martinez, Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard’s representative Kim Tachiki and Senator Ricardo Lara’s representative Julia Juarez congratulated outgoing President Sonya Cuellar on her successful year as President of the Board of Education. A Certificate of Recognition was also presented to Board member Cuellar on behalf of Supervisor Don Knabe.
Pictured are Superintendent Mendez and Board of Education members with outgoing Board President Sonya Cuellar. Pictured with Ms. Cuellar is City of Paramount Mayor Diane Martinez
Pictured with Ms. Cuellar is Senator Ricardo Lara’s representative Julia Juarez
Pictured with Ms. Cuellar is Congresswoman Lucille Royball-Allard’s representative Kim Tachiki.
Zamboni Middle School Sports Season a Success With the close of the 2014 middle school football and volleyball seasons, Zamboni Middle School proves to be a School to Watch even on the field. Paramount Middle School’s first intermural sport season came to an end with Zamboni School competing in two exciting championship games. Under the leadership of Principal Elizabeth Salcido, Zamboni teachers have coached their Wildcat teams to championship wins in both football and volleyball. Mrs. Salcido is an advocate for student athletes, ensuring that Zamboni Middle School is a School to Watch in the classroom and on the field. The Lady Wildcats’ volleyball season was exciting and successful. Volleyball coaches Ashley Lucchesi and Amie Stewart guided 13 young ladies and 3 managers through a 6-0 season; defeating Paramount Park in the championship game on November 24th. The team had intense practices 3-4 times a week after school, and their undefeated record provides evidence to their dedication. The Lady Wildcats are winners on and off of the court with a team cumulative grade point average of
3.8. All the athletes show a great deal of team effort, positive attitude, work ethic and leadership. Standouts this season include Celeste Mota leading the team in serving consistency and multiple aces per game. Itzel Perez led the team in passing, hitting, and serving. Both ladies held perfect attendance to practices and games all season. Esmeralda Mendez stood out for her tenacious defense, diving for balls, and aggressive game play. A highlight for many of the Lady Wildcats was the team trip to watch Paramount High School’s varsity volleyball team in competition. After being inspired by the high caliber of play at the next level, many students said they could definitely see themselves on the high school court in a few years. The Wildcat flag football team had a hard fought season ending in a triumphant victory against the number one seeded Paramount Park School. The November 25th championship game score was 35-20. The game’s excitement was intensified by the stage it took place on; Paramount High School Stadium. With over 400 in attendance, Jason Banks, Carlos Jauregui, Art Luna, and Isaac Del-
gado expertly coached our Mighty-Z Wildcats to victory. The Wildcats’ quarterback, Mario Tostado came away with four touchdowns spreading the ball around to his running backs, wide receivers, and tight ends. Running back Steven Patrick scored on a reception. Wide-receiver/ safety Jordan Lewis was good for two touchdowns and came up big with an interception on defense. Richard Moya was able to get his hands on Paramount Park’s QB’s flag for a sack. Offensive Linemen Andres Salguero and Julius Alvarado provided excellent protection for the Wildcat QB. Defensive back Devin Grant provided outstanding on-man-coverage and along with Brandon Varela and Jaden Irvin came away with crucial flag pulls in the secondary. Joel Washington was also a standout on both sides of the ball providing great coverage against the pass and runs for big offensive gains. The Wildcat football team made a group effort that ended in victory. The Zamboni community is proud of its athletes and their dedication in the classroom and on the field. They truly exemplify the first Wildcat character trait of being Winners.
Alicia Anderson Elected President
The Board of Education elected new officers for 2014-15 during their December statutory meeting. Trustee Alicia Anderson was elected President and Tony Peña will serve as Vice President/Clerk.
SCHOOL BOARD MEETING DATE January 14, 2015 * January 28, 2015 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